Chief Derby: And then there were ....

Chief Derby: And then there were . . . six. The committee charged with winnowing the list of candidates for the city’s top police job will meet Friday. The goal: to select six candidates out of the 32 who have applied so that the civilian Police Commission can further narrow the field. Ultimately, Mayor Richard Riordan will recommend one candidate to the City Council.

* SOCCER SAVED: Coach Marwan Ass’ad, above, came up with a way to at least temporarily save the Cal State Northridge men’s soccer team. Now the school’s swimming coach says he should be allowed to float a similar solution. C11

* PREP TENSIONS: Young athletes used to care about a high school letter. Now they worry about their letter of intent. Rising college costs have put top athletes in a grueling, full-time job. Some switch schools, play year-round, hire personal coaches and pay recruiting services. A special report on C1.

* ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Actress Tippi Hedren, above, didn’t have such good luck with “The Birds,” but she’s maxed out on cats. Her animal refuge near Acton has 70 lions, tigers and leopards--and visitors are welcome. See Calendar Weekend, page 7.