A SPECIAL REPORT: VALLEY SUMMER

Tons of Fun

Summer fun gets a major kickoff at Northridge Park this coming weekend with a Salute to Recreation. Expect a carnival. . . . The event promotes activities at the 40-odd recreation centers in the Valley run by the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department. “There’s something for everybody,” said Olga Singer, a supervisor for the department’s Valley region.

Wet and Wild

Swimming holes are hits as temperatures rise. . . . Los Angeles offers 15 swimming pools and Lake Balboa in the Valley. They are open from June 22 through Labor Day (Sept. 2). Hours may vary a bit, said Maria Gudino, a manager for the city’s aquatics division. Fees per swim session will be: 17 or younger, 75 cents; 18 to 64, $1.25; seniors and handicapped bathers, 50 cents. Each child under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

How About Jobs?

The city’s Summer Youth Employment and Training Program hopes to find work for as many as 12,000 young people, ages 14 to 21. That’s about 3,000 fewer low-income youths than last year. . . . Federal funding this year was only $17.4 million, down from $23.5 million. Those who land jobs--as anything from clerks to custodians--will make $5 an hour working for six weeks, said Manny Rico, a program administrator. “You try to help as many as possible,” he said.