Early Birds: If you want to serve...

Early Birds: If you want to serve a ready-made turkey or pie for Thanksgiving, order now. . . . The Honey Baked Ham Co. store in Woodland Hills typically sells up to 600 hams and turkeys during the holiday. In Canoga Park, Marie Callender’s bakes between 3,000 and 5,000 pies. “As far as pie sales go, this is definitely the busiest time of the year,” says Jeanne Willis, the restaurant’s assistant manager.

Early Giving: And if you order an extra ham or pie, the Pacoima Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of many Valley groups that would like to have it. Expecting 2,000 people (“We feed not only the homeless, but the needy and even the lonely,” says organizer Jane McGlory), the church is seeking volunteers. Food donations may be left at the church, 11755 Dronfield Ave., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Wild Rides: Driver training was never like this. . . . Sheriff’s recruits, such as Jose Vasquez, above, learn such skills as speeding backward at Fox Field in Lancaster, an ideal location for the demanding driving tests. See the Valley Gallery (B12).

Glendale’s Future: A 20-year plan for growth in and around downtown Glendale is expected to be approved by the Glendale City Council today. . . . The plan includes a new “town center” and a new retail area spanning several blocks. Rather than give developers free rein, “we’re choosing our own destiny,” says City Manager David Ramsay.