The Circuit

Anchor Awash in Accolades

The Associated Press Television-Radio Association Awards named Hal Fishman, KTLA co-anchor and managing editor, Best Television Anchor in California and Nevada for the third straight year, in addition to presenting him with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his 42 years in broadcast journalism.

Hitting a High Note

Henry Steinway, heir to the Steinway & Sons piano-making dynasty, and David Benoit, jazz musician, were honored at the fourth annual benefit for the International Foundation for Education & Performing Arts (IFEPA). IFEPA works closely with the Los Angeles Unified School District to help develop young musicians. “Pianist to the Presidents” Roger Williams, IFEPA’s honorary chairman, performed at the event, as did Andrew Pae, a protege in the “Music For Kids USA” program, and singer Robbie Britt, who delivered an outstanding rendition of the national anthem.

Welcome Back

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP announced today that Steven Nissen, most recently director of Gov. Gray Davis’ Office of Planning and Research, will join the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner. Nissen, who was a partner at the firm from 1977-84 before becoming executive director of Los Angeles’ Public Counsel Law Center, will be a member of the firm’s Litigation and Advocacy Division.

A Solid Bet

Bet Tzedek Legal Services, a nonprofit law center providing free legal representation to low-income, elderly and disabled residents of Los Angeles County, held its 14th annual Gala Dinner. The event at the Hollywood & Highland complex, which drew more than 1,500 guests, raised a record $2.3 million — a 17 percent increase over last year’s donations. Gov. Gray Davis and former Secretary of State Warren Christopher were on hand.

Alper Scales Improv’s Stage

Rabbi Bob Alper, billed as “the world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy … intentionally!” entertained a full house at the Improv on Melrose Avenue. The Steve Martin look-alike tossed off jokes such as:

“Just before Yom Kippur, I go to all of my relatives and friends and tell them, ‘If I have offended you in any way during the past year … you’re too sensitive.'” — Tom Tugend, Contributing Writer

Mayor Kickstarts UJF Campaign

Mayor James Hahn held his first official meeting with the organized Jewish community when he addressed community leaders at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ kickoff for the 2002 United Jewish Fund campaign. The address was delivered at The Federation’s Goldsmith Building headquarters at 6505 Wilshire Blvd.

Party of Fyvush

Actor Fyvush Finkel was honored by Hillel at Pierce & Valley College on its Seventh Annual Comedy Night 2002. The night was the Hillel’s most successful fundraiser ever, raising $13,600 and had more than 400 people in attendance.

Nature Calls

Thirteen students from USC, UCLA and Pierce & Valley Colleges joined Shalom Nature Center staff on a trip to the Sequoia National Park, Feb.15 –18, to experience Shabbat in the mountains. As one of several programs organized as part of the Jewish Community Foundation’s College Campus Initiative, an outreach program for Jewish students at L.A. college campuses.  Connections were drawn between Judaism and nature and earth stewardship. The Shalom Nature Center is a program of the Shalom Institute: Camp and Conference Center in Malibu.