Target Avila: One store’s public relations nightmare...

Target Avila: One store’s public relations nightmare could become another’s coup. . . . Target Stores apologized Tuesday for firing the security manager at its Ventura outlet for using company resources to find the body of slain homemaker Sherri Dally. But John Avila balked at conditions placed on his return. Now Sam’s Club is talking with Avila about a new and better job. . . . “Boy, wouldn’t that be sweet,” Avila said. “I don’t think it would look too hot for Target.”

Kids At Work: You don’t have to tell county jobs officials that the employment picture is looking up. While the unemployment rate dipped to its lowest level in six years (B1), the Summer Youth Employment Program has been helping to put local youngsters to work. The federally funded program has 650 jobs available. “We are trying to fill those jobs with youth most at risk,” said program manager Bruce Stenslie.

Athlete For Life: Two decades after being named athlete of the year at Royal High in Simi Valley (C10), Julia Celotto (formerly Julia Lendl) is as competitive as ever. . . . Celotto was a most valuable player in track, volleyball and basketball. She now plays on the women’s pro beach volleyball tour. . . . “I’ve been an athlete all my life,” she says. “It’s what I am and it keeps me healthy.”

New Wheels: Talk about divine intervention. The Sister Servants of Mary, in need of a car to replace their broken-down station wagon, had to look no further than the Oxnard Auto Mall. . . . The association of auto dealers there has donated a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass, valued at $2,118, to the Oxnard nuns. . . . “It was kind of like preordained,” said Karin Speights of Honda and Saturn of Oxnard. “We just thought they do such wonderful work this was an opportunity to repay them.”