FIGHTING BACK: Glendale Federal Bank is taking...

FIGHTING BACK: Glendale Federal Bank is taking a novel approach in its effort to win customers from large financial institutions. The thrift has plastered the area with billboards knocking Bank of America, and has even sent coffee to B of A customers waiting in line (D1). . . . CEO Stephen J. Trafton, above, says his bigger competitors are “large . . . arrogant [and] mass-market-oriented.”

SLIPPING BACK: More Valley business coverage today: The average price of a home in the San Fernando Valley continued to nose-dive in August, dipping to $213,700. That’s significantly down from the average price of $241,300 in August of last year. . . . But bargain-hunters pushed the pace of sales up 4% over last year (D9D).

CABLE WOES: The cities of Burbank and Glendale have raised questions about the viability of a Dallas-based firm that is poised to take over the communities’ cable TV operations. . . . Marcus Cable is negotiating to buy Sammons Cable. If the sale goes through, Marcus will become the ninth largest cable company in the United States--up from 43rd. See page D9D.

CANCER FUNDS: The Cal State Northridge Cancer Center has received its seventh grant from the Los Angeles-based Joseph Drown Foundation. . . . The $30,000 grant brings the total donated by the foundation to $150,000. It will be used to study how cancer spreads.

CARAVAN: Local supporters of affirmative action will caravan to a rally in Pasadena from the Pacoima Community Center today. . . . The group will gather at 4:30 p.m. at the center, at 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. After the rally, to be held on the steps of Pasadena City Hall, participants will march to protest the anti-affirmative-action stance of Gov. Pete Wilson, who is holding a fund-raising dinner nearby.