CONTACT US

Contact Form

    Santa Ana News

    Niles: Disney-Florida battle says something about leaders on both sides
    • May 2, 2023

    Before he was replaced, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek once expressed to me and a handful of other reporters his frustration that Disney had taken the brunt of fan criticism for not standing up to Florida’s legal attacks on the LGBTQ community. Media giant NBCUniversal also runs theme parks in the Sunshine State, but that company’s leadership was not facing the social media complaints and threats of employee walk-outs that Disney was at the time.

    Chapek eventually did take a public stand against the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, kicking off a verbal battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that now has become a legal fight in U.S. District Court. I get why Chapek was frustrated. It’s tough to live under a double standard.

    Sign up for our Park Life newsletter and find out what’s new and interesting every week at Southern California’s theme parks. Subscribe here.

    More from Robert Niles

    Is this the first in a new wave of theme park failures?
    Why Disney’s real community of tomorrow is Anaheim
    Here’s how Knott’s, Six Flags and SeaWorld can compete with Disney and Universal
    Disney thwarts Florida’s bid to take over special district, but company needs oversight
    Is Universal’s new early entry a good deal or a cash grab?

    One of the more important tests for people in charge of anything is whether they see leadership as a burden or an opportunity. As the biggest theme park company in the world and the largest private employer in the state of Florida, Disney is a leader. That’s going to make the company and its management a target over a wide range of community issues.

    Disney’s economic power in Florida provides it an opportunity to stand up to state politicians that few others enjoy — not even the leaders at NBCUniversal. In its federal lawsuit against DeSantis, Disney acknowledged that leadership opportunity, stating that it was filing in part because other businesses did not have the resources to oppose perceived government retaliation that Disney has.

    The tests for leaders continue, of course. If one accepts leadership as an opportunity, what are those opportunities you will embrace? Will you use leadership to stand up and help others or simply to empower and enrich yourself? That decision reveals everything about the type of person a leader is.

    Related Articles

    Amusement Parks |


    Disneyland kicks off Star Wars Month with rides, food and movie nights

    Amusement Parks |


    Knott’s Berry Farm brings back chaperone policy amid increasing unruly behavior

    Amusement Parks |


    Disneyland drops flamethrowers from ‘World of Color’ and fireworks shows after ‘Fantasmic’ inferno

    Amusement Parks |


    The cursed history of Disneyland’s problematic ‘Fantasmic’ dragon that burst into flames

    Amusement Parks |


    Niles: Is this the first in a new wave of theme park failures?

    Ultimately, Chapek did take that stand. And current Disney CEO Bob Iger has stuck with it. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis used his power not to help the Floridians he represents, but to pick a fight with one of the biggest names in America, if not the world.

    Plenty of critics have long had real concerns about the unique legal structure that governs the Walt Disney World Resort’s land. But replacing a board hand-picked by Disney with one hand-picked by DeSantis does nothing to address those issues. It’s just a selfish power grab, and Disney has every right to resist that. Disney’s track record in Florida should have earned the company the respect of the state’s leadership and not this thin-skinned retaliation.

    I am sure that many people would love for this whole mess to just go away. With time, it will be resolved. But I hope that no one forgets what Disney v. DeSantis has revealed about the leaders involved.

     

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Officials waiting for assurance of slope stability under Casa Romantica before re-starting rail service
    • May 2, 2023

    Passenger rail service continues to be halted through San Clemente, as officials assess the steep slope under Casa Romantica for stability.

    On Monday, May 1, officials from the city, local geology consultants, the Orange County Transportation Authority, which owns the railroad right-of-way through the county, and Metrolink caught up on the newest details related to ground movement after a terrace at the back of the historic landmark started to slide recently, dropping 20 feet on Thursday.

