Briefly in the news

On March 20, more than two dozen sports celebrities will tee off in the

inaugural Mazda Open Celebrity Golf Tournament at Mesa Verde Country

Club.

Proceeds from the tournament will fund OCC’s new Arts Pavilion.

“Mazda North American Operations is committed to supporting organizations

that contribute to improving the quality of life in the communities in

which we live and do business,” said Jay Amstoy, a spokesman for Mazda

Motor Co. of America. “We are proud to sponsor our first celebrity golf

tournament in Orange County.”

Celebrities scheduled to participate include: Pro Football Hall of Famers

Eric Dickerson, former running back with the Los Angeles Rams, and

legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkis; former Los Angeles Lakers

Kurt Rambis and Norm Nixon; J.J. Stokes, wide receiver with the San

Francisco 49ers; and Karim Abdul Jabbar, running back with the Washington

Redskins.

Construction on the $2-million structure is scheduled to begin in 2002.

The 8,500-square-foot Arts Pavilion will be built next to the new

$15-million Arts Center on campus.

Registration for the tournament opens at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start

at 11 a.m. An on-course barbecue luncheon will be served.

Anyone who shoots a hole-in-one will win a new 2000 Mazda MPV.

Individuals and corporate participants must reserve a spot by Friday.

For more information, call (949) 727-6304.