Shorts: Bay Area

JCC lifeguard victim of S.F. SUV rampage

A 23-year-old JCC lifeguard biking home after his shift was one of more than a dozen people hit by an SUV in San Francisco's hit-and-run rampage.

Jesse Morris was cycling westbound on the sidewalk on California Street when the vehicle allegedly driven by suspect Omeed Aziz Popal struck him from behind on Tuesday, Aug. 29. JCC of San Francisco security guards say Morris may have heard the car coming at the last second and leapt off of his bicycle. Morris, who was released from the hospital with relatively minor injuries on the same day, was unavailable for comment.

An Asian man walking in front of the JCC was also struck by the SUV and hospitalized.

Popal, a recently married Afghani immigrant, allegedly hit at least 15 pedestrians and cyclists at a dozen locations in San Francisco and Fremont with his Honda Pilot, killing at least one as of press time.

The motive for the rampage remains unclear, though relatives claimed the 29-year-old had a history of mental illness.




Ritualist changes its name

The Berkeley-based organization known as the Ritualist has changed its name to Jewish Milestones.

The organization serves as a resource for those seeking Jewish lifecycles and rituals, often outside the framework of a synagogue.

The organization's new Web site is www.JewishMilestones.org.




Volunteers needed for Palo Alto festival

The To Life! Jewish Cultural Street Festival in Palo Alto is seeking volunteers to help out with a variety of tasks.

The annual communitywide festival of Jewish music and food, which takes place Sunday, Sept. 17, usually draws about 10,000 people.

Anyone who works a two-hour shift will get a free T-shirt. Information: www.tolifefestival.org or call Margaret at (650) 704-9060.




Salon to discuss mourning

Lee L. Pollak, a social worker and creator of NextSteps, an outreach program for mourners, will speak at a salon in Yountville on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Pollak, who is an expert in grief and mourning, will share Jewish teachings on the subject of how to build a "caring community."

The salon will feature wine, cheese and discussion for $35, with proceeds going to Congregation Beth Sholom of Napa Valley. It will be held at Gordon's Café and Wine Bar, 6770 Washington St., Yountville.

To RSVP, send a check with name and phone number to Salon 3 at CBS, 1455 Elm St., Napa, CA 94559. Information: (707) 944-9773.