Bolts From The Blue: All Posts by Erin C. LittleAn Unofficial Los Angeles Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47753/btfb-fv.png2014-11-22T16:00:02-08:00https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/authors/erin-little/rss2014-11-22T16:00:02-08:002014-11-22T16:00:02-08:00San Diego Chargers Blood Drive XXXVI
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<p>Some history and information on this year's popular life-saving event. Join the team in donating.</p> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chargers.com/community/all-programs/blood-drive.html">Chargers Blood Drive XXXVI</a> is right around the corner and you're invited. This year's event takes place on Tuesday, November 25th, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.towncountry.com/">Town & Country Convention Center</a> in Mission Valley. It is regarded as one of the most successful life-saving local events.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> Blood Drive began serendipitously in November 1979 when then-Chargers placekicker <a target="_blank" href="http://rolfbenirschke.com/">Rolf Benirschke</a> (pictured), who was suffering from life-threatening ulcerative colitis, required over 80 pints of blood during two surgeries over the course of eight days. The Chargers immediately responded by teaming up with Benirschke and the Blood Bank to involve the community in donating blood to help save lives such as Benirschke's, who later became the NFL Man of the Year in 1983.</p>
<p>Since its inception, the program has collected more than 73,000 pints of blood and has helped 219,000 patients. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the event as the world's largest single-day, single-location blood drive in 1993. Today the Chargers Blood Drive continues to grow and help those in need.</p>
<p>In addition to giving blood, attendees are invited to meet Chargers players, interact with an expanded "Wellness Zone," receive blood typing, and enjoy live music, activities, food sampling, and much more. There will also be a special VIP Meet and Greet where guests may enjoy exclusive opportunities to hang out with Chargers players, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chargers.com/charger-girls/">Chargers Girls</a>, and perhaps hear Benirschke's inspiring story in his own words.</p>
<p>Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children ages 3 to 12 years, and free for children age 2 and under. Proceeds help pay for a new blood mobile. Refunds for admission price and parking validations are available for blood donors after they donate.</p>
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<p>For general information about the Chargers Blood Drive XXXVI, visit <a href="http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org">www.sandiegobloodbank.org</a> or call 619-296-6393.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/11/22/7268385/san-diego-chargers-blood-drive-xxxviErin C. Little2014-09-05T10:00:03-07:002014-09-05T10:00:03-07:00Charger Girls 2014-15 Swimsuit Calendar Unveiling
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<p>All of your favorite Charger Girls celebrated the revealing of their annual calendar the night before the season officially kicked off. Check out the celebration and get to know some of the squad's members.</p> <p>Summer is coming to an end, but the sizzle isn't going anywhere.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.chargers.com/charger-girls/"><strong>Charger Girls</strong></a> held their <a href="http://shop.chargers.com/San_Diego_Chargers/San_Diego_Chargers_2014-15_Charger_Girls_Swimsuit_Calendar"><strong>2014-15 Swimsuit Calendar</strong></a> unveiling party Wednesday night at <a href="http://moonshineflats.com/"><strong>Moonshine Flats</strong></a> in the Gaslamp Quarter. Elegant and elated, all 28 Charger Girls mingled with a spirited crowd as they anticipated the revealing of their calendar photos. (Calendars may be purchased <a href="http://shop.chargers.com/San_Diego_Chargers/San_Diego_Chargers_2014-15_Charger_Girls_Swimsuit_Calendar"><strong>here</strong></a>.)</p>
<p>We caught up with a few members of NFL's hottest dance team to exchange a little Q&A. Enjoy.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Tinaiya</strong></em></h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974048/Tinaiya.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Tinaiya_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974048/Tinaiya_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1409871026730"></p>
<p><strong>Are you a returning Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>This is my second season. It's a lot of fun. It's really different coming back for your second season because you kind of now what to expect but it's still just as exciting. I'm excited to show our fans the calendar for the first time because they haven't seen it yet, so we're excited to show it off and explain our new [calendar] beneficiary.</p>
<p><strong>Who is the beneficiary?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.stompoutbullying.org/"><strong>STOMP Out Bullying</strong></a>. We found out through practices and stuff that we all had something in common - that we got bullied as children. We just thought it was really important to bring awareness and acceptance of religion, orientation, and back ground.</p>
<p><strong>What was your favorite thing about doing the calendar?</strong></p>
