SouthCoast Magazine - The Vine by Rose Wright

SPRING 2020

MAGAZINE OF THE CALIFORNIA RIVIERA

VINE wine country cuisine

VOTED TOP 15th RESTAURANT IN OC

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

PUBLIC | 2 YEAR | SEMESTER TERM COMMUTER SCHOOL LAST ACCREDITATION VISIT: 15744 GOLDENWEST ST., HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 2019 92647 SPRING

PUBLIC | 2 YEAR | SEMESTER TERM | COMMUTER SCHOOL LAST ACCREDITATION VISIT: SPRING Golden West College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior 2019 Colleges (ACCJC).

Golden College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). GWC is designated as a GWCWest is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)* and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)* and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).** Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).**

2019-20 TUITION & FEES (per unit)

QUICK FACTS

STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS (Fall 2018) <20: 29% 20-24: 39% 25-29: 15%

AGE

• Total Unduplicated Headcount: 18,011 • Total Duplicated Enrollment: 78,154 GENDER • Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES): 9,209 RACE/ • FTES/FTEF‡: 32.1 ETHNICITY • Non-Resident FTES: 404 • FTES for Apportionment: 8,724 ENROLLMENT • Success: 72.2% STATUS • Retention: 86.7%

California Residents: $46 Out-of-State: $322 International Students: $322

COLLEGE STAFFING (Fall 2018) Full-Time Faculty: 137 Part-Time Faculty: 475 Manager: 43 Classified: 184

201718 TR

ICK STATS U Q -19 18

VOLUME: 1,049 R E SF AN

2018-19 AWARDS

Associate Degrees: 6,970 Certificates: 3,350

Total Awarded: 10,320

30-34: 6% 35+: 11%

Male: 45% Female: 54% Hispanic/Latinx: 35% White Non-Hispanic: 28% Asian: 27% Other: 10% Full-Time: 33% Part-Time: 66%

ENROLLMENT BY INSTRUCTIONAL MODALITY

Traditional: 85% Online: 12% Hybrid: 3%

SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Fall 2018) The total number of students participating in Categorical or special programs or services at GWC.

CA State University (CSU)

76%

University of California (UC)

10%

In-State-Private (ISP)

Out-of-State (OOS)

11%

TOTAL FINANCIAL AID AWARDED IN 2017-18 51% of GWC students received Financial Aid in 2017-18

$20,927,243

• California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs): 51 • Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS): 501 • Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOP&S): 725 • Foster Youth: 109 • International Students: 286 • Veterans: 238

WEST COLLEGE TARGETS VISION FOR GOLDEN Vision for Success Metrics SUCCESS COMPLETION

STRENGTHENING THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES TO MEET CALIFORNIA’S NEEDS Vision for Success is a new initiative with metrics set forth by the Chancellor’s Office to increase the success of students enrolled in the California Community College system. Each institution within the California Community College system should aim to achieve the following goals by the end of 2021-2022 academic year.

CHANCELLOR'S STATEWIDE BASELINE GOAL

2021-2022 GOAL +3%

+5%

+10% TARGET

Increase Number of Students Earning a Chancellor's Office Approved Certificate

1,161

20%

1,196 1,291 1,277 1,393

Increase Number of Students Earning an Associate Degree (including ADTs)

1,292

20%

1,331 1,357 1,421 1,550

571

20%

1,254

35%

Decrease to 79 Units

64%

76%

66%

67%

TRANSFER

Increase Number of Students Earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Increase Number of Students Transferring to a CSU or UC

558

600

628

685

1,292 1,317 1,379 1,505

UNITS ACCUMULATED

Decrease Average Number of Units Accumulated by All Associate Degree Earners

WORKFORCE

Increase All Students with a Job Closely Related to Their Field of Study

70%

76%

*Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is an accredited, degree-granting, public or private institution of higher education with 25% or more total full-time equivalent students as defined *Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is an accredited, degree-granting, publicnonprofit or private nonprofit institution of higher education withundergraduate 25% or more Hispanic total undergraduate Hispanic full-time in federal law (the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Title V, 2008). **Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) is an accredited, degree-granting institution that serves an equivalent students as defined in federal law (the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Title V, 2008). undergraduate population that is low-income, with at least 50% receiving Title IV needs-based assistance, of which at least 10% of the population is Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students. **Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution is an accredited, degree-granting institution serves anEquivalent undergraduate ‡FTES: Full-Time Equivalent Student; FTES: Full-Time(AANAPISI) Equivalent Faculty; FTES/FTEF: Full-Time Equivalent Student that per Full-Time Faculty. population that is

low-income, with at least 50% receiving Title IV needs-based assistance, of which at least 10% of the population is Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students. ‡ FTES: Full-Time Equivalent Student; FTES: Full-Time Equivalent Faculty; FTES/FTEF: Full-Time Equivalent Student per Full-Time Equivalent Faculty.

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SPRING 2020 | 1

PRE SIDEN T 'S ME SSAGE

BEHIND THE SCENES GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE MAGAZINE Issue 2 / Spring 2020

COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE CONNECTIONS It seems that in Huntington Beach, everyone is connected to Golden West College (GWC). We’re proud to be a community partner with deep roots.

Tim McGrath GWC President

In this issue, you will learn about former Huntington Beach Mayor (and current city councilmember) Erik Peterson’s long-standing connections to GWC. As an alumnus, Erik was the first-ever Huntington Beach mayor to speak at our commencement last year.

David A. Grant Mary L. Hornbuckle Jim Moreno Jerry Patterson Lorraine Prinsky, Ph.D.

STUDENT TRUSTEE Spencer Finkbeiner

CHANCELLOR John Weispfenning, Ph.D.

PRESIDENT

You’ll see what we are able to do with your support and input through ballot initiatives like Measure M. This fall, we opened the doors to our state-of-the-art Math & Science building with a dedicated STEM Center — changing the way our students learn and study.

Tim McGrath

PUBLISHER Bradley Wright

You will also meet local high school students getting a jump start on free college credits while finishing their required courses at school.

ART DIRECTION

Among friends, neighbors, coworkers and even people we encounter in our daily travels, GWC is the common bond we share.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Perhaps you were cared for by one of our nursing program graduates at your last check-up. In fact, your neighborhood is likely patrolled by a law enforcement officer that graduated from our police academy. Being connected to GWC means being connected to our world-class faculty, staff, administrators and over 18,000 students. And when those students graduate or transfer, they often end up living and working here, making a huge economic impact on our community for generations to come.

Rose Wright

Barbara Kenton

PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Parks For advertising inquiries please call the Publisher at 714-617-2435 www.goldenwestcollege.edu

GOLDEN WEST SPRING 2020

COLLEGE

Sincerely,

MAGAZINE

IT'S ALL ADDING UP

NEW MATH & SCIENCE BUILDING IS A BUSTLING HUB FOR LEARNING

BASKETBALL IS BACK AT GWC HUNTINGTON

BEACH

•

CALIFORNIA

ON THE COVER

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Golden West College

College Credit Program Your Pathway to College Success! w Take college classes for FREE while in high school w Save time & money - earn credits at GWC that transfer to UC and CSU w Approved classes also meet your high school graduation requirements w Attend classes at a participating high school or on GWC’s campus w Get an early start on college and build the academic skills you need to succeed w Enjoy access to GWC’s educational resources and support services

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE 15744 Goldenwest Street Huntington Beach, CA 92647

goldenwestcollege.edu/dualenrollment

REQUEST MORE INFO ON COLLEGE CREDIT OPTIONS AT: goldenwestcollege.edu/dualform

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SPRING 2020 | 3

INSIDE GWC

26 14 FEATURES

The women's and men's basketball returns to GWC after being gone for nearly two decades.

Over 4,000 filled Angel Stadium to commemorate the life of a beloved coach and friend to many.

BASKETBALL IS BACK

MATH + SCIENCE

Students and faculty are flocking to the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Center in the new Math and Science building.

You can't go wrong with this soothing soup — it's good for what ails you.

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PROMISE KEPT

In its second year, the Golden Promise Program now includes books to go along with free tuition, parking and college fees.

Building Reliable Structures, Growing Bright Futures.

The new English Language Learner Program is one of GWC's fastest growing academic offerings.

GWC RIDES FOR FREE

The new College Pass Program, that offers free unlimited rides on the OCTA buses to students, gets off to a strong start in its fall debut.

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP

JOHN ALTOBELLI

MICHAEL GRANT

DEPARTMENTS

LIFE'S A STAGE

Small-but-growing programs provide GWC students skills that can take them to a four-year college and beyond.

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SPEAKING VOLUMES

CAREER EDUCATION

Medical Coding Specialist certificate program to be offered beginning in Fall 2020

CAMPUS CALENDAR

GWC has it all — Campus Fairs, Theater Productions, Annual Gala & Auction, Spring Into Summer Symphony Band and much more.

PUBLISHER'S DESK BEHIND THE SCENES PUBLISHER Bradley Wright

EDITOR Brianna King

VICE PRESIDENT Colby Bryant Wright

WEB MASTER John Mairs

ART DIRECTION Rose Wright

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mark Twain

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fran Sherman

PHOTOGRAPHER Chet Frohlich Gerritt Hale Kobe Bryant

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Barbara Kenton

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tanner McCall

RECREATION Michelle Moore

SOCIAL MEDIA Alexia Spivey

FOREIGN RELATIONS Mario Rodriguez

PUBLISHED BY Community Services Network PO BOX 1085 SAN CLEMENTE CALIFORNIA 92674

It's like the tortoise and the hare. THE TRUTH ALWAYS PREVAILS [ S O U T H COA S T, W E ' R E A L L L AC E D U P ]

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SPRING 2020 | 5

GWC FEATURE

BASKETBALL IS BACK AT GWC

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BASKETBALL RETURNS TO GWC AFTER BEING GONE FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES The sound of bouncing basketballs and sneakers screeching on the hardwood court reverberated throughout the gym at Golden West College. For the coaches and players on an October afternoon of back-to-back practices, it was sweet music to their ears. After nearly two decades, basketball is back at GWC — thanks to a push to resurrect the teams by President Tim McGrath, who took over the reins of the college in June 2018 and is an avid hoops fan. “He (McGrath) told me, ‘Do it yesterday,’” said Barry Migliorini, a longtime local with basketball coaching experience at the professional, collegiate and high school levels who was hired in March 2019 to build the GWC women’s basketball team from scratch. “He’s one of our biggest supporters,” Migliorini said. “It’s wonderful to be coaching basketball at a college where you know you’re really loved.”

“It’s easy for me to just come over here because I know the area,” Jimmerson said. “It wasn’t too hard for me to recruit players because I had a lot of connections.” The men’s basketball season started Nov. 1 with a tournament. Their season ran through Feb. 21, 2020. There were 15 conference games, with the first starting Dec. 18 against Riverside Community College. Both the men’s and women’s squads entered the season with the disadvantage of their players only having about three months to gel, as opposed to the players they faced, most of whom usually have two years of experience playing together, Migliorini and Jimmerson said. Both coaches said they put competitive squads on the court this season, but both say by the next season (202021), things should be really hopping. But this year’s women’s squad had some talented players, he stressed.

