Special Education Official Honored

Fran Arner-Costello received the “Our Heart for Your Heart” award from the United Parents for Children and Adolescents with Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Disorders organization. Arner-Costello has been coordinator for Ventura County Special Education Local Planning Area since 1988. She was honored for her dedication to children’s education, rights and special-needs programs.

College Gets Grant for Opera Workshop * Ventura College received a $1,000 grant from the city of Ventura’s Cultural Funding Program for its Opera Workshop. The workshop will offer one or two major productions and several presentations of scenes from musical theater and opera during the spring semester. Funding was also secured to distribute tickets to 2,000 Ventura Unified School District students and underserved groups, such as residents of halfway houses.

Amgen Foundation Assists Casa Pacifica * Casa Pacifica received a $5,000 grant from Amgen Foundation. The contribution will be used to fund the many support programs at the Camarillo-based home for abused and neglected children, including its medical clinic.

Awards and Honors is compiled by Rodney Bosch. Please address items to Awards and Honors, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001. Items can also be faxed to The Times at 653-7576 or 653-7548.