To pet lovers

There are orphan animals of all kinds at the Ventura County Animal Shelter, which is holding its annual Pet Adoption Fair on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 388-4341.

To everyone

We've all been asked to conserve water in every possible way — and some ways are as simple as turning off the faucet while you're brushing your teeth.

To Ventura

Avast, me hearties! It's Pirate Days again at Ventura Harbor, today and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

To historians

Now that the Seven Wonders of the World have been updated, my favorite newspaper is collecting nominees for the scenic Wonders of Ventura County. To voice your opinion, send an e-mail to letters@VenturaCountyStar.com or write The Star at P.O. Box 6006, Camarillo, CA 93011.

To voters

As if our elections weren't sometimes confusing enough already, a bill in the state Legislature would permit second and third choices for candidates in local elections. If that comes to pass, pity the poor vote-counters.

To baseball fans

When you watch the All-Star Home Run Derby, with the best power hitters often thwarted in trying to blast very slow "fast" balls, thrown by their own batting practice pitchers, you can appreciate how tough it must be to hit 90-mile-an-hour fastballs and sliders out of the park.

To Camarillo

Your fair city's Old Town — along Ventura Boulevard — is the setting for this weekend's Fiesta and Street Fair, today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To nonpartisans

An ethics committee has cleared the Ventura County Republican Central Committee of any violations for spending $20,000 on a mailer that must have helped Peter Foy win election to the Board of Supervisors. So much for the pretense that county supervisor is a nonpartisan office.

To mariners

Looking for your dream boat? You might find it at the 12th annual Ventura County Boat Show, which continues today and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Channel Islands Harbor.

To commuters

Some of you may wonder if that new 12-lane bridge over the Santa Clara River was obsolete from the day it opened.

To solo drivers

We're told that the incidence of solo drivers in Ventura County is down, but only to 75 percent. That's still an awful lot of vacant passenger seats.

To art fanciers

The 10th annual meet-the-artists exhibition holds a reception today, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center, on the campus of CSU Channel Islands.

To definers

The latest edition of Webster's Dictionary includes the word "ginormous" — a blending of "gigantic" and "enormous." The lexicographers say the word was included because it's so popular, but some of us had never heard it before.