GAME OF THE WEEK: VALHALLA HOLDS ON TO BEAT MT. MIGUEL IN THRILLER, 36-29
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) October 16 – Friday night’s game between Valhalla High School’s Norsemen and the Mt. Miguel Matadors had nearly everything a fan could want: a closely contested match between two competitive, talented teams that would not be decided until almost the last minute. It was a game that truly lived up to all the hype it received beforehand. It was also a matchup that highlighted star players, such as Valhalla’s Pete Thomas and Mt. Miguel’s Derall Hunter. Thomas, touted by many as the best quarterback in the section, is headed for Arizona State next fall. Hunter broke the Matador team record for rushing yardage and is high on the list of several college recruiters. It’s an unfortunate aspect of team sports that both teams cannot both win a great game like this. After taking an early 21-7 lead, Mt. Miguel gave up 29 unanswered points to Valhalla and came up short in its late comeback bid, losing 36-29. Valhalla only needed two plays to get on the scoreboard first. A negative one-yard punt by Mt. Miguel’s Joaquin Ibarra gave the Norsemen great field position on the Matadors’ 27-yard line. Nino Mallory ran for eight yards on the first play of the drive and followed up with a 19-yard touchdown reception to put Valhalla up 7-0. "It’s really a play designed for Traivonne, I just run the route hard and was open and Pete hit me of course," Mallory said about the play intended for teammate Traivonne Brown. "Pete just went through his progressions, saw that Traivonne was covered and just hit me." Mt. Miguel was equally quick in responding. The team’s quarterback, A.J. Stanford, completed passes to Bryant Mitchell for seven yards, Willie Morales for 54 yards and Mitchell again for 11 yards on consecutive plays. The passing flurry put the Matadors on the Norsemen’s 8-yard line. Three plays later, Hunter scored on a one-yard run to tie the game at seven. The Matadors’ success on offense carried over to their defense, which forced the Norsemen to go three-and-out on their next drive. Mt. Miguel then went on a nine-play 67 yard drive that resulted in another touchdown run by Hunter, this time from three yards out, to put the Matadors up 14-7. On Valhalla’s next drive, Mt. Miguel’s defense did not have to work as hard. Christian Henry recovered a fumble by Thomas and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown to put the Matadors up 21-7. Handling the ball cleanly had been a challenge for the Norsemen as bad snaps and fumbles occurred several times previously. Also challenging for the Norsemen was finding a way to get back in the game. Late in the second quarter they went on an extended drive that took 13 plays, only to have to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Nicholas Giandoni. As a result, the score was 21-10, Mt. Miguel at halftime. The halftime intermission is an opportunity for teams to make adjustments. The only question is what form the adjustment comes in. Some intermissions can be inspiring, while others would make R. Lee Ermey blush. Whatever went on in the Norsemen’s locker room at halftime worked, because in the second half, they came out rejuvenated. "We always knew we could get some plays together and put a good drive together, it was just little mistakes that we kept doing that kinda hurt us, but once we put together a solid drive, we got things rolling," Mallory said about the second half. Valhalla’s Hansell Wilson returned the opening kick of the second half 53 yards to give the Norsemen great field position, starting on the Matadors’ 42-yard line. Four plays later, Brown ran the ball in from 3 yards to close Mt. Miguel’s lead to five, 21-16. The following kickoff by Valhalla pinned Mt. Miguel deep in its own territory as they started their next drive on their own 14-yard line. Although Stanford completed a pass to Morales for 14 yards, the gains made by that play were later negated by a holding penalty and the Matadors were forced to punt. This time, Ibarra’s punt traveled a more respectable 32 yards. Unfortunately, James Leighton returned the kick 17 yards to the Matadors’ 26-yard line, giving Valhalla great field position. In almost a mirror image of their previous drive, the Norsemen scored five plays later on an 11-yard run by Brown and took the lead 23-21. Leighton continued to make big returns to give Valhalla great field position. He returned the next punt from Ibarra 11 yards to Mt. Miguel’s 38-yard line. The Norsemen offense had to work harder on this drive as they took 10 plays to score. Thomas ran the ball in from one yard out to extend Valhalla’s lead to 29-21. For the second straight time, Mt. Miguel was forced into a three-and-out as a result of great defensive play by the Norsemen. Greg Goulding sacked Stanford for an eight yard loss, forcing the Matadors into another punting situation. Once again Leighton contributed in a huge