Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
$220,000—Too Much? (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
The United Jewish Fund Drive for $220,000 will prove this year whether we as a community along with every other Jewish community in the United States, are willing to meet our obligations at home and abroad. The goal set this year is lower than many drives held in the past. This, in spite of our expanding needs.
The erection of a new Home for the Aged, the need for a new Community Center for our youth and the work of the Jewish Social Service make it necessary for us to raise our sights on our goal.
The very minimum goal of $220,000 will not mean an increase to all the beneficiaries of the Drive, but an attempt to at least give what we did last year – and last year’s drive was far from a howling success. The pre-allocation plans (printed earlier in the Jewish Press) showed exactly what was planned to distribute if we raised the money set by our goal. Falling short only means cuts to all agencies including overseas, national and local.
With tensions mounting in Israel, we can’t let them down now. The European and African picture grows darker and darker. Do we cut there?
The National Agencies continue to grow and expand to meet new needs. They were held down for ten years because of Overseas needs. Do we keep them from growing?
And locally: WE haven’t raised money for ourselves for 25 years! Only in the past few years have we made a beginning. We need a Center-desperately. A Home for the Aged, and other services. We can’t stop in the middle of the stream and not complete the bridge to a better community to live in!
$220,000. Too much? We think not! It’s our minimum needs. We must raise our goal this year. It’s up to us. It’s our job—our task to perform. Let’s get together and do our part. The Untied Jewish Fund is US – not an agency or an organization—but each and every one of us.
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Voting – A Pleasure (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
It is estimated that no more than 40% of eligible voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, April 19, if previous records are reliable. Voting is not a duty—as many people have said in order to get people to vote – but a pleasure and a privilege…It’s a pleasure to back your candidate and see him get in. That way you have a stake in your local government. Naturally you’ll vote for the man whose views coincides with yours or – may be he has convinced you by his record and experience. Whatever the reason—don’t forget to vote on Tuesday.
The choice of a Mayor and several councilmen to run the affairs of our city is quite an important decision to make. Good men will enhance the chance of our city’s future growth. Indifferent men will get us nowhere. Which do you want?
Don’t forget the several propositions on the ballot. They were put there to help in the growth of San Diego into a real city. We can’t remain a small town forever. The population in this area is almost a million now … What about the future? This is the reason to vote on the propositions before you.
It’s a pleasure to vote for the things you want and need. Don’t forget to vote Tuesday.
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Yes Vote Asked on Proposition ‘B’
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
Retirement rights of veteran police officers and firemen will be equalized and they will be encourage dto remain in city employment if Proposition B on the April 19th ballot is approved by the voters.
Last year when the city employee’s retirement system was modified by a vote of the people it became more evident than ever before that certain liberalizations were necessary for veteran police and firemen. At that time, approximately 420 firemen and policemen, valuable veterans with more than eight years experience, were left under a system that offered no incentive to remain in the service.
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Interview With D.D. Williams, Candidate for City Council
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
San Diego has grown up. We are a big city now. This population growth and bigness have created many civic problems. These problems have sharply increased during the last ten years.
“It is the responsibility of the City Council to meet these problems head-on. They cannot be evaded. A better job by the Council can and must be done, if we are to build a Better San Diego.
“A fresh approach is needed. The ‘same old ideas’ have not been enough. The City Council must have new and resourceful leadership to solve these problems of unemployment, recreational facilities, industrial expansion, harbor development, taxes and civic betterments. Experience has shown us that we must have a change… for progress.
“The City Council must take a more positive approach. That is why San Diego needs independent and capable leadership. As a taxpayer and a voter, with your family’s stake in San Diego’s future, I urge you to vote for progress. That is why I am a candidate for City Council. Let’s meet these problems now and solve them.”
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City of Hope
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
President, Ethel Berwin and Past Presidents Esther Schwartz and Jeanne Camiel, and Donor Chairmen Bessye Siegel and Goldie Schusterman are planning to attend the Pacific Coast Roll call of auxiliaries at a Cocktail Party at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, Sunday, April 17th, at 8 p.m. Other Sectional Meetings are taking place throughout the country at the same time so that treasuries may be emptied of funds raised by the Auxiliaries prior to the Biennial Convention in July of this year.
Funds are urgently needed at the present time to carry on the City of Hope’s war against catastrophic diseases.
Our local Auxiliary has graciously given up its meeting day to the Women’s Division of the United Jewish Fund $25.00 and Up Luncheon Tuesday, April 19, at the El Cortez Hotel. Our meeting will take place two days later—Thursday, April 21st. See you Tuesday at the Luncheon and Thursday at the meeting.
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What Is Your Marital Problem?
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
LeRoy Seckler, former bat boy of the Brooklyn Dodgers, ex-Air Force officer, and now a practicing San Diego attorney, will head the program lined up for the next meeting of the Couples Club to be held on Saturday, April 16th at 8:00 p.m. to be held at the Tifereth Israel Center.
Lawyer Seckler will conduct a round table type discussion on marital legal problems.
The club cordially invite one and all to join what is sure to be a stimulating talk fest. Many interesting revelations are expected!!
A social hour and refreshments will follow.
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Ins. Agents Assn. ask Vote “Yes” on Prop A
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
Proposition “A,” on the ballot in the general election Tuesday, April 19, would amend the City Charter topermit the Council to purchase insurance either by bids or by negotiation.
The Charter presently provides that all City purchases, including insurance, be obtained under bid procedure. This provision was included in an amendment adopted in 1953.
City officials view it as restrictive insofar as insurance is concerned, on the grounds that specifications for insurance cannot be written in the same manner as for supplies, materials and equipment. To enable the City to obtain the best possible insurance coverage of its multi-million dollar properties, the Council wants the opportunity of negotiating for contracts while still retaining the bid privilege.
In submitting Proposition “A” to the voter, the Council is supported by the Insurance Agents Association of San Diego, which points out that many California cities and business firms favor the negotiation of insurance contracts over the bid method.
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Congregations Seek Candidates
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
Temple Beth Israel will be among 53 Reform congregations on the West Coast starting next week to select college or high school students as candidates for the National Leadership Institute at the Camp for Living Judaism, a project of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in Saratoga, California.
As announced by Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, the Union’s West Coast director, each of the 500 congregations affiliated with the national body of Reform Judaism is privileged to recommend two young people, boys or girls, for the 12-day camp period.
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Wincote Endorsed for City Council
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
Charles B. Wincote, candidate for re-election to the Council from the 2nd District, this week named endorsers of his campaign including one incumbent Councilman, three former Council members and the American Federation of Labor.
Wincote also defended the present City administration in his Ocean Beach talk and remarked that the Council campaigns were being carried on in a “very gentlemanly manner.”
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Evenson Endorsed for City Council
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 15, 1955, Page 7
Vincent T. Godfrey, incumbent retiring Councilman, has announced his “unqualified endorsement” of Justin C. Evenson, businessman and nominee from Godfrey’s 6th District.
In recommending the election of Evenson, Godfrey said:
“After a very fair and careful study of the qualifications of the two men seeking the office of City Councilman from the 6th District, it is my opinion that Justin C. Evenson is the man best equipped to serve the people of San Diego ably and effectively.
“Mr. Evenson is a man of proven ability and of highest integrity and I am sure he would fairly and ably represent the best interests of all the people of San Diego as a member of the City Council.”
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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.