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INTERNATIONAL Is new order emerging in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations?... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem We’re beginning to see the contours of the new order in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The question is whether the plan the Netanyahu government may have in mind is preferable to the little progress that had been made before. READ MORE
State Department video of George Mitchell in Ramallah and Jerusalem ... VIEW VIDEOS
U.S. will boycott anti-Israel Durban II conference ... announcement from U.S. State Department The United States is profoundly committed to ending racism and racial discrimination. This abiding commitment to the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination arises from the most painful pages of our history, and the most cherished values of our nation. READ MORE A military budget to care for those who 'bore the battle' ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington D.C.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates's announcement of fundamental changes in Pentagon budgeting and procurement broke into three areas: personnel, the battlefield and procurement. READ MORE
JUDAISM
God weeps over 'piggish' people, even if they study Torah ... by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in San Diego We have all heard the expression: "You are what you eat." Many people like to apply it to the prohibition of Jews eating pork: if you eat a pig, you will act like a pig! But what, exactly, is "acting like a pig?" READ MORE
ARTS Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman's share visions at Mingei ... by Gail Feinstein Forman in San Diego Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, whose works are now on exhibit at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park, are each extraordinarily talented designer- craftsman in their own right. But talk to either one of them about their life and work and everything says “partnership.”READ MORE
THE BIBLE IN POP CULTURE Genesis 3—Representations of Adam and Eve in Nice, France and in San Diego... photos by Sara Appel-Lennon and Donald H. Harrison READ MORE
SPORTS
A bissel Jewish sports trivia with Bruce Lowitt ... in Oldsmar, Florida
Q: Who pitched for the Chicago White Sox teammates in 1919 and, upon learning that teammates had thrown the World Series, never played another major league game although he was not implicated? READ MORE
THE CO-PUBLISHERS' MAILBOX
Sara Appel-Lennon's story about interfaith seder pleases reader READ MORE
San Diego County papers carry two pieces on local JewsREAD MORE
Sheriff Kolender kvells over Carrillo's detective workREAD MORE
Zookeeper's Wife author to speak at San Diego City College Tuesday READ MORE
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
January 23, 1953; Southwestern Jewish Press
Personals READ MORE
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES We continue our examination of Jewish entertainers
Bernard Brasslaw in "Carry on Behind" with Joan IrwinREAD MORE
Claire Bloom as Anne is wooed by Sir Laurence Olivier in the title role of Shakespeare's Richard III READ MORE
Dyan Cannon sings "Two Sides to Every Story" in Honeysuckle Rose READ MORE
Eleanor Bron is wooed by Dudley Moore in "Bedazzled"READ MORE
STAFF BOX
Compliments to Gail Feinstein Forman on her enterprise story about Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman, whose works are now featured at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park.
JERUSALEM—We’re beginning to see the contours of the new order in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The question is whether the plan the Netanyahu government may have in mind is preferable to the little progress that had been made before. Will it be better to find a new framework for the relationship – less final peace and more economic and security piecemeal – than the previous arrangement, all frustrations notwithstanding?
It seems that the Israeli position in favor of piecemeal is to encourage the United States to cut the wings of Iran before dealing with the Israel-Palestinian issues. A diminished Iran would make things easier for Israel by removing the nuclear threat while Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in the south would lose their major sponsor.
The United States, on the other hand, seems to want parallel tracks for Iran, Syria and the Palestinians, pressing Israel not to attack Iran (hence President Peres’ remarks that Israel has no such intentions); get involved with Syria; and, above all, at least continue with the Palestinians where the Olmert government left off.
I
In an effort, probably intended to stall a continuation of the Olmert line, the Government of Israel now insists that the Palestinian Authority must first accept Israel as a Jewish state. In view of the prevailing Palestinian ideology and the internal tensions between Hamas and Fatah, such a declaration, though implicit in many negotiations, will not be put into words, even though George Mitchell, the US special envoy, in the course of his current visit did speak about Israel as a Jewish state.
As a counter move, the Palestinians insist that the Government of Israel accept the formula of two states for two peoples, i.e., an independent Palestinian state. The Netanyahu government prefers to be silent on the subject partly because many of its supporters are opposed to it; partly because Kadima had made that a condition for joining the coalition; and partly because it doesn’t want to blink first in the stand-off.
