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Katzins endow presidential chair at Jewish Community Foundation
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego announces the establishment of the Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair, a gift that will support and name in perpetuity the president and chief executive officer’s position at the Foundation.
“The Foundation is proud and honored to accept this historic gift,” said Murray Galinson, chair of the Foundation. “The Katzins inspire us all through their generosity and commitment to the community.”
Miriam and Jerome Katzin have had a donor advised fund at the Foundation for many years. Mr. Katzin is a past Foundation board member, serving as board chair from 1988 to 1990 and currently serves on the Foundation’s investment committee.
“Miriam and I are proud that Marjory Kaplan will hold the Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair,” said Mr. Katzin, a trusted advisor of the Foundation and a former investment banker and lawyer. “Her leadership has transformed the Foundation and the community.”
The Katzins are significant contributors to major San Diego Jewish organizations including Congregation Beth El, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Seacrest Village Retirement Communities and United Jewish Federation of San Diego County. Globally, the Katzins support the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.
The Katzins are also longtime supporters of the University of California, San Diego, where they named a chair in the Judaic Studies program. They provided major funding to UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center, where the Katzin Research Laboratories recognizes their generosity. Mr. Katzin has also served as a trustee of the San Diego Foundation since 1993. The San Diego Association of Fundraising Professionals honored the Katzins in 2007 as Philanthropists of the Year.
“We are so pleased to be able to strengthen the philanthropic work of the Jewish Community Foundation,” said Miriam Katzin, a former teacher and community volunteer.
The Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair is the only named executive position in San Diego’s Jewish community.
“My greatest hope is that this gift will encourage other philanthropists in the community to name a chair at a Jewish organization or synagogue,” said Marjory Kaplan, president and chief executive officer of the Foundation.
Shlicha introduces herself to
S.D. Jewish community
 SAN DIEGO—My name is Shoshi Bogoch and I am the San Diego Community Shlicha at the UJF and the director of the Israel Center.
I arrived here in San Diego in mid August with my family: my husband Yoel and my children Elad (age 12) Uri (age 8) Hallel (age 6) and Rotem (age 3). We have been busy getting settled learning our way around and meanwhile, are enjoying the pleasant weather and San Diego landscape.
We all had a difficult time leaving families and friends in Israel.
Before we all came to San Diego, my son Uri asked me, "Ima why are we doing this?" I answered "Because we are Israelis, we love Israel and we want to bring this feeling to the Jewish community in San Diego." So I hope my mission will be fulfilled.
I have a Master's Degree in Jewish Education from the Melton School of Jewish Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. My thesis was on how to teach teachers the subject of Jewish studies. My B.A is in Political Science.
During the past few years I have been Community Director at a very special Community Center in Jerusalem. As part of this work, I developed many programs encompassing different fields such as programs for youth and the elderly, and Community Gardens. I also headed two partnership programs with JCCs in New York. The programs I established brought with them a sense of belonging to the community. I strongly advocate dialogue and bridging between different groups. I believe that we can disagree but that it is crucial to talk so there will be opportunities to bridge gaps between groups.
It is a privilege to build on the work that has been accomplished at the UJF Israel Center by Eyal Dagan, previous Shlichim, the Israel Center Committees, the UJF Board and Staff.
I hope that in the coming years, the Israel Center will become an even livelier, active, interesting, and accessible place which will more closely tie the different communities in San Diego to Israel. I hope that we can interest every Jew and make the Israel Center a common ground and central meeting place for Israel..
I invite you to contact me with any dream or any question you may have.
May you all have Shana Tova,
Shoshi Bogoch
Dora Klinova stars in 'Write Out Loud' reading of Russian authors
 SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Dora Klinova, a resident of La Mesa who immigrated to San Diego from Odessa in the early 1990's, will be a featured writer and actor in From Russia With Love, the next production of "Write Out Loud," on October 5 at 7pm at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St.
Klinova will read her own short story, "All the American Names In This Story Are Real", a touching, funny, and true story from her life in Odessa shortly before she emigrated. It depicts her first encounter with Americans when she was asked by local officials to serve a typical Russian meal to a group of American tourists, and she chose instead to serve a typical Jewish meal.
"Write Out Loud" performs polished readings of short stories for live audiences. From Russia With Love is the second production of their 2009-10 season. It will include stories from the 19th and 20th centuries that explore aspects of Russian life ranging from a writer's encounter with a displaced elf in Vladimir Nabokov's The Wood Sprite to a young girl's experience standing in line for food in Communist Odessa, in Lara Vapnyar's Puffed Rice and Meatballs. The audience will encounter the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the practical and the supernatural.
