Cailin Acosta

Holocaust and hostage survivors have much in common

As we hold tight to the stories of those still alive from the Holocaust, we will be holding tight to the stories of the hostages from Oct.7. They will always show resilience and the power of prayer that helped them survive. (Cailin Acosta)

Holocaust and hostage survivors have much in common Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Opinion: Parking fees at Balboa Park work against the attractions

By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California Recently, San Diego’s historic Balboa Park has started charging for parking, which has caused an uproar among many residents who have enjoyed parking for free and spending time at the park’s museums, restaurants, theaters, and gardens. I have a membership at the Mingei International Museum where children under

Opinion: Parking fees at Balboa Park work against the attractions Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Feeling pride as I parade the Torah through my congregation

I am always so humbled and honored to be asked and trusted to carry such a sacred possession through the aisles as people kiss their siddurim (prayer books) or tallits (prayer shawls) and touch them to the Torah. [Cailin Acosta]

Feeling pride as I parade the Torah through my congregation Read More »

Cailin Acosta, California, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled

This book explores the biographies of eight remarkable women who gave thousands of innocent children caught in the horrors of World War II a chance to live. They did not act for fame or glory, but simply because it was the right thing to do. [Cailin Acosta]

Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Rebbetzin Brooke Reich: Painful experiences can transform us

Reich began with Sarah Imeinu, whom she described as the matriarch of resilience. Sarah’s life was marked by immense trials. She left her homeland for an unknown land, endured famine, was abducted not once but twice, and suffered years of barrenness. Even after the birth of Yitzchak, she faced the painful situation involving Hagar and Yishmael, which ultimately led to their being sent away. [Cailin Acosta]

Rebbetzin Brooke Reich: Painful experiences can transform us Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Federation offers tips for standing up to antisemitism

Jewish Federation of San Diego launched its “Standing Up to Antisemitism Toolkit, an online resource to help individuals respond to antisemitism, report incidents, and empower them to take meaningful action across San Diego. [Cailin Acosta]

Jewish Federation offers tips for standing up to antisemitism Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘If you see something, say something.’ I did

I called the non-emergency line and described what I saw, and police arrived in minutes to search the teens and confiscate their items and the BB gun they threw over the fence. It seemed that they were all instructed to leave, as no one was arrested. [Cailin Acosta]

‘If you see something, say something.’ I did Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County

The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has released the top 10 baby names for 2025, based on birth records filed throughout San Diego County. The list reflects both enduring favorites and the county’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the names parents most often chose for their newborns last year. [Cailin Acosta]

‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County Read More »

Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026

2025’s chapter is ending, and 2026’s new chapter is about to start. Did anyone have a good year, or are we looking for more positive and less dramatic, healthy vibes? [Cailin Acosta]

New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026 Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Our Shtetl: Thoughts on a Drive Back to San Diego

Provisioned with a variety of tamales, bañuelos (crispy-thin dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, a typical Mexican holiday dessert, muy delicioso!), and my father-in-law’s “famous rum cake,” my family and I are heading back to “somewhat sunny” San Diego from El Paso. (Cailin Acosta)

Our Shtetl: Thoughts on a Drive Back to San Diego Read More »

Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

An Emotional Tour of the El Paso Holocaust Museum

The museum began as a one-room display inside the El Paso Jewish Community Center, featuring a small collection of books, posters, and personal memorabilia. Today, the El Paso Holocaust Museum encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of permanent exhibition space. It is one of only 13 free-standing Holocaust museums in the United States and one of just two presented in a fully bilingual format. [Cailin Acosta]

An Emotional Tour of the El Paso Holocaust Museum Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA