BERRY BONANZA: Finally, Super Strawberry can rest....

BERRY BONANZA: Finally, Super Strawberry can rest. With the California Strawberry Festival set to kick off Saturday in Oxnard (B1), the people picked to run around in giant red strawberry costumes and promote the event have completed their mission. . . . “The mascots do most of their duties before the event,” explained festival spokeswoman Aileen Stein. . . . The four mascots, dubbed Super Strawberries, will receive passes to the festival and a free night at a hotel. Their costumes will be used by a church group to promote a strawberry-flavored drink at the festival.

ROOM FOR RENT? Ventura College unleashed 1,000 graduates into the real world Thursday (B1), but housing experts say many may have difficulty finding their first apartment (E3). . . . Some tips: Dress neatly, get it all in writing, and whatever you do, don’t forget to pay the rent. . . . “It’s very difficult to get your first apartment,” says Mark Dolan, a Pasadena property manager. “Every landlord is looking for, No. 1, stability and ability to pay that rent.”

PLAY BALL: David Rhoades has raised Moorpark High School’s once-foundering baseball program to new heights (C10). . . . He has coached the Musketeers to a school record 19 wins, three consecutive league championships and six straight playoff appearances. . . . But he says he’s most proud of his off-the-field influence. “More important than winning or losing out here is building some character in these kids and helping them to be good, class people,” Rhoades said.

A DOG’S LIFE: Buddy was in love. So for a day, the loyal Labrador and top-notch arson investigator followed the call of the wild. . . . After wandering out of an open gate Monday, the 8-year-old canine was discovered a day later by Ventura County firefighters a few blocks away. And he wasn’t alone. . . . “He likes to go on these romantic adventures,” said fire investigator Bill Hager of the dog who uses his nose to help crack tough arson cases. “I think he was in love.”