Not football related, but definitely Cal related. And since this is the forum that draws the most visitors, it seemed only right to post this story here. For an incredibly shameful display of cowardice by a group of "adults", read the linked article:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_20799532/moraga-swim-club-bans-cal-swim-coach-sex

I share this disappointment. But what a classy reply from Kristen, props to her.

I'm from Moraga, and I went to school with Kristen. This is so pathetic and disappointing after everything she's been thorugh.

Shameful.

A decision one would expect from a "community" still in denial; it is what cover ups are all about, even though all the facts are allegedly out "in the open."

Yes, it does. The MCC Board has only itself to blame by making such a totally bone-headed decision.

taxbear;841898422 said:

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Not football related, but definitely Cal related. And since this is the forum that draws the most visitors, it seemed only right to post this story here. For an incredibly shameful display of cowardice by a group of "adults", read the linked article:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_20799532/moraga-swim-club-bans-cal-swim-coach-sex

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...shameful rubbish.

:axe

I'm a bit confused. I understand the supporting the victim and letting her speak. But who was the audience? Were they children? Would that be an appropriate forum for them? And were all the other speakers presenting similar presentations? Seems like a better solution might have been to arrange a 2nd session that was focussed on the subject and those that objected didn't have to attend. Cancelling the event was not a good solution.

taxbear;841898489 said:

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Yes, it does. The MCC Board has only itself to blame by making such a totally bone-headed decision.

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Can't agree more, although "totally bone-headed" is way too mild an assessment. Disgraceful, misguided and spineless only begins to describe this BOD decision.

Expect an apology and re-invitation shortly to one of the classiest persons and best swimmers MCC has ever seen.

Many connections here. I went to Cal, am from Moraga, went to the same school as Kristen, had Correa as a teacher, and swam for Schurhoff.

Awful, just awful. This is the reason people DON'T forward with these crimes. MCC owes more than a major apology to Kristen.

...or maybe the MCC Board members are a gang of abusers....or were abused themselves and don't want to go there...or maybe they just don't GaS. Who knows. They have some public explaining to do. Or penalize them...void their water rights, decrease their slope to 55....send the geese to flyover the 19th hole.

chunkybear;841898512 said:

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Many connections here. I went to Cal, am from Moraga, went to the same school as Kristen, had Correa as a teacher, and swam for Schurhoff.

Awful, just awful. This is the reason people DON'T forward with these crimes. MCC owes more than a major apology to Kristen.

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Methinks we know each other...

Agreed. This is crap.

It really strikes at me as my family lives in Moraga. We have three kids on the MCC swim team. I was looking forward to meeting Kristen and having her give my kids and their teammates good instruction on technique and mental approach to the sport.

There is a lot of anger and disapproval in the community over this decision. Nearly all the people I've spoken with today, and there have been many, feel the decision is utter BS and does not reflect the opinions, values and desires of a majority of the club's members.

The club recently completed a large remodel and facilities upgrade and most of our friends and acquaintenances at the club are not happy with a good many of the decisions made by the board with respect to the new facilities. Trust me, many here are dead set against this decision. To label Moraga a community in denial is misguided. More accurately stated, it is a few people in denial.

It is my understanding that a majority of the board is comprised of recently or soon-to-be retired folks. It may be that one or more saw the invitation to Kristen to do the clinic as taking sides in the school district investigation of events that occurred in the 1990s.

That, too, would be wrong. MCC's head swim coach has known Kristen for many years and, I'm told, the MCC swim committee approached her about doing a clinic well before the recent articles appeared in the CC Times. It is more about her being a former MCC swimmer and being a current assistant coach for a very successful local college (Cal).

In any case, the decision is not right. Since I started writing this message, my wife and I have received two emails from fellow club members asking us to send an email to the club's GM requesting transparency regarding who and how the decision was made and asking for the resignation of any board members who did not follow the club's bylaws in arriving at and implementing the decision.

