To everyone

Thanks to artist Steve Mitchell of Camarillo, that poster for the 2008 Ventura County Fair — a view of the fair from atop the Ferris wheel — is so special, you'll want to get a copy as a keepsake.

To Californians

The surest thing in politics is the state budget being late — with this the 18th time in the past 22 years. There's been a proposal to dock state legislators a day's pay for every day the budget is late, but it's just one of those great ideas that never gets off the ground.

To Fillmore

Your fair city's police have a new gadget that measures noise on the street — such as blaring car stereos. Evidently, some of your residents take the term "boomer" all too literally.

To football fans

Some of the long-term, multimillion-dollar contracts given to rookies right out of college are "ridiculous," according to Roger Goodell, the commissioner of pro-football. "There's something wrong about the system," he said. "The money should go to people who perform."

To political buffs

Denver has been named a "no-fry zone" during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 25-28. Whatever that may mean at the take-out window, we can be sure that the Republicans will be "fried" in official speeches from the podium.

To Oxnard

That traffic initiative is likely to inspire the political equivalent of a head-on collision.

To gas stations

With gasoline now costing more than $4.50 a gallon at most stations, couldn't you at least restore such basic amenities as free water and air?

To basketball fans

The Pac 10 Conference has a new claim as the toughest in the country: Of the first 15 players taken in the National Basketball Association draft, six were from the Pac 10.

To faddists

The latest silliness is buying the naming rights to species of worms — with one man paying $5,000 for "goodhartzorum." My favorite newspaper's corporate cousin, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, is selling the rights, which does sound like something of a scientific put-on.

To jock recruiters

Nicholas Montana, son of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, is rumored to be considering a transfer to Newbury Park High, while Trevor Gretsky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretsky, is already in attendance at Oaks Christian High, planning to play both football and baseball.

To sports devotees

A last-minute $75 million settlement means the owner of the NBA franchise in Seattle will be moving the team to Oklahoma City. The city of Seattle would keep the teamless nickname, Supersonics, and the team's colors under the agreement.

To county historians

Former Star colleague John Krist's book about Ventura County agriculture, "Living Legacy," is now available at The Ventura County Farm Bureau, 5156 McGrath., Ventura, and the Ventura County Star. 550 Camarillo Outlet Drive, Camarillo. Or, to order by phone, call 642-7504.