way by catching a 27-yard touchdown pass from Thomas to make the score 36-21, Norsemen. Valhalla seemed to be in control, but Mt. Miguel would soon demonstrate this game was far from over. "I underthrew that ball, but he just made an awesome catch," Thomas said about the touchdown play to Leighton. Hunter carried the bulk of the load on Mt. Miguel’s next drive by carrying the ball eight times for 47 yards, including a one-yard touchdown run. He caught a pass from Stanford to successfully complete the two-point conversion, and the Matadors were within one touchdown of tying the game, trailing 36-29. On the ensuing kickoff, Valhalla recovered Mt. Miguel’s onside kick attempt and had great field position at their own 41-yard line. However, the Matador defense toughened up and forced Valhalla to
AOOOOOOO! HOWL-O-WEEN AT CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER OCT. 24
Printer-friendly versionOctober 19, 2009 (Julian) –The California Wolf Center in Julian will host two Halloween-themed events that are among the most unique in San Diego County. Where else can you participate in a howling contest, take a twilight wolf tour, and learn about werewolves? On October 24th, the Center holds two separate events. The first begins at 12 noon and features a costume contest, howling contest, wolf tour, games, crafts, prizes and refreshments. Price is $10/adult, $8/child. At 5 p.m., listen to a talk on werewolves and werewolf myths. The evening also includes refreshments and a sunset tour to view wolves, which are most active at dusk. The evening activities cost $20/person. The California Wolf Center, located near the historic mining town of Julian in the Cuyamaca Mountains, is dedicated to conservation, education, and research regarding wolves. Reservations are required for all visitors and events. To make reservations, call 760-765-0030. To learn more, visit www.californiawolfcenter.org. Printer-friendly version
BILBRAY AMENDMENT TO SUPPORT INNOVATION IN FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PASSES HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionPoway’s Aptera among companies that will benefit from measure October 18, 2009 (Washington D.C) .–The United States House of Representatives passed a bi-partisan measure led by North County Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) that will expand production of domestic fuel-efficient vehicles. The amendment, included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183) which passed by a 308-114 vote, would expand the type of cars eligible for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program so that new companies and designs can compete on an even playing field with more traditional automakers. "This is a huge win for scientific innovation and the environment," said Bilbray. "I’ve always said that we need more innovation and less regulation when it comes to promoting new ways to save energy while saving money at the pump. Passing this legislation shows that there truly is a bi-partisan, pro-environment and pro-innovation movement in Congress." “We need to think outside the box when developing new fuel-efficient vehicles, and that is exactly what some new car designers and manufactures are doing,” said Schiff. “Obsolete bureaucratic definitions should not create roadblocks and stifle innovation. This legislation clears the way for domestic manufactures to develop new innovative fuel-efficient cars here at home.” Innovative companies around the country, including Aptera, based in Carlsbad and incubated at Pasadena’s Idealab, are ready to produce highly efficient three-wheeled vehicles. However, advanced car designs that only have three wheels are not eligible for the DOE program because of an antiquated definition used by the program to define cars that are eligible. Rep. Bilbray’s amendment modifies the program to include new innovative vehicles that maximize aerodynamics. Earlier this year, Aptera traveled cross-country to give members of Congress a close-up look at its innovative fuel-efficient vehicles, including test drives. Earlier this year, Aptera traveled cross-country to give members of Congress a close-up look at its innovative fuel-efficient vehicles, including test drives. The amendment makes fully-enclosed vehicles that are capable of carrying two adults and get at least 75 miles per gallon eligible for the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentives Program. The program provides loans to car manufacturers for up to 30 percent of the cost of reequipping, expanding or establishing manufacturing facilities in the U.S. for advanced technology vehicles or components, or for engineering integration performed in the U.S. The bill is expected to pass the Senate in the coming days and then be sent to the President to be signed into law. Printer-friendly version
