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Mater Dei falls short against West Ranch in CIF Division 2 final pitcher’s duel –

Mater Dei players cheer for their teammates as the Monarchs try to rally in the seventh inning (PHOTOS: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone). .In a thrilling CIF Division 2 championship baseball game against West Ranch Saturday night, Mater Dei missed an opportunity for the school’s first baseball CIF title since 2010 losing 2-1 at […]

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Mater Dei players cheer for their teammates as the Monarchs try to rally in the seventh inning (PHOTOS: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone).

.In a thrilling CIF Division 2 championship baseball game against West Ranch Saturday night, Mater Dei missed an opportunity for the school’s first baseball CIF title since 2010 losing 2-1 at Goodwin Field at Cal State Fullerton.

The Monarchs fell in a pitchers’ duel between two NCAA Division I-committed starters.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Losing the battle by a slight margin was Mater Dei’s Brandon Thomas, who will pitch at Fresno State in the fall. On the opposite end, recording the win was West Ranch’s Hunter Manning, who is signed to UC Irvine and will play there beginning in fall 2026.

Despite the loss, Thomas threw well. The senior only allowed two runs in his six innings, with one being unearned.

Throughout the night, he pitched to soft contact, only allowing five hits scattered across the game. Postgame, Mater Dei Coach Richard Mercado sang his ace’s praises for his performance Saturday.

“Brandon did what he normally does. He pounds the strike zone. Unfortunately, we had some miscues that just kind of led to both their runs,” Mercado said. “I’m just proud of [Thomas]. He gives us a chance. It’s all we ever asked him to do, and that’s all he ever delivered for us. 

Early this month, Thomas announced on X that he would be continuing his career at Fresno State. Mercado also spoke about the star right-hander’s commitment postgame.

“He’s a fantastic human being and he’s a great kid. He treats his teammates with respect. He cares about people, cares about the school, and on top of all that stuff, he’s a pretty damn good baseball player,” Mercado said.

Despite the phenomenal pitching, defense gave both teams scares in Saturday’s matchup. After trailing for the majority of the game, Mater Dei scored its only run in the seventh inning after an error allowed Thomas to reach base. A pair of singles then extended the inning, and scored Thomas for what would be Mater Dei’s sole run of the evening.

It was Brady Guth who had the hit of the evening for the Monarchs (19-14) driving a single into center field to score Thomas. Thomas then lit up the Monarch dugout and fanbase, yelling in excitement at Guth standing on first base.

In addition to the West Ranch misplay, Mater Dei had a pair of crucial errors, one of which proved to be a deciding factor Saturday, eventually leading to an unearned run for the Wildcats (25-9).

The Monarchs are a relatively young team, only carrying nine seniors this season and at one point starting four sophomores regularly. Mercado spoke about the approach for his program with such a young team playing in such huge moments.

“They looked a little nervous in the moment, and I’m not surprised, but this is a big moment for anybody,” Mercado said. “[But] we’re just playing a game and the last part of the game was great, man. They competed their hearts out and just came up a little bit short tonight.”

Mercado offered more thoughts on the feeling after coming so close to a CIF title.

“Anytime you lose a one-run game, you know it’s going to sting,” Mercado said. “I feel bad for the boys, because, man, they really compete. They’ve done it all season, they fought back tooth and nail, and I think they showed a lot of heart tonight, so I’m proud of them.”

Mercado also confirmed that his team will make an appearance at the upcoming CIF So Cal regional playoffs, beginning next week. Throughout his postgame media time, he beamed with pride about his team and the players’ efforts Saturday and during the season as a whole.

“It’s a great experience for us to be back in the [CIF] finals for some since 2010, so, I’m just excited for these guys. I’m super proud of them,” Mercado said with a smile.



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SCVNews.com | Santa Clarita Volunteer Youth Basketball Coaches Needed

Old Town Newhall will host a “Sip into Summer” Bar Crawl, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21 on Main Street. I wanted to share a quick legislative update from Sacramento. We recently reached the deadline to send bills from the Senate to the Assembly in order to continue moving them through the legislative process this session. […]

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Old Town Newhall will host a “Sip into Summer” Bar Crawl, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21 on Main Street.

