STILL NOT EASY: Though gay students at...

STILL NOT EASY: Though gay students at Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine see much to be improved, they generally give good marks to their schools . . . this according to a new book called “The Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Students’ Guide to Colleges, Universities and Graduate Schools,” published by New York University Press. . . . Gay students surveyed for the book at both colleges were unanimous that homophobia was a “serious” problem on their campuses. Yet the majority would recommend their schools to other gays.

HOMEWORK: The gay students surveyed have problems that go beyond campus: A majority at Cal State Fullerton--and a high number at UC Irvine--say they are openly gay on campus, but are not “out” to their parents. And most said that “coming out” was the most serious issue among gays on the campus. . . . At UC Irvine, 50% said they have been victims of hate mail, vandalism or verbal abuse. Another major problem for them: a lack of role models on their campuses.

RIGHT PITCH: A star softball player at Trabuco Hills High, Linda Lunceford is now in her fourth year playing for Cal State Long Beach. But she’s got a different ball diamond in her future. . . . She’ll soon marry Scott Sanders, a starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres this year. She hopes to start a family and “be supportive” to Sanders’ career. “I’ve known disappointment on the ball field,” she says with a laugh. “So if that happens, we can share it.” They plan an October wedding--after the baseball season ends.

WAVES OF SHOPPERS? Some cities spend big bucks to put in auto malls to attract out-of-town business. In Newport Beach, with its picturesque waterways, officials are kicking around something similar, except with boats. . . . Assistant City Manager Ken Delino says Newport Beach needs to push itself as a nautical center. “What we have is boats,” says Delino, “so we’re exploring the idea of a showcase for boats.” As a base, the city has more than 100 boat dealers.