FILLING UP: President Clinton’s broad energy tax...

FILLING UP: President Clinton’s broad energy tax proposal didn’t get far, but one vestige that survived takes effect today: a 4.3-cents-a-gallon increase in the gasoline tax (D1). . . . At Newbury Park Chevron, owner Mo Sheshebor planned to change his pumps promptly at midnight. “Anybody who doesn’t has to pay it out of their own pocket.” Gas prices could soon go up another five or six cents as stations switch to “winter gas,” a smog-reducing formula that costs more to produce. . . . Combined federal and state gas tax: 33.4 cents.

SEEING ORANGE: Just west of Santa Paula, the freeway crosses a sea of orange signaling the approach of Halloween: 26 acres of pumpkins. But most of these beauties will never hold a candle--they’re too valuable. . . . “We grow them for seeds,” said Bill Borchard of Pan-American Seed. Farmers around the country buy the company’s Prizewinner seeds, a variety well-suited for jack-o’-lanterns but not for pies. . . . Seeds are scooped out by hand, and it takes a trained eye to spot the ones that will grow (they’re plumper). . . . Ventura County grew 134 acres of pumpkins in 1992.

TOP COURTS: Jimmy Connors is the headliner this weekend at the Infiniti Champions Tennis Tournament at Sherwood Country Club (C3). But some spectators just want a peek at the club’s 2-year-old tennis facility, spokesman Toby Zwikel said. . . . Considered one of the premiere tennis venues in the country, Sherwood has three grass courts, four clay courts and seven hard courts, plus the 3,500-seat stadium court. . . . The Champions tour--for players over 35--concludes Oct. 10 at Hilton Head, S.C.

MARMONTE’S BEST? An opposing coach calls Newbury Park’s Keith Smith the best athlete ever to come out of the Marmonte League. His prowess at quarterback has earned comparisons to the NFL’s Randall Cunningham, but he’s also a hot college prospect in baseball (C8). . . . Tonight, Smith leads the Panthers against Camarillo.