SAN CLEMENTE : Ski-a-Thon Planned in Brother’s Memory

It was an annual trip they had made since childhood.

Shellie Woods and her brother, Steve, would head to Mammoth Mountain each February for a weekend of skiing in celebration of their birthdays.

“It was really important that we’d always put that together,” Woods said.

Since her brother’s slaying last fall in San Clemente, Woods said, it is more important than ever to continue the tradition.

So she is seeking volunteers and sponsors for ski-a-thon set for Feb. 26 at Mammoth Mountain in memory of her 17-year-old brother. Proceeds from the event will go to local gang-prevention programs and bring attention to the Oct. 15 crime that resulted in her brother’s death and shocked the community.

The high school senior was fatally injured when someone plunged a paint roller rod through his head as he and a group of friends were trying to drive from a confrontation at Calafia County Beach Park. Six people, all alleged members or associates of a San Clemente gang, were charged in connection with the slaying.

“We want to send the word about what happened,” Woods said. “Instead of it being ‘Save San Clemente,’ let’s save California.”

For information on how to help with the event, contact Woods at (714) 443-9482.