LOCAL STARGAZERS TO HOST OUT-OF-TOWN COUNTERPARTS.

Byline: TRACY ZABORAC Community Columnist

If you see a large group of people gazing up at the sky as they travel around the Valley, don't be alarmed.

Los Angeles Valley College will play host to an out-of-this-world conference on astronomy beginning Wednesday.

The gathering is called ``L.A.'s Quadruple Conjunction: Where the Stars Meet the Stars.'' (A name only stargazers may be able to appreciate fully.)

David Falk, instructor of astronomy and the planetarium director at Valley College, says this is a perfect opportunity to show attendees some of the major sites where astronomical history was made in Los Angeles.

``This is a rare honor and a first for the Valley College Planetarium,'' said Falk. ``We anticipate 140 educators and planetarium professionals to attend from across the western United States.''

The goal is to exchange ideas in teaching and to discover what's new in the science of the stars, including equipment designed for planetariums.

The conference is a meeting of four Western regional planetarium associations: the Pacific, Great Plains, Rocky Mountain and Southwestern associations.

Falk says Los Angeles has a lot to offer in terms of astronomical areas of interest and facilities to host such an important conference.

The participants will visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mount Wilson Observatory, Griffith Observatory and Valley College's planetarium and observatory.

It's too late to get into the conference, but the Valley College Astronomy Club has public programs, including planetarium shows and lectures. Find out about events and dates by calling [phone].

How would you like a free checkup for your car?

Since October is National Car Care Month, the Automobile Club of Southern California is going to help people avoid breakdowns by offering complimentary checkups at more than 700 garages.

These ``Approved Auto Repair'' garages, designated by the AAA as providing quality service by trained technicians, will look at lubricants and fluids, batteries, belts and hoses, tires and filters as well as headlights and turn signals.

Members and nonmembers can benefit by these inspections because most car problems can be detected before they become big enough to leave you stranded on the side of the freeway.

To schedule an appointment and to find the closest garage, call [phone].

A tip o' the hat is in order for a couple of outstanding Valleyites.

Vanessa Perez, a senior at Providence High School and a resident of Burbank, has been named a scholar finalist in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The program points up the exceptional achievements of Latino high school seniors.

Based on preliminary college entrance exam scores, an elite group of 3,000 Latino students is chosen to be on a list released to colleges and universities.

And congratulations to Ray Burkhart.

He's a music instructor and the director of the jazz band at Glendale Community College and he's been given an award by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

He was granted the special award for his performances and compositions.

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PHOTO David Falk is an instructor of astronomy and planetarium director at Valley College.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News