Relief Effort Gets Assist From Southland Sports

Southland teams and various sports venues and organizations are donating and/or offering opportunities this weekend for fans to contribute to various relief efforts for victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

Among them:

* The Kings and Galaxy announced that proceeds from remaining tickets for tonight’s Kings’ game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Staples Center and the Galaxy’s playoff game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Home Depot Center would be donated to the American Red Cross Fire Disaster Relief Fund. The teams have pledged to raise at least $250,000.

* The Lakers said they would give all proceeds from Staples Center auctions of NBA memorabilia at their nine November home games to the American Red Cross and also would match the auction money up to $100,000. Items to be auctioned include autographed jerseys of current and former Lakers, plus other NBA standouts.

* The California Speedway at Fontana will play host to a “Race for Relief” today and Sunday, serving as a drop-off location for items to aid victims, including nonperishable food, baby food, diapers, new or like-new clothes, towels, blankets and toys. Monetary donations will be collected for the American Red Cross. Gates will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

* Bridgestone Motorsports has donated $10,000 to “Race for Relief.”

* Irwindale Speedway will conduct a raffle in conjunction with its weekly program tonight, proceeds going to fire-relief charities.

* The San Diego Chargers are encouraging fans to send donations to the San Diego Fire Relief Fund (P.O. Box 609609, San Diego, CA 92160). Team owner Alex Spanos donated $1 million Friday to the fund, and the team raised $225,000 at its game Monday against the Miami Dolphins at Tempe, Ariz.

* Mountain High ski area will donate 50% of opening-day ticket revenues to the Red Cross Fire Disaster Relief Fund. Opening day will be either Sunday or Monday.

In a related development, the California International Auto Show is offering a 50% discount to sports fans holding tickets to canceled sports events. The show is being held this weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center.