This whole thing sucks and I feel very badly for Kristen, who has been through far too much already and doesn't deserve any of what is now happening.

MilleniaBear;841898503 said:

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I'm a bit confused. I understand the supporting the victim and letting her speak. But who was the audience? Were they children? Would that be an appropriate forum for them? And were all the other speakers presenting similar presentations? Seems like a better solution might have been to arrange a 2nd session that was focussed on the subject and those that objected didn't have to attend. Cancelling the event was not a good solution.

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She was not going to be speaking about "the subject." She was going to speak about swimming and its values. It was also an opportunity to let kids meet some positive role models.

Rec team swimmers, most of whom are 10 or younger. It was to be a nice, fun motivational meeting. Here's an email that the MCC head coach sent to parents the other day (and which should have settled the matter):

Hi MCC Wave Families,
There has been some question and concern about the intent and purpose of Kristen Cunnane’s visit to MCC next Monday. I originally reached out to Kristen in May of 2011 in the attempt to get her to speak to our team. It wasn’t until this spring that she and I connected and developed a theme for her talk – underwaters.
Kristen has no intention of discussing the sexual abuse case in which she was involved or any of the details relating to that part of her life. More importantly, it would be completely inappropriate for anyone from MCC to bring up the subject in front of the children that will be attending the event. Most of them are likely unaware of the circumstances and I assume that most parents would want to keep it that way.
The purpose of Kristen’s talk has always been geared towards the technical aspects of swimming and the positive effect that rec swimming had on Kristen’s life. I am confident that this will be a motivating evening and I look forward to Kristen returning to the MCC campus.
Coach Dave

I am a member of MCC and have just advised the club my family will be terminating our membership if this decision is not reversed. Disgraceful.

TilWeWobble;841898559 said:

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I am a member of MCC and have just advised the club my family will be terminating our membership if this decision is not reversed. Disgraceful.

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Good for you. I hope there are many more like minded people.

Not the first time Lamorinda has turned on Kristen. Is there something in the water out there?

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_20711783/no-longer-victim-assistant-swim-coach-at-cal

Quote:

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"Didn't it feel good?" a defense attorney asked Kristen Cunnane on the witness stand during Correa's preliminary hearing.

The difficulties for molestation victims who come forward were unfolding before Cunnane, as the defense painted the abuse by Correa as a consensual relationship.

Cunnane had been prepared for such questions after Correa's arrest on Aug. 4, 2010. What she didn't expect was the sight of former teachers, classmates and their parents in court.

Cunnane had thought about reaching out to some of them in those weeks leading up to Correa's arrest.

Did they have their own memories that could strengthen the prosecution's case?

Did they remember Correa defending criticisms that she had an inappropriate attachment to the girl?

Did they ever have suspicions of Correa crossing the line with another student?

Suddenly, those people were in the courtroom -- not supporting her, but her abuser.

"I'm so glad you aren't here today," Scott wrote in a text message to Kristen from a hastily scheduled bail hearing. Before the prosecution's evidence was made public, more than 20 Joaquin Moraga staff members, past and present, sat in the gallery. They stood up at a defense attorney's prompting to show a judge they were there to support Correa, Scott Cunnane said. It was the only one of Correa's court appearances Kristen missed.

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Just learned that the club has reversed its decision and apologized to Kristen...I won't have to quit after all.

I heard from a very reliable source that this was not a "board" decision. The decision to not have Kristen speak was made by one board member. Obviously, not an excuse. Just shedding light on the story from what I have heard.

Great to hear they have reversed its decision.

I have heard the same thing from several reliable sources, including a current or very recent board member. That board member was looking for transparency as well, as he did not want the one board member to hide behind the entire board. Still doesn't make it right.

Along with several members of the club, this afternoon I sent an email to the entire board expressing my disappointment and embarrassment at the decision. Pretty sure they've been inundated with similar messages.