The women’s basketball season began Nov. 2 and ran through Feb. 21, 2020. The women’s Rustlers squad played a total of 28 games. Nine were home games, and the last 14 were conference games that began Jan. 8 with a contest against perennial powerhouse Irvine Valley College.

The last two players Migliorini was able to recruit this year were Kim Mancillas, a shooting guard who was an all-CIF player in the LA Section at Roosevelt High School, and Abigail Guerrero, an all-state honorable mention player from Jurupa Valley High School. Guerrero plays point guard.

Tony Jimmerson, the associate head coach at Santa Ana College in 20182019 and the assistant head men’s basketball coach there for seven seasons from 2011 to 2018, was hired a couple of months before Migliorini, in February 2019, to build the men’s team from the bottom up.

Migliorini ended up with 12 first-team, all-league players out of Orange County on his team, as well as two who transferred from other junior colleges.

“It was always my dream to be a head coach,” said Jimmerson, who also played basketball professionally — most notably with the Long Beach summer pro league in 2006 and 2008, the Las Vegas summer Pro Am in 2008, the Arizona Flames of the ABA league in 2009, and the El Salvador National Basketball team with an all-star selection in 2009.

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Jimmerson also is pleased with some of the talent he was able to recruit. He said John Stillgess, a 28-year-old guard, is one of his squad’s more mature athletes.

"I WASN’T GOING TO

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE During the practice, Migliorini was about to meet with a recruit, Hannah Bailey, from St. Anthony’s High School in Long Beach, and show her and her parents around GWC. “She likely will play shooting guard,” he said of Bailey. “Like all the players I recruit, she’s got a chance of playing for a four-year college. That’s the type of player I like to recruit here.” The GWC women’s basketball squad won state titles in 1979, 1990, and 1991, contributing to a history of excellence that marks GWC’s overall athletic program. GWC’s athletic program boasts 149 conference championships, 88 state championships, 614 All-Americans, and eight Olympians. “And we estimate about 10,000 kids that have come here for athletics have transferred to the four-year level,” said Migliorini, who came to GWC from Cal State LA, where he was an assistant coach.

“He’s our captain,” Jimmerson said. “He’s our leader. He has a high basketball IQ.”

“We definitely take our athletic program seriously,” added Migliorini, who has coached three different high school girls’ basketball teams in Orange County over the previous 15 years: Fountain Valley, Rancho Alamitos, and Buena Park.

Jimmerson also is excited about point guard Francis Dogani and forward Malik Colquhoun.

“I like to put up a lot of points on the board,” he said of his coaching style. “Some coaches like to work the shot

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PLAY IN COLLEGE, BUT I’M HAPPY BASKETBALL IS BACK. IT’S ALL NEW PEOPLE, IT’S ALL FRESH." clock, but I like to play defense and run other teams off the court. I think that’s a more exciting style of basketball.” “I think we’ve got the kids to be competitive,” he said. “It will be a challenge. Having said that, we have all the pieces in place for making a run at the playoffs next season.” Catherine McMorris, a freshman on the women’s basketball team who unfortunately has to sit out the season because she blew out her ACL during a scrimmage, is glad hoops is back. “I wasn’t going to play in college, but I’m happy basketball is back,” said McMorris, who is majoring in mathematics. “It’s all new people, it’s all fresh, you know? There’s no drama. When you come in, you make a lot of friendships.” McMorris’ twin sister, Reyna, also is a member of the female Rustlers squad. “We have a lot to work still,” McMorris said of the team, “but our strength is our chemistry. We still need to work on fundamentals, like calling out names when we pass the ball and working on defense.”

WE ESTIMATE ABOUT 10,000 KIDS THAT HAVE COME HERE FOR ATHLETICS HAVE TRANSFERRED TO THE FOUR-YEAR LEVEL. WE DEFINITELY TAKE OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM SERIOUSLY.

As a coach, Jimmerson, who started his collegiate career at Cypress College in 1999 before transferring to Long Beach City College in 2002, is as much a stickler with what happens off the court as he is on the court. “I’m more of an off-the-court coach,” Jimmerson said. “I’m very serious about the players’ education. You didn’t go to study hall three days this week? Then you’re running. Basketball is going to stop one day. Once it stops, what are you going to have to fall back on?”

Stillgess is thrilled hoops is back at GWC.

went to Irvine High School and previously attended Santa Ana College.

Stillgess said he wants to be a middle school or high school counselor.

“I didn’t know it was coming back,” said Stillgess, who started at GWC in January 2019. “I was in the weight room, in my introduction to weightlifting class, when the coach walked in and said, ‘We’re having a basketball program here, you should join.’”

“I’m really excited,” Stillgess added. “I have good positive thoughts about our team. We have key pieces. We just have to work the wrinkles out.”

Colquhoun wants to be an athletic trainer at a high school or college.

And so Stillgess did.

“We have to be on the same page,” said Colquhoun, who attended high school in Florida. “We’re still working on that. It’s coming together. We’re all learning. I’m not used to this level of play yet.”

“I hadn’t played in a while, so I was excited to get back on the court in a college environment,” said Stillgess, who

Malik Colquhoun, a freshman, played forward on the men’s team.

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“We have a lot of grit,” Colquhoun said of this year’s men’s team. Added Stillgess: “We’re very competitive. We want to make some noise and make a name for ourselves and for Golden West College.”

For more information, visit gwcathletics.com SPRING 2020 | 7

Vine

W I N E C OU N T RY C U I SI N E ine is an all-encompassing Wine Country dining experience, with a full bar featuring craft cocktails, open kitchen, and a semi-private dining table in their Wine Room. It offers South Orange County residents a fine dining night out with a complete food and wine experience. In addition, the wine selection includes more than 100 bottles — more than 25 of which are available by the glass. With fresh and seasonal ingredients of the highest quality prepared daily from scratch — their meats, flavorful seafood, and handpicked produce are unparalleled — and accompanied by a diverse beverage selection, craft beers, signature craft cocktails, and over 25 worldwide wine selections by the glass.

Russ Bendel

Born and raised in Philadelphia and relocated with his mother, father, and sister to California when he was a child. Russ grew up in the restaurant industry and always knew it was in his blood at an early age. Russ earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona with an emphasis on

Restaurants and Business Management. During that time, Russ worked with Bloomin Brands Restaurant Group for 15 years, 6 years with Outback Steakhouse and 9 years with Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. He was promoted to partner of the flagship Newport Beach location at the age of 25, youngest ever in company history.

Jared Cook

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest — after graduating from Western Culinary Institute in Portland Oregon, he relocated to Southern California. Since then, Jared worked in restaurants such as French 75 in Laguna Beach, Chat Noir in Costa Mesa, and was promoted to Executive Chef at the Crow Bar and Kitchen, in addition to working at Vine Wine Country Cuisine for the third time as a Cook, Sous Chef, and now Executive Chef.

Kyle Simpson

An Orange County native who earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Management and Operations Management from California State University Long Beach. Kyle Simpson is no stranger to restaurants as he has held numerous positions with his

lengthy tenure with Bloomin Brands Restaurant Group, including five years with Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant. In that time, he successfully opened the Roy's in Pasadena in 2008 and later transferred to the Anaheim location to be closer to friends and family. He currently sits on the board for the hospitality Management Program at California State University Long Beach and is the Vice President for the California Restaurant Association Orange County Chapter.

Kevin Franke

Born in Kansas City, Missouri and immediately following his birth, he and his family moved to La Quinta, California. Kevin relocated to Orange County after graduating high school to continue his education which is where he found his passion for the hospitality industry. Kevin began his professional career with Blooming Brands Restaurant Group's, Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar, back in 2007, where he also met Partner Russel Bendel. He advanced his career by traveling and assisting the openings of numerous Flemings locations and took on an important roll in the expansion and growth of the company. After his time with Flemings, Kevin soon joined Russ and his Partners, at Vine Wine Country Cuisine in San Clemente.

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Executive Chef, Jared Cook

Gabe Whorley

A San Clemente native, he first entered the restaurant industry while he was still a student at San Clemente High, and quickly worked his way up to tending bar. As his experience grew, so did his passion for craft cocktails and culinary exploration. He developed his signature style of cocktails — renovating old classics with seasonal fruits and herbs, all while honoring the integrity of each individual ingredient. In 2013, Gabe partnered with life-long friends to bring his unique and innovative cocktail program to Vine Wine Country Cuisine. Gabe brings a new level of energy to the table as he entertains guests with his own signature style and service!

SC FEATURE

The burger and fries are superb, especially when paired with a bottle of Mollydooker Shiraz. The best thing, however, is often the chef’s ever-changing daily meat selection. – Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register

Patrick Fanning

Patrick grew up in Bermuda Dunes, California. From an early age he always had a strong passion for food and cooking and found himself wanting to be a chef early on in life. In 2011 Patrick made the move to Orange County where he began working at AnQi with the An family, it was there he discovered his calling in the hospitality industry. He spent the next six years there refining his craft and finding his love for food and wine. Now partner at Olea, Patrick is excited about elevating the food and wine scene in Newport Beach.

Stephanie Sandoval

Stephanie is very familiar with the Newport and Costa Mesa community. As an alumna of Mariners Elementary, Horace Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High School, she is proud of the history and heritage of this scenic, tranquil, beach community. At a young age Stephanie had the privilege of traveling to several countries before the age of 18, savoring the delights of every culture she was able to soak up. Coming from a family that is of Mexican and Italian heritage, Stephanie was raised by family who knew recipes

by heart and dinners were like hosting a nightly holiday party. While pursuing her BA in Cultural Anthropology, Stephanie made a decision to leave her studies and pursue her passion in the hospitality industry. As the newest member, Stephanie is extremely honored and humbled to be a part of such a successful and passionate team, and looks forward to creating memorable experiences every day!

Nick A. Beutler

Nick was born and raised in the Sierra Foothills of California — where farmland and nature are abundant, and where his culinary roots were planted and fed in him by his family's passion for warm meals during the cold seasons. Nick began taking cooking classes in high school. It was these classes that inspired him to turn his inherent love for food into a career in the culinary arts. In 2011, he landed his first restaurant job at Vine Wine Country Cuisine where he used it as an opportunity to observe, learn, and grow. Nick's hard work and dedication earned him his opportunity as the chef where he can showcase his talents in our nightly specials and seasonal menu.

the team Russ Bendel

Kyle Simpson

Kevin Franke

Gabe Whorley

Patrick Fanning

Stephanie Sandoval

(949) 361-2079 211 N. El Camino Real San Clemente vinesanclemente.com

Nick A. Beutler

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SPRING 2020 | 9

UP CLOSE

JOHN ALTOBELLI FOR FAMILY. FOR COMMUNITY. FOR THE WORLD. Words by Meredith Wash

John Altobelli was a beloved coach to hundreds, a friend to many and family to few. But on Monday, February 10, John, or “Coach Alto,” represented an entire community as over 4,000 people filled Angel Stadium to commemorate his life as well as the lives of his beloved wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa. The nation was shocked when it awoke to the news of the tragic helicopter accident the morning of January 26. And while the world began mourning the loss of iconic athlete, Kobe Bryant, Orange County said goodbye to their own legend — Coach Alto. So who was John Altobelli that so many would gather to celebrate him? To the Orange County community, John represented a life well-lived. Coach Alto was gearing up to begin his 28th season as the head coach of the Orange Coast College baseball team. He led the Pirates to more than 700 victories, four state titles and was named a national coach of the year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. John’s legacy as a husband father, coach, and prominent leader embodied the kind of life many in the community strive for. To his team at OCC, Coach Alto was more than just a coach — he was a mentor, a friend, and, at times, a father figure to the young men he coached. Friend of Altobelli and Executive Director of the Orange Coast College Foundation, Doug Bennet, describes Coach Alto’s love for his players: “John will be remembered for his passion for helping his players be the best that they could be on the field,” Bennet explains. “But more importantly how he cared for his players in terms of their personal well-being, his eagerness to help them transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and his willingness to help them succeed in life in general.”

