Paul Gaines, son of long-serving South Shores Community Association board member Jerry Gaines, transitioned to our Heavenly Father on May 19th. He was born in Harbor City, California on March 15, 1966. His early years were spent in San Pedro, California where he graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School in June of 1984. He was part of the Mary Star California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) 1984 playoff basketball team. After high school he attended the University of California, Irvine earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.

Paul then began his more than 27 year career with Riverside County’s Department of Children’s Service Protection program, focusing as a social worker on placement of foster children and children in need of support services. He was awarded county service awards and recognized by his peers and Family Court judges for his dedicated service to children and families.

A memorial and celebration of life for Paul will be held on Friday, June 11th, at 11:00 a.m. at Centerpoint Church, 24470 Washington Ave, Murrieta, CA, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mary Star High School (Memorial Gifts) 2500 N.Taper Ave. San Pedro, CA 90731, Nightingale’s Hospice, 41690 Ivy. St., C5, Murrieta, CA 92562, or Fight Colorectal Cancer, 134 Park Central Square, Suite 210, Springfield, MO 65806.