<p>My favorite thing was actually watching everyone else shoot because you get to see something a little different. When I was standing there, it looked like I was standing just by a bush, but when I saw the pictures, you can see the ocean and everything behind me and that's something you don't really get to experience while you're doing it. So to see the whole [picture] while another girl is shooting is exciting.</p>
<p><strong>Do you get nervous before games?</strong></p>
<p>I get nervous every time like it's my first game. The adrenaline and you can hear the fans and can actually see some of them before you come through the helmet. I get excited and nervous just thinking about it right now.</p>
<p><strong>Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to this season?</strong></p>
<p>I'm really excited for the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> to come. It's going to be packed. It's going to be loud. It's going to be such a great game.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Tina</strong></em></h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974056/Tina.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Tina_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974056/Tina_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1409871108564"></p>
<p><strong>Are you a returning Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>This is my second year with the Charger Girls.</p>
<p><strong>Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to this season?</strong></p>
<p>Just the whole football season. I believe we ended on a really good note last season. This being our second year with Tom [Telesco] and Coach Mike McCoy, the players are more used to the system, they've got healthy players, and the Charger Girls are ready to take the field.</p>
<p><strong>You're a true <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> fan, I can tell.</strong></p>
<p>I am, I am. Born and raised in San Diego.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have a favorite player?</strong></p>
<p>My favorite player is <a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/eric-weddle/f387ca47-e2bc-4716-9701-45026c431914/"><strong>Eric Weddle</strong></a>. He's such a great leader on and off the field. His involvement with the community is huge. His beard has become famous. Oh my goodness, it's pretty out there. When he went to the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/probowl"><strong>Pro Bowl</strong></a> last year it had its own interview. The camera was just on the beard. I mean, who gets that?!</p>
<p><strong>Is there something you're looking forward to doing in the community this year?</strong></p>
<p>In particular, the <a href="http://www.chargers.com/community/community-foundation/junior-charger-girls.html"><strong>Junior Charger Girl</strong></a> program is such a great way for us to reach out to young girls and for them to have the opportunity to perform with us at a game. And they're ultimately raising money for the <a href="http://www.chargers.com/community/foundation.html"><strong>Chargers Community Foundation</strong></a> and the <a href="http://wish.org/"><strong>Make a Wish Foundation</strong></a>. So, for them to put that hard work and effort is just great.</p>
<p><strong>Can you talk about this year's calendar beneficiary, STOMP Out Bullying?</strong></p>
<p>The Charger Girls just really want to promote and enhance a positive environment of acceptance, especially in elementary, middle school, and high school kids. It's an area that should be shined on.</p>
<p><strong>What's something you love about San Diego?</strong></p>
<p>I love Mexican food. I love California burritos. You can't go wrong with that.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Anjelica</strong></em></h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974064/Anjelica.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Anjelica_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974064/Anjelica_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1409871384777"></p>
<p><strong>Hey, aren't you a returning Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, I've been a Charger Girl for 5 years. I love it. It's really fun because we get to help the rookies and I love seeing fresh new faces on the team and getting to know everyone. I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of beautiful and talented women throughout the years.</p>
<p><strong>Being with the team for 5 years, it must really be exciting going into this season.</strong></p>
<p>It's really exciting. I can't wait for the season to start. I think we're going to do such a great job since we've had a year with our coach.</p>
<p><strong>Favorite player?</strong></p>
<p><span>Eric Weddle</span>. In the community, he's always there signing autographs for people and I think that's very admirable.</p>
<p><strong>Tell us about the calendar's beneficiary.</strong></p>
<p>This year I nominated the charity STOMP Out Bullying, actually, and it won, so I'm really excited. It impacted me personally and I feel like a lot of girls on the team [also] because we all kind have gotten bullied once in our lifetime. I know I have gotten bullied having red hair and pale skin, so it's something that's close to my heart.</p>
<p><strong>Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to this season?</strong></p>
<p>I always look forward to working with the Junior Charger Girls. I love working with the younger girls in the community.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Alexa</strong></em></h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974080/Alexa.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Alexa_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974080/Alexa_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1409871518295"></p>
