Airport Noise: The 10 o’clock hour may...

Airport Noise: The 10 o’clock hour may get a little quieter beginning Feb. 12. That’s when a rule takes effect extending by one hour the 11 p.m.-to-7 a.m. noise curfew at Van Nuys Airport on planes that produce 74 decibels or more (that’s roughly the sound of a gas-powered lawn mower at 100 feet). The penalty for violation: $750 for first-time offenders and as much as $3,500 for a third violation.

* NATIONAL TESTING: President Clinton’s student-testing proposal drew fire at a congressional hearing in Granada Hills. Witness Paul Clopton, above, denounces a math textbook. B1

* SCOTT HARRIS: A new study suggests that people who watch a lot of TV, especially PBS, tend to be very sexually active. KCET’s new slogan is “Infinitely more.” Coincidence? B1

* A GOOD SIGN: Anne Jackson, above, teaches an American Sign Language class for adults and children in Burbank. “Kids have fun signing,” she said. “Adults are set in their ways and have to struggle.” Calendar Weekend, Page 48

* SHORT LIST: Ron Ponciano, a former Cal State Northridge assistant football coach who is defensive coordinator at San Jose State, is a top candidate for CSUN’s head coaching job. C12