Locals travel near and far for travel ball (Santa Maria Times)

6 September 2008, 12:15 am

Richard Cornejo has coached a lot of softball. He has coached Righetti teams for 30 years.... read more

Ten reasons to be excited about the 2008 high school football season (Los Angeles Times)

4 September 2008, 4:53 pm

Eric Sondheimer breaks down the Southland's top story lines heading into the season, including the array of talent at the quarterback position. High school football shifts into high gear tonight with a near full load of games. There's no better place in the country to see tomorrow's college and N... read more

It won't be easy for Mater Dei's Matt Barkley to live up to the hype (Los Angeles Times)

4 September 2008, 4:23 pm

The quarterback is sharp for most of the showcase game against Carson, but he also struggles at times. Senior quarterback Matt Barkley, considered by many the nation's top high school player, didn't exactly play up to the hype in leading Santa Ana Mater Dei High to a triple overtime 46-43 victory... read more

Cheap chic dining (Orange County Register)

4 September 2008, 3:12 pm

Casual and fine dining restaurants are taking cues from fast-food joints by offering more recession-busting value meals.... read more

217 schools miss federal test targets, but more reach state goals (Orange County Register)

4 September 2008, 11:27 am

Gap between state and federal performance standards growing as No Child Left Behind goals rise.... read more

Golden arm of Mater Dei draws comparisons to football greats (USA Today)

4 September 2008, 6:29 am

Quarterback Matt Barkley wasn't born with a football in his right hand. It just seems that way. With a classic surfer look tousled blond hair, tan and a photogenic smile the 6-3, 225-pounder is the picture of Southern California cool.... read more