Santa Paula Little League opens another season

This was the first nighttime opening for the league. In the past opening has been held on a Saturday. They felt that more parents would be able to attend an evening opening, and the stands were packed. League President Lalo Mota welcomed everyone to the event and thanked those responsible for all of the renovation work to the field this year, with new dugouts and a new infield. An honor guard presented the flag from the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 56.The field has a newly painted fence this year with new sponsor signs. Mary Ann Romero’s art class at Santa Paula High School prepared the signs. Tommy Frutos, an Outreach Coordinator at Barbara Webster School gave a motivational talk to the crowd. That was followed by the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year award. This year it went to Lalo Mota, Board President for all of his energy and dedication.Each year the season is dedicated to someone who has given his or her best to the league. This year that honor went to Lloyd Manes, a long-time volunteer and board member. Mota, in presenting the plaque said the Manes has continued to be involved, even after retiring from the board. “He has kept in touch and stepped in when help was needed,” Mota said. Manes was asked to throw in the first pitch.