What's happening at the Capitol: May 20, 21, 22

2009-05-20T03:45:13Z

Wednesday, May 20

8 a.m.-4 p.m. California Hunger Action Coalition will be holding a Hunger Action Day on the north steps of the Capitol. "Each May, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates from all over the state meet in Sacramento to educate their legislators about hunger and support anti-hunger legislation. Low-income advocates, soup kitchen volunteers, nutritionists, food bank supporters and others concerned about the 3.1 million Californians experiencing hunger travel by bus, car and airplane once each year to participate in this important event," says the event's webpage. 350 people are expected.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. American Heart Association will be holding an educational California Lobby Day on the south steps of the Capitol for a crowd of approximately 150 people. "Come out and voice your support against stroke, heart disease, childhood obesity, and [for] tobacco tax increase," says a Craigslist flyer for the event.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. California Association of Professional Scientists will be holding their annual State Scientist Day on the west steps of the Capitol. With an expected turnout of 3,000 participants, third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders are all invited to participate in the hands-on science fair with booths from the California Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation (Recycle Rex will appear at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.). Teachers can still register their classes by calling (916) 441-2629, according to the event's website.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two fuel-cell vehicles will be displayed on the east steps of the Capitol, followed by a press conference.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Natural Products Association West will be holding its seventh annual advocacy event, "Health Matters," just south of the fish pond. 100 people are expected.

1:30-3 p.m. The Association of California Water Agencies will be holding a rally near the fish pond. In attendance will be around 1500 representatives of public water agencies, other water organizations, and their supporters. "The purpose of the rally is to press for action on a comprehensive water solution. The event is intended to raise the visibility of the state’s water challenges and keep the water issue before state leaders and the public," says the event's website.

Those who register here, can check in at the west lobby of the Convention Center starting at 8:30 a.m., before attending a luncheon at 11:45 a.m., and march from the Sheraton Hotel to the Capitol at 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Sacramento Transportation Management Association will be holding a carpooling, bicycling and transit information rally on the west steps of the Capitol as a part of May Is Bike Month's Bikefest. 500 participants are expected.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Office of First Lady of California Maria Shriver has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for a new garden. It can be found at 13th Street between L and N (the east side of the Capitol) according to one political blog.

6:30 p.m.- all night? If the California Supreme Court decides to uphold Prop 8, Equality Action NOW will hold a march at 6:30 p.m. from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center to the State Capitol's west steps. Says a press release, "a second rally with speakers and entertainment will take place, followed by a march around the Capitol grounds. On return to the West Capitol Steps, participants will be invited to speak at an open mic. Speakers of all ages, all walks of life, gay, straight, children of gay couples, parents of gay individuals, students and couples who were married and who want to marry will be invited to tell their stories. If crowd interest remains high, Enrique Manjarrez, Youth program Coordinator, Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center will lead an all-night youth rally."

Friday, May 22

4-7:30 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the old rose garden at the Capitol in front of an audience of 100 people.

Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "state scientist day"

What's happening at the Capitol: May 20, 21, 22