CONDOMS ROUTINE: When L.A. public schools offered...

CONDOMS ROUTINE: When L.A. public schools offered free condoms to high school students last year, the decision outraged some parent and religious groups, especially in the San Fernando Valley. But the furor has practically evaporated (B1). . . . Condom handouts--35,000 so far--are now routine. Usually, fewer than 5% of parents exercise their right to block their children from receiving the contraceptives.

COLLAR WAR: When Topanga Canyon residents gathered to oppose plans for 97 houses and a golf course, the center of attention at the hearing were men in T-shirts and jeans with “Canyon Oaks Yes” stickers. Not that they hope to play the fairways or live there. . . . The construction workers want to help build it, which has set off a blue-vs.-white-collar confrontation (B1).

THE DEALING: Shelley Duvall, above, may look ditzy, but beneath the polka-dot hair bows is a keen business mind. Best known for fleeing from the possessed Jack Nicholson in “The Shining,” the wide-eyed actress is a cable TV pioneer with highly regarded children’s shows such as “Faerie Tale Theatre.” . . . Now she’s sold half of Think Entertainment Inc., based in Studio City, to a British concern as part of a push into network TV. See Valley Business, page 8.

LIKE, GRODY RENTS: Oh m’god! Moon Unit Zappa, the original “Valley Girl,” once called the Sherman Oaks Galleria a bitchin’ place to shop. But now the mall’s anchor stores are from the same chain. . . . Analysts say that’s just the latest in a bunch of problems. See Valley Business, page 3.

DACHAU TRIAL: Immediately following World War II, the world was shocked as the record of Nazi horrors was compiled. Today, two women, one from Encino and the other the Westside, recall how they were among those who compiled it at war crimes trials (B1). . . . The work was emotionally difficult, but their friendship endured.