OPEN SEASON: The gates of the Audubon...

OPEN SEASON: The gates of the Audubon Society’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary swing open to the public for the first time Oct. 29. The 4,000-acre wilderness preserve near Coto de Caza has been seen only by wildlife researchers and Audubon members since being donated to the environmental group in 1973. . . . More than just a chance to see its research work, says spokesman Ken Fortune: “This is a rare ‘before’ look at Orange County, before all the development came.” . . . Naturalists will lead free tours but reservations are required.

SIGN LANGUAGE: The Border Patrol checkpoint near San Clemente has been closed for more than two weeks, but a large yellow sign--with flashing lights--over I-5 still warns northbound motorists that they must stop in one mile. . . . Border Patrol spokeswoman Ann Summers says state officials have been told and they should have the flashing sign taken down soon.

JILL’S LAW: Nothing funny about breast cancer, but those close to the subject can have fun while getting their message out. High Priority in Newport Beach, a nonprofit breast cancer research network, is selling tickets with the local Junior League for a night of entertainment Thursday at the county Fairgrounds. . . . It’s called “Nothing but the Truth.” Reason: Guest speakers are Jill Eikenberry, above, and husband Michael Tucker. They’ll talk about their careers on TV’s “L.A. Law” as well as Eikenberry’s battle with breast cancer in the 1980s.

A HAND TO ABRAHAM: The Xela Aid Project, working with the St. Matthew’s American Catholic Church in Orange, specializes in Guatemalan assistance. Its latest project: Providing resources to help bring to the United States 8-year-old Abraham Flores, a Guatemalan who needs facial reconstruction surgery after being severely burned. . . . Abraham arrived at LAX early Monday and will stay with a Spanish-speaking family in Yorba Linda until the surgery.