Update : Follow-up on the news

FOUNTAIN VALLEY / Students Turn On to New Computers

Issue: Five Fountain Valley schools join computer project.

Background: Last year, the schools received a $68,000 grant from the state Department of Education to buy new computer equipment.

Development: When classes started this fall, the computers had arrived and students received their first lessons on how to use the equipment. The computers employ graphics and animation as well as sounds to bring studies alive for students. “Besides reading the text, they can see and hear,” said Diane McClarin, coordinator of Project TLC, a computer project network the schools have joined. “It brings the meaning to life.” For instance, students can call up an encyclopedia to gain information about a volcano. They can actually see the volcano erupt on the screen. They can also perform electronic research, read along with children’s stories that have sound and animation as well as create their own stories. They can also look up information in an atlas. Said Linda Anderson, a fourth-grade teacher at Urbain H. Plavan Elementary School: “It’s preparing these kids for what’s out there in the world. They have to be computer literate when they’re ready to compete in the employment world.”

ALISO VIEJO / Ice-Skating Rink Draws Local Youths

Issue: Opening of South Orange County’s first ice-skating rink.

Background: Local investors announced plans in the summer to open the Ice Palace in a local light industrial park. Hundreds of children swamped the site to sign up for hockey leagues and figure-skating lessons.

Development: The Ice Palace opened earlier this fall and has become a hang-out for teens in the South County. The rink offers hockey leagues, “mommy and me” skating lessons and special skating events. It’s at 9 Journey in Aliso Viejo.

SEAL BEACH / Pet Licensing Drive Takes in $11,000

Issue: Door-to-door dog and cat licensing.

Background: Some residents complained that representatives of a company designed to canvass the entire city in search of unlicensed dogs and cats were being too heavy-handed in their approach. One resident said after a representative of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority knocked on her door and discovered her unlicensed cat, she received two notices within three weeks threatening court action.

Development: After the completion of the citywide pet licensing drive, City Manager Jerry L. Bankston reports that $11,000 in revenue was generated, slightly more than the $8,700 cost of the project. But Bankston says there will be increased revenue in the future from license renewals. There were a total of 10 complaints, all from cat owners.