SAN DIEGO –This is the first in a series of periodic reports addressing how Jewish community members and candidates are lining up in the current election cycle. For the purpose of identifying members of our community, the names of known Jewish community members are printed in boldface type.
SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL
Charles and Randi Wax and Julian and Jenny Josephson are co-hosting a fundraising party on March 17 for Ray Ellis, a candidate in San Diego’s First Council District, from which incumbent Sherri Lightner has been termed out. Ellis’s opponent in the race is Barbara Bry. The Ellis event will be held at Josephson’s home in La Jolla. In a letter sent to invitees, Charles Wax wrote: “I can vouch for Ray’s character, he acts with integrity and is a very capable individual… Ray will be able to hit the ground running on day one in office to start making smart decisions on key issues like water sustainability, roads and infrastructure, and job creation…” Some other Jewish community members supporting Ellis are Jeff Berg, Steve Cushman and David & Leslie Cohen.
Barbara Bry has been endorsed by Congesswoman Susan Davis, Congressman Juan Vargas. Councilwoman Marti Emerald, and such Jewish community members as Bob & Susan Lapidus, Julie Dubick, Abby Feldman, Elizabeth Leventhal, Dr. Morton & Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, Pat Launer, Marsha Sutton, Laurayne Ratner, Laurie Black, and Lauren Lizerbram. Congresswoman Davis made this statement: “Barbara Bry has spent her life working to level the playing field for women of all ages. Barbara set an example through her success as a tech entrepreneur, founded organizations that support the advancement of women in science and public service, and advocated tirelessly for women’s access to healthcare and fair pay. We need more role models like Barbara in leadership, and I believe Barbara would be the most effective representative for District 1.”
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In the race for the 9th District seat of the San Diego City Council, Congresswoman Susan Davis, San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald, San Diego Community College Trustee Bernie Rhinerson, and Price Smart and Price Charities Chair Robert Price all have endorsed Ricardo Flores, who had served as Emerald’s chief of staff.
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERVISOR
In a bid for reelection to his 3rd District Supervisorial seat, Supervisor Dave Robert was hosted at a reception for the arts community by Seth Krosner.
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
Former Del Mar Mayor and UCSD Physicist Henry Abarbanel, who has served on the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Del Mar attorney Beth Levine have endorsed San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria in his bid for the 78th Assembly District seat which Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins is vacating to run for the State Senate.
CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE
Former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk of San Diego has endorsed Toni Atkins in the race for the 39th State Senate seat currently held by State Senator Marty Block, who is seeking appointment as chancellor of the California Community College System.
PARTY ACTIVISTS
Beverly Cassirer, founder 32 years ago of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club, is still going strong. She celebrated her 96th birthday on Feb. 19. She dispensed some advice for the occasion, according to the Democratic E-Zine. Democrats, she said, should get out and vote and make sure that at least one other Democrat goes to vote — Use the ripple effect!”
Former State Assemblyman Howard Wayne chaired the endorsement committee of the Point Loma Democratic Club. The membership of the club endorsed Barbara Bry in the 1st City Council District, and Todd Gloria in the 78th Assembly District. In the 39th State Senate race, the club endorsed incumbent Marty Block over Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, but Block subsequently withdrew to seek appointment as chancellor of the California Community Colleges.
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Barry Nussbaum, a former Del Mar Fairgrounds Commissioner, will address the Navajo Canyon Republican Women’s Club on the Syrian Refugee situation and other Middle East issues at a noon meeting at the Brigantine Restaurant in La Mesa on March 8. Reservations and information via ncrwf99@gmail.com or (619) 990-2791.
Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. Items of Jewish political news may be sent to him at donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com . Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the U.S.)