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Gary Tobin dies at 59
 SAN FRANCISCO (Press Release)—Founder and president of San Francisco-based Institute for Jewish & Community Research (IJCR), Dr. Gary Tobin passed away on July 6 at age 59.
Dr. Tobin was an innovative teacher, writer, researcher, and community builder who worked courageously and passionately to help the Jewish people grow and thrive.
In all his work, Dr. Tobin challenged the status quo of institutions for which he cared deeply yet always believed could be better.
Whether it was the Jewish federation system, American academia, or the State of Israel, Dr. Tobin was never afraid to challenge and provoke, always expecting better and more. He believed the greatest expressions of affection came not through blind praise but through thoughtful criticism and unlimited optimism for the things that meant the most to him.
At his last Passover Seder, Dr. Tobin reminded his family that the Jewish people entered the Promised Land without their leader Moses. Dr. Tobin worked tirelessly to coach his team of colleagues at IJCR. He wanted his work to live beyond him, not for the sake of his own legacy but for the sake of the greater good he always pursued. The Institute for Jewish & Community Research will continue to advance his visionary research.
Though the Jewish community has lost a great leader, Dr. Tobin left a gift in both the work he completed and the work he initiated for others to complete. We remember Gary Tobin as a wise community leader, loving husband, and father. He devoted his life to his wife and business partner Diane, his children Adam, Amy, Sarah, Aryeh, Mia and Jonah, and his grandson, Josiah.
The memorial will be held tody (Thursday, July 9, 2009) at 1:00 pm at Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Avenue at Clement Street, in San Francisco.
Klezmer, gypsy music on tap July 18 at Studio Zero in Encinitas
ENCINITAS (Press Release)—Musicians Yale Strom (violin), Elizabeth Schwartz (vocals) and Lou Fanucchi (accordion) will present an evening of klezmer, Gypsy Roma and new compositions in a salon concert at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 18, at Studio Zero, 789 Orpheus Ave, Encinitas (near Leucadia Blvd and I-5. Tickets: Encinitas, CA 92024 (cross street is Leucadia Blvd. and the I-5) $15 Adults, $5 Kids 12 and under. Light refreshments will be included. Studiozeroconcert@gmail.com for more information.
Block says he opposes majority vote taxes, also doesn't want cuts in education, public safety, health
 SACRAMENTO (Press Release)--Assemblyman Marty Block (Democrat, San Diego) issued the following statement on California's state budget crisis:
"The people of the 78th Assembly District have made two things abundantly clear to me. They don't want to pay more taxes and they don't want to lose critical state services.
"Because I share my constituents concerns, I have opposed majority-vote tax increases that would worsen the financial burden of families who are already struggling to make ends meet. Further, I have fought vigorously to minimize destructive cuts to education, public safety, and health and human services.
"In these historically painful economic times, taxpayers should not be asked to pay a greater portion of their hard earned wages to the state.
"And yet it makes no sense to cut vital clinic-based or in-home health services, sending people to emergency rooms or nursing homes where costs to the state are significantly higher. Nor does it make sense to cut education and job training programs, driving some individuals to state unemployment lines,
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homeless shelters, or, in the worst case, prisons where costs to the state are already out of control.
"As a member of the Assembly, I will continue to fight for a compromise that avoids onerous taxes on average workers, while protecting our most critical programs from devastating cuts that will ultimately cost Californians much more than they save. And I will continue to fight to close tax loopholes that are currently protecting billion-dollar corporations from contributing their fair share of revenue to our state.
"This is a very tough balancing act, but inaction is not an option. I value your continued advice and support as we move closer to resolving this terrible budget crisis. Please click on this link to share your input.
JFS developing special programs for women and their families affected by breast cancer
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Jewish Family Service of San Diego recently received a $50,000 grant from Susan G. Komen For the Cure to facilitate a community-wide response to breast cancer.
The new program, called A Jewish Response to Breast Cancer, will provide supportive services to breast cancer survivors and patients, and will mobilize synagogue committees to support women and their families who are affected by breast cancer and other forms of cancer.
Jewish women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer due to a significantly higher risk of developing inherited breast cancer than the general population.
A Jewish Response to Breast Cancer targets Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent and their families living in San Diego County. Although this program was born out of the recognized needs and concerns of Jewish women, any woman regardless of religion, race or ethnic background will be served upon request and all program services will be made available to the entire community.
The new program will be under the auspices of the Jewish Healing Center and will include an ongoing support group and specialized community-wide events including an art retreat, writing workshops, meditation workshops, participation in the Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure, a family camp weekend for women with breast cancer and their families, and more.
Interested participants and their families are invited to attend the program’s free inaugural event—A Day of Healing on Sunday, July 26. The event will include Yoga for Sacred Healing, a special workshop on Writing Through Cancer, and special events and activities for children. Registration is required for this event—more information can be found at www.jfssd.org or by calling (858) 637-3070.
More information about this program is available by calling (858) 637-3070 or online at www.jfssd.org
San Diego's Gang and Drug Enforcement, Prosecution unit to receive $200,000 under bill
 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)—The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed legislation to fund Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer reported in a letter to constituents.
" As part of that bill, certain notable local projects would receive federal funding, including the County of San Diego’s DA Gang and Drug Crime Investigation and Prosecution program, which has requested funding to help in its efforts to prosecute gang-related and drug crimes," she said.
"The bill includes $200,000 for the DA Gang and Drug Crime Investigation and Prosecution program in San Diego County. Amid local budget cuts, this funding will help ensure that San Diego County has more resources specifically to go after gang and drug crimes."
Boxer added that this bill "still has several steps before becoming law, but this is an important step in funding this important project for San Diego County."
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