I am waiting for a response but it sound like the decision has been reversed. Good news. I hope Kristen accepts the new offer to appear at the swim clinic and that my children and other MCC kids have the oportunity to benefit from her instruction and guidance.

Family friend is a board member. He woke up to emails and calls on the situation and he had no clue what had happened in terms of the decision to not let Kristen speak to the swimming team. Glad its been reversed.

There's nothing wrong with the water in Moraga. I suspect every community, including the one you live in, has some who will defend their relatives, co-workers and classmates while others will support the victim making the allegations. Rarely will you find an entire community on the same side of any given issue. Don't let that you stop you from throwing stones.

Fortunately in this matter, the prosecution's case supported a conviction of the cowardly abuser.

+1

I'm hearing the same story from several board members. I have not read the club's bylaws but strongly suspect the initial "board" decision was not made or approved in accordance with same (notice of meeting, meeting, vote, etc.).

As is fairly common in bylaws, there may be powers reserved to the Board's chair or the club's GM to take actions he/she deems to be in the best interest of the club. Regardless, IMO this action clearly does not fall in that category. Very glad the decision was reversed.

SchadenBear;841898574 said:

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Not the first time Lamorinda has turned on Kristen. Is there something in the water out there?

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_20711783/no-longer-victim-assistant-swim-coach-at-cal

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come on now, Schaden.

Beardog26;841898601 said:

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I'm hearing the same story from several board members. I have not read the club's bylaws but strongly suspect the initial "board" decision was not made or approved in accordance with same (notice of meeting, meeting, vote, etc.).

As is fairly common in bylaws, there may be powers reserved to the Board's chair or the club's GM to take actions he/she deems to be in the best interest of the club. Regardless, IMO this action clearly does not fall in that category. Very glad the decision was reversed.

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In the press release issued by the club, the BOD President has claimed responsibility for the decision.
The decision has been reversed and Kristen has been re-invited to conduct her clinic.
Hope she accepts. Kristen is not only a fine coach, but a tremendous role model for the kids.

Very glad to hear that the decision was reversed and that the BOD President has claimed responsibility for it. He should also resign.

It has been a complete fiasco that was so easy to avoid.

"Calls and emails to the Moraga Country Club board president, vice president, general manager and assistant general manager were not returned Wednesday."

In the mid 1980's when the country clubs in Oakland were still trying to keep African Americans out of their clubs, calls from the media also went unanswered. When you have an indefensible position, the cockroaches scatter and the ostriches look for sand.

bearister;841898616 said:

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"Calls and emails to the Moraga Country Club board president, vice president, general manager and assistant general manager were not returned Wednesday."

In the mid 1980's when the country clubs in Oakland were still trying to keep African Americans out of their clubs, calls from the media also went unanswered. When you have an indefensible position, the cockroaches scatter and the ostriches look for sand.

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Maybe someone should organize an OWS type sit in at this bastion of privilege and prejudice. Power to the caddies and the pool boys!

would be kicking the GM's behind if they tried to cancel an event like that at our club. And we are not a progressive club - and proud of it. (Though we put a lot of girls on to college swim and water polo teams). Maybe I just don't understand the local politics in Moraga.

wifeisafurd;841898627 said:

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Maybe I just don't understand the local politics in Moraga.

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Rest assured, there is nothing wrong with their water.

Culture that enabled teacher sexual abuses continues in Moraga district.

The President of the Board has admitted, privately and publicly, that he made the decision unilaterally. The vast majority, if not all of the board members had no idea of the decision and first learned of it via the CC Times column today. There has been a massive public outcry and calls for a reversal and public apology to Kristen Cunnane, with many calling for the resignation of the Board president (as a result, the first two have happened - I understand the latter is still being considered).

I've been dealing with this all day and nearly everyone I've communicated with is strongly opposed to the initial decision made by the lone board member and embarrassed by the negative perception the community and town has received in the light of public opinion.