Perhaps the stalemate suits both Palestinians and Israelis. The Netanyahu government obviously doesn’t want to follow the path of its predecessor by mouthing the same slogans and getting nowhere despite handshakes and photo ops. Many Palestinian leaders may have come to the conclusion that the present limbo suits better their myth of ultimate victory and re-conquest than a compromise that’ll take the wind out of the sails of their ideologues. There seems to be a kind of alliance between the two opposing sides.
But the United States - the third party without which neither progress nor peace is possible - may no longer be prepared to play the old game. The fact that Prime Minister Netanyahu, and definitely Foreign Minister Lieberman, isn’t
welcome in the White House before President Obama has received King Abdullah of Jordan and President Abu Mazen of the Palestinian Authority is an indication of a different order. The Jerusalem-Washington hotline seems to be down, probably for some time.
The President’s determination to pursue the three-track approach may force the Government of Israel to revise its intentions. Hence the request for a few weeks’ respite before Israel formulates its policy. It’s not likely to publicly come out against the United States. In the end, Obama may yield a little and allow Netanyahu to offer Abu Mazen economic incentives as an interim measure, while Bibi softens the hard line approach that made him Prime Minister. In the meantime, a lot is still up in the air – and problematic.
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State Department video of Mitchell in Ramallah, Jerusalem
The U.S. State Department released these videos of Special Envoy George Mitchell meeting with officials in Israel and the Palestinian Authority on April 16 and 17.
U.S. will boycott anti-Israel Durban II conference
WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release)—The following statement was released on Saturday by Robert Wood, acting spokesman for the U.S. State Department:
The United States is profoundly committed to ending racism and racial discrimination. This abiding commitment to the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination arises from the most painful pages of our history, and the most cherished values of our nation. We believe that people of every color and creed are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that equality and nondiscrimination are fundamental principles of international law.
The United States will work with all people and nations to build greater resolve and enduring political will to halt racism and discrimination wherever it occurs.
The United States is deeply grateful to the many country delegations, including Russia as chair, and senior United Nations officials who have worked steadfastly to improve the review conference outcome document and to re-focus the Durban Review Conference squarely on racism and
discrimination. We applaud the progress that has been made. The current document is significantly improved compared with prior versions, which is an accomplishment for all who aim to build a world free of every form of discrimination.
However, the text still contains language that reaffirms in toto the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) from 2001, which the United States has long said it is unable to support. Its inclusion in the review conference document has the same effect as inserting that original text into the current document and re-adopting it. The DDPA singles out one particular conflict and prejudges key issues that can only be resolved in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. The United States also has serious concerns with relatively new additions to the text regarding “incitement,” that run counter to the U.S. commitment to unfettered free speech.
Unfortunately, it now seems certain these remaining concerns will not be addressed in the document to be adopted by the conference next week. Therefore, with regret, the United States will not join the review conference. The United States remains fully committed to upholding the human rights of all individuals and to fighting racial discrimination of every form in every context. We will continue to work assiduously in all United Nations fora and with all nations to combat bigotry and end discrimination.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Defense Secretary Robert Gates's announcement of fundamental changes in Pentagon budgeting and procurement broke into three areas: personnel, the battlefield and procurement.
In the first, there was little with which to disagree. Gates institutionalized recognition in the budget that - unlike the old draft Army - America's all-volunteer force (AVF) is a force married with children and that it is a force at war. The AVF requires support for the families to retain the highly skilled, professional and motivated soldiers that Gates called, "America's greatest strategic asset."
And so they are, but the AVF has been undermanned and undergone tremendous physical depletion and psychological trauma. Not by any means a "broken army," or a "hollow force," it needs and deserves to have its existing "people" needs addressed.
The new budget will fund the planned growth of the Army and Marine Corps, and halt reductions in the Air Force and Navy. It will recognize that with improvements in battlefield medical care, soldiers who would not have survived earlier conflicts return from Iraq and Afghanistan with critical, long-term injuries including traumatic brain injury (TBI), amputations and post-traumatic stress (PTSD).
