What: The current accreditation status of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and research into alternatives to the agricultural fumigant methyl bromide will be discussed during an informational hearing of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. When: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m. (discussions), 4 p.m. (tour) Where: Room 1309, Surge III Building, UC Davis Visuals: Participants will tour Haring Hall to see examples of modernized as well as outdated veterinary classrooms and laboratories. A wine tasting will follow in Wickson Hall, which houses departments devoted to studies on tree-fruits, nuts, grapes and wine. Background: The hearing is being held at the request of Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza, who chairs the agricultural committee. UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef and Bennie Osburn, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, will provide an update on plans to modernize and expand classrooms and laboratories for the School of Veterinary Medicine. Last November, the veterinary school was placed on two-year limited accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association due to its aging facilities. (In all other categories -- faculty, research, curriculum, clinical resources, library resources, students, admissions, finances, continuing education and organization -- the school met or exceeded accreditation standards.) Barbara Schneeman, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and researchers from several UC campuses will then brief the agriculture committee on research aimed at developing alternatives to methyl bromide, a fumigant used before and after harvest in agricultural pest control and in structural pest control. In accordance with federal regulations, methyl bromide is gradually being phased out of use because it is thought to play a role in depleting the Earth's ozone layer. More information on methyl bromide is available on the Web at Directions From Interstate 80, take Highway 113 north toward Woodland. and Parking: Take the first exit at Hutchison Drive. Turn right onto Hutchison and go east toward campus. Go past the light at La Rue Drive. Park in Lot 41, the second lot on your right, or in any metered space on the street. To park free, place a business card identifying yourself as a media representative on the dashboard of your vehicle. Surge III, to the east of Lot 41, is the one-story building on the southeast corner of Hutchison Drive and Bioletti Way.