Boner-operated business

Sooner or later, every guy will know the heartbreak of a reluctant wiener. According to medical wizard Dr. Mehmet Oz, by the time a man reaches 40, he has a 20 percent chance of experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED)—with an additional percentage point tacked on every year.

Pills like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, which increase blood flow to the penis by affecting levels of penile muscle-controlling nitric oxide, have been the preferred remedy for more than a decade. Possible drawbacks: cardiovascular complications, loss of vision or hearing, headaches and erections that won’t quit.

San Diego-based specialty pharmaceutical company Apricus Bio is pushing an alternative prescription ED treatment called Vitaros. Unlike other medications, it is a topical, applied to the tip of the penis with an eyedropper-like dispenser.

“Vitaros is free of serious contraindications,” says Edward Cox (no kidding), vice president of corporate development and investor relations at Apricus. Side effects, he adds, are “generally mild, transient and topically related. Vitaros doesn’t cause blurry vision or hearing loss, and it produces an erection in 10 to 30 minutes, on average, that lasts about an hour.”

Cox says Vitaros is ideal for men with diabetes, hypertension and other cardiac issues; those taking nitrates and alpha-blockers; and prostatectomy patients. The drug has been approved in Canada and will be available there through Apricus partner Abbott Laboratories this year. Apricus is working with Warner Chilcott to get it approved in the U.S.—certainly uplifting news.

apricusbio.com

Harmonic Converging

Tantric sex, a lovemaking method developed in India during the 5th century, is a hot topic on the lips of today’s Hollywood glitterati.

Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Sean “Diddy” Combs—and, most vocally, Sting—are among the devotees of this erotic approach, which views sex as a spiritual, intimacy-boosting sacred act.

“Tantric sex marries yoga practices in intimate settings and generally refers to long, slow gazes, breathing in unison, meditation and visualization,” says Kamala Devi, a sacred sex and relationship coach in Pacific Beach. “It is divineness merging with all of a person, instead of just physically or emotionally.”

Devi recommends setting a blissful, multisensory mood: light candles or incense, put on music and clearly communicate to your partner what you want to create during lovemaking.

Next, begin “centering” exercises—prayer, meditation or eye-gazing. Then add massage, dance, chanting or partner yoga to heighten energy. Finally, listen to each other’s creative intuition as you both become open vessels, with source energy moving through you.

blisscoach.com

Main Squeeze

A “Kegel” is not a Jewish noodle casserole (that’s kugel). It’s an exercise created 60 years ago by Dr. Arnold Kegel, a University of Southern California gynecology professor, who saw the need to help women reduce urinary incontinence and ease childbirth.

Kegel exercises involve repeatedly squeezing the pelvic floor (or Kegel) muscle that controls urine flow, thereby strengthening it. Doctors recommend holding the squeeze for three to 10 seconds, doing 10 contractions three times a day.

Benefits of the internal flexing for both sexes include increased blood flow to the genitals, improved vaginal tone and ejaculatory control, and longer-lasting erections. “Kegel exercises are not only therapeutic, but also have recreational use,” says Dr. Johan Brahme of the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre. “They increase sensitivity and heighten arousal for both partners.”

Best of all, you can limber up your love muscle discreetly—anywhere. So why not add a little rhythm to your morning commute?

ljcsc.com

Former ballerina Nikol Klein is all about whirl power: her Nikol Klein Method of personal training for women—founded on the type of ballet-infused fitness moves popularized by reality TV series such as The Biggest Loser and Real Housewives—is a regimen of traditional and dance exercises designed to create a leaner physique. “As a dancer, I spent twenty years, eight hours a day, in front of a mirror and made it to the top. But the self-absorbed part of my career is over,” says the North County-based Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who loves running on the beach. “I now find more satisfaction in helping others improve their own reflection and reach their goals.”

nikolklein.com

John Parker demonstrates a chair squat. Symphony Executive Suites, 619.961.4150, sales@symphony exec.com

By John Parker
Photos by Brevin Blach

Technology has streamlined the workplace, making legions of workers more efficient—not to mention deskbound and Kit Kat-and-coffee-fueled.

Within a single generation, the average American is burning far fewer calories per day, and our sedentary work practices have led to an increase in chronic lower back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, obesity and diabetes.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans are consuming almost 500 calories more per day than they were 30 years ago. More calories plus more time seated in front of the computer equals a country of mouse potatoes, pudgy automatons with decreased flexibility and sluggish performance.

Healthy employees are good for business, taking fewer sick days and remaining mentally alert. And given the rising cost of health insurance, it’s critical that employers encourage workers to reduce their waist-bandwidth.

That’s why innovative companies like Qualcomm offer their employees access to free, on-site gyms, kick-boxing classes and tennis lessons. Encinitas watch manufacturer, Nixon, encourages its employees to stay active with open office floor plans, long weekends and exercise reward programs.

Seasoned office jocks may have no trouble tackling some cardio at lunch or after work. For those with more hectic schedules, here are some ways to keep fit on the job by applying simple dietary tips and quick, covert office exercises throughout the workday.

Boost Productivity, Blast Fat, Achieve Balance

Inactivity is health’s kryptonite. Meet on the move instead of in the conference room. Propose the idea of having a meeting while walking around your office building or while engaging in yoga to burn up to 10 times more calories. Standing while talking on the phone, typing or firing returning e-mails allows your body to stretch, and your spine to realign.

To increase circulation for a mental and physical boost, stretch three times a day, holding each position for 10-20 seconds.

Mouse Potato Fitness
Here are a few exercises you can perform at the office without disturbing coworkers (at the risk of ridicule or reprimand by corpulent bosses). Perform two sets of 15-20 repetitions for each exercise three times a day and mix it up with your own favorite moves.

Chair Squat

LEGS—Chair Squats: From a seated position, with your feet on the floor and shoulder-width apart, stand slowly. Next, descend back to the chair, slowly, concentrating on good form. Repeat.

Desk Pushup

ARMS/CHEST—Desk Pushups: Standing in front of your desk, grasp the edge of the desk with your hands at shoulder width. Step back so that your body forms a 45-degree angle with desk. Keeping the glutes and abdominals tight, slowly lower your body toward the desk, and then push back up to the starting position and repeat.

Office Plank

ABS/CHEST—Office Planks: Lie on the floor facing down. While flexing the abdominals and glutes to keep your body in-line, use your forearms and hands (with elbows shoulder width apart) to support your weight such that only your forearms, hands and toes are touching the ground. Raise the body 8 to 10-inches from the ground, maintaining good form for 30-60 seconds. Repeat.

—John Parker is a certified strength and conditioning specialist who trains clients at FIT Athletic Club downtown. facebook.com/johnjeffreyparker

Chargers wide receiver Vincent “Action” Jackson basks in a moment of NFL glory while sporting the team’s 1960-style throwback uniform in a game against San Francisco.

By Jeff Praught
Photos by Mike Nowak

The NFL is back, and Chargers fans are as stoked as ever. Following their months-long work “stoppage” (if you can call it that, since no actual games were missed), the Bolts look primed for a Super Bowl run in 2011. The doom and gloom some predicted labor negotiations would bring about never really transpired, as cooler (or smarter?) heads prevailed. After much negotiating behind closed doors and via the media, the owners and players announced a 10-year collective bargaining agreement, with no opt-out clauses. Dust off your “Super Chargers” disco moves, folks—we have professional football for the next decade.

Main Offenders

Bolts backers can take comfort in the likelihood that any missed practices will not hurt the team much, as the majority of the roster is familiar with head coach Norv Turner’s master plan. Led by All-Pro quarterback Philip Rivers, the Chargers offense should be explosive and, dare say, stronger than last season.

How is that possible?

Top wideout receiver Vincent Jackson won’t be holding out to start the year. He’s now inked to a one-year, $11.933 million contract. The league’s best tight end, Antonio Gates, should be fully recovered from foot injuries that robbed him of half the last season. The team’s offensive line—a critical component to any team’s rushing attack—returns in full. And second-year running back Ryan Mathews can only get better, as he attempts to build on his flashes of brilliance from 2010.

Yet, there are challenges to overcome.

San Diego Chargers’ third-year running back Mike Tolbert does the touchdown throw-down dance in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last September. Pictured behind Tolbert is Jaguars’ linebacker and Oceanside native, Russell Allen.

Despite leading the NFL in total offense and total defense during the 2010 season, the 9-7 Chargers missed the playoffs. Defense and special teams seem to remain the area of greatest concern. There’s no hiding it: 2010 was an embarrassment for special teams, whose circus-like season was riddled with blocked punts, missed kicks and long-return debacles.

As a solution, the Chargers hired special teams coach Rich Bisaccia away from Tampa Bay. After last season, improvement is virtually guaranteed, especially with the return of long snapper David Binn (recently recovered from a hamstring injury). Of course, the pressure will be on kicker Nate Kaeding to exorcise his playoff demons.

Defending the Faith

The Chargers’ newest faces will line up on the defensive side of the ball, as San Diego tapped the free agent market this year to plug some holes. Linebacker Takeo Spikes (49ers), a 14-year veteran and prolific run-stopper, is a highlight of the new acquisitions. Travis LaBoy (Cardinals, 49ers) was signed to help improve the non-existent pass rush. And defensive end Luis Castillo is expected to generate more pressure on the line. This should more than offset the departures of Kevin Burnett, Stephen Cooper and Brandon Siler.

Hopefully, new safety Bob Sanders (Colts) can remain healthy—something he has not been able to do in years. He’ll team with Eric Weddle, who signed a controversial $40 million, five-year-contract extension this year (including $19 million guaranteed), making him the second-highest paid safety in football.

Sideline soothsayer, Cookie "Chainsaw" Randolph

By Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph

Within my vast array of incredibly awesome gifts (which includes unparalleled humility) is the ability to have time-traveling dreams that foretell actual events.

The other night I was having my standard dream of being naked in a classroom during a midterm I hadn’t studied for, when I was launched into a wild adventure that spanned the entire 2011-12 Chargers season.

Fortunately for all of us, when I woke up, I jotted down the results of all the games before I could forget them. Bet accordingly.

September 11 vs. Minnesota: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder throws for an NFL record 12 interceptions (including one to Chargers equipment manager Bob Wick) in a performance so abysmal, Christian Ponder, as his name suggests, considers changing religions. Chargers 49, Vikings 6.

September 18 at New England: Tom Brady’s hair gets caught in Giselle’s juicer before the game. Chargers 27, Patriots 13.

September 25 vs. Kansas City: Defending division champs? Please. The only bigger fluke than the Chiefs winning the AFC West was Amy Winehouse outliving Jack LaLanne. Chargers 31, Chiefs 10.

October 2 vs. Miami: His recently confiscated Heisman Trophy now moves faster and more often than recently acquired Dolphins running back, Reggie Bush. Chargers 24, Dolphins 14.

October 9 at Denver: Broncos QB Tim Tebow’s throwing motion is so slow, Chargers safety Eric Weddle was able to begin his blitz as Tebow cocked, and tackled him before the release. Chargers improve to 5-0 into the bye week with a 31-0 massacre at Mile High.

October 23 at New York (Jets): Philip Rivers completes an NFL record 47 passes, or one for each of Jets corner Antonio Cromartie’s illegitimate children. Chargers 38, Jets 17.

October 31 at Kansas City. Last year, the Chiefs masqueraded as champions. This Halloween, the trick is on them. Chargers 35, Chiefs 10.

November 6 vs. Green Bay: Super Bowl MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who lives in Del Mar during the offseason, sprains his back on game day while picking up the 123 Union-Tribunes that had collected on his driveway since training camp started. Chargers 35, Packers 24.

November 10 vs. Oakland: Uhoh. This is a “trap” game. The 8-0 Chargers take on the 2-6 Raiders on Thursday night. Raiders return three kickoffs for touchdowns in a special teams nightmare reminiscent of 2010. The ’72 Dolphins can celebrate the fact their undefeated season is safe again. Raiders 21, Chargers 20. Ouch.

November 20 at Chicago: Jay Cutler limps off the field with a separated taint midway through the first quarter. Back-up QB Caleb Hanie fumbles six times. Chargers 24, Bears 3.

November 27 vs. Denver: Poor Bronco Tim Tebow. This time he overthrows a wide-open receiver in the end zone as time expires. In his best throw of the day, the ball shatters a cluster of lights on the scoreboard. Chargers 23, Broncos 20.

December 5 at Jacksonville, December 11 vs. Buffalo and December 18 vs. Baltimore: Even my dream was bored by these games, but the final scores are 13-6, 17-9 and 21-7 respectively. The Chargers are 13-1 at this point.

December 24 at Detroit: ‘Twas the night before Christmas in suburban Detroit, the Lions pathetic, the Chargers adroit. Chargers 45, Lions 6.

January 1 at Oakland: Nothing like ringing in the New Year with 10,000 hungover Chuckies in the Black Hole. By now the 3-12 Raiders are phoning it in (leave your name at the bleep). Chargers 23, Raiders 3.

Divisional Playoff, January 14 vs. Indianapolis: Long-necked Peyton Manning visits the San Diego Zoo that morning to finally meet his biological father: Hoppy the Spastic Giraffe. Chargers 35, Colts 31.

AFC Championship, January 22 vs. New England: Attention addict and Pats receiver Chad Ochocinco legally changes his name to Kareem Oliver Diaz just in time for kickoff. Chargers 31, Patriots 21.

Super Bowl XLVI, February 5 vs. Philadelphia: Booking the Baha Men for the half-time show proves to be a cruel joke on Eagles QB Michael Vick, who hears “Who Let The Dogs Out?” in the locker room and becomes completely distracted. Chargers 35, Eagles 28. Antonio Gates (3 TDs, 116 yards receiving) is the MVP. Chargers finish 18-1.

You’re welcome.

Austin Poynter, 16.

By Dennis Browne
Photos by Dan Sparanga

It’s not all puppies and ice cream at the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA. Sure, kids shoot hoops, swim laps and play hopscotch there, but the Encinitas Y location is also home to one of the county’s gnarliest vert ramps.

Vert ramps can get junky from weather and neglect, but the dedicated Y staff keeps their ramp in tip-top condition. Even vert god Tony Hawk has been known to skate there, and apparently his gift-to-shred has rubbed off on a few of the grommets that make the place their second home.

Logging copious air time at the Y each week—often shredding like pros—are: Annika Vrklan, 7, Evan Aronson-Neel, 9, Sammy Schoonderwoerd, 15, and Austin Poynter, 16.

These four bust their noses, break bones and get knocked out…and love nearly every minute of it. They’d all gladly pitch a tent and crash at the Y to gain an extra hour of riding time—if only their parents would let them.

Expect great things from these four upstarts. And when one or more of them ascend to the ranks of Tony Hawk, remember—you saw them here first.

* See lingo definitions at bottom of page

Austin Poynter tweaks-out a stylish backside nose grab.

AUSTIN POYNTER (AGE 16)

PacificSD: What’s the gnarliest trick you’ve done on a vert ramp or pool?
Poynter: It would have to be a 540.
Why did you choose vert skating instead of street skating?
Vert always seemed more interesting to me. When I first saw a vert ramp, I told myself, “I want to do that one day.”
Describe your worst slam.
I was skating in a pool about 10-feet deep, trying a backside disaster.* It didn’t feel right, so I bailed, but on the way down I clipped my foot on the board, and the board flung up in the air
and came straight down on my spine. It pushed my disc forward and I still have to get it pushed back every couple months.
Are you scared to slam like that again?
It was kind of random, but it’s still pretty scary.
Number of hospital visits?
About four—just one broken wrist, knock on wood.
Do you listen to music when you skate?
I thrash to the Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath and AC/DC, with some Red Hot Chili Peppers in the mix.

Fill In the Blanks: Austin
I’ve been skating for: Seven years.
My sponsors are: Oakley, Powell-Peralta, Bones wheels, Osiris skate shoes, S-One helmets, 187 pads and McGill’s Skateshop.
My favorite skater is: Alex Perelson, because he has the best style and can skate everything.
My favorite music to skate to is: Classic rock.
Skateboarding is cooler than rollerblading because: It’s not even close!
If I won the lottery today, I would: Bring back the old Vans mini-ramps and street course. My goal in skateboarding is to: Keep it fun.
I would be stoked if skateboarding became an official Olympic event, because: It would be getting the recognition it needs.

Annika Vrklan busts a frontside 5-0 in the deep end.

ANNIKA “ANNI” VRKLAN (AGE 7)
PacificSD: What’s the gnarliest trick you’ve done on a vert ramp or pool?
Vrklan: Frontside 5-0* grind on the deep end of the 11-foot bowl.
Is skateboarding cooler than other sports?
No, because most of the skaters I know do a ton of sports, and it is cool to be on a team as well.
Why did you choose vert skating over street skating?
When I started skating, I did skate all transition.* But now I skate everything from bowl to vert to mini-ramp and am really loving rails and huge ollies* in the street.
Describe your worst slam.
It was two years ago, when I was 5. I was warming up for the King of the Groms contest (editor’s note: a national skateboarding competition for skaters ages 12 and younger). I was doing a
frontside air, slipped and did a huge faceplant. I went and iced my face in the office and competed anyway, because that’s how I roll.

Annika Vrklan, 7.

Number of hospital visits?
Once, when I was born.
Do you listen to music when you skateboard?
I’ll crank up some Black Eyed Peas, No Doubt, Chili Peppers or All American Rejects.
Do you want to compete with the guys when you grow up?
Yes. I already do and I know I can hang.

Fill in the blanks: Anni
I’ve been skating for: Three years.
My sponsors are: Hoopla Skateboards, Les Ettes Cosmetics, All Girl Skate Jam, Rockstar Bearings, Tail Wags helmet covers, Little Ruler clothing and Grind King.
My favorite skater is: Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, because she is so nice to me and inspires me to pull a 720.
My favorite music to skate to is: Fast music like pop and rock. It feels just like I am flying.
When I’m not skateboarding, I like to: Surf, go to the pool, snowboard, do gymnastics and play with my friends.
If I won the lottery today, I would: Build an indoor skate park where all the kids could skate every day, and give the rest to my mom and dad. We would travel to the coolest
skate spots all over the world.
The best thing about skateboarding is: Hanging out with my friends and learning new tricks.
The worst thing about skateboarding is: Slamming hard  spraining anything or watching any friends get hurt.
My goal in skateboarding is to: Always have a great time. I like to have sessions with pros, old guys, groms and anyone that will skate with me and loves what they do.
I would be stoked if skateboarding became an official Olympic event, because: Everybody would see that skateboarding does rule, and the signs that say “no skateboarding”
would stop.

Evan Aronson-Neel floats a Method air.

EVAN ARONSON-NEEL (AGE 9)
PacificSD: What’s the gnarliest trick you’ve done on a vert ramp or pool?
Aronson-Neel: Frontside 540* on the vert ramp at the YMCA in Encinitas.
Is skateboarding cooler than other sports?
Yeah, skaters are just different. But any sport is better than video games. And it’s my transportation.
Why did you choose vert skating instead of street skating?
I also like street skating. Variety is the spice of life.
Describe your worst slam.
I was trying to board-slide a big rail and sacked* it. It was sunny out. Is that descriptive enough?
Are you scared to slam like that again?
Scared is a big word, but, yes.
Number of hospital visits?

Evan Aronson-Neel, 9.

I broke my arm walking on the train tracks, broke my hand running to the water fountain. Nothing from skating, though.
Do you listen to music when you skateboard?
I like Green Day, Dead Kennedys, Jacko, Cee Lo Green, AC/DC, Purple Helmet—that’s my dad’s horrible band—NOFX and Nirvana.

Fill in the blank: Evan
I’ve been skating for: Seven years.
My sponsors are: Emerald City Surf/Skate in Coronado and Anarchy Eyewear.
My favorite skater is: Tony Hawk.
My favorite music to skate to is: Green Day.
Skateboarding is cooler than rollerblading, because: Rollerblading is lame—no offense.
When I’m not skateboarding, I like to: Play the drums, play baseball and eat candy.
If I won the lottery today, I would: Buy a yacht, build a huge hotel with a skate park and buy a party island with waves for when I’m 21.
My goal in skateboarding is: To become a pro.
I would be stoked if skateboarding became an official Olympic event, because: I’d be competing, going for the gold, baby!

Sammy Schoonderwoerd sucks up a frontside Stalefish.

SAMMY SCHOONDERWOERD (AGE 15)
PacificSD: What’s the gnarliest trick you’ve done on a vert ramp or pool?
Schoonderwoerd: A corked-out Indy 540.*
Is skateboarding cooler than other sports?
Yes. Skating is less performance-based and more about expressing yourself creatively. With skating, you don’t have to be super tall or a certain body type. You can shred no matter what size you are.
Why did you choose vert skating instead of street skating?
You go a lot faster and a lot higher.
Describe your worst slam.
I got knocked trying an Indy 540. The last thing I remember is going up the ramp, and then I was laying on my back, looking up at the bottom of the ramp with seven people surrounding me.
Number of hospital visits?
Seven. I’ve been lucky to not break a bone in skating but I have gotten a lot of concussions—and stitches about three times.
Do you listen to music when you skateboard?
No. Every time I listen to music while skating, I get worked. I fell and bent my iPod so bad it looked like a half-pipe.
What have been your biggest achievements in skateboarding?
Probably the Gatorade Free Flow Tour in Salt Lake City. I got free food, free flight, free hotel. I felt like a rock star. It was so rad.

Sammy Schoonderwoerd, 15

Fill in the blank: Evan
I’ve been skating for: Eight years
My sponsors are: McGill’s skate shop, Powell, Bones, S-One helmets, 187 pads.
My favorite skater is: Alex Perelson, because he works really hard and he just wants to learn new tricks. He doesn’t sweat contests too much.
Skateboarding is cooler than rollerblading because: Which is in the X Games? Enough said.
When I’m not skateboarding, I like to: Play basketball, surf, hang out with friends.
If I won the lottery today, I would: Travel all over and skate every park in the world. Also, I would go skydiving—one of my top goals in life.
The best thing about skateboarding is: Working super hard to land a trick and finally stomp it.
The worst thing about skateboarding is: Slamming and having to take time off from skating. Then you’re all rusty.
My goal in skateboarding is to: Work as hard as I can and learn as many tricks as I can. The rest will pan out.
I would be bummed if skateboarding became an official Olympic event, because: Skateboarding is so much different than just a random sport. It has no rules or regulations.

SAY WHAT ?!  *Skate lingo defined:
BACKSIDE DISASTER: 180-degree turn with a stall/pause at the top of the ramp
CORKED OUT: air with a combo twist/invert (upside down)
FRONTSIDE 5-0 GRIND: only back truck (wheel axle) grinds pool coping
INDY 540: 540-degree rotation combined with an Indy (back-hand) grab
OLLIE: popping the board into air using momentum from feet and legs (no hands)
SACKED IT: fell painfully—with one leg on either side of a rail
TRANSITION: skating on anything but the street or flat ground (i.e., ramps or pools)

Trevor Hoffman in the ninth vs Toronto at Petco Park. (Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres)

By Chris Tran

Few employees have their own anthem blasted over the loudspeakers as thousands of people cheer them on for doing their job—but that’s exactly what retired relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman experienced as a member of the San Diego Padres.

The ominous, chiming intro to AC/DC’s Hells Bells put Padres fans on their feet for more than a decade, as Major League Baseball’s (MLB’s) ultimate closer made his slow jog from bullpen to mound—with just one thing in mind: “Get that first strike.”

It wasn’t always like that.

Hoffman’s first appearance in a Padres uniform was a rough one. The Pads had just traded away fan favorite Gary Sheffield in a fire sale, receiving Hoffman, an unknown pitcher and converted shortstop, in the deal. He was booed during his first outing with the team.

These days, Hoffman can be found in the Padres front office, where he serves as a special assistant to team president, Tom Garfinkel.

In homage to his excellence, the club will occasionally play a snippet of Hoffman’s theme song during his promotional appearances on the field.

“It feels weird to be hearing Hell Bells and to be coming on in a suit,” says Hoffman, who spent the last few years of his career pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. “That song became like an announcement that there’s a job I have to do. It would amp me up and get me focused, whether there was 10,000 people in the crowd, or if the game was sold out. To this day, I get the same feeling when I hear it.”

Hoffman, MLB’s all-time saves leader (601), will watch as his iconic number 51 jersey is retired on August 21, before a 1:05 p.m. game against the Florida Marlins. His number will join those of other retired Padres greats in centerfield, including Steve Garvey (No. 6), Tony Gwynn (No. 19), Dave Winfield (No. 31) and Randy Jones (No. 35).

Today, Hoffman lives with his wife and three sons, dividing his time between a home in Fairbanks Ranch and a beachfront house in Del Mar. After nearly two decades in professional baseball, he says the word “retirement” can still feel “a bit scary.”

“If someone sees number 51 up there with the other retired numbers and asks who he was, the best thing I could be remembered as is a good teammate,” Hoffman says. “Now, I get to do that for my family.”

Former SDSU Aztecs basketball star forward, Kawhi Leonard. (Ernie Anderson/SDSU Athletics)

During the first round of the NBA draft held June 23, the Indiana Pacers scooped up San Diego State Aztecs’ basketball star forward, Kawhi Leonard.

Hours later, Leonard was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Spurs’ point guard George Hill.

Leonard, the Aztecs’ leading scorer for the 2010-2011 season, helped catapult the team to its first ever NCAA Sweet 16 ranking
during a game against Temple University earlier this year. He cemented the win with a deft steal-and-dunk play during the second overtime.

At 6’ 7”, Leonard averaged 15.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game last season, helping the Aztecs win a record 34 games.

—Pat Sherman

Dominick Cruz. Photos by James Law (jameslawphotography.com)

By Chris Tran

Meet Chula Vista’s Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC’s) Bantamweight Champion and, according to mixed martial arts (MMA) website, sherdog.com, the ninth best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Stepping into the octagon with the 25-year-old, 135-pound MMA champ is akin to shadowboxing (a warm-up technique in which a fighter throws punches at an imaginary opponent), as Cruz’s fancy, technical footwork and elusive motion make his opponents look like they’re swinging at a shadow of what was—an instant before—his head. It’s a scene straight out of a Matrix flick.

After weeks of trash-talking with his opponent, Cruz realized his ninth straight victory, on July 2, during a much-anticipated rematch against Urijah Faber at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Cruz had lost to Faber four years ago (his sole career defeat), when a firstround guillotine choke ended the featherweight title fight. Cruz had relocated from Tucson, Arizona, to San Diego just weeks before that ill-fated fight—a mere shadow of the athlete he is today.

Though Faber still goes by the nickname “The California Kid,” Cruz is now equally proud of his new home.

“I feel like San Diego has made me who I am as a fighter and as an adult,” he says. “I’m San Diego’s only UFC champion. I’m proud to bring it home to San Diego and want to share the experience with everyone here.”

Having returned from Vegas with a championship belt around his waist, Cruz is now focused on his next bout, training feverishly at Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista through a combo of sparring, wrestling, boxing and muay thai.

“It’s train, train, train. Make improvements, get better, no holes in my game,” Cruz says. “I want to be number one on the pound-for-pound list. Not try—I will.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BREVIN BLACH
Shot on location at The Sporting Club at the Aventine, La Jolla

After months of anticipation, the protein powder has finally settled. Nearly 20,000 votes were
cast, and the results are in: PacificSD’s 2011 Hotbody Contest winner is (drum roll)…Scott Kemp, a professional paintball player from Pacific Beach.

Congratulations, Mr. Kemp. Your Hotbody photo garnered the highest average score: 9.33.

Initially, the plan had been to conduct the contest via Facebook, and then tally the “likes” to pick a winner. Problem was, some of our Hotbody neighbors (you know who you are) posted pics so racy, Mr. Zuckerberg nearly yanked our page for good. (“Nudity” turns out to be more subjective than we had thought.) So, we moved the Hotbody pics to our website and let the ranking begin.

In the end, more than 1,500 people ranked the photos—10 for way hot; 1 for, um, not—for a grand total of 19,073 votes. The competition was as tight as our winners’ abs.

Coming in second place was Shirley Moran, a 39-year-old mother of three, with an average score of 9.28. That’s one hot Momma!

Rounding out the top six were Meli Charman and Lizzie Hopkins for the women, and Xavisus Gayden and James Clippinger for the men.

Congratulations to the winners, a big Muah! to all of you who had the exercise balls to submit your photos, and thank you to everyone who voted online.

The moral of this story: It’s what’s on the inside that counts, but the outside looks better in pictures. (Well, that and, when it comes to posting pics on Facebook, racing stripe does not equal bikini.)

Scott Kemp

Arm Candy

Scott Kemp
Age: 25
Occupation: Professional paintball player and student
Hometown: Woodland Hills, Calif.
Current Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
I’m always pumped mentally for the gym. Oh, and I drink pre-workout drinks: 10 grams of branched-chain amino acids, 10 grams of glutamine and a nitric oxide supplement.

How often do you work out, and for how long?
Every day, sometimes twice a day, for about one-and-a-half to two hours each session. Most people would say, “Well, I don’t have time to work out that long.” Guess what? It’s called, “get up earlier.”

What jam fuels your workouts most?
Monster by Professor Green.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
Guys trying to push more weight than they can handle, because they let their egos get in the way. They end up never getting a full range of motion and cheat themselves.

What do you do to make your arms look so great?
I train every major muscle of my body individually. In order to have bigger or greatlooking arms, you have to have well-developed biceps, triceps and shoulders. You also have to have a fairly low body-fat percentage or you won’t have high definition.

When you were a kid, did you have a hardbodied idol that inspired you?
I always looked up to Arnold. He dreamed big and turned his dreams into reality.

Which wild animal do you most closely resemble?
A Tyrannosaurus Rex, because I’m a fierce carnivore.

Shirley Moran

Look Whose Back

Shirley Moran
Age: 39
Occupation: Personal trainer Hometown: San Diego
Current Neighborhood: Escondido

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
By eating a clean breakfast, eggs and Ezekiel toast, one hour prior to my workout.

How often do you work out, and for how long?
Five to six times a week, about one hour to an hour and a half each session.

What jam fuels your workouts the most?
I listen to music during cardio only—Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, P.O.D. I have to be able to communicate with my trainer during my training sessions.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
Improper form—it defeats what they’re trying to accomplish.

What do you do to make your back look so great?
I work on my back once a week. My trainer constantly changes the workout to confuse the muscle group.

What’s the most out-of-shape you’ve ever been?
I was most out of shape after my pregnancies. I have three kids and gained 50 pounds during each one.

