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In friendly clash of two worlds over at the Mary Pickford Institute for Film Education on Venice Boulevard, what is old, dead and buried is blending with the latest in technology to shoot a fresh bolt of energy into previously uninspired students.

At schools and educational centers of all stripes, the Institute seeks to show the curious and the turned-off boys and girls that if they think books are too old-fashioned, here is a new way to grow. In the process, their program aids centers and schools in their fundraising.

Do not be misled by the full name of the organization, as in “for Film Education.” They are not recruiting for show business. . They are trying to develop improved human beings.

No record is available of whether City Council candidate Andy Weissman, center, in chocolate coat and fedora, was singing in the rain yesterday morning or merely standing in the rain. Supporters joined him at Starbucks to sign Mr. Weissman’s official campaign papers.

Culver City High School and its Academy of Visual and Performing Arts present the annual Winter Concert tonight at 7 o’clock in the Robert Frost Auditorium, 4401 Elenda St.

The free concert will feature the high school’s Concert Band and Concert Choir, both directed by Dr. Tony Spano.

Three outstanding AVPA ensembles will also perform on the program.

The AVPA Chamber Singers, with their director Lisa Michel, will perform selections ranging from holiday, to madrigal, to gospel works.

If Jin Kwak, the venerable owner of a neighborhood service station, had realized that adding an automatic car wash to his business at the corner of Motor and Culver would become so complicated, he probably would have tackled a more simplistic mission, like starting a new country.

Still, he probably is feeling better today than certain members of the Sister Cities Committee, a low-profile hometown group that has become suddenly and deeply controversial, and the moguls behind the Fox Hills Mall who were denied the scope of high-profile signage they sought.

Last night, at the end of this year’s most arcane, bilious, un-mesmerizing debate by members of the Redevelopment Agency, they advanced Mr. Kwak’s project-approval from a month ago to the next square on the game board.

At 9:03 this morning, Gov. Schwarzenegger merely entered the Robert Frost Auditorium from stage right. Because he led a glamorous life before moving to Sacramento four years ago, his wordless presence alone ignited howls of recognition from hundreds of Middle School and Culver City High School students.

Like any aging celebrity, he drank in the cheers appreciatively.

Because he is Arnold, one of the few first-name stars in the world, he did not have to wear a “My Name Is…” sticker on his lapel.

With a flourish suitable for framing and filming, Park Century School of West L.A. staged an elaborate groundbreaking on Friday afternoon that brought abbreviated Landmark Street to life as it never has breathed before.

A splash of color, a wide dash of class and gifts for every man, woman and child in the crowd of perhaps 200, a glistening yellow hard-hat with Park Century’s image vividly imprinted.

Beneath a gigantic canvas that seemed almost large enough to span the bleachers in Dodger Stadium, the 40-year-old school that serves children with learning disabilities landed with a regal fanfare in technicolor, befitting the Heart of Screenland.

No surprises in the early going since the month-long registration period began at 7:30 this morning for candidates seeking one of three open seats on the City Council in next April’s election.

Andy Weissman, tabbed as the favorite in the field, was first to pull papers followed by Christopher Armenta, the City Clerk.

Dr. Luther Henderson, Mehaul O’Leary and Albert Vera are the only other announced candidates so far.

Two teenagers from Culver City, identified by authorities as being among five young men suspected of causing the tragic Malibu brush fire on Nov. 24 that wiped out 53 homes, were being sought this morning by the County Sheriff’s Dept.

Aside from the fact that a Sheriff’s Dept. spokeswoman said the two have not yet been apprehended, little else is known about Dean Allen Lavorante,19 years old, and Eric Matthew Ullman,18.

Authorities declined to discuss the alleged roles of the Culver City residents.

[Editor’s Note: If you know the subject of this story, contact the newspaper, by telephone at 310.202.0882 or via email at anoonan@thefrontpageonline.com.]

Marcy Lopez Castillo.

Are you out there?

A young woman when last seen in the spring of 1977, Marcy Lopez Castillo would be 58 years old this afternoon.

No question that the liveliest, most entertaining show in town last night was staged at the Culver City Democratic Club’s monthly meeting.

The Dems assembled to determine which Presidential contender to endorse.

To help uncloud their minds, 44 fully engaged club members were treated — by proxy —to the most spirited Presidential debate this town will see before next November’s election.