VROOM! VROOM! For Simi Valley moviegoers, the...

VROOM! VROOM! For Simi Valley moviegoers, the throaty rumble of the Batmobile revving up in the upcoming summer movie “Batman Forever” may sound familiar. . . . It’s the eardrum-blasting roar of an Atlas booster--with 423,500 pounds of thrust--recorded at Rocketdyne’s engine-testing site near Simi Valley. Assorted other hisses and rattles recorded there may pipe up in the film as background noise. . . . Rocketdyne routinely issues advisories to the public when the powerful engines are fired. “You feel it as well as hear it,” spokesman Paul Sewell said. “Your clothes flutter.”

HIGH ROAD: A stretch of the Moorpark Freeway will be dedicated this week in honor of Japanese-American soldiers who served in World War II. . . . California 23 between the Ventura and Simi Valley freeways is one of three routes where plaques will be placed commemorating the military service of Nisei soldiers, born in the United States to immigrant parents. Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard), who co-authored the resolution to honor the veterans, chose the site. “He didn’t want a portion of the road where no one would see it,” said Julia King, Takasugi’s chief of staff.

NEEDLE HABIT: Like members of other support groups, they acknowledge their addictions. But in this case, no one wants to quit and their habit can even save money (B1). Said Nancy Tracy of Ojai Quilters Anonymous: “I’m saving scraps from all the dresses I’ve made for my granddaughter, and I’ll make her a quilt with them.”

WAR OF WORDS: With the situation in Bosnia deteriorating and President Clinton mulling increased U. S. involvement there, Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) issued a plea during a recent appearance on CNN’s “Talk Back Live”: “Mr. President, please, no ground troops in Bosnia. Lift the arms embargo. Listen to the American people.” . . . Gallegly serves on the House International Relations Committee.