DISTRICT ELECTIONS: It took the creation of...

DISTRICT ELECTIONS: It took the creation of single-member council districts for Pomona voters to elect officials reflecting the racial makeup of their city (Voices, B10). A Latino coalition’s efforts to force similar district elections in Oxnard were foiled by opponents in 1991. But today, Mayor Manuel Lopez--elected last November along with two other minority councilmen--says changing demographics will prompt opponents of single-member districts to change their tune. “In 10 years, the other side will be begging for district elections,” he predicts.

CRIME CONTROL: From Thousand Oaks to Oxnard, citizen patrols are pushing crime out of their neighborhoods (B1). “I think crime in general is one of the top three concerns of everybody,” said Robert A. Gardner, a Ventura-based security consultant. “It’s absolutely on everybody’s mind, and it’s absolutely getting worse.” . . . Cal Lutheran professor Robert J. Meadows is studying the issue. “Citizens are starting to help each other because they’ve learned that police can’t do it all.”

RAILROAD ROOTS: Once again, Fillmore is looking to the railroad for prosperity (B1). The city has purchased a 13-acre right of way from Southern Pacific for inclusion in an ambitious downtown redevelopment project. . . . “We want to maintain the heritage of what started Fillmore,” said City Manager Roy Payne, noting that the city was born of an economic boom sparked by the railroad: “We’re going back to the future.”

STREET WISE: Wondering about the traffic light at the intersection of Somis Road and Los Angeles Avenue that slows your morning commute? Worried the white paint that is used to mark crosswalks and bicycles lanes is disappearing into thin air? Wishing that city officials would reopen Poli Street, which runs behind Ventura High School? If you have traffic troubles, Street Smart has some answers (B1).