Sex Appeal

Just how did People magazine find those guys featured in its recent “Sexiest Men Alive” issue?

They went the usual route in the entertainment industry, asking agents to offer clients and even some regular guys.

That’s how Emmett Miller, the newest face on “KTLA Morning News: Early Edition,” got on the list of actors, musicians, philanthropists and Internet moguls. People magazine found Miller last summer when he was still a news anchor in Boston.

“It’s sort of outlandish,” he says. “Who actually thinks of themselves that way?”

Heightened Security

Only in slightly paranoid L.A. would a ribbon-cutting be held for the opening of a security and concierge center.

But that’s what happened last week at Westside Pavilion, when Danish and coffee was served during the unveiling of a $1.5 million security system that includes over 120 color video cameras and 50 security intercom stations covering the center’s common areas, hallways, back corridors and parking areas.

The mall has had its share of security problems in the past, including a jewelry store robbery in 1991 and gang shooting in 1992.

While things have been quiet in recent years, mall officials installed the system as a proactive way to keep customers feeling safe.

“To us, this system is such a focal point of the mall that the ribbon-cutting didn’t seem to be an unusual way to promote it,” said Kylie Daiker, the center’s marketing manager.

Scooby Who?

Remember Scooby Doo, the cartoon character?

He may not be in the same class as Furby or any of the Pokemon critters, but it seems the 30-year-old cartoon dog isn’t over the hill yet.

Equity Consumer Products, the L.A.-based company that sells plush Scooby Doo toys and action figures, recently discovered to its surprise that it’s already sold out of this year’s inventory. Equity attributes that popularity to reruns on the Cartoon Network and some new Scooby videos.

“We had a lot of high hopes, but he’s done better than planned,” said Ria Marie Carlson, a spokeswoman for Equity.

Take that, Elmo.

SUV Country

If you have any doubt that SUVs now rule the road, consider a move under consideration by the city of Santa Clarita.

Under the proposal, standard spots in new developments would be enlarged by nearly 40 square feet to accommodate sport utility vehicles, which are particularly popular in suburban communities where lifestyles revolve around carpooling to soccer games.

“The majority of people who live out here do drive them,” said Aimee Gerstenberger, an assistant planner for the city.

But with Ford about to market an SUV longer than 20 feet, the change might not go far enough. “It may stick out a little,” Gerstenberger said.