A small team of officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will tour sites in Davis and Sacramento on Friday, Oct. 25, exploring possible locations for a new VA hospital that will replace a seismically deficient medical center in Martinez. The group also will meet with community representatives from the two cities. The Davis delegation is headed by Mayor Maynard Skinner, the Sacramento group by City Council member Joe Serna. Though no site decision is expected to be announced this week, the VA officials will be available to answer reporters' questions at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in Room 203 Mrak Hall. Expected to be present are John Fears, associate chief medical director for resource management; Sandy Garfunkel, associate chief medical director for operations; Clark Dowdy, VA regional director, San Francisco; and Jule Moravec, director, Martinez VA hospital. Reporters attending the press availability may park free in the lot or metered spaces at Mrak Hall by placing media identification on the dash of their car.