SMOG CHECKS: Polluters, beware! Caltrans has found...

SMOG CHECKS: Polluters, beware! Caltrans has found a way to monitor cars and trucks remotely to determine if they’re spewing too much gunk. Trailers and vans with infrared smog sensors and cameras have been placed along freeway onramps and major streets. . . . The agency plans to photograph the license plates of offending cars but promises not to disrupt rush-hour traffic.

NO PARKING: In other automobile news, many Los Angeles residents are about to lose a prime parking spot: the front lawn. Starting March 25, traffic officers will be authorized to ticket cars parked on lawns. . . . The first offense is a $30 fine; the second is $55. Third and subsequent citations are $105.

SPEAKING OUT: In December, he came to Northridge to picket an office supply company accused of discrimination. On Thursday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson returned, this time to a Cal State Northridge rally to decry proposed rollbacks in affirmative action (B3). “This isn’t about black and white, it’s about wrong and right!” he said. “It’s about dignity. And justice.” . . . Above, Jackson hugs rally organizer Vladimir Cerna.

ROAD TRIPS: When Montclair Prep’s basketball team takes on St. Elizabeth of Oakland for the state title on Saturday, it won’t be alone. At least three groups of boosters, including 17 Korean exchange students, will be making the trek to Sacramento to cheer the Van Nuys team. . . . “It’s a larger group than you would think,” says Greg Reece, Montclair’s athletic director. “It’s pretty exciting.”

FAREWELL: For more than 20 years, Sgt. Robert Warford was a friendly face at the Santa Clarita sheriff’s station, remembered for his easy smile and good humor. . . . He died unexpectedly last week at 51, and so many people came to mourn him Thursday (B4) that his funeral was held in a college gymnasium.