ASSEMBLY JOBS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY ON STATE EFFORTS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (San Diego) — On Monday, October 19, members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, including Chairperson V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), Marty Block (D-San Diego) and Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) will hold a hearing and press conference in San Diego. Both focus on small business development during the recession and state efforts to support small businesses during the economic recovery. A centerpiece of the 12:15 p.m. press conference will be SB 66, authored by Senator Curren Price and co-authored by Assemblymembers Block and Pérez. The bill reinstates the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, providing a lifeline for hundreds of small businesses throughout the state who rely upon this program for financial assistance, technical help, and educational services. This program was shut down during the last round of budget cuts. Without a legislative fix, small businesses could be denied access to federal Small Business Association loans, as well as to lines of credit and loans from private banks. The press conference will serve as a springboard for a public hearing by the Assembly Jobs Committee that will begin at 1 p.m. The hearing is the third in a series being held by the Committee to thoroughly examine the state’s Enterprise Zone program and to ensure it is meeting the needs of local communities during this time of recession. The hearing will focus on small business development, workforce training, and methods for measuring effectiveness. The hearing features three panels – workforce training and jobs; evaluation and measuring success; and small business development – followed by a public comment period. “Enterprise Zones are a key element to California’s economy. It is important that the economy is our focus and we work to create jobs and opportunities for small businesses,” said Assemblymember Salas. "Of the estimated three million small businesses in California, one million alone employ countless personnel and provide for the economic growth and stability California desperately needs,” stated Assemblymember Marty Block. “This hearing will allow us to determine how better to help small business which will ultimately help each and every one of us." “Economic recovery is the number one priority of the Jobs Committee,” said Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez. “Even though the state is limited in its resources, we still have a responsibility to continually support local recovery efforts by assessing and improving the tools available to us. On Monday we will highlight some of those efforts so far, and continue to examine others.” Members of the business community, labor, local government, workforce development, redevelopment and other community stakeholders are invited to attend. DATE: Monday, October 19, 2009 TIME: Press Conference: 12:30 – 12:50 p.m. Legislative Hearing: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Jacob Center – 404 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114 Confirmed Speakers, Press Conference: Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego), Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), chair, Assembly Jobs Committee; Senator Curren Price (D-Los Angeles); Marvin Groner, California Southern Small Business Development Corporation; Confirmed Speakers, Legislative Hearing: Brian McMahon, Executive Director, Employment Training Panel; Murtaza Baxamusa, Research Director, Center on Policy Initiatives; Carrie Portis, Executive Director, San Francisco Works; Vicky Lovell, Senior Policy Analyst, California Budget Project; Lydia Moreno, Executive Director, San Diego Enterprise Zone; Michael Bolden, Political and Legislative Advocate, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Darren Solomon, Regional Director, Pacific Community Ventures; Jim Euphrat, Tax Manager, Government Relations & Business Planning, NASSCO; Samuel D. Bornstein, Professor, Kean University School of Business, Union NJ; Daniel Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Calexico-County Enterprise Zone Printer-friendly version
A SPIRITED PERFORMANCE: FROM HANDEL TO HALLOWEEN
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – San Diego Master Chorale will present an encore performance of “From Handel to Halloween: Music for our Spirits” on Sunday, October 25th at 4 p.m. in La Mesa. Hear a wide variety of "spirited" choral music including classics, folk songs, popular music in keeping with the season, spirituals, and a special focus on men’s voices. Known as the “voice of San Diego,” the San Diego Master Chorale is comprised of 120 of San Diego’s finest singers and is an arm of the San Diego Symphony. The SDMC is celebrating is 49th season. The concert will take place at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd. in La Mesa. A suggested donation of $10 is requested. To reserve tickets, call (619)670-4009 ext. 235. Printer-friendly version