Cool Escapes: When a trip to the...

Cool Escapes: When a trip to the Westside seems too far--or too expensive--our Valley Weekend staff has discovered plenty of great spots to beat the heat this side of the Santa Monica Mountains. . . . Options include a lazy afternoon by Reseda Park Pond or a laid-back evening of jazz and funky pop at Hot House in North Hollywood. . . . For these and other options, see Calendar (F1A).

Cheap Novel: A century ago, mass-market “dime novels” sold like hot cakes and made national celebrities out of people like Buffalo Bill Cody. Now, in a decidedly modern twist, Paul Chitlik of Toluca Lake is reviving the medium to get the attention of Hollywood studios. . . . About 10,000 copies of his dime novel, a 60-page original mystery, are available around town. See Calendar (F1B).

Secession Vote: After months of parliamentary maneuvering, a bill that will make it easier for the Valley to secede from Los Angeles faces its most crucial test today when the state Senate votes on the measure, which had already cleared the Assembly. . . . Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills), who sponsored the bill, needs 21 votes in the Democratically controlled upper house for it to pass. . . . But Senate President Pro Tem Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) has said Boland will come up two votes shy.