Bigger Paychecks?You may not feel like your...

Bigger Paychecks?

You may not feel like your wallet is getting fatter, but state tax folks say Ventura County residents have realized a steady increase in their taxable income. . . . “It seems to be good news,” says Franchise Tax Board spokeswoman Denise Quade. The agency just completed its statistics for the 1994 tax year, which show that county returns had a median adjusted gross income of $25,561, up nearly 3% from the year before. The midpoint for couples filing joint returns increased 3.55% to $46,354. Back in 1984, the median income for couples was $33,763.

Lifesaver

Michael Harris, who heads Ventura’s new paramedic system, says there’s no job like being an emergency medical technician (B1). “Being a paramedic is not just something you do, it’s something you are. . . . You get a chance to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Harris, who 10 years ago gave up a nearly six-figure consulting job in Washington, D.C., to work in public safety. “I don’t think there’s any better feeling.”

Old Glory

It’s easy to spot the ol’ red, white and blue this week, but the American flag is a good year-round seller (D7C). . . . Military conflicts in Saudi Arabia and Bosnia, along with the July Fourth holiday, have boosted sales this year of the Stars and Stripes, which accounts for about 70% of the flags sold at American Eagle Flags and Banners in Ventura, according to proprietors Dan and Carol Lanshe. Flags of California, Mexico and Great Britain are also popular.

Bird Watchers

Jamie Jackson is looking for a few good bird lovers to help protect the nests of endangered least terns at Ormond Beach over the long holiday weekend. A summer employee of the state Department of Fish and Game, Jackson is establishing day and evening patrols to keep people and pets from encroaching on the breeding birds. “We need all the help that we can get,” she says. . . . To volunteer, page Jackson at (805) 671-7546.

Weather

Mostly clear skies. Highs in the 80s, lows around 60. B8

--Gregory W. Griggs

* The Top of Today’s News is on A2