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February 25, 2011
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Legal Eagles learn workings of county court system first hand SARAH ROSEN Clayton Pioneer
DAVE SHUEY
MAYOR’S CORNER
New team takes on Mock Trial challenge
Honoring our unsung heroes It is hard to watch or read the news today without getting depressed or scared – other than, of course, our own feel good bastion of good news, The Pioneer. Well, I think we in Clayton are different and we have lots of feel good stories. Last year, Mayor Hank Stratford worked with our police and the schools to develop the Do the Right Thing program which, by all accounts, is doing exceptionally well. In the same vein, for years now, I have been walking, driving, jogging (ok, no jogging) and biking around town, going to meetings and living life in general, and I have noticed many of Clayton’s unsung heroes making our town better than when they found it. I am not talking about recognized heroes like firefighters, police officers, Captain America, the armed forces and any other manner of brave individuals who step up in a time of crisis and help save the day. I am talking about the unsung heroes who make everyday life better not through heroism or bravery, but through love, kindness,
See Mayor, page 5
Our bad . . .
Hand-crafted guitars reflect personal stylings Guitar maker among artists at Creekside Arts Celebration LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
Not many people know what a luthier is, but Doug Thomas, who happens to be one, will spread the word at the 8th annual Creekside Arts Celebration March 4-6 at the library. Thomas, who makes custom
guitars, will display his fine, handcrafted instruments along with the work of more than 30 poets, storytellers, dancers, visual artists and musicians participating in the free event. Event director Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen says this year’s theme, “Inspiration for a Better World … Past, Present, Future,” represents a national movement toward reflection. “In prior years, we’ve always selected themes inspired by nature, culture and community,”
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
In the last issue, the front page story City, School District Face Off Over Gym Use Fees, the amount billed by the district to the YMCA was incorrectly stated as $5,000 per quarter. The correct amount was $15,000 per quarter. The page 3 story County Board of Education Approves Hybrid Charter School Over MDUSD Objections, the byline incorrectly listed Sarah Rosen as cowriter. Taylor Tovrea was the correct co-writer.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
MEMBERS OF THE CVHS LEGAL EAGLES FIRST MOCK TRIAL TEAM gather in front of the Bray courthouse in Martinez before facing off against opponents in the last night of the qualifying rounds. Front Row: Rachana Neupane, Legal Eagles club president Cassady Clifton, Ashley Leung; Back row: Kara Woods, Jabresa Parnell and Evan Lutz.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
GUITAR MAKER DOUG THOMAS will be among dozens of artists, artisans and performers at the annual Creekside Arts Celebration, March 4-6 at the Clayton Library.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Going up against schools with more legal power at the ready, Clayton Valley High School raised the bar at the county’s Mock Trial Competition. CVHS ventured into uncharted territory this year as Cassady Clifton, a CV senior who is president of the Legal Eagles club, formed the school’s first Mock Trial team. When the Legal Eagles decided to sign up for the competition, they knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Directed by the county Office of Education and coordinated by Johnathan Lance, the Mock Trial Competition teaches high school students the workings of the judicial system firsthand. Teams work with teachers and attorney coaches to prepare from both the prosecution and defense perspectives.
See Mock Trial, page 9
Three undefeated Clayton Valley teams earn home NCS playoff games
she explained. But a national trend toward examining the past and present to determine future choices shaped this year’s focus. ‘BIOART,’ HAIKUS AND MORE The 8th annual celebration is a major fundraiser for the library. Profits from art sales serve a dual purpose: supporting artists in the community and funding environmental education programs at the library. “It’s also a great opportunity because many shows invite only specific artists,” Thomas said. “Since I’m starting my business up again, I wanted to show my work.” The art show is juried by professionals, including Carrie Brewster from the Hearst Gallery at Saint Mary’s College, Jacquelyn Smith from Art Concepts Inc. in Walnut Creek and returning judge Christine Callahan, 4th district representative from the county Arts & Culture Commission. The event hopes to raise awareness about the biodiversity in our community as nature inspires “BioArt.” Community groups include Clayton Valley
Photo by Scott Anderson
Sophomore Ashley Allen (24) has been the sparkplug this season for the Clayton Valley High School girls basketball team. The Eagles last week won their first league championship since 1999 and are the second seed in the North Coast Section playoffs. They will host a NCS playoff game this Friday night in Dan Della Gymnasium on the CVHS campus against the winner of the Alameda-Northgate first round game.
See Creekside Arts, page 13
Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 For the Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 So, Anyway (New) . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
See full story on page 10
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Time to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7