Los Alamitos Youth Center

The United Way of Orange County has selected 34 local health and human care agencies to share in more than $450,000 worth of grants generated by the organization's "Donor Choice" program, which allows donors to direct their money toward specific community issues. The recipient agencies were selected by a panel of 75 volunteers familiar with area charities and community programs, United Way officials said. The panel also allocated the amoney.

They were expert stylists, artists and athletes. Devoted mothers and fathers, and outdoors enthusiasts too. Six women and two men were shot to death Wednesday in Seal Beach when, authorities say, Scott Dekraai opened fire at Salon Meritage, killing five employees, two customers and a man parked outside. It was the deadliest shooting in Orange County history. Friends, family members and clients offered these portraits of the victims. :: Michelle Marie Fournier's calling was cutting and styling hair.

Everyone knew that with the appearance of new "No Smoking" signs, things might get ugly. They knew that when a state law took effect on Jan. 1 banning smoking from bars and pool halls, pack-a-dayers would stay away in droves, and bar receipts would nose dive. But some didn't realize that the law, which also applies to bingo parlors, would drive away many of those players--mostly senior citizens--who tend to puff when they play.

Representatives of Orange County's United Way announced Wednesday that they have dug deep into their reserve funds to dole out an extra $216,000 in "safety net funds" to 36 social service agencies hit hard by the sour economy. "Support in this area is being cut," Janet Davidson, head of United Way agency relations, said at a news conference at the headquarters of the county's Salvation Army. "Times are tough; many people who used to contribute to these services are now on the receiving end."

Rebecca Conrad is a modern woman with yesteryear yearnings, such as making dolls out of corn husks, wood and rags. In fact, said the 33-year-old Los Alamitos mother of three, the sophisticated modern look in homes is giving way to the more traditional homey look. And the type of old-fashioned dolls she makes fits in with the decor. Conrad teaches teen-agers and adults how to make dolls out of dry corn husks, rags and wood cutouts, a skill she learned mainly from library books.

It was six years ago that Jennifer Slusher, then a sophomore at Los Alamitos High School, heard about Safe Rides, a student-run program that provides confidential, free rides home to anyone too intoxicated to drive safely. It was the same year that two boys, a senior and junior at Los Alamitos, were killed in an alcohol-related driving accident. That tragedy spurred Slusher to action, and through her efforts a Safe Rides program was begun at Los Alamitos.

ADVENTURE DAY CAMP Sponsor: Anaheim Parks and Recreation and Community Services Department. Where: Four locations in Anaheim--Peralta Canyon Park Recreation Center, 111 Pinney Drive; Pearson Park, 400 N. Harbor Blvd.; Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Ave., and Reid Park, 3100 W. Orange Ave. Dates: Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 27-30 Times: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day care offered until 6 p.m. daily for an additional fee. Fee: $45 for the first week and $40 for the second week.

Los Alamitos voters go to the polls Tuesday to elect two City Council members, vote on a proposal to increase the city's business license tax by 50% and decide whether this will be the last city election to be held in month of April. Ron Bates and Marianne Stiles are challenging incumbent Councilmen Paul Bernal and Charles E. Sylvia for two seats on the City Council. Los Alamitos and San Juan Capistrano are the only two cities in Orange County to hold city elections in April.

Whether you want to save a piece of rain forest, as a group of Irvine eighth-graders did, or have an abiding love of horses, as a South County teenager has, the world of volunteers has a place for you. As never before, Orange County youngsters are offering their time and energy for community service, propelled by generosity, school service requirements and the increasing clout that volunteer work carries with college admissions committees.

Life in high school is more than hitting the books and going out on Saturday nights. In fact, Orange County teen-agers are involved in a wide variety of school and community activities that enrich others' lives as well as their own. From raising money to feeding the homeless to tutoring other students, here's a sampling of how some of them have gotten involved. Gary Goble, 14 Orange County High School of the Arts, Los Alamitos When Gary dances, it's with purpose.