INSIDE SCOOP

THE WHOLE WORLD’S A FAIR It was just like the Orange County Fair --

except in Ventura. Erin Dale, last seen operating a cinnamon roll booth

at the Orange County Fair, was not having quite as much fun in Ventura.

The location of the family’s booth -- tucked near the end of a dark and

unpopulated row far away from the maddening crowd -- meant that customers

were flocking to the other cinnamon roll booth, and Dale didn’t have much

to do. But her time in Ventura wasn’t totally without spice. She and a

friend were planning to take advantage of the quiet to sneak off for a

half day at the Ojai spa, something they never could have managed in the

hustle and bustle of Orange County’s fair. WHAT A COLLECTION Costa

Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden received another distinction at the

American Indian festival held several weeks ago. Snowden was honored by

tribal members for continuing to support their activities.

But Snowden was surprised at one tradition he wasn’t familiar with. Many

of those who circled him in dance stuffed his hands with dollar bills.

Snowden first refused the money but then decided to pledge the funds to

the Indian Education Fund in memory of his American Indian friend,

94-year-old Iron EyesCody.

FORGED FROM TRAGEDY Cindy Soto has been very appreciative of the

thousands of cards and letters she has received since her 4-year-old

daughter Sierra was killed by an oncoming car that struck her at a Costa

Mesa day care center.

There was one letter of support that stood out. Vickie Bridgman, who lost

her 18-year-old son, Donny, in an auto accident on Irvine Avenue two

years ago wrote Soto an endearing letter about the grief they both share.

Bridgman suggested attending a group called Compassionate Friends that

helps parents and other family members cope with their loss. Because of

Bridgman’s letter, Soto has joined the group.

“It was so nice she took the time to write me,” Soto said. “I haven’t had

the time to thank everyone for their outpouring of support. I appreciate

it tremendously.”