EASY RIDERS: Ventura County has a fair...

EASY RIDERS: Ventura County has a fair percentage of motorists who prefer two wheels to four. Perhaps Los Angeles-bound commuters are the reason. . . . One thing for sure, motorcycle sales have been on the rise since last month’s earthquake damaged commuter routes into the city. . . . “Motorcycle riding is quick, it’s economical and you don’t have to worry about traffic,” said Larry Ingraham, sales manager at Simi Valley Honda. “I’m seeing a lot of people who haven’t ridden in a while starting to do it again.”

QUAKE RELIEF: Speaking of earthquakes: Last month’s shaker has spurred a migration of Cal State Northridge students from the college’s main campus to a satellite campus in Ventura (B1). But the disaster also has spurred an outpouring of support for quake relief efforts. . . . Folks in Pollock Pines, Calif., sold “Quakeburgers” last Sunday and raised $2,000 for Ventura County quake victims. Other communities also have rallied around the cause. . . . “Everyone has been willing to pitch in and help their neighbors,” said Richard Rink with the local Red Cross chapter.

LIBRARY SERVICE: While officials try to ease the grip of a budget shortfall that is choking Ventura County libraries (B1), the Friends of the Oxnard Library hope to raise more money than ever for the city library. . . . Last year, the group raised about $6,000 through sales at a library gift shop. This year, the Friends hope to pour $10,000 into library programs. . . . “What we are trying to do is help the library better serve people in the community,” group President Felicity Harper said.

MAIN EVENT: Oxnard boxer Robert Garcia will make his hometown debut tonight at the Oxnard Civic Center. The 19-year-old featherweight has won his nine professional fights. . . . “I encourage everyone to come out and support Robert and support boxing,” fight promoter Peter Broudy said. . . . Some of the proceeds from the prizefight will benefit La Colonia Youth Boxing Club, where Garcia trains.

Hog Heavens

Percentage of motorcycles, compared to all vehicles, in Southern California counties:

Santa Barbara: 3.7%

Kern: 3.4

Ventura: 3.2

San Bernardino: 3.1

Riverside: 2.8

San Diego: 2.7

Orange: 2.6

Los Angeles: 2.4

Source: Department of Motor Vehicles