PLAYING DEFENSE: Another round of military base...

PLAYING DEFENSE: Another round of military base closings in California could come as early next spring, although mounting pressures in Washington may postpone further bloodletting for two years (A26). . . .Even local defense contractors suddenly realize that base closures could sacrifice jobs at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme. Industry executives meet this week with lobbyist Jack Connell from the Navy base at China Lake. He urged a united front: “We need to get all of Southern California to come together on this.”

ONCE BURNED: Pepper spray continues to be one of the hottest selling items in gun shops and uniform stores. But Daniel Patrick McDougall won’t touch it. . . . The co-owner of Army, Navy, Etc. in Simi Valley still feels burned by his arrest last year for allegedly selling a can to an undercover officer. The D.A.’s office dropped the matter. And a few months later, the state attorney general agreed to allow the sale of pepper spray. “I won’t sell it,” McDougall said. “I got in trouble before. They’ve made it more difficult than it’s worth.”

WHO’S ON BOARD? For more than 18 months, Metrolink commuter trains have been shuttling Ventura County passengers into Los Angeles. Compared to the nerve-testing drive through rush-hour traffic, the trains offer commuters a tranquil time to read, catch up on some work or simply daydream while looking out the window. (Ventura County Life, Page 8) . . . . An Oxnard clergyman enjoys the peaceful commute. “Before the Simi Valley stop,” said Father Richard Loomis, “it’s quiet enough to do my morning prayers.”

TIME SHARE: Mark Magdaleno works full time for Cal Lutheran University, juggling two dream jobs. . . In the morning, he’s a horseman, managing the school’s equestrian center and 85-acre hay farm. In the afternoon, he’s assistant coach and hitting instructor for the championship-winning Cal Lutheran baseball team. (C10) “As a little boy,” he said, “I grew up dreaming of cowboys, horses and baseball.