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OluKai invited paddlers and islanders to share a true Hawaiian experience at its Inaugural Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival on the North Shore of Maui. The event celebrated the Ocean lifestyle and the island culture by giving the gift of Aloha back to Hawaii and the paddling community. The OluKai Ho’olaule’a featured an OC1 race and a Stand Up Paddle race starting from Maliko Gulch and ending at Kanaha Beach Park. Although racers typically face this eight mile downwind course with the support of 20-30 knot gusts propelling them from behind, on both race days, paddlers faced the grueling conditions of calm winds and glassy water.

The finale of both courses added to the drama and ignited spectators’ enthusiasm. The OC1 race featured a 180 degree buoy turn and sprint to a waterline finish. The SUP race was highlighted with a 200 yard run finish over a rugged coral filled sand beach. In a sport that is often supported by the paddlers themselves, OluKai awarded the contestants of the Ho’olaule’a with $15,000 in cash prizes split equally between men and women.

Andrea Moller swept the women’s competition both days, coming in first with a time of 59:27.3 in the
OC1 race and 1:21:21.5 in the Stand Up race. Manny Kulukulualani crossed the men’s OC1 finish line at
53:28.9, serving a humble tribute to his native Hawaiian land. Stand Up Paddle icon Dave Kalama swiftly
captured the top finish time of the course coming in at 1:08:18.4, nearly two minutes ahead of his
trailing competition.

“At the end of the day, even though we are all out there trying to beat each other into submission, when
we get on the beach it’s all handshakes and talking about how fun it was,” said Kalama. “It can be so
serious on the water but when you get on the beach there’s a lot of Aloha and there’s a lot of
camaraderie.”

Community members were welcomed into the OluKai ‘Ohana as they participated in authentic Hawaiian
activities. Locals and tourists alike experienced the thrill of riding OluKai’s iconic yellow and brown
Kamakakoa sailing canoe. Families and kids enjoyed the island heritage and culture with an array of
ancient Hawaiian games, hosted by Maui Cultural Lands.

Saturday’s festivities were accented with the serenades of talented Hawaiian musician Paula Fuga as she
and her band performed to an intimate crowd in the beautiful outdoor setting of Kanaha Beach Park.
Her soulful sound enhanced the community’s gathering of a traditional Hawaiian luau presented by the
Lae Ula Canoe Club.

“The true meaning of Aloha is to love without expectation,” said Ed Lindsey, Project Director for Maui
Cultural Lands. This inspiring organization is one of the members of OluKai’s ‘Ohana Giveback Program
that benefitted from receiving part of the event’s proceeds. Other members include the Hawaiian
Lifeguard Association and Team Kamakakoa. OluKai further embodied the Aloha spirit by contributing
$6,000 to its ‘Ohana Giveback programs.

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Saddleback Church has been a focal point for many South O.C. residents. Its faithful community and friendly local residents consistently reach out to others to share their ministries and beliefs. The church offers a bountiful amount of extra curricular activities for others to enjoy and grow both spiritually, personally and even professionally. This Monday May 3, 2010, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., Saddleback Church reaches out to Southern California with its monthly Network Mixer and Career Fair.

The Career Coaching and Counseling Ministry, a volunteer organization that provides free support to local residents during career transitions, is responsible for organizing the event. This week’s Network Mixer and Career Fair dedicates its efforts to bringing job-seekers and employers together in partnership to build a better future.

Saddleback Church extends this business opportunity to the community on the first Monday of each Month. The gathering is free to employers and typically draws over 500 prepared professionals of diverse demographics from Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside Counties. The diversity of job seekers at the mixer generally span the entire spectrum of business, from front-line employees to c-level executives.

The primary purpose of the event is networking that resonates between participants and potential employers. The schedule includes a Welcome, Networking Session, Employer Introductions and Career Fair. It will be held on the main campus of the church at the Worship Center.

In addition to the event, the Career Coaching and Counseling Ministry also offers weekly meetings to help move people along their path to success. Topics include a skills and abilities analysis, resume writing, interviewing, marketing, and one-on-one coaching among others.

Rick and Kay Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1979. The two dreamed of creating a church that would be “a place where the hurting, depressed, and confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness and encouragement.” Its expansive campus and members now provide over 200 ministries to the community. 

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On Monday, May 3, 2010, tee up at Annual UCLA Orange County Golf Classic at the Coto de Caza Club to make a difference in the life of an incoming Bruin student.

