RAVE REVIEW: A memo summing up the...

RAVE REVIEW: A memo summing up the 1994 accomplishments of the Simi Valley city attorney led off with his efforts to help the City Council fathom changes to the state’s open-meeting law. . . . The memo, dated Dec. 12, says City Atty. John Torrance’s office “assisted the council in its acclimation to the new provisions of the Brown Act. . . .” That same day, though, the council--acting on Torrance’s advice--violated the law by meeting in closed session to approve raises for Torrance and the city manager. . . . Torrance has admitted the mistake.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Cal State University officials have finally secured land for a public four-year university in Ventura County (B1). . . . Now that the 30-year search for a site has ended, construction of the campus could take another 30 years. . . . Among the next incremental steps: getting statewide voter approval in 1996 for a higher-education bond to pay for building new schools.

HOT OR NOT? From a self-proclaimed homeboy to a Sinatra-style showman, Santa Claus is strutting his stuff in malls across Ventura County (B1). . . . Somehow, the big guy always seems to know what’s popular with the kids--and which toys aren’t making the cut. . . . Barney the dinosaur--all the rage with toddlers last Christmas--isn’t faring as well this season. In fact, some retailers say the purple creature may become extinct if slow sales are any indication.

CAN DO: Junior high school students will be playing with food today at Oxnard’s Esplanade Mall--but don’t worry, the chaos will be under control. . . . The students are creating sculptures from as many as 10,000 cans of food for Food Share’s annual Canstruction contest. After the contest, the food will be distributed in Christmas baskets to needy families. Students stacking the cans Tuesday declined to identify what the shapes represent. “It’s like this big state secret,” said Jim Mangis of Food Share. . . . Donations--particularly frozen turkeys--are still needed. To donate, call 983-7100.