The famine in Niger has become almost the "crisis du jour" in recent weeks. But it is nothing new, or faddish, for Leslie Clark of Ojai. Staff writer Stephanie Hoops (shoops@VenturaCountyStar.com) profiles the Ojai artist and her Nomad Foundation, which for eight years has supported the people of Niger through new scools and new jobs. Clark spreads the word of their culture by selling Niger jewelry in her Ojai gallery. Now she is going back, after having collected $40,000 to buy grain and goats and cows to help them stave starvation.

Also for Page One tomorrow, we'll report on the decision today by the California Coastal Commission to fight the federal government over extending the offshore oil leases off the Ventura and Santa Barbara coasts. Sacramento bureau chief Timm Herdt (therdt@VenturaCountStar.com) is reporting that story.

Off the wire, we'll report on President Bush's discussion of the Iraq situation and the continuing protests outside his Crawford ranch; what the world community is doing regarding the situation in Iran; and a story about women who become attracted to inmates ... in the wake of the Tennessee inmate breakout this week.