The Crowd: 144 teed up for Kure for Cancer’s ‘Rivals Cup’ tourney, raising $160,000

The 2021 Kure It Cancer Research Foundation’s fourth annual “Rivals Cup” teed off at Pelican Hill Resort in June, welcoming a field of 144 golfers raising serious money to fight serious cancer.

An estimated $160,000 was raised to fund research for lesser known and lesser funded cancer research projects. Lakers legends James Worthy and Byron Scott headlined the golf event front and center as checks were presented to both UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and USC Norris.

Lakers Showtime-era superstars James Worthy and Byron Scott attend the Rivals Cup golf tournament raising money for Kure It Cancer Research on June 11.

(Courtesy of Tony Lattimore)

In the crowd were Burton Young, president of Sperry Equities; Todd Perry, chief financial officer of Briggs Electric; Drew Hoeven, Julia Alai, Charles Byerly, Paul McDonald and Marianne Nahin.

Also supporting the cause were Anaheim Ducks star Ryan Getzlaf, PJ McKaig, Hossein Karmini and Casey Duryee.

Mr. Irrelevant Grant Stuard with his wife Josie at Newport Aquatic Center during a day of water sports as a part of Irrelevant Week.

(Courtesy of Kasey Randall)

He was the final pick in the seventh round (259th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft. Grant Stuard, a linebacker who served as football team captain in high school before going on to play for University of Houston, will move to Tampa Bay in hopes of earning a place on Tom Brady’s squad. He may have been the last NFL pick this year, but in Newport Beach recently he was crowned Mr. Irrelevant and was feted as the No. 1 guy in town.

Former USC and pro football player Paul Salata, a longtime Newport resident, business leader and community activist who’s now living his best 90 odd years on the planet, launched Irrelevant Week some 50 NFL drafts ago as a way to celebrate and recognize the underdog. His lifelong motivation has always been to lend a hand to the people in need, not just in football, but in life.

Salata’s daughter, Melanie Salata Fitch, carries on the legacy today running the show, which is no small operation. The weeklong Irrelevant celebration in Newport Beach is packed with events, culminating in the Lowsman Banquet with proceeds earmarked for charity. The 2021 beneficiaries were R.M. Pyles Boy’s Camp and Costa Mesa’s Serving People In Need (SPIN).

Irrelevant Week chairman Melanie Fitch, “Jack Sparrow” and Police Chief John Lewis at Irrelevant Week banquet held at the Cannery Restaurant honoring Grant Stuard on June 28.

(Courtesy of Kasey Randall)

The big night unfolded June 28 at Ron Salisbury’s Cannery Restaurant in Newport Beach. Salisbury, patriarch of the El Cholo Family dining dynasty, generously hosted the dinner evening welcoming more than 200 guests from the worlds of sports, business, government and philanthropy in the region.

“My dad always said that football gave him a leg up in life and the ability to make a little money and start a business. He wanted to pay this forward to others and that has been the simple message all these years behind the Mr. Irrelevant story,” Fitch said.

Sports broadcaster John Ireland joined Fitch co-emceeing the night roasting Stuard, who with his beautiful new wife Josie, impressed the crowd with his intelligent, serious, presence and stature. Ireland commented, “Big things are in front of you. We can all tell you have what it takes. We’ll be watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers closely to celebrate your progress.”

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett debuts her new book, a collection titled “Palm Springs Noir” in association with local writers contributing short stories.

(Courtesy of Adele Peters)

Our very own literary round table leader behind the well-known Newport writer’s salon, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, debuts her latest book “Palm Springs Noir.” Her work joins a collection of stories crafted by accomplished local writers including T. Jefferson Parker, Janet Fitch, Ken Layne, J.D. Horn, Alex Espinoza, Rob Roberge, Eric Beetner, Kelly Shire, Michael Craft, Rob Bowman, Tod Goldberg and Chris J. Bahnsen.
The book debuted July 6.

“The best noir writers make us feel the heat of the sun, the touch of a lover. Setting can be gritty but can also be sublime, no longer relegated to urban locales and seedy hotel rooms but also mansions and swimming pools” says DeMarco-Barrett. “Hence, Palm Springs, which may seem like an odd setting for a collection of dark short stories — it’s so sunny and bright here. The quality of light is unlike anywhere else, and with an average of 300 sunny days a year, what could go wrong?”

Published by Akashic Books, “Palm Springs Noir” is available online and in stores now.

On June 12, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris was joined by Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and culinary staff to present a resolution in recognition of Toast Kitchen + Bakery.

(Courtesy of Lizzie Cootsona)

The State of California recently directed a spotlight on the Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (74th district) honored the local establishment joining Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens in recognizing their contribution to the community over the pandemic year.

“This restaurant not only has delicious food but also is an incredible member of the Orange County community,” said Petrie-Norris. “During the pandemic, the owners donated meals to those hit hardest and strive to hire youth that have been formerly homeless, have struggled with addiction or have been incarcerated.”

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