LAGUNA BEACH PD GETS “MUGGED”ON RELAY RACE FROM BAKER TO VEGAS
The Laguna Beach Police Department successfully fielded its 15th team participating in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup relay race over the weekend. Started in 1985 by two Los Angeles PD officers, the race has grown from 19 law enforcement teams and 400 participants to over 6000 runners from 278 teams in 2024. 20 runners from the Laguna Beach PD were supported by 11 volunteers over the 120-mile course, which started just outside Baker, California and worked its way over rural roads through the desert, ending at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas.
The Laguna Beach team completed the run in 16 hours and 42 minutes, beating their previous best time by over an hour. Finishing in 6th place among departments with 150 or fewer officers allowed them to be “mugged” – provided with commemorative beer mugs signifying their top-tier position.
“This has been a spectacular year for the Laguna Beach PD in the Baker to Vegas Challenge,” exclaimed Chief Jeff Calvert. “I was honored to be part of the team lead by Sergeant Fred Yeilding. Every one of the 20 officers was integral to the win, our best effort to date.”
Added Sergeant Yeilding, “This is my first year as team captain, and I could not be more proud of this team and our top-half finish. I look forward to improving our time and finishing in the top 3 next year! I also want to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who made this year the best yet.”
Team expenses were supported by a matching grant from the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation. By raising $7500 in contributions from a wide range of organizations serving the Laguna Beach community, the Foundation’s matching $7500 enabled the team to comfortably meet their goal for the year. Sponsors included: Rivian, Melin, Tuttle Click, Laguna Beach Construction and Builders, Raw Elements, Alohana, Pro Baller, Monster Energy Cares, the Scott and Deanne O’Brien Foundation, Alessa chef Alessandro Pirozzi, nutrition company HVMN, Open Water, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union and the Laguna Beach Police Employees Association.
Glenn Gray, president of the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation, noted, “We are devoted to supporting the wellbeing of our officers, professional staff and their families. Much of that comes through scholarships and emergency assistance grants, but the Baker to Vegas Challenge provides us an opportunity to promote team-building and camaraderie within the force. It’s been a privilege to work with the race team and volunteers on this effort.”
As a federally tax exempt non-profit public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3), the LBPCF is able to accept tax-deductible donations to support its work. Please visit the Foundation’s website at www.lbpcf.org to learn more, sign up for future updates and contribute to the Foundation.