NEED TO READ: More than 40 million...

NEED TO READ: More than 40 million people in the U.S. have serious reading deficiencies, according to a new federal government survey. That’s appalling to Michael Heller, who’s searching for such people to help. Heller runs the literacy program for the Newport Beach libraries. . . . “We could do much more, if more of those who need help with basic English skills came forward,” Heller says. Right now 85 people are improving their literacy skills through Heller’s program, with one-on-one tutoring.

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CHANGING SEASONS: Damon Allen, who once starred at quarterback for Cal State Fullerton, may be playing his swan song in today’s Grey Cup, the Super Bowl of the Canadian Football League. Allen is quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos, who play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. . . . Allen, 30, has signed to pitch next season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. And yes, he starred in baseball at Cal State Fullerton too. He’s played Canadian football for eight years, but its season overlaps too much with baseball for him to do both.

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PROMISED LAND? The Rev. Robert H. Schuller’s Sunday guest list at Garden Grove’s Crystal Cathedral is often as star-studded as what Las Vegas can offer--Paul Anka, the Judds, Della Reese. But this Sunday, Schuller may have met his match, inviting Moses himself. That’s how Charlton Heston is best known, 30 years after starring in “The Ten Commandments.” Glenn Campbell will sing. But the church pushes in radio ads: “Free parking, free child care and clear freeways on Sundays.”

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TIDY BOWL: If you follow Orange County’s ocean news, you know that the winter months bring low tides. The Marine Institute at the Dana Point Harbor has a special outing from 2 to 4 p.m. today to take advantage of the low tides to give you a close-up look at some sea life. A trek to the nearby tide pools should turn up a few spiky urchins or hermit crabs. Spokesman Laer Pearce calls it a chance for “a rare opportunity to view nature’s hidden underwater treasures.”