The event is presented in partnership between the UCLA Alumni Association of Orange County, the UCLA Fund and the school’s athletics department. The university is central to the lives of countless alumni, students, athletes, educators and the 38 million people of California, while only 13% of its operating budget comes from the State of California. This tournament gives impacted residents the opportunity to share school pride with an impressive group of Bruin VIPs, while making a difference in other’s life.

Special guests from around the UCLA community will be present to compete and mingle with tournament members. The all-star lineup includes: All-America safety and two-time Super Bowl champion, James Washington, former UCLA softball national champion and Head Softball Coach, Sue Enquist, the “Voice of the Bruins,” Chris Roberts, and former sports editor for the Los Angeles Times, Bill Dwyre among others.

The Annual UCLA Golf Classic hosts a full day of excitement. Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by a VIP and Sponsor breakfast. Competition will start with a bang as the tournament begins by the sound of a gunshot. Participants and guests are invited to wind down from the day with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Dinner will open at 6 p.m. with entertainment and an activating live auction.

Any Bruin or affiliated fan will find the auction items to be irresistible. Packages currently include: a VIP seating package and two tickets to a UCLA Pac-10 men’s basketball game with access to the pregame champagne brunch, two highly sought-after courtside seats and an exclusive Rose Bowl experience package with four premium seats on the 40-yard line. More surprises are less than a week away.

The UCLA Golf Classic Committee reminds interested parties that tickets for the tournament are selling out rapidly. For more information and to sign up visit the event website at http://www.uclagolfclassic.com and questions may be directed towards Julie Sager (class of 74’) at UCLAGolfClassic@UCLAlumni.net.

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The city of Mission Viejo seeks to stimulate the environment of local businesses this Thursday April 22 at its South O.C. Business Expo.

The event will be held at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge from 5 to 7 p.m. It is designed to connect local business owners with others in their community to build lasting relationships and strengthen their client base. The power of networking is endless and can have a profound effect on the success of a business.

Many professionals consider networking to be a more cost-effective method of generating business compared to advertising or public relations efforts. It is often a rewarding way to create buzz and relies more on personal commitment then company investment.

With the recent surge in online social media, personal connections can now be made by a simple click. This wild frontier has obvious advantages if leveraged right, but unlike in-person networking, online communication can lack certain sincerity at times. That is where the South O.C. Business Expo comes into play. This event allows business people to build one-on-one relationships with like-minded community members that can yield to further referrals via that same connection.

Some of the many exhibitors at the South O.C. Expo include Farmers Insurance, American Alarm, Network Consulting Group, Engineers without Borders and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit three different charity organizations: American Cancer Society: Relay for Life, Engineers without Borders and High Hopes. Several items will be raffled off during the networking event to aid these inspirational organizations.

Do not miss your chance to network for your company’s success. Connect, Engage and Grow at the South O.C. Business Expo this Thursday, April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elks Lodge, located at 25092 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo. The cost is a mere $10 but the potential is endless.

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This weekend, April 24 and 25, join the Rocky Road Runs starting at Coto de Caza’s own Sports Park.

The weekend offers four courses to racers who want to run through: a half marathon, full marathon, fifty mile race and for experienced runners, a one hundred mile race. Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 runners for all races, and 50-mile finishers will receive quality metals as a reward for their challenge. The valiant 100-mile racers will grasp the prize of excellence with championship Belt Buckles to display their endurance and commitment to the race and the sport of running.

For those new to the sport, the half marathon is a 13.1-mile course that will travel entirely through horse trails and has relatively modest hills. The scenic route will give participants beautiful views of Coto de Caza and the canyon areas.

As the challenge gets more advanced, runners can sign up for the full marathon. This is a 26.2 mile race is on the course of the half marathon, with an additional out-and-back run. Participants and crewmembers are advised that the track will climb a total of 3,000 feet in elevation.

The fifty-mile race will reward experienced runners with spectacular views of Coto de Caza, the canyons and the surrounding mountains. The elevation climb is a testing 5,500 feet with a unique combination of urban and rural trails. There will be a generous 18-hour time limit for completing the race.

The signature event of the Rocky Road Run is the 100-mile run through urban and rural trails with views of the canyon and mountain areas. There will be a modest climb of 11,000 feet in elevation. There will be a special aid station during dark hours of the event where racers can rest, recover and rejuvenate on their way to the finish. The cut off limit will be set at 32 hours, giving racers plenty of time to complete this epic journey.

