Less CrudeExperts blame dwindling oil production at...

Less Crude

Experts blame dwindling oil production at least partly for recent hikes in gasoline prices, and Ventura County is doing little to help. . . . During their 1952 peak, the county’s wells pumped about 49 million barrels, says Pat Kinnear of the state Conservation Department. Nowadays, yearly output is about 10 million barrels.

Gray City

Conejo Valley Senior Concerns delivered more Meals on Wheels in the past year than any year in its two decades: 30,000, or enough to feed every person in a town the size of nearby Moorpark. . . . Organizers credit Thousand Oaks’ mushrooming gray-haired population. From the 1980 to the 1990 federal census, elderly residents increased by more than any other age group, 75%. The under-20 set increased by less than 1%; adults from 21 to 54 jumped about 44%.

Re-Up, Way Up

Port Hueneme Petty Officer Paul St. Sauver wanted to do something special when he reenlisted for three years. So he chartered a plane, took the oath at 13,000 feet and jumped out. . . . Never having parachuted before, St. Sauver made his plummet with instructor Jeff McVey. “I was nervous at first,” St. Sauver admits. “But once I got up there it was all or nothing.” . . . For his next stint, the nine-year Navy veteran wants to re-up underwater. In a shark cage.

Homes and More

Before Ventura City Council members debate a policy tonight that would let them deny new housing projects that overcrowd schools (B1), they will hold a hearing on putting 105 new homes in the fast-growing east end. . . . Wittenberg/Livingston Inc. already has a nod from the Planning Commission. And the developer would pay almost $4,200 per home to offset the impact on schools. City staff recommends approval.