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JOHN WAS THE EMBODIMENT OF EVERYTHING HE AIMED TO BE IN LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; ATHLETIC, DRIVEN AND A LOYAL FRIEND.

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SHEN YUN: BRINGING TRADITIONAL CHINESE CULTURE TO THE STAGE FOR A DAZZLING EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER, SEE AN INSIGHTFUL, AWE-INSPIRING SHEN YUN PERFORMANCE DURING THEIR 2020 TOUR.

While there’s nothing quite like seeing a live, musical performance, the energetic orchestral music, classically-trained dancers, breathtaking costumes and innovative animated backgrounds of a Shen Yun performance are simply not-tobe-missed.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a non-profit organization with the goal of reviving China’s traditional, uniquely beautiful culture — that had nearly faded from existence — and share it with the world.

During this sensational performance, you can learn about traditional Chinese culture, dating back 5,000 years, that has nearly disappeared from modern China. Not only is the show enlightening and eye-opening it also leaves audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.

Since its conception by a group of Chinese artists in 2006, Shen Yun has become an international phenomenon, with millions of people enjoying the stories, music and dances of an older time.

Reviving History China was once called Shen Zhou or “The Divine Land.” Its culture was heavily influenced by spirituality and the belief that their traditions came from the heavens. People of that time followed the course of nature and aspired to harmony among heaven, Earth and humanity. This drive for harmony lasted until 1949, when communism started to spread across China. An aggressive political ideology, communism would spend decades trying to eradicate spiritual heritage from Chinese society — and it nearly achieved this goal.

An Aspirational Group Though you won’t find Shen Yun thriving in China today, traditional Chinese culture has survived thanks to some inspirational artists.

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Powerful Performances

A live performance is impressive when the performers are disciplined and talented, but what makes a show truly amazing is the chemistry between the artists. While the show’s artists are highly skilled, there’s also the sense of a shared journey. The artists not only perform together, they meditate and study teachings together, too. This camaraderie carries into their performances, making for even more memorable audience experiences.

Dance as an Art The classical Chinese dance that Shen Yun performs can trace its origins back thousands of years. This type of dance features impressive flips and spins as well as gentle elegance, managing to strike a balance between serious acrobatics and graceful dance. Equally athletic and expressive, the show’s dancers are some of the best in the world. What’s more, you cannot find this exact kind of dance anywhere

else. While others have made changes or mixed this dance style with others over the years, Shen Yun is unique in its classical, purist approach.

sound design of these performances mixes traditional artistic techniques with modern technology to make for thrilling, seamless storytelling.

Performances feature folk and ethnic dances from over 50 distinct groups,as well as story-based dances. These “minidramas” tell the tales of heroes from the past and present.

The use of digital projections creates an even more immersive experience, quite literally setting the stage for Shen Yun’s dancers and musicians. During singers’ performances, the traditional Chinese song texts are translated and can be seen on the backdrop, ensuring that audience members won’t miss a beat.

Magical Music The Shen Yun Orchestra combines the distinct beauty and spirit of Chinese music with the grand power and refinement of Western symphony orchestras. By utilizing the best musical practices from the East and West, Shen Yun is able to produce truly original music, bringing together traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu and pipa with Western brass, percussion and strings. Along with its uniquely diverse orchestra, the show also features vocal soloists. These gifted singers perform using the “bel canto technique,” which is similar to opera.

Vibrant Visuals To call a Shen Yun performance visually appealing is an understatement. The costumes are not only stunning in terms of color and design, but they are also true to traditional Chinese aesthetics, reflecting the styles from a variety of dynasties, regions and ethnic groups. The effort that goes into the stagecraft is also notable. The lighting, stage and

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Shen Yun 2020 Each year, the ensemble travels for about six months, performing shows in 1,510 cities across the globe. Equally impressive is the fact that the show is constantly evolving. Shen Yun premieres new performances yearly by incorporating fresh choreography, costumes, digital backdrops, music and story lines into the show. This year, the group will be performing in various cities across the United States from January through May. Check out Shen Yun Orange County or Los Angeles. Other nearby performances will be in Palm Desert and more. www.shenyun. com/la. Whether you find yourself moved by the music, entertained by the stories or awed by the dancing, a Shen Yun performance will stick with you long after you leave the theater. Shen Yun can not be seen in China

JJ, John, Keri, Lexi and Alyssa

HE WAS A MENTOR, A FRIEND, AND, AT TIMES, A FATHER FIGURE TO THE YOUNG MEN HE COACHED. Coach Alto treated his team as though they were his own and beyond helping them win baseball games, his heartbeat was to see them win in life. John Altobelli leaves behind an irreplaceable presence for the Orange Coast Pirates, but more importantly, he leaves behind an impeccable legacy that his players can look to for the rest of their lives. While many in the community and on the baseball team called John “friend,” few had a bond as close as Coach Alto’s younger brother, Tony Altobelli. To Tony, the youngest of the seven Altobelli siblings, John was the embodiment of everything he aimed to be in life — athletic, driven and a loyal friend. “John was definitely my role model growing up, everything he liked I liked, everything he wanted to do, I wanted to do. He helped me grow up.” Tony continues, “John wanted

to be a great baseball player, so I wanted to be a great baseball player. I was good, but John was great.” From moving to sunny Southern California from Chicago, Illinois during their childhood, to going on to work for Orange Coast College together years later, John and Tony lived much of their lives side by side both as brothers and as friends.

complishment and legacy is his family. It’s JJ, Lexi, Alyssa and Keri and all the players he’s impacted — that is John’s legacy.” John Altobelli was many things to many people, but those closest to him know that above all else, John was a man of strength and dignity

and had a deep care for others. Both those who were close to John and those who only know John by the words written about him after his passing can glean from the legacy of excellence and selflessness he’s left in his wake. This is what makes Altobelli a legend.

Tony isn’t the only family John leaves behind. John survived his father, Jim, his son, JJ and his daughter Alexis. Life moving forward without John, Keri and Alyssa will undoubtedly be difficult for the Altobelli family, but the outpouring of love and the public celebration of the legacy this family leaves behind brings about a sense of peace and pride. “Everyone’s saying that John’s legacy is the baseball field,” says Tony. “But I have to disagree. His greatest acMagazine Information / 949.498.0705

SPRING 2020 | 13

MATH + SCIENCE

NEW STEM CENTER IS A BUSTLING HUB FOR LEARNING

GWC’S NEW STEM CENTER HAS EVOLVED INTO A POPULAR GATHERING SPOT FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY SINCE IT OPENED THE FIRST DAY OF THE FALL 2019 SEMESTER.

STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE FLOCKING TO THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS CENTER IN THE NEW MATH AND SCIENCE BUILDING It’s late afternoon on a Tuesday and the room is buzzing with discussions at several separate tables. Some students are working in groups, and others are quietly studying alone, headphones attached and water bottles at hand. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the 4,500-square-foot space is bright and airy. Tables for four have wheels, as do whiteboards and smaller, cushy chairs with desktop attachments for computers and books — the better to move around to form impromptu study groups. There are five study rooms for students who want more privacy, and a fixed counter that looks out to a wide expanse of trees and grass. Welcome to GWC’s new STEM Center, which has evolved into a popular gathering spot for students and faculty since it opened Aug. 26, the first day of the fall 2019 semester. It’s located on the ground floor of the new 125,000-square-foot, three-story Math & Science building, which houses the Mathematics, Biological Sciences, and Physical Science Departments. “It’s fantastic,” said part-time chemistry instructor Stan Hiew, who was grading exams for students in his Preparing for General Chemistry class. Hiew earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from UC Irvine last spring.

organs; textbooks; chemistry models; Chromebooks; microscopes, slides, and calculators — for free, and for the day or for the semester. “STEM Snacks” — Hershey’s, M&Ms, Snickers, and the like — sell for $1 each. The proceeds support “Science Showtime,” a program for elementary school-aged kids interested in the STEM field. Halle Mason and Ally Bebout sat at a table studying for a quiz in physiology later that day. Bebout, a sophomore majoring in nursing, walked over to another table where her professor, Nam Vu, was holding office hours. Mathematics and Physical Science Department professors are encouraged to hold office hours in the STEM Center. They place a flag on their table indicating their area of expertise: a yellow flag for chemistry, green for biology, blue for math. Bebout needed help with a question: What causes fatigue? “A lack of energy storage,” Vu said. “There’s an energy molecule in your cell called ATP. Much like a car sputters when it runs out of gas, you become fatigued when that energy molecule becomes depleted.” Vu said he loves the STEM Center — even more than his office, which with a fish tank and candy definitely is cool. Bebout likes the STEM Center a lot.

“This STEM Center is more modern than the one at UCI,” Hiew said.

“The old one was very small,” she said. “The environment here is really nice.”

Hanging from the ceiling are hexagonshaped panels to absorb sound. There are USB and power outlets on the floors, and two drop-down screens for audio-visual presentations.

Added Mason, also a sophomore: “I feel pressure here not to use my cell phone. It’s a really good environment to get things done.”

At the front counter, students can check out anatomy models featuring removable muscle and bone systems and

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Bebout spent nine hours in the STEM Center the other day. “I was here for 12,” Mason said.

GWC Math Professor Pete Bouzar is faculty coordinator for the STEM Center, where students also can sign up for workshops and crash courses, join a STEM club, and meet with a STEM counselor.

“At the end of that year we had to do a project,” he said. “That gave me the opportunity to put all my ideas and thoughts of what a STEM center would be, and all the services that it would provide, on paper.

“It’s been a long-time passion and goal of mine to have a STEM Center,” said Bouzar, a full-time GWC professor since 2004.

“And so I wrote up a report and a proposal and I submitted that as my project — never really thinking that it was going to really become something. But my project kind of planted the seed in some of the district leaders’ minds, and it kind of just took off from there.”

About five years ago, Bouzar participated in a leadership pipeline program put together by the Coast Community College District.

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The new STEM Center replaces a

The GWC STEM Center is located on the ground floor of the new 125,000-square-foot, three-story Math & Science building.

much smaller space in the old Math & Sciences building that was converted from a storage space. “We turned it into a small STEM center,” Bouzar recalled. “It was the size of a classroom. We got a bunch of tables and chairs from around campus that weren’t being used.” The new STEM Center is light years beyond the old one. Bouzar currently is working on getting signs and graphics to better identify the STEM Center — a project he hopes

to complete by the end of the year. During the fall and spring semester, the STEM Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To use it, students need to sign in with a mobile app or by punching information into a computer. “There are times where you see students in there and it's packed because they're all studying for exams or practicums that are coming up,” Bouzar said. “And then there are times when it's a little bit slower.”