A pre-race dinner will be offered on Friday April 23 at 5 p.m. for the longer strides of 50-and-100-mile runs. Participants are welcome to bring one crewmember to dinner without charge and RSVP is requested. Dinner will be held at 15 Lilac Lane in Coto De Caza, racers will be given directions from the gate if needed and should tell the attendant that they are with the Charlie Alewine group.

Aid stations will be available approximately every five minutes throughout every scheduled race. Registration prices vary by race distance: $60 for half marathon, $70 for full marathon, $110 for the fifty-mile race and $175 for the 100-mile race. 

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This Thursday, April 22, Mission Viejo is hosting its South O.C. Boutique featuring talented local vendors while supporting the efforts of inspiring charity organizations in the community.

The South O.C. Boutique will be held at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge from 12 to 3 p.m. Personal representatives from major jewelry and cosmetics lines will be present to showcase seasonal items and provide shoppers with an inside look to fashion and beauty trends. Cookie Lee Jewelry, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Tupperware and Scentsy Candles will all have space at the event.

Local artists and crafters will also bring their treasures to share with shoppers. These fine creations make the perfect gift for mom this upcoming Mother’s Day to say “Thank You” and celebrate her love. The neighboring vendors providing their talents to the community include Sassy Susies Crafts, Mrs. Flatleys Shortbread, Celebrating Home, Blissful Pleasures, Xocai Healthy Chocolate, Apriori Beauty and more.

The South O.C. Boutique will benefit three non-profit organizations: The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Engineers without Borders and High Hopes. Several items will be raffled off during the event with proceeds from ticket purchases donated to support the efforts of these programs in the community.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is a public event for communities across the globe the chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. Look out for local Relays in the next few months.

Dubbed the “Blueprint Brigade,” by Time Magazine, Engineers Without Borders helps create a more stable and prosperous world by addressing people’s basic human needs. The service of over 12,000 members today helps bring clean water, power, sanitation and education to families around the world.

High Hopes is a non-profit charitable organization that is dedicated to aiding individuals and families that have been affected by traumatic brain injury. Their programs help to provide rehabilitation and training while supporting scholarship assistance for families who are in great need.

This is truly a wonderful opportunity to shop for a cause.

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“Criança…bambino…kind…enfant.” These words all have the exact same meaning – Child. Although the expressed language may vary, the love of a child surpasses all nations and boundaries. This Friday, April 23, at 7 p.m., O.C. Public Libraries and the city of RSM present a free screening of the acclaimed international film Children of Heaven.

Written and directed by Magid Magidi, the film tells the story of a young, Iranian brother and sister and their adventures over a lost pair of shoes. The audience is drawn into the world of Ali and his family as they struggle to reach for some of the most basic of human needs. It is a story of living in simplicity, protecting loved ones and the bond that is shared between young siblings.

Magid Magidi was born in the same city where his film takes place. He has found praise as a film director, producer and screenwriter. His first film in 1981 was a short documentary entitled Explosion (Enfejar). Since then he has made seventeen films including Children of Heaven. He continues to bring his artistic visions to life and is currently in production of his next film, Kashmir Afloat.

Children of Heaven was shot in Tehran, Iran, where the producers attempted to keep the filming a secret in order to capture a more realistic portrait of the city. The film premiered in February 1997 at the country’s Fajr Film Festival where it was honored several national film awards.

The motion picture hit U.S. theaters in January 1999 and enjoyed a box office total of $930,000. With international praise just beginning, Children of Heaven soon became a notable title worldwide due to an Oscar nomination and high profile film reviews. Roger Ebert’s review in the Chicago Sun Times called it “very nearly a perfect movie for children…and glows with a kind of good-hearted purity.”

Don’t miss this incredible film. The Show Begins at RSM Library located at 30902 La Promesa. Children of Heaven is rated PG-13 and viewing is absolutely free. For more information call 949-459-6094.

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“Let It Be, Speaking Words of Wisdom, Let It Be…” Millions recognize these lyrics as they were sung long ago by the international band sensation known as The Beatles. But does the adoring public know the truth that reveals itself behind the scenes? This Saturday April 24 at 5 p.m., the former manager of the famed musical group, Ken Mansfield, will visit Mission Viejo to speak about his personal experiences at Mount of Olives Church.

Ken Mansfield is a Grammy Award-winning record producer, former U.S. Manager of Apple Records, an influential executive for several record labels, songwriter and author of three books. His credentials are vast, but his inspirations are even larger. This event shares the spiritual side of one of the most influential leaders in the music industry.

