HELP CENTRAL: County supervisors this week backed...

HELP CENTRAL: County supervisors this week backed a proposal by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) to create a Victims Response Center in the Valley for victims of child abuse, rape or domestic violence. The center would coordinate the response of medical officials, police and service providers following such crimes. . . . The proposed center would be the first of its kind in the nation, Katz says.

MORE HELP: Officials at the Haven Hills battered women’s shelter are aiming for Sept. 1 as the opening date for Haven Two, their long-term housing project for women and children in transition. Work is already under way to rehabilitate a quake-damaged apartment complex.

NEW IDENTITY: In a G-rated ceremony, the Pussycat Theater in Canoga Park was re-christened the Madrid Theater on Thursday, part of converting the former movie house into a 499-seat live drama facility. . . . The project will “bring quality entertainment and revitalize the Canoga Park business district,” said City Councilwoman Laura Chick.

OLD FLAME: The Olympic flame arrives from Greece on Saturday, when some 40 Valley residents will run with it across Los Angeles (B1). . . . So what happens if a torch blows out? Never fear: The actual Olympic flame is kept alive in a lantern that travels with the runners.