KING SPEAKS: His CNN television show is...

KING SPEAKS: His CNN television show is broadcast worldwide, but Larry King will be appearing live and in person today at the Reagan Presidential Library near Simi Valley. . . . Politicos have made big headlines on King’s show--H. Ross Perot and Vice President Al Gore notable among them. . . . But organizers said the $20 tickets for King’s appearance--third in a speakers forum--haven’t sold at quite the same clip as others in the series. “People have suggested you could see him for free on TV,” library spokeswoman Lynda Schuler said.

SMALL COMFORTS: If everything finally goes according to plan, the Samaritan Center for the homeless will open today in Simi Valley (B5). . . . The center will provide for some basic needs, such as a place to shower and hot meals. . . . The opening was stymied for months by problems--from a lack of money to bad wiring. Its services will mean a lot to people on the street. “I think that could make all the difference in the world,” homeless advocate Judy Hall said.

TORTOISE LOVE: It started when Patricia Dalrymple’s husband found an endangered California desert tortoise wandering the street. She licensed the animal through the state’s Fish and Game Department, got him a female companion and-- voila! --baby tortoises soon followed. . . . Dalrymple gives most of the hatchlings to the science department at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Nursing the others to maturity requires keeping close watch--except during the winter. “It’s enjoyable because half the year they’re hibernating,” she said.

TEE-OFF TIME: Celebrities will putt for charity today at the North Ranch Country Club to benefit two residential homes run by United Cerebral Palsy / Spastic Children’s Foundation. . . . Founded by comedian Tim Conway, the event had been defunct for two years. With its revival, organizers hope to raise $50,000 to build a patio for the 30 adults who live in the Thousand Oaks homes, chairman Ron Plotkin said. “It’s such a worthy cause and it’s right in our back yard.”