Judge upholds malice lawsuit against parent A...

Judge upholds malice lawsuit against parent

A Superior Court judge on Thursday denied a motion to dismiss a

malicious prosecution lawsuit from Corona del Mar baseball coach John

Emme against a parent who sued him because he said the coach ruined

his son’s chances of playing college ball, Emme’s attorney, David

Shores said.

Shores said Marc Martinez’s former attorney, Doug Smith, asked

that the court toss out Emme’s claim. But that was denied.

The lobbing of lawsuits back and forth between the Sea Kings coach

and the disgruntled parent began in July 2001 when Martinez filed

suit alleging that Emme hurt his son’s chances for college

recruitment after a disagreement over pitching counts. The complaint

said the coach made J.D. Martinez pitch too many innings, damaging

his arm.

That lawsuit was thrown out in September, after which Martinez

filed another lawsuit alleging that J.D. Martinez was subjected to

public humiliation and ridicule in a December 2001 story that was published in the Daily Pilot.

Martinez also accused the Pilot and Sports Editor Richard Dunn --

who was then a reporter -- of libel, saying that they published

Emme’s comments knowing that they were false. His claims against the

paper and Dunn were also tossed out. Martinez has said he will appeal

those decisions.

Two freeway offramps will be closed today

Access to the heart of Costa Mesa will be limited this morning, as

county transportation officials plan to close two San Diego Freeway

offramps.

Bristol Street and Avenue of the Arts exits off the northbound San

Diego Freeway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while Caltrans

crews pile-drive a space for carpool lane columns.

Officials suggest using Fairview Road, proceeding north to

Sunflower Avenue and turning right on Bristol Street.

St. John the Baptist hosts weekend carnival

Fried fish won’t the only gig in town this weekend.

Beginning today, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will host

its fourth annual three-day carnival, which features a talent show,

karaoke, Irish dancers, live music, dancers and lots of food and

sweets.

Organizers said the event is designed to reflect the diversity of

the city. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. today and from noon to 10

p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1015 Baker St.

Local artist will sell art to raise school money

Trying to raise money for various educational programs, local

artist Michael Robles used his talents to create a rendering of

Newport Elementary School that will be sold as a limited edition

print set.

The sales of the authentic print of the historic schoolhouse on

the beach are aimed at families, friends and alumni.

Robles will donate 50% of all sales to the school’s foundation,

which manages financial contributions for educational programs such

as Art Masters and Beckman Science Training.

Robles hopes that he can help enhance the school’s academic

environment.

For purchase information on this project, visit

www.whaleofalibrary.com/robles/index.html or pick up an order form at

Newport Elementary.