odds & ends

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SoCalHoops Community News

Local Notes, Youth Stuff,
Odds & Ends--(Oct. 15, 1999)

San Juan Capistrano: From the LA Times:

San Juan Capistrano's first public gym will open its doors Nov. 10. The 14,000-square-foot, $1.5-million gym, which is the second phase of the Capistrano Community Center, will have three courts that can accommodate basketball, volleyball and badminton games. It is expected to be used by youth and adult sports leagues. The gym is part of a master plan to create more recreational facilities and open spaces for residents. Architects have given the 14,000-square-foot building a rustic exterior to fit the surrounding agricultural site at 25925 Camino Del Avion. The area was home to Orange County's first walnut grove. The $1.5-million gym, which is the second phase of the Capistrano Community Center, is part of a master plan to create more recreational facilities and open space for residents. City officials said the gym is an example of a project that satisfies the need for modern athletic facilities and historic preservation. "San Juan Capistrano puts a lot of emphasis on good architecture," said Sharon Heider, the city's open space project manager. "From the outside, the gym plays to the city's history."

The gym has three courts that can accommodate basketball, volleyball and badminton games, along with electronic scoreboards and retractable bleacher seating for fans. It is expected to be used by youth and adult sports leagues as well as the public. In 1990, city voters approved by a 71% margin a $21-million bond to purchase 60 acres of land that was part of the old Kinoshita family farm. Since then, the city has developed a sports park with baseball, soccer and softball fields, and a community center. In addition to the gym, a Boys & Girls Club facility will be added to the community center by early next year. Part of the area was designated as an historic site to preserve the home of Joel Congdon, a local pioneer who became wealthy by developing the county's first walnut grove. Plans are underway to restore his home and convert it into a museum. For more information, call the Community Services Department at (949) 493-5911.

La Palma, from the Orange County Register:

The Recreation and Community Services Department invites teenagers to play hoops at the court in Central Park on Friday. The three-point basketball competition takes place from 3:30 to 5:50 p.m. and winners will receive prizes such as yo-yos and water guns. Information: (714) 690-3350.

Simi Valley, from the LA Times:

Thursday Open Gym: Open-gym basketball is available from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. The cost is $2 per visit or $10 a month. For more information, call 584-4400.

Ventura, from the LA Times:

Ventura Breakers plan basketball tryouts: The Ventura Breakers Youth Basketball Club is conducting tryouts for girls in fifth through eighth grades. The tryouts will be held today at Balboa Middle School, 247 S. Hill Road, Ventura. For information on the fifth-grade team, call 647-5640; sixth-grade team, call 659-5946; seventh-grade team, call 659-2511; and for eighth-grade team, call 658-6290.

Oxnard, from the LA Times;

Heat Basketball of Oxnard is holding tryouts for its various girls' traveling teams. The program is currently looking for third- through eighth-graders. Interested athletes from Ventura County are invited to try out. For more information, call James White at 443-4328.