A wanted man with a gun may be living in or near UC Davis’ Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, where he tried to rob two hikers and assaulted one of them last Friday (March 25), authorities said. They cautioned people to beware if they’re going out there.

In fact, hikers should not even be in the reserve as it’s been closed, with signs posted, since wildfire swept over the land last summer. The reserve is near Lake Berryessa, west of Winters.

Solano County sheriff’s deputies took last week’s crime report from two women, ages 59 and 18, who said a man approached them on a trail at about 3 p.m., displayed a handgun and forced them to a secluded area. He then assaulted one of the women, demanded money, and fled on foot.

The women described the man as Hispanic, about 25 years old and 5-foot-6, with short brown hair and no facial hair, or perhaps a very light mustache. He spoke in broken English with a thick accent.

Deputies said they found evidence indicating the man may be living in the area. They asked people to report any suspicious activity, by calling the dispatch center, 707-421-7090. (Note: Cellular reception is commonly unavailable in the canyon area.)

The campus police department put out a crime alert, giving the same caution about lack of cellphone service in remote areas. Police advised people to hike in groups, and to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the March 25 incident. Other hikers who may have seen the suspect are asked to call Detective Andrew Hendrix, 707-784-7058. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers, 707-644-STOP (7867).

UC Davis showcased at SMF

The next time you pass through Sacramento International Airport, keep your eyes peeled for four billboards showing some of the ways UC Davis helps to solve the world’s most pressing issues. The billboards in both terminals showcase how UC Davis is “Leading the 21st Century” in ocean health, new medical treatments, feeding the world, making higher education attainable and more. Three more ads will be installed by May.

Workshop added: 'Survival Strategies for Active-Shooter Incident'

This week’s session filled up, so the organizers announced a repeat of “Community Survival Strategies for Active-Shooter Incident,” 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, for faculty and staff. Workshop leaders are Mary Macias, safety officer for Student Health and Counseling Services, and volunteer coordinator for the campus Police Department; and police officer Ray Holguin.

Macias said the workshop covers three steps to follow to increase your chance of surviving an active-shooter incident: run, hide, fight (last resort). The program’s scenarios incorporate demonstrations on how to attack a shooter and take away a handgun. Other topics include: the will to survive, weapon identification and identifying police capabilities.

The workshop will be held in the Hamilton Room at the Heitman Staff Learning Center. Class size is limited to 50 people. Sign up via the Learning Management System (search for the course by its title).

The answer is: 'Who’s on Jeopardy! again?’

UC Davis is on Jeopardy! again this week — the university’s fifth appearance on the “answer-and-question” game show in recent months. The show announced that its Thursday episode (March 31) will feature a single UC Davis clue in the category “The Wine Cellar.” Jeopardy! is shown at 7 p.m. on Sacramento’s ABC10.

Two members of the show’s Clue Crew spent three days last year filming “answers” at the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Teaching and Research Winery, and the August A. Busch III Brewing and Food Science Laboratory. From that visit, Jeopardy! produced four full categories of clues for episodes that ran in the fall and winter.  

Earlier coverage: “UC Davis turns into game show superstar”

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