Home Care In Santa Monica, CA

After a very lean period for the New Roads baseball squad, the Jaguars unit has finally found its roar thanks to new leadership on the field and in the dugout.

This past week, the Jaguars secured a playoff victory for the first time since 2016, defeating Bolsa Grande 6-4 in front of a Marine Park home crowd. The contest was the breakthrough New Roads has been looking for since the hiring of head coach Hector Zamora at the beginning of the 2022 season, going 0-31 between 2018 and 2021.

After an eight-year stint as an assistant head coach at Cerritos College, New Roads reached out to Zamora asking if he was interested in taking over the program. Hired one week prior to the 2022 season, the new coach showed up at Gandara Park not knowing if he was in the right place, considering the park’s field was little-league sized.

Zamora immediately went to work in shifting the program, not just reserved to finding regulation-sized fields to practice on like the one at Marine Park.

“[We changed] the culture, uniforms, players mentality, all across the board commitment,” Zamora said. “[We] implemented a college-style format in regards to strength [and] conditioning through the course of our summer [and] fall into the spring for maintenance, in addition to skill development … normally these schools only participated during the actual spring, [during the] season, but on our behalf, we implemented a year-round program to develop.”

Thanks to the new training structure, the young Jaguars roster began to believe in themselves after another tough 1-10 campaign in 2022. The team made a tremendous leap in 2023, clinching a Coastal League co-championship and a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoff spot. New faces contributed mightily, including Elio LaPorta, who captured the 2023 Coastal League MVP award as a freshman.

The new Jaguars crop have continued to produce in 2024, with one of the youngest teams in CIF having four sophomores and three freshmen in the starting lineup. Along with LaPorta, youth has anchored the team’s pitching staff, as freshman Santiago Jimenez and sophomore Xavier Walker were tremendous in starting roles, while freshmen Sebastian Berumen and Donovan Eastwood along with sophomore Asamino Spong have alternated in bullpen duties.

“It’s outstanding because it also sets the tone for the next two to three years,” Zamora said of his underclassmen.

The squad’s upperclassmen have also contributed in a big way, with senior Tristan Nash finishing second in the Coastal League behind LaPorta in runs batted in, and junior Fox Raggio pacing the Coastal League in runs scored. Together, the Jaguars clinched an outright league championship with a 7-1 Coastal League record, including a two-game series sweep of rival Rolling Hills Prep, marking the first victories over Rolling Hills since 2013.

After a defeat in the first round of the CIF playoffs last season, the 2024 Jaguars erased that memory with the victory over Bolsa Grande, getting a key bases-clearing triple from Spong in the second inning to take a 4-1 lead before holding on for the 6-4 win.

“Since we’re a young team, one of the things for us was we’ve been [working on] maturity as we played through the spring season … [asking] can we take a hit?” Zamora said. “And can we strike back without giving up on the situation? [That game] was one of the big indicators regarding that we were able to do that and finally grow up as a unit, so that was very positive to see as a head coach.”

Along with the growth of maturity and skill on the field, the Jaguars have bolstered camaraderie in the dugout, frequently hollering for teammates’ successes with the calling card “let’s go kid!” Zamora added that the fun extends to off-field activities with the roster and the greater New Roads community.

“We [like to] incorporate our families to be involved [in] hanging out like [doing] barbecues or [doing] special events that are not baseball related, but getting everybody involved, because the parents are also the ones that are taking the kids to practices and basically maintaining all the aspects of the program, so they’re very highly valued as well,” Zamora said.

Up next for the Jaguars is a tough second-round test in the CIF Southern Section Division VIII bracket, as the team will travel to San Jacinto to take on San Jacinto Valley Academy, starting Tuesday at 3:15pm. Zamora said that he’s told players about the long drive ahead, but that they’re going to “go out there and compete” despite the legs feeling “a little heavy” from the ride.

Regardless of the result, the Jaguars have solidified a future foundation that will continue the team’s remarkable turnaround.

