By Jared Sclar
SAN DIEGO — The recent election season has been both challenging and polarizing across the country. However, here in San Diego, there were many encouraging results that offer hope and strength to the Jewish community and its allies. With candidates supported by “San Diegans Against Hate” achieving significant victories, our community can look toward a future fortified by leaders who stand unequivocally for inclusion and against discrimination.
A key supporter of the Jewish community, Mayor Todd Gloria, continues to be a steadfast ally. Known for his compassionate leadership, Gloria’s impactful speech at the Vigil for Israel at the Lawrence Family JCC, held shortly after the tragic events of October 7, earned him renewed admiration from community members. His words at the vigil resonated deeply, underscoring his unwavering support for San Diego’s Jewish residents during a time of global crisis. It was at that moment that many previously politically unmotivated Jewish San Diegans spring into action to support his re-election bid.
Two prominent local leaders, Councilmember Raul Campillo and Assemblymember Chris Ward, were re-elected unopposed, reflecting the community’s unanimous endorsement of their leadership. Campillo, known for pioneering the anti-hate-littering ordinance in response to the distribution of white supremacist pamphlets, has been a visionary force against hate in our city. Ward, who adapted Campillo’s concept and shepherded it into a state law (and against opposition from the ACLU) with immediate effect upon signature by the Governor, has proven his dedication to public safety and inclusivity. Campillo and Ward, members of the Latino and LGBTQ communities, respectively, represent the allies of other groups that understand and live out their values of genuine inclusion. The fact that these two leaders ran unopposed speaks volumes about the respect and trust they have garnered within San Diego’s communities.
Another critical victory was that of Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who has continually demonstrated his commitment to Tikkun Olam. Whitburn’s landmark Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which has led to a significant decrease in homeless encampments downtown while enhancing safe housing and job training options, resonates with Jewish values of compassion and communal responsibility. His decisive win brought a collective sigh of relief and pride within the Jewish community, which values his contributions to public safety and social equity.
The election also saw healthcare attorney and Jewish Family Service Board Member Nadia Farjood elected to the Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors, prevailing over an opponent who raised significant alarm within the Jewish community. Her opponent, Brenda Miller, not only claimed that Jewish money was being used to manipulate Democratic club endorsements but also co-sponsored a problematic resolution with the local Democratic Party that labeled Israel a genocidal state. Farjood’s victory is a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to combating antisemitism. As a lifelong advocate against hate, Farjood brings a fierce integrity and unwavering dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that voices of tolerance and unity are represented on the healthcare board.
In Oceanside’s District 4, Councilmember Peter Weiss won re-election by a substantial margin, defeating two challengers who held concerning views on Jewish and Israeli issues. This victory is a testament to the community’s commitment to maintaining allies in positions of power who uphold respectful and inclusive perspectives.
In La Mesa, the site of the Jewish community’s greatest electoral battle in 2022—where a candidate supporting the controversial “BDS” movement was defeated by only 11 votes—the community saw significant success this election. Twenty-six-year-old LGBTQ+ first-generation American Lauren Cazares won first place for the two available City Council positions. Cazares has deep ties within the Jewish community and has been a warrior against hate since her adolescence, making major strides at Point Loma Nazarene University to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all identities—a true example of Tikkun Olam.
The second vacant Council position in La Mesa was secured by another supporter of inclusivity and opponent of antisemitism, family law attorney and mother Genevieve Suzuki. Despite entering the campaign later than her campaign partner Lauren Cazares, Suzuki won hearts and minds in La Mesa and secured an election victory.
South County also witnessed a powerful victory with Antonio Martinez, a respected staffer for Congressman Juan Vargas, winning re-election to the San Ysidro School Board. Martinez’s commitment to fair and balanced ethnic studies in schools is essential in promoting a nuanced understanding of diversity and culture, values that resonate strongly with the Jewish community.
Finally, in the County Board of Supervisors District 2 race, Supervisor Joel Anderson, a staunch advocate against oppressive regimes, was re-elected with ease. His groundbreaking resolution to divest County funds from the Iranian Republic showcases his willingness to take decisive action against hate-fueled governments, strengthening the county’s ethical and humanitarian standards.
Despite the challenges of this election season, these results reflect the community’s resilience and the powerful impact of collective action. With such allies in leadership positions, San Diego is poised to continue its progress toward an inclusive, hate-free society. This election has shown us that, even in a time of division, the principles of equality, respect, and justice can prevail.
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Jared Sclar is a Political Consultant and Strategist and the co-Founder of San Diegans Against Hate, California’s only Political Action Committee (SuperPAC) dedicated exclusively to fighting antisemitism through the electoral process at the local level.