Morning Wrap: 3/23/12

News and notes:

• Only 14 percent of middle school science teachers in California practice what researchers consider high-quality science instruction. Mercury News
• Critic Mary Ellen Hunt pans San Francisco Ballet’s “Symphonic Dances” in the Chronicle, saying it “lack[s] a core sense of purpose.”
• There was a Ross Mirkarimi sighting at the Hall of Justice Thursday afternoon, where the suspended sheriff showed up for domestic violence class orientation. CBS San Francisco
• The mother of a Gilroy Iraq war veteran was found shot to death near Hollister, Calif., eight days after the veteran shot and killed his 11-year-old sister before taking his own life. Chronicle
• Oakland is hiring 55 new police officers and 1,300 people showed up Wednesday at the Marriot Hotel downtown to take an exam for the chance to fill one of the spots. Chronicle 
• Investigators found the purse of missing Morgan Hill teenager Sierra Lamar two miles from her home, but still have few clues about her disappearance a week ago. Mercury News
• The Warriors, blown out in Houston last night, signed free agent center Mickell Gladness—who’s averaged 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds during three years as a D-leaguer—to a 10-day contract. Mercury News
• More than 8,500 runners are expected for Sunday’s 3rd annual Oakland Running Festival. Oakland Tribune