There’s Proof That Even a Free-Spirited Panhandler Can Be Goal-Oriented

Apparently some panhandlers are adopting the techniques of telethons and membership drives. I saw one guy at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade with a sign that said: “Today’s Goal: $20.”

Stupid criminal tricks: A would-be robber who no doubt had a more ambitious goal demanded the wallet of a man in the parking lot of a Paramount market. The victim informed the assailant that he was the security guard and that the assailant was under arrest, the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s police log reported. The latter fled to a waiting car, which sped off.

Some people need more of a stimulant than others: Sarabeth Rothfeld of Woodland Hills spotted a list of beverages that offered most anything to get your motor running in the morning (see photo).

It’s a dog’s world: Animal-rights activists must really be active in San Pedro, where Ginny Mitchell of Long Beach came upon a place that allows dogs to have a smoke (see photo).

Such a deal: One Newhall eatery intended for its coupon to say 15% off, but inadvertently advertised a much better bargain (see accompanying). Can’t wait until a lawyer tries to use the coupon to make a purchase of exactly $15.

Names game: For years, actor Walter Matthau said his real last name was Matuschanskayasky, or slight variations thereof, which he had shortened much to the relief of marquee letterers.

The claim is recorded in many reference books, including the Time Almanac (see accompanying), and once found its way into the Only in L.A. column.

But a recent biography of the late actor says that that mouthful of letters was a practical joke, one of many the mischievous actor made during interviews to stave off boredom.

Others: His middle name was listed as “Foghorn” on his Social Security application, and his mother was a gypsy. His biographers, Rob Edelman and Audrey Kupferberg, say records show that his father’s last name was Matthow.

A Walter Matuschanskayasky does, however, appear in the credits of “Earthquake” (1974) in a cameo role as a drunk. Funny thing. That actor bore a strong resemblance to Walter Matthau.

miscelLAny: I was out sick a few days, so apologize for bringing you this late, late breaking item. A suspect being pursued by police sped past a mock-up of a Lear jet on an L.A. street that was closed to traffic. It may have been a first -- a police chase through a film site. One TV anchor haltingly ad-libbed that it would be a great story for “Only in L.A. -- Steve (long pause) Harvey.” Geez, it’s not like my last name is Harveyanskayasky.

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Steve H. can be reached at (800) LA-TIMES, Ext. 77083; by fax at (213) 237-4712; by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012; and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.