June 21: Sip into Summer Bar Crawl On Main Street

I wanted to share a quick legislative update from Sacramento. We recently reached the deadline to send bills from the Senate to the Assembly in order to continue moving them through the legislative process this session.

Suzette Martinez Valladares | Report from the State Senate

The city of Santa Clarita is seeking Youth Basketball Coaches for the 2025 summer season.

Santa Clarita Volunteer Youth Basketball Coaches Needed

Love the outdoors? Passionate about community programs? The city of Santa Clarita is hiring part-time Recreation Leaders to help bring events, camps and nature programs to life at William S. Hart Park.

Santa Clarita Hiring for Positions at Hart Park

Harley-Davidson Santa Clarita will host a performance suspension workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 28 with a Q and A with experts from OHLINS Factory.

June 28: Harley-Davidson Santa Clarita Suspension Workshop

California Institute of the Arts was recently named in The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Top Animation Schools list for 2025.

CalArts Named One of ‘The Hollywood Reporter’s’ Top Animation Schools for 2025

ARTree Community Arts Center in collaboration with Santa Clarita Public Library are seeking teen volunteers to help create a bottle cap mural.

ARTree, Santa Clarita Library Seeks Volunteers for Bottle Cap Mural

City of Santa Clarita Public Library will host “Party at the Park” 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Duane R. Harte Park.

June 25: Santa Clarita Library Hosts ‘Party at the Park’

Summer is here in the Santa Clarita Valley and with it comes increased use of backyard swimming pools to beat the heat. The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is offering up to a $200 pool cover rebate.

SCV Water Offers Up to a $200 Rebate for New Pool Covers

Pre-registration for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer’s newest fundraiser, “Cheers for Charity” will end Monday, June 30.

June 30: Michael Hoefflin ‘Cheers for Charity’ Pre-Registration Deadline

JCI Santa Clarita has announced nominations for the 2025 Santa Clarita Valley 40 Under Forty are now open.

SCV 40 Under Forty Nominations Open

Few traditions bring our community together quite like the Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade.

Laurene Weste | Santa Clarita Celebrates Freedom, Community, Hart Park at the Fourth of July Parade

The Santa Clarita Public Library has something for everyone this summer, including young children, teens and older adults.

Santa Clarita Public Library Summer Events

1960 – SCV switches to Direct Dial, All-Number Calling [story]

map

Zumper has released its Los Angeles Metro Area Report detailing several factors across 26 cities. 

Zumper: Santa Clarita Had Largest Rent Growth from Previous Month

The Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia branch will host a “Teen Game Day: Intro to Dungeon and Dragons” workshop, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24.

June 24: Intro to Dungeons, Dragons at Valencia Library

Olive Branch Theatricals has announced the launch of The Encore Society’s “Guys & Dolls” workshop, marking a milestone as the first seniors-only musical theater program in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Encore Society’s ‘Guys & Dolls’ Workshop, Seniors Only Program

Child & Family Center has announced that staff members Heidi Viramontes, LCSW Program Coordinator II, Early Childhood and Multidisciplinary Assessment Team and Sommer Mneimne, LCSW Clinical Supervisor Outpatient Services, have completed the 2024-2025 UCLA Early Childhood Fellowship sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health in collaboration with the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence.

Child & Family Center Staff Complete Early Childhood Fellowship Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

Ocean Water Warning For June 18

The Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission is inviting members of the public to fill out a brief online survey about their interactions with deputies they believe to be members of deputy gangs within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and to offer their feedback.

Residents Urged to Share Experiences with Deputy Gangs, Give Feedback

To assess the potential air quality impacts of ongoing debris removal efforts near the Palisades and Eaton Fire areas, the South Coast Air Quality Management District conducted initial mobile monitoring surveys to detect airborne pollutants, including toxic metals and volatile organic compounds.

Update on Monitoring by South Coast Air Quality Management District

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that enrollment is open for the Summer 2025 Junior Lake Lifeguard Program for youth ages 9-17.

L.A. County Parks’ Summer 2025 Junior Lake Lifeguard Program is Open For Enrollment

The California Highway Patrol joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies and major retailers for a multi-day, National Organized Retail Crime Blitz.

