HO-HUM RACE: The 1994 race to succeed...

HO-HUM RACE: The 1994 race to succeed retiring Los Angeles County Supervisor Ed Edelman, whose 3rd District includes much of the San Fernando Valley, is likely to be devoid of drama. Los Angeles Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky is deemed a shoe-in to win in the June primary. . . . Package this race and sell it to insomniacs.

NOT SO HO-HUM: But the race to fill Yaroslavsky’s seat may make the Oklahoma land rush look orderly. It should provide a release for years of frustrated ambition building among Westside wanna-bes. . . . The next question: Will the Valley side of Yaroslavsky’s 5th District, which includes Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys, produce any candidates?

GOP DREAM: Republicans are hoping 1994 will be the year they oust Rep. Anthony Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills). The GOP Establishment is focusing on Richard Sybert, a former aide to Gov. Pete Wilson, as its champion. . . . But before Sybert can go against Beilenson, he must beat back challengers like Robert Hammer, a Newbury Park banking consultant, in the GOP primary. If Sybert wins the primary, expect him to mount a well-heeled campaign with GOP money raised nationwide.

KATZ DILEMMA: Supporters of Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) say privately that their guy might be tempted to run for Hal Bernson’s Los Angeles City Council seat representing the northwest Valley. Term limits will evict Katz from the Assembly by 1996. . . . Bernson’s term expires June 30, 1995. But challengers should begin making their moves in 1994.

LINING UP: If Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman (D-North Hollywood) runs in 1994 for the Van Nuys-based seat of another term limits victim, state Sen. David Roberti, expect a fairly fierce fight to succeed Friedman. . . . Already, the Democratic primary field includes school board member Julie Korenstein, Deputy City Atty. Gary Geuss and Bernson deputy Francine Oschin.