CLOCK’S TICKING: The vote on Measure R,...

CLOCK’S TICKING: The vote on Measure R, the proposed half-cent sales tax increase on the June 27 special ballot, is just a month away. The local League of Women Voters--which supports the tax boost--is worried people still don’t know enough about it. The league is offering speakers to any local group willing to hold a discussion on it. . . . Says league President Connie Haddad: “We’re working against time. It’s a complex debate.”

CHILDREN FIRST: There’s more to a county supervisor’s life than listening to bankruptcy woes. Supervisor William G. Steiner, long active in children’s issues, was at FBI headquarters in Washington on Thursday for National Missing Children’s Day ceremonies. . . . Eight recovered children were honored, and tribute was paid to eight other children still missing. Steiner is vice chairman of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

FACING DANGER: The police in Brea hope they’ve found a way to cut down on injuries to motorcycle officers. The Brea Police Department, which has 14 motor officers, is among the first in the country to shift to helmets with full-face masks. . . . “We had three recent incidents where injuries could have been avoided with full-face units,” says traffic Sgt. Jeff Keyworth. The Japanese-made helmets--which replace a three-quarter version--run $210 apiece. . . . Adds Keyworth: “If it saves the officer an injury, even in a minor collision, it’s worth the investment.”

SCOOTING ALONG: Cal State Fullerton baseball Coach Augie Garrido has been using a motorized three-wheel scooter to get around after recent surgery for a ruptured Achilles’ tendon--an injury he suffered in practice. The scooter was flown to Baton Rouge, La., so Garrido could have it there for the NCAA South Regional this week. . . . “I’m doing fine,” Garrido said after a team workout. “They used to call me Skipper; now maybe it’ll be Scooter.” . . . . The Titans beat Northeast Louisiana in their first-round game Thursday, 7-6 (C1).

TONIGHT: The Pickle Family Circus at 7:30, Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. (714) 854-4646.

WEATHER: Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s. Lows will be in the lower 50s. (B10)