    Cracks are appearing in the patio at Casa Romantica in San Clemente, CA, on Friday, April 21, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Casa Romantica patio hangs over a cliff north of the pier in San Clemente, CA, on Friday, April 28, 2023. The already weakened bluff-top patio at cracked and slide down the hillside Thursday afternoon, April 27. The slide halted rail service in the area and caused four condos to be red-tagged out of concern for safety. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Casa Romantica patio hangs over a cliff north of the pier in San Clemente, CA, on Friday, April 28, 2023. The already weakened bluff-top patio at cracked and slide down the hillside Thursday afternoon, April 27. The slide halted rail service in the area and caused four condos to be red-tagged out of concern for safety. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Casa Romantica patio hangs over a cliff north of the pier in San Clemente, CA, on Friday, April 28, 2023. The already weakened bluff-top patio at cracked and slide down the hillside Thursday afternoon, April 27. The slide halted rail service in the area and caused four condos to be red-tagged out of concern for safety. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    of

    Expand

    Falling dirt and debris made its way close to the railroad tracks, prompting train service to be stopped at Oceanside to the south and Laguna Niguel, or at times San Juan Capistrano, to the north for both Metrolink and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.

    The debris also surrounded a condominium building below the casa, with officials evacuating residents and red-tagging the property for safety.

    A minor amount of movement was still detected over the weekend, San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan said.

    “Metrolink engineers are working with San Clemente city engineers and consulting geologists to determine the safety of the area above under Casa Romantica,” said Scott Johnson, a spokesperson from Metrolink.

    He did not have a timeline for when passenger service might resume. “We need to have some level of assurance by geologists that the hillside is safe to start rail service,” he said.

    Freight trains started running again over the weekend, Johnson said. They are required to go no faster than 10 mph when near the slope collapse and must also confirm with a track safety expert before moving through the area. Each night and into the early morning, there are between three and five freight trains that run along the tracks through San Clemente in a 12-hour period.

    Residents who live in the area alerted city officials to the freight train traffic over the weekend and Kiel Koger, San Clemente’s director of public works, said Monday that city officials had voiced concern about the potential of vibrations coming from the freight trains affecting the still-creeping slope and nearby buildings.

    Related links

    San Clemente officials closely monitoring slope beneath historic Casa Romantica
    4 apartment buildings in San Clemente are red tagged due to landslide
    Federal officials get up-close look at coastal erosion threats to key rail line
    Landslides raise concern, warning for coastal blufftop living
    San Clemente landslide after rains triggers federal emergency declaration

    “I’ll feel better when that slope stops moving,” Koger said. “We are sharing any information with the other agencies.”

    Meanwhile, thousands of passengers who typically rely on Metrolink for their commutes are affected.

    There are 14 Metrolink trains that use that route on weekdays and another 12 on weekends, along with 22 Pacific Surfliner trains (both north and south) that regularly operate through the San Clemente area, Johnson said.

    Metrolink has approximately 4,700 daily weekday boardings along the Orange County and the Inland Empire-Orange County lines, both of which regularly operate through San Clemente.

    Daily service through San Clemente only resumed two weeks ago after being halted for several months because of emergency repairs that had to be made after the tracks had shifted on a stretch further south because of a landslide and crashing waves.

    Related Articles

    Local News |


    The cost of high-speed rail in California might surprise you

    Local News |


    OCTA awarded $45 million to invest in transit projects

    Local News |


    California passes 1st-in-nation train emissions rules

    Local News |


    Irvine may open busy streets to people-powered modes of transit next year

    Local News |


    Southwest ground stop delays flights at these Southern California airports.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    5 things to know about the 2023 LA County Fair
    • May 2, 2023

    Good times will be blooming when the LA County Fair returns with its 101st iteration, dubbed “Spring into Fair: where fun grows.”

    “We are celebrating everything spring this year,” Pomona Fairplex spokesperson Renee Hernandez said. “Flowers, baby animals and the great weather. So we are really trying to embrace our new spring season.”

    A worker pressure washes a fountain Monday, May 1, 2023, as crews prepare for the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona. It will open Friday, May 5, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Crews work Monday, May 1, 2023, inside a new exhibit at the Flower and Garden Pavilion at the LA County Fair in Pomona. The fair will open Friday, May 5, 2023, and feature a Cinco de Mayo celebration. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Crews get ready Monday, May 1, 2023, for the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona ahead of its opening on Friday, May 5, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Workers clean the Sky Ride on Monday, May 1, 2023, as crews make preparations for the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Artist Lucretia Torva works Monday, May 1, 2023, on her painting of a Pomona queen as part of an exhibit at the Flower and Garden Pavilion at the LA County Fair in Pomona. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Crews work Monday, May 1, 2023, on booths at the LA County Fair in Pomona ahead of its opening on Friday, May 5, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    A worker cleans the Sky Ride as crews make preparations Monday, May 1, 2023, for the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    Crews set up concession stands Monday, May 1, 2023, before the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona begins Friday, May 5, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    A worker stacks logs Monday, May 1, 2023, as a crew sets up a barbecue concession stand at the LA County Fair in Pomona. The fair, which will kick off with a Cinco de Mayo celebration, opens Friday, May 5, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    A worker installs lights outside the Flower and Garden Pavilion on Monday, May 1, 2023, as preparations are underway for the 101st LA County Fair in Pomona. The fair will open Friday, May 5, 2023, and feature a Cinco de Mayo celebration. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

