Mountain Scenes: Artists are invited to bring...

Mountain Scenes: Artists are invited to bring their supplies and talents to a free “paint out” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5 at the scenic Diamond X Ranch in Calabasas. Some of the resulting images will be exhibited at the Hands Across the Parklands event planned in April. Information: (310) 589-2400, Ext. 123.

* TICK CAUTION: Disease officials warned hikers to be cautious in the Santa Monica Mountains after finding the first tick in L.A. County showing evidence of carrying Lyme disease. Above, a Western black-legged tick. B1

* BATTLING GANGS: An anti-gang program launched after the 1995 slaying of 3-year-old Stephanie Kuhen is expanding to the northeast Valley. B1

* TIGER TALE: Mike Page, above, inspired by his idol Pete Maravich, has become San Fernando High’s go-to player in the clutch. He averages 15.9 points a game for the Tigers, who open the playoffs tonight. C9

* BREAKAWAY PUSH: The secession impulse has reached the high desert, where state Sen. William “Pete” Knight wants to cut away from Los Angeles and other counties to form the state’s 59th county. Political Briefing, B5