Janine Robinson

Turning GOP in O.C.

Published on October 31, 2002

An emerging conservatism among Jews has rattled traditional Southern California partisan allegiances, and local Republicans are claiming a surge of new Jewish recruits. But in Orange County, one of the most conservative strongholds in the nation, party leaders say the migration has been going on for years.

"I think it has been rather consistent and ongoing for quite some time," said Tom Fuentes, chairman of the O.C. Republican Party. "What I've seen is a philosophical motivation among practicing Jews involved with their faith finding a value compatibility with the values of the Republican Party."

All by Himself

Published on October 3, 2002

Few performers have the talent and magnetism to carry a one-person show by singing old Broadway show tunes, sentimental ballads and Yiddish classics. But Mandy Patinkin, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning showman, consistently entertains, even electrifies, the most urbane audiences singing his eclectic mix of popular songs, usually sharing the stage only with his piano player and a flowering pot or two.