    of

    Expand

    The fair will be staged for the second year in a row in spring instead of fall. It opens Friday, May 5, at 5 p.m. and will run Thursday through Sunday during May before ending Memorial Day weekend.

    Here are the five things to know before hitting the fairgrounds this year.

    1. Ticketing has changed

    The fair will begin calendar pricing for online ticketing. Tickets will be based on the calendar date a guest plans to attend and will increase in price each weekend.

    “If you come earlier in the fair, the better discount you get,” Hernandez said. “So on Friday, May 5, it is $5 for Cinco de Mayo, but opening weekend it is $15 and the last weekend is $25 for adult tickets.”

    Hernandez recommends buying tickets online and early to take advantage of discounts. Tickets at the gate will be $30 for adults.

    She said the move aims to spread crowds out through the month.

    The fair has two types of season passes: a seven-day pass for $29 that will work May 5 through Sunday, May 14, and an any day pass for $75, which will allow admission for all 16 days of the fair.

    2. Heritage Weekends set

    The fair will open with a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Friday and move into LatinX weekend.

    “It will be the biggest Cinco de Mayo party around,” Hernandez said.

    Weekend festivities will include mariachis, banda bands, traditional dancers and a celebration in the Plaza de las Americas, Hernandez said.

    Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, will mark Asian American and Pacific Islander Weekend and feature cultural dance and musical performances. The new Community Stage will have shows from noon to 7 p.m. that weekend.

    “And then on that same weekend we have Black Excellence Heritage Weekend,” Hernandez said.

    The weekend of May 20 will be Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement takeover weekend. The theme “A Taste of CEEM” will feature foods from Black-owned businesses and gospel performances on the Union stage on May 21.

    3. New exhibits planned

    For the first time in fair history, organizers have joined with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to bring a photography exhibit, called “You Are Here: California Photography Now.”

    The display in the Millard Sheets Art Center, will feature work from local photographers and introduce a range of views on how to look at California.

    On Saturday, May 6, in Expo Hall 7, Sean Kenney’s Animal Super Powers Made with Lego will premiere. The showcase will explore the evolution of animals and their “super powers” through larger-than-life Lego structures. Kids can also create their own sculptures at the tables outside the hall.

    4. The Big Red Barn is back

    Cal Poly Pomona returns to the Big Red Barn with large livestock and more than 100 animals in the petting zoo. Guests will see a mother pig with her piglets, cows, goats and other animals.

    “The Big Red Barn is such a fun place, you get to see faces filled with joy from all ages,” Hernandez said.

    Cal Poly Pomona will also be offer educational programs throughout the barns. Guests can catch a cow milking demonstration.

    5. Midway and roller coasters galore

    Carnival operator Ray Cammack Shows will return for a 37th year and bring more than 60 rides and 30 games to the midway.

    A new ride this year, the Slingshot, will put guests in a bucket and launch them into air, Hernandez said.

    Thrill seekers can add carnival midway tickets to their admission ticket online in advance. They can buy a wristband on weekdays or weekends for $50. Wristbands will get guests on rides from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and on Memorial Day.

    About the LA County Fair

    Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona

    When: Friday, May 5, through Monday, May 29

    Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. opening day. After that, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day, May 29.

    Tickets: $15 to $25 for adults; $5 to $12 for children 6 to 12 years and seniors 60 and older. Parking is $17 to $22.

    Payment: Parking, admission and concert box office payments are cashless. Advance online purchases are cheaper than gate prices.

    Information: lacountyfair.com

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    California Democrats at odds over how to close growing budget deficit
    • May 2, 2023

    California’s tax revenues continue to fall short of expectations, its deficit continues to grow and with the June 15 deadline for enacting a new budget, there’s a three-way split among the Capitol’s top Democrats.

    In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that the state had a $22.5 billion deficit, just months after bragging about a nearly $100 billion surplus. However, revenues – particularly personal income taxes – have grown even softer since then. When Newsom unveils a revised 2023-24 budget later this month, he’s expected to declare a wider income/outgo gap.

    The problem is exacerbated by two factors: the spending expectations that were raised by last year’s phantom surplus and the lack of revenue clarity because the deadline for filing income tax returns, originally April 18, was extended by six months due to winter storms.

    The current budget, passed when surplus projections were soaring, contains dozens of appropriations to create new projects or services, or to expand existing ones, particularly in social welfare and health care fields. The cornucopia of cash pleased advocates for those services, but they were disappointed in January when Newsom proposed to claw back many allocations to close the newly discovered deficit.

    Since then, budget stakeholders have been pressing the Legislature not only to resist Newsom’s cuts but increase spending even more. Some of the heaviest pressure is coming from hospitals and mass transit systems, both of which say they face financial collapse if they don’t get billions of dollars from the state.

    Last week, state Senate leaders issued their budget plan, entitled “Protect Our Progress,” that, they said, would close the state’s deficit while maintaining last year’s new spending – principally by borrowing money from the state’s stash of uncommitted cash and raising corporate income taxes by more than $7 billion.

    “We are, in effect, getting our biggest corporations closer to pay their fair share,” said Sen. Nancy Skinner, an East Bay Democrat who chairs the Senate budget committee.

    Spending advocates immediately issued statements of praise for the Senate’s budget framework.

    “Senate Democrats’ plan acknowledges that California’s projected budget shortfall will never be solved by putting more burden on those who are struggling, but by asking California corporations to chip in more of their vast wealth – created by working people – to create a stronger economy and deliver on our state’s shared commitment to equity,” Tia Orr of the Service Employees International Union said in one of many supportive statements.

    However, business groups denounced the proposed corporate tax increase. “Now is not the time to test California’s ability to withstand the impact of an economic downturn or a recession by placing our economic success at risk,” said Jennifer Barrera, president of the California Chamber of Commerce.

    Related Articles

    Opinion |


    Politicians get into position for 2026 California elections

    Opinion |


    Housing First has failed. The homeless crisis in California demands a swift, effective response.

    Opinion |


    California’s homelessness crisis is a symptom of its housing crisis, that’s why Housing First makes sense

    Opinion |


    Lou Correa: Title 42 is rightfully set to end. But are we prepared?

    Opinion |


    Judge Jim Gray: If we’re serious about reducing harms of fentanyl, we must end drug prohibition

    More importantly, Newsom immediately rejected the tax increase. “Governor Newsom cannot support the new tax increases and massive ongoing spending proposed by the Senate today,” spokesperson Anthony York said in a statement. “It would be irresponsible to jeopardize the progress we’ve all made together over the last decade to protect the most vulnerable while putting our state on sound fiscal footing.”

    Significantly, the Senate’s plan didn’t have an endorsement from Assembly leaders. In January, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Democrat from Lakewood, said he would prefer to tap the state’s “rainy day” reserves if the deficit widened.

    “That’s what it’s there for,” Rendon told POLITICO.

    So what’s it going to be? Deeper spending cuts? New taxes? Dipping into the reserves?

    Whatever they do, Newsom and legislators will be shooting in the dark. They missed badly last year when the supposed surplus turned to dust, and the state’s fiscal picture is even cloudier this year.

    CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Garden Grove woman pleads guilty to role in management of illegal casinos
    • May 2, 2023

    SANTA ANA — A 41-year-old Garden Grove woman caught up in a crackdown on illegal gambling, extortion and drug trafficking in Santa Ana pleaded guilty Monday to a federal conspiracy charge.

    Honganh Thi Pham was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 25.

    According to the defendant’s plea agreement, from April 2019 through August 2021 she conspired with three other defendants to operate an illegal gambling business.

    Phan managed illegal casinos known as “nets” or “slaphouses” in strip malls and homes, including four in Santa Ana, prosecutors said.

    The other co-defendants awaiting trial are:–Niem Ngoc Ha, 47, of Fountain Valley, who is accused of opening and running the four casinos, EZ Boba, Sharks, Willits and Asia–Mindy Bui, 37, of Westminster, who allegedly managed the casinos–Sammy Cardona, 36, of Santa Ana, who is accused of being an enforcer.

    Bui told Ha Sept. 3, 2020, “that a fight had broken out among customers at EZ Boba, and Bui asked Ha to order Cardona to physically assault the customer that started the fight,” prosecutors alleged in the plea agreement. “Ha agreed to issue the order to Cardona. On the same day, defendant informed Ha that Cardona was on his way to EZ Boba to physically assault the customer who had started the fight.”

    Also, Pham sent Ha a spreadsheet image Nov. 10, 2020, showing the casino made a $3,041 profit, prosecutors said.

    Pham and another co-conspirator also attempted to shuttle $7,322 in gambling profits from EZ Boba elsewhere on May 13, 2021, prosecutors said.

    Pham also sent Ha a spreadsheet showing $8,722 in profits from Willits on Nov. 13, 2020, prosecutors said. That same day, Pham and Ha discussed a police search of the casino and Ha told Pham to find a new home for Willits, prosecutors said.

    There was also evidence that Pham and Ha discussed a malfunctioning gambling machine at Asia on Sept. 10, 2020, prosecutors said. And Ha and others possessed gambling devices and $12,300 in cash at Asia on Feb. 16, 2021, prosecutors said.

    Related Articles

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Man who killed father on Laguna Niguel trail committed to mental-health hospital

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Paltrow denied bid to recoup attorney’s fees in ski crash lawsuit

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Santa Ana man who sprayed pepper spray toward police at Capitol riot gets 4½ years in prison

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Repeat drunk driver gets 15 years to life for Orange crash that killed 19-year-old

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Judge rules against Google, allows government’s antitrust case to proceed

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84
    • May 2, 2023

    TORONTO — Gordon Lightfoot, Canada’s legendary folk singer-songwriter known for “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown” and for songs that told tales of Canadian identity, died on Monday. He was 84.

    Representative Victoria Lord said the musician died at a Toronto hospital. His cause of death was not immediately available.

    Considered one of the most renowned voices to emerge from Toronto’s Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s, Lightfoot went on to record 20 studio albums and pen hundreds of songs, including “Carefree Highway,” “Early Morning Rain” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

    In the 1970s, Lightfoot garnered five Grammy nominations, three platinum records and nine gold records for albums and singles. In the more than 60 years since he launched his career, he performed in well over 1,500 concerts and recorded 500 songs.

    He toured late into his life. Just last month he cancelled upcoming U.S. and Canadian shows, citing health issues

    “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted.

    “Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever.”

    Once called a “rare talent” by Bob Dylan, dozens of artists have covered his work, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Anne Murray, Jane’s Addiction and Sarah McLachlan.

    Most of his songs are deeply autobiographical with lyrics that probe his own experiences in a frank manner and explore issues surrounding the Canadian national identity. “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” depicted the construction of the railway.

    “I simply write the songs about where I am and where I’m from,” he once said. “I take situations and write poems about them.”

    Lightfoot’s music had a style all its own. “It’s not country, not folk, not rock,” he said in a 2000 interview. Yet it has strains of all three.

    “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” for instance, is a haunting tribute to the 29 men who died in the 1975 sinking of the ship in Lake Superior during a storm.

    While Lightfoot’s parents recognized his musical talents early on, he didn’t set out to become a renowned balladeer.

    He began singing in his church choir and dreamed of becoming a jazz musician. At age 13, the soprano won a talent contest at the Kiwanis Music Festival, held at Toronto’s Massey Hall.

    “I remember the thrill of being in front of the crowd,” Lightfoot said in a 2018 interview. “It was a stepping stone for me…”

    The appeal of those early days stuck and in high school, his barbershop quartet, The Collegiate Four, won a CBC talent competition. He strummed his first guitar in 1956 and began to dabble in songwriting in the months that followed. Perhaps distracted by his taste for music, he flunked algebra the first time. After taking the class again, he graduated in 1957.

