MISSING LINK: The clogged Ventura Freeway may...

MISSING LINK: The clogged Ventura Freeway may get a breather as a result of the opening Friday of a 2.2-mile connector between the Moorpark and Simi Valley freeways (B5). . . . Highway planners say commuters between Los Angeles and Ventura counties should be lured to the new road, which eliminates a traffic bottleneck for an estimated 23,000 vehicles each day.

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NO MAKE-BELIEVE: As Halloween nears, authorities are advising parents in rural areas of Granada Hills and Porter Ranch to accompany their children when they go trick-or-treating this year (B2). . . . The reason: As many as three mountain lions have been spotted, but none have posed a danger to humans or pets.

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METHODIST MISSION: A mainline Protestant denomination has sent a couple of young missionaries on two-year assignments in the San Fernando Valley--not so much to evangelize as to help the homeless, jobless and otherwise disadvantaged residents (B13). . . . United Methodists Laurie McCormick and Cecile Dunn are organizing tutorial programs, expanded food banks and other programs at churches in Pacoima and North Hills.

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L.A. LAW: Shellie Samuels has been named prosecutor of the year, making her both the first woman and the first prosecutor from the San Fernando Valley to be so honored (B4). . . . Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti cited the 39-year-old Woodland Hills resident for her ability “to see that justice is done for the accused and for the community.”

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TRICE IS RIGHT: “Sweet feet” is how Bob Burt describes the running style of Cal State Northridge tailback Robert Trice. The Matador football coach punctuates his words with a finger wiggle that indicates Trice’s feet are also fleet. . . . In consecutive games, Trice has set school rushing records. His 278 yards last week against Nevada Las Vegas surpassed the 261 yards he gained against Sonoma State. (C14)