Secretary Gates noted that, "Programs to directly support, protect, and care for the man or woman at the front have been developed ad hoc and funded outside the base budget." Medical and family services had been funded largely in supplemental appropriations, making long-term planning difficult for medical and military personnel and making families insecure in their belief that the military would provide for them in their time of greatest need. This helps.
It does not address, nor can it, the issue of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and long-term assistance to veteran families - the Pentagon budget is limited to active duty personnel. And it should not erase the bad taste in our mouths over the President's attempt to push veterans' long-term battle-related medical problems off onto private insurance to save money. The Pentagon and the VA have to create a seamless transition for the soldier from active duty to discharged veteran, "to care for him who shall have borne the battle," as President Lincoln said. The Pentagon is not exempt from the process.
Which brings us to the next point. Secretary Gates wants to "rebalance" Pentagon programs "to institutionalize and enhance our capabilities to fight the wars we are in today and the scenarios we are most likely to face in the years ahead." He called the changes a form of additional "support for the soldiers." Some - increases in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including additional UAVs and helicopter crews - is clearly true in the context of current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
But "it's for the soldiers," cannot become a catch-all for everything from sweeping changes in Ballistic Missile Defenses to canceling weapons procurement to new
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deployments. Secretary Gates will have to present a coherent vision of present and - most important - future threats to have traction with Congress and the American people as he tries to turn the Pentagon battleship.
Bryen is special projects director for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. (JINSA). Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSAsupporter and national board member
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SAN DIEGO—We have all heard the expression: "You are what you eat." Many people like to apply it to the prohibition of Jews eating pork: if you eat a pig, you will act like a pig! But what, exactly, is "acting like a pig?"
People usually think of pigs as being big, sloppy, ill mannered creatures who roll in the mud and snort all day. In reality, pigs are highly intelligent and social creatures. Being told that one is acting like a pig may be more of a compliment than an insult!
Jewish tradition, however, has a different view of piggish behavior. Rabbis see the pig not as a model of slovenliness but rather selfishness. When one is greedy, miserly, or selfish, one is acting like a pig. How do the rabbis arrive at this conclusion? From the Torah's evaluation of the pig meeting the two necessary characteristics of Kosher animals. To be Kosher an animal must have split hooves and chew its cud. This is why cows are Kosher animals. However, the lack of either or both of these characteristics renders an animal treif. What does the Torah say about the pig? Since the pig has split hooves but does not chew its cud it is not Kosher.
Rabbi Emanuel of Rome explains why the pig is the paradigm of selfishness: "A miser is comparable to a pig. How so? While the pig can walk on its hooves it does not give out a geirah to tzedakah (the Hebrew word geirah can either mean cud or a certain type of coin). So, too, a miser goes his own self-centered way without paying attention to those in need.
Rabbi Meir of Kosov once traveled to Kolmai to visit his uncle who was very wealthy and very miserly. Rabbi Meir's uncle was knowledgeable and scholarly. He sat and studied Torah all day, yet refused every opportunity to give tzedakah.
Rabbi Meir said to him: "Since you are so knowledgeable I would like to teach you some Talmud. The Talmud says that God weeps daily for one who cannot afford to study Torah but does so anyway, as well as for the one who can afford to study Torah but does not. (T.B. Chagigah 5b)
"The following question was raised about this passage: it is clear why God cries about the person who is able to study Torah and does not, but why would God cry about the person who is not able to study Torah and does? Shouldn't God rejoice at such dedication?
"Of course God does, so this is what the Talmud really means: when it describes the person who is not able to afford to study Torah but does it is referring to a wealthy person who is not able to study Torah because he spends all of his time making and hoarding money rather than using some of his time to distribute tzedakah to the poor. When this kind of person does manage to find some time to study, it is not for the purpose of studying Torah for its own sake, but rather as an excuse for not giving tzedakah and performing good deeds. This is the kind of person over whom God weeps."
While the story does not say, we can assume that his uncle understood Rabbi Meir and changed his behavior.
This story reminds me of another passage from the Talmud in which the rabbis were arguing about which was more important: the study of Torah or the performance of good deeds? They concluded that Torah study is more important, but only because it will lead to the doing of good deeds.
