Around Town: Irvine walk to benefit MS research
Irvine walk to benefit MS research
The annual Irvine Walk MS, a fundraiser to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and money for support programs and medical research of the disease, is set for Saturday at UC Irvine.
The 2 1/2-mile walk will begin at 8 a.m. at 513 Aldrich Hall and is expected to attract more than 5,000 people. The fundraising goal is $477,000.
MS is an often disabling disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
To register or donate for the walk, visit walkcas.nationalmssociety.org. For more information, call (800) 486-6762 or email [email protected].
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Newport police team a winner in Baker to Vegas race
For the 11th year in a row, the Newport Beach Police Department placed first in its category in the 31st annual Baker to Vegas 120-Mile Challenge Cup Relay.
Running teams from 278 law enforcement agencies from around the world competed March 28 and 29. The Newport Beach team won the 150 Division and placed 20th overall.
Twenty runners, four alternates and about 20 support personnel participated for Newport Beach in the nonstop race, which included climbing 5,000 feet in elevation and descending through winding back roads of the Mojave Desert. The team completed the course in 15 hours, 23 minutes.
“The heat coming off the desert roadway at the beginning of this race measured 128 degrees,” Police Chief Jay Johnson said in a statement. “Running under such grueling conditions requires not only good physical fitness but tremendous mental toughness and discipline.”
All participants trained on their own time and paid their own way, according to Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella. Sponsors contributed money for the entry fee, team running shirts, support vehicles and other expenses, she said.
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Irvine schools rank high in survey
Irvine Unified was ranked as one of the best school districts for the buck among 375 California districts in a recent survey by financial website NerdWallet.
Irvine beat out all other Orange County districts to place 11th in an analysis based on affordability, class sizes, standardized test scores and college readiness. The data used, from 2013, was from the U.S. Census Bureau and the state Department of Education.
Irvine Unified students posted an average SAT score of 1813 and a 95.5% graduation rate, according to NerdWallet. The average student-to-teacher ratio was 24.87 to 1, and the median home price in the district was $639,900.
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Leadership Tomorrow award nominees sought
Leadership Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that presents a series of nine workshops designed to help residents pursue civic leadership roles in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach and Tustin, is seeking nominations for an Outstanding Community Leadership Award to be presented at the group’s Celebrating Leadership event May 27 at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.
To make a nomination, send the person’s name and the reason for the nomination to Jeff Parker, executive director of Leadership Tomorrow, at [email protected] or visit leadershiptomorrow.org. The Leadership Tomorrow board of directors will review the nominations and select an honoree.
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Irvine victim-services workers to be honored
Mandy Mount, director of UC Irvine’s Campus Assault Resources and Education Office, will receive a Victim Service Award from Community Service Programs at the nonprofit’s annual Victims’ Rights Conference on Tuesday in Garden Grove.
Last year, Mount secured funding from UCI to contract with CSP for a full-time advocate at the UCI CARE Office for student victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Mount also helps with programs such as Adopt a Family and the annual UCI Take Back the Night event, according to a news release.
Jennifer Reed of Irvine, supervisor for Community Service Programs’ dispute resolution services, will receive the Distinguished Service Award.
Reed has led the mediation program since 2007.
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OCC exhibit addresses abuse against women
An Orange Coast College exhibit designed to raise awareness of physical and sexual violence against women will continue through April 24 at the campus arts building, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.
“Exposing Scars: Giving Abused Women a Voice,” created by photographic artist Jennifer George, features stories from more than 20 women, plus video footage and art images.
An artist reception is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the arts building.
For more information, email [email protected].