Summer Preview: Summer’s a month away, by...

Summer Preview: Summer’s a month away, by the calendar. Still we count on Memorial Day to swing us into the season of sand, sun and outdoor fun. . . . And those who aren’t heading for the shores may be heading for the malls.

Water Fun: Castaic Lake--one of the country’s premier bass venues--is expecting a big turnout today, not only from anglers, but boaters and water babies as well. “People are anxious to get out, get that boat in the water,” said park official Mike Coash.

Suit Up: It’s sale day at many department stores, and swimsuits will likely be among the top sellers. . . . What’s hot for this summer? For teenage girls, it’s bikini tops and shorts. Older, more ample women “are into prints, but not the big gaudy styles,” said Christina McCrary, manager of Bea’s Swim and Sport in Woodland Hills. More women are choosing two-pieces this year, she said, “suits with higher waists, to cover the tummy they used to wear a one-piece to hide.”

Dirty Work: If you’re staying home, chances are you’re barbecuing or working in the yard. Hardware stores do a booming business in everything from pool supplies to patio chairs in the days leading up to Memorial Day. And nurseries gear up for hordes of would-be gardeners, scrambling to get those tomatoes in the ground before the summer heat hits. “They think it’s their last chance,” said a busy worker at Green Arrow in Van Nuys.