INSIDE SCOOPS

Think big wigs can’t play anything but golf? Think again.

One person who definitely qualifies as a major league business player

is Gary Hunt, an Irvine Co. executive vice president.

Hunt, 50, may play golf, for all we know, but what seems much more

exciting is the fact that he’s volunteered as a referee for AYSO for 12

years.

He readily admits that he had no clue about the game in the beginning

(the regulations on offsides still seem somewhat arbitrary to him). But

when his two sons joined soccer teams and he had to volunteer, it was

easier to learn the rules than develop strategies for playing the game.

While his sons Patrick and Nicholas have left soccer behind long ago,

Hunt’s still out there on the fields every Saturday morning.

“It’s fun, great exercise, and it keeps me active in the community,”

Hunt said.

WHAT DOESN’T GET INTO PRINT

Some of the most colorful quotes we get at the paper never make it

into the articles. That was the case when an outspoken source -- who will

remain anonymous here -- characterized the actions of a certain group

that wields a great deal of influence in Newport-Mesa politics.

“These guys are strictly liar liar pants on fire,” the source

declared.