SCAG SNAG: Thirty years ago, a bunch...

SCAG SNAG: Thirty years ago, a bunch of Southern California leaders formed a regional advisory agency called the Southern California Assn. of Governments, or SCAG. . . . One small problem: Scag is a slang term for heroin. In some circles, it is also an unflattering way to describe a woman. After three decades and much discussion, SCAG members have decided to do something about it--sort of. . . . The agency’s name will remain the same, but “the emphasis will be on the association part, and we’ll refer to it as The Association, rather than SCAG,” spokesman Anthony Greno said.

WELCOME WARNING: It’s no secret among Ventura County residents that uncongested highways help distinguish the area from its neighbor to the south. . . . Now Thousand Oaks leaders want to encourage another difference by getting drivers to shed their speedy habits when they hit the home turf (B5). . . . New signs popping up around town greet wary commuters with this message: “Welcome Home. Slow Down. Relax.” . . . Speeding tickets will be issued to those who require a more forceful approach.

DINING DELIGHTS: When it comes to eating out, Ventura County offers an abundance of dining alternatives. . . . Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming, but help is on the way. . . . Three critics nibble their way to the best meals around (Ventura County Life, Page 6). They offer insights on a range of cuisines, from basic burritos and slippery sushi to glamorous gourmet feasts.

LITERARY LIFT: For Alice D. Macumber, the H. P. Wright Library in Ventura was a place where she could flip through a magazine, work a crossword puzzle or just escape into a good book. . . . So when Macumber died, her daughter, Mimi Alice Adins, decided to show her appreciation by donating $2,500 in her mother’s name. . . . “She loved and cherished books with all her heart,” Adins said. “She’s the kind of person who was happy to sit and read the encyclopedia.” . . . The money will be spent on new books for the cash-strapped library.