FIVE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK: In a sign that the Southern California economy was recovering, loans made by the Small Business Administration increased 23 percent to a record $708 million during the fiscal year ended Sept. 30. A home satellite system designed to carry 150 channels broadcast by El Segundo-based DirecTV went on sale at a cost of more than $700.

THE NEWSMAKER

Robin Bauer, co-owner of ADB Construction and Installations in Northridge, said business was booming as government aid and insurance payments finally started flowing into the area to repair damage from the Jan. 17 earthquake. “If no one calls for the next two years, we will still be busy,” Bauer said.

THE NUMBERS

OCTOBER 4, 1994

Dow Jones Industrial Average 3846.89

London gold $395/oz.

Inline skates $60

Laptop computer $2,249