NO-SHOW: Anyone who has followed Bo Jackson...

NO-SHOW: Anyone who has followed Bo Jackson is familiar with the “Bo Knows” Nike campaign. So when Bo agreed to take part in a festival at Magic Mountain in Valencia this month, officials used the slogan: “Bo Knows Basketball?” to hype it. . . . But, unfortunately, Bo, who plays with an artificial hip, knows medicine these days. He was forced to drop out, citing an important session with his doctors.

VALLEY SONG: Tom Petty put Reseda on the map in his 1989 song, “Free Fallin’.” Now L7, a hard rock band, could do the same for North Hollywood. The band has released “Andres,” the first single from its new CD. . . . The song, which refers to a guy in North Hollywood with long hair, is being played often during the week on KROQ in Burbank.

FARE ENOUGH? Need to ride public transit? Brace yourself for a possible double whammy. Not only are the MTA directors considering a bus fare increase from $1.10 to $1.35, but drivers are talking about a strike--and may even walk out today (B1). . . . Some riders say it would be cheaper to buy a good used car.

WORLD TURNS: American Jews may believe in the peace process, but it certainly can’t be easy for many of them to watch Yasser Arafat’s triumphant return to the West Bank (A1). . . . Phil Blazer, publisher of the monthly Jewish News in Studio City, says Arafat’s visit makes him “hyperventilate. I think of the past and I have pain. I am amazed at how the world has changed, and that he is protected by Israeli security forces.”

HIGHER RATES: The Jan. 17 quake claimed many casualties in the Valley, and you can now add insurance rates to that list (D1). Yes, homeowners insurance will be available, even though 20th Century in Woodland Hills is dropping out of the picture. But the premiums from other companies could be 20% to 25% higher than usual. . . . After all, insurers figure, someone has to pay for all the damage claims.