After defeating Pleasanton's Amador Valley High School in the Alameda County Mock Trial contest in February, the 15-member Piedmont High School Mock Trial Team placed fifth at the state competition in Santa Ana. The April 1-3 event included 36 teams, who argued about "People v. Casco." The case focused on a defendant charged with credit card fraud and a pre-trial motion challenging Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Piedmont parent and attorney Art Shartsis served as a volunteer coach for the Piedmont team.

"We lost to Palma High School of Salinas in our fourth match," said Rich Kitchens, the team's coach and a Piedmont High government instructor. "They outscored us and knocked us out of the championship contention."

"We've gone to the state competition three of the last four years," said Kitchens.

San Marcos High School of Santa Barbara placed first in the state competition and moved on to the national contest, which took place May 6-8, in Orlando. "San Marcos placed fifth in the country at nationals," Kitchens said.

Contra Costa Times
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