BREATHING ROOM: Some business owners are relieved...

BREATHING ROOM: Some business owners are relieved that a new plan to reduce Ventura County’s smog--unveiled by the Clinton Administration--isn’t as tough as measures proposed last year (A3, B1). . . . And some environmentalists say the new rules aren’t tough enough. They might all pray for rain: After one of last month’s storms swept through the county, ozone levels dropped to the single digits in some areas for the first time in months.

JOINED FOR LIFE: The bond between siblings is a potent force, a new book finds (E3). . . . For a less formal opinion, ask a mother--say, Joan Musgrove of Moorpark, former president of Conejo Valley Mothers of Multiples, who has three children--7-year-old twin boys and a daughter, 3. Like other parents, she has plenty of opportunity to do her own unscientific research on brother-sister connections. One of her findings: “None of my children has been an only child--that’s been an advantage.”

TICKET TO RIDE: Here’s the job description: Public transit rider, willing to dress up in 1800s period costume and have photo appear in advertisements--all to promote ridership on the Ojai Trolley. Qualifications? “Anybody who’s ridden the trolley or intends to ride the trolley,” spokeswoman Susan Hellman said. . . . Among the first to answer the call were Emily and Molly Oakland, ages 2 and 5, who’ve posed with their grandmother, Marcia Phelps of Ojai. . . . Besides the psychic satisfaction, the payoff includes free trolley tokens.

BACK IN THE GAME: After being sidelined for more than a year, Royal High School soccer player Kelly Adamson--considered one of the state’s top female players before she was injured--returned to the field (C7). . . . She contributed three goals and two assists in six games before the Highlanders were knocked out of Southern Section playoff contention. Still, her presence proved an end-of-season inspiration, Royal Coach Andy Silva said. “Her coming back brought the level of our other girls up,” he said.