From CSUCI to Santa Barbara to Little People

Friday, the day before Michael's graduation was a full one.

California State University, Channel Islands

The first stop was CSUCI to drop off Michael's final paper for his last class of the semester. CSUCI is the newest campus of the Cal State University system and was established in 2002. This will be their sixth Commencement Ceremony. 

Michael in front of CSUCI's new library

We had to stop here first to go to the computer lab to download his paper.

As in Italy, things as well as people can get "broken". 

The sign speaks for itself

Shi Young and I drove up to Santa Barbara for lunch and to buy Michael a graduation present.

Fund Raiser

In America, schools are constantly trying to raise money for various programs through a wide variety strategies. Tonight, Rio Mesa's Sophomore Class conducted a Faculty vs. Little People, the L.A. Breakers, basketball game to raise money for next year's Prom. It was, to say the least, intriguing but we left at half time due to the carnage!

Big Joe Mollica, #21, going after a rebound.

The rules were simple with two exceptions for the faculty team only

Rule #1: All passes must be bounce pasess

and

Rule #2: All rebounds MUST HIT the floor first!

The gym was packed and it was a pro-Breakers crowd. The little people were between 4 feet and 4 feet 9 inches tall. Gordy Abellera took out the Breaker's best shooter in an accidental collision just before the half.

FINAL SCORE: Rio Mesa Faculty 69 - L.A. Breakers 62

Strawberry Shortcake, a Typical American Dessert

This great treat was served up by Dick's wife Sharon at their home.

The evening ended with a meeting with fellow retired Rio Mesa teachers Dick Bellman, left, and Paul Petrich.

I coached football at Rio Mesa with both Dick and Paul, GOOD GUYS! Paul has coached in Europe several seasons including a stint with the Bergamo Lions when they won the EuroBowl about 8 or 9 years ago. 

Action from tonight's action packed game.

It WAS for a good cause!