<p><strong>How long have you been a Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>This is my third season. Everything seems to be going by so quickly this year, so my goal for this season is just to stop and take everything in. There's so many great opportunities the Chargers give you and I just don't want it to fly by.</p>
<p><strong>Can you talk about the calendar's beneficiary?</strong></p>
<p>My younger brother has autism, so I grew up with that whole aspect and saw how other kids maybe looked at him and just how other special needs students got picked on when I went to school. They don't want to be bullied for their disabilities. That's something that really hits home for me.</p>
<p><strong>Have you done any work addressing autism?</strong></p>
<p>I have worked with <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/"><strong>Autism Speaks</strong></a> and I'm very close with the <a href="http://www.flutiefoundation.org/"><strong>Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism</strong></a>.</p>
<p><strong>How excited are you for the season?</strong></p>
<p>It will be such an exhilarating season. I mean, we did so well last year and I know the fans are so excited this year to just get back into the playoffs and really cheer on their team, and so are the Charger Girls.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have a favorite player?</strong></p>
<p>This might sound funny, but my favorite player is <a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/philip-rivers/08b92133-b8b9-401e-bd84-2f6f9654a913/"><strong>Philip Rivers</strong></a>. And my reason is - I feel like everyone's answer is that - but mine is because I remember watching him as a third string quarterback and now he's come up and he has really led the Chargers. I just remember when he was younger and was really pushing for his spotlight and [now] he's doing unbelievable.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Kayla</strong></em></h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974096/Kayla.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Kayla_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4974096/Kayla_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1409871606790"></p>
<p><strong>Are you a returning Charger Girl? How do you feel about tonight's unveiling?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, this is my third year as a Chargers Girl. I think tonight, I'm most excited to see the rookies, to see their pictures for the first time. I was telling some of them that you always remember your first unveiling, so for some of them they've never done a photo shoot and it's really cool for them to see their photos for the first time.</p>
<p><strong>Have you not seen your pictures yet?</strong></p>
<p>No, we have not seen them yet. So, we will be seeing them for the first time just as you will. Is this your first time at an unveiling? They play a video and then flash our pictures really quick.</p>
<p><strong>Are you from San Diego?</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>I'm actually from L.A., but I just moved here for law school. I'm definitely still exploring but I love San Diego. I was on the team for two years before I lived in San Diego.</p>
<p><strong>You commuted your first two years on the Charger Girls?</strong></p>
<p>I did, yeah. It was very intense but it was well worth it.</p>
<p><strong>Can you talk about STOMP Out Bullying?</strong></p>
<p>I think that just growing up as a girl, it's always hard to feel comfortable with yourself and I think that we all connected as a team on this issue because it's easy to have issues with yourself. I think that STOMP Out Bullying really fosters kindness with one another. This [beneficiary] is something that we've never supported before.</p>
<p><strong>How excited are you for the season?</strong></p>
<p>I am so pumped, this is our year. I'm really excited. We came off a great season and the guys have been working really hard and the organization has been working really hard to put good coaches behind us.</p>
<p><strong>Favorite player?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/D.J.-Fluker/49704a4a-a656-422f-9a58-1d6ad5aab089"><strong>D.J. Fluker</strong></a>. He's awesome. You know, he's really friendly and he's fairly new on the team, and he has a really cool story. He's really down to earth and I think he's a really big part of the team.</p>
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<p><em>-Photos by Jenna Little.</em></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/9/5/6107449/charger-girls-2014-15-swimsuit-calendar-unveiling-partyErin C. Little2014-06-17T11:00:02-07:002014-06-17T11:00:02-07:00LaDainian Tomlinson 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