The STEM Center, which can hold up to 250 people, is averaging between 150 and 180 users a day.

works the front counter part-time at the STEM Center, says the center has been a sanctuary for her.

“STEM is obviously a growing field,” Bouzar said. “We need more STEMeducated students. And so we wanted to have a space for them to have a resource and a place that they can come to knowing that we have available resources for them while they're in school and even while they leave, we want to start providing career opportunities and internship opportunities.”

“It’s a great space for studying and for hanging out between classes. It’s a place with like-minded individuals. I can find help from potential friends and professors here. It’s a very welcoming environment. I’ve had people say, ‘Wow, we’re starting to look like a topline, four-year university.’”

Danielle Stene, a major in nursing who

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For more information, visit goldenwestcollege.edu/STEM SPRING 2020 | 15

UP CLOSE

MICHAEL GRANT BUILDING RELIABLE STRUCTURES, GROWING BRIGHT FUTURES Words by Meredith Wash

For Huntington Beach local, Michael Grant, the common thread that runs through his life is a deep-rooted desire to help others build a life they love— both literally and figuratively. Grant is a husband, father and entrepreneur who sits as the President of the Board of Directors at Golden West College all while operating a successful construction business, Michael Grant Construction. Hailing from Glendale, California, Grant grew up with two loving parents who moved their family to Huntington Beach in 1964. Grant’s passion for helping others began early on in life as he worked as a social worker for an organization called The Alternative, where he met his wife. After settling down at the age of 30, Grant received a phone call from his wife, who told him he’d received a letter in the mail from his birth mother, telling him he was adopted and that she wanted a relationship with him. “I remember the phone call from my wife telling me about that letter she had just received,” recalls Grant. “It was actually a very cool moment.” Grant still has a loving relationship with his mother to this day and it is evident that family plays a major role in his life. In 1992, Michael Grant Construction was born and continues to service Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and most of Southern California. Grant built his business from the ground up and has assembled an impressive team of construction tradesmen and women with extensive backgrounds from accounting, design, 16 | S Magazines

and all phases of construction. Michael Grant Construction’s services include structural repairs, fire and water loss repairs and replacement, wood rot repairs and replacement, additions, remodeling, project management, brand-new construction, maintenance, and HOA services. One client, Julie, from Costa Mesa raves about her experience with Grant’s services. “Michael did exactly what we wanted… and now we have a beautiful home.” – Julie, Costa Mesa While Grant serves Los Angeles and Orange County locals far and wide, his client base extends even farther to

TO PLAY A SMALL ROLE IN A PERSON'S SUCCESS IS WHAT KEEPS ME GOING. a more high-profile clientele, including famed American race car driver, Carroll Shelby. Building a custom home for Shelby is one of Grant’s most prized projects to date. When he’s not busy producing happy clients, Grant can be found serving

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the students and faculty of Golden West College as the President of the Board. And while he has overseen several construction projects that have developed the picturesque Orange County campus, his efforts have also impacted the lives of countless students who have walked through their doors. Michael’s affinity for this institution sprouted long before taking his seat as President of the Board. “I love Golden West College,” he explains. “I watched the college being built so to be on the Board of Directors now is pretty neat. I remember these hallways and swimming in the pool during the summer and riding our bikes back

A DEGREE FROM GOLDEN WEST POSITIONS STUDENTS TO BE ACCEPTED BY A FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY AND THEN GO ON TO PURSUE THEIR DREAM CAREER. LEFT: Michel Grant, Billy O’Connell, former

GWC President Wes Brian and Patrick Brenden

Michael Grant and GWC President, Tim McGrath

BOTTOM: Former Councilman Billy O’Connell, former Mayor Barbara Delgleize, Kate Holmes, Michael Grant and Patrick Brenden

and forth, playing baseball out on the fields in my 20s.” When asked what his favorite part about leading the Board at Golden West was, Grant responded instantaneously that it was watching students go on to succeed after graduating. “I love getting to see the fruits of my labor,” says Grant. “Every now and again you hear of a student who has come through Golden West and by the time you’ve spun around they’re in charge of some capital project for Boeing and are responsible for thousands of employees. And to play a small role in that person’s success is what keeps me going.”

For many students, a degree from Golden West is the gateway to opportunity that they couldn’t otherwise obtain. One of the many areas of impact Mr. Grant has as the President of the Board is the opportunity to see innercity and underprivileged kids break the glass ceiling of their circumstances by helping them achieve their associate degree — sometimes before they even graduate high school. A degree from Golden West positions students to be accepted by a four-year university and then go on to pursue their dream career. Creating opportunities for students is what it’s all about for Grant.

Anyone who speaks with Grant, even for just a few minutes, will find that he is deeply passionate about his work. Whether building and beautifying structures at Michael Grant Construction or impacting the lives of students at Golden West, the goal in mind for Grant is always seeing those around him flourish. To request service from Michael Grant Construction, call (800) 891-9443 or email michael. grant@michaelgrantconstruction.com. And to keep up with the latest and greatest at Golden West College, visit www.goldenwestcollege.edu.

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SPRING 2020 | 17

G W C T R A N S P O R TAT IO N

GWC RIDES FOR FREE

NEW COLLEGE PASS PROGRAM, WHICH OFFERS FREE UNLIMITED RIDES ON OCTA BUSES TO STUDENTS, GETS OFF TO A STRONG START IN ITS FALL DEBUT GWC’s new College Pass Program, which allows all students — full-time, part-time, even those taking non-credit classes — to ride OCTA bus routes for free, is off to a roaring start. Of the four O.C. community colleges that now participate in the program, GWC has seen the largest increase in participating students, said Frank Cirioni, director of Campus Life. In its debut in fall 2019, the College Pass Program had racked thousands of unique student riders, most of whom use the bus to travel between home and school and work, but who also can take it to the beach or wherever they want. “We’ve been pushing anytime we get a chance to tell the students. Please, please, please sign up, get your bus pass, start riding,’” Cirioni said. “So I anticipate we’ll have even more riders as we move forward.” A successful kick-off event to promote the College Pass Program was held at GWC on Aug. 28, 2019, with speakers from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the Coast Community College District’s Board of Trustees, Golden West College, the Associated Students of Golden West College, and OCTA. Students have two ways to sign up for the program: through a mobile app, or by getting their student ID card equipped with a special chip. Kien Nguyen, 18, a freshman majoring in computer science, is a grateful participant in the College Pass Program. The Anaheim resident spends about three hours a day riding the bus to GWC and to his job. He works as an assistant instructor at Parker Anderson, which offers after-school enrichment programs for students. “It’s really helpful,” Nguyen says of the College Pass Program. “It’s allowed me to save a lot of money.” Not only that, Nguyen says, but riding OCTA buses for free — because he has no car, he rides six days a week — has an additional benefit. 18 | S Magazines

“I get to socialize with the bus driver and the other people on the bus,” Nguyen says.

STUDENTS REQUESTED SERVICE In early 2019, Cirioni reached out to OCTA officials to inquire about a partnership after hearing requests from students for a free or discounted bus ridership program. At the time, both Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College were participants in the College Pass Program. The student bodies at those colleges opted to pass a fee-based system to get the programs started. All students, regardless of whether they rode the bus or not, agreed to a small fee — $5 per semester — to launch the program. "GWC took a different approach that didn’t require a student fee," Cirioni said. Thanks to the OCTA and the Associated Students of Golden West College (ASGWC), GWC’s College Pass Program is funded for three years. The OCTA was able to secure a grant that pays for the program the first year. "Last year’s ASGWC Executive Student Council voted to allocate funds from their Designated Fund Balance to fund the following two years," Cirioni said. “It’s a revenue-neutral model,” he explained. “The OCTA makes no profit off of it. Their goal is to increase ridership, awareness, sustainability, and the huge one: take cars off the road and reduce traffic.” “For us, our students have better access to the college.” Students who participate in the College Pass Program get free unlimited rides on 53 fixed lines operated by the OCTA. The only exceptions are the OCTA’s Bravo! service, which skips some stops, and OC Flex, the OCTA’s version of Uber that is an on-demand, curbto-curb shuttle service serving two zones in Orange County, seven days a week, as part of a pilot program. “I encourage more students to ride the bus for free,” Nguyen says. www.southcoastmagazine.com

STUDENTS HAVE TWO WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAM: THROUGH A MOBILE APP, OR BY GETTING THEIR STUDENT ID CARD EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL CHIP.

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SPRING 2020 | 19

OPPORTUNITY DRAWING SUPPORTING EDUCATION • 2.4 L, 184 HP Engine • Electronic Stability • Apple Carplay • ParkView® Rear Backup Camera • Remote Keyless Entry • Low Tire Pressure Warning • Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity • Trip Computer

MSRP $25,965

A NEW 2019 JEEP RENEGADE LATITUDE

Donated by HB Jeep

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Purchase by February 12, 2020 to be eligible to win an Apple Watch Series 4.

$100 per ticket or three for $250 100% of the proceeds support education! Please send me ___________ tickets. Total $ __________ Name _____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Email _____________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! YOUR TICKET(S) WILL BE MAILED TO YOU.

www.gwcgala.com 20 | S Magazines

ORDER BY MAIL: Golden West College Foundation 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647-3103 Make checks payable to Golden West College Foundation ORDER BY PHONE: Call the GWC Foundation 714-895-8316 Please charge my: m Visa

m Mastercard

m American Express

Account # ________________________________________ Exp. Date _________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________ Jeep winner will be announced April 4, 2020 at the GWC Gala. Winner need not be present to win. Must be 18 years of age to enter. License fees and all taxes the responsibility of winner. Cash option available. Apple Watch drawing will be held on Feb. 13, 2020.

Golden West College www.southcoastmagazine.com

LIONS CLUB

Lions Club Crabfest March 22, 2020 Huntington Beach Senior Center

untington Beach Host Lions are pleased to announce their 22nd annual Crabfest! This charity fundraiser will benefit a number of local charities and organizations, including: Off the Streets Huntington Beach, Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach and many others. This is a five-course staged dinner and individual courses cannot be served early: • Salad • Bread • All You Can Eat Clam Chowder • Chilled Crab (ALL YOU CAN EAT) and Shrimp

• Ice Cream Dessert • Beer & Wine will be available for purchase

18041 Goldenwest Street

Early bird price of $65 per ticket until February 22, 2020. Regular price of $70 per ticket starting February 23, 2020.

