COLLEGE AID: An unexpected infusion of $5...

COLLEGE AID: An unexpected infusion of $5 million into the Los Angeles Community College District budget will help the Valley’s three junior colleges make room for students squeezed out by tuition hikes and cuts in fall classes. The money comes partly from district reserves and partly from cuts in district office expenses. District trustees earmarked the funds to restore class offerings. (B1)

VAN STOLEN: Car thieves broke the hearts of members of a San Fernando Valley baseball team by stealing their van and equipment and forcing them to cancel a long-awaited trip to a Special Olympics tournament in San Diego. . . . The team had been undefeated all summer, so many of the players had anticipated the trip for weeks. The van was recovered later in the day, but alas, too late to make the tournament. The baseball players will have to set their sights on next year. (B1)

VENDORS RAIDED: There was a crackdown on illegal street vendors by county health officials Saturday in the eastern San Fernando Valley. . . . Propane stoves and other cooking equipment were hauled away by the truckload and citations were issued to some of the vendors. The vendors say that their livelihoods depend on the equipment that was taken from them and claim that even some of their food was taken by health officials. The operation targeted unlicensed food vendors in Panorama City and Van Nuys. (B2)

POWWOW: Native Americans from 50 tribes gathered in Agoura Saturday for a traditional powwow . . . . There was dancing and singing and craft-working. But for some, the greatest pleasure was sitting around in shorts and T-shirts, relaxing. They weren’t being icons, just themselves. Caroline Numkena, 41, a Hopi Indian who is an extra on the series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” said many people have a limited view of American Indians. “They don’t realize we’re different.” (B2)

Enrollment Drop

Percentage decreases from 1992 to 1993* at the Valley’s community colleges. Mission: -19.8% Pierce: -14.7% Valley: -11.4% * Measured on sixth day of semester

Source: L.A. Community College District