GAME OF SURVIVAL CUSTOMERS LOOK TO SAVE HOBBY STORE.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - For years, Jeff Weston has opened the doors of his game store to Santa Clarita's young people and now his customers are trying to help him keep his shop open.

Weston, 74, who owns Name of the Game on Seco Canyon and Bouquet Canyon roads, is facing eviction after failing to pay his $3,000 monthly rent. His bills have mounted and he's 1 1/2 months behind on the rent. This week, he received a two-day eviction notice and is scrambling to raise some cash.

``We are trying to do whatever we can, but we don't even know where to begin,'' said Agnes Nilo, 21, a friend and customer.

The store, which specializes in trading cards, role playing, family and miniatures games, offers a place where customers can hang out and play games together.

``It's just a matter of owing them money,'' said Weston, who recently moved his store to Saugus. ``I didn't realize that I was going to have an $800 phone bill and an $800 electric bill.''

As news of the pending eviction spread, Weston's customers began trying toPAL020702 ``He is kind of like a grandpa to me. The store is like a second home to me,'' said 20-year-old Troy Harris, a customer at Name of the Game since he was in the fifth grade.

``I've always had the store to go to. It's like part of my life.''

George Townson, Harris' stepfather, loaned Weston $5,500 to help cover his business costs.

``He's a good man,'' Townson said. ``He's been good to my son. I hate to see something disappear that was a good place for kids to go.''

Hearing of the store's possible closure, Weston's customers are coming by with long faces, the shopkeeper said.

``We are trying to do whatever we can but we don't even know where to begin,'' said Nilo, 21, of Canyon Country, who along with her boyfriend helped Weston move into his new location. ``There's no way to come up with the money.''

MJW Investments, which manages the strip mall where Weston's business is, wants to keep the store, but needs the rent paid.

``We don't want anything to happen to him,'' said Greg Gailys, an MJW account manager. ``We want him to stay.''

Weston has had health problems, including a stroke suffered eight months ago. And business was slow, prompting his move two months ago to the Saugus location.

Name of the Game is doing better in the new location, but not enough to cover the bills.

``We helped him move the shop,'' Nilo said. ``But he's still not making enough. He's trying to do what he can.''

In last-minute attempts to save his business, Weston has been reviewing his property records, and hopes to sell land he owns in Canyon Country.

``I'm just hoping for the best,'' Weston said. ``I just hope I have a few more days.''