AIDS DEATHS: Since 1982, a total of...

AIDS DEATHS: Since 1982, a total of 370 people diagnosed with AIDS in Ventura County have died. An additional 97 people diagnosed outside the county died here. It matters where the diagnosis is made, officials said, because that county receives state or federal AIDS benefits, even if the patient moves elsewhere. . . . “It’s a problem” when county residents are diagnosed in Los Angeles County and then return home, says Dr. Elizabeth Trebow of the county health department. “It overloads resources we don’t have.”

OUTSIDE EFFORT: Fearing a loss of government funding, county AIDS advocates are seeking private donations for groups working to stamp out the disease and care for those afflicted by it. . . . Dr. Gary Feldman, the county’s chief public health officer, said the campaign will allow him and others to step up education efforts while raising money. “It will give us a different way of doing AIDS education to people who are not ordinarily focused on public health issues. It’s very much worth my time.” (B1)

PERFECT PLACE: Founding Buena High School Principal Arleigh W. McConnell, who died Thursday of a heart attack at a school basketball game (B1), was the school’s No. 1 fan. . . . Many said it was only fitting that he was cheering on a school team when he was stricken. “He was having a great time to the very last minute,” said his son, Kim. “When I go out, I want to go doing something I truly love.”

WHIZ KIDS: As many as 190 high school students are expected this morning for the annual Geo Bowl at Oxnard College. . . . One member of last year’s winning team was Camarillo High School student Paul Aggen, who is in a coma after a December auto accident. Paul’s father said his son, who seems to be improving and may soon be ready for rehab, loved the helicopter ride offered to the winners by Aspen Helicopters. “He had won a couple of limo rides, but the helicopter ride beat everything.”