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<figcaption>Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LT's second annual run for The Tomlinson Touching Lives Foundation was a fun and family friendly way to spend a weekend morning benefiting charity and hanging out with the former Charger.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ladainiantomlinson.com/bio.php">LaDainian Tomlinson’s</a> signature ball-flip <a href="http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chargers/2006-12-14-tomlinson-endzone_x.htm?csp=34">touchdown dance</a> was seen once again in San Diego.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paying homage to the former Charger great, a few runners did imitation ball-flips after they crossed the finish line of Tomlinson’s <a href="http://www.lt5k.com/index.html">2nd Annual LT 5K and Inaugural Kids 1-Mile Fun Run</a> this past Saturday morning. The celebrations and turnout were emblematic of what Tomlinson still means to the local community.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were approximately 2200 participants and a crowd of more than 2700 at NTC Park at Liberty Station in Point Loma for the event. Some were grey-haired, some wore tutus, others pushed strollers. Tails wagged as dogs guided the sight impaired, families cheered on other families, and lots and lots of Charger powder blue.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t just the participants who had fun. Tomlinson got the crowd warmed up with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSMb6Tnd-q0">LT electric glide</a>, showing he’d be a great candidate for Dancing With the Stars. To signal the start of the race, Tomlinson channeled his inner QB with, "down…blue 45…blue 45…set…hike!"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a festive family affair and the weather was San Diego perfect. A huge American flag waved above the crowd while music played and folks enjoyed a complimentary food court, bounce houses, face-painters, silent auctions, a military appreciation tent, games and other family friendly activities.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Participants received 2014 LT5K performance shirts and medals. After the race, Tomlinson mingled with fans and signed autographs alongside rookies <a href="http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Chargers-Sign-RB-Branden-Oliver/85b44085-dff4-4067-9b3d-ad129bdf75c7">Brandon Oliver</a> and <a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/jason-verrett/2f0bda3e-528d-4bf1-ab36-ed11999dce33/">Jason Varrett</a>.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The event benefitted several charities under <a href="http://www.ladainiantomlinson.com/gallery.php">The Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation</a>, which emphasizes work to enhance the lives of children and to <a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/3/2/5459222/ladainian-tomlinson-returns-to-san-diego-to-fight-hunger">end hunger</a>. Tomlinson also promoted his partnership with <a href="http://www.tangotab.com">Tango Tab</a>, a free mobile app that feeds San Diegans suffering from hunger when patrons eat at local participating restaurants.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I would like to thank the San Diego community for coming to support this year’s 5K," Tomlinson said. "With the amount of people here and the energy they had, I felt as if I was part of a team again. We really came together today to raise money and awareness to support our youth [through] the Tomlinson's Touching Lives Foundation."</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The winner of the race was Jesus Montiel (16:39) and the top female finisher was Carol Mancini (21:47).</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/6/17/5817458/ladainian-tomlinson-5k-and-1-mile-fun-runErin C. Little2014-04-25T13:19:57-07:002014-04-25T13:19:57-07:00Chargers Champions School Grant Program
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<p>Every year the Chargers award grants to local schools for health and fitness programs. The deadline to apply is May 2. Here is what you need to know about the program and how to apply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is always room for improvement when it comes to our local schools and the health and well-being of our children. The Spanos family, through the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> Community Foundation and its initiative <a href="http://www.chargers.com/community/champions.html">Chargers Champions</a>, want to help.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Since its creation in 2000, the Chargers Champions School Grant program has donated nearly $5 million to over 100 public and private schools within San Diego County for physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs that are under-funded and need assistance.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">"Schools throughout California need our support," Chargers <a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/staff/a-g-spanos/95e6a7c6-ef0a-4de8-9c30-556e935f0280">CEO A.G. Spanos</a> said. "The main goal of our program is to enhance students’ ability to live a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness."</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The program annually provides selected schools with grants of up to $75,000 for high schools, up to $40,000 for middle schools, and up to $30,000 for elementary schools.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Last year, six San Diego County schools received grants: Clairemont High School (San Diego) was awarded funding for a new weight room and sand volleyball court, Wangenheim Middle School (Mira Mesa) got a new indoor fitness center, and Nye Elementary School (Southeast San Diego) used its grant to initiate a Peaceful Playground Program. The other recipients were John Muir High School (San Diego), Lincoln Elementary School (Escondido), and Palmquist Elementary School (Oceanside).