LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

On this first day of the new year, it seems appropriate to take one final look at the events that shaped the last 12 months here in Ventura County--and to see what 1995 might hold in store for us.

With the help of a talented corps of photographers, Times staff writer Stephanie Simon does just that today in our annual Year in Review on pages B2 and B3.

This county stands in view of both promise and peril this year. While there are hopeful signs that the worst of the economic downturn is behind us, the possible closure of local military bases serves as just one reminder of the uncertainties the county faces.

Here at The Times, we will be watching the economic picture closely for you in the coming year. We will also watch for the unexpected, for the entertaining and for the just-plain-fun in this diverse county of ours. No matter what the story, though, we appreciate the opportunity to be your news source. On behalf of all of us at the Ventura County Edition of The Times, I wish you and your family the best of headlines in 1995.

Julia C. Wilson

Times Ventura County Editor