CHP Leads Crackdown on Organized Retail Crime

1945 – PFC Johnny Cordova of Castaic killed in action on Okinawa [story]

Johnny Cordova





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JHMR youth camp offers great way to gain bike confidence

A newsletter for local events, community happenings, and more… JACKSON, Wyo. — For the little rippers around town: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and JH Sports are hosting bike camps this summer that will teach children to better handle the demands of more technical mountain bike riding. The JH Sports Youth Bike Camp offers a convenient […]

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JACKSON, Wyo. — For the little rippers around town: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and JH Sports are hosting bike camps this summer that will teach children to better handle the demands of more technical mountain bike riding.

The JH Sports Youth Bike Camp offers a convenient way to give young cyclists the confidence needed to explore the terrain that Jackson Hole has to offer. The five-day camp is perfect for bikers age 7 to 13 who are physically and mentally ready to spend five full days of supervised mountain biking. Participants must be able to ride a 20″ bike, confidently operate hand brakes and balance safely on their bike — both seated and while standing on the pedals. For riders ages 3 to 5, JHMR is hosting a one-time Learn to Pedal Bike Camp from June 30 to July 3.

The camps will run Monday through Friday every week until the end of August. Please note: Parents must be available to pick their child up from camp in the event of injury, illness or rain cancellation.

JHMR is proud to offer small group instruction from their professionally trained mountain bike coaches: each camp is limited to five riders. Each day the campers will work toward mastering the skills required to be a well-rounded mountain biker. Mornings begin with trail riding and skills practice, followed by an afternoon in the Jackson Hole Bike Park, or on one of the world-class trails, to focus on that day’s specific skills. Coaches will track participants’ daily progress in order to keep parents informed of ability level and advancement.

The bike camp focuses on these 10 skills over the five days:

  • Braking
  • Body position/bike-body separation
  • Berm cornering
  • Flat cornering
  • Jumping/popping
  • Pumping/weighting and unweighting the bike
  • Climbing
  • Track stand
  • Drops
  • Technical trails/line choice

Bike rentals and lift tickets are not included.



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European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

Member of the EU Commission The European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation is a member of the European Commission. The portfolio was previously titled European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport until 2019 when it was merged with the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation to form its current title. The portfolio […]

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Member of the EU Commission

The European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation is a member of the European Commission. The portfolio was previously titled European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport until 2019 when it was merged with the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation to form its current title.

The portfolio is responsible for policies in education and training, youth, sport, civil society, and culture. The commissioner leads the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.

History of the portfolio

[edit]

Commissioner Ján Figeľ was approved by the European Parliament in 2004 as the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism. This was enlarged since the Prodi Commission with the addition of training and multilingualism (The Directorate-General is still just Directorate-General for Education and Culture).

However, when Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, responsibility for multilingualism was handed over to the new Romanian commissioner, Leonard Orban. In its place the portfolio now also includes youth, sport and civil society. Figeľ describes his position is very orientated to “the citizens and their quality of life”.[1]

The commission has become increasingly active in education. The ERASMUS programme, which was established in 1987, is a student exchange programme promoting mobility of students between European universities. The Bologna process aims to create a European Higher Education Area where academic qualifications can be recognised across Europe. The European Institute of Technology is a proposed research university.

With the 2014 inauguration of the Juncker Commission, the portfolio was once again renamed – multilingualism was removed in favour of citizenship: “Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship”. Citizenship in turn was soon replaced by sport.[2][3] The title from 2014 to 2019 was thus European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. The portfolio from 2019 is named European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.

List of commissioners

[edit]

The previous portfolio to the current was Culture, merged with Audiovisual policy and EP relations.

No. Picture Commissioner Took office Left office Time in office Party Country Commission
1
Viviane Reding
Reding, VivianeViviane Reding
(born 1951)
13 September 1999 21 November 2004 5 years, 69 days CSV  Luxembourg Prodi
2
Dalia Grybauskaitė
Grybauskaitė, DaliaDalia Grybauskaitė
(born 1956)
1 May 2004 11 November 2004 194 days Independent  Lithuania Prodi
3
Ján Figeľ
Figeľ, JánJán Figeľ
(born 1960)
22 November 2004 1 October 2009 4 years, 313 days KDH  Slovakia Barroso
4
Maroš Šefčovič
Šefčovič, MarošMaroš Šefčovič
(born 1966)
1 October 2009 9 February 2010 131 days PES  Slovakia Barroso
5
Androulla Vassiliou
Vassiliou, AndroullaAndroulla Vassiliou
(born 1943)
9 February 2010 1 November 2014 4 years, 265 days EDI  Cyprus Barroso
6
Tibor Navracsics
Navracsics, TiborTibor Navracsics
(born 1966)
1 November 2014 30 November 2019 5 years, 29 days Fidesz  Hungary Juncker
7
Mariya Gabriel
Gabriel, MariyaMariya Gabriel
(born 1979)
1 December 2019 15 May 2023 3 years, 166 days GERB  Bulgaria Von der Leyen
8
Iliana Ivanova
Ivanova, IlianaIliana Ivanova
(born 1975)
19 September 2023 30 November 2024 1 year, 72 days GERB  Bulgaria Von der Leyen
9
Ekaterina Zaharieva
Zaharieva, EkaterinaEkaterina Zaharieva
(born 1975)
1 December 2024 Incumbent 201 days GERB  Bulgaria Von der Leyen II
  1. ^ Ján Figeľ European Commission
  2. ^ “Background paper N° 1” (PDF). EOC EU Office. November 2014. previously named “Education, Culture, Youth and Multilingualism” (Commissioner Vassiliou) and now to be called “Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship”. The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tibor Navracsics, had been designated by Juncker to be in charge of this portfolio
  3. ^ “European Commissioner of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics”. The Orange Files. 2013. Navracsics was originally nominated to the post of Commissioner of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship, though European Commission President Juncker chose to divest Navracsics of the latter domain and assign him the responsibility to oversee issues related to sports instead




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Young Stars to Shine at Upcoming Tennessee Youth Baseball State Tournament

Murfreesboro, TN – Grab your ball caps and folding chairs—it’s almost time! In just a few short weeks, the crack of the bat and the cheer of proud families will fill the air as the Tennessee Youth Baseball Association (TYBA) hosts its much-anticipated State Tournament, July 11–13, 2025, at Barfield Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro. Open […]

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Murfreesboro, TN – Grab your ball caps and folding chairs—it’s almost time! In just a few short weeks, the crack of the bat and the cheer of proud families will fill the air as the Tennessee Youth Baseball Association (TYBA) hosts its much-anticipated State Tournament, July 11–13, 2025, at Barfield Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro.

Open to players ages 3 to 15, this three-day celebration of baseball brings together teams from across the state for a weekend filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and unforgettable summer memories. Families interested in having their young ballplayers join the excitement can get more info by calling 615-319-8508, emailing tyba4u@comcast.net, or visiting http://tybaball.com.

Now celebrating its 28th year, Tennessee Youth Baseball Association began right here in Murfreesboro and has grown into a cornerstone of the local youth sports community. With a heart for helping young athletes grow both on and off the diamond, the association proudly instills values of leadership, respect, and sportsmanship—principles coaches say every child can recite by heart.

“The attitude is unbelievable,” said one coach. “There are three words my boys use on and off the field: leadership, respect, sportsmanship. That’s what it’s all about.”

From pint-sized t-ballers to budding middle-school stars, Tennessee Youth Baseball Association offers more than just baseball. It’s a place where kids develop confidence, lifelong friendships, and a love for the game that lasts long after the final inning. Over the years, families have seen how baseball has helped kids grow in resilience, cooperation, and self-discipline—all while having a ton of fun.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of youth baseball or just looking for a wholesome way to spend a summer weekend, the TYBA State Tournament is a can’t-miss Murfreesboro tradition.

Mark your calendars for July 11–13 and come cheer on the future of Tennessee baseball!

 





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Youth arrested in connection to gang-related vandalism

Items found in vehicles of subjects arrested in an investigation of gang-related graffiti in Everett. Courtesy of the Everett Police Department. EVERETT, JUNE 19: The Everett Police Department (EPD) have made four arrests, one adult and three juveniles, in connection to three separate gang-related graffiti vandalism investigations this spring. Investigation 1: On March 6, officers […]

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EVERETT, JUNE 19: The Everett Police Department (EPD) have made four arrests, one adult and three juveniles, in connection to three separate gang-related graffiti vandalism investigations this spring.

