CRUISE CONTROL: How is the Ventura Freeway...

CRUISE CONTROL: How is the Ventura Freeway different from most other freeways in the county? The speed limit as it crosses the Valley will remain 55 mph, at least for now. Same with the Hollywood Freeway leading south from the Golden State. Why? Accident history and traffic congestion were the criteria, Caltrans says. In other words, you couldn’t go that fast there anyway. . . . Depending on ongoing studies, higher speeds could come later.

MARVIN: L.A. Councilman Marvin Braude has proposed an overhaul of the entire city charter--a long-term project. Meanwhile, he wants a few changes on the November ballot. One contender: creating a city manager-style centralized power structure in City Hall. Could Braude, in office since 1965, be trying to show voters he’s both an incumbent and a reformer? He said newcomers often don’t know what needs reforming--but he does.

ON ICE: Skaters of all ages are swirling about the ice in Burbank this week during the Pacific Coast Championships. There are skaters hoping to be Olympians someday and skaters who skate for fun. They’re all strutting their stuff at the Pickwick Ice Center through Saturday (C10). Above, junior dancers Azumi Sagara and partner Jonathan Magalnick.

MAYOR GRANDPA: Kyleen Plummer was horrified to learn her grandfather, Carl Boyer, was going to be mayor of Santa Clarita. The 5-year-old was sure that meant he couldn’t be her grandfather anymore. To convince her otherwise, Grandpa had her sitting front-and-center at his swearing-in this week. And Kyleen quickly took to the limelight.

TRAVELING MAN: That Santa sure gets around the Valley. He helicoptered into a Van Nuys school Thursday (B3). And on Saturday, he’ll arrive at Lake Balboa in a boat. . . . Guess the reindeer can’t swim. The Lake Balboa event is sponsored by L.A. parks department. Information: (818) 756-9743.