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October 26, 2012
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Band on the Run: CVCHS musicians play through town in ‘March-A-Thon’ HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
Community keeps ‘doing the right thing’ Clayton has had more than its share of news media coverage this pre-election season. One would think with a presidential election and the numerous state and local issues facing us, our small town would be abuzz with those pending decisions. With the official written resignation of Clayton Councilman Joe Medrano at the last City Council meeting, hopefully our community can now focus on the issues concerning our city, state and presidential elections. IN OTHER NEWS Doing Right: For the past four years, the city council has
See Mayor, page 12 Photo by band parent Donna Price
Medrano guilty, faces four years in prison TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
City Councilman Joseph Medrano’s 20-month descent from businessman, vice-mayor and philanthropist to convicted felon headed for prison ended on Oct. 11 when a San Mateo County jury found him guilty of embezzling $160,000 from a former client.
IT WAS RIVER CITY ALL OVER AGAIN LAST WEEK WHEN THE CVCHS MARCHING BAND TOOK TO THE STREETS OF CLAYTON to raise money for the school’s music program. The band marched through the neighborhoods, stopping to fulfill requests, finally parading through Ed’s Mudville Grill before finishing up at The Grove to get some well deserved kudos from the mayor. Pictured from left: Jared Suasin, Madison Curtis, Sohnjay Reeve, Erik Ortiz and Max Susanto. VICKI ANDERSON Special to the Pioneer
It wasn’t quite 76 trombones, but it sure sounded like it when the Clayton Valley Charter High School marching band took to the streets of Clayton in its first March-A-Thon. CVHS Music Director Joseph Scott, 85 student musicians and 15 chaperones marched off from Endeavor Hall on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 13,
After eight days of testimony, the jury took just a little over two hours to find him guilty of one count of embezzlement with the enhancement of “excessive taking.” He faces four years in state prison. Councilman Dave Shuey, who testified as a character witness for Medrano, said he was saddened by the verdict but
See Medrano, page 6
playing as they went. Residents, who had received word of the March-A-Thon via door hangers earlier in the week, were invited to request a song played just for them in a “Lawn Concert.” The idea for the March-AThon came from Scott and the Music Boosters Board last June. Scott wanted a fundraiser that involved the students and reached out to Clayton, wanting to share with the community the
strong talent that is thriving in the school’s music program. He said he also wanted to encourage incoming students to continue with music as they enter high school. “Plus, our musicians benefit from each and every opportunity to play to a live audience,” he said. Since more than 100 people strolling through the streets of Clayton – most with large instruments in their hands – could
pose a bit of a safety issue, members of the Clayton Police Department stepped in to help direct traffic and enjoy a little music at the same time. Parent volunteers also helped with street crossings, held up signs asking for donations and directed traffic. One parent, Nia Jusuf, prepared lunch for everyone, including the police officers.
See Band, page 4
Ghost Walk scares up haunts from the past PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
JOSEPH MEDRANO
playing through the Farmers Market, serenading around the library and CVS Pharmacy, and performing to an upbeat crowd at Diamond Terrace, where enthusiastic residents danced on the sidewalks. Saxophones and trumpets, piccolos and sousaphones, brass and woodwinds – all helped along by an accomplished drum line – then marched into Easley Estates and made their way through the neighborhoods,
Darkness falls. Squeals of delight from trick-or-treaters that can be mistaken for far off screams of terror echo through the streets. Leaves rustle in the breeze. It is difficult not to look over one’s shoulder to make sure no one is following. It’s the perfect setting for the 32nd annual Ghost Walk in Clayton. Led by Richard Taylor, setting the mood for the macabre in his undertaker’s top hat and cape, curious residents and visitors walk through Clayton as Taylor tells of deadly accidents and fights and the spirits that still linger. This includes the story of Granny Norton’s deadly horse and buggy accident coming
down the hill from Nortonville (now part of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve) into Clayton and Taylor’s favorite – the Ghost of the Growler. Warning: The ghosts of these tragedies have been known to put in an appearance on Halloween. Taylor’s first walk was actually a field trip for his class at Clayton Community School, called “Clayton Past and Present.” His walk fell on Halloween and he had enough scary stories to place him in demand the next year. And the next. And the next. Crowds grew into the hundreds. Many people return each year to hear the lore and any new stories Richard scares up during the year. “There are always stories popping up,” Taylor says.
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Each walker breathes a sigh of relief as they collect their “I Survived the Ghost Walk” certificates at the end of the chilling tour.
When not tracking down local ghosts and goblins, Taylor writes and illustrates books. He is currently working on “River-
Mike Dunn photo
RICHARD TAYLOR WILL LEAD HIS 32ND ANNUAL Ghost Walk through Clayton on Halloween Night.
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town Memories,” a collection of memories from his days at Antioch High School. He previously penned “Ghosts and Other Celebrities of Clayton.” Taylor is passionate about hosting the walk, commenting that there is interest in the walk and good support from the city and the police department. “I’ll do it until I can’t walk anymore; then, I’ll do it from a wheelchair.” Taylor invites all to join him for the Ghost Walk and frightening fun. He assures guests that “we’re not alone in Clayton on Halloween night.” Gather for the Ghost Walk at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Walk starts at 8 p.m. Bring a flashlight. Costumes are optional.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190