DIRTY WATER: Tony Valentino made the charts...

DIRTY WATER: Tony Valentino made the charts in 1966. These days, he makes the cappuccino. Valentino played guitar for the Standells, who recorded the hit “Dirty Water.” The band broke up in 1971. But he’s never lost his passion for music, so this week, he opened a new Tarzana coffeehouse called, naturally, “Dirty Water Cafe.” Said Valentino: “I’ve wanted to do this for so many years.”

DERBY DAY: Saturday, of course, is the biggest day of the year in horse racing--the running of the Kentucky Derby. It will also be a big deal at Paradise Ranch Racing School in Castaic, where owner Bill Davis and his 14 student jockeys will watch the action on TV. . . . Among the school’s alums is Corey Nakatani, who has raced in two Derbys.

PRICEY PROMS: The prom hasn’t been a cheap date in years, and this season is no different. Teen-agers shell out hundreds of bucks for the big event (above). “It will be the last chance to see your friends and classmates,” said a Glendale senior . . . Schools try to cut costs, but many students prefer to go all out. (Valley Life! Page 10).

SCHOOL CHOICE: The era of open enrollment is about to begin. On May 16, under a new state law, parents can apply to send their youngsters to schools of their choice, as long as it doesn’t upset the racial balance and there’s enough space. . . . There is certainly plenty of space at Taft High in Woodland Hills--600 openings--but also plenty of demand. Taft has received a lot of calls since winning another academic decathlon last month.

CLUB SCENE: Who needs Hollywood? After all, the Valley is filled with attractive nightclubs, and starting today, The Times will run an occasional series covering local spots. . . . One option is the Ravioli Restaurant & Bar in Northridge, a popular Friday night hangout for college students. See Valley Life! Page 31.