SACRAMENTO — The California rice industry will honor the efforts to preserve the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony during the 10th annual California Rice Commission Circle of Life Reception, Tuesday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, 1230 J St.

The colony, which was established near Colma, Calif. in 1869, is said to be the first sizeable settlement of Japanese in America.

The annual Capitol Roller Sushi Competition, with legislators making California rolls to compete for a framed samurai sword, are among the reception’s highlights. It also will feature a tasting of dishes that highlight California rice, a chef preparing sushi, and the debut of a new creation from chef Russell Michel, his signature Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, which showcases locally grown brown rice from the Sacramento Valley.

According to a statement issued by the California Rice Commission, the state’s rice industry provides more than $1.3 billion to California’s economy each year, with more than 95 percent of the state’s crop grown in the Sacramento Valley.

For more information, contact Jim Morris at (916) 387-2264.