(714) 421-9809

TABLE ARRANGEMENTS: Tables of eight — please let them know who is in your party by replying to the email you receive after buying your tickets. DON'T FORGET: During the event there will be a silent auction and a raffle. Get your tickets early! They sell out every year and seating is limited. You will not be able to buy tickets at the door. Magazine Information / 949.498.0705

Huntington Beach

3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Price: $65.00-$75.00

Huntington Beach Host Lions Club reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at this event, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. Huntington Beach Senior Center

18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach

SPRING 2020 | 21

THE ATER ARTS

SMALL-BUT-GROWING PROGRAMS PROVIDE GWC STUDENTS SKILLS THAT CAN TAKE THEM TO A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE AND BEYOND — NOT ONLY TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL THEATER, BUT ALSO TO THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD AND BROADWAY.

stage LIFE'S A

SCENIC, LIGHTING AND PROJECTION DESIGN TECHNICIAN, AS WELL AS COSTUME PRODUCTION AND WARDROBE TECHNICIAN, ARE TWO GROWING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE GWC THEATER ARTS DEPARTMENT

Rachael Kubart fell in love with theater while in high school. She performed in musical theater when she was a junior in her native Nevada, but what really appealed to her was the magic that occurs offstage that brings productions to life. “I told my parents I wanted to work in theater,” recalls Kubart, “but they were like, ‘That's not a real job.’” It may have taken her some time, but Kubart, who moved to Southern California in her mid-20s and now is 37, is well on her way to pursuing her dream of becoming a stage electrician. And she gives a lot of credit to Golden West College. In fall 2015, unfulfilled as an accounts payable specialist, Kubart quit her full-

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time “real job” to go to college. “I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I first told my company that I was going back to school,” she says. “They were like, ‘Oh yeah, you should go get your business degree.’’’ Kubart took an online business class, but didn’t like it. She decided to enroll at GWC for some general education classes and quickly gravitated to the Theater Arts department. In spring 2018, Kubart graduated from GWC with an Associate in Arts Degree in Theater Arts. Along with her AA degree, she earned a certificate in Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design, one of two niche theater certificate programs offered at GWC. The Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design

Technician certificate program is in its third year, and the Costume Production and Wardrobe Technician certificate program is in its first. Both small-but-growing programs provide GWC students skills that can take them to a four-year college and beyond — not only to local and regional theater, but also to the bright lights of Hollywood and Broadway. “These certificate programs are for students who already know what they like and want, and we’ve been thrilled to offer them,” says Martie Ramm Engle, professor and chair of Golden West College’s Performing Arts (Theater Arts, Music and Dance). GWC is one of the few area colleges to offer courses in theater projection design, Ramm Engle notes. Professionals from their respective indus-

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tries sit on advisory boards that are critical to keeping the certificate programs as current as possible, Ramm Engle said. In particular, Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design has undergone dynamic changes due to advances in technology, making visual effects an integral part of most modern theater productions. Stage technicians work closely with design artists to bring scenery, lighting and projection design visions to life. “I think we’re going to keep steadily growing,” Ramm Engle says of the Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design Technician certificate program, as well as the Costume Production and Wardrobe Technician certificate program.

‘AMAZING FOUNDATION’ Kubart is in her third semester at Cal State University Fullerton where she expects to graduate in May 2020 with a

THE SCENIC, LIGHTING AND PROJECTION DESIGN TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS AS TECHNICIANS IN A VARIETY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE THEATER VENUES.

bachelor’s degree in Theater Production and Design. “I got an amazing foundation at Golden West College,” says Kubart, who during her time at GWC was able to land a parttime job in the scene shop at prestigious South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. “I like the idea of making what the audience sees on stage happen,” says Kubart. “I’ve always gone to theater productions,” she adds. “I enjoy watching them, but I’ve always looked at them from a technical perspective, like, how did they do that? What makes that happen? When I found out there’s a whole industry that just makes stuff onstage happen, I knew that’s what I want to do.” Among the base classes Kubart took at GWC were ones in scenic design, lighting design, costume design, and makeup.

In her costume design class, Kubart and her fellow students worked on costume designs for the production “Dracula.” She also was stage manager for a show performed in Stage West, GWC’s smaller black box theater. Trained technicians in the field of Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design are in demand for educational, community and professional theater venues, theme parks, television and motion picture studios and for special events. And the Southern California region is bursting with career opportunities for professionals with hands-on technical theater training, Engle says. The Scenic, Lighting and Projection Design Technician certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions as technicians in a variety of public and private theater venues. Classes are taught by industry veterans,

and focus on the art and craft of preparing a stage for a production. Students not only learn about such things as color theory, scenic painting, stage lighting, and stagecraft, but also how to construct scenery, execute projection designs, operate mixers and projectors, perform fundamental image and video editing, and more. Successful completion of 17 units is required for a certificate. “It was excellent,” Kubart says of her experience at GWC. “The department is really small — I had the same professor for scenic design and lighting design, but he's a super knowledgeable guy who's been a lighting designer and a scenic designer for years and years.” “And the classes were small, which allowed the students to get a lot of handson attention from the faculty.” After CSUF, she plans to apply to gradu-

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ate school to earn a master’s degree in lighting production and design. Kubart says she loves “making the magic of theater happen.” And her parents, both of whom are retired, fully support her new career choice. “They’re really proud of me for going to college,” Kubart says. “I know they wanted me to go to college originally, but they couldn't afford to send me and so I didn’t go.” Kubart appreciates the affordability of GWC and the solid foundation the college provided her as she charts her course toward a dynamic new career in theater. “Knowing I am now doing what I love,” she says, “I know I’ll be just fine.”

For more information about the Golden West College Theater Arts department, go to www.gwctheater.com   SPRING 2020 | 23

S O U P for the S O U L

chicken

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www.southcoastmagazine.com

vegetable HERE'S THE RECIPE

You can't go wrong with this soothing soup â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it's good for what ails you. Serves 4 to 6 people

INGREDIENTS

10 Cups Chicken Broth 1 Rotisserie Chicken 1 Bag Carrot Chips

3 Medium Celery Stalks

2 Medium Yukon Potatoes 4-5 Green Onions

Fresh Parsley (Garnish/Optional) Salt & Pepper to Taste

PREPARATION

Shred the rotisserie chicken. Peel and cut celery into 1/4" slices. Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2" pieces. Thinly slice green onions. In a large pot, bring broth to a boil over high. Add carrots, celery, green onions and potatoes. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20 - 25 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until chicken is warmed through, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with fresh dinner rolls

ENJOY!

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SPRING 2020 | 25

GWC DONOR

RACHEL RAMIREZ

SELF-MADE AND SELFLESS

GWC FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER RACHEL RAMIREZ, A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR, PREACHES THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK “MY HEART IS ALL ABOUT GIVING BACK, rowing up on a small farm in eastern Washington, Rachel Ramirez recalls telling her parents she wanted to go to college.

“Their idea of me going to college was, ‘Oh that’s great!’” recalls Ramirez, “but it was a surprise because I was the first in my family to want to go to college. I don’t think they understood how important it was to me. They certainly didn’t object, but their assumption was that I’d stay close to home, get a job, and get married.” Today, Ramirez is a married mother of four children — and a longtime successful Huntington Beach entrepreneur. She runs Performance Excellence Partners (PEP), a multi-milliondollar business whose headquarters are around the corner from Huntington Beach City Hall. Ramirez also is a product of a com26 | S Magazines

munity college. And these days, she’s a key connector of business, civic, and educational leaders as well as a big supporter of Golden West College. “My heart is all about giving back, and it’s all about making a difference,” says Ramirez, who sits on the board of directors of the GWC Foundation. Ramirez is CEO and president of PEP, which contracts with federal clients — including the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Energy, among many other agencies — to provide operational support, program/project management, budgeting and other services. In addition to her work with the GWC Foundation, Ramirez has, for the past two years, run the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy, a program of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce that a few months ago relocated its offices to the GWC campus.

AND IT’S ALL ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE,” SAYS RAMIREZ, WHO SITS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GWC FOUNDATION. The nine-month academy develops leadership skills and builds a network of support and opportunities for toplevel community leaders. In fact, GWC President Tim McGrath graduated last year from the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy, now in its 16th year. McGrath returned to this year’s academy, which began in September 2019, as an alumnus to help facilitate a three-day retreat in Big Bear. Ramirez also went through the acad-

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emy a few years ago. She took over the academy when its prior director retired. This year, 23 students are in the academy, which stresses the values of compassion, accountability, vision, personal ethics, commitment, courage, congruence, service and trusteeship. “These values are lacking in many of our public leaders today,” Ramirez says, “and I think one of the greatest privileges I have is to work with people who are committed to developing these qualities in themselves.” She adds: “If I can be just a tiny part of the reason why local government, businesses, and community leaders operate more effectively and with integrity for the purpose of better serving their community, then I’m thrilled to be a part of that. I think it’s an important mission.”

A PRODUCT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORKING STUDENT Ramirez spent the last two years of high school in Anchorage, Alaska, where she also took community college classes. She then moved to San Diego, where she attended another community college. “I’ve been a working student my whole life,” said Ramirez, who went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from Cal State Long Beach, in 1997. Her education gave her a keen understanding of the psychology of human behavior and motivation in workplace settings, which helped her enormously in her role as a leader in workforce development. It paved the way for her successful career as a contractor for federal agencies.

Two years after earning her master’s degree, while doing contract work for the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., where she applied quality and continuous improvement principles to the agency, Ramirez incorporated PEP. She worked for the DOL until 2002. She got married at age 30 and she and her husband, Jaime, relocated to California when she was pregnant with their first son, Ethan, in December 2002. They have lived in Huntington Beach since then. Ethan now is 16. He joins brother Jameson, 15, brother Cooper, 11, and sister Ariana, 6, who Ramirez and her husband adopted from China when she was 2. Seven years ago, Jaime Ramirez joined his wife at PEP as vice president. Rachel describes this as “a pivotal time

because, by being able to share the responsibility of the company, I was able to step out into the community and look for ways to give back.” “For a while I was running the company from home. I remember the day when one of my employees lifted the lid on the crockpot to see what we were having for dinner. That’s when my husband said, ‘That’s it, everybody out. You need to grow up and get an office.’” PEP now has some 40 full-time employees, seven of whom work out of company headquarters in Huntington Beach.

RAMIREZ THRIVES ON ACTIVITY “I like crazy busy,” she says with a laugh, “but it has to be crazy busy with purpose.”

She started volunteering with her community and then turned her attention to her kids’ high school as they got older. She joined the HB Chamber of Commerce seven years ago and the GWC Foundation two years ago. Board members of the GWC Foundation meet every other month. “My experience at community colleges and state schools helped me understand the importance of quality, affordable education for everyone. And that’s the mission of the Golden West College Foundation. They do some incredible stuff with scholarships.” “I really take to heart the idea that when much is given, much is expected.”

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE FOUNDATION’S GALA ON APRIL 4TH

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Proud to be named “BEST OF HB” for the second year in a row! Best of HB is awarded by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce for “the best overall in success and significantly positive presence.”

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

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BEST OF HB

GWC NAMED BEST OF HB

THE COLLEGE WINS TOP HONORS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW AT ANNUAL HUNTINGTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON THAT HONORS CITY’S TOP ORGANIZATIONS, INDIVIDUALS olden West College recently won the Best of HB Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce at its annual “Best of HB Awards Ceremony.” A total of 38 nominees, including businesses and individuals, vied for awards in 10 categories at the Best of HB Awards Ceremony, held October 11, 2019, at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel.

Categories included the Big Kahuna, Sense of Place, and Living Legend. More than 2,500 people from the community voted for the winners, with top honors going to the top vote getters. The awards recognize community standouts that have contributed significantly to the betterment of the Huntington Beach community. The Best of HB is awarded to an organization or person for “the best overall in success and significantly positive presence.”

GWC won the “Best of HB” award for the second year in a row. “We are humbled and honored by this prestigious recognition,” Golden West College President Tim McGrath said of the award. Before the awards were handed out, nominees mingled at a cocktail reception with city officials and community and business leaders. They enjoyed music from DJ Amanda and sat down for a luncheon that preceded the ceremony.

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Weikko Werta, Southland Operations and Maintenance manager and site leader at AES Huntington Beach, presented the surfboard-shaped award to Golden West College, which beat out three other nominees — the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Beach, Pacific City Apartments, and Grocery Outlet Bargain Market — in the “Best of HB” category. “This award speaks to our tradition of providing pioneering, learningcentered programs for our students,” McGrath said. SPRING 2020 | 29

FREE COLLEGE TUITION, BOOKS, PARKING & COLLEGE FEES GOLDEN PROMISE PROGRAM

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR GPP?

4 4 4 4

Enrolled full-time (12+) units California resident Submitted FAFSA/Dream Act Application and completed paperwork First time college student or returning student (eligible for the fee waiver only)

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GOLDEN PROMISE PROGRAM

THANKS TO THE GOLDEN PROMISE PROGRAM, I DON’T HAVE TO STRESS ABOUT MONEY. I CAN JUST FOCUS ON SCHOOL AND THEN DO MY WORK ON THE WEEKENDS. GABBY CHAMBERS

PROMISE KEPT

IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THE GOLDEN PROMISE PROGRAM NOW INCLUDES BOOKS TO GO ALONG WITH FREE TUITION, PARKING AND COLLEGE FEES Gabby Chambers was in no-man’s land. For her freshman year at GWC, in 2018–’19, she qualified for a Federal Pell Grant, which paid for college. However, she didn’t qualify for a Federal Pell Grant this academic year. Her family made too much money, but they didn’t make enough to pay for her to go to Golden West College. Thanks to the Golden Promise Program, however, Chambers is enjoying her sophomore year at GWC. Now in its second year, the Golden Promise Program pays for tuition and books for qualified students. In its debut year, 162 GWC students received free tuition through the Golden Promise Program thanks to a grant of $380,000 provided by the state. That grant was for two years, and surplus money from the first year allowed GWC to add free books to qualified applicants this year, says Dr. Claudia Lee, Vice President, Student Services.

This year, there are some 700 students enrolled in the Golden Promise Program, Lee says. “The Golden Promise Program is truly free college for those who qualify,” Lee says. “It eliminates the stress of worrying about how to pay for textbooks and material fees, and allows our students to focus on their courses and academic goals. It’s an amazing program that we hope to refine and expand in the coming years. I’m so proud of our campus for always putting students first!” Requirements to apply for the Golden Promise Program include being a firsttime college student, a California resident, a full-time student (12 or more units) and submitting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application. Chambers, 19, is taking 12 units this semester. She lives with her grandmother in Fountain Valley and works three days a week as a certified nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility.

“Trying to do work and school and then worry about money is just too much,” Chambers says. “Thanks to the Golden Promise Program, I don’t have to stress about money. I can just focus on school and then do my work on the weekends.”

Like Chambers, Geck didn’t qualify for financial aid this year.

Chambers wants to be a labor and delivery nurse.

But the Golden Promise Program is covering Geck’s roughly $900 in tuition, books, and student fees per semester.

Aimee Geck, a freshman who graduated last spring from La Quinta High School in Westminster, wants to become a chiropractor. “At first I wanted to be a nurse, but I have a chiropractor and I was talking to him about what I should do, and he said, ‘Oh, I think you would make a good chiropractor.’” Geck, who grew up in Huntington Beach, heard about the Golden Promise Program when a GWC representative came to her high school to give a presentation. For years, she attended the swap meet at GWC on weekends and always had planned on going to college here.

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“My parents weren’t too happy that we didn’t qualify,” Geck says. “We were right on the borderline.”

Geck is taking 15 units this semester. Her classes include algebra, introduction to biology with a lab, and a college success class where she learns how to manage money and other practical skills. “Everyone’s really nice and friendly, and they’re all very helpful,” she says of her teachers and fellow students at GWC. Geck plans to transfer to a four-year college or a chiropractic college after she earns her associate’s degree. “When I qualified for the Golden Promise Program,” she says, “my parents were very happy.”

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ELL PROGRAM

SPEAKING VOLUMES

NEW ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER (ELL) PROGRAM IS ONE OF GWC’S FASTESTGROWING ACADEMIC OFFERINGS

t’s 8:45 p.m. on a recent weeknight and the 45 or so students, many of them older adults, have been in class for more than two and a half hours. But a quick peek through a window shows they’re still fully engaged, laughing with their instructor as they continue to hone their English language skills. Welcome to ELL (English Language Learners), one of the fastest-growing — and engaging — academic programs at Golden West College. A fresh spin on a traditional ESL (English as a Second Language) program, ELL teaches students practical, everyday English. How do you talk to a police officer? How do you order a hamburger? How do you engage in conversations with your children’s teachers? How do you talk to your boss? Such are the countless scenarios ELL students learn. And, except for a nominal fee for a textbook, the eight-week, non-credit course is completely free, says Dr. Kay V. Nguyen, Dean of Research, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness at GWC. 32 | S Magazines

Nguyen, who was tasked earlier this year by GWC President Tim McGrath to launch and oversee ELL as part of a broader push to expand non-credit course offerings, says the program is rolling “full-steam ahead.” “At the beginning of the fall semester, there was a level-one ELL class designed for 45 students, and we had over 70 students sign up for the class,” Nguyen says. “I had to pivot quickly and find more classroom space and look for new faculty members, and then we had to split the class. That’s how popular our classes are.” New to GWC this fall, ELL has a total enrollment of more than 2,000. That translates to about 1,000 students, many of whom take multiple courses. Students range from teenagers to octogenarians. “We know there’s a huge need,” says Nguyen, noting that there are close to 600,000 Orange County residents who speak limited English. Native Vietnamese, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese speakers make up the bulk of ELL students. “If you look at our course offerings,” Nguyen says, “they’re pretty packed.” Core ELL classes are Monday through

EXCEPT FOR A NOMINAL FEE FOR A TEXTBOOK, THE EIGHT-WEEK, NON-CREDIT COURSE IS COMPLETELY FREE. Wednesday, grammar classes are Thursday, and Friday classes focus on pronunciation. “Students love the classes,” Nguyen says. “A lot of them actually take all three. We really designed this course to provide the training for students to have everyday life English communication. “We work on verbs and pronunciation, of course, but the idea is to really help engage students and provide them with the tools necessary to be successful.” Based on an anonymous survey of ELL students, the 25 or so part-time instructors, all of whom have master’s degrees, are doing exceptionally well. “They make sure that you’re doing good and they give tests often,” one student wrote. “Teachers take their job seriously, and the classes are close to

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my house. I’m saving time and gas.” Wrote another student: “The teachers teach with their whole heart. Teachers and students are like members of a family.”

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE Nguyen, who has been at GWC for six years, knows well the challenges and rewards of learning to speak English. Born in Vietnam, her family immigrated to San Diego County in 1994. Owners of a small business in Vietnam, her parents attended community college to learn to speak English. Nguyen and her four older siblings also went through the challenges of mastering a foreign tongue. “We definitely understand the experience of our students here,” says Nguyen, who went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in political science at UC Riverside, and a doctorate in higher education at Cal State University, Long Beach.

INVOLVED ON CAMPUS In addition to learning to speak English, ELL students take advantage of all GWC has to offer, Nguyen says.

A FRESH SPIN ON A TRADITIONAL ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) PROGRAM, ELL TEACHES STUDENTS PRACTICAL, EVERYDAY ENGLISH “A good chunk of our students are over the age of 60, and they’re very integrated into the fabric of this campus, which is really wonderful,” she says. Many ELL students take advantage of GWC’s free bus pass program and have access to The Stand food pantry and The Rack working closet. They also have access to academic counseling and opportunities for financial aid if they decide to sign up for credit classes.

ELL, ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING — AND ENGAGING — ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AT GWC

“We’d like to transition our ELL students to credit courses and get them to where they want to be, whether it's pursuing higher education degrees or obtaining fulfilling careers,” Nguyen says.

She notes that ELL classes are very flexible.

Another student wrote how ELL has made him less shy.

“A lot of our students have outside obligations, and a lot of them travel,” Nguyen says. “The nice thing about ELL being non-credit is you can start and stop and there’s no cost, and you can always come back.”

Another wrote about how his improved English helped him secure a job promotion.

Nguyen says she plans to grow the ELL program as fast as she can. GWC is marketing its ELL program through radio and TV ads, as well as grass-roots promotion at the college’s weekend swap meet and at area supermarkets. One student joined after seeing an advertisement at the Westminster Mall.

“When you see the students and you talk to them, their stories are inspiring” Nguyen says, “The students just feel so lucky to be able to have access to top-notch education.” “I would say what has made us so successful so quickly is our people. We have a great team, not just in my office, but every department on campus has been so supportive. Not only that, we have a great group of faculty who are dedicated to their profession, and they really support the students.”

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

#1 IN CALIFORNIA

GWC awarded more degrees and certificates than any other community college in 2018–2019*

*Source: California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. https://datamart.cccco.edu

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ENROLL TODAY!

Classes start March 30 and June 8

SPRING 2020 | 33

C A R E E R E DUC AT ION

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED MEDICAL CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED BEGINNING IN FALL 2020 Technological advances in a dynamic healthcare marketplace continue to create a wealth of high-paying jobs — and Golden West College stands ready to meet industry demands. In fall 2020, GWC will begin offering a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate of Achievement. GWC’s new Medical Coding Specialist Certificate, which requires successful completion of 35 college-credit units, marks the college’s first offering to meet the demand for Health Information Technology (HIT) professionals, said Chris Whiteside, Executive Dean of Business and Career Education at GWC. “With a high demand for medical coders in today’s job market and the foreseeable future,” Whiteside said, “these professionals are considered an essential entity in various healthcare settings such as acute, extended, and long-term care facilities, surgical centers, clinics and physician offices.” As a major building block among Health Information Management (HIM) professionals, medical coders are medical language experts who interpret and process health information for health data collection, revenue reimbursement, and research to improve quality of care. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate is part of GWC’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, which is designed to train students for high-tech, high-salary, and demanding careers in the surging Southern California area. Highly-qualified instructors who are working or experienced in their fields develop the curriculum and participate in the instruction of GWC’s CTE programs, whose offerings range from automotive technology to cosmetology and esthetician to nursing and beyond.

OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS AT GOLDEN WEST GWC’s new Medical Coding Specialist program is designed to educate and prepare students for entry-level medical coding jobs and update those already in the field of new standards. The Outpatient/Inpatient Certificate of Achievement provides individuals with the content knowledge and skills needed to

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abstract and critically analyze medical data for positions in the HIM field and the medical technology industry. The curriculum emphasizes identified competencies and hands-on integration and use of technology systems seen in many healthcare institutions. After students receive their Medical Coding Specialist Certificate of Achievement, they will be eligible to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Procedural Coders (AAPC) certification exams. According to a 2020 Orange County Workforce Indicators Report, the healthcare industry in Orange County has seen tremendous growth in recent years, expanding by nearly 103 percent between 2001 and 2019. As of 2019, Orange County’s Health Care and Social Assistance industry employed 201,176 individuals and is expected to grow by another 25 percent over the next decade, according to the report. Approximately 2,084 medical records and health information technicians were employed in Orange County in 2019. Jobs related to health information technology are predicted to experience a 10 percent increase through 2022. Studies show that students who go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in the HIT/HIM related field can expect entry-level salaries ranging from $26 to $59 per hour. “With the collection of healthcare data as the primary function, coding not only offers opportunities for individuals who would like to work in indirect patient care jobs, but it also provides extended training for nurses pursuing another avenue to support patient care as a clinical documentation specialist,” Whiteside said. “Coding positions can also offer single parents the ability to work remotely in some cases,” he added. “Jobs can be done onsite or remotely, in the States and around the world. Opportunities are limitless.” Citing research, Whiteside said there is an unmet need for an additional HIT program in Orange County that the new program will address. Last year, he said, there were over 1,300 HIT job postings in the county, and upon completion of a program, employment was typically obtained within six months. www.southcoastmagazine.com

STUDIES SHOW THAT STUDENTS WHO GO ON TO EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN THE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RELATED FIELD CAN EXPECT ENTRY-LEVEL SALARIES RANGING FROM $26 TO $59 PER HOUR.

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SPRING 2020 | 35

I TOLD MY SONS GWC WAS INEXPENSIVE, AND THAT THEY COULD LEARN A TRADE THEY LOVED OR PREPARE FOR A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE.

GWC Alunni Erik Peterson and his son, Dylan

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Gene James SAN CLEMENTE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE

few months ago, I had the honor of being elected to San Clemente City Council. I ran on a platform of quality of life and public safety — two goals I will keep paramount with every decision I make as Councilman. And while I believe that safety is my most sacred obligation, safeguarding San Clemente’s very special quality of life commands my thoughts. No city small or large anywhere in the world compares to our unique city. For that reason, I commit to zealously guard our Spanish Village on the Sea. Our great city, however, is under siege. First, we have the crony corruption of the Transportation Corridor Agency. The vast majority of TCA’s board members would have no qualms about building a scar of concrete and steel right through our city. I will oppose their efforts with every fiber of my being.

Additionally, the TCA in conjunction with CALTRANS could conceivably expand the I-5 for the profits of managed lanes. This would require the demolition of many local businesses, San Clemente Presbyterian Church and people’s homes. The TCA should instead pay off their billions of dollars of debt, remove existing tolls on taxpayer-maintained roads and most importantly — stay out of San Clemente. Sacramento’s “California Trifecta for Professional Criminals” also threatens our way of life. The Trifecta is comprised of Props 47 and 57, and AB 109. Prop 47, billed as the “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,” has decriminalized everything from hard drugs to stealing up to $950. Prop 57, billed as the “Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial” has pushed prisoners onto the street without

serving their sentence enhancements. Finally, AB 109 transferred state prisoners to the counties, which forced counties to release prisoners into the community. Prop 47, Prop 57 and AB 109 have caused an increase in nuisance crimes such as street, park and beach urination and defecation, shoplifting and auto burglaries. And if the California electorate doesn’t vote down SB 10, a bill which eliminates the bail system for individuals accused of crimes, I fear for our city’s ability to keep crime at bay. And while our state legislators are assisting and enabling criminals, they are simultaneously depriving law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights. Further threatening the great city of San Clemente is the court’s decision in Martin v. City of Boise. The Martin decision has thwarted our ability to handle the homeless problem by

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hampering no-public-camping law enforcement. It’s imperative we find a solution to our growing homeless problem for many reasons. First, the vast majority of these homeless people are either mentally ill or addicted to drugs. They need help battling their addictions and mental illness. Second, it’s conceivable that the homeless crisis could morph into a public health crisis with the coronavirus hitting our shores, which would likely run through this group like wildfire. With these and more issues facing San Clemente, it is my intention to run for reelection as San Clemente City Councilman. San Clemente, the city I love, is under attack by the actions of Sacramento, the TCA and CALTRANS. I will work tirelessly to keep San Clemente residents safe and the quality of life here high.

SPRING 2020 | 37

DUAL ENROLLMENT

EXPERIENCE COLLEGE WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL

DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM EXPANDS TO FIVE HIGH SCHOOLS IN GARDEN GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Following its successful partnership with the Huntington Beach Union High School District, GWC hit the ground running this fall with a new Dual Enrollment program at five high schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD.) More than 350 GGUSD students are taking college-level classes during regular school hours in 15 academic sections in what officials hail as a winning partnership for GWC, the high schools and the students. GWC’s Dual Enrollment program with the Huntington Beach district started in 2017. “Our dual credit courses with Golden West College shift high school students’ mindsets: they go from ‘college possible’ to ‘college capable’ while earning free transferable college credit, improving their grades, and preparing for lifelong success,” says Myra Clarke, Career and Technical Education director for the GGUSD. Matt Valerius, director of Guided Pathways and Dual Enrollment at GWC, says the GGUSD eagerly jumped into the Dual Enrollment partnership after the Coast Community College District signed a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership agreement with the GGUSD in November 2018. The agreement allows the community colleges in the Coast District to partner with GGUSD high schools in their service area to offer college courses at high schools for free. “This kind of partnership is aimed at serving students who are underrep38 | S Magazines

resented in higher education, such as first-generation, low-income, and minority students,” Valerius says. There is no GPA requirement for student participants in the Dual Enrollment program, but high schools select students they believe are motivated to succeed. “We want to make sure they’re set up to be successful,” Valerius says. “We don’t want to sign up students who are really struggling in high school. But we also don’t want to just take the cream of the crop and reserve it for them. “What we’re really shooting for are students who may be on the fence about whether they’re going to even go to college or not, are doing pretty well in high school, and are able to keep up academically. This program helps them see themselves as college students.” Isabelle Tran, a ninth-grader at Pacifica High School, is taking “College 100,” which teaches high-schoolers what to expect in college. “Being able to have a college class here is really incredible,” Isabelle says. “College 100” has given her a taste of working more independently as a student, Isabelle says. “The teachers don’t really go up to you and say, ‘Oh, you didn’t do this,’ or, ‘You still need to do this assignment,’” Isabelle says. “You kind of

have to be more independent and do things by yourself.” Isabelle says she’s learning how to set goals for herself. She said she thought the college-level course she’s in might affect her regular schedule a lot, but it hasn’t. Says Christina Kubes, a Dual Enrollment “College 100” instructor for GWC: “They are not being held by the hand as they are in a high school setting. There’s a lot of independent work. “This course gives them a great overview of what they might experience on a college campus, but brings it home here to the high school. “As an instructor, I need to be flexible because the mindset of a high-schooler is different from that of a college student. I have the unique opportunity to give them the skills and tools and help them design some goals to become successful in college.” The Dual Enrollment program allows GGUSD students to begin earning UC/CSU transferable college credits for free starting in ninth grade. Students who take just one dual enrollment course per semester could earn enough college credits to finish a year or more of college by the time they graduate high school. The 15 college sections GWC currently offers to GGUSD students include drafting, personal health, teacher education, kinesiology, and college success. In addition to

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Pacifica High School, dual enrollment classes are available to students at Bolsa Grande High School, Hare High School, La Quinta High School and Los Amigos High School. GWC and GGUSD high schools anticipate similar enrollment numbers this spring. GWC also is working with GGUSD leadership to develop an Early College Program at Los Amigos High School, which is scheduled to be launched in fall 2020. That program will provide cohorts of students with a four-year sequence of college courses that will allow them to earn upwards of 60 college credits (or two full years) for free that satisfy UC and CSU General Education requirements toward a bachelor’s degree. “Dual Enrollment is a great opportunity for these high school students, and it’s a benefit for us,” Valerius says. “One of the big things we want to do is get more exposure in the community and more exposure in high schools, because our biggest source of future students is coming from all these feeder high schools. “We have a pipeline of potential future students,” Valerius adds. “And the more students that we get coming to our institution, the better. If they’re on the fence about going to college and then we sign them up and they’re having success as college students while in high school, they’re much more likely to continue to pursue postsecondary education.”

For more details about the program, including course offerings at nearby high schools, application and registration procedures, and contact information, visit goldenwestcollege.edu/dualenrollment.

THIS KIND OF PARTNERSHIP IS AIMED AT SERVING STUDENTS WHO ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN HIGHER EDUCATION, SUCH AS FIRST-GENERATION, LOW-INCOME, AND MINORITY STUDENTS.

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SPRING 2020 | 39

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LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO

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LOCAL BIZ

LONGTIME CUSTOMER, BRIAN, RAVES ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE SAYING … I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY ITEMS TO BONDED CLEANERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS. THE

BONDED CLEANERS & LAUNDRY, SAN CLEMENTE

TWO OWNERS REALLY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE SERVICE IS CONSISTENT AND HIGH QUALITY. THEIR PRICES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE AND YOU GET THE 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU PAY AT DROP OFF. VOTED BEST IN SAN CLEMENTE FOR 3 YEARS OR MORE. THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS AWARD.

Words by Meredith Wash

Have a formal gown or tuxedo that needs some TLC for an upcoming special event? Or how about some work attire that needs some freshening up? Perhaps you even have household items like comforters, sofa covers or draperies that need a deep clean before the holidays. Wether it’s those common household items or your most coveted article of clothing, Bonded Cleaners & Laundry in San Clemente is your onestop shop to get the job done. Owners Scott English and Greg Suding know a thing or two about keeping San Clemente Clean and looking sharp, which may be why they’re named “Best Dry Cleaner” by the San Clemente Times and “Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor year after year. Established in 1981 by Scott’s father, Ben English, the full-service cleaner and laundry quickly became a staple for

San Clemente locals. Customers from neighboring communities even made the drive across town so they could have their items serviced at Bonded. Scott took over for his dad after years of working in the shop and learning the trade. In 2001 Greg Suding came into the picture, bringing with him top-notch experience in customer service after 30 years working for American Airlines. The two have been running the business together ever since. It was a natural fit when Scott took over for his dad after years of working in the shop and learning the trade. The team became complete in 2001 when Greg Suding came on board, bringing with him the top-notch customer service experience he acquired after 15 years working for American Airlines. The two have been keeping San Clemente clean together ever since.

When you pull into Bonded Cleaners & Laundry you’ll be in and out in no time thanks to the convenient parking and friendly staff that await you inside. Did we mention that these guys have a vast knowledge of the textile industry and keep up with the latest designs, materials and cleaning methods? Check out their Yelp reviews and you will find a long list of happy clients. Complete customer satisfaction is what they strive for. Not only do customers sing the praises of Bonded Cleaners & Laundry, but local charities have been deeply impacted by the business as well. Bonded has poured both time and resources into organizations like Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens and Cabrillo Playhouse. They also support academic and athletic events for the elementary, middle and high schools in surrounding communities.

