SALUTING VETS: Hollywood Beach School celebrated Veterans...

SALUTING VETS: Hollywood Beach School celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony that included red, white and blue balloons. It was among the myriad events planned in Ventura County to honor the county’s 73,000 veterans (B1). . . . Charles Lowrance at Ventura County Veterans Service Office in Oxnard supports any efforts to honor vets. . . . But, said Lowrance: “I’m not sure we can ever do enough for people who fight and defend the principles of liberty. Some people in this day may think that patriotism is corny, but I think that veterans will always feel a lump in their throats when the U.S. flag goes by.”

FARMERS’ RIGHTS: With a Ventura ordinance restricting development on ag land approved, activists are trying to protect farmers’ rights to kick up dust, run wind machines on freezing nights and burn waste (B1). . . . Rex Laird of the Ventura County Farm Bureau applauded the effort: “It’s appropriate that the city of Ventura have a right-to-farm ordinance . . . in view of the fact that farmers are going to be forced to farm adjacent to development for the next 35 years.”

STAMPED OUT: A new batch of U.S. stamps featuring extinct animals will be in Ventura County post offices by next June. . . . And by next October, the Postal Service will issue a series depicting 15 endangered species. It includes California condors, which are being raised in Ventura County. . . . “Each generation must work to protect the delicate balance of nature, so that future generations may share a sound and healthy planet,” the Postal Service declared this week.

BETTER WATCH OUT: A dozen or so would-be Santas are coming to Thousand Oaks Saturday to train and audition to play Santa at a mall or store during the holidays. . . . The job pays from $7 up, depending on experience and manner. . . . And, said trainer Sandi Ruben with Western Staff Services, “We pay more for a nice natural white beard, or even just a nice beard that we can whiten up.” Santa candidates should call ahead: 497-4521.