
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, July 19, 1993                   TAG: 9307190004
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PEOPLE

Robin Williams, who once played an alien in the sitcom "Mork & Mindy," might be going into orbit again, this time as a guest on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the show's executive producer said.

"Jason Alexander, Dana Carvey and Christopher Lloyd have all expressed interest," Rick Berman said in the July 24 issue of TV Guide. "I just had lunch with James Worthy of the L.A. Lakers, who wants to be a Klingon." He said Lyle Lovett is "also an obsessive fan," and is talking about appearing on the show, too. "He would be a natural for an alien," Berman said. The producer said there may even be a part for Lovett's new bride, Julia Roberts. "We're always open to alien-human romance," he said.

A movement to grant California families credit toward private tuition got some unexpected support - a coven of witches who plan to open their own school if the program is approved.

Learning to spell could take on a whole new meaning at the proposed academy in Walnut Creek, with witchcraft joining the three Rs on the curriculum. Proponents say a school based on their religion is as valid as any church school. "I'm sure it's going to shock people, but we are serious," said Debbie Babcock, secretary of the Contra Costa Pagan Association.

Forces on both sides of the voucher issue, however, found the idea of a pagan academy less than enchanting.

At the California Teachers Association, which opposes vouchers, President Del Weber said the witches' proposal is "absolutely what can happen under the voucher initiative. . . . There'll be schools formed which will be a little scary."

by CNB