Taking StockThe financial woes of the Ventura...

Taking Stock

The financial woes of the Ventura Theatre have nearby merchants worried that the downtown renaissance is losing some luster (B1). “Maybe developers will realize that Ventura isn’t a sure bet,” said Natalie Siman, who works across the street from the theater. “People get so sure this is the next L.A. But this place is four years behind.” . . . But others, like Councilwoman Rosa Lee Measures, remain hopeful that the shut-down theater will be reopened soon.

In a Day’s Work

Next time you lose something, Ken Herron is the guy you want picking up after you (B1). It seems that Herron, an engineer for Southern California Gas Co., came upon a purse filled with $31,000 worth of cash and bonds. . . . His first reaction? How to get the purse back to its owner quickly, so she didn’t worry too much. His quick action action meant Jacquellyn Cameron’s home-buying quest was only momentarily sidetracked.

On the Offense

He may be the least-known of the four quarterbacks in today’s high school all-star football game, but Farhaad Azimi of Rio Mesa just wants to get the job done (C10). “I’m sure if I threw the ball 40 times a game I’d get more headlines,” said Azimi, who operates a Wing-T offense. “It would be nice to see your name in the paper every day, but it doesn’t bother me if I don’t.” . . . Azimi, who led his team to an 8-3 finish last season, will start for the West.

Weather

Variably cloudy and locally breezy. Highs to mid-70s. B10