San Diego, CA (special) -- County Supervisor Ron Roberts last week presented a check for $25,000 to Robert Lazarus, president of Jewish Family Service, as a grant for three programs to improve the lives of seniors served by the agency.

In a brief ceremony at the College Avenue Jewish Senior Center, where Hawaiian entertainment, colorful shirts and flower leis were part of the theme of the day for the seniors, Roberts in business suit began to make his presentation.

"Aloha," he said. "I didn't know I was going to be in 'Hawaii' today, and I am embarrassed that I am not dressed appropriately. As warm as it is today, I am envious that I didn't know this as I would have joined you in proper regalia."

At that point, a woman standing at the side of the room strode forward and put a lei on the
county supervisor. Not missing a beat, Roberts said, "well, now that I just got off the plane,
and have been greeted, once again it is nice to be here with you."

He then explained that the budget of the County of San Diego includes funds that may be
granted once a year to non-profit agencies on the recommendation of individual supervisors. 
In his own district, he said, "there are two things that are special. I like helping seniors and I
like helping kids."

The College Avenue Jewish Senior Center operates out of the social hall of Beth Jacob
Congregation in the area of the city near San Diego State University. It is located within
Roberts' supervisorial district.

When Roberts toured the facility last Sept. 28, he learned that lack of transportation is
one of the biggest problems that seniors there face. JFS plans to use part of the $25,000 to
hire a driver who can pick up seniors in a van and bring them to the senior center at 4855
College Avenue.

Additionally, according to Lazarus, "we are going to be adding a foodmobile driver" and
"we are going to be adding a part-time volunteer coordinator." 

Jill Spitzer, executive director of JFS, introduced Roberts to the assembled seniors saying
that he was "a man who is running for mayor, a man who has got my vote for mayor."
Roberts plans to be a candidate in the election next year to succeed San Diego Mayor Susan
Golding, who cannot succeed herself under the law restricting mayors to two four-year
terms.

Commenting later on the plan to hire a volunteer coordinator, Spitzer explained that "we are
always short of volunteers" adding that anyone interested in helping to deliver food, or to
drive seniors to various destinations, or to participate in other volunteer activities, should
call the JFS office at (619) 291-0473.

She noted that the grant from the county is "one-time only" and in order for the activities to
be continued next year, "we can go after other funding sources. 

"JFS is used to doing that," she added. "We're used to writing grants and getting other
funding."

Roberts, Spitzer and Lazarus posed for photographs with Paul Meyer and Gary Rotto,
president and executive director respectively of the American Jewish Committee. Rotto
explained that the AJC had been a catalyst for Roberts making the grant to the JFS.

He said AJC had convened a task force of Jewish communal agencies to discuss how various
welfare reform proposals might affect recipients in the Jewish community. In contact with
the task force, Roberts expressed interest to Rotto in touring the College Avenue Jewish
Senior Center and learning more about the senior programs there.