SOLAR SHUTDOWN: Hundreds of spectators are expected...

SOLAR SHUTDOWN: Hundreds of spectators are expected to converge on the Moorpark College Observatory this morning to view the last visible solar eclipse of the century. And astronomer Hal Jandorf hopes they’re not disappointed. . . . Jandorf, who runs the observatory, said much of Ventura County was covered by clouds the last time the moon raced across the sun in 1992. . . . “If a marine layer happens, I’m just going to lock the observatory and leave,” he said. “I’m not going to stand underneath the clouds and miss this one.”

BREAKING GROUND: A factory outlet mall scheduled to open next month in Oxnard has been so successful in attracting tenants that it plans to break ground on a second phase within 60 days (Valley Business, Page 11). . . . The mall, just off the Ventura Freeway between Rice and Rose avenues, already has leased nearly all of its 48 stores. . . . The initial phase of the mall contains 150,000 square feet of retail space and cost $16 million to build. The expansion would double its size.

TUNING IN: The city of Camarillo is being asked to pick up the $135,000 cost of extending an anti-drug program at Camarillo Heights School to eight other schools (B1). . . . “These kids are at the point where they are starting to confront some very serious problems,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Kim Larson, the school’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer. “It would be a shame if we couldn’t get this message across based on expense.”. . . The Camarillo City Council considers the request Wednesday.

PEDAL POWER: Hoping to squeeze some mileage out of a free vacation offer, a ride-sharing group is urging Ventura County commuters to use two wheels instead of four. . . . Commuter Transportation Service is offering a shot at a free vacation to anyone who bikes to work at least once during the week of May 23-27. Only 1.3% of county commuters bike to work. . . . “We definitely see a great need to raise awareness,” ride-share spokesman Alan Holmes said.