Before you put those tattered jeans and thin bedsheets in the trash bin, consider them on your next Target run.
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The bullseye retailer recently launched its “Textile Drop Spot,” which allows customers to drop off clean and dry clothing, towels and sheets at stores across the region.
The recycling effort comes as California mandates retailers offer a responsible way for worn textiles to be repurposed, instead of tossed into the trash. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 was created to recover apparel and other textiles from consumers, diverting it from landfills and then finding a way to reuse, repair or recycle the items into secondary products. In some instances the clothing becomes insulation or filler for new pillows or bedding.
Part of the law requires manufacturers and retailers to feature programs that help expedite textile reuse, which is why Target got involved.
Shoppers should look for bins at the front of the store for suitable items that may not good enough for thrift stores.
There is no cost to toss those clothes into the Target bins.
Target is no stranger to recycling efforts. The retailer also helps consumers upcycle their child car seats. In spring, shoppers can “trade in” unused or outdated car seats in return for a coupon for kids’ gear sold at the stores. Target says the program has recycled 3.5 million car seats.
For more information on Drop Spot program, go to target.com/c/target-textile-drop-spot
Mediterranean chain opens in San Clemente
Luna Grill opens today, Monday, July 27, in San Clemente.
The restaurant at 700 S. El Camino Real is the San Diego-based chain’s 61st location.
The company was founded some 22 years ago by husband-and-wife team Sean and Maria Pourteymour.
It offers made-to-order Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features kabobs, bowls, wraps, salads, pitas, family meals and catering options.
“San Clemente is a community that embraces an active lifestyle and values fresh, quality food,” said Rich Pinnella, CEO of Luna Grill, in a statement. “We’re excited to become part of the neighborhood and welcome everyone from busy families to athletes and everyone in between.”
Luna Grill is also hiring for all positions at the San Clemente restaurant. Applicants can apply at LunaGrill.com/careers.
Mexican restaurant closes in Lake Forest
Morena’s Mexican Cuisine served its last meals on Sunday, July 19 in Lake Forest.
The Rosales family, the restaurant’s owners and operators, posted their thanks to customers in a Facebook post.
“We appreciate everyone who came through our doors and enjoyed our food,” the family wrote. “Thank you so much to everyone in the city of Lake Forest, and our staff who made this location so special.”
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Cool Air program aimed at veterans, military
The Cool Air Rebate Program has launched Cool Air Salute, a statewide program that helps eligible veterans, active-duty service members and their families save up to $1,500 to fix leaky air conditioning systems in their vehicles.
The program launched July 17.
“California’s veterans, service members and their families have given so much, and too many are spending the hottest days of the year in a car they can’t afford to fix,” said Mike Tanner, executive director of the Car Care Council. “That ends now. Through Cool Air Salute, we are covering 95% of the repair, statewide.”
The main, Cool Air Rebate program is in its third year. It helps low-income Californians repair leaking vehicle air-conditioning systems. The work also helps clear the air of contaminants from leaking systems.
The nonprofit Car Care Council runs the programs, which are funded by unclaimed deposits on cans of R-134a refrigerant, in coordination with the California Air Resources Board. As of summer 2026, the program has put $8 million in rebates back into the local economy, partnering with hundgreds of automotive repair shops to stop refrigerant leaks.
To find out if you qualify, go to coolairrebate.org/salute.
Placentia clinic rebrands to HealthyU
The Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine in Placentia has adopted the HealthyU Clinics name four years after it was acquired by the national chain.
The 16-year-old center, which joined the HealthyU Clinics family in 2022, helps restore functional abilities for patients.
The rebrand was completed July 6 and does not affect center operations or availability. Current and new patients will continue to be seen by the same providers, according to the company.
To learn more about the Placentia HealthyU Clinics or to schedule an appointment, call 714-223-7000. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Coming up
Sip N’ Dink, a wine and pickleball tournament, takes place Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach.
The event is combining competitive pickleball, wine, food, and philanthropy to support Miracles for Kids.
Sip N’ Dink pairs players with winery teams with participants competing in a round-robin tournament representing wineries from California, Washington and New Zealand. There’s also a grand tasting event featuring wines from participating wineries.
The tournament welcomes players of every skill level, organizers say.
Tickets are $200 to play or $125 for spectators. Both include a tasting pass and food.
For more information, go to grapenight.com/sip-n-dink-wine-pickleball-tournament
Good works
Miracles for Kids in Irvine recently provided 86 baskets loaded with back-to-school and pantry goods to local children. The donated goods were provided by donors, and corporate supporters and partners, compiled by volunteers and distributed to families. The baskets included backpacks, school supplies, household essentials, food and seasonal necessities. Miracles for Kids, helmed by CEO Autumn Strier, said the annual program “allows parents to focus on their child’s medical care instead of the growing costs associated with back-to-school season.” The organization packed 313 additional baskets and shipped them to families outside the local delivery area. For more information on the program or to contribute, go to miraclesforkids.org.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to [email protected]. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
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