Mansfield will share with the Mission Viejo community how God used his successes and failures in the music industry in order to bring him into a relationship with himself. The presentation at Mount of Olives Church includes a short film describing his time as the U.S. Manager of The Beatles’ Apple Records.

Apple Records is a record label that was founded by The Beatles in 1968 and was initially intended as a creative outlet for the band. It was meant to release the art of the group, its individual musicians and a handful of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor and Billy Preston. Ken Mansfield was the U.S. Manager of Apple Records since its creation. He would grow to find out that his involvement with the label was just the beginning of his prosperous and challenging life in the music industry. This is a great opportunity for people to hear how God brought him out of a life of decadence and ultimately despair, into a new life filled with love, joy and hope.

Mount of Olives Church is of Lutheran Denomination and is currently led by Pastor John Steward. The congregation believes that all living things grow through their personal relationship with God. The direction of the church is focused on offering the experience of faith through the works of small group ministry. The church provides special groups for women, men, teens and children. It also lives and strengthens its community through extra-curricular activity groups including golfing and exercise.

Mount of Olives Church is located at 24772 Chrisanta Drive in Mission Viejo. There will be childcare services offered during the presentation. The church offers worship services Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. with the option of a Saturday service at 5 p.m. Ken Mansfield will be speaking at all services this weekend only. To learn more about the church and its beliefs please visit its website at http://www.moochurch.org.

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The décor of a house is often what makes it a home. For those who have dreamed about remodeling but simply do not know where to start, the upcoming Bathroom Design & Remodeling Workshop will help to kick-start creativity.

The event will be held at the charming Ayres Hotel & Spa in Mission Viejo on Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Attendees will learn valuable information and gain beneficial insights about the remodeling process. Inspiration is easy to find when innovation and tradition give new meaning to decorating.

The Bathroom Design & Remodeling Workshop is one of a series of award winning workshops specifically for those interested in remodeling their home. Insights are delivered directly by industry experts as they share design tips, finish trends, new bath products, aging in place and more! The skills and techniques learned at this session will allow a simple idea to be transformed into a masterpiece.

Do not hesitate to sign up now. This special event is reserved for adults above the age of 21. Early registration is highly recommended. Early-bird registration is $20 per household, or $25 per household at the door. Starbucks coffees, juices, fruit salad, yogurt, fresh bagels and pastries will set for a sweet experience for attendees upon arrival.

To learn more or to register for the Bathroom Design & Remodeling Workshop please call 949-861-3400 or visit the website at http://seapointe.com/designworkshops.htm. It is more than redecorating. It is a lifestyle makeover for a home.

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“Put PLAY in your Day!” These are the words that are singing from the lips of all of the staff members at Mission Viejo’s local Saddleback Valley YMCA this week. The upcoming 19th Annual Healthy Kids Day Festival happening this Saturday, April 17, is what inspires this energizing little phrase. Now it is your turn to sing along.

This special family friendly event is held at YMCA’s across the nation, and now it is O.C.’s turn to shine. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and will run until mid afternoon at 2 p.m. and the best part is, the day is absolutely FREE!

“We will have local businesses and wellness vendors as well as several activities for families and kids that promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Elizabeth Bishop, Membership and Marketing for the Mission Viejo YMCA.

This is a great chance for kids, and kids-at-heart, to explore new and stimulating experiences. Dive into the fun and bring a swimsuit for the open swim or lace up the sneakers for indoor soccer games. Get creative with the face-painting artists, or build up at the interactive Lego exhibit. The Healthy Kids Day will also spark competition with an inflatable obstacle course and a fitness challenge with the U.S. Army.

The party does not stop there! Some curious creatures will be joining in on the excitement at the Lizard Wizard Reptile Show. Learning and living are at top priorities as the Fire and Police Departments will be there to encourage safety tips for the youngsters. Local vendors will also be there with free giveaways, and parents can spark their interests by browsing through the Mother’s Day Boutique featuring the charms of local artistry.

The first 500 kids will receive a free goodie bag to compliment their sparkling smiles. All of the activities offered at the event are sure to work up an appetite and Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill will be on site with for-purchase grub. Do not miss this chance to share memories and a healthy lifestyle with your children and loved ones.

Saddleback Valley YMCA is located at 27341 Trabuco Circle in Mission Viejo. For more information, please visit the venue’s website at www.ymcaoc.org or call Elizabeth Bishop at 949.380.3503. Those who mention of visiting the chapter’s website will receive five free raffle tickets!