La Habra High School

Leading the way

WHITTIER - So, when exactly does zero equal hero?

When La Habra High School junior Maleena Esparza stands at the plate with her double-zero jersey.

The 5-foot-4 shortstop posted arguably the most spectacular individual statistical campaign this season in leading the area's best regular-season team to an area-best 23-7 record, a third straight Freeway League crown and advancement into the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 playoffs.

"It was a good season, better than last year since we went further in the playoffs," said Esparza, who bats leadoff for La Habra. "It was exciting to go as far as we did, and maybe we can even go further next year."

It's difficult not to link the Highlanders' success to that of Esparza. The three-time Daily News All-Area honoree led the area in hits (56) and runs scored (48), tied for the area lead in homers (8), was second in doubles (11), finished fourth in batting average (.554) and seventh in RBIs (27).

"My approach at the plate is to stay focused and wait for my pitch," Esparza said. "If it's right there, I'm going for it."

Esparza, this year's Daily News softball Player of the Year, received a few outside accolades, including being named the Freeway League Player of the Year and a CIF-SS Division 4 first-teamer.

Esparza was also named the Northview Tournament MVP after leading the Highlanders to a 4-0 run that included a 4-0 victory over Northview in the tournament title game April 14 in which she batted 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored.

Overall, Esparza was 10 for 13 (.769 average) with 11 runs, two homers, four doubles and five RBIs in the tournament.

Esparza shined brightest, though, down the stretch. After opening the league season 1-2 with defeats to Fullerton (2-1) and Sonora (5-2), La Habra rebounded and went 7-0 the rest of the way.

During that run, Esparza homered four times while scoring 13 runs and driving in 10.

"In every big game we had she made an impact," La Habra coach Frank McCarroll said. "She had an exceptional year individually and for the team."

Two teammates join Esparza on the first team - senior pitcher Kayla Klein and junior third baseman Shanin Thomas.

Klein, who's making her third straight All-Area first-team appearance and fourth All-Area appearance overall, missed most of the preseason with an arm injury but rallied to finish 13-4 with two saves.

Klein, who's headed to Texas A&M in the fall, also posted a 1.

The Best Places in LA to Watch the July 4th Fireworks | Travelin ...

Of July is one of the our nation’s oldest traditions–first taking place in 1777.

Subsequently, July 4th firework shows both in Los Angeles and across the country, is a tradition with both small and large demonstrations.

For me, personally, the 4th of July, invokes many memories.

For those that may not know me or have heard anything, I grew up in a small town in Ohio. It represented–and stood for–the archetypical experience which celebrated our nation’s Declaration of Independence–which included family picnics, pie eating contests, and of course, spreading out the lawn chairs to watch the fireworks!

In other words, what was and remains a major part of history, became both unique to all Americans, no matter where they live.

Later, when I was living in Washington DC, I was privileged to watch the “Grandaddy” of em’ all July 4th festivals at the Capital Mall. I was lucky to experience nd enjoy both the grandeur of the big city festivities, along with my fondest memories from my charming hometown.

Here in LA, we have it all. Small to gigantic fireworks displays–from the LA Memorial Coliseum to Norwalk.

Many traditional local events have been discontinued, unfortunately, due to budgetary issues. Be that as it may, here’s a list of all the best Places in LA to Watch the July 4th Fireworks–another great bonus, is that many of the shows are free, so if you’re lucky–you just might find a free parking space also to enjoy LA’s July 4th Fireworks!

2011 Theme: We the People…Celebrate!

This year’s Independence Day Celebration will be another fun-filled day in the true Claremont tradition! Over 50 community volunteers comprise the Independence Day Committee that dedicates nearly 6 months in the planning and execution of this community event.

Memorial Park 12700 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA, 90650

For a fun family time, the Pacific Palisades Americanism is a wonderful spot to be. All the fun starts at 1:50pm with the skydivers, who actually kick off the parade. The Parade is on Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St.

Entertainment and fireworks:

Palisades Charter High School 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace

Starting with the ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell and ending with the fireworks, Cabrillo Beach is a family fun way to spend the Fourth. Featuring live music, military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, and displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, Cabrillo Beach’s celebration starts at 10:30am.

Congressional Record (Bound Volumes), Volume 150

The American biology teacher

Labor and community, Mexican citrus worker villages in a Southern California county, 1900-1950

ERA

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