    By then, Lightfoot had already penned his first serious composition — “The Hula Hoop Song,” inspired by the popular kids’ toy that was sweeping the culture. Attempts to sell the song went nowhere so at 18, he headed to the U.S. to study music for a year. The trip was funded in part by money saved from a job delivering linens to resorts around his hometown.

    Life in Hollywood wasn’t a good fit, however, and it wasn’t long before Lightfoot returned to Canada. He pledged to move to Toronto to pursue his musical ambitions, taking any job available, including a position at a bank before landing a gig as a square dancer on CBC’s “Country Hoedown.”

    His first gig was at Fran’s Restaurant, a downtown family-owned diner that warmed to his folk sensibilities. It was there he met fellow musician Ronnie Hawkins.

    The singer was living with a few friends in a condemned building in Yorkville, then a bohemian area where future stars including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell would learn their trade at smoke-filled clubs.

    Lightfoot made his popular radio debut with the single ”(Remember Me) I’m the One” in 1962, which led to a number of hit songs and partnerships with other local musicians. When he started playing the Mariposa Folk Festival in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario that same year, Lightfoot forged a relationship that made him the festival’s most loyal returning performer.

    By 1964, he was garnering positive word-of-mouth around town and audiences were starting to gather in growing numbers. By the next year, Lightfoot’s song “I’m Not Sayin’” was a hit in Canada, which helped spread his name in the United States.

    A couple of covers by other artists didn’t hurt either. Marty Robbins’ 1965 recording of “Ribbon of Darkness” reached No. 1 on U.S. country charts, while Peter, Paul and Mary took Lightfoot’s composition, “For Lovin’ Me,” into the U.S. Top 30. The song, which Dylan once said he wished he’d recorded, has since been covered by hundreds of other musicians.

    That summer, Lightfoot performed at the Newport Folk Festival, the same year Dylan rattled audiences when he shed his folkie persona by playing an electric guitar.

    As the folk music boom came to an end in the late 1960s, Lightfoot was already making his transition to pop music with ease.

    In 1971, he made his first appearance on the Billboard chart with “If You Could Read My Mind.” It reached No. 5 and has since spawned scores of covers.

    Lightfoot’s popularity peaked in the mid-1970s when both his single and album, “Sundown,” topped the Billboard charts, his first and only time doing so.

    During his career, Lightfoot collected 12 Juno Awards, including one in 1970 when it was called the Gold Leaf.

    In 1986, he was inducted into the Canadian Recording Industry Hall of Fame, now the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He received the Governor General’s award in 1997 and was ushered into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2001.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Phillies’ Trea Turner returns to face former teammates
    • May 2, 2023

    LOS ANGELES ― A framed photograph of Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman hung between their two locker stalls last season in the Dodgers’ home clubhouse. They weren’t teammates for long – just one season – but their cheesy, smiling mugs exuded all the good vibes you would expect from a 111-win team.

    The vibes were genuine, Turner said Monday, when he returned to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

    “It was special being here, putting on the uniform,” he said. “I think it’s one of the best uniforms to put on in the game. Playing in front of the fans, the team, what they’ve built in the last 11, 12 years, and just being part of that and learning. Just that winning mentality of the franchise from the top down. Knowing what it takes to do that each and every year, it’s so hard.”

    The Dodgers acquired Turner and pitcher Max Scherzer in a trade with the Washington Nationals in July 2021. Turner quickly endeared himself to fans with his fleet feet and even quicker bat. He led the National League in batting average (.328) in 2021, then drove in 100 runs and scored 101 last season, batting mostly out of the No. 3 spot in the Dodgers’ lineup.

    Perhaps most memorably, in his fourth game as a Dodger, Turner slid foot-first into home plate to score a run against the Phillies, then popped up without a hint of friction between his feet and the ground. The clip still makes the internet rounds from time to time.

    The good memories and good vibes headed east after last season. The Phillies lured Turner away with an 11-year, $300 million contract. The Dodgers did not present a formal offer after the season ended, Turner said.

    “I had conversations with them in spring training last year; that didn’t work out,” Turner said. “So once that happened, I think anything’s possible. … It’s the business side. I told Andrew (Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations), just be honest with me and I’ll be honest with you. I thought we had great communication. Tip my cap to them. Communicated really well. That’s all I ask of them. Like I said, just didn’t work out.”

    Turner said he would have entertained the idea of returning to the West Coast had the Dodgers made an offer.

    “I entertained one West Coast team,” he said, ostensibly in reference to the San Diego Padres’ reported contract offer. “I definitely would’ve entertained another. … Yeah, it didn’t work out but I definitely would’ve considered it. I would’ve entertained it. I thought they would be on me. They weren’t.”

    In hindsight, the decision to let a franchise shortstop sign elsewhere looks penurious on the Dodgers’ part. After losing Gavin Lux to a season-ending knee injury during spring training, the team has been forced to split shortstop duties among Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor and – in a surprise to some – Mookie Betts.

    “I kind of thought that would happen once I saw the Lux news,” Turner confessed.

    Dodger shortstops finished the month of April with a .511 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), 29th in MLB. Turner’s pedestrian .670 OPS looks outstanding in comparison. His clubhouse presence has been missed, too.

    Freeman lauded Turner’s affability and self-deprecating sense of humor.

    “Every plane flight, if there’s poker he’s playing,” Freeman said. “He’s hanging out with the guys. Team camaraderie things, he’s always in the middle of it. … He’s one of those guys, you see him and you want to be around him. He has that aura around him that it’s just fun, like a good time.”

    ROJAS RETURNS

    The Dodgers activated Rojas from the 10-day injured list. He takes the roster spot of catcher Austin Wynns, who was designated for assignment.

    Rojas said the injury to his left hamstring was an unfortunate byproduct of the injury to his left groin; he believes wrapping the area too tightly in response to the groin injury led to the hamstring issue. In any event, Manager Dave Roberts said he will not lean too heavily on Rojas the rest of the season.

    “There’s no one way to manage a roster, but typically the shortstop position is pretty consistent,” Roberts said. “Sometimes you concede the bat for the consistent defense; we just haven’t had that this year. … It’s not ideal. Whether it’s good or bad, I think time will tell.”

    ALSO

    Dustin May is officially penciled in to start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Phillies, but the Dodgers are expected to push him back a day and give Gavin Stone the ball in his major league debut. … Designated hitter J.D. Martinez (back) is not expected to return from the injured list when he is eligible on Friday. The earliest he might return is the Dodgers’ three-game series in Milwaukee beginning next Monday.

    UP NEXT

    Dodgers (LHP Julio Urias, 3-3, 4.41 ERA) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (LHP Matt Strahm, 2-2, 2.31), Tuesday, 7 p.m., SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market only), 570 AM

    Related Articles

    Los Angeles Dodgers |


    Dodgers win 4th straight, hit 4 home runs against Phillies

    Los Angeles Dodgers |


    Dodgers complete sweep of Cardinals with resourceful offense

    Los Angeles Dodgers |


    Dodgers plan to promote Gavin Stone for start on Wednesday

    Los Angeles Dodgers |


    Clayton Kershaw flirts with perfection in Dodgers’ win over Cardinals

    Los Angeles Dodgers |


    Manny Mota joins Dodger ‘legends’

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Orange County softball stat leaders: Final 2023
    • May 2, 2023

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    Final Orange County softball stat leaders for the 2023 regular season

    To be included, teams must have their stats up to date on the MaxPreps.com leaderboards.

    BATTING AVERAGE

    Name, school                                                              Avg.               Hits             AB

    Mickayla Galaviz, Anaheim                                          .699                 51               73

    Isabella Gonzalez, Costa Mesa                                   .672                 45               67

    Aleena Garcia, Whittier Christian                                 .670                 61              91

    Victoria Perez, Orangewood Academy                        .641                 41              64

    Brooke Washa, Calvary Chapel                                   .630                 34              54

    Peyton Thomas, Estancia                                            .625                 25              40

    Ashley Barajas, Santa Ana Valley                                .600                 18              30

    Kayden Connaty, Garden Grove                                  .592                 42              71

    Janette Barrios, Anaheim                                             .589                 43              73

    Michelle Delgado, Segerstrom                                     .580                 47              81

    Mikaila Gorey, Estancia                                                .574                31              54

     

    HOME RUNS

    Name, school                                                               HR               PA             GP

    Makenzie Butt, Fountain Valley                                      12               93              27

    Zoe Prystajko, Huntington Beach                                   10               79              25

    Veronica Moore, Fountain Valley                                      9               93             27

