SUCKER PUNCH: What’s a more powerful lure...

SUCKER PUNCH: What’s a more powerful lure for the average American taxpayer than the prospect of a refund from the government? . . . That was the bait in a Ventura County district attorney’s sting operation that reeled in--among others--41 parents who owe back child support. (B1) . . . Children’s advocates say they support such measures to catch deadbeat parents. “We’re very supportive of things they do to track down absent parents,” said Jerry Blesener of county child protective services.

GET IN LINE: It’s not the catchiest title in the world . . . But “Spoiled Rotten,” a 15-minute video on the Medfly, has been flying off the shelves at the Camarillo Public Library. The educational film stars the winged pest and features maggot-infested produce and other horrors wrought by the crop-chomping insect. Health and agriculture experts appear in cameo roles . . . The video’s available by loan at 10 county libraries. Demand is high in Camarillo, where a second round of aerial malathion spraying is set for next Wednesday.

HIRSUTE PURSUIT: For bald men who embark on a hair-replacement quest, the way can be fraught with turmoil, insecurity--and bills that total thousands of dollars. (Ventura County Life, Page 8) . . . Even the pain of transplants hasn’t stopped some men from trying to regain youthful, flowing manes. For Ventura County’s hair-challenged, options can include skin grafts, scalp reductions--and wigs. Said one transplant client: “You go through this once in your life, and that’s it.”

LONG HAUL: Two Westlake High School football players recall the trauma of being shot during an off-campus fracas in February (C6) . . . David Behling and Scott Smith have recovered from their physical wounds and are back on the playing field . . . But for young victims of violent crimes, emotional healing can be slow and a sense of trust can be hard to regain, said Ventura psychologist Susan Leznik. “It’s harder for them sometimes than it is for adults,” she said.