NOT WORKING OUT: Local job losses can...

NOT WORKING OUT: Local job losses can be explained by what’s happening nationwide, says state labor market analyst Eleanor Jordan. . . . “The majority of the cuts here are in high-tech, defense-related industries,” she says. “Then, as the defense industry is pared down in Orange County, the results ripple through the rest of our local economy.” Biggest layoffs: For those who handle durable goods, such as electronic components or computer parts for aerospace.

PONDLESS SPORT: The Mighty Ducks will be busy skaters the next few days, with home games tonight, Wednesday, Friday and then again Sunday. But the ice will be lifted at the Arena Saturday night, for its first exhibition NBA basketball game, between the less-than-mighty Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. . . . Anaheim officials are hoping, of course, the Clippers will like the place well enough to move in permanently some day.

THIS ISN’T DETROIT: Under Prop. 115, designed to speed the judicial process, judges now control jury selection more than the lawyers. But in the Shaleke Nasir death penalty trial, Judge David O. Carter has decided to go back to the old system. He’s letting the prosecutor and defense attorney interview would-be jurors in detail about their views on capital punishment. “It will take a while long, but this is a weighty matter,” the judge says. “We’re not producing cars here.”

PRESS AGAINST STRESS: The last few years have been rough for Cypress Police Officer Matthew Robinson: Both parents died, and, incredibly, he’s had two partners killed on duty--one in Cypress and one for the Fullerton Police Department. Besides that, he was investigated--but cleared--regarding conduct on duty. . . . So Robinson hit the gym to relieve stress. Results: He’s just won a national police and firefighters bench press competition. Says a happy Robinson: “It was like climbing back up on top from the very bottom.”

Workers Hurting

Orange County industries with most job losses during past year: Durable goods: 8,500 Construction: 4,400 Wholesale trade: 2,500 Retail trade: 2,200 Finance, insurance, real estate: 2,000 Source: State of California, Employment Development Department