Investigation 1:

On March 6, officers from the EPD held a graffiti vandalism paint-over operation that took place in the 1100 block of W Casino Road, near Walter E Hall Park. The operation targeted a location displaying known gang tags, which are known to have direct ties to gang violence, EPD said in a press release.

Two days following the event, a vehicle was observed dropping off four subjects who subsequently tagged the fence with gang-related graffiti.

A month later on April 3, the Everett Police Violent Crime Unit (VCU) and south patrol officers located the suspect vehicle using the Flock Safety System License Plate Readers (LPRs). The grant-funded Flock Safety cameras are utilized to capture reported license plates and monitor high crime areas before police arrive on the scene.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified, and officers found cans of spray paint and alcohol inside the vehicle, which was later towed pending a search warrant. The occupants of the vehicle included three individuals, a 15-year-old male, a 15-year-old female and an 18-year-old male.

After a search warrant for the vehicle was approved, three loaded pistols were located inside the vehicle.

“The connection between gang graffiti and violence is incredibly troubling, especially as we see more young people drawn into this dangerous cycle,” Mayor Cassie Franklin said. “We know that when a young person is carrying a firearm, they are likely one conflict away from tragedy—taking someone else’s life and derailing their own. That’s why we are treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. Our focus remains on preventing violence before it happens: through partnerships, upstream solutions and holding people accountable when necessary.”

Investigation 2:

On May 6, Everett patrol officers responded to an additional report of graffiti vandalism in the 1100 block of W Casino Rd. Responding officers observed fresh graffiti, which was identified as gang-affiliated, and saw a vehicle pulling away from the scene.

Officers detained the occupants of the vehicle and noticed spray paint cans and a significant amount of alcohol. The driver of the vehicle was an 18-year-old male, and the additional occupants were all juveniles.

This vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant and upon warrant service, a stolen firearm was discovered.

Investigation 3:

On April 26, the Everett Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service painted over gang-related graffiti vandalism located along 75th St SE, across from Lions Park. The fence was then tagged with gang graffiti the evening of the following day. A suspect vehicle was identified using the Flock Safety System LPRs and further investigation led to the identification of a 17-year-old male as the suspect.

On May 14, the Violent Crime Unit located the 17-year-old suspect during a traffic stop in South Everett. He admitted to officers he was gang affiliated. Further investigation showed he was in possession of a stolen firearm with an extended magazine.

“Evidence shows that gang-related graffiti is directly linked to violent acts, and the multiple arrests and gun charges resulting from our recent investigations underscore that concerning relationship,” Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said. “Firearms in the hands of young people are a particularly volatile and tragic combination. We are seeing guns used to settle disputes, retaliate against perceived threats or gain status – and it’s putting lives at risk. Because of this, Mayor Franklin identified youth safety as a critical priority this year, directing resources towards prevention as well as robust investigations and holding offenders accountable for the harm they cause our community.”

Several of these investigations are still ongoing, but to date:

  • A 15-year-old female was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements
  • A 15-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements
  • A 17-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
  • An 18-year-old male was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for Minor in Possession and additional weapons violations.

Based on a press release from the Everett Police Department. 



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Stanley Cup Shenanigans & Winning in Youth Sports | Ep #97 | FOX Sports Radio

The Florida Panthers win their second straight Stanley Cup Championship. Covino & Rich reflect on some of the craziest antics players have had during their time with the Cup. Coach Rich is at it again, and questions whether or not winning is important in youth sports. And Buster Posey “speaks out” against the Devers trade, […]

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The Florida Panthers win their second straight Stanley Cup Championship. Covino & Rich reflect on some of the craziest antics players have had during their time with the Cup. Coach Rich is at it again, and questions whether or not winning is important in youth sports. And Buster Posey “speaks out” against the Devers trade, and C&R notice how different he looks compared to the babyface player we know. And join us for CRC20 in Vegas this weekend!

#FSR #CRSHOW #Overpromised

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.





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