dailycastsocal – Page 39 – Dailycast SoCal

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Bold Week Continues As Men’s Basketball Hosts UC San Diego

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Big West play continues Saturday for Long Beach State at home at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, as the Beach hosts defending Big West champions UC San Diego at 6 p.m. Long Beach State is coming off of an overtime loss on the road at UC Santa Barbara, while UC San Diego had a bye Thursday in Week 0 and is 7-1 overall. Game:…………………….. Long Beach State vs. UC San Diego Date:…………………………………. Saturday, December 6, 2025 Time:…………………………………………………………………. 6 p.m. Location:………………………………………….. Long Beach, Calif. Arena:………….. LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid (4,200) TV:…………………………………………………………………… ESPN+ TV Talent:……………………… Jason Schwartz, Devin Hudson Webcast:………………………………………………………….. ESPN+ Radio:……………………………………………………. 22 West Radio Live Stats:………………….. beachlivestats.statbroadcast.com RIGHT AWAY • Gavin Sykes scored 24 points all in the second half, including a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, but the Gauchos held on in Santa Barbara in the extra period behind 26 points from Aidan Mahaney. • Long Beach State is coming off of a strong performance at home at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, holding San Diego to just four points over the final nine minutes to rally for a 76-72 win over the Toreros. • In that game, freshman Gavin Sykes led the way with 30 points, becoming the first freshman since program legend Lucious Harris in 1990 to score 30 as a freshman, part of a strong start to the season for Sykes. Sykes has now scored 20 points or more on four occasions, including two straight against USD and UC Santa Barbara and is leading Long Beach State in scoring at 15.8 points per game. • Syracuse transfer Petar Majstorovic has been an early key for Long Beach State. The sophomore leads Long Beach State and rebounding and is averaging double figure scoring at 12.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Majstorovic played a key rotation role as a true freshman for the Orangemen last season, and had a strong debut recording his first career double-double in his first game at Long Beach State with 13 points and 10 rebounds at San Diego State. • Long Beach State for the second straight season faced a massive rebuild, bringing back just one player while adding 13. The team has a higher percentage of returning points, minutes and rebounds than last season despite having two fewer returners, as starting forward Derrick Michael Xzavierro renewed his commitment to the team as a 24-25 starter. NEWS AND NOTES • At the Battle at the Beach, LBSU had their best offensive performance of the season in a dominating win over Nobel 87-54. The Beach out-rebounded the Knights 46-27 and forced 21 turnovers and had seven players with 8 points or more in a balanced effort that saw no player on the court for more than 22 minutes. The Beach then fell in a tight game against Montana State, 78-72 as Gavin Sykes finished with 24 points. • Long Beach State hosted Illinois State in the team’s home opener, and came up just short against the Redbirds in an 82-80 loss. Petar Majstorovic had 19 points and 7 rebounds while Shaquil Bender scored 18 off of the bench for the Beach. • The Beach led for over 25 minutes of their last road game at Pacific and held the Tigers to 42.3 percent shooting, but Pacific rallied for a 69-66 win in Stockton. True freshman Gavin Sykes had his breakout game against Pacific, scoring 20 points and adding seven rebounds against the Tigers. • Acker returns for his second season at Long Beach State. The Beach, led by Honorable Mention All-Big West selection Devin Askew, had a strong December that saw the Beach grab road wins over San Diego and Pepperdine as well as Big West victories against Cal State Fullerton and Hawai’i, but ultimately ended the season 7-25 overall. • Long Beach State’s staff remains intact from Acker’s first year, with John Montgomery, Anthony Santos and Philip Scott as the assistant coaches supported by director of basketball operations Ali Tavakol and Jacob Eyman, the director of player relations. • In addition to the opener against San Diego State, Long Beach State will play another marquee opponent, traveling to Iowa State to face the Cyclones for the first time in program history. Outside of that game and league play to Hawai’i, Long Beach State will remain in California, playing 16 home games and hosting a neutral contest as part of the Battle at the Beach in November, hosting Nobel and Montana State. PLAYER NOTES • Petar Majstorovic has been a key starter for Long Beach State in the front court this season. Opening the year with a double-double at San Diego State, Majstorovic has led Long Beach State in rebounding in five games this season and is averaging 12.6 points per game after transferring from Syracuse. Majstorovic set a new career-high with 23 points at Portland, and had a career-high in rebounding with 10 in his double-double against the Aztecs. • Born in Serbia, Majstorovic spent the majority of his life in France, and has played a mentorship role for another Frenchman in Leopold Levillain, a true freshman joining the Beach out of Montpellier. Levillain last played for the semipro club Cholet Basket, and averaged 9.