Give and Take: Frank Capra definitely didn’t...
Give and Take: Frank Capra definitely didn’t write this Christmastime script: First a Grinchly robber swiped $5,500 designated for presents at a Sylmar mental health center. Then the community rallied, cheerfully donating $25,000 to help out. . . . Now it turns out that clinic officials think their insurance may cover the loss. They said they would offer refunds to any donors who asked.
Special Delivery: In an effort to stamp out holiday inconvenience, the U.S. Postal Service will open its doors today and next Sunday at a dozen offices. . . . Branches with extra hours are 2140 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank; 339 N. Central Ave., Glendale; 3950 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood; 22121 Clarendon St. in Woodland Hills; 14900 Magnolia Blvd., 5805 White Oak Ave. and 15701 Sherman Way in Van Nuys; 9534 Reseda Blvd. in Northridge; 8201 Canoga Ave. and 23055 Sherman Way in Canoga Park; 23640 W. Lyons Ave. in Santa Clarita and 1008 W Ave. in Lancaster.
On Prancers! It’s hard to figure out if parades are more attractive to politicians or kids. The 29th holiday march down Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima had plenty of both on Saturday, including little dancers, above, from Guardian Angel School. . . . Public officials waving to the crowd of 4,000 included the city attorney, the police chief and a councilman (B5).
Testing, Testing: Los Angeles students keep finding new ways to spell “flunk” on standardized tests. . . . This year’s scores for local fourth-, seventh- and ninth-graders reflect a continuing decline in ability that puts them well below their peers nationally (B4).
