San Diego County

Richard Lerner, who led Scripps Research to greatness, dies at 83

Richard Lerner, the masterful biochemist who guided Scripps Research on its way to becoming an elite center for biomedical science and helped develop Humira, the highest-selling therapeutic drug in the world last year, died on Dec. 2. He was 83. The private, nonprofit institute told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Lerner died of cancer at his home in La Jolla. [San Diego Union-Tribne]

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Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Shana Hazan Rolling Up Democratic Endorsements for School Board

Shana Hazan, former public school teacher, parent of an SDUSD student, and candidate for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Education District B, announced on Thursday that she has received the endorsement of District 9 San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. [Shana Hazan for School Board press release]

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San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education

Despite Organizer’s COVID Absence, Chanukah Celebration Goes On

Even the most thought-out plans can be derailed by a last-minute change, especially when a leader falls ill. This wasn’t true for the Chabad of East County on Sunday, Nov. 28, though, as they pulled off their first night of Hanukkah event at the El Cajon Civic Center without a hitch, despite the absence of Rabbi Rafi Andrusier and his wife Chaya, who tested positive for COVID-19 the day before.  [Elijah McKee, East County Magazine]

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Jewish Religion, Joe Gandelman, San Diego County

Congregation Beth Israel’s ‘Hunger Project’ Reaches Historic $1 Million Mark

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — For 35 years, volunteers of Congregation Beth Israel’s San Diego Hunger Project have served lunch to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness every Sunday morning at Father Joe’s Villages. Congregation Beth Israel provides food, funding, and volunteers for this program. The initiative, called the “Hunger Project,” has now distributed almost 1.5

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San Diego County

Jewish Federation Names Heidi Gantwerk President and CEO Following Interim Role

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jewish Federation of San Diego County Board Chair Jack Maizel on Tuesday distributed the following letter: Dear Friends, Happy Hanukkah!! It is my distinct pleasure to share with you that Heidi Gantwerk has been named President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. Over the last six

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San Diego County

San Diego Congregations Join in National Hanukkah Happening

With people eager for community experiences, more than 300 congregations, JCCs, Federations, schools, camps, independent minyanim and Jewish organizations are mounting gatherings this Hanukkah marking a worldwide rededication of relational communities. Under the banner, Hanukkah Homecoming, events around the world will be held onsite and online November 28 – December 5, 2021, inviting those engaged and those not-yet-engaged to connect with community and each other. [Hanukkah Happenings]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, USA

Comic-Con on the Come-Up

Comic-Con@Home once again took place online this past summer due to Covid fears. However, Comic-Con also hosted a live convention in San Diego this year, perplexingly on Thanksgiving weekend. So, I took my tryptophan-laden self, picked up my recently Black Friday bruised wallet, and headed downtown to see an all new and all different Con, one from 30 years ago. [Shor M. Masori]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Builds Skills and Self-Confidence

The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet was founded in 1945 and makes its home in Balboa Park.  As the resident dance school, the company puts on three shows a year at Casa del Prado Theater.  In addition to the classic and holiday favorite The Nutcracker, there is a full-length spring ballet, and a summer gem, Fairy Tales in the Park.  When possible, the company takes its performances to the community to share the joy of storytelling through movement.  I had the great fortune to speak with a former, and current student, Sara Goldman. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County

Israeli Philharmonic String Quartet to Perform in La Jolla Dec. 8

– Celebrating the Israel Philharmonic’s 85th anniversary, the Israel Philharmonic String Quartet is touring the United States. Their San Diego stop will be Wednesday evening, December 8 in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall at the Conrad, 7600 Fay St. in La Jolla. The hour-long concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature single movements from quartets by Mendelssohn, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Haydn. There will be a Gala Reception prior to the concert, sponsored by Sharon and Richard Gabriel and a dessert following the concert. 

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Eileen Wingard, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, USA

College classmates raised concerns about Poway synagogue shooter before 2019 attack

Not long before a 19-year-old North County nursing student opened fire in a Poway synagogue, a hate crime that killed a congregant and wounded three others, he espoused ideology that alarmed his classmates. John T. Earnest shared white supremist material with at least two of his Cal State San Marcos classmates, according to a newly obtained court filing. He studied Hitler. He had a copy of the manifesto of the man who shot up two New Zealand mosques in March 2019 — and he liked it. [San Diego Union-Tribune]

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San Diego County

Southern Belles Tolling Among Many Delightful Roustabouts Accents

If your objective is silliness and hilarity, you will be unable to escape both at the Roustabouts return to LIVE theater with “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls.” This collection of skits was penned by Christopher Durang, legendary playwright and Tony award winner. The brilliant cadre of actors could only be improved by being complimented by Artistic Director, Phil Johnson. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast