Inauguration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. today

CARSON CITY - Inauguration day in Carson City will be full of pomp and ceremony as Brian Sandoval takes the oath of office, becoming Nevada's 30th governor.

The swearing-in ceremony for Sandoval and five other constitutional officers Monday begins at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Capitol. Afterward, the new governor will sign appointment letters and executive orders in his office, before attending a public reception at the Nevada State Library and Archives.

The weather forecast called for a slight chance of snow with high temperatures around the freezing mark.

Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki will be sworn in to a second four-year term. The other constitutional officers who won re-election in November are all Democrats - Secretary of State Ross Miller, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, Treasurer Kate Marshall and Controller Kim Wallin.

Supreme Court Justices Ron Parraguirre and James Hardesty, who ran unopposed, will be sworn in to new six-year terms.

Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Douglas will administer the oaths, marking another historic moment. Douglas in 2002 became the first African American to sit on the state high court and now as chief justice, he is the first to officiate over the swearings-in of elected state officers.

Sandoval, Nevada's new first lady, Kathleen, and their three children - James, 15, Maddy, 14 and Marissa, 6 - will begin the day at 9 a.m. with a special Mass at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Rev. Chuck Durante will officiate along with Bishop Joseph Pepe of Las Vegas and Bishop Emeritus Phillip Straling of Reno.

The Sandovals will host a state dinner Monday night at the Governor's Mansion for constitutional officers, former governors and first ladies, legislative leaders, Supreme Court justices and senior administration staff.

About 40 people are expected to attend. The menu includes a winter greens salad with pomegranate-raspberry vinaigrette; boneless short ribs (or a vegetarian option); cheddar mashed potatoes; asparagus; and creme brule for dessert.

Two inaugural balls are planned later in the month - Jan. 28 at Wynn Las Vegas and Jan. 29 at the Silver Legacy in Reno. The balls are being funded by donations and any proceeds will be given to three non-profit organizations - Quest Counseling in Reno, Community Chest in Virginia City and Bridge Counseling Associates in Las Vegas.

The organizations were chosen by Kathleen Sandoval, a program director at The Children's Cabinet in Reno. As first lady, she will advocate for youth mental health and substance abuse programs.