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Community Corner

Patch Picks: The Perfect Memorial Day Staycation

Save your gas and the headache of travel this holiday weekend and stay local. We've got the perfect recipes for a relaxing staycation.

OPERATION RACK PACK

This weekend, give back to the Marines who have so bravely served our country. Operation Rack Pack is part of Operation Help a Hero and has partnered with the city of Rancho Santa Margarita to collect donations for the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines (2/5) who are expected to return in June from deployment to Japan Disaster Relief. Operation Rack Pack involves collecting practical donations, such as T-shirts, gift cards, toiletries, movie tickets, snack foods, drinks and cleaning supplies and placing them in the Marines’ barracks to greet them and show appreciation upon their return.  Donations can be dropped off at City Hall or the Bell Tower Regional Community Center and are being collected until Tuesday, June 1. For more information on how your family can make a difference in the life of a Marine this Memorial Day weekend, send a note to wruiz@operationhelpahero.com.

KUNG FU PANDA 2

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Edwards Cinema, 30632 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita

Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, you can’t help but fall in love with Po, the chubby Panda Dragon Warrior with the voice of Jack Black. In the sequel to the smash hit cartoon, Po must fight off evil forces as he uncovers the secrets of his mysterious origins. Wind down the weekend with this 3D flick for the whole family. 1 hr 35 min, rated PG. See website for show times.

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22352 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita

A picnic barbecue by the lake sounds pretty relaxing, but you’re not up for fighting the crowds at the supermarket or cooking this weekend. Try some delicious take out from Wood Ranch Barbecue and Grill. The value meal for 8-10 people includes 2 pounds of tri-tip or pulled pork, two racks of baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, 12 freshly baked garlic rolls and four quarts of sides. Try the smashed sweet potatoes, baked beans, Original Peanut Coleslaw or the popular Lauren’s Favorite Mac n Cheese. For just a little over $100, you can please the crowd without scrubbing the grill!

HOLY JIM TRAIL

Trabuco Creek Road and Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon

No need to sit in traffic for hours just to experience some awesome nature this holiday weekend. Holy Jim Trail is perfect for beginner hikers and experienced hikers alike. Described as an easy, shaded path in a beautiful, serene setting, the trail is accessible for bikers, hikers, and even dogs. It is 7.2 miles out and back, the trail leads to the Holy Jim Falls; adventurous hikers can take it to the top of Santiago Peak and capture a stunning view of Orange County. Experienced hikers on this trail warn that the road leading in is very bumpy and highly recommend driving an SUV or off-road vehicle. Forest  Adventure Pass required to park in parking lot. Pass is $5, experience: priceless.

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