Butting OutPresident Clinton’s landmark classification of tobacco...

Butting Out

President Clinton’s landmark classification of tobacco as an addictive drug (A1) was applauded Friday by some Ventura County merchants (B1). . . . The new federal guidelines mean that youngsters no longer will be bombarded with smoking-related paraphernalia such as T-shirts and caps. . . . Cigarette store manager Sue Richards said such items are used to entice children to smoke. “They’ve got the cool stuff that kids really want,” she said of tobacco companies.

Cattle Call

Surely you have heard about the Year of the Woman in politics and sports. Now add the traditionally macho world of cattle raising. . . . An unprecedented number of girls are competing in--and winning--the livestock competitions at the Ventura County Fair (B1). This year, out of the 20 grand champions, 13 are girls. . . . “I started in 1975 and there were very few girls,” said large livestock superintendent Craig Fosdick. “But now there are more opportunities available to them. There is a changing of the times.”

Ice Dancers

On Easy Street in Simi Valley, it’s just like old times for the world-renowned ice skating duo of Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner (C10). . . . They train regularly at the Easy Street Arena, continuing a regimen that made them the last American figure skaters to win a world title in pairs competition. . . . They have skated together for nearly 29 years. “I love it more than ever now,” Babilonia said.

Weighing In

Under pressure from state legislators and local leaders, Caltrans officials on Friday put on hold a proposal to build a truck weigh station next door to the century-old Little Red Schoolhouse near Santa Paula (B1). . . . The transportation agency’s plan to build the station about 1,600 feet from the school drew a load of criticism, especially from elected officials. . . . “I am not convinced that within half a mile of a school is the best site for these types of inspections,” state Sen. Jack O’Connell said.