“[There’s] a lot of love towards every single individual … working with New Roads has been an amazing journey [and] it’s going to continue to be an amazing journey,” Zamora said.

[email protected]

Tagged: baseball, CIF, New Roads, playoffs, sports

Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade, Bike Month events and much more.

Accidentally Wes Anderson photography exhibition: The exhibition arrives in Santa Monica after stops in Seoul, Tokyo, and London showcasing locations from all seven continents through the lens of Wes Anderson’s iconic aesthetic. Opens May 1 at 1219 Third Street Promenade. Details here.

Shop for Mother’s Day gifts at Conscious Market: Shop local jewelry brands, create DIY flower bouquets, meet designers, and take free fitness classes in Downtown Santa Monica on the Promenade. Saturday, May 4, 9am–6pm at the Third Street Promenade. More info here.

Art/punk guitar icon Joe Baiza to play Soundwaves concert series: He brings his new quartet to the Santa Monica Public Library’s Soundwaves concert series. Saturday, May 4, 3:30pm at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.

Leela Dance Collective: Enjoy a blend of classic North Indian dance and contemporary influences with the internationally touring Kathak dance company set to perform on the Third Street Promenade as part of the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration! Saturday, May 4, 3pm & 4pm.

Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade: The community is invited to enjoy performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM and recording artist Danny Muñoz. Attendees will also experience outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212 and Ugo Trattoria. Sunday, May 5, 4–5:30pm on the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade. More details here.

Superbloom Beach Club: This pop-up social club offers a full day of wellness activations, live DJs, beach games, and amazing connections. Sunday, May 5, 1–7pm at Ocean Park Beach. Details here.

Doris Kearns Goodwin “Live Talks” at New Roads School: “One of America’s most beloved historians artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history. In An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, taking you along on the emotional journey she and her husband, Dick Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life.” Monday, May 6, 8pm at 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.

Gearing up: May is Bike Month. This SM Spoke post details its history and some of the events this month. Would you like to know more?

What to eat and drink Around Town?

Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, May 2, starting at 5pm. Details here.

Petit Grain Boulangerie opening: This Eater LA write-up describes it as “LA’s Most Ambitious New French Bakery.” 1209 Wilshire Blvd. Details here.

Marmalade Cafe moves from Montana Ave to Downtown: Notable changes at its new 525 Santa Monica Blvd location is a “grab and go” menu along with the same, full menu that it has offered for years. More details here.

Half Baked Harvest’s Tieghan Gerard IRL pop-up at FIG restaurant: This NBC4 report details her viral comfort dishes she is serving up until May 10 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.

Manchego on Main St listed among “the best bottomless brunches in LA”: A Time Out write-up says “With an expanded patio parklet along Main Street, this casual Spanish tapas restaurant in Santa Monica is the ideal spot for some low-profile day drinking. The $25 bottomless mimosas and sangria pair well with the small brunch menu, which includes a chorizo omelette, torrijas (Spanish French toast) and sandwiches made with serrano jam, imported cheeses and other delicious ingredients from the Iberian peninsula.”

SaMo Proper hotel reimagines afternoon tea: Time Out described it as one of “The Best Afternoon Teas in LA” and I agree. I went there last weekend and the food and service was top notch! “Each service includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, plus scones, sandwiches and a rotating array of sweets that put a California spin on classic flavors.” Cost is $75 but for $20 more, guests can also indulge in bottomless champagne. 700 Wilshire Blvd. More details here.

Further Afield: Taste of the Nation: This year’s all ages event features over 40 of the city’s top culinary talent to include award winning chefs, restaurants, mixologists and more to help raise funds for the No Kid Hungry campaign. Saturday, May 4, 1–4pm at Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd. More info here.

Bonus Further Afield Around Town: Netflix is a Joke Festival: Netflix’s annual city-wide comedy festival is back now through May 12 with ~300 individual shows at more than 35 locations, from large-scale concert halls to more intimate performance spaces. Acts include Chris Rock, Ali Wong, Hasan Minhaj, Bill Burr, Seth Rogan, Kevin Hart, and even a Dodgers Comedy night. More details here.

