EDUCATION GROUP'S ANNUAL SHOW RAISES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS.

Byline: Stacy Brown

The West Valley Educational Association recently held its 10th annual Night of Comedy and Benefit Auction, starring comedian Norm Crosby and the Coasters.

The West Hills-based organization's yearly event raises money for scholarships and community projects.

Association President Alan Shapiro says the most recent show - held Dec. 28 at the West Valley Jewish Community Center Milken Campus - was by far the most successful.

``There were more than 500 people in attendance,'' Shapiro said. ``We raised a lot of funds and received valuable donations.''

Among the donated items that were auctioned were camcorders, leather jackets and watches. In addition to Crosby's comedy, the evening's entertainment featured the Coasters performing such hits such as ``Charlie Brown,'' and ``Yakety-Yak.''

Access Services Inc., a nonprofit agency, will sponsor a free Access to Opportunities Mobility and Resource Expo on Jan. 25 to celebrate the full implementation of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

The act requires that public transit systems be accessible to the handicapped.

Under agreements with transit agencies, Access Services Inc. coordinates all local community transportation services for the disabled in Los Angeles County.

Alex Valdez, a blind stand-up comedian, will be master of ceremonies. The show will include music from Outasight, a trio of blind singers.

The keynote speaker will be Mike Auberger, executive director of American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today, an activist group that struggles to get equal rights for disabled Americans.

The Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25 at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum's south parking lot at 4700 Western Heritage Way, next to the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. The entertainment program will be at noon in the museum's Wells Fargo Theatre.

The Expo will feature more than 30 exhibitors, including transit and Dial-a-Ride agencies, as well as employment and training centers.

For additional information on the Expo, contact the Access Services at [phone] or [phone] for people with hearing and communications disabilities.

The Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks will be conducting lifeguard training classes at the aquatics center in Hubert Humphrey Park in Pacoima.

Students will be taught different aspects of water safety, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and rescue skills. A test will be given Tuesday for those wanting to participate in the classes that will start Thursday.

The city will also test candidates for 1997 summer job openings after conclusion of the classes that will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further information, contact the Aquatics Center at [phone].