ACKERMAN EXHIBIT—Wood panels for a sanctuary door are at left, top to bottom: Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark/ Fish; Menorah/
Goat; Griffin/Eden; Jacob's Ladder/ Menorah; Eagle/ Gazelle; Still Life. Right side, from top: Cherubs; Gabriel/ Jonah and the
Whale;Ram/ Menorah; Fruit Basket/ Griffin; Menorah/ Abraham; Lion/ Leopard; Peace. Left: Forty scenes from the Bible in cloisonne are a highlight of exhibition of Evelyn Ackermans' work at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. Below, she and
husband Jerome in front of "Birds in a Tree" tapestry, executed in 1958. {Family photo by their daughter Laura Ackerman
Shaw; art work by Gail Feinstein Forman}
Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman's shared visions at Mingei
SAN DIEGO--Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, whose works are now on exhibit at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park, are each extraordinarily talented designer- craftsman in their own right. But talk to either one of them about their life and work and everything says “partnership.”
Though in an interview Jerome Ackerman jokingly describes his marriage to his wife and artistic collaborator as a “sixty year trial marriage,’ in the same breath he remarks that as each other’s best critics and collaborators, its hard to tell where “she begins and I end.”
Drawn to the vibrant, innovative Los Angeles art scene in the early 1950’s, they saw Los Angeles as a vast new canvas where anything art-wise was possible.
They became pioneers in the California Modernist movement, what Jeffery Head of Modernism Magazine has referred to as to as “among the best kept secrets on the West Coast.”
Over their sixty year collaboration they produced a diverse array of designs and crafts exemplifying the free spirit, novelty, and experimentation of the California Modernist Style.
And now the Mingei Museum has mounted an amazing retrospective of their lives and works, in “Masters of Mid-Century California Modernism-Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman.” Some of the pieces on display reflect the couples' Jewish background.
The Mingei has taken enormous steps to explore the diverse talents of these two innovators. The Ackerman exhibit encompasses the entire first floor. The exhibit starts chronologically to give the viewer a sense of the development of both artists’ artistic styles and the experimentation in various media.
A timeline of events in their personal and artistic development guide you through the history of this collaboration. Cool jazz plays in the background as a paean to the 1950’s.
Works of textiles, ceramics, mosaics, metal works and bas-reliefs are displayed on Technicolor walls positioned throughout the exhibit that effectively highlight the variety of media and colors so evident in Evelyn Ackerman’s designs.
While touring the exhibit, Martha Ehringer, Publicity Director of the Mingei Museum, remarked that the Ackermans are masters of creating museum-like quality items for home use, and inspire us to utilize functional yet beautiful objects in our own home environments.
The most remarkable piece in the exhibit, what Jerome refers to, as “the best work Evelyn has done,” is the 40-piece cloisonné work titled, “Stories from the Bible.”
Originally, Evelyn had the idea to simply create a work that was distinctly Jewish. She did extensive research into Jewish history and decided on the theme of the Bible.
Next, she was intrigued by the symbolic use of the number “40” which appears numerous times throughout Bible history e.g., Israelites wandering forty years in the desert, Noah’s forty days of rain, etc. So she designed a collection of 40 pieces, all related in folk art style and color built around Biblical narratives.
This extraordinary project came with many challenges, and took one and half years to complete, from 1985 through 1986. She chose to execute the work in copper and enamel cloisonné, a technique she had never used before, and had to take a special art class to learn.
The intricacies of the exacting work needed for these 3 1/2-inch by 3 1/2-inch squares required an optometrist to make a special pair of glasses. In addition, each piece had to fired at the exact temperature for the right time, or it had to be done all over again.
When asked in an interview if she had a specific use for the collection in mind as she moved through this laborious process, Evelyn remarked that she didn’t. She said she “just had to do it.”
Viewers of this piece at the Mingei will immediately see the intensity for perfection that permeates it. Each individual story is meticulously crafted in brilliant and luminous colors. Standing in front of the squares for “David Plays the Lyre,” or “Samson Destroys the Philistines,” is like peering into stained glass, and indeed it is easy to imagine these exact designs enlarged and transformed into sanctuary windows.
Curators from the Renwick Gallery of American Craft, in the Smithsonian Museum recognized the extraordinary artistic merit of this collection, and requested it for their gallery. Though reluctant at first to part with this collection, the Renwick curator convinced the Ackermans that their gifting it to them would be a “gift to the nation,” and viewers of this collection will agree. It is now on loan to the Mingei just for this exhibit.
