OPTION PLAY: Even as he maneuvers to...

OPTION PLAY: Even as he maneuvers to win passage of legislation to break up the Los Angeles Unified School District, state Sen. David A. Roberti is looking at other ways to reach his goal (B5). . . . One of those options is mounting a petition drive to put the issue before voters.

SOUND BITES: While parents are disturbed by their kids’ slang, the kids say it’s all part of feeling independent. . . . Problem is, as soon as you can translate, the word is out of date. . . . While they last, here are some words and definitions-- bite it: to leave, to wipe out, to die. de-ment: (pronounced DEE-ment) an unpredictable nerd. hummer: a student who just barely gets by. (Valley Life, Page 33)

REMEMBER THE MAIN: Nearly every community in the Valley has at least one Main Street--except that they have names like Ventura Boulevard and Calabasas Road. . . . And where two or more roads exist, not everyone can agree on what’s really the “main” street. (Valley Life, Page 12)

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Bob Burt, Cal State Northridge football coach, hasn’t lost his sense of humor when looking ahead to his team’s opener against San Diego State and its Heisman Trophy contender, Marshall Faulk, on Saturday, writes columnist Mike Downey. . . . “Logic tells you it’s kind of like being Kuwait,” Burt said. . . . Burt, however, considers the game in San Diego an opportunity for Northridge to demonstrate to the nation that the Matadors have a solid squad this season. (C1)

SHORT STUFF: Jim Romero, a wide receiver at L.A. Baptist High in North Hills, needs to start the football season with a bang. Recruiters probably will determine after his first two games whether he’s worth a Pac 10 Conference scholarship. . . . At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Romero must prove he is big enough for the big time. (C8)