HEATER WARNING: In the wake of the...

HEATER WARNING: In the wake of the tragedy in which two children in Palmdale were killed by fumes from a malfunctioning gas heater (B1), Southern California Gas Co. officials said that gas heaters should be checked at least once a year. . . . Any debris or lint that blocks the flow of air to the heaters--which are used in a majority of San Fernando Valley homes--can cause dangerous fumes to escape before being burned off. A yellow or white flame can be an indication that the oxygen/gas combination is out of sync. On wall heaters, soot on the walls can also be a sign that not enough air is getting into the furnace. Gas workers will check heaters, on request, for free, King said. Additionally, owners of forced-air furnaces should check their filters monthly and replace them if dirt is blocking the air flow.

FIGHT OF THE GADFLY: Burbank politicians who can withstand fire, plague and earthquake can be reduced to quivering exasperation by two words: Jules Kimmett (B4). . . . For years, Kimmett has devoted himself to badgering officials. Now he has a personal reason to fight City Hall, saying the city cheated him of $25,000 after he was booted out of his apartment.

SERIOUS SANTA: Gaspar Barnette, 80, goes far beyond those shopping mall-type Santas who once a year don a fake beard and ill-fitting outfit to impersonate the Ho-Ho-Hoster (B5). . . . The Tujunga resident spent two years growing his beard to the perfect length and had his red suit custom-fitted so that he could play the role especially well.

NAME GAME: Two new public schools are set to open next fall in Santa Clarita, but so far they don’t have names. It’s not for lack of suggestions (B14). . . . An advisory committee has gotten dozens of submissions, ranging from Mountain High to a more serious suggestion that a school be named for labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Keeping Warm

Occupied Valley housing units by type of heating: Utility gas: 324,335 Bottled of tank: 3,752 Electricity: 76,951 Fuel oil or kerosene: 233 Coal or coke: 38 Wood: 1,190 Solar energy: 532 Other fuel: 142 No fuel used: 3,117 Source: 1990 U.S. Census