Changes are underway in the La Jolla Village Merchants Association with the resignation of its vice president and postponement of its Persian New Year festival, which she organized.
Vice President Elnaz Iraj, who had spearheaded the annual “Views of Nowruz” festival, announced at the group’s Feb. 11 meeting that she would be stepping down.
“It’s very bittersweet,” she said. “I have served on the board for three years now and have loved every minute of it. But there are so many things going on in my life right now that I feel like I need to focus on … and my business.”
LJVMA Executive Director Jodi Rudick said there was a “practical reason and a personal reason” for Iraj’s departure. None was specified, but alluding to the personal reason, Rudick offered “our best wishes and … prayers to your family.”
Iraj, a local real estate agent, shepherded the first and second “Views of Nowruz” in 2024-25. The 2024 springtime festival marked the first time there had been an organized Persian New Year celebration in La Jolla.
Festivities included music, dancers, Persian food and a Haft Seen, or 7 Seen, table. The Haft Seen table showcases seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter ‘S’ (pronounced “seen”). The items include senjed (dried fruit of the lotus tree), which signifies love and affection, and somaq (sumac berries), which signify sunrise and the triumph of good over evil.
This year’s festival was planned for March 18 but has been postponed because of ongoing conflict in Iran.
Since Dec. 28, demonstrations have erupted across Iran against the Islamic Republic government, and an ensuing crackdown has led to reports of thousands of protesters being killed.
“As Iranians living outside of Iran, we are constantly glued to the news, watching, waiting and checking every moment to see what is happening to our people, our families and our homeland,” Iraj wrote on the LJVMA blog. “With everything unfolding in Iran and oppression by the Islamic regime, this does not feel like a time to celebrate.
“What we always loved most about our Nowruz celebration was its simplicity. It was never about religion or politics. It was about spring, renewal and our Persian New Year. It reminded us of home, of family, of childhood memories and of the happy moments we once shared. But this year is different.”
Iraj wrote that the event is not being canceled but rather postponed “until a time when joy feels right again.”
LJVMA decided to wait until March to fill Iraj’s spot on the board, given that no candidates had come forward indicating interest. The board also agreed to appoint someone as vice president next month.
The board next meets at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The agenda will be available at lajollabythesea.com. ♦