LABOR DAY: One hundred years ago today,...

LABOR DAY: One hundred years ago today, the U. S. Congress declared the first Monday of September as a federal holiday to honor working people. . . . Several states in the union were quicker to give legal status to Labor Day. Oregon was the first to do so, in 1887. . . . Barry Hammitt, executive director of the union representing Ventura County employees, said of the holiday: “It’s a time for us to pause and reflect on the things we’ve accomplished (for American workers) and also to re-evaluate the things we need to do.”

HOLY DAY: At sundown today, Jews will gather at synagogues throughout Ventura County to wish each other L’Shana Tova, marking the beginning of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year 5755. . . . The High Holy Days are a time for self-examination and spiritual renewal, said Rabbi Shimon Paskow of Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks. “It’s a time when we resolve to do better in our lives and to pray for health, happiness and peace.” . . . The 10-day holiday culminates with Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, beginning at sundown on Sept. 14.

WINGING IT: They’re all there. Bearcat firefighters, Mitchell bombers, even a twin-engine Curtiss C-46 Commando Transport. . . . The vintage World War II aircraft are on display through today at Camarillo Airport as part of an open house and air show sponsored by the Southern California Wing of the Confederate Air Force (B1). . . . Today’s show hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

PEST AWARD: There are good bugs, and there are bad bugs. . . . The Fillmore Citrus Protective District specializes in getting rid of bad bugs, crop-destroying pests that threaten the livelihood of growers. And they do it without harmful pesticides. Their secret: rearing good bugs that love to eat the bad ones. . . . Recently, the California EPA honored the 72-year-old insectarium with a “good bug award.” Said manager Monte Carpenter: “I feel real good that we are starting to get notice for the work we’ve done.”