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When they’re not busy working and making customers happy, you will find Scott, Greg and their German shorthaired pointer, “Duke” of San Clemente, enjoying the many hiking trails and beaches around town. Scott and Greg also enjoy working out and dining out locally and are firm believers in shopping locally to support their fellow local business owners. Did we mention that the shop is dog friendly? Customers are always welcome to bring their furry friends into Bonded Cleaners to say “Hi.” Next time you need any of your clothing or household items professionally cleaned, let Bonded Cleaners and Laundry do the dirty work for you— you’ll be glad you did! Bonded Cleaners & Laundry (949) 498-1183 1221 N El Camino Real, San Clemente Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

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GWC CAMPUS EVENTS w

MARCH

TUESDAY • APRIL 7

CAREER FAIR

MARCH 5 – APRIL 4

“TYPE” GALLERY EXHIBITION Interest in type, typefaces, typography and fonts has grown far beyond the graphic design community and has infiltrated the contemporary art and design realms. This exhibition will highlight the beauty and variety of typographical expression including that within street art, graphic design, contemporary painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. GWC Art Gallery

APRIL

SATURDAY • APRIL 4

GWC GALA “AN EVENING WITH THE STARS”

Join us for Golden West College's 22nd annual Gala & Auction. Spend an "Evening with the Stars" to benefit GWC Foundation's programs including student scholarships & Star Textbook Loan Program. MARCH 6 – 15

ACTING: THE FIRST SIX LESSONS DIRECTED BY TOM AMEN

Based on Richard Boleslavsky’s narrative novel of the same name, Acting: The First Six Lessons by Emily Bridges and her father, award-winning actor, Beau Bridges is a thought-provoking, sensitive, and warm-hearted dramatization of this legendary tribute to the actor’s craft. Set in the theater-world of New York City in 1936, this passionate and charming play explores the dynamic relationship between an aspiring young actress and her demanding yet inspirational acting teacher. Alternately witty, intense, and touching, Acting: The First Six Lessons is a unique and special play that is sure to delight all who love the power and magic of Live Theater! See website for showtimes Mainstage Theater

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The Job & Career Fair will provide students a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of organizations on campus. Meet dozens of recruiters and gain valuable interview experience, receive job search advice from employers and recruiters — a great way to find out about open positions, internships and volunteer work. This is the opportunity to develop network contacts and learn about all the services Golden West College has to offer. GWC Student Services Center Patio 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Waterfront Beach Resort A Hilton Hotel Huntington Beach gwcgala.com

SAT, APRIL 4 • SUN, APRIL 5

COPPELIA

PRESENTED BY BALLET REPERTORY THEATRE ANTHONY SELLERS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Quirky Doctor Coppelius returns to our stage with his peculiar inventions only to face his mischievous adversary, Swanilda. As she and her suitor Franz argue over the lifelike doll created by the inventor, hilarious twists and turns ensue in a delightful village setting. Based on timeless fiction by the author of The Nutcracker, this spirited story ballet delivers the same satisfying humor as the holiday favorite. Ballet Repertory Theatre’s rendition, featuring picturesque costumes and sets, is a fantastic springtime treat for all ages. See website for showtimes Mainstage Theater

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 8

THURSDAY • APRIL 16

ROCK YOUR BLOCK! STEAMROLLER WOODBLOCK PRINTING EVENT Come join the fun and watch GWC printmaking students as they print their large-format woodblocks using the world’s largest and heaviest “press,” a three-ton steamroller! Watch as the steamroller is driven over inked woodblocks and students “pull” their prints on paper and fabric. Prints will be on display for viewing at the event as they are created. Activities will also include custom t-shirt printing, demonstrations of woodblock carving, sale of student prints, and much more! 9:30 AM to NOON Fine Arts Plaza

TRANSFER FAIR Over 40 CSU, UC, Private, and Out-of-State universities will be on campus. Representatives will provide information on admissions procedures, financial aid, housing and other subjects. The day is scheduled for you to find out quickly and conveniently what you need to know to continue your education at a four-year school. Explore all your transfer options by visiting this Transfer Fair 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM GWC Student Services Center Patio

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APRIL 16 – MAY 15

STUDENT ART SHOW GWC ART GALLERY Opening Reception April 16 4:00 to 7:00 PM

TUESDAY • APRIL 21

FINANCIAL AID FEST — CASH FOR COLLEGE Learn about Financial Aid and the different funding options. Our friendly staff will help you complete your 2020-2021 FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application, and/or submit any pending document. Students will have direct access to a computer. Lunch and goodies will be provided for all who attend, visit our booths and/or complete a FAFSA/Dream Act. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend this free event! Visit goldenwestcollege.edu/gwcfao for more details

MAY MAY 1-10

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY MARTIE RAMM

A new musical lovingly ripped off from the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is a musical comedy sensation. SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table on their quest for the Holy Grail — with a short stop in the dazzling Spam-filled land of Camelot. The show boasts dancing divas, the knights who say “Ni!,” flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight who sings and dances, of course. Monty Python’s SPAMALOT’s mission is to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. It succeeds beautifully. See website for showtimes Mainstage Theater

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 22

PEACE CONFERENCE This year’s Peace Conference is dedicated to exploring how imagination and creativity can shift the narrative, call out injustice, and color our world in powerful ways. Join us in celebrating the artists, writers, and musicians who increase our capacity to process our present and perceive the possible. Let us reimagine our world, together. 4:30 to 9:30 PM Criminal Justice Training Center Multipurpose Room

TUESDAY • MAY 12

SPRING INTO SUMMER PRESENTED BY GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE SYMPHONIC BAND Dr. Collette Hauset, Conductor 7:30 PM Mainstage Theater

SAT, MAY 16 • SUN, MAY 17

MIND. BODY. MOVEMENT. PRESENTED BY GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE DANCE DEPARTMENT

Celebrate the joys of modern, jazz, and musical theater dance in American culture performed by dynamic Golden West College dancers and guest artists See website for showtimes Mainstage Theater

SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS NIGHT

5:30 PM GWC Gymnasium

GRADUATION

The community is welcome to celebrate the achievements of all our students' hard work and be part of the Pomp and Circumstance of Golden West College's 53rd Commencement Ceremony. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. 5:30 PM GWC Campus Quad

TUESDAY • MAY 5

Join us for our Annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony where students will be presented over 340 awards totaling more than $285,000 in scholarship funds thanks to community support. A reception for the scholarship recipients and donors will be held immediately after the ceremony.

THURSDAY • MAY 21

MONDAY • MAY 18

SPRING CHORALE CONCERT PRESENTED BY GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE CHORAL/VOCAL MUSIC Dr. Dawn Brooks, Director 7:30 PM Mainstage Theater

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PRINT OUT YOUR TICKETS! Patrons who purchase tickets online through the gwctheater.com website can now print their tickets at home. Theater staff can scan tickets at the door whether presented on paper or on smart phones. This will be a huge time saver for everyone! Order your tickets online, print them out and we will see you at the show!

Visit gwctheater.com for tickets & showtimes SPRING 2020 | 43

B R U N C H for T W O

eggs benedict

HERE'S THE RECIPE INGREDIENTS 4 large Whole Eggs 2 large Egg Yolks 1 tablespoon Dry White Wine 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter, melted 3/4 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco 4 slices of Applewood-smoked Bacon 3 ounces Baby Arugula 1 tablespoon Distilled White Vinegar 1 Avocado 2 English muffins, split and toasted

PREPARATION In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, whisk the 2 egg yolks with the wine and a pinch of salt until doubled in volume and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the melted butter, whisking constantly, until a thick, creamy sauce forms, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice and Tabasco and season the hollandaise with salt. Keep the hollandaise sauce warm, whisking occasionally. In a skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towelâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat in the skillet. Add the arugula, toss quickly in the hot oil and transfer to a plate; season with salt. Bring a large, deep skillet of water to a simmer over moderate heat and add the vinegar. One at a time, break the eggs into a small bowl and pour them into the simmering water, leaving plenty of space between them. Poach the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined plate. Arrange the toasted English muffin halves on plates and top with the bacon, poached eggs, avocado, arugula and hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately. 44 | S Magazines

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A picture

IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS...

MARTINI MONDAYS $8 BUCKS ROCCO'S...SAY NO MORE!

LATIN & EUROPEAN CUISINE OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK: MONDAY-SATURDAY 4:30PM - CLOSE • SUNDAY 4:30PM - 9PM SI PARL A ITALIANO • SÉ HABL A ESPAÑOL • 203 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE, CA • 949-388-7766 • ROCCOS-RESTAURANT.COM

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SPRING 2020 | 45

Unlimited rides on OC Bus for all full-time, part-time, and non-credit GWC students.

46 | S Magazines

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WE WILL EDUC ATE , PREPARE , AND INSPIRE OUR STUDENTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD. The Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD), located in Orange County, California, is comprised of approximately 16,000 students in six comprehensive high schools (Huntington Beach High School, Edison High School, Marina High School, Ocean View High School, Fountain Valley High School, and Westminster High School), one continuation high school (Valley Vista High School), one alternative school (Coast High School), and the Huntington Beach Adult School. Our schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence for all students in the communities they serve.

In addition to the wide array of academic offerings at all comprehensive campuses, designated schools have established a variety of specialized programs to enhance student success. These programs include Model United Nations (MUN); Academy for the Performing Arts (APA); International Baccalaureate (IB); Math Educational Resources Integrated with Technology and Science (MERITS); Advancement Via Individualized Determination (AVID); Center for International Business and Communication Studies (CIBACS); and Entertainment & Tourism and Health Academics.

E M P O W E R I N G M I N D S A N D B U I L D I N G F U T U R E S T H R O U G H I N N O VAT I V E L E A R N I N G .

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SPRING 2020 | 47

One-Eleven COASTA L

P lea se come i n a nd enjoy you r nex t c u l i n a r y ex per ience w it h u s . We h ave g reat w i nes a nd foo d to m atch most bud get s a nd t a stes .

111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 • 949-366-1040

Far Niente

AN INTIMATE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

(707) 944-2861 1350 Acacia Drive PO Box 327 Oakville, CA 94562

48 | S Magazines

I have always been drawn to Far Niente — it looks like a fairy cottage on a hill with its greenish oxidized copper accents, lushly planted window boxes and surrounding azalea gardens. The building was constructed in 1885 by Hamden McIntyre, the architect who built the Christian Brothers Winery, now home to the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Far Niente’s founder, John Benson, a ship captain from Boston, first came to California for the Gold Rush. The winery initially produced Muscat, and the original label, on display today, was designed by Benson’s nephew, Winslow Homer. Prohibition shut down the winery for sixty years, until Beth and Gil Nickel bought it in 1979. Today, the property remains in the family’s hands. Far Niente makes two wines, a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. They sell each as young wines, but also hold back vintages on-site for their late-released “Cave Collection.” The wines www.southcoastmagazine.com

are wonderful in all their forms — the Chardonnays rich and palate-coating without feeling overdone. The Cabernet feels more old-school, a mid-weight wine with a quiet dusty tannic backbone and kirsch and rose aromatics. But perhaps the tasting’s greatest treasure comes at the end in the form of “liquid gold” from sister label Dolce. The title not only alludes to the wine’s dessert status, but also completes the Italian expression from which the parent winery’s name is drawn — “il dolce far niente” or “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Among California’s best sweet wines, Dolce is made in the model of Sauternes, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon affected by botrytis or “noble rot” — a fungus that shrivels berries and concentrates sugar. It’s a difficult wine to make, both in the vineyard and the cellar, and a walk through Far Niente’s caves to the gated Dolce chamber reveals just how small the production truly is.

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