    Victoria Perez, Orangewood Academy                             8               72             16

    Madelyn Martin, Yorba Linda                                            8               85              24

    Jadyn Booth, Edison                                                         8               88              28

    Katelynn Cammarato, Capistrano Valley Christian           7               77              17

    Liliya Cartledge, Yorba Linda                                            7               91              24

    Anela Quinones, Sonora                                                   6               62              20

    Tea Gutierrez, Huntington Beach                                      6                67             23

    Savannah Maier, Capistrano Valley Christian                   6                73             18

    ChaCha Miranda, Westminster                                         6                94             25

    Anaya Togia, Marina                                                         6                96             26

     

    RUNS BATTED IN                                                        

    Name, school                                                                 RBI                 PA             GP

    Makenzie Butt, Fountain Valley                                        52                   93             27

    Riley Laygo, Whittier Christian                                         50                   98             25

    Victoria Perez, Orangewood Academy                            46                   72             16

    Anaya Togia, Marina                                                        39                   96              26

    Peyton Thomas, Estancia                                                38                   53              15

    Aleena Garcia, Whittier Christian                                     37                 100              25

    Joanna Barrios, Anaheim                                                 36                   86              21

    Jailyn Paderez, Whittier Christian                                     36                   92             25

    Kayden Connaty, Garden Grove                                       35                   77             21

    ChaCha Miranda, Westminster                                         34                   94             25

    Isabella Gonzalez, Costa Mesa                                         33                  84              17

    Janette Barrios, Anaheim                                                  32                  81               21

    Reygan Schneider, Costa Mesa                                        31                  76              17

     

    EARNED-RUN AVERAGE

    Name, school                                                                 ERA                   IP                ER

    Brianne Weiss, Orange Lutheran                                     0.64                 98.2               9

    Zoe Prystajko, Huntington Beach                                     0.97                 79.2             11

    Nevaeh Gomez, La Quinta                                               1.00                 91.1             13

    Lexany Alcantar, Anaheim                                                1.26                 55.2             10

    Peyton May, Orange Lutheran                                          1.30                 64.2             12

    Malaya Majam-Finch, Fullerton                                         1.31                 58.2             11

    Alexis Perez, Sunny Hills                                                   1.69                82.2              20

    Brynne Nally, Pacifica                                                        1.83                84.1              22

    Delaney Faus, Cypress                                                      1.88               44.2              12

    Kylie Loertscher, El Toro                                                    2.11                99.1              30

    Riley Laygo, Whittier Christian                                           2.24              131.0             42

    Mia Valbuena, Marina                                                        2.28              128.2             42

    Bayle Hunnicutt, Sonora                                                    2.33              123.1             41

    Kayden Connaty, Garden Grove                                        2.34                68.2             23

    Eva Hurtado, JSerra                                                           2.47              147.2            52

    Loula McNamara, Tesoro                                                   2.47              124.2             44

    Mckenzie Wanner, Kennedy                                              2.51                58.2             21

     

    STRIKEOUTS

    Name, school                                                                    K                   BF                 IP

    Brianne Weiss, Orange Lutheran                                     176                 399              98.2

    Zoe Prystajko, Huntington Beach                                     150                 326              79.2

    Mia Valbuena, Marina                                                       145                 544            128.2

    Nevaeh Gomez, La Quinta                                               139                 392              91.1

    Bayle Hunnicutt, Sonora                                                   139                 529            123.1

    Katia Wiklem, Laguna Hills                                               118                 503              98.0

    Kayden Connaty, Garden Grove                                       114                 323              68.2

    Brynne Nally, Pacifica                                                        102                337              84.1

    Eva Hurtado, JSerra                                                          101                655            147.2

    Lauren Mendez, Foothill                                                     97                 760            174.2

    Kylie Loertscher, El Toro                                                     96                 411              99.1

    Alexis Felix, Orangewood Academy                                   92                 368              72.2

    Sophie Hunter, Edison                                                        89                 346              72.2

    Loula McNamara, Tesoro                                                    85                525             124.2

    Peyton May, Orange Lutheran                                            83                257               64.2

    Nathalie Gonzalez, Los Amigos                                          79                421              80.0

    Mia Gonzalez, Buena Park                                                  76                506            107.1

     

     

     

     

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More