A fundraising spin class will be held at Rhythm Ride Studio, 1100 S. Coast Highway, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, to benefit Laguna Beach local Rylie Rahall. Rylie attends Top of the World Elementary School and was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) in 2011, at the age of 2. A-T is a progressive disease that affects muscle control. A cure for the disease is in its infancy.
Rylie’s condition will progressively deteriorate, necessitating the use of an electric wheelchair, which she’ll receive this summer; however, private insurance will not cover the total cost. Also, modifications will be needed throughout the family home to make it possible to navigate from room to room. Modifications are also needed to their family vehicle.
Riders and supporters can register for the ride or donate at: helphopelive.org/campaign/15630/. All registered riders will receive a goodie bag and Rhythm Ride will hold a prize drawing for members of the community who are unable to participate in the spin class. Stephanie Chapel, studio owner, and Faye Cartmale will teach the class.
“We first learned about Rylie’s remarkable story at MOPs (Mother of Preschoolers), held at Laguna Beach Presbyterian,” Chapel said. “As parents ourselves, Faye and I knew straight away we wanted to support this brave, strong girl.”
For more information, contact Chapel at 949-677-9345 or email at [email protected].
Laguna Business Owner Gives Back
Mo Bonakdar, owner of Laguna Auto Service Center, 1779 S. Coast Highway, recently donated $2,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach in celebration of his 30 years of service to the community. At a recent board of director’s meeting, Michelle Ray Fortezzo, director of development, presented Bonakdar with a framed photo taken by a club member in appreciation for his company’s donation, which will help fund the programming needs essential to the mission of the club.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
On Saturday, April 27, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Laguna Beach Police Department will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host the DEA’s 17th annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
In 2017, approximately six million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for citizens to prevent drug addiction and overdose.
The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. Last fall, citizens turned in nearly 460 tons (more than 900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 state and local law enforcement partners.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day drop spot will be located in front of the Laguna Beach Police Department. Several members of the LBPD will be there to greet each community member and assist in the disposal of their prescription drugs. The Police Department will also have a sharps container to assist in the disposal of unwanted hypodermic needles. As a reminder, the usual methods of disposing of unused medications, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information, contact Sgt. Jim Cota at 949-464-6671 [email protected].
National Day of Prayer Returns May 2
The public is invited to join Fr. Ken Schmit for a prayer service in celebration of the National Day of Prayer at noon on May 2 at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Laguna Beach.
Heritage Month Kicks Off Next Week
The opening night celebration for Heritage Month is slated for Thursday, May 2, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the patio of Ocean at Main, 222 Ocean Avenue. The event is free and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Then on Saturday, May 4, the public is invited to take a free Laguna Artists Studio Trolley Tour. Take a step back in time and learn about Laguna founding artists and their studios. The trolley picks up at Loma Place in front of the police department at 12:30 p.m. and will depart at 1 p.m. Space is limited, so a reservation is required. RSVP to Clark Collins at [email protected].
Boys & Girls Club to Host Family Night May 3
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach will host a Family Night on Friday, May 3, from 6-8 p.m. The event will include a workshop to educate parents and caregivers on drug and alcohol prevention, a movie screening, and pizza, salad and refreshments served. Cost is $20 per family, andthe event takes place at the Main Branch, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road. This evening is open to all Boys & Girls families and the community, including non-members. For more information, contact Jennifer MacDonell at 949-715-7786, email [email protected] visit www.bgclagunabeach.org.
Spruce Up Your Wardrobe, Support Women in Peru
Thanks to generous community clothing donations, LBHS student Katelyn Kolberg has curated and styled outfits that will be sold at a pop-up boutique at Sourced, 950 Glenneyre Street, on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Kausakusun women’s shelter in Peru, where Kolberg volunteered last summer.
Kolberg’s goal is to raise $1,500. The money raised will pay for a sewing teacher and supplies at the shelter. The women at the shelter are fleeing abusive relationships and need the skills to become financially independent to take care of themselves and give their children a better life. Any clothing that is not sold will be donated to Laura’s House women’s shelter and Working Wardrobes in Orange County.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has dropped off clothing,” Kolberg said. “We received some amazing donations that include stylish new clothes, barely worn designer brands, and one-of-a-kind pieces.”
For those who want to help but can’t make it to the pop-up, monetary donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/manage/passionforperu.
Program Aims to Create a Kinder World
The community is invited to “Light the Way for Change,” a presentation sponsored by Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE), at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at Laguna Beach Artists Theater, 625 Park Avenue.
Tickets, $50, are available at wave.nationbuilder.com. The Jorg Dubin band will entertain, and Congressman Harley Rouda will make a special appearance.
Guest speakers will include Derek Black, former white nationalist and subject of “Rising Out of Hatred”by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Eli Saslow. Black’s father founded the online group Stormfront. His godfather was KKK leader David Duke.
Other speakers include Orange County residents Jeanne and Gideon Bernstein, the parents of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old Ivy League college student who was murdered in an alleged hate crime because he was gay. They have turned their tragedy into a nationwide movement dedicated to making the world a better place by confronting hate with kindness.
WAVE is a group of non-partisan Orange County women whose mission is to support progressive American values such as inclusivity, preservation of the environment, and the protection of civil, constitutional and human rights.
Mayor Bob Whalen to Speak at Next LCC Meeting
The next Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) dinner meeting will be held Monday, May 13, at seven7seven restaurant at the Art-A-Fair grounds, 777 Laguna Canyon Road.
Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen will discuss all things pertinent to Laguna, and audience members will have the opportunity to share comments and concerns with Whalen.
The event is open to the public. Reservations are required and space is limited. A no-host bar opens at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:35 p.m. and the program follows. After 5 p.m., free parking is available in the parking spaces marked Fuse, the building inland of seven7seven. The parking has also reopened on the ocean side of seven7seven.
LCC dues are $20 per person per calendar year. Dinner tickets are $15 for members or $20 for non-members. Those wishing to attend should make reservations by visiting www.lagunacanyonconservancy.org, emailing [email protected], or calling Linda at 714-812-6813.
