9-FOOT MENORAH TO LIGHT UP EAST COUNTY ON DEC. 9 AT GROSSMONT CENTER AS PART OF WORLD’S LARGEST CHANUKAH OBSERVANCE
Chabad of East County To Light Up One of 10,000 Public Menorahs Worldwide, Symbolizing Universal Message of Religious Freedom December 3, 2012 (La Mesa)–Chabad of East County will ignite a public 9-ft menorah erected at Grossmont Shopping Center, followed by a community-wide celebration on the second night of Chanukah, on Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m. The ceremony will feature Congresswoman Susan Davis and La Mesa Councilman Ernie Ewin. Prior to the menorah lighting ceremony, a ventriloquist will perform. Traditional holiday foods, music, dreidels and more will also be provided. The ceremony will be dedicated in honor of Mary Greenbaum, a pillar of the San Diego Jewish community, who spearheaded Jewish education for over 30 years. The public menorah lighting was organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Rafi Andrusier, Director, Chabad of East County, who remarked, “The Menorah serves as a symbol of America’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in the United States, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.” Dr. Leah Brass of S. Diego, CA, who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting, commented, “I want my child to grow up with pride in his Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as an American Jew. Chabad’s Chanukah Menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments to assist in my child’s education. I wish I had had this experience when I grew up.” Grossmont’s menorah is one of thousands of large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message. Throughout the State of California, Chabad will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, giant menorahs made out of ice and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel Houses, “Chanukah Wonderlands” and more. To find a local event in San Diego or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit www.JewishEC.com/ChanukahEvents. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit JewishEC.com/Chanukah. WHERE: Grossmont Shopping Center, next to Bath & Body Works. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 WHY: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory more than 2,100 years
READER’S EDITORIAL: THE REPUBLICANS MARCH TO THE LAND OF OZ
By Daniel J. Smiechowski December 3, 2012 (San Diego)–Locally in San Diego, as well as nationally, the Republican Party is on its way to the Land of Oz. We’re not in Kansas anymore, says Dorothy to Toto. Federalists and Whigs and Republicans, oh my! Yes Wizard, demographics do count and America’s GOP better not hide behind the curtain. For those with a short memory or no memory at all, consider the following: ninety years ago in our great land, business was booming post the Great War, immigrants were arriving by the boat loads and unlike today’s newcomers these arrivals came from Italy, Ireland, Greece Poland and other countries defined by only a vowel ending their family name. Upon arrival at Ellis Island they were met with resistance by a Republican Party bent on preserving their so-called WASP ownership of America’s demographic landscape. Anti-Catholic prejudice was rampant. America´s first Democratic Nominee for President Al Smith lost the 1928 election in a landslide to Businessman Herbert Hoover. Even a black entertainer named Josephine Baker, darling of all Africa and the United States, sought refuge in Paris where she was hailed and worshiped as a heroine. Does this tableau sound familiar? Ten years later on September 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland. It was now the son’s of these very immigrants that landed in Normandy, the shores of North Africa, the Pacific, the Baltic and Italy. Politically and socially, this assimilation into the American Culture was facilitated ironically through war. Today, the Republican Party has much the same dilemma with immigration and various other issues as it did from the years following WWI. That is, what to do with all of our new arrivals. The GOP, so resistant to change, took a hard line this past national election in regard to immigration. Seems strange since immigration ought to be a moral issue as the Catholic Church would attest. Speaking of Catholicism, is it not peculiar that on the big three issues of life and death within Catholic Doctrine, the Democratic Party agrees on two: abolishing the death penalty and war. As for The President´s health initiative, why was it that the good Catholic Sisters came to defend the rights of women? The party of national morality became ever more absolute in the battle to win hearts and minds of the untold millions of Spanish speaking entrants onto our shores. The immigration debate cuts to the heart of how and why people vote. Voting on immigration remains highly personal and affects entire families through the generations. This political psychology went wanting within the GOP. So the Wizard Mitt Romney sent Dorothy on her way back to Kansas for its seven electoral votes. America’s Republican Party however, is not experiencing a dream. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. We welcome all views.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EAST COUNTY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THREE-YEAR, $2 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
