MOVING UP: Does the Valley’s mushrooming Latino...

MOVING UP: Does the Valley’s mushrooming Latino population presage a decline in CSUN enrollment? That’s what a RAND study suggested. . . . But a noted UCLA demographer disagrees. Prof. Leo Estrada notes that as Latinos prosper, more of their kids will go to college. “The American Dream is still attainable in the San Fernando Valley, particularly for the Latino community,” he said in a CSUN newsletter.

HOME PORT: A flyer touting the convenience of the Burbank Airport over LAX has some relevant comparisons. For example, rental cars are 75 feet away at Burbank, but 2.6 miles at LAX. It’s easier to get Downtown from Burbank--28 versus 41 minutes at rush hour. Then there’s the proximity to Universal Studios. . . . Notably absent from the chart: distant points such as the beach. Also, Burbank’s key appeal to Valley residents: It’s close to home.

FAST TIMES: Canyon High cross country Coach David DeLong is willing to poke holes in his body if it helps motivate his runners. That’s why he’ll be sporting a new gold stud in his ear today at the state championships in Fresno (C17). DeLong vowed to pierce his ear and wear an earring for a month if the team qualified. They ran. He pierced. Previously, DeLong allowed his team of teen-age girls to shave his legs--in front of the student body.

GENERATION GAP: The Americanization of Buddhism--and how to achieve it--dominated a recent American Buddhist Congress convention. . . . Leaders said youthful Asian immigrants and American-born converts must lead the way (B11).

BRRRR: Don’t tell scouts from Pinecrest School it doesn’t snow in Van Nuys. . . . They’ll be rolling in it today, courtesy of Pack 163 of the Cub Scouts. Scout dad Bobby Benedetto owns North Hollywood Ice. He’s trucking in a snow machine and enough ice to cover the football field. It’s a scouts-only event.