TAINTED CASH: Former Van Nuys Democratic Sen....

TAINTED CASH: Former Van Nuys Democratic Sen. Alan Robbins testified Thursday how he slipped $12,000 in cash to Paul Carpenter, then a member of the state Board of Equalization, at two clandestine meetings in 1990 (A3). . . . Robbins, serving a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to corruption charges, remained at center stage in the Sacramento trial of Carpenter.

SOCCER AT LAST: Urged on by his parents, Keith West tried his best to forge a college football career, playing two years at Glendale College as an overachieving but slow wide receiver. . . . Finally, he turned to his other sport: soccer. Now, he’s one of the top players at Cal State Northridge. (C8)

SHOW TIME: CalArts in Valencia enjoys a national reputation as a top arts school. But local folks don’t pay much attention to the hilltop institute. . . . Now, administrators are trying hard to lure residents to plays, concerts and exhibits that faculty and students, like the student drummers above, present each week. Some big arts names such as painter Ed Ruscha and actress Katey Sagal started at CalArts. With ticket prices of $8 or less, it’s cheap entertainment. Valley Life! Page 12

RAISED TO AN ART: Two upcoming exhibitions--one Saturday at Pierce College, another beginning Monday at Cal State Northridge--challenge the notion of quilting as a craft by showcasing the artistry and imagination that go into this ages-old tradition. “What has been a traditional American craft--quilting--has been raised to an art,” said William Toutant, associate dean of CSUN’s School of the Arts. Valley Life! Page 3

SIN NO MORE: Two more cities moved toward a ban on smoking in many public places, joining a parade of health-conscious north county towns. . . . But Westlake Village (B2) may offer exemptions to bars and hotels. In Palmdale, (B7) bowlers and pool shooters may be spared.