Bagel Blues: A year ago, the popular...

Bagel Blues: A year ago, the popular Valley-based bagel chain I & Joy Bagels was acquired by an East Coast firm, Manhattan Bagel Co. With the bagel business hotter than ever, all seemed well . . . until Friday, when Manhattan Bagel reported that financial irregularities had been uncovered at I & J. Manhattan’s stock promptly plunged, even as the company said it would launch an inquiry into the problems (D1).

Still Kicking: Another day, another win for the Valley United Stars. . . . The team of 11- and 12-year-old girls beat the Colorado state champion Lakewood Fury, 2-1, in Casper, Wyo. . . . Today, these young athletes face a Northern California team in the tourney finals. The Far West National Championship is at stake.

Double Take: The billboard for St. James Presbyterian Church in Tarzana says: “You just passed us.” But don’t plan on seeing a church in the rearview mirror any time soon. Instead, of the “real people” the ad promises, you’ll see real rubble. . . . Pastor Ken Tracy said the earthquake-ravaged church, which was demolished recently, will be rebuilt next year. Services, meanwhile, are being held in the church hall.

Time Line: Keep those federal dollars coming to California, top Assembly Democrat Richard Katz of Sylmar said Friday at a U.S. Transportation Department hearing in San Diego. And don’t cut the gas tax. . . . One minor miscue, though: Katz’s speech said voters who approved transportation bonds in 1990 couldn’t foretell the Loma Prieta quake. Why not? It took place on Oct. 17, 1989.