MEET ME IN VENTURA: It’s only 24...

MEET ME IN VENTURA: It’s only 24 days before the Ventura County Fair opens at Seaside Park. . . . Organizers are expecting turnout to return to normal this year, as the county begins to emerge from the economic doldrums. “When the local economy is fragile, we feel it,” says fair spokeswoman Teri Raley. She’s got a tip for the budget-conscious: Swing by the fair’s office before Aug. 15 and buy a sheet of 20 tickets for any carnival ride for $20. They’ll be unavailable once the fair opens. And some rides then will cost $3 apiece.

STANDING TALL: After years of cultivation, Thousand Oaks is finally getting the recognition it deserves. . . . “Congratulations to Thousand Oaks on being named as a 1994 Tree City USA!” announces John Rosenow of the National Arbor Day Foundation. . . . This is no shady deal for cities named after trees. Nor did Thousand Oaks rest on its laurels to log such an honor. The city made the cut by meeting four criteria: having a tree advisory board, a tree ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry plan as well as observing Arbor Day.

BRENDLER’S LIST: As a tot, Bob Brendler helped his family raise grapes. As a career man, he became a vegetable expert. And even in retirement, the 79-year-old dispenses advice to farmers as a volunteer at the local UC Cooperative Extension office (B1). . . . Brendler knows it all. Over the past 50 years, the list of questions has ranged from raising radishes to terminating termites. Says Farm Bureau chief Rex Laird: “He’s a true local legend.”

ENDLESS SUMMER: Surf’s up, dude! Planners of Ventura’s annual Beach Party have ditched the drizzly spring for the hotter September. But the rescheduling may also help the annual surfing contest that accompanies the ‘50s- and ‘60s-style beach bash. . . . “The potential for a south swell in September is very good,” said Paul Nielsen of Waveline surf shop. “Even if the surf is lousy, people will have more fun. The weather will be nicer and the water warmer.”

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Pretty Fair Numbers

Ventura County Fair attendance dipped last year, but promoters expect the numbers to climb to normal this year. 1984: 247,923 1993: 274,203 1992: 274,527 1991: 267,563 1990: 273,525 Source: Ventura County Fair office