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the club’s U21 team as a relatively new convert to basketball after originally playing rugby in France. Levillain had his first start against Fresno State, and set career highs in scoring in back-to-back games including 10 points against Nobel. • True freshman Gavin Sykes had a breakthrough game against Pacific, scoring 20 points to lead Long Beach State, and after scoring 30 points against San Diego is leading Long Beach State in scoring at 15.8 points per game. Sykes is also second on the team in rebounding at 3.9 boards per game. As a senior in high school, Sykes averaged over 20 points per game with Modesto Christian HS, and was one of the top guard recruits in the state of California. • The other member of Long Beach State’s freshman signing class, Dallas Washington was a top-rated recruit and has contributed early with the Beach, averaging 3.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as another key player in the Beach rotation. Washington was a four-star recruit, rated in the Top 100 nationally by ESPN. • The top incoming scorer for Long Beach State is graduate transfer Shaquil Bender. Bender played two seasons of junior college basketball before joining Manhattan, where he starred for two seasons with the Jaspers. Bender averaged 11.2 points per game and made 63 assists while helping Manhattan with a 10-game turnaround after leading the team in scoring as a junior in 2023-24.Bender is now third on the team in scoring at 10.9 points per game, including a season-high 19 on the road at UC Santa Barbara. • Long Beach State added a pair of brothers in Isaiah and Immanuel Lewis, who will be playing on the same team for the first time since their days at Taft HS in Southern California. Isaiah joins the Beach from Division I Little Rock, where he averaged 9.4 points per game and made 99 assists, while Immanuel averaged 6.2 points per game with Nobel, and made his first appearance of the year against the Knights, scoring four points. • Isaiah Lewis has been a key figure for the Beach in the early part of the season, third on the team in minutes played while starting every game this season at point guard. Lewis is averaging 5.6 points per game while leading the team with 27 assists and 16 steals during the year. • The first Division I scholarship player from Indonesia, Derrick Michael Xzavierro is Long Beach State’s lone returner, a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. He suffered a significant injury with a collapsed lung just before his first season, costing him his 2022-23 campaign and affecting his first competitive season with GCU, but “DMX” had a strong debut season for the Beach, leading LBSU in rebounding and blocked shots while starting 21 games with four double-doubles, ranking in the Top 5 in the Big West in rebounding last season. • Another Division I transfer in Cole Farrell joined Long Beach State from Portland State. Farrell spent two seasons with the Vikings, and averaged 6.5 points per game while shooting 37.7% from three last year. Farrell has started each game so far for Long Beach State, and is now averaging 5.9 points per game. • Shay Johnson Jr. is very familiar with Acker, having spent three seasons with him as an assistant coach at San Diego State. The 6-10 senior will join the program after having primarily played as a backup with the Aztecs during a number of successful seasons. Johnson is averaging 15.3 minutes per game so far with the Beach and has twice had two blocks in a game, most recently against San Diego. • Rob Diaz III is another transfer, but one coming from Division II after two strong seasons at Cal Poly Humboldt. Diaz was the CCAA Freshman of the Year in 2023-24 after averaging 12.5 points per game, and then earned First Team All-CCAA honors after leading the Lumberjacks in scoring, averaging 16.0 points per game and shooting 36.5 percent from behind the arc. Diaz is averaging 5.0 points per game and has added 24 assists on the year. • Long Beach State also added one junior college transfer in 6-4 guard Christian Jones. Jones spent last season at Angelina College in Texas, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6 percent from three, going 28-7 overall and reaching the NJCAA national quarterfinals while leading the team in scoring. Jones is averaging 4.4 points and 1.6 rebounds for the Beach this season. • Pulling from within the conference, Long Beach State also added forward JJ Chaikovsky, who redshirted last season at CSUN after playing nine games as a true freshman with NJIT in 2023-24. Chaikovsky made his first appearance for the Beach at Pacific, with a solid stretch in the front court against the Tigers. Source link

