END OF AN ERA? Camarillo State Hospital...

END OF AN ERA? Camarillo State Hospital opened its doors to 410 patients Nov. 1, 1936, “to relieve overcrowding at other hospitals around the state,” spokeswoman Anna Pavin said (B1). By 1957, it had grown to more than 7,000 mentally disabled patients. Now, with only a fraction of that number, Gov. Pete Wilson may close it down. . . . The decreasing population is due to a number of reasons, including development of anti-psychotic drugs and the emptying of state hospitals in the 1960s.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Ventura Police Department is looking for a few good men and women--but not for police work. . . . The department is looking for volunteers to answer telephones, greet the public and write reports at its downtown storefront office. . . . Volunteers would work four- to 10-hour shifts as little as two days a month. . . . Officer Ron Rojo said there are only two major requirements. “Basically, we’re looking for anybody who has the time and who is over 18.”

PROBST SUIT: The fund-raising branch of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza has filed suit against millionaire Charles E. Probst, saying he’d better cough up the $1.75 million he still owes (B1). . . . Although City Councilwoman Jaime Zukowski says she’s not surprised by Probst’s action, Mayor Andy Fox says he wants the council to stay out of the fight. “The last thing we need is for the City Council to stick its nose in this issue.”

KID CARE: Even when parents have found the perfect child-care provider, they know that it can all end in a minute (E3). Then it’s back to reading the classified ads and canvassing friends. . . . But state-funded agencies can also help. Child Development Resources of Ventura County has a computerized list of 250 child-care centers and 1,071 in-home providers. Charlotte Hill says her agency can offer parents a choice based on their needs, but warned parents to “give themselves time to find that good match.”