PSYCHO THRILLER: Three decades ago his book...

PSYCHO THRILLER: Three decades ago his book “Psycho” became a blood-tingling movie, making his twisted killer, Norman Bates, a household name. Author Robert Bloch had planned to spend Halloween in Ventura, signing copies of the 35th anniversary edition of the book. . . . Sadly, Bloch died in September. But the Phantom Bookshop on Main Street is planning a “posthumous book signing” this afternoon to sell 75 copies he autographed before his death.

NO SUGAR TONIGHT: Trick-or-treating can be tough if you can’t eat sweets. That’s why Ventura County Medical Center sponsored a camp for diabetic children this weekend, handing out sugarless treats, fruit and other suitable snacks. . . . The youngsters also competed in a costume contest and mummy wrap. . . . Diabetes strikes more than 50,000 people in Ventura County, hitting Latinos particularly hard. Local eye doctors have banded together to give free exams for diabetics, who risk blindness if untreated. (B1)

MONEY TREE: As if the Civic Arts Plaza wasn’t enough to put Thousand Oaks on the map, the city has installed the first of several signs designed to let motorists know they’ve arrived. . . . The four-foot, concrete-and-brass sign on Olsen Road marks the border with Simi Valley. Denise Filz, who designed the gateway-to-the-city markers, calls the textured oak tree “something truly unique, with a natural feeling.” Critics call it expensive, at $5,000 a sign.

FINAL SALUTE: It lost its county funding two years ago. Now the Ventura County Commission for Women could be losing its annual awards contest. . . . After receiving only 17 nominees for all 12 Salute to Women categories, commission members decided to cancel this fall’s banquet. They’ll give one final round of awards next spring, then retire the contest after 12 years. “It’s kind of sad, isn’t it?” commissioner Loma Siegel said, adding that other groups have picked up the slack in recognizing women’s achievements.