SETTING THE DATE: State Sen. Marian Bergeson...

SETTING THE DATE: State Sen. Marian Bergeson of Newport Beach now has a date for confirmation hearings on her nomination as the next state schools chief: April 1. But what the Republican does not have is any assurance she won’t get roasted by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown and other Democrats. Bergeson met with Brown this week in an effort to smooth the way. . . . The speaker was conspicuously cordial, but he promised only that the hearings will be “fair.” A vote is scheduled April 22, with Senate action to follow.