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No junk food means no extracurriculars at schools

The school district’s 5-month-old junk food ban is hitting campuses hard with some losing $1,000 or more a week in funds once used for extracurricular activities.

The sales of soda, candy and other popular items at student stores and vending machines paid for field trips, marching bands and other programs.

Schools in the San Fernando Valley lost $301,820 in beverage revenue in the first three months of 2004 after Los Angeles Unified School District officials banned soda sales.

The junk food ban took effect in July, and while figures aren’t available, school officials say there is no question the replacement baked chips and low fat ice cream aren’t making the grade.

‘‘We’re losing a lot of money. The healthy food snacks just are not real appetizing to the kids,’’ said Bob Weinberg, principal of the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies.

Wal-Mart fate put to vote

ROSEMEAD — Wal-Mart foes collected enough voter signatures to put the retailer’s plans for a 24-acre Super Center on the ballot, possibly in March.

‘‘The fight has just begun,’’ Save Our Community leader Larry Bevington said Monday after the City Clerk said enough signatures were gathered. Save Our Community submitted 2,615 signatures to the city clerk and needed 1,650 to start a ballot initiative.

The City Council must now either rescind its September decision to approve Wal-Mart or put the matter on a ballot. Assistant City Manager Don Wagner said the council could make a decision at its Dec. 14 meeting.

Compiled from Bruin wire reports.