SPECIAL KIDS RECEIVE SPECIAL TREATMENT AT CONEJO VALLEY DAYS : CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES GET EASY ACCESS.

Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer

Some of the most popular rides during Friday's Special Kids Day at Conejo Valley Days didn't even move.

One after another, the youngsters enrolled in Conejo Valley and east Ventura County elementary school special-needs programs climbed aboard the sheriff's motorcycles and patrol cars on display to try out their noisy sirens, make their lights flash, or shout ``You're under arrest!'' over the mikes.

In fact, the constant noise nearly drowned out the whir of the crowded rides nearby.

Ten-year-old Chase from Calabasas, one of the special kids in the crowd, gave the Ventura County Sheriff's Department vehicles a ``seven or eight'' on a scale of 10.

``It's pretty cool,'' Chase said.

His only regret about his morninglong visit to the carnival was that the more thrilling rides weren't open. ``It's cool, this is really fun, so far,'' the youngster said. ``I just wish the big swings were open like last year.''

A total of 363 elementary school-age youngsters took part in Special Kids Day, an annual event sponsored by the Zonta Club of Conejo Valley Area for the 12th year, said Sandra Cherry, event co-chairwoman.

It gives youngsters with a variety of learning or physical disabilities a chance to enjoy the carnival when it's closed off to the rest of the public. Many of the kids might not be able to attend otherwise, Cherry said.

The preschool to sixth-grade youngsters who attended this year, who were squired around by parents or volunteers, are enrolled in the Las Virgenes, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Conejo Valley unified school districts, she said.

``They're very appreciative about being able to come,'' Cherry said. ``They just enjoy all of it.''

She has a good time just watching the youngsters enjoy themselves. ``It's very gratifying to be a part of organizing this,'' she said.

The youngsters crowded around the rides, awaiting their turn on the Ferris wheel, pony rides and other attractions, or just enjoying the companionship of their friends.

And, of course, they made their way to the shiny police vehicles on display. The sheriff's mounted patrol horse and bicycle patrol bike also piqued their curiosity.

Some 100 youngsters had tested the sheriff's vehicles during the first 45 or so minutes of the carnival, said Deputy Mike Panek.

Every year the Sheriff's Department makes an appearance at Special Kids Day. And every year its imposing vehicles draw a steady crowd.

``They're interested in the buttons and how much noise (the sirens) make,'' Panek said.

The Sheriff's Department's attendance is part of its effort to let youngsters know that the police are there to help them. ``We come out here and let them know we're not the bad guys, we're the good guys.''

Another big draw was the yellow Ventura County Fire Department engine with extended aerial ladder from the department's Hillcrest Drive station. Once the youngsters were lured, the firefighters imparted some important fire safety information, said Capt. Mike Sandwick.

``Just the size and the aerial being up just fascinates them,'' Sandwick said. ``When we have their attention, we get our little message across.''

Those official vehicles helped make the day for 9-year-old James, who is buddies with Chase. ``But you need more of those rides,'' James said, pointing to the scarier thrill rides sitting motionless across the field.

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--color in CONEJO edition only) Young pupils hit the midway Friday for Special Kids Day at Conejo Valley Days.

(2--ran in CONEJO edition only--color) Children take advantage of a restricted fairground Friday morning to ride swings.

Jeremy Greene/Special to the Daily News