LJ High rallies to defeat budget woes The Foundation of La Jolla High School (LJHS) is gathering the troops at 7 a.m. on Nov. 15 for a Conquer the Cuts II rally to battle against devastating budget cuts to public schools in San Diego. To date, the Foundation has raised $60,000 toward its $150,000 goal, which will be used to fill in the gaps from the financial shortfall at LJHS due to district budget cuts. The rally will take place at the corner of Fay and Nautilus, where students, teachers, parents and Foundation members will gather with signs urging local businesses, parents and the community at large to support the cause. For more information about the foundation or to make a donation to the Conquer the Cuts II campaign, visit www.ljhs.sandi.net/foundation. LJ Karate teaches more than defense La Jolla Karate co-owners Mark Truscott and Ian Sheres are not only teaching youth the values of character development, they are practicing what they preach. The pair recently raised more than $3,000 for the Parent-Teacher Organization at La Jolla Elementary School (LJES), which will be used to fund its cultural arts program. In addition to martial arts and self-defense, students in the school’s after-school Life Lessons Character Development program learn the values of self-discipline, focus, attention, self-confidence, self-control, courtesy and respect at the weekly sessions. “The children learn basic martial arts skills and self defense, but the main focus was on life lessons and character development,” said Truscott. “Each lesson had an assignment to be completed both at home and at school. Every student was accountable to complete all the lessons in order to graduate and earn their first karate belt.” For nearly a decade, La Jolla Karate instructors have hosted the program at schools in North County, donating 100 percent of the proceeds — more than $100,000 so far — to schools. La Jolla Karate launched its inaugural program at LJES this year and will revive the program again next March and April. The program will also be available at Bird Rock Elementary School in February. “We encourage all our students to be involved in community service and require it of all black belts,” said Truscott. “I firmly believe the most powerful teaching tool is to model the lessons. In times of budget cuts, all our schools can use all the help they can get.” For schools interested in hosting the Life Lessons Character Development program at their school, contact [email protected] or call (858) 255-8384. Youth rugby hits La Jolla One of the nation’s fastest-growing youth sports is coming to La Jolla with the La Jolla Youth Rugby club, serving Pacific Beach, La Jolla, University City, Sorrento and Clairemont. Registration is open until Dec. 15 for youth ages 7 to 14. The cost for joining a team, including uniforms, equipment and an end-of-the-year banquet is $50 to $235, depending on the team. Older age groups also receive a ball, ball bag, jersey, shorts, socks and other equipment with registration. La Jolla Youth Rugby founder Zack Jacobs said no previous experience is required to play, and despite what some may think, youth rugby is both fun and safe. “Youth rugby is not the crazy, sometimes violent sport you see on TV. It is much more controlled with rules for safety and a large emphasis is placed on fun, sportsmanship and community,” he said. For more information or to register, visit www.lajollarugby.com or call (619) 933-6701. Teams play in January and February and the season is typically completed before spring sports begin.