Unfortunately, the decision of one person cast a poor light on an entire community, the majority of which was not in support of the decision. It's not a Moraga thing, despite what you might think. In fact, a good portion of the community did not merely turn their head, but went to work to rectify the situation and make it right.

I hope Kristen accepts the re-offer to do the clinic and look forward to meeting her and having my kids and their teammates learn swim tips from a courageous and accomplished competitive swimmer and decorated Cal assistant coach.

Does anyone know why exactly he did make this decision? His full reasoning?

I know him, though not well. He goes to our church and has older children who I believe have already gone through the school district.

I have not spoken with him but will be sure when I do to ask his reason(s) for the (IMO) half-baked decision which was made in far too big a rush. He has stated that the clinic was initially canceled because he wanted the board to understand the parameters and nature/scope of what was to transpire at the clinic.

Conceptually, I don't disagree with the need for the board to have a full understanding of the above issues. However, I'm not sure I buy that explanation. I believe the decision was made on Tuesday, six days before the scheduled clinic date. If so, there was plenty of time to discuss this with the swim coaches (they are club employees, with email addresses, and are at the pool every day) and then send an email to the board setting forth the scope of the clinic.

There may not have been time to notice a special board meeting and expect a quorum to be present but there was plenty of time for group discussion via email and telephone before making any type of decision. In any case that is beside the point since, as I understand it, there was never any effort to canvass the other board members in the first place.

If there was fear that the clinic might be perceived as the club taking Ms. Lewis' side in the matter addressed in four recent CC Times columns, that doesn't really fly because it is equally likely that a good number of people would perceive the initial decision as the club supporting the opposite side. I mentioned this in my email late this afternoon to the board, seeking explanation for the initial decision to ban Kristen from the clinic. (I've heard back from one member, who was not pleased with the initial decision or the process by which it was determined)

I've heard there was concern regarding the negative publicity that would come to the club by holding the clinic. If true, this, too, would be an incredibly myopic view IMO. In this day of social media and real time interaction, how anyone would feel there would be less backlash over the initial decision than there would have been had the clinic proceeded as planned is beyond me.

Whatever the basis for his decision, right or wrong, the execution was not well considered. Banning her from the clinic when it was strictly limited to swimming instruction and expressly excluded the issues raised in the recent CC Times series was simply wrong. The whole mess could've been avoided by relatively simple communication with the club's swim coaches and board before the clinic.

blungld;841898668 said:

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Does anyone know why exactly he did make this decision? His full reasoning?

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Moraga Country Club board of directors email exchange.

The decision was made by Thomas Enberg after last second messages from MCC "members, including Ruth Burke.**" Enberg feels that there is "much more to this story than meets the eye." Enberg believes that Kristen "should not have been invited to speak in the first place," that it was politically risky and that the best alternative was to cancell her appearance.

Judge what you will from that.

** Ruth Burke

Quote:

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Burke is a Moraga Country Club board member and also a PTA member at Los Perales Elementary School in Moraga. Cunnane and others familiar with the cancellation of the swim clinic were told that some parents sympathized with retiring Los Perales Principal Bill Walters and did not want the country club to show support for Cunnane.

Walters has been criticized for not alerting police in 1994 after a female Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School student complained she had been sexually abused by a teacher there. That teacher, Dan Witters, later was accused of molesting other students and killed himself soon after.

This newspaper uncovered documents showing Walters' failure to report multiple allegations against Witters. The principal announced his retirement shortly after the district released the documents.

It was Joaquin Moraga P.E. teacher Julie Correa, originally charged with 28 felony sexual abuse charges and facing 100 years in prison, who sexually abused Cunnane and who also failed to report alleged Witters abuse against Cunnane.

"There were some people supportive of Walters and it was probably a concern that it could look like MCC was taking a stand," said Jeff Raleigh, a country club member who volunteered to field calls from the media Thursday.

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