STAR SEARCH: Environmentalist Mary Wiesbrock knows the...

STAR SEARCH: Environmentalist Mary Wiesbrock knows the power of a celebrity spokesman. As director of Save Open Space, she wants to sign up a movie or TV star to help stop the development of a mini-city on the Ahmanson Ranch in the Simi Hills (B5). . . . But so far, no takers. Dick Van Dyke is too busy. Heather Locklear, Sophia Loren and Frankie Avalon haven’t responded to initial pleas. “I want to get a packet out to Robert Redford,” Wiesbrock said. “But I just haven’t had the time.”

‘BLACK BOY’: Richard Wright’s gripping autobiography about growing up poor and black in the segregated South continues to stir debate nearly half a century after it was published (B10). . . . Some parents in Fillmore insisted that their children get an alternate book to read in a high school honors class. Julie Wright explains the relevance of her father’s insights into his unfocused rage as a boy: “Today, our children are no longer killing kittens, they are being given access to guns to kill themselves.”

BLUESMAN HONORED: Local musicians and concert promoters hold a musical tribute tomorrow night for the late Buddy Smith, a veteran blues guitarist. . . . Smith developed a loyal following over his 30-year music career in the Ventura-Santa Barbara area. “He was one of the best guitarists in the country,” said Michael Kaufer, founder of Ojai’s Bowlful of Blues. “He influenced every blues musician in this area.” The benefit concert begins at 7 p.m. at Nicholby’s in Ventura. All proceeds, including the $5 cover, go to his family.

LAST CHANCE: Voter registration figures continue to fall in Ventura County, and election officials warn that today is the last day to register to vote for the June 7 primary election. Republicans continue to lead Democrats by a mere 4,690 registered voters, but neither party has mounted a significant campaign to sign up more voters, said elections chief Bruce Bradley. Registration cards, which are available at most government offices, must be postmarked today or dropped off at county offices by 5:30 p.m.