Another work on display of Jewish interest is the wood
carved oak bas-reliefs panels designed in memory of Evelyn’s twin sister who had died quite young.
Evelyn based her designs on Judaic symbols that she had previously designed and then created the panels for the sanctuary doors of Congregation Ahavas Israel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her sister had lived.
Though the exhibit focuses more on Evelyn’s works, a group of Jerome’s ceramics, some quite recent, is also on display and is worth noting for their whimsical nature, e.g., a teapot with an alligator motif.
Both Jerome and Evelyn seem a bit surprised by all the attention their museum retrospective is showering on them, but they say it’s quite gratifying.
Each one attributes their success to the other-a sixty-year love affair both with art and each other.
Evelyn remarked in an interview in American Craft magazine that she’s been “very lucky” in her sixty-year marriage.
In the same article, Jerome explains his idea of why their relationship was so successful. He said, “marry the right girl, a brilliant artist, “then get out of her way.”
Both Jerome and Evelyn had classical art training. Evelyn had a Master's degree in Fine Arts in drawing and painting from Wayne University, and Jerome had a Master's Degree from Alfred University in ceramics. The couple married in 1948 and moved to Los Angeles in 1952.
At that time, artists and designers were influenced by East Coast Modernism---functional, simple, lines popularized by Charles Eames that used modernistic materials such as metal and plastic.
This retro style of Modernism can be easily viewed today on the current TV show Mad Men and the recent film Revolutionary Road, entertainment offerings that supposedly take place in the early 1950’s.
As the California expression of Modernism developed, it relied more on environmental influences. Emphasis was placed on bringing the outdoor environment to the indoors-of integrating the uniqueness of California light, warmth and color into furniture and other household accessories, creating a sense of the organic.
To accomplish this naturalistic environment, designers worked from a brighter and more textured palette, using vibrant colors, woods, textiles, and nubby textures.
This hybrid California style expressed the Ackerman’s artistic passions and the way they felt about art and design.
They opened their first art studio, Jenev, named by combining both their names-“JE” for Jerome “EV” for Evelyn, soon after moving to LA. The first year, Jerome developed his first set of molded ceramics and Evelyn did some of the decorating.
With affordability and “making a living” as their mantra rather than accumulating wealth, they created a diverse array of one - of- a kind pieces and limited editions of their designer crafts.
Over the next thirty years, Evelyn did most of the designing and Jerome did the marketing and locating of sources of master craftsmen, such as weavers and skilled wood carvers to assist in the production of individual pieces and design lines.
They also began showing their work at various exhibitions around the country, and soon they began receiving commissions for works in Southern California where their work was becoming well known.
The Mingei Museum exhibit, “Masters of Mid-century California Modernism-Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman,” continues through October 18 at its Balboa Park location.
Continuing Photo Essay: The Bible in Popular Culture
Genesis 3
20: The man called his wife's name Eve, because she had become the mother of all the living.
21 And Hashem God made for Adam and his wife garments of skin, and He clothed them.
Photo above taken by Sara Appel-Lennon during a vacation earlier this month in Nice, France. Photo at right taken by Donald H. Harrison in the Pacific Beach section of San Diego on Friday, April 17.
Please send to editor@sandiegojewishheritage.com your .jpg photo for posting. If possible, please send it at 72dpi resolution and 400 pixels wide. Please include the name of the photographer, the date and place the photo was taken, and any other relevant caption information.
OLDSMAR, Florida—Q: Who pitched for the Chicago White Sox teammates in 1919 and, upon learning that teammates had thrown the World Series, never played another major league game although he was not implicated?
Background: He had back-to-back 21-win seasons (1914-15) with the Philadelphia Phillies and, with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1917, pitched 16 scoreless innings against the Boston Braves. The Pirates won 2-0 in the 21st inning. He
had a lifetime record of 91-70. His wife said he “loved baseball for the true sport it afforded, and he felt if a game had been thrown he was through with baseball."
