HAPPY NEW YEAR: About 15,000 people gathered...

HAPPY NEW YEAR: About 15,000 people gathered in North Hollywood on Saturday for the Thai New Year Festival. The celebration included classical Thai music, food, dance, a beauty contest and a costume contest. “This is reminding them of traditions,� said festival spokeswoman Nancy Poopongpaibul. The festival continues today at Wat Thai of Los Angeles, 8225 Coldwater Canyon Blvd. Events include a parade, and the traditional splashing of water for good luck.

GOOD CALL: Valley Little Leaguers will soon have to wait until their teen-age years before diving headfirst into home plate. The Little League Congress last month banned the headfirst slide for players under 12, beginning in 1996. The rule was changed to avoid injuries. The change could increase the use of the knee slide, said Dave Chauncey, owner of L.A. School of Baseball in Encino. “It’s kind of a lost art.�

LEST WE FORGET: Burbank Councilman George Battey Jr. remembers it well. Saturday, the World War II veteran (above) helped rededicate the World War II Memorial at George Izay Park. The memorial plaque was saved after Olive Stadium was demolished last month. “It’s important for the younger people to recognize the role of World War II in the history of our nation,� said Battey. “It might help them avoid the horrors of war.�

REBIRTH: During the Northridge earthquake, a cross etched into glass shattered at the altar of the Sherman Oaks Methodist Church. The broken glass was saved and used to create a 6-foot-4-inch cross that was recently raised at the church . . . just in time for Easter. (B1)

AFTERSHOCK: A 3.4-magnitude aftershock from the Northridge earthquake rolled through the region at 3 p.m. Saturday, reported Will Houston of Caltech. It was centered three miles south of Newhall. Windows rattled, but no damage or injuries were reported.