ANSWERING THE CALL: Now that he’s the...

ANSWERING THE CALL: Now that he’s the new Assembly speaker, Republican Curt Pringle of Garden Grove can expect to field a lot more media inquiries. So he’s hired someone who happens to know a lot about tough media calls. Wendy Weber is leaving her job as communications director for Golden West College in Huntington Beach to be Pringle’s new media coordinator. Weber had spent six years as a spokeswoman for Nancy Reagan. . . . Says Weber: “I love Golden West. But the phone rang, and it’s a great opportunity.” She starts Tuesday.

LOST GUARDIAN: When someone stole the statue of the Virgin Mary from the Sisters of Santa Clara in Santa Ana five years ago, they called the police for help--and got results. So when the sisters lost their beloved German shepherd Marbles a few days ago, they went straight back to the police about it. . . . The police are requesting public assistance in finding the dog--he’s black with brown spots and scarred ears. . . . Says Mother Superior Isabel Diaz: “Marbles is our guardian. We need him.”

LEGAL EXAM: When Barbara Swist of Costa Mesa speaks in public, she usually talks about issues confronting the Consumers for Legal Reform group she founded. But today on TV’s “Donahue” (Channel 4, 2 p.m.), Swist talks about why she founded the group--the experience of her own bitter divorce eight years ago. . . . The taping went well, she says, but she was surprised at her impressions of host Phil Donahue: “I have to tell you, he looks tired. Maybe he’s been at this too long.”

SAFETY NET: Bicycle safety is still a priority despite the county’s financial woes. County health officials are seeking a $340,000 state grant for a bicycle injury prevention program targeting Latinos. . . . “We want to make a concerted effort to reach the Latino community with appropriate programs,” says health official Amy Dale. The money would go for bicycle rodeos, helmets for low-income family members, and training in bicycle injuries for medical personnel.