ATTENTION CLASS: Some college instructors put their...

ATTENTION CLASS: Some college instructors put their students to sleep. Lynn Meschan puts her students into a trance (B1). . . . Once a semester, the popular Moorpark College psychology instructor hypnotizes her students, then gives them suggestions on positive study habits and effective test-taking. . . . But the 18-year tradition may soon end as college trustees weigh their lawyer’s opinion that each hypnotic trance could trigger a lawsuit.

POWER JOBS: To the relief of 200 workers in the hills above Simi Valley, federal officials have decided to keep the Energy Technology Engineering Center open through next year (B5). . . . The center will focus on a promising new way to generate electricity called the “Kalina Cycle.” Devised by a former Soviet scientist, it is 20% more efficient than any other technology. “This is a really significant event,” manager Robert LeChevalier said. “It’s the first new thermodynamic cycle that’s been invented since 1895.”

LOOSE STRINGS: Simi Valley’s chamber orchestra may soon play again (B4). . . . Philippe Fanjeaud, a French-born conductor now living in Simi Valley, has assembled local musicians to resurrect a chamber orchestra last run by Ingrid Ely. If it comes together, the group may be able to play in Thousand Oaks, too. “They’d be welcome,” said Everett Ascher, who as Conejo Symphony Orchestra director has demanded preferential performance dates at the Civic Arts Plaza.

POWER POLITICS: Supervisorial candidates Madge L. Schaefer and Trudi Loh were recently asked to fill out questionnaires if they wanted the backing of the Conejo Valley chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Loh, who is the chapter’s president, was the only one to return the questionnaire, which asked candidates to reveal their campaign strategies. For fairness, Loh would not have been allowed to see the answers of a competing candidate, endorsement chairwoman Julia Osborn said. But Schaefer was skeptical: “I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck.”