The week ahead

By Francisco Vara-Orta

June 9, 2008 12 AM PT

A look at upcoming news events:

Tuesday

Sheriff: The Orange County Board of Supervisors could appoint a new sheriff.

Wednesday

Screening: Los Angeles Conservancy’s “Last Remaining Seats” series features “Goldfinger” at Orpheum Theatre.

Crime: Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach updates the public on plans to fight crime.

Thursday

Firebombing: Sentencing for Audley Yung, former UC Riverside student who pleaded guilty to planting a firebomb to disrupt spring 2007 graduation.

Friday

Oceans: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach marks its 10th anniversary with the debut of “Ocean on the Edge” exhibition.

Saturday

Sail: Zac Sunderland, 16, of Thousand Oaks tries to become the world’s youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe alone, starting from the Marina del Rey boat show.

The Tip

An official state of drought was declared in California last week, but broken sprinklers continue to shower freeways. Caltrans officials say they’re working to replace and repair old systems. So if you’re stuck in traffic watching a scofflaw sprinkler douse asphalt, contact Caltrans at (213) 897-3656.

Ask a reporter

How has the effort to shrink the pigeon population in Hollywood gone since the city announced it in July?

Since August, some of the area’s estimated 5,000 pigeons have been eating pill-shaped, contraceptive kibble known as OvoControl P from feeders on Hollywood rooftops, the first area to try the contraceptive since the state approved it.

Every morning about 300 pigeons consume the kibble, which contains nicarbazin, an ingredient that stops an egg from developing.

Laura Dodson, president of the Argyle Civic Assn., said the neighborhood group leading the effort raised more than $50,000 from businesses and residents to install five automatic rooftop feeders. Cameras allow online monitoring of the birds.

After four months, the 438 pigeon regulars in one spot dropped to just under 40. The pigeons are “just having less babies now,” Dodson said.

The original goal was to reduce the pigeon population by 50% by 2012, but Dodson said officials think it could happen within two years. The pigeons are disliked because their droppings defile cars and buildings.

For the complete story and photos, visit the L.A. Times’ animal blog at www.latimes

.com/unleashed.

-- Francisco Vara-Orta