A SPECIAL REPORT: Valley Fourth

WAVE THE FLAG: Patriotism is no longer passe at Cal State Northridge. Or, at least, that’s how Prof. John Broesamle sees it. Broesamle, who has taught U.S. history since 1968, says since the Persian Gulf War in 1991, students have shown more pride in Uncle Sam. . . . “You can say the word hero without getting sneers anymore,” he said.

FAMOUS NAME: It certainly can’t be too much fun sharing your name with the man most noted for his famous signature on the Declaration of Independence. But John (Jack) Hancock, 33, an appliance repairman in Granada Hills, doesn’t seem to mind, especially on the Fourth of July. . . . “That’s one sacred holiday to him,” said his wife, Karen.

OLD GLORY: It wasn’t that many years ago in this country that people were burning the flag. Now they’re buying it. Barbara Kaufman (above), owner of Flags and Banners Unlimited in Woodland Hills, says she’s sold about 200 flags in the last month. . . . “Maybe the World Cup has something to do with it, or people just wore out their old flags,” she said.

FIREWORKS: The city of Palmdale is way out in the sticks, and that makes sense. After all, it’s the only city in the north part of Los Angeles County that allows the sale of fireworks. One big reason is that nonprofit groups use the sale to raise money. . . . “Voters had the background to make an intelligent decision,” City Clerk Victoria Denham said.

FUN FOURTH: It wouldn’t be proper, naturally, to celebrate our country’s 218th birthday without a big party, and the Valley is no exception. From Burbank to Woodland Hills, there will be plenty of concerts and fireworks. . . . Performers include the Doo Wah Riders and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra (B3).