Briefs: Colusa man's remains identified in Yolo County

Human remains found in April in Yolo County are those of a Colusa County man reported missing in October 2008, the Yolo County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

The man was identified as Jose Luis Velasquez, 37.

The state Department of Justice analyzed the DNA of the skeletal remains with DNA from several of Velasquez's relatives.

The circumstances of Velasquez's death are "suspicious," the Sheriff's Office said.

Anyone with information about Velasquez's disappearance should call Sgt. Lance Faille at 668-5212.

YUBA-SUTTER

CHP crackdown over Labor Day

Motorists are advised to "celebrate the Labor Day weekend but remember to celebrate safely," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in a statement as the summer's final weekend nears.

The California Highway Patrol is readying for its Labor Day maximum enforcement period, starting at 6 p.m. today and ending at 11:49 p.m. Monday.

Last year's Labor Day weekend resulted in 21 people killed in collisions on California roads, with more than half of those who died not wearing a seat belt, according to the statement from the CHP.

CHP officers throughout the state made 1,521 arrests for driving under the influence.

In the Yuba-Sutter CHP area, 12 people were arrested for DUI; 10 collisions were investigated; and there were two injury collisions.

SACRAMENTO

Bill expands use of DNA processing

A bill by Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Lake Wildwood, giving law enforcement new latitude in using DNA evidence has been signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Assembly Bill 434 allows counties to employ a Department of Justice lab technician with unused Proposition 69 funds to process new DNA evidence. As a result, Logue said in a press release, investigations and arrests using such evidence should happen more quickly.

"Justice can now be served in a timely manner," Logue said in the release.

The bill is especially designed to aid counties that can't afford their own crime labs. The law goes into effect Jan. 1.

YUBA-SUTTER

Closures forLabor Day

The following businesses and agencies will be closed Monday for Labor Day:

Banks: Closed.

Government offices: Closed.

Schools: No classes.

Post office: No service.

Trash pickup: No interruption in service.

Transit: No service; office closed.

Appeal-Democrat: No interruption in service, office closed.

YUBA CITY

School supply donations sought

Donations of school supplies are being accepted through Sept. 9 during the sixth annual Back to School Supply Drive under way at the Yuba City Senior Center.

The donations will be distributed to schools.

Items including pencils, folders, paper, crayons and other school-related goods can be dropped off at the senior center, 777 Ainsley Ave.

For more information, call 822-4608.

YUBA CITY

Tian Del Melaset for Sunday

Free drinks and food, plus music and a variety of vendors, are part of the Tian Da Mela in Yuba City, presented by the USA Punjabi Women's Cultural Organization.

The 12th annual event is for women only.

Set from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Andros Karperos School, 1666 Camino de Flores, the event includes the folk dance giddha, skit and a live deejay.

Admission is free; donations will be accepted.

Those attending are invited to dress in cultural attire.

For more information, call 673-7482 or 673-6158.

YUBA CITY

9/11 concert tickets available

Tickets are available for a concert to benefit local first-responders and commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Featuring country singer Jaron and the Long Road to Love, the event is at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Yuba City Toyota Hall, Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, Yuba City.

Tickets are $30 at the door or $20 in advance available at Fotine's Restaurant in Marysville, the Marysville Police Department, BFS Printing and Sutter Buttes Brewing in Yuba City.

YUBA CITY

Essay contestsfor students

Entry forms are available for the "Voice of Democracy" and "Patriot Pen" competitions sponsored by the Yuba City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2563 and Auxiliary.

The "Voice of Democracy" contest, for students in grades nine to 12, includes an audio essay with a written copy and a recorded CD. This year's theme is "Is there pride in serving in our military?"

The "Patriot Pen" competition, for students in grades six to eight, is an essay of 300 to 400 words. The theme is "Are you proud of your country?"

The deadline for both is Nov. 1.

Winners are awarded at the local, district, state and national levels in both contests.

Entriess can be obtained through school counselors or by calling Kay LeClair at 674-1052 or Ruben Gomez at 743-0477.