HOW SAFE IS MY VALLEY? San Fernando...

HOW SAFE IS MY VALLEY? San Fernando Valley slayings have dropped by almost one-third during the first three months of 1995 compared to last year, and they are half the number of two years ago (above), say police. Officials credit an improving economy and a gang truce. Maybe the bad guys are preoccupied. . . . Quipped one detective: “Maybe they are all at home watching the O.J. trial.” (B4)

RUN, STUPID: And you thought Forrest Gump had problems stopping. . . . Lancaster resident Mark Covert hasn’t stopped running in nearly 27 years. Though broken bones and paralyzing cold may bar his way, Covert has run an average of 11 miles each day. His 109,000-mile streak is believed to be the second-longest in the world. But wife Debi is unimpressed: “It’s stupid.” (E3)

FIRE SALE: Glendale firefighters Bert Rivera and Cordell Harges may not look like your average clothing designers. But they’ve created one hot item . . . Their “Hot Shield” is a mask for firefighters that replaces a wet bandanna in the battle against brush fires. And they’re selling like hot cakes: 5,000 units have sold to about 40 fire departments. Valley Business, Page 3.

TAKING STOCK: Wall Street has had a big year so far, but local stocks in the San Fernando and neighboring valleys soared 11.5% in this year’s first quarter, outperforming even the Dow Jones industrial average. . . . Paving the way were local electronics and computer companies. The increase may signal an improving economy. Valley Business, Page 4.

WAKING UP: Pete Kuld may soon be brushing up on his Spanish . . . On Saturday, the former Chatsworth High and College of the Canyons baseball standout was cut with the rest of the replacement players from the Cleveland Indians. . . . Now he’s waiting for a call to play for Mexico’s professional baseball league. “It’s tough to deal with,” Kuld said of the loss.

Fewer Homicides

Homicide rate for first quarter of 1995, compared to the same period in 1993 and 1994.

1993: 32 1994: 23 1995: 16

Source: LAPD