FRIEND IN NEED: Think of it as...
FRIEND IN NEED: Think of it as a matchmaking service between people with homes and those without. . . . That’s how Ventura County officials envision the Friends and Heroes program, which brings together former residents of the Ventura River bottom with volunteers who want to help them get back on their feet. Volunteers will meet one-on-one with a homeless person to “be supportive, encouraging and inspiring,” housing resource specialist Susan Pyburn said. . . . About 17 residents have signed up. To volunteer, call 654-7850.
PIRATE PLAYOFF: The Ventura College girls’ basketball team is heading into first-round playoffs tonight in the Western State Conference North Division. . . . Point guard Marina Reyes will help lead the Pirates, who are ranked second in the state (C8). Reyes, 22, moved to the United States from Mexico six months ago, but she’s been shooting hoops since age 11. “I was really surprised to see that Marina is so well-schooled in the fundamentals,” Coach Alex Flores said. “It’s fun to watch her play.”
GUNNED UP: Ventura County residents are arming themselves against dangers--both real and perceived--from the outside world (Ventura County Life, Page 8). . . . The Los Angeles riots touched off a gun-buying spree among some residents--particularly in Simi Valley. . . . Simi Valley City Councilwoman Sandi Webb, who packs a gun when she heads into Los Angeles, appears to be in good company: Gun shop owners say an increasing number of women are buying weapons for self-defense.
COLLEGE HONORS: Elise Schneider, president of Oxnard College, has been named woman of the year for the 37th Assembly District. . . . Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard) selected Schneider from among 45 women who were nominated by cities, chambers of commerce and service groups. Schneider’s name was submitted by eight groups. It’s deja vu for Schneider, though: She was Oxnard’s woman of the year in 1990.