Lowitt is a freelance writer based in Oldsmar, Florida
Interesting Sara. I remember in 9th grade Sunday School we went to different churches to take part in and learn about their services. Because of this I'm not uncomfortable to go to churches, where many Christian friends are wary of going to a synagogue. You know the old saying "ignorance breeds hate" or something like that.
I also found the line "not to rejoice when our enemies suffer, because we are all God’s children" very touching. There are so many people here in America that were so happy when we invaded Iraq and happy we were bombing them. War is horrible and this statement explains my feelings about it nicely. Good column.
Susan Rhea, San Diego
San Diego County papers carry two pieces on local Jews
The San Diego Union-Tribune on Saturday, April 18, carried a well-done piece by Jennifer Vigil on San Diego's shrinking community of Holocaust survivors. Here is a link.
In the North County Times on Friday, Jennifer Kabbany had a piece about Chabad of La Costa's efforts to bring Jewish learning to the residents of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities in Encinitas. Here is a link.
Sheriff Kolender kvells over Carrillo's detective work
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender is proud to announce Detective Pete Carrillo was selected as the recipient of the 2009 Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation “Investigative Excellence Award.” Detective Carrillo was chosen from a wide field of statewide entrants. The award was presented on April 16, 2009 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott in Burlingame, California.
Detective Carrillo was honored for his work in the Jason Washington investigation early last year. On the evening of February 21, 2008, a woman was jogging in Solana Beach, when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. The suspect brandished a handgun and forced her into a nearby driveway where he assaulted her. After the suspect fled, the victim ran to a nearby residence, called the Sheriff’s Department, and reported she had been raped. After an extensive search of the area, the suspect eluded capture.
Detective Pete Carrillo was called to the scene to oversee the investigation. He immediately requested additional investigative resources from the Sheriff’s Sexual Assault Unit, as well as a Field Evidence Technician and a DNA criminalist from the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory. The crime scene was processed with numerous items of forensic and physical evidence recovered.
The victim provided an excellent description of her assailant and this led to a computerized composite sketch. It was distributed to all local law enforcement agencies in San Diego County, as well as media outlets.
On the morning of February 23, 2008, a female juvenile was jogging in unincorporated La Mesa. She observed an unknown black male near a motor home parked on the side of the road. The suspect was leaning with his hands on the side of the motor home and his legs extending across the sidewalk as if he were stretching to get ready for a run. The suspect was looking at the jogger as she ran toward him. She attempted to go around him by jogging on the dirt path adjacent to the sidewalk. As she approached him, he turned around and grabbed her around the waist, lifted her off the ground and pulled her down a steep embankment.
The suspect attempted to grab her wrists, but she struggled and prevented him from doing so. She continued to struggle and defended herself by hitting and scratching his face and head. The victim was able to break free from the suspect’s grasp and she climbed back up the embankment and ran until she flagged a passing motorist, who came to her aid and drove her away from the scene.
With two attacks in such a short time frame, Detective Carrillo brought additional resources into the investigation to
include the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory, the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Team (SAFE), the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT), and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.
A subsequent search of the second scene yielded a loaded 9mm handgun at the bottom of the steep embankment. The victim indicated the suspect had been leaning up against the RV and was not wearing gloves. A Field Evidence Technician dusted the RV and recovered latent fingerprints on the side of the motor home where the suspect was seen stretching. Detective Carrillo ordered a rush on the latent print analysis and requested a records check of the recovered firearm through the automated firearms system. Detective Carrillo discovered the handgun was registered to a Jason Washington. The fingerprints were entered into the automated fingerprint identification system and revealed a fingerprint match to Jason Washington.
Detective Carrillo obtained booking and driver’s license photographs for Jason Washington and discovered he closely matched the description depicted in both of the previously-mentioned sketches. Detective Carrillo presented both victims with a photo line-up containing a picture of Jason Washington and both victims positively identified Jason Washington as the suspect who attacked them.
Detective Carrillo coordinated a county-wide manhunt for Jason Washington and managed the efforts of multiple law enforcement resources. He ultimately led a team who executed a search warrant on Jason Washington’s residence, and it was determined at this point Washington may be suicidal. Detective Carrillo presented both cases to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office and the cases were immediately issued, exposing Jason Washington to 52 years to life if convicted. A five million dollar warrant was issued for his arrest.
