FEWER FIRES: Experts nationwide are trying to...

FEWER FIRES: Experts nationwide are trying to stem the number of fires started by children (B12), but Ventura County is already seeing the benefits of a push that started several years ago. . . . A program to counsel juvenile fire starters, coupled with a school prevention program for children as young as second grade, has led to a 75% decrease in structure fires during the past six years, said county fire spokeswoman Sandi Wells. Firefighter appearances at the county fair and local schools help. “For kids to have a one-on-one with firefighters is important,” Wells said.

FRIENDLY SKIES: Commercial airline service out of the Point Mugu Navy base could save Ventura County residents wary of crime and traffic a trip to Los Angeles. . . . “The more commuter service that would benefit our clients, the better,” said Harriet Henson of Golden Odyssey travel agency in Ventura. Direct flights to major California cities “would be just wonderful,” she said. County supervisors approved a joint powers authority to oversee commercial usage. (B1)

CROWNING GLORY: Simi Valley resident Sandi Miller is a finalist in the nationwide Breck Girl Search. . . . Miller, 42, is one of 30 competitors seeking to be named Breck “girls,” ranging in age from 5 to 54. Miller submitted a short video filmed by her husband--but her sons, ages 12 and 13, aren’t overly impressed so far. Said Miller: “They went, ‘Oh cool--what’s for dinner?’ ” If she wins, Miller will get a modeling gig and her portrait will hang in the Breck Girl Hall of Fame Museum at Dial Corp.’s Phoenix headquarters.

DRY HOPES: The Single Track Mountain Bike Club is hoping the summer-like weather lasts through the weekend. . . . The group’s first ride of the year has been repeatedly rained out. “Like Charlie Brown trying to kick the ball while Lucy holds it, we’ll try one more time,” said Randy Rogers in a newsletter. This time, the ride is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. For information, call 373-8824.