The city of Agoura Hills wants to help shop owners stay in business during the nation's economic crisis by encouraging residents to "buy local." "Everybody's hurting," Councilmember John Edelston said. "It's why we suspended the rules on banner signs and waived permit fees—to help businesses attract more customers. More...

Ross Goldberg, founder and president of Kevin/Ross Public Relations, was elected chairman of the 2009 board of trustees of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. He succeeds Paul N. Finkel, MD, who will remain on the board for a second three-year term. More...

SAT., JAN. 24 Lecture Series 1 to 3 p.m. at Leonis Adobe Museum Adobe House, 23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas. Justin Farms, Ipai Northern Diegueno Indian and expert on California Indian artifacts, discusses American basket weaving. Free for members, $5 nonmembers. More...

Recognition for architectural firm Behr Browers Architects Inc. in Westlake Village recently received three awards from the American Institute of Architects, Ventura County Chapter. More...

Students did not write the play that is opening tomorrow at Oak Park High School, "Is There Life After High School?" The play is directed by a student, Jordan Stidham, but has a book written by Jeffrey Kindley and music and lyrics by Craig Carnelia. More...

Mired in mediocrity no more. It's not as if the Agoura High boys' and girls' varsity basketball programs have been terrible in recent seasons—the boys' team made the playoffs three of the past four years before being bounced in the first round on each occasion. More...

Calabasas City Council members are on their way to approving an ordinance that will require residents to clean up after their pets. The council will introduce the second reading of the proposed law at its next meeting, Wed., Jan. 28, before voting to pass it. More...

READY TO SHIP— Brennan and Cooper Ratican of Thousand Oaks help pack care packages that will be mailed to soldiers serving overseas. Social activists from Temple Adat Elohim sent more than 120 packages to a unit stationed in Kuwait. More...

"What's the matter with you?" the Godfather yelled at his godson Johnny Fontane, who whimpered about his inability to get a part in a movie. "Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman? More...

The Calabasas Library will hold a screening of "The Dark Knight" at 6 p.m. Sat., Jan. 31 at the library, 200 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. The movie is rated PG-13. No one under age 12 will be admitted. Admission is free. Proceeds will go to the Giving Tree Club and Project Cool Down. For information call (818) 225-7616. More...

Thousand OaksWestlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Janet Levett recently announced her retirement, effective the end of January. The board of directors has selected an interim CEO to lead the Chamber—Jill Lederer, local businesswoman, former board chair of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and chamber Woman of the Year. More...

In case they didn't get the message, our country is in a deep recession. Yet some of our local officials insist on spending money like there's no tomorrow. No matter what kind of economic climate we face, essential services must always be taken care of. On the other hand, expenditures for unnecessary government projects need to be brought under control. More...