FROM SOUTH POLE . . .: When...

FROM SOUTH POLE . . .: When the new “Antarctica Live” series beams into classrooms and homes today, viewers across the country will see naval officers from Ventura County’s two bases, Port Hueneme and Point Mugu. . . . The four-part public TV series, which focuses on scientific research in the “coldest, windiest, iciest” place on Earth, will also introduce a few of the Navy men and women supporting the researchers. Local bases send pilots, weather forecasters, doctors, lawyers and chaplains to the frozen continent. Local channels don’t plan to air the series, but teachers and viewers can get tapes by calling (800) 626-LIVE.

. . . TO NORTH POLE: At the other pole, Santa Claus is preparing for an onslaught of mail. E-mail, that is. The Internet provider for Ventura County is offering an electronic address for dear old St. Nick. . . . Last year, the service drew 9,000 to 11,000 letters from around the world. “It was a tremendous response,” said Timothy Twinball, of the RAIN Network. The firm sent out a mass computer response to most children last year and is setting up a committee to send more personal replies. To reach Santa, type: santa(at)npole.rain.org

SLEIGH RIDE: There’s no snow to dash through. And the two Belgian draft horses don’t do much dashing, anyway. Still, Party Animals Farm is trying to create an authentic Christmas experience (B4). . . . Visitors to the farm near Moorpark sing Christmas carols in the back of a wagon and drink cocoa in front of a fire. “It’s an old-fashioned way to have a good time,” founder Krissie Breck says.

GOLDEN DREAMS: At first, Golden Systems Inc. lived up to its name. After one year in business, the Simi Valley firm was selling $4.5 million worth of computer power-switching devices. Two years later, sales had risen to $29.4 million (Valley Business, Page 4). . . . But early this month, the gold lost its glitter as defects prompted the firm’s largest customer to ship back $5 million in goods. Now the firm is scrambling to fix the equipment and survive the setback.