</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"We have great schools and hardworking administrators that look for every opportunity to improve academics, facilities and activities for students," said Bruce Ward, <a href="http://www.sandi.net/Page/1">San Diego Unified's</a> Director of Athletics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the uncertainty of future funding for youth programs geared towards health and fitness, it makes sense to pursue money elsewhere; the Chargers Champions program has been successful in providing alternative funding for the past 14 years. That is why the Chargers are urging educators, coaches, and parents to apply for the program before its deadline Friday, May 2.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Applications may be found <a href="http://prod.static.chargers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/pdf/2014/2014-Chargers%20Champions-Grant-App.pdf">here</a>. Don’t let the soon approaching deadline discourage you from applying. Besides the postage the application is free, but the value to local children goes beyond dollars.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/4/25/5653578/chargers-champions-school-grant-program-helping-local-schoolsErin C. Little2014-04-11T14:05:13-07:002014-04-11T14:05:13-07:00Charger Girls Auditions: Meet the Finalists
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<figcaption>Erin C. Little</figcaption>
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<p>New and returning "Charger Girl" candidates had their final auditions. Get to know a few of the finalists who have been hard at work hoping to make the squad.</p> <p>The final auditions for the Charger Girls squad took place at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina Thursday evening. Out of the 300 girls that initially tried out, only about 70 finalists were left to compete for a spot on the 28-member team.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> head honchos were in attendance to judge the finalists, including Charger Executive V.P and CEO A.G. Spanos. The official 2014-2015 Charger Girl roster will be introduced on <a href="http://www.chargers.com/">Chargers.com</a> by the end of the week.</p>
<p>We caught up with a few of the girls for some Q&A while they warmed up and prepared for their 3-hour final audition.</p>
<h4>Christine</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282315/Christine.JPG"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282315/Christine_medium.JPG" alt="Christine_medium"></a></p>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong></p>
<p>I’m from Colorado. I actually reside in San Clemente right now, but I love San Diego.</p>
<p><strong>What are some things you like to do in your free time?</strong></p>
<p>I actually work full time as an events manager for a non-profit, but I definitely value my free time to keep dancing and pursuing my dream of dancing professionally. I’m also a runner. I get up to the mountains and go snowboarding when I can…yeah, staying active!</p>
<p><strong>What is something that people may not know about you?</strong></p>
<p>I studied abroad for a semester in Italy, which was a really great experience. I also went abroad for two weeks last fall backpacking in Europe, so I try to keep traveling when I can too.</p>
<p><strong>Finish this sentence: If I ruled the world for one day I would…</strong></p>
<p>Hmm, I’m trying to think of something that would benefit other people when you’re ruling the world!</p>
<p><strong>How about Chargers to </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl"><strong>the Super Bowl</strong></a><strong>???</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, seriously! That’s the best answer! And become a Chargers Girl, definitely.</p>
<h4>Chelsea</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282331/Chelsea.JPG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282331/Chelsea_medium.JPG" alt="Chelsea_medium"></a></p>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong></p>
<p>I’m from Chula Vista. I went to Bonita Vista High School.</p>
<p><strong>Hey, that's our alma-mater.</strong></p>
<p>Ok, cool! Go Barons!</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite things to do in San Diego?</strong></p>
<p>Have you ever been to the flower fields in Carlsbad? I think that’s my favorite destination getaway. I really like the flowers and taking pictures there has always been fun. I love the beaches. Coronado beach is my favorite.</p>
<p><strong>What is something that people may not know about you?</strong></p>
<p>I go to UC Irvine, I’m the cheer captain there. I’m going to graduate in June – my major is journalism. A lot of people say that I look like Catherine from the Bachelor. I didn’t watch it at first, but when people started saying that to me then I was like, "let me find out who that is!" It was actually really funny.</p>
<p><strong>What is a trait in another person that attracts you most?</strong></p>
<p>I think a guy has to have a really nice smile. Once I see him, a smile could definitely catch my attention.</p>
<h4>Cheyenne</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282379/Cheyenne.JPG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282379/Cheyenne_medium.JPG" alt="Cheyenne_medium"></a></p>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong></p>
<p>Orange County, so not too far.</p>
<p><strong>Is this your first tryout?</strong></p>
<p>This is my first time making it to the finals, but my second time trying out.</p>
<p><strong>What made you want to be a Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>When I was 12 and I went to my first Charger game and saw the girls, I was like, "that’s what I want to do!"</p>
