DON’T CALL IT ISHMAEL: A lot of...

DON’T CALL IT ISHMAEL: A lot of sentiment was involved: “Willy”--as in the “Free Willy” movie, was the runaway winner when students at R.H. Dana Elementary School in Dana Point this month named their whale mascot. The mascot had been nameless for 30 years, but a first-grade teacher suggested a moniker might build school spirit. Distant runner-ups: Jet Jumper and Moby Rich. . . . And just in time: The city’s Festival of the Whales is in less than two weeks.

SURF’S UP: Another mascot making waves: Huntington Beach’s “Officer Surf.” The city will plaster the uniformed sea gull on new signs to be installed along its beaches. Reason: He’ll urge visitors to lock up their cars. . . . Thefts from cars parked by beach-goers is getting worse, city officials contend. Says a spokesman: “Some people are so anxious to get to the water they don’t take time to lock their cars.”

YOUNG ALL-STAR: Getting all A’s at UCLA isn’t enough for Jennifer Barnum, 22, of Laguna Hills. She’s also taught kindergarten in Ecuador, started a fund drive that resulted in a new community center there, helped produce a public TV show about the environment, and teaches English to Central American refugees in Los Angeles. . . . One result: She was named this month to USA Today’s 20-member all-college team. Says Barnum: “One person can make a difference. But united, opportunity is infinite.”

NEW MANSON GANG: Anybody on this planet want to see Charles Manson turned loose? Yep, two of them, Dan and Richard Lemmons, the brothers who own Zooport Riot Gear of Newport Beach: They think he was framed. . . . If you buy one of their T-shirts showing Manson’s face, keep in mind that the convicted mass murderer gets 10 cents per shirt. At least for now. State Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) has introduced a bill--aimed at Manson--requiring prisoners to turn back to the state any merchandise royalties, to help pay their upkeep.