Looking Ahead Around Town: Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade (5/10, 6/14), Montana Ave. Sidewalk Sale (5/18), MAINopoly (5/19), AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival (6/8), Eeeeeatscon (6/8-9), Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22)

If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at [email protected]

Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade, Bike Month events and much more.

Accidentally Wes Anderson photography exhibition: The exhibition arrives in Santa Monica after stops in Seoul, Tokyo, and London showcasing locations from all seven continents through the lens of Wes Anderson’s iconic aesthetic. Opens May 1 at 1219 Third Street Promenade. Details here.

Shop for Mother’s Day gifts at Conscious Market: Shop local jewelry brands, create DIY flower bouquets, meet designers, and take free fitness classes in Downtown Santa Monica on the Promenade. Saturday, May 4, 9am–6pm at the Third Street Promenade. More info here.

Art/punk guitar icon Joe Baiza to play Soundwaves concert series: He brings his new quartet to the Santa Monica Public Library’s Soundwaves concert series. Saturday, May 4, 3:30pm at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.

Leela Dance Collective: Enjoy a blend of classic North Indian dance and contemporary influences with the internationally touring Kathak dance company set to perform on the Third Street Promenade as part of the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration! Saturday, May 4, 3pm & 4pm.

Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade: The community is invited to enjoy performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM and recording artist Danny Muñoz. Attendees will also experience outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212 and Ugo Trattoria. Sunday, May 5, 4–5:30pm on the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade. More details here.

Superbloom Beach Club: This pop-up social club offers a full day of wellness activations, live DJs, beach games, and amazing connections. Sunday, May 5, 1–7pm at Ocean Park Beach. Details here.

Doris Kearns Goodwin “Live Talks” at New Roads School: “One of America’s most beloved historians artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history. In An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, taking you along on the emotional journey she and her husband, Dick Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life.” Monday, May 6, 8pm at 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.

Gearing up: May is Bike Month. This SM Spoke post details its history and some of the events this month. Would you like to know more?

What to eat and drink Around Town?

Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, May 2, starting at 5pm. Details here.

Petit Grain Boulangerie opening: This Eater LA write-up describes it as “LA’s Most Ambitious New French Bakery.” 1209 Wilshire Blvd. Details here.

Marmalade Cafe moves from Montana Ave to Downtown: Notable changes at its new 525 Santa Monica Blvd location is a “grab and go” menu along with the same, full menu that it has offered for years. More details here.

Half Baked Harvest’s Tieghan Gerard IRL pop-up at FIG restaurant: This NBC4 report details her viral comfort dishes she is serving up until May 10 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.

Manchego on Main St listed among “the best bottomless brunches in LA”: A Time Out write-up says “With an expanded patio parklet along Main Street, this casual Spanish tapas restaurant in Santa Monica is the ideal spot for some low-profile day drinking. The $25 bottomless mimosas and sangria pair well with the small brunch menu, which includes a chorizo omelette, torrijas (Spanish French toast) and sandwiches made with serrano jam, imported cheeses and other delicious ingredients from the Iberian peninsula.”

SaMo Proper hotel reimagines afternoon tea: Time Out described it as one of “The Best Afternoon Teas in LA” and I agree. I went there last weekend and the food and service was top notch! “Each service includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, plus scones, sandwiches and a rotating array of sweets that put a California spin on classic flavors.” Cost is $75 but for $20 more, guests can also indulge in bottomless champagne. 700 Wilshire Blvd. More details here.

Further Afield: Taste of the Nation: This year’s all ages event features over 40 of the city’s top culinary talent to include award winning chefs, restaurants, mixologists and more to help raise funds for the No Kid Hungry campaign. Saturday, May 4, 1–4pm at Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd. More info here.

