PROFESSOR ROBERTI: Departing state Sen. David A....

PROFESSOR ROBERTI: Departing state Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) is headed to the classroom. He’s been hired by USC for the fall term as a part-time teacher in American political parties, campaign trends and political reform, “things I’m fairly conversant with, for better or for worse.” . . . Roberti, leader of the state Senate for 13 years, leaves office in December (A21).

DREAM ON: Many people thought Toluca Lake’s Paul Dooley could have received an Oscar for his portrayal of the jaded used-car salesman in 1979’s “Breaking Away,” but he wasn’t even nominated. . . . At Sunday’s Emmy Awards, however, Dooley has another chance to be recognized by his peers. He was nominated for his guest role in HBO’s “Dream On.”

CLOSING SHOP: He made John Wayne’s boots and Elvis Presley’s gold suit. Nudie was a tailor to the stars. But the North Hollywood Western-wear shop that made him a name in this town will shut down in a few weeks. Nudie died in 1984, and now his wife, Bobbie, is retiring (B1). . . . Manuel Ortiz (above), who plans to open his own tailor shop, checks out the merchandise.

THE TV VALLEY: Fox has more than football this fall--it has a piece of the Valley, too. The network’s new drama, “Party of Five,” premiering Monday night, will feature some action filmed at two local schools--John Burroughs High in Burbank and Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood. . . . The series, set in San Francisco, revolves around a family of five orphans.

NEVER TOO LATE: They’re old enough to be grandmothers, even great-grandmothers. Big deal. Does that mean fitness is out of fashion? Definitely not. The 50 women who meet three times a week in a Northridge gym are taking part in an exercise study (B2). . . . Said Bo-Ching Tong, 83, of Granada Hills, who used to teach tap dancing: “Who knows? Maybe when the study is over, I can start teaching again.”