Dance FeverHad enough of the Macarena already?...

By David Wharton, Doug Smith and Hugo Martin

Sept. 15, 1996 12 AM PT

Dance Fever

Had enough of the Macarena already? If the Latin dance craze is getting on your nerves, think of how it must be for the residents on Via Macarena in Valencia. . . . Beth Powder, 17, gets teased by her friends. Sandra Hoaglund, 49, says she can’t even do the dance. She has, however, put it to good use. “I always have to spell the name of my street,” Hoaglund said. “Now, I say ‘Like the dance.’ And they say, ‘Lady, get a life.’ ”

Step Outside

Valley real estate broker Jeff Brain, who is challenging incumbent Mike Feuer for a Los Angeles City Council seat, got the bum’s rush Friday. . . . Brain planned a press conference in the City Hall rotunda. Then he was told that campaigning is prohibited in the building. So the event was moved to the front steps. . . . City officials say the rule protects the rotunda from becoming inundated with people.

Football Hazards

Los Angeles County coroner’s officials may learn today whether football injuries caused the death of Reseda High School player Eric Hoggatt. . . . Meanwhile, the somber reminder of the game’s dangers didn’t dampen the spirit as Chaminade took on Poly on Friday. “This is Americana,” a fan said (B1).

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Sports California

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Doug Smith

Los Angeles Times senior writer Doug Smith scouts Los Angeles for the ragged edges where public policy meets real people, combining data analysis and gumshoe reporting to tell L.A. stories through his more than 50 years of experience covering the city.

Hugo Martín

Hugo Martín is an assistant editor on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. He has been a journalist with the Los Angeles Times for more than 30 years, covering politics, transportation, travel, business and the outdoors. A native Californian, Martín was part of the Metro staff that won Pulitzer Prizes in 1993, 1995 and 1998. He is an avid outdoorsman, a proud father and die-hard Lakers fan.

Dance FeverHad enough of the Macarena already?...

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