Great Western Bid: Even as Chatsworth’s Great...

Great Western Bid: Even as Chatsworth’s Great Western considered a $6.6-billion takeover offer, reaction poured in about the merits of another big deal involving Southern California S & Ls. . . . It augers well for the region, says columnist James Flanigan (D1). It’s also expected to accelerate the consolidation of California’s thrifts (D5).

Hotel Liaisons: Professors, prostitutes and police officers will convene next month at the Van Nuys Airtel Plaza Hotel when CSUN’s Center for Sex Research holds a conference on what is often called the world’s oldest profession. . . . Meantime, the LAPD will be training prospective DARE (Drug Abuse Research & Education) officers at the hotel. “Nothing surprises me anymore,” said DARE Sgt. Ed Arambula.

The Taxman Keepeth: Here’s the finale in the case of the Granada Hills woman whose father mistakenly sent the IRS $7,000. . . . Even though no taxes were owed, the IRS refused to refund the money to Marian Brockamp. The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give Brockamp a break, saying “occasional unfairness” was the cost of doing business (D1).

Springing Back: Pansies bashed by Monday’s freak hailstorm? Just pinch off the damaged blossoms, said Hania Saoud of Sperling Nursery in Calabasas. This will encourage the plant to sprout new blooms. . . . But wait another month before pruning damaged bushes and trees.