Former Soka official guilty of embezzlement
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      Former finance director and chief investment officer Kiyoshi Hatanaka was convicted of embezzling more than $1.7 million from Soka University of America and its former campus near Calabasas. Hatanaka was convicted of the theft on Oct. 27 and sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, according to Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence Kole.
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Challenger pulls upset on Calleguas water board
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      Environmental Scientist Scott Quady will replace 16year incumbent Jeff Borenstein as director for the Calleguas Municipal Water District Board of Directors, Division 2. Quady took 43.5 percent of the vote versus Borenstein's 32 percent.
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Calabasas Classic to run Sunday
'It's gotten so huge. . . . It's going to be a lots of fun with so many people.' — Julie Talbert
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com
      The Calabasas Classic returns to the community this Sunday, and organizers say registration for the annual charity run is at an all-time high. The Classic, headlined by 5K and 10K races, will begin at the new Calabasas Civic Center at 8 a.m. Nov. 9.
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Agoura teen swims Alcatraz channel
      Carlie Jansen, 13, of Agoura Hills, recently completed in the 2008 Alcatraz Invitation Swim, where participants are dropped off at Alcatraz Island and swim back approximately 1.5 miles to the shore at Aquatic Park in the San Francisco Bay.
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Upcoming fundraisers to benefit Pat Tillman Foundation
      Two events are scheduled to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation, which strives to inspire and educate young people working to make a positive change in themselves and the world around them. •A comedy and rock and roll concert will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. Sun., Nov. 16 at The Canyon club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills.
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Agoura Hills Dance Center marks 10-year anniversary
      The Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts Center will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a series of hiphop workshops from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Nov. 9 at the dance studio, 5015 Cornell Road, Agoura.
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At The Library
      The Agoura Hills Library has announced its upcoming events calendar. All events are held at the library, 29901 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. For more informa tion, call (818) 889-2278. •A Mario Kart tournament for teens in grades six through 12 will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 15.
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Verizon gives money to Many Mansions
      Many Mansions announced recently its collaboration with Verizon to launch the Think it Through Program, an education program that utilizes resources provided by Thinkfinity.org, an interactive on-line educational program.
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Cancer center gets mystic
      Conejo Valley Guild of the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation will hold a Mystic Day fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Nov. 15 at Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village.
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Westward traveling
      HISTORIC JOURNEY— The Butterfield Overland Stage makes its final stop at the Leonis Adobe Museum on Oct. 19. In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the stagecoach retraced its 18.9mile route along the El Camino Real, now Ventura Boulevard, from the site of the Campo de Cahuenga.
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Strawberry fest poster contest open
      The California Strawberry Festival seeks submissions for the 2009 official poster contest with $1,500 awarded to the winner. The entry deadline is Jan. 5. The poster will be used in marketing and advertising, as well as printed on T-shirts and promotional items.
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History in the making
      LOCAL HONOR— Arlene Bernholtz of Calabasas presents Paul Rippens with a proclamation from L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Associated Historical Societies of Los Angeles County.
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Residents support bowl benefit
      MANY CHOICES— Above, Many Mansions board of directors member Marty Garcia, left, a Newbury Park resident, jokes about soup choices with St.
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Be seen in Datebook
      The Acorn invites community members to submit brief blurbs for free inclusion in our weekly Datebook calendar. Datebook is devoted to announcements of local events that are offered free of charge to the public or require a minimal fee; exceptions are made.
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The hunt for mud snails
      A TINY INVASION— Left, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission environmental scientist Jack Topel, left, and Santa Monica Baykeeper director of watershed programs Mark Abramson track the progression of New Zealand mud snails in Las Virgenes Creek.
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Trend toward artificial lawns makes good dollars and sense
      WATER CONSERVATION LEADERS— Albert and Mary Parisi of Agoura Hills are honored as Citizens of the Month at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District's Oct. 23 board meeting. The Parisis, with board president Joseph Bowman, left, replaced their natural grass lawn with artificial turf three years ago.
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Go Green at home
      Under the average American's sink lie countless wipes, paper towels and more than a half-dozen cleaning products. Many of those products are both harmful to the environment and hazardous to the home. With environmental concerns at an all-time high, are Americans tossing out their harmful chemical cleaners for "greener" alternatives?
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