BABY BUST: Both statewide and in Ventura...

BABY BUST: Both statewide and in Ventura County, births have nearly doubled since 1965. And among women ages 35 to 39, the increase was threefold. But that’s about to change. . . . “The baby boom women are reaching the end of their fertility,” said Mary Heim, a state demographer. Even so, state experts say the county’s population will grow 25% this decade--to 838,000--because of people moving in. . . . That would be like adding another Simi Valley, Camarillo and Ojai.

ANOTHER RANCH: Speaking of growth, a lot of it may occur northeast of Moorpark, where Messenger Investment Co. plans to build about 3,000 homes for up to 9,600 new residents (B4). . . . That would boost Moorpark’s population by a third--assuming the project is in Moorpark. Annexation has yet to be approved. . . . Who will live there? Probably people who work in Los Angeles, spokesman Gary Austin said. “The freeway connector and Metrolink make Moorpark a reasonable commute to the Valley and West L.A.” . . . East Ventura County already has Wood Ranch, North Ranch and Ahmanson Ranch projects. Messenger’s moniker: Hidden Creek Ranch.

GIVING TOGETHER: With so many charities, Barbara Ortega uses this philosophy: “I look for organizations that give people a fishing pole rather than a fish.” . . . The Ventura woman started Bootstraps, a network of small donors who help Ventura County organizations (E3). . . . So far 50 contributors have signed on. They get a newsletter telling how their money is used.

HOLIDAY ALERT: Christmas is 47 days away, and Ventura County stores are stocking up with more stuff than last year. “It’s coming in early and heavy,” said Barbara Teuscher at The Oaks. “Merchants definitely seem to expect a better year than last year.” . . . Key indicator: the volume of discarded shipping boxes. “We are recycling and baling cardboard like there’s no tomorrow.” . . . Decorations go up Friday at the Esplanade in Oxnard, manager Pam Hartwell said. Santa arrives Nov. 19.