LENO SURGES: Look out Dave. For the...

LENO SURGES: Look out Dave. For the first time in more than a year, ratings for “The Tonight Show” starring Jay Leno are catching up to “Late Show With David Letterman.” (D1) Leno, who had been a solid No. 2 behind Letterman, recently has been beating Letterman in such major markets as Los Angeles and Chicago. Overall, in ratings two weeks ago, they tied, which is seen as a victory for the underdog at NBC in Burbank. . . . “Leno has come into his own,” says one observer. “The pressures are off. He’s more comfortable and doesn’t feel there’s a gun against his head.”

HIGH TIMES: After a long dry spell, profits are up in the Valley banking industry, hard hit by the double whammy of the recession and January’s earthquake (Valley Business, Page 10). . . . Only a year ago, Glendale Federal Bank was on the verge of seizure by federal regulators. Now, after major restructuring, the S&L; is back in the black, reporting third-quarter earnings of $9.37 million.

FIRST STEP: Meilen Tu, a 16-year-old from Northridge, makes her professional tennis debut today in a tournament in Oakland. . . . Tu, a former Granada Hills High student who is in a home-study program, won two major junior tournaments this summer. She faces Meredith McGrath in today’s first round. McGrath, of Midland, Mich., is currently ranked 35th on the tour. . . . Tu debuts at No. 636.

DEADLY VAPORS: It’s flu season again, but not all the flu-like symptoms may be coming from the bug, say Gas. Co. officials (Valley Business, Page 11). . . . The Northridge quake knocked loose many furnaces and other appliances, causing the release of carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can kill. “The effect of the gas makes you like you’re drugged,” said Lawrence Marshall, the father of a 10-year-old boy who was slowly poisoned by the gas. You can call the Gas Co. for a free check-up of household gas appliances.