On Tuesday, UC Davis plans to announce the results of an investigation into the pepper spraying of students and other protesters on the campus in November.
The task force conducting the probe will outline its findings and recommendations from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the UC Davis Conference Center Ballroom. The information also will be available online at www.ucdavis.edu.
The UC president's office oversaw the investigation, which was headed by Cruz Reynoso, a former California Supreme Court justice. It is one of a half-dozen probes into aspects of the pepper spraying.
Nineteen current or former students also have filed a civil rights lawsuit against UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi, some of her top staff and campus police.
The Nov. 18 incident began when campus police attempted to remove Occupy protesters from the campus quad. The protesters had set up tents the previous day.
When the group would not disperse, UC Davis Police Lt. John Pike, a former Marine and Sacramento Police officer, calmly shot them with pepper spray. Cellphone videos of the spraying quickly went viral on the Internet.
– Mary Lynne Vellinga
IN THE NEWS
Spellers compete for Central Valley crown
The public is invited to watch the Sacramento region's top 57 spellers compete in the Central Valley's 29th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition gets under way at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St., Sacramento.
Behind the news: Last year's winner, Jack Maglalang, a sixth-grader at Pershing Elementary School in Sacramento, is seeking a second consecutive title. Kajal Maran, the 2010 second-place finisher from Roseville, will also compete. The Central Valley winner will represent the region at the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by The Bee, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California and Sierra Health Foundation.
Info: For more information, contact Bee Community Affairs Director Pam Dinsmore,
County's juvenile hall to host public tours
Sacramento County's Probation Department is hosting public tours of juvenile hall from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at 4136 Branch Center Road.
Behind the news: For the third straight year, visitors will be able to see living units and interview rooms, and learn about various educational programs – but they will not be able to visit or observe detained youths.
Info: www.probation.saccounty.net
CIVIC AFFAIRS
Elk Grove citizens forum to focus on public safety
Two Elk Grove agencies and a local citizens group will hold a public forum on Thursday to share information about public safety. Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner and Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Chief Tracey Hansen will lead the presentations. The event is sponsored by the citizens group Elk Grove Community Connection. The session at City Hall, 8400 Laguna Palms Way, starts with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by the 90-minute forum.
Info: www.elkgrovecity.org
Free workshops offered on making emergency kits
The city of Elk Grove is offering pair of free workshops on assembling emergency preparedness kits for your home and workplace. The first workshop is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Laguna Town Hall, 3020 Renwick Ave. The second workshop takes place at the same place and time on March 17.
Info: www.elkgrovecity.org
NATIONAL POLITICS
Super Tuesday seen as critical for Gingrich
The race for the GOP presidential nomination reaches a critical juncture as voters in 10 states go to the polls for Super Tuesday. Results of primaries and caucuses, particularly in Southern states, could determine whether former House speaker Newt Gingrich remains in the race.
Stay informed: Look for updates on www.sacbee.com.
IN THE NEWS
Foundation aims to plant 30,000 trees in a year
The Sacramento Tree Foundation kicks off its campaign to plant 30,000 trees in one year at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the first day of Arbor Week, at the southeast corner of Capitol Park, where a Valley oak tree will be planted.
Info: www.sactree.com
Daylight saving time starts Sunday
Remember to "spring ahead" on Saturday night before turning in to bed. Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday. You need to move your clocks ahead one hour.
Info: Find out more about daylight saving time at www. timeanddate.com/time/dst
Live chat scheduled with Arden Fair security chief
Arden Fair Mall security chief Steve Reed will be in The Bee newsroom from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday taking questions from readers on www.sacbee.com on how the mall and its parking areas are kept secure, and related questions.
Info: www.sacbee.com.
COURTHOUSE STEPS
Trial over molestation allegations continues
A civil trial continues today in a negligence lawsuit filed against Sacramento Unified School District on behalf of two girls who say they were sexually molested at John H. Still K-8 School.
Stay informed: Look for updates at www.sacbee.com/sacto911.
Arraignment for priest scheduled Friday
A continuing arraignment is scheduled Friday for the Rev. Uriel Ojeda, the Sacramento-area priest accused of child molestation who had served in parishes in Woodland and Redding.
Stay informed: Look for updates at www.sacbee.com/sacto911.
Pretrial motions in 'sweetheart' slayings
Pretrial motions continue Tuesday for Richard Hirschfield, on trial for the 1980 Davis "sweetheart" homicides of John Riggins and Sabrina Gonsalvez. Judge Michael W. Sweet could issue rulings on DNA evidence.
Stay informed: Look for updates at www.sacbee.com/sacto911.
AROUND TOWN
Spring mixer set for midtown businesses
The Midtown Business Association is hosting its spring mixer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hot Italian, 16th and Q streets. The association's new executive director, Elizabeth Studebaker, will be on hand. Admission is free to MBA members and $5 to the general public.
Info: www.exploremidtown.org
Festival spotlights food documentaries
The Sacramento Food Film Festival debuts Saturday at the Guild Theater, 35th Street and Broadway. According to the group's website, documentaries about "government regulations, genetic modifications, organics and the plight of the family farm" will be shown from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Costs vary. For more information, go to www.sacfoodfilmfest.com.
Girl Scouts sing to celebrate anniversary
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, which is March 12, more than 300 of them will gather Sunday on the west steps of the Capitol from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a sing-along with the Sacramento Women's Chorus.
Info: www.girlscoutshcc.org
Boat and RV shows take center stage
All variety of boats and recreational vehicles will fill Cal Expo for four days beginning Thursday. The Sacramento Boat Show features more than 500 boats from 8 to 40 feet. The Spring RV Show showcases a bevy of recreational vehicles, from campers to luxury motor homes. One admission price ($10 for adults, free for children 12 and younger) is good for both shows.
Info: www.sacramentoboatshow.com or www.rvshow.com
Walk Humbug-Willow Creek trails Saturday
Choose between two different walking routes Saturday during the Folsom event, sponsored by the Sacramento Walking Sticks Volkssport Club. Walkers can traverse a 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) course, primarily on sidewalk and bike trails through a protected nature area at Elvie Perrzzo Briggs Park.
Info: Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon; walk is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (916) 792-1720.
Bridal event fit for grooms – and Kings
At 4 p.m. Sunday, an hour before the doors open for the Kings-Atlanta Hawks game, a bridal show will take place at Power Balance Pavilion. A $12 ticket to the bridal show also gives you a ticket to the Kings game.
Info: (601) 795-8254 or www.bridesandbasketball.com.
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