FLAMING YOUTH: The Antelope Valley has a...

FLAMING YOUTH: The Antelope Valley has a hot new problem--kids and fires. Some 56 children have been arrested for arson this year, 34 in the past six weeks (B1). That includes the four boys, 8 to 10, who police say set off Lancaster’s biggest brush fire in years this week, a 2,100-acre blaze that destroyed two homes. It’s not gang warfare, police say, just a particularly bad outbreak of “boys will be boys.”

MORE RECRUITS: Critics of the L. A. public schools should be crestfallen over Sacramento’s rejection of a breakup bill--but many are rejoicing instead. Those who favor a tuition voucher initiative are delighted (B1). Their thinking: Foreclosing the alternative brings more recruits. . . . Said one: “Every time the bureaucracy in Sacramento slaps down reform, another 100,000 or 200,000 parents decide that it is time for some real reform.”

IN OTHER WORDS: Bailey Broadcasting Services offers a lineup of syndicated radio programs on African-American issues. . . . The Valley-based operation--host Michael Mosby shown at work above--is one of a scattering of independent producers across the country who operate outside of radio’s predominantly white mainstream. See Valley Life, Page 3.

EXTRA INNINGS: The growing popularity of senior softball for men and women over 55 in the Valley area (C10) comes partly from exercise and friendship benefits . . . but don’t forget the thrill of victory. In the words of 80-year-old outfielder Bennie Kronmal, survivor of kidney failure, a heart attack and many operations: “I’ll probably die out there with a smile on my face. I hope I catch the ball, that’s all.”

OUT TO EAT: One great thing about San Fernando Valley weather--Paris, eat your heart out--is that you can dine outside nearly all year. Alfresco restaurants range from a lodge that offers wild game and fresh fish to a freeway-side stand where you can get authentic Chicago hot dogs. See Valley Life, Page 10.