The complete program consists of: The Wood Sprite by Vladimir Nabokov read by David Cohen; Guy de Maupassant by Isaac Babel read by Walter Ritter; All the American Names In This Story Are Real by Dora Klinova read by the author; The Porcelain Doll by Leo Tolstoy read by Jason Heil; Puffed Rice and Meatballs by Lara Vapnyar read by Veronica Murphy, and A Work of Art by Anton Chekhov read by Michael Grant Hall.
Tickets cost $12, except for $10 seniors, students, and military. Call 619-297-8953 to make reservations.
SDJA high schoolers working on high-level science projects
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--In only its second year, the “High School Science & Research Program” at San Diego Jewish Academy is directing some of its talented science students, towards ground breaking discoveries in sports physiology, ecology, renewable energy, cancer and Bluetooth technology.
The program was set up by biochemist Jane Willoughby who joined the school’s faculty in 2008 after a career in scientific research in Britain and the United States. Dr. Willoughby gained her Ph.D in Neurochemistry from St. Bartholomew’s Medical School in London.
Dr. Willoughby explained the reasons for her transition from industry and research to teaching: “Having had my life enriched as a career scientist I wanted to impart the passion that I have for science to the next generation”.
Under her guidance, young scientists go through the process of developing and executing a high level research project. On completion the project will be either submitted to the Greater San Diego Science Fair or published. If successful they could then go on and compete at the International Intel Science Fair Competition.
Dr. Willoughby outlined the critical nature of year 2 in the program: “The second year of the program is the most intense, as many of the students are in the live phase of their projects. Several are working outside of the school facilities as interns at many of our local establishments that include the Scripps Research Institute, The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the Grossmont Hospital. The level of commitment and standard of their work is amazing! The work they are doing is really cutting edge. The program has really given them an insight into scientific research and I am so proud of them."
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College Avenue Older Adult
Center tells activity schedule
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—The College Avenue Older Adult Center, a program of Jewish Family Service, has announced its schedule of activites at 4855 College Avenue, inside Beth Jacob Congregation. For additional information, refer to www.jfssd.org or telephone (619) 583-3300.
Mondays (October 5, 12, 19, 26) Classes and Activities offered: Aerobics with Kara Anderson (8:30 - 10 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Feeling Fit with Kara Anderson (10 - 11:15 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Meditation with Jeff Zlotnik (11:15 am - 12 pm); Bridge – (12:45-3pm); Movie Group (1 – 3 pm, new releases shown each Monday), no charge for members, $1 for non-members; Musical Comedy Group with Polly Columbo (1 pm - 3 pm). For more information on any of the classes or activities, call (619) 583-3300.
Tuesdays: (October 6, 13, 20, 27) Classes and Activities offered: Walking Group (9 - 10 am); Tai Chi with Leslie Johnson-Leech (9 – 10:30 am); Book Club (1st Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am); Arthritis Exercise (10:30 – 11:45 am); Film Class with Judith Levine 1 pm; Ballroom Dancing (2 – 4 pm); Pinochle – 10 am; Trivia Tuesday (2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 12:15 pm). For more information on any of the classes or activities, call (619) 583-3300.
Wednesdays: (October 7, 14, 21, 28) Classes and Activities offered: Drawing class with Marsha Austin Rogers (8:30 am); Aerobics with Kara Anderson (8:30 - 10 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Feeling Fit with Kara Anderson (10 - 11:15 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Painting with Marsha Austin Rogers (12:30 – 3 pm); Writing class with Marsha Kay Seff (1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 12:45 pm); Bingo (12:45 pm); Music Experience with Danny Camacho (1 – 2:30 pm), $1 for members, $3 for non-members; Line Dancing with Luis Samaya (2:30 – 3:30 pm), $3 member per class, $5 non-member per class. For more information on any of the classes or activities, call (619) 583-3300.
Thursdays (October 8, 15, 22, 29) Classes and Activities offered: Painting with Marsha Austin Rogers
(9 am – 12 pm); Mah Jongg (10 am); Laughter Yoga with Michael Coleman (10:30 am); Blood Pressure Check (2nd and 4th Thursdays at 10 am); Arthritis Group exercise class (10 am); Special Weekly Lectures (12:45 pm, Please call for topic information); Meditation with Jeff Zlotnik (11:15 am - 12 pm). For more information on any of the classes or activities, call (619) 583-3300.
Fridays: (October 9, 16, 23, 30) Classes and Activities offered: Aerobics with Kara Anderson (8:30 - 10 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Feeling Fit with Kara Anderson (10 - 11:15 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays); Yoga with Shashi Pottathil (10:45 am), $5 for members, $7 for non-members; Special Musical Programs (12:30 pm, Please call for music program information).
