Mimi Pollack is a retired ESL teacher. Born in the United States, she moved as a child with her family to Mexico City, where she learned Spanish. She is particularly interested in immigrant and refugee issues, animals, and reporting on different cultures and ethnicities.
After serving 35 years as a public servant- six years in the California State Assembly , nine years on the Board of Education, and 20 years in the US Congress- what does one do after retiring? In the case of Susan Davis, one becomes a “private servant, and continues to help others. [Mimi Pollack]
Susan Davis: Life After Congress Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, USA
By Mimi Pollack LA MESA, California — Afghan and American cultures are different in many ways, for example, in lifestyle and style of communication. It is always a learning experience when two cultures meet, but learning is good as it can broaden your life. The above has been true for Mary Danaher [formerly Sikes] and
Americans Helping Afghan Refugees Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County
By Mimi Pollack LA MESA, California — Can one be an observant Muslim and a feminist at the same time? In the case of Afghan journalist Sayed Sadat, the answer is yes. During an interview at the Coronado home of his sponsor, Sayed explained how he and his family believe in women’s rights, and more
An Afghan Journalist’s Journey to Coronado Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County
By Mimi Pollack LA MESA, California — Donald Harrison is a true mensch, and I am sure many would agree with me. He has been a voice for the Jewish community in San Diego County for many years with his highly regarded online newspaper, San Diego Jewish World. However, he is also aware of time
Writers Reflect on Donald Harrison’s Legacy Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County
Our columnist Laurie Baron contributed this memory of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Twenty years later, do you have recollections of the day terrorists hijacked four planes, destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City, damaged the Pentagon, and crashed into a field in Philadelphia, killing in the process 2,977 people in the air, on the ground, and in the buildings? Your recollections are welcome! [San Diego Jewish World]
By Mimi Pollack LA MESA, California — It is unusual when a person combines great talent with compassion for others, but from personal and perhaps biased experience, I can attest that South African musician, Sharon Katz, has both in spades. Music can soothe and heal the soul, no matter where you are from. Imagine growing
Sharon Katz: Music and Mitzvahs Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts
By Mimi Pollack and Marcela Roel LA MESA, California — Since March 2007, the U.S. Secretary of State has honored various women from around the world with the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award (IWCA). This annual award honors women who have shown great courage, strength, and leadership to bring positive change to
Guatemalan Judge Erika Lorena Aifan – A Brave Voice Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack
The pandemic has changed many people’s daily routines. More folks have been spending time at home and because of this, pet adoptions have increased. What better time to adopt a pet than while spending so much time at home! However, there have also been a lot of first time pet owners who need some guidance. [Mimi Pollack]
Book Provides Useful Pet Advice Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, The World We Share
I’m so proud of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet Secretaries Alejandro Mayorkas and Xavier Becerra, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, our city’s Mayor Todd Gloria, the folks at Jewish Family Service, and San Diego Jewish World’s own contributor Mimi Pollack. [Donald H. Harrison]
Proud of the U.S. and local response to migrant children Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, USA
With the wave of immigrants arriving at the border clamoring to be let in, I have been thinking a lot about immigration. When Trump was in power, the border was basically closed, refugees and asylees had to wait in Mexico until their case was heard and that was a very long, inhumane process. In addition, many mothers were separated from their children. It seems like now the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another. Do I agree with all the adults and unaccompanied minor rushing the border? It is creating unmanageable chaos and confusion. However, I do understand why this is happening. America is viewed as a safe haven for so many whose own countries or lives are in conflict, and they are desperate. [Mimi Pollack]
Refugees will become hard-working Americans Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack, USA
2020 was a strange, difficult, and even transformative year for so many. In my case, the pandemic made me feel very mortal and I decided to start checking things off my “Bucket List.” First up was going back to horseback riding after 20 years of not riding or being in the horse world. [Mimi Pollack]
How the Pandemic Led to Horses and Second Acts Read More »
Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County
Did you know there are horses in San Diego County with roots that can be traced back directly back to the Vikings? They are Icelandic horses and their ancestors were perfect for crossing the oceans on Viking boats as the horses were short–about 12-14 hands-, calm, and sure-footed. Icelandic horses today are not very different from their predecessors and Iceland has been careful to keep it that way. [Mimi Pollack]
Mimi’s Ark: Icelandic Horses in Encinitas Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County, The World We Share, USA
By Mimi Pollack L’Chaim San Diego Magazine SAN DIEGO — My late fiancé, an 8th generation New Mexican, used to tell me about the secret or crypto Jews of New Mexico. He was convinced that although he was raised Catholic, some of his ancestors were “Conversos” or secret Jews who came to New Mexico when
Crypto Jews: Finding and Embracing their Roots Read More »
Jewish History, Mimi Pollack, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
After weeks of mostly staying home since the COVID 19 pandemic started, I was looking for some volunteer work where I could do something useful for others, but still stay safe. Then, I read in this and several other publications that Jewish Family Service urgently needed volunteer drivers for their Project 19 Food Program, so I applied and after passing a background check and obtaining my Food Handler’s Card, was accepted. [Mimi Pollack]
JFS food delivery service needs extra help during pandemic Read More »
Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County