Today is Tuesday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2006. There are 306 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2006. There are 306 days left in the year. On this date in 1849, the ship California arrives at San Francisco, carrying the first of the gold-seekers.
In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton explodes, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others. In 1861, the Territory of Colorado is organized. In 1951, the committee headed by Sen. Estes Kefauver, D-Tenn., issues a preliminary report saying at least two major crime syndicates are operating in the U.S. In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick discover the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule that contains the human genes. In 1974, the United States and Egypt re-establish diplomatic relations after a seven-year break. In 1975, more than 40 people are killed in London's Underground when a subway train smashes into the end of a tunnel. In 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme is shot to death in central Stockholm. In 1993, a gun battle erupts at a compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents try to serve warrants on the Branch Davidians; four agents and six Davidians are killed as a 51-day standoff begins.
February 28, 1981: Niles Municipal Court Judge Charles Zubyk is shot and seriously wounded as he answers the door at his Bianco Street home in Mineral Ridge.
Youngstown city teachers call a weekend strategy session as the first full week of their strike comes to an end.
Campbell Memorial's Linda Valerio and Boardman's Stephanie Sowinski qualify for state in two events in the NEO District Girls Swim Meet at the Branin Natatorium in Canton.
February 28, 1966: The Very Rev. Nicholas Vansuch tells some 600 Youngstown area Eastern Orthodox that the time has come for all national backgrounds in the United States to make a concerted effort to find better ways and means to coordinate the work of the Orthodox church in the United States.
Safecrackers take cash, bonds and stocks from a safe at the Raffel Brothers Restaurant Supply Co., 220 W. Rayen Ave.
Four members of the graduating class of 20 at the Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing in Salem are cited for honors at the 14th annual commencement. The honor students are Ruth Ellen Watt, Suellen Hutter, Mary Lee Brungard and Darlene D. Mackie.
February 28, 1956: County and township officials say more and more residents of Boardman and Austintown are complaining about flooding problems, but when it comes to paying for storm sewers, the residents balk.
Builders and roofers report being swamped with work in the wake of a violent wind storm that swept through the area, with winds approaching 80 mph.
Youngstown Mayor Frank X. Kryzan and Niles Mayor Edward P. Lenney return from Detroit where they discussed proposals for water service to Lordstown, which has been picked as the site of a new General Motors plant.
February 28, 1931: Mahoning County Prosecutor Ray L. Thomas promises a thorough investigation of public utility matters, including accusations of attempted bribery against Youngstown Traction Commission Harry Engle. Thomas convinced the governor that a state probe is not necessary.
A 47-year-old South Ave. Extension man dies in South Side hospital after drinking poison.
Youngstown's World War veterans are swamping local veterans headquarters and Red Cross offices for applications for newly authorized loans against their service certificates.