<p><strong>Who’s your favorite Charger player?</strong></p>
<p>Ryan Matthews, definitely. Number 24!</p>
<p><strong>What is something that people may not know about you?</strong></p>
<p>I have the worst handwriting in the world. Literally, it’s chicken scratch. I got nervous when we had to write something [for tryouts]. I was like, "oh, I really hope they don’t look at this paper too much!"</p>
<p><strong>What is a trait in another person that attracts you most?</strong></p>
<p>Eyes. Oh yeah, I’m an eyes person.</p>
<p><strong>If you could have dinner with one person, past or present, who would it be?</strong></p>
<p>Sigmund Freud. I’m a psychology major, so studying his works, it fascinates me how his brain worked. I definitely think him.</p>
<p><strong>Finish this sentence: If I ruled the world for one day I would…</strong></p>
<p>Eat cheesecake all day!</p>
<h4>Angelica</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282387/Angelica1.JPG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282387/Angelica1_medium.JPG" alt="Angelica1_medium"></a> <br id="1397249952573"></p>
<p><strong>Where are you from?</strong></p>
<p>I am originally from Castle Rock, Colorado.</p>
<p><strong>Being from Colorado, are you more of a Charger fan or do you ever go to the dark side and root for Denver?</strong></p>
<p>Oh, no. I am definitely a Charger fan. I was born here – I’m from both places I’d say. My grandparents are Bronco fans, so it gets a little crazy in my household because my parents are Charger fans. [During] the Super Bowl I was like, "just don’t let the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> win!" I’ll never hear the end of that.</p>
<p><strong>Are you a returning Charger Girl?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, I am returning. This will be my 5th season if I have a chance to come back.</p>
<p><strong>Being a Charger Girl you get to be involved in the community. What is one of your favorite things to do outside of being on the field?</strong></p>
<p>I love working with children. I do daycare so whenever we get an opportunity to work with the kids in the community of San Diego, I really enjoy spending time with them. We do <a href="http://www.nflrush.com/play60">Play 60</a> events where we get to go out and help them with ideas on nutrition and how to stay active.</p>
<p><strong>What is something that people may not know about you?</strong></p>
<p>I have the biggest sweet tooth and I eat sweets after every single meal. I love red velvet cupcakes – they’re so good!</p>
<p><strong>What is a trait in another person that attracts you most?</strong></p>
<p>That they’re funny. They have to be funny and make me laugh because I love laughing.</p>
<p><strong>Finish this sentence: If I ruled the world for one day I would…</strong></p>
<p>Make everyone be really nice to everyone else – and not honk when I drive bad!</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Whitney & Devin</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282395/Whitney___Devin.JPG"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4282395/Whitney___Devin_medium.JPG" alt="Whitney___devin_medium"></a> <br id="1397250058043"></p>
<p><strong>Where are you guys from?</strong></p>
<p>We’re from San Diego. Born and raised. We actually go to school at the University of Arizona.</p>
<p><strong>What are your majors?</strong></p>
<p>Communications.</p>
<p><strong>Both of you?</strong></p>
<p>Yep, and minoring in Sociology! And we both dance – pretty much everything the same!</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite things to do in San Diego?</strong></p>
<p>We actually live right next to Torrey Pines State Reserve, so we love that, anything being outside, going to the beach, surfing, all that good stuff.</p>
<p><strong>What is something that people may not know about you?</strong></p>
<p>We love to read. We’re both very adventurous. We’ve both been skydiving, in hot air balloons, parasailing.</p>
<p><strong>What is a trait in another person that attracts you most?</strong></p>
<p>Intelligence. Funny too. They have to have a good sense of humor.</p>
<p><strong>If you could have dinner with one person, past or present, who would it be?</strong></p>
<p>I would say Walt Disney because it would be great to listen to everything he’d have to say. He created Disney Land!</p>
<p>Probably Barack Obama. That would be cool to have dinner with the President.</p>
<p><strong>The Charger Girls do a lot of community work. Is there anything you're particularly excited to be involved in?</strong></p>
<p>We were both Junior Charger Girls in 5th grade, and so we’re really excited if we made the team to be able to work with kids. We both volunteered at Children’s Hospital all through middle school and high school. We actually work with <a href="https://www.hopekids.org/">Hope Kids</a>. It’s in Tucson, Arizona. So that’s probably what we’re most looking forward to is anything in the community with children.</p>
<p><br><strong>UPDATE: </strong><a href="http://www.chargers.com/charger-girls/">The 2014 Charger Girls have been chosen</a>!</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/4/11/5605872/charger-girls-auditions-meet-the-finalistsErin C. Little2014-03-02T12:00:02-08:002014-03-02T12:00:02-08:00LT returns to San Diego to fight hunger
