Local News In Brief : Lakers to Lead Anti-Drug Rally

The Los Angeles Lakers will lead another Inglewood anti-drug effort next month at a rally for Inglewood Unified School District students at the Forum.

On April 4, Laker players and Coach Pat Riley will speak at a “Just Say No to Drugs” rally organized by city, school and team officials. Also scheduled to speak are Inglewood police officers who teach classes in drug-abuse prevention to fifth- and sixth-graders.

Meanwhile, Lakers representatives and Mayor Edward Vincent have nominated Inglewood for an “All-America City” award, citing past community efforts, including a Lakers-sponsored fund-raising walk-a-thon last year for drug-fighting efforts.

The New York-based National Civic League makes the “All America City” award each year to 10 cities that are judged to have taken “constructive approaches to solving problems.”

In an application submitted last week, Vincent, Laker Wives member Chris Riley and Forum community services President Marilyn Baumeister asked the National Civic League to consider Inglewood because of the city’s drug education and prevention campaign involving the Lakers, schools, police task forces and community groups. Award winners will be chosen in May.