Space CaseVan Nuys High’s cyberspace plans have...

Space Case

Van Nuys High’s cyberspace plans have encountered an old-fashioned space crunch. Vice Principal Keiko Hentell reports the school has the hardware for its Internet bulletin board. But where to put it? . . . “We have run right smack into . . . Van Nuys High overcrowding,” she said. “We can’t find office space.”

Earth Moves

Work crews burrowing a subway tunnel under the Santa Monica Mountains named their boring machines “Thelma and Louise.” One cranked up Tuesday, months behind schedule. No. 2 starts for Hollywood in two months. . . . Are the names meant to suggest the tunnelers--like the film characters--are on a roll that can’t be stopped?

Big Oil

Valley Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl, above, was the only Revenue and Taxation committee member to vote against lowering the sales tax on gasoline. She says the sales tax on the gas tax--now 2.8 cents a gallon--has nothing to do with soaring gas prices. So who is to blame? Kuehl said oil refiners have nearly doubled their profits recently from 23 to 46 cents a gallon. If the tax cut passes, the state will lose $383 million a year in revenue.

That’s Politics

Kuehl, a Democrat, is especially irked at GOP Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle, the bill’s sponsor. She said he’s exploiting public angst over pump prices by falsely linking the tax to gas prices. As a rule, legislators are loath to risk the wrath of voters on such a bread-and-butter issue in an election year. “If he cared so much he should have brought this bill earlier,” said Kuehl, who’s up for reelection herself.

Tonight

Cadfish & Cornbread, a New Orleans swing band, plays at 9:45 at the Moonlight Tango Cafe, 13730 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. $5 cover plus $9.95 minimum. Information: (818) 788-2000.