Ongoing:Private Computer Lessons: By appointment only - $7 Members, $14 Non-members. To schedule a lesson, please call: (619)593-3300
The College Avenue Center also offers hot Kosher lunches served Monday - Friday at 12 Noon. Our new Soup & Salad Bar Lunch is offered Mondays - Wednesdays from 11:30am-12:30pm. Suggested Donation: $3.50 for Seniors, $6 for all others.
Congressman Filner wants U.S. to contribute to preservation of Auschwitz as Holocaust memorial
 SAN DIEGO--Congressman Bob Filner and over 40 House colleagues recently contacted President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton requesting that the United States – at a minimum commit to matching the highest contribution pledged to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.
“We must continue to work toward eliminating anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry by preserving Auschwitz-Birkenau to stand as a lesson for future generations,” stated Congressman Filner. “It has been more than 64 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps and the memories of the horrors committed there still resonate around the world.”
Established in April 2009, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation seeks to preserve the grounds of the Nazi death camp as a reminder of Holocaust atrocities. As an international symbol of the profound crimes against humanity that were committed there and as a warning to future generations that they should never happen again, we simply cannot afford to neglect the preservation of this monumentally historical site.
While pledges have been made by the Polish, German, British and French governments, as well as the European Union, the United States has so far committed to little more than a promise to "review" the Foundation's plans. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration camp, the site of 1.3 to 1.5 million exterminations through systematic starvation, forced labor, individual execution and gas chambers. The foundation is seeking to accumulate $160 million for the conservation of the grounds, buildings, and artifacts of the death camp, some of which are in a state of advancing deterioration.
 SAN DIEGO
(Press Release)—City Councilmember Marti Emerald, in a room filled with her constituents, on Tuesday asked her Council colleagues to reject a self-storage project, in part because it does not fit with the character of the community of Tierrasanta.
In a 7-0 vote, the Council directed the City Attorney’s office to draft the necessary legal findings to reject the Tucker Self-Storage project. A final vote is scheduled for October 6.
Residents filled the City Council Chamber protesting the self-storage project. Many said it is too big, is not needed in the community and could contribute to blight and crime.
Councilmember Emerald said, “The community has spoken, clearly and consistently. They don’t want this particular development."
The Tucker Self-Storage proposal was rejected by the San Diego City Council two years ago. Since then the developer trimmed the size of the project by 25%, from 120,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet. But that did not sway public opinion.
“Self-storage lite doesn’t fly in Tierrasanta”, said Councilmember Emerald, as she urged her Council colleagues to reject the project.
Poizner announces San Diegan to be sentenced for insurance fraud
 SACRAMENTO (Press Release)—Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner on Wednesday announced that San Diego resident, Louise May Batchelor, 55, of San Diego, pled guilty to two felony counts of grand theft on September 4. Sentencing has been set for November 6, 2009 in San Diego Superior Court.
“Insurance agents who play games with their customers’ money and trust will ultimately lose,” said Commissioner Poizner. “If you decide to break the law, CDI investigative teams will find you and help prosecute you.”
According to CDI investigators, Batchelor owned and operated Sunny SoCal Insurance Service and Louise Batchelor Insurance Service in San Diego. Batchelor sold various types of insurance policies, including automobile, property, general liability and workers’ compensation to individuals and businesses.
Batchelor previously pled guilty to one felony count of Grand Theft on October 9, 2008. Batchelor was originally arrested in August 2008 and released on bail. The initial complaint alleged Batchelor stole insurance premiums from four business owners and issued bogus insurance certificates. It is estimated that Batchelor received insurance premiums in excess of $8,300 and failed to remit these premiums to the insurance companies.
Batchelor continued to collect premiums from additional victims and failed to place insurance coverage. A new complaint was filed and alleged that Batchelor collected in excess of $20,000 in premiums, including $6,800 she collected while out on bail, from at least four consumers. Because of Batchelor’s failure to place coverage, these victims were exposed to extreme financial risk while believing they had insurance.
In October 2008, after the initial criminal case was filed and Batchelor pled guilty, the Department of Insurance revoked her insurance license. Batchelor was barred from working, in any manner, in the insurance industry.
This case was prosecuted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Commissioner Poizner oversees sixteen CDI Enforcement Branch regional offices throughout the state. Close to 1900 insurance fraud-related arrests have been made by the Department of Insurance’s enforcement division since Commissioner Poizner took office in 2007 – more arrests than have been made during any other two year period, under any previous insurance commissioner.
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