Traffic Talk: Here’s a first: a cop...

Traffic Talk: Here’s a first: a cop whose speech topic for the night will be “How to Avoid a Ticket.” Presumably, that means Los Angeles Police Capt. Alan Kerstein, who has a reputation as a humorous speaker, will discuss good driving techniques. He’ll address the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. next Wednesday at 8 p.m. at The Ventura, 13920 Ventura Blvd.

* QUAKE REPAIRS: Federal officials agreed to give another $3 million to repair North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre, which was extensively damaged in the Northridge earthquake. B1

* BIG NAME: Former Sherman Oaks attorney Raymond C. Fisher is already making a name for himself in Washington in his newest position--the No. 3 post at the Justice Department. A5

* TOP SCORER: Ruben Douglas is among the top high school basketball players in Southern California, averaging 35.1 points a game. Even so, Bellermine- Jefferson’s team has a break-even record of 8-8. C7

* WOODY WOODPECKER: Is the public ready to embrace a 58-year-old woodpecker? Universal Studios hopes Woody Woodpecker will do for the company what Mickey Mouse did for Disneyland. D7