On February 26, 2008, Jason Washington’s vehicle was located in the City of El Cajon. The Fugitive Task Force was notified and responded to the scene. Detectives from the Fugitive Task Force approached the vehicle and discovered Jason Washington inside with gunshot wounds. The Sheriff’s Homicide team arrived to assist with the investigation and the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office ruled the death a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jason Washington’s DNA profile was developed from blood gathered at his autopsy. This DNA profile matched the forensic blood evidence recovered at the Solana Beach crime scene and forensic evidence collected from the victim in that case.
Jason Washington was found in possession of a semi-automatic handgun, additional ammunition, a survival knife, duct tape and a canister of tear gas. It was evident he posed a significant threat to the public. If it were not for the quick and labor-intensive efforts of Detective Carrillo, Jason Washington’s crime spree would likely have continued. Detective Carrillo successfully utilized numerous law enforcement resources to protect the public and isolate the suspect in this case.
Sheriff Kolender praised the tenacity of Detective Carrillo. “I am very proud of the fine work this detective has accomplished. He is an outstanding example of how to piece together the various elements of an investigation in a methodical and logical manner.”
Preceding submitted by San Diego County Sheriff's Office
Zookeeper's Wife author to speak
at San Diego City College Tuesday
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Diane Ackerman, author of The Zoo Keeper's Wife, the New York Times best seller and KPBS "One Book, One San Diego" selection, will conduct a reading and book signing at City College at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at the Saville Theatre, C Street between 14th and 15thAvenues.
The book is a historical narrative about the Warsaw Zoo and how its keepers used it to save hundreds of lives during the Holocaust. {San Diego Jewish World columnist Sheila Orysiek reviewed it for this publication last February. Here is a link.}
More information on the event is available at (619) 388-3596.
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History With thanks to Gail Umeham for the transcription
Jewish Fund Plans
For Early Start Southwestern Jewish Press January 23, 1953, page 1
With the re-election of M.D. Goodrich as president of the United Jewish Fund for 1953, campaign planning and organization went into full swing this week as the announcement was made of a tentative opening meeting on Sunday, March 8th.
Cecil Brown, world-famous Mutual Broadcasting System news commentator will be the principal speaker on behalf of the 1953 Combined Jewish Appeal of San Diego, according to plans now underway.
Mr. Goodrich stated that the leadership of the campaign would be announced before the end of January as advance preparations for the year’s campaign were being speeded.
In speaking of the coming effort, Mr. Goodrich referred to the United Jewish Appeal “as the noblest instrument of American Jewry’s creation.” He pointed out that this agency, including the Joint Distribution Committee, the United Israel Appeal, and the United Service for New Americans, will need $145,000,000 for 1953.
CJFWF Western States Region Acts on Major Problems at Assembly in Fresno Southwestern Jewish Press January 23, 1953, page 2
More than 200 Jewish community leaders from 15 communities comprising the Western States Region of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, reviewed major problems confronting the Jewish community at a three-day annual conference held in Fresno, California last weekend (January 9-11).
In a key resolution the assembled delegates reaffirmed their support of the “policies and principles” of the National Community Relations Advisory Council and expressed the hope that "all of the agencies functioning in this field will again achieve a measure of cooperation acceptable to all.” The resolution expressed concern over the withdrawal of the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee from the NCRAC and urged the special CJFWF Committee authorized by the General Assembly, or by any other group, to reopen negotiations with a view towards resolving their differences so that they can again “cooperate voluntarily in harmony and good will.
Eli H. Levenson of San Diego, was reelected president of the Western States Region of CJFWF. Other officers, who were all reelected, were: Howard H. Desky of Oakland, Sol Esfeld of Seattle, and Robert E. Sinton of San Francisco, vice presidents, and Ben Solnit of Los Angeles, treasurer.
Y.J.C. Club Presents
Interesting Speaker Southwestern Jewish Press January 23, 1953, page 2
The next meeting of the Young Jewish Couple’s Club will be held Sunday evening, February 8, at 8:30 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. In the observance of Brotherhood Month, the speaker will be the Rev. R. Elkin Hoffman, whose subject will be "A Clergyman Looks at the News.” Among other questions of the day, the Reverend Hoffman will give his views on the new administration and on Bible reading in the schools.
