JFS issues call for food delivery drivers

*Political bytes
*San Diego 2nd Generation Shoah Group to discuss ‘Aftermath’

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO — Michael Hopkins, the chief executive officer of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, has issued a call for volunteers who can deliver meals to seniors who are required to shelter-in-place because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“While senior centers and congregate meal locations around the county remain closed, many older adults are in critical need of healthy meals at home,” Hopkins messaged.

He noted that JFS has been partnering with Team Rubicon, “a nationally-recognized disaster organization” that deploys volunteer around the world during times of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

“Every weekday, their team of volunteer drivers delivers freshly prepared and shelf-stable meals to nearly 350 adults on 20 routes across San Diego to ensure those most impacted by this pandemic have access to nutritious meals,” Hopkins wrote.

However, Team Rubicon’s time at JFS is nearing its end, and “we urgently need volunteers to deliver meals to seniors across San Diego County,” Hopkins implored.  “If you have been wondering how you can help during this crisis, now is your opportunity.  You can make a real impact by becoming part of our Project 19 team as a volunteer driver.

“There are two four-hour daily shifts that run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Each route averages 16 stops, and you must have your own vehicle to transport the meals. Additionally, volunteers must be 25 years or older to participate.   While not everyone will be able to volunteer their time, we know each of you can help us to find the right people.”

Hopkins urged community members to “let people know about www.jfssd.org/volunteerdriver  to help us connect with new volunteers who are ready and able to respond.”

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Political bytes

*While President Donald Trump opened his fall reelection campaign in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Republican Jewish Coalition was readying the video seen above quoting Israeli leaders, security experts and everyday citizens about President Trump being the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House.  For those who are concerned about Israeli security, the video contends voters ought to stay the course with the President.  There are within the video occasional references to former President Barack Obama’s nuclear understanding with the leaders of Iran — a policy that Israelis heavily criticized.  Although Joe Biden is not mentioned in the video, it will not be lost on many people that he was Obama’s vice president.  Matt Brooks,  the RJC’s executive director, commented: “President Trump is the most pro-Israel President in American history and with this video, the RJC is bringing that message to a targeted audience of data-modeled, persuadable Jewish voters in key states for the 2020 election.”  It remains now to be seen how Biden’s campaign and pro-Israel supporters will choose to respond.

*Terra Lawson-Remer, who is challenging incumbent Kristin Gaspar in the 3rd District of the County Board of Supervisors, hailed a court decision rejecting the board’s previous decision to attempt to meet environmental air quality goals by providing “offsets” to land developers who keep acreage in open space, even if that acreage is outside of San Diego County.  Opponents contended the offsets failed to solve such problems as those caused by increased tailpipe emissions from the cars of commuters who travel from new land developments to their jobs.  Lawson-Remer put particular onus on Gaspar, whom, she said, “showcased Trump-style climate denialism by casting the decisive vote to spend taxpayer dollars defending the mediocre plan in State Court. While losing in Court was a setback for Gaspar and others who want to protect big polluters and developers rather than safeguard our region’s habitat, as long as Gaspar remains on the Board, meaningful action on climate will be stymied.”

*The advocacy committee of Temple Emanu-El is lending its support to the campaign to place on the City of San Diego’s November ballot a measure that would create an independent citizen’s committee on police practices.  The Reform congregation messaged its members: “The San Diego City Council is voting on adding the independent police commission to the November ballot on June 23^rd.  We urge you to visit the SDJ [San Diegans for Justice] site to learn more, and to use their “Email your Councilmember” link—or telephone—to urge your Council member to vote in favor of adding the independent police commission to the November ballot.”  The advocacy committee also said, “We are not passive observers of history. We create history every day in the things we do, the times we act, as well as the times we choose to sit still. In the fight to protect our Black and other minority communities from harm, do not be a silent observer. Speak up, and let your voice be heard. If you’re not quite sure what to say, please reach out to your Advocacy Committee  at advocacy@teesd.org and we will be glad to help you get in touch with the people who represent you.”

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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com