$500,000 Gift from Philanthropist Conrad Prebys completes campaign which has modernized two Boys & Girls Clubs Facilities in El Cajon December 3, 2012 (El Cajon) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation announced today the successful completion of its three-year, $2 Million Capital Campaign that has repurposed two facilities in El Cajon’s Wells Park into a state of the art Boys & Girls Club and Teen Center for East County youth. On September 4th San Diego philanthropist, Conrad Prebys, announced a generous pledge of $500,000 to complete the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation’s capital campaign. Mr. Prebys, and other generous donors to the campaign, will be honored at a reception on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. The celebration will include a dedication ceremony, naming the two facilities as the “Conrad Prebys Complex.” “My career in local philanthropy began with the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County,” said Prebys. “These young people are the future, and they need great Boys & Girls Clubs like these for developing positive values and high expectations for success as adults.” Foundation Board member Jerry Hollingsworth who co-chaired the El Cajon Capital Campaign said, “Even in tough times, special people like Conrad Prebys understand the need to give kids special places to learn and grow. His contributions to our El Cajon and Santee facilities prove his interest in helping people throughout San Diego County.” Hollingsworth added, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the many individuals and supporters who have responded with overwhelming generosity and encouragement throughout the capital campaign.” In 2009 the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County embarked on an extraordinary journey to raise funds to rehabilitate two buildings in El Cajon’s Wells Park, converting them into state of the art youth facilities. In 2004 Conrad Prebys provided a lead gift of $1 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County’s Santee Clubhouse. Later, he provided an additional $1 million directed toward youth development programs at the Clubhouse in Santee. The Conrad Prebys Clubhouse in Santee was the first of three facilities of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County that will now bear his name along with the Conrad Prebys Complex in El Cajon. The two, repurposed facilities in the City of El Cajon’s Wells Park that have been converted into a state of the art Boys & Girls Club and Teen Center for East County youth include: The El Cajon Clubhouse – 1171 East Madison Avenue For 5 to 11 year-old members, the El Cajon Clubhouse features the latest innovations for youth development. The Clubhouse includes: “The Academy” learning center, an instructional kitchen for healthy nutrition, a full size gymnasium for sports, an outdoor “big toy” for fun and fitness, and a “rascals’ room” with programs designed specifically for children ages 5-7. “The Club” Teen Center – 1153 East Madison Avenue For 12 to 18 year-old members, The Club is the place to be. The Club features a fitness center for strength and aerobic training, leadership activities are offered in the resource center, career and vocational development occurs in “The Teen Academy” and just plain fun & fitness happen on outdoor courts and fields. About The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County: The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County have been meeting the developmental needs of children and youth since 1961. Our Mission is: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to become responsible, caring, productive citizens.”
INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR IS DECEMBER 8
December 3, 2012 (San Diego) – IRC’s Microenterprise Program hosts its annual International Holiday Bazaar at the City Heights Farmers’ Market, 4326 Wightman Street, San Diego on December 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features IRC-supported businesses with an array of arts and crafts from all over the world. From handmade Iraqi jewelry to artisan-crafted goods from Kenya, the Bazaar provides an opportunity to purchase a holiday gift from a local entrepreneur. This year a local group of professional photographers who will provide free family portraits to any Bazaar attendees. The event will include live music, an arts and craft activity for the kids, and free gift wrapping.
A MERRY BEARY CHRISTMAS AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS DEC. 8
Dec. 2, 2012 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers & Bears is celebrating the season with A Merry, Beary Christmas on Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m. at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. There will be cocktails and an array of wine samplings, delicious cuisine from “Chubby’s” food truck and beautiful holiday gifts from over 20 vendors. Suggested donations (made in advance) are for members $15 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and non-members $25 for adults and $15 for children. The price will increase $20 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
OMA’S CHRISTMAS TREE PATCH IS OPEN THROUGH DEC. 21
December 2, 2012 (Lakeside) – Oma’s Christmas Tree Patch is now open Tuesday – Friday 2-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. through December 21. Children can participate in all activities for $5 per child, which includes a water bottle and candy cane. Activities include a hayride, hay maze, petting corral and more. There are plenty of fresh-cut trees to choose from in both Noble and Douglas fir. Fresh wreaths are also available. The Patch is located at Von Ommering Dairy, 14950 El Monte Road, Lakeside. Visit www.omaspumpkinpatch.com for more information.
HOLIDAY TOURS OF THE KNOX HOUSE MUSUEM DECEMBER 8 & 15
December 2, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Knox House Museum is open for tours December 8 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 280 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon. The Museum is decorated for the holidays in the spare 1880’s Frontier style. On December 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. the museum will be lit with candles and lanters for “Light Up the Knox”. All tours are free. For more information visit www.elcajonhistory.org.