The Reverend Hoffman is the Episcopal Chaplain at State College and Vicar of the Chapel of St. Dunstan.
Zabrack Concert Attracts
Much Interest Southwestern Jewish Press January 23, 1953, page 2
The public is cordially invited to attend a piano concert by Harold Zabrack, young American pianist, sponsored by Tifereth Israel. The concert will take place at the Synagogue, Sunday, January 25th at 3:00 p.m.
Critics have acclaimed Zabrack’s “spectacular playing, splendid tone, force and breadth, dramatic feeling and striking contrasts.” Tickets are available at the door on the night of the concert.
The next regular meeting of the S.D. Birdie Stodel Chapter of Women’s B’nai B’rith is to be held Jan. 26th, 8 p.m., at Temple Beth Israel Center. Mrs. Ted Brav, President, extends an invitation to members and friends to attend.
There will be a very short business meeting, and then we are invited to join the Lasker Lodge meeting, to honor our AZA boys by attending their installation
.
To help us raise funds for our forthcoming Family Night Party, Mrs. Scott Chadwick has graciously offered her home Feb. 2nd, 12 noon, for dessert luncheon and a social afternoon. Mrs. Chadwick lives at 4805 Biona Dr., phone T-9854. Along with lots of fun, Miriam Chadwick is offering a wonderful door prize to some lucky person.
Be sure to mark Feb. 14th at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Center, as an evening of fun for all. That night has been set aside as our 3rd annual Family Night affair, celebrating our 24th Anniversary as a Chapter in ‘Women’s B’nai B’rith. Personals Southwestern Jewish Press January 23, 1953, page 3
Engagement—Announcement has been made of the engagement of Miss Lynn Terman, daughter of Mrs. H. C. Newman and Mr. Sam Terman of Beverly Hills, to Bert Epsten son of Mrs. And Mrs. Harry Epsten. Bert attended the University of Utah and was graduated from the University of Southern California. He returned last April from a nineteen month tour of duty in Korea and Japan.
Lynn is the sister of Mrs. Bill Fox, living in San Diego. An April wedding is planned.
A welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weiss, formerly of Los Angeles, who have been making their home in San Diego for the past three months.
Mr. and Mrs. Morey Levenson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Guyer, Mr. and Mrs. Lou Mogy, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fischer, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Stolarsky and family recently enjoyed weekends at the Lake Elsinore Hotel in Elsinore, Calif.
Newlywed, Mr. and Mrs. Lou Levitt, in honor of their recent marriage, entertained their friends at an open house on Jan. 11. Approximately 100 of their friends called on them to wish them happiness.
It has been announced that Elliott Cushman has been appointed co-chairman of the 1953 Heart Fund Drive.
We were also pleased to note that Mrs. Irving Friedman has been elected President of the Goodwill Industries Ladies Auxiliary. She has served on the board for a year and the election to the Presidency was a culmination of her activities in the past as Publicity Chairman of the organization.
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Aliber of Greenfield, Mass. are visiting their children, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Epsten for a few days. From here they will leave for Honolulu and probably stop here again on their way home.
“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" series will be a daily feature until we run out of history.
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JERUSALEM—We’re beginning to see the contours of the new order in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The question is whether the plan the Netanyahu government may have in mind is preferable to the little progress that had been made before. Will it be better to find a new framework for the relationship – less final peace and more economic and security piecemeal – than the previous arrangement, all frustrations notwithstanding? 
WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Defense Secretary Robert Gates's announcement of fundamental changes in Pentagon budgeting and procurement broke into three areas: personnel, the battlefield and procurement. 
SAN DIEGO—We have all heard the expression: "You are what you eat." Many people like to apply it to the prohibition of Jews eating pork: if you eat a pig, you will act like a pig! But what, exactly, is "acting like a pig?" 
SAN DIEGO--Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, whose works are now on exhibit at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park, are each extraordinarily talented designer- craftsman in their own right. But talk to either one of them about their life and work and everything says “partnership.” 
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Diane Ackerman, author of The Zoo Keeper's Wife, the New York Times best seller and KPBS "One Book, One San Diego" selection, will conduct a reading and book signing at City College at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at the Saville Theatre, C Street between 14th and 15thAvenues.
