PROLIFIC PESTS: First it was two Mediterranean...
PROLIFIC PESTS: First it was two Mediterranean fruit flies in a Camarillo fig tree. Now, 31 more have been found nearby (B1). . . . For every trapped fly, 1,000 more usually lurk close by, laying their eggs inside lemons, avocados and other fruit. And in good weather, it can take just three weeks for a fly to hatch and lay eggs of its own. . . . “They are very prolific and they just multiply like crazy,” said Larry Yee, county director for the U.C. Cooperative Extension. “That’s under optimum conditions and along the coast it’s pretty optimum.”
CITRUS CELEBRITY: So is Ojai citrus rancher Peter Strauss worried about the Medfly? Members of the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club will get a chance to ask him. . . . The Emmy-winning actor--perhaps best known for his role in the landmark miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man,”--has accepted an invitation to speak to the club Thursday. He’ll talk about his life as an actor and a rancher. . . . “The women here are in a tizzy,” club President Glennetta Berthelson said.
GROWING UP: Talk about a growth spurt. Since its founding 24 years ago, Kinko’s Service Corp. has gone from a photocopy store catering to college students to a multimillion-dollar firm with 725 stores worldwide (Valley Business, Page 12). . . . Kinko’s latest venture: a $20-million investment in video conference rooms. . . . “All technology takes a burn-in period,” said Dan Frederickson, president of the firm. Michael Guarnieri, above, sets up a video conference in Ventura store.
UNITY MARCH: Opponents of an initiative that would deny many public benefits to illegal immigrants will take to the streets Wednesday. . . . Foes of Proposition 187 will march from Ventura College to the County Government Center to oppose the measure, which seeks to deny schooling, non-emergency health care and other benefits to illegal immigrants. . . . “This is one way to show potential voters about the effect we believe 187 would have on our community,” said Armando Garcia of the Ventura County Immigrant Rights Coalition.