Bonus Further Afield Around Town: Netflix is a Joke Festival: Netflix’s annual city-wide comedy festival is back now through May 12 with ~300 individual shows at more than 35 locations, from large-scale concert halls to more intimate performance spaces. Acts include Chris Rock, Ali Wong, Hasan Minhaj, Bill Burr, Seth Rogan, Kevin Hart, and even a Dodgers Comedy night. More details here.

Looking Ahead Around Town: Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade (5/10, 6/14), Montana Ave. Sidewalk Sale (5/18), MAINopoly (5/19), AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival (6/8), Eeeeeatscon (6/8-9), Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22)

If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at [email protected]

The city of Santa Monica has received commendation from California Gov. Gavin Newsom for its efforts to build more housing.

On Wednesday, Santa Monica was among seven California communities to be designated as “prohousing.”

The designation is given to communities that are making a concerted effort to build more homes to help address the state’s critical need for housing, officials said.

California currently has a statewide goal of building 2.5 million new homes by 2030. One million of those homes are specifically to be designated as “affordable.”

But the designation isn’t just a fancy title. Communities that are considered prohousing receive priority for resources to build housing, as well as other incentives.

“Prohousing cities move to the front of the line when it comes to incentives, funding and other state resources,” Newsom said in a news release. “It’s critical for more communities to join in this distinction and build their fair share of housing.”

Newsom says the state needs to “aggressively build more housing to support Californians.” Since taking office, he has called for the state and its cities to cut through the “red tape” that often slows down or prevents new development in regions that are in most desperate need of housing.

The seven communities named this week are among those who have done just that, he says.

The communities to receive the designation this week are Santa Monica, Eureka, Healdsburg, Mountain View, Petaluma, San Luis Obispo and Tulare County.

The state says the prohousing designation is not handed out on a whim. It takes “commitment to policies that accelerate housing production and minimize obstacles,” officials said.

Communities that receive the designation are also recognized for having leaders that the state says are actively working to address homelessness and affordable housing concerns.

“Communities whether large or small, rural or urban, are actively working to accelerate the development of housing for Californians at all income levels,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. “We are pleased to be able to reward our Prohousing partners with incentives to help them build on their innovative efforts to break down barriers to development.”

Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Fontana and Needles are the other communities in the greater Los Angeles area to receive the designation. The city of San Diego and San Diego County have also been designated prohousing.

For more information on the program and the complete list of prohousing communities, click here.

The city of Santa Monica has received commendation from California Gov. Gavin Newsom for its efforts to build more housing.

On Wednesday, Santa Monica was among seven California communities to be designated as “prohousing.”

The designation is given to communities that are making a concerted effort to build more homes to help address the state’s critical need for housing, officials said.

California currently has a statewide goal of building 2.5 million new homes by 2030. One million of those homes are specifically to be designated as “affordable.”

But the designation isn’t just a fancy title. Communities that are considered prohousing receive priority for resources to build housing, as well as other incentives.

“Prohousing cities move to the front of the line when it comes to incentives, funding and other state resources,” Newsom said in a news release. “It’s critical for more communities to join in this distinction and build their fair share of housing.”

Newsom says the state needs to “aggressively build more housing to support Californians.” Since taking office, he has called for the state and its cities to cut through the “red tape” that often slows down or prevents new development in regions that are in most desperate need of housing.

The seven communities named this week are among those who have done just that, he says.

The communities to receive the designation this week are Santa Monica, Eureka, Healdsburg, Mountain View, Petaluma, San Luis Obispo and Tulare County.

The state says the prohousing designation is not handed out on a whim. It takes “commitment to policies that accelerate housing production and minimize obstacles,” officials said.

Communities that receive the designation are also recognized for having leaders that the state says are actively working to address homelessness and affordable housing concerns.

“Communities whether large or small, rural or urban, are actively working to accelerate the development of housing for Californians at all income levels,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. “We are pleased to be able to reward our Prohousing partners with incentives to help them build on their innovative efforts to break down barriers to development.”

Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Fontana and Needles are the other communities in the greater Los Angeles area to receive the designation. The city of San Diego and San Diego County have also been designated prohousing.

For more information on the program and the complete list of prohousing communities, click here.