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vN3TUSoeKGlyBamImHyJItvqQWg=/0x274:2747x2105/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29403041/20131003_kdl_aw3_027.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LaDainian Tomlinson teams with innovative TangoTab to provide hunger relief locally. BFTB was at their event in downtown San Diego on Wednesday to find out how they were doing it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span>LaDainian Tomlinson</span> continues to put up W’s in San Diego.</span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Tomlinson had his game face on Wednesday evening at downtown sports bar and restaurant Bub’s @ the Ballpark, but what he was doing was not sports related.</span><span> </span><span>The former MVP and future hall-of-famer talked about fighting to end hunger locally, how using a new free app called </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tangotab.com/">TangoTab</a><span> would help do that, and be a win for the community.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>TangoTab’s mission is simple: "When you eat, they eat."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>About 1 in 6 Americans suffer from hunger, and in some places, 1 in 4 children go to bed hungry every day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>The TangoTab app is free to download (available on Android and iPhone) and provides its users with special deals at local restaurants. Every time a deal is redeemed, TangoTab works with its non-profit partners</span><span> to make sure someone in need gets a meal. One such partner is</span><span> the </span><span>Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4075985/LT.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Lt_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4075985/LT_medium.png"></a> <br id="1393779755408"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Tomlinson said he was downtown to "bring a</span><span>wareness to TangoTab because [he believes] in it so much." </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Working to end hunger has been a longtime passion for Tomlinson. During his days in a Charger uniform, he gave out at least 2,100 Thanksgiving dinners every year to less fortunate families through his Give Thanks with L.T. program.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Since its start in 2012, TangoTab and its diners have fed over 430,000 people and the numbers are rapidly growing. Founder and CEO Andre Angel, who also attended the TangoTab launch alongside Tomlinson, said, "What we created is a win-win-win model, where the restaurant wins new clients, the consumer wins great offers, and somebody in need also eats. Wherever consumers eat, we’re donating locally in that community. We want to solve the problem here at home."</span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>"I felt like when Andre came with this opportunity to launch this TangoTab app here in San Diego, I felt like it was a great opportunity for everyone because this is something the community can be involved with," Tomlinson said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>The community involvement between restaurant customers and eateries that offer TangoTab deals is what makes the app innovative. TangoTab users get good deals on food, restaurants increase traffic, and both get to be philanthropic in the process. They call it a "recipe for sustainable business success."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Angel said TangoTab would be effective in San Diego because of "L.T. and his love of the city."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4076009/LT4.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Lt4_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4076009/LT4_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1393779842830"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Tomlinson has been a fixture in the local community even after his retirement. He seemed to voice disappointment that no one has taken over his Give Thanks with L.T. program since he stopped playing for the Bolts. Perhaps that void is partly why he is back carrying on his efforts to give hunger relief here.</span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>"San Diego was my professional home," Tomlinson reminisced. "I became a man in this community" and "I always wanted to continue feeding people in this community." The sincerity in his voice was as genuine as his lightning-quick cuts on the field. But instead of filling up stat sheets, Tomlinson’s passion now lies in filling plates, bowls, and empty stomachs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Nicely done, L.T. – </span><span>a triple-win formula. Keep putting up those W’s.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">(This article was about the press conference, which happened in the afternoon. Christina will have a post up shortly about the celebration, which came a few hours later.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><br><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span>Join L.T. in ending hunger by downloading the TangoTab app from the </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tango-tab/id449163047?mt=8" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span>App Store on iTunes</span></a><span>, </span><span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tangotab&hl=en" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Android Apps on Google Play</a>,</span><span> and </span><a href="http://www.tangotab.com/" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span>www.tangotab.com</span></a><span>.</span></i></p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/3/2/5459222/ladainian-tomlinson-returns-to-san-diego-to-fight-hungerErin C. Little