Cultural Mosaic: Celebrating Diversity in Southern California Communities

Embracing Unique Identities Southern California stands as a vibrant tapestry woven from a multitude of cultures and traditions. This region is home to a rich blend of people, each contributing their unique customs, languages, and histories. From bustling urban centers to serene suburban neighborhoods, the diversity present in communities across Southern California reflects the global influences that enrich the local landscape. A Melting Pot of Cultures The communities in Southern California embody the essence of a cultural mosaic—a concept that celebrates the coexistence of various groups while respecting their distinctiveness. In neighborhoods such as Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, vibrant festivals showcase Japanese heritage, while in neighborhoods like La Villita, the rhythm of mariachi music fills the streets during annual celebrations, demonstrating the deep-rooted Hispanic influences that permeate the area. Food: A Culinary Journey One of the most delicious ways to experience this diversity is through the region’s culinary offerings. Southern California’s food scene is a delightful mix of flavors, featuring everything from authentic tacos and sushi to fusion cuisines that reflect the area’s unique heritage. Food festivals throughout the year provide opportunities for residents and visitors to taste dishes that tell the stories of immigrant families who have made this area their home. Art and Expression Art thrives in Southern California, reflecting the narratives of its people. Murals adorned with vibrant colors can be found throughout neighborhoods, each telling its own story of cultural pride and resilience. Galleries and performance spaces frequently host events that highlight artistic expressions from diverse backgrounds, showcasing everything from traditional dances to contemporary visual arts. Building Stronger Communities The celebration of diversity fosters a sense of belonging among residents. Through community events, residents come together to share their traditions and learn from one another. Initiatives aimed at promoting cultural awareness encourage dialogue and understanding, helping to break down barriers and build inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. Future Directions As Southern California continues to evolve, the appreciation for its cultural diversity is paramount. Education plays a key role in fostering inclusiveness, with schools emphasizing the importance of multicultural understanding and collaboration. Embracing diversity not only enriches individual lives but strengthens the very fabric of the community. In Conclusion Southern California stands as a living testament to the beauty of diversity. By celebrating the myriad cultures that reside within its borders, communities can build a brighter future defined by mutual respect and unity. The cultural mosaic of this region exemplifies that together, the colors of different cultures create a beautiful and harmonious picture.

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Sunkissed Serenity: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Palm Springs

Palm Springs, with its breathtaking desert vistas and mid-century modern architecture, is often regarded as a glamorous escape for many. While the city is famous for its luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor activities, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For those who dare to wander off the beaten path, Palm Springs offers unique experiences that capture the true essence of this beautiful oasis. Here are some insider tips for uncovering the hidden secrets of Sunkissed Serenity. 1. The Offbeat Art Scene While the Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-visit, explore the lesser-known art installations around the town. One gem is the Palm Springs Sculpture Garden, nestled in the heart of the city. This free outdoor gallery features works by local artists and showcases the natural beauty of the environment. Keep an eye out for the Palm Springs Art Walk, held on the first Wednesdays of the month, where local galleries stay open late, offering art lovers a chance to mingle and appreciate diverse art forms. 2. The Legendary “Palm Springs Walk of Stars” Many visitors are unaware that Palm Springs has its own Walk of Stars, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located in the downtown area, explore the stars dedicated to iconic figures who have lived or frequently visited the city. Take this self-guided tour to learn about the stars’ contributions to film, music, and culture while enjoying a leisurely stroll through the charming streets. 3. Culinary Corners: Hidden Dining Experiences While the trendy restaurants are delightful, dig deeper to find authentic dining spots that offer a taste of local culture. Try El Mirasol for traditional Mexican cuisine, beloved by residents and often overlooked by tourists. For a true hidden gem, check out The Real Italian Deli; this unassuming establishment serves up delicious sandwiches and homemade pastas that burst with flavor. Alternatively, seek out food trucks like Kreation Organic for a unique health-conscious twist, featuring smoothies and salads that celebrate local produce. 4. Nature’s Secret Getaways The surrounding desert has a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Tahquitz Canyon, a lesser-known natural oasis, is often overshadowed by the more famous Joshua Tree National Park. This hidden gem is home to stunning waterfalls, ancient palm trees, and petroglyphs created by the Cahuilla people. Hike the moderate trails to experience this serene environment. If you’re seeking tranquility, venture to Indian Canyons, where lush palm oases and scenic hiking routes lead you through ancient landscapes that feel a world away from the urban hustle. 5. Vintage Vibes: The Antique Shops While Palm Springs is noted for its modernist style, the town’s vintage charm can be discovered in its antique shops. Locations such as The Dinah Shore Estate, once home to the famous singer, offer a range of mid-century furnishings and retro collectibles. Stroll through The Antique Gallery for an eclectic mix of treasures, from vintage postcards to rare art pieces. 6. Secret Hiking Trails For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the Cactus to Clouds trail is a breathtaking adventure that starts at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and ascends to the peak. This challenging trek rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, perfect for sunset lovers and photography enthusiasts. For a shorter, family-friendly option, The Coachella Valley Preserve offers easy trails through scenic landscapes filled with unique flora and fauna, including the famous California Fan Palm. 7. Sunsets and Stargazing Palm Springs’ clear skies and minimal light pollution make it a fantastic spot for stargazing. After a day of exploration, head to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where the elevation provides stunning sunset views and an incredible night sky. Bring a telescope or simply lay back on a blanket to gaze at the stars; the Milky Way often puts on a splendid show here. Conclusion Palm Springs is far more than its glamorous façade; it hides a wealth of history, art, culture, and natural beauty that often escapes the notice of many visitors. By venturing off the main thoroughfares, you’ll discover the hidden gems that define the heart of this desert paradise. Whether you seek culinary delights, stunning landscapes, or quiet moments of reflection, Sunkissed Serenity offers surprises at every turn. So, pack your sunscreen, grab a map, and let your sense of adventure guide you through the enchanting secrets of Palm Springs.