JOB OUTLOOK: Hard times are likely to...

JOB OUTLOOK: Hard times are likely to continue for many in the San Fernando Valley despite improvement in the nation’s overall jobless rate (A1). An upturn in motion picture production and tourism will help some in the East Valley. . . . But that won’t offset declining defense and high-tech industries valleywide, says Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Economic Development Corp. of Los Angeles County.

WAYWARD FLOCK: They descended from the hills under the cover of night, intruders wandering the streets of Porter Ranch. Outnumbered, police called out the dogs. Two hours later, 1,000 or so sheep were finally corralled by authorities at the corner of Corbin and Rinaldi . . . near Shepherd of the Hills church (B1). The flock apparently had fled nearby grazing lands. There are about 7,300 sheep being raised in the county these days.

WHOLE NEW WORLD: The Walt Disney Co., so far lukewarm about the multimedia craze sweeping Hollywood, says its upcoming interactive “Aladdin” video game pushes the genre to a new level. Disney’s previous games have disappointed critics, but studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg told attendees of the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago Friday that the media giant will leap headlong into the expanding world of interactive games (D1).

LEADING PIONEER: Since taking over as Simi Valley High baseball coach 14 years ago, Mike Scyphers has taken the Pioneers to eight Marmonte League titles and two No. 1 national rankings. . . . For the first time, Scyphers has guided Simi Valley into the Southern Section Division I final. The Pioneers take on Esperanza tonight at Anaheim Stadium (C10).

HAPPY TRAILS: Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will be on hand today to dedicate the Pacific Crest Trail near Acton. . . . Meanwhile, volunteers will be cleaning up the Coyote Canyon Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.