Capistrano Beach looked a little busier than usual Wednesday morning as dozens of San Juan Hills High School boys basketball team members combed the beleaguered shoreline seeking litter and debris. This was their 8th annual beach cleanup, led by inspiring coach Jason Efstathiou. Last year they cleaned up Salt Creek Beach due to construction at Capistrano Beach, but this year they returned, giving this beloved but battered community beach some much needed TLC.

Recent high surf has exacerbated erosion at the little beach, shifting and ripping open some of the massive sand bags recently placed as protection by OC Parks. It's a never ending battle, but one the County is forced to continue as the California Coastal Commission will not permit additional rip rap boulders or other armoring, and the relentless surf keeps gouging away what little material is naturally deposited on the sand starved beach. Days of crashing waves have wreaked havoc on the beach, damaging the storm drain area, slamming sand, cobble and salt water into the parking lot, and exposing sand bags along the recently repaired coastal trail to Doheny State Beach.

While nature continues to do her worst, these boys are doing their best. In the words of Coach Efstathiou, "We always try to teach in our program this this is about more than just basketball and being good players. We want to be good humans first." The team can also be proud of its basketball record. They just won the CIF championship and back to back league titles. And their coach has a lot to be proud of himself, starting with overcoming a debilitating neurological illness that almost sidelined him permanently in 2019. Thanks to excellent medical care, community support and mainly, incredible will and tenacity, the beloved coach is back on the court and, while still experiencing health challenges, works hard to inspire players that are almost as remarkable as he is.

"With San Juan Hills Boys Basketball", Jason continued, "I've tried to establish a tradition of community outreach, making sure it involves players having to get physically involved. In the past, we've done beach cleanups every summer, and during the winter we've fed the homeless, cleaned the Marine Corps barracks at Camp Pendleton and helped out at Crossline Community Church. I'm very fortunate to have players, coaches, parents and the community supporting our endeavors. It's truly a group effort."

And the inspiration keeps cycling from Coach, to kids to the community and back again. Sophomore Varsity Player Mason Hodges has caught the service bug: "There's nothing better than cleaning up the community that gives so much to us, while spending time with the guys. It's a great way to wrap up our summer league every year." And team member Nathan Brosch (11th grade) clearly gets it too: "It's good to do little things like this to help the community. It's important for us to get our school name out there so we're seen as a positive influence. " Indeed.