American Friends of The Hebrew University’s (AFHU) Western Region hosted the Annual Leadership Education Forum (ALEF) at the Skirball Cultural Center on Jan.16, with former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel as the keynote speaker.
Matisyahu performed in front of nearly 1,000 people during a concert at Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills on Jan. 16.
Topping the marquee names at the gala for the USC Shoah Foundation Institute were founder Steven Spielberg.
During a Nov. 18 autism conference hosted by Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services’ Julia Ann Singer Center, actress Julia Ormond presented Eustacia Cutler, whom she portrayed in “Temple Grandin,” with the Baron Inspiration Award as well as her 2010 Emmy Award, which Ormond won for her supporting role in the HBO feature. Cutler is the real-life mother of Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, and who has since gone on to become one of the world’s leading animal scientists and autism advocates.
CBS senior executives Nina Tassler, David Stapf and Deborah Barak co-hosted A Night of Hope with special guests Geena Davis and Jim Belushi at CBS Radford Studios in Studio City on Oct. 14. The celebration of strength and survival raised more than $220,000 to help the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles’ (JFS) Family Violence Project provide shelter and counseling services to victims of domestic violence.
Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL star Rodney Peete, were honored during the American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro West Coast gala at Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel on Nov. 3. Through their HollyRod Foundation, and as a result of their family’s personal experience, the Peetes have become leaders in the ongoing effort to better understand and find a solution for autism.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) honored NBC Universal Chair Jeff Gaspin with its Humanitarian Award during the Entertainment Industry Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Oct. 7.
Chivas USA faced off against hometown rival the LA Galaxy during Golazo Israel, a night to honor the Jewish state at Home Depot Center, sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and Chivas USA. Before the start of the Oct. 3 soccer game, Consul General Jacob Dayan presented team captains Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA) and Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) with the Israeli emblem, a sign of goodwill and friendship. The Galaxy beat Chivas 2-1.
The New West Pops, under conductor Steven Goldstein, debuted at the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on Sept. 19 with “From Broadway to Hollywood – In Concert,” featuring actress-singer Lorna Luft. From left: Nelson Dodge, executive director of New West Symphony/New West Pops, Bernie Fields, Luft, Blake Ginther, Tobi Foster and Goldstein. Photo by Jeff Bandy
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