SING HIM HOME: Seven-time Grammy winner Andrae...

SING HIM HOME: Seven-time Grammy winner Andrae Crouch, above, has moved back to Pacoima, where he grew up, to take up the mantle of pastor at the church founded by his father. . . . The gospel superstar, who has arranged vocals for Madonna and had a song recorded by Elvis Presley, is not planning to give up his singing career, though: “With God’s help, everything that he wants me to accomplish, I’m going to do it.” Details in Valley Weekend, beginning on F1.

FILM FEST: Finally, a movieland event you can afford. The Santa Clarita Valley International Family Film Festival kicks off Friday with an opening night gala that costs just $20. Film seminars on such topics as acting, producing and animation cost $15 apiece, and films can be screened for $3. News about this and other weekend events begins on page F1A.

BREAKUP: Supporters of dismantling the Los Angeles Unified School District should not view a breakup as a panacea, cautions state education chief Delaine Eastin. “I don’t think it’s about size,” Eastin told Times reporters and editors, including Valley Edition education writer Beth Shuster. “It’s about managing schools effectively . . . and what you really need is a plan or a program for systemic reform.”

MENENDEZ: Potential jurors in the second Menendez trial have been asked about media coverage of the first trial, Times staffer Ann W. O’Neill reports from the Van Nuys courthouse. “All I remember is that ‘Saturday Night Live’ made fun of their sweaters,” said one. Another observed that defense attorney Leslie Abramson “has been on ‘Nightline’ more often than the NRA.”