What high-calorie or fatty food is your greatest weakness?
Sweets—especially by Michelle Coulon Dessertier, in La Jolla.

Xavisus Gayden

Chest To Impress

Xavisus Gayden
Age: 31
Occupation: U.S. Marine Corps career planner, music producer
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current Neighborhood: Vista, Calif.

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
Yok3d, which is a brand new nitric oxide pill that brings ferocious pumps to a whole new level.

How often do you work out, and for how long?
At lunchtime and after work for an hour to two hours. I usually get in at least two-and-ahalf to three hours a day for at least five or six days a week. Sometimes I could go seven days.

What jam fuels your workouts most?
I’m a huge fan of R&B, but I love rap music as well. Some of my favorite artists are Juvenile, B.G. and Ludacris. I also tend to mix my own music in there, songs that I have written and performed.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
People executing exercises with entirely too much weight, which prevents them from isolating the muscle or muscle group they are working on. Bad form can lead to imbalance.

What do you do to make your chest look so great?
Normal bench presses are executed with barbells. I use dumbbells. I also try to maintain high reps with heavy weight. Forced reps are also a great help if you have a spotter.

Have you ever dated anyone you met at a gym?
No, but I asked someone before and I got stood up. I normally wouldn’t ask, but I was at a stage where I wanted to try something new, LOL.

Which wild animal do you most closely resemble?
I love white tigers, so I would definitely go with a tiger. Tigers can be vicious and at times very content or humble. I’ve been called a gentle giant because I have that southern hospitality…and I believe I’m a gentleman.

Meli Charman

A Leg Up

Meli Charman
Age: 30
Occupation: Owner (and dancer) of Lipstik Inc. Productions
Hometown: Millbrae, Calif.
Current Neighborhood: Hillcrest

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
By eating a good meal and hydrating, taking a pre-workout drink, stretching and drinking weight gainer during my work out.

How often do you work out, and for how long?
I work out four to five times a week for one to one-and-a-half hours.

What jam fuels your workouts most?
High-energy music, especially the La Bomba mix by Von Kiss.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
Lifting weights or using equipment inappropriately. This can really be dangerous and ineffective. The best thing to do is to get a session with a trainer or ask a staff member if you’re unsure.

What do you do to make your legs look so great?
Lunges, squats, sumo squats, leg presses, bridges, step-ups, Stairmaster and dance classes.

When you were a kid, did you have a hotbodied idol that inspired you?
I loved Madonna in the ’90s, because she had a muscular, dancer body. Her arms and abs have always been on point.

What’s your favorite cheesy fitness film?
DodgeBall. I love Ben Stiller’s character, a wealthy meat-head gym owner that turns normal “nobodies” into lean, mean, superfine “somebodies.” It is completely ridiculous.

Hard Core

James Clippenger

James Clippinger
Age: 27
Occupation: Fulltime student and owner of a window-washing business
Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.
Current Neighborhood: Mission Valley

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
Hanging from the pull-up bar to stretch my body.

How many times a week do you work out, and for how long?
Four days a week, for about 45 minutes per workout.

What jam fuels your workouts most?
House music, country or ‘90s R&B.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
Being inconsistent in actually going. You have to show up.

What do you do to make your abs look so great?
8 Minute Abs, the DVD, and eating right—small portions.

What’s your favorite cheesy fitness film?
8 Minute Abs. They’re in spandex, and it’s from the ’80s.

Lizzie Hopkins

Butt Of Course

Lizzie Hopkins
Age: 25
Occupation: Model
Hometown: Santa Cruz, Calif.
Current Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

How do you energize yourself prior to workouts?
Eat! Usually some form of protein and good carbs—fruit, whole grains, et cetera.

How often do you work out, and for how long?
On a good week, five days—usually for an hour or so at a time.

What jam fuels your workouts the most?
House/electronica/dance.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making at the gym?
When I go to 24 Hour Fitness in P.B., most people aren’t working out at all. It’s more of a social scene.

What do you do to make your butt look so great?
Eat well and often, work out five to six times a week and dance my butt off every chance I get.

Have you ever dated anyone you met at a gym?
Yes, a trainer…shhhh.

What’s your favorite cheesy fitness film?
Tae Bo by Billy Blanks is so ’90s, but I love it. And it really is a great workout. I don’t care what anyone says.

What high-calorie or fatty food is your greatest weakness?
Chicken fingers, chocolate and In-N-Out. I often give in to my cravings, but eating “unhealthy” food is much better than not eating at all. I just try to work out twice as hard.