GUNS TO ROSES...Another step is taken this week in FORT ORD''s conversion from military to civilian use with the unveiling of "Signs and Symbols," a large outdoor mural designed and painted by students of PROFESSOR JOHANNA POETHIG in the VISUAL AND PUBLIC ART INSTITUTE OF CSUMB. The mural, painted on a concrete wall at Third and Fifth streets on the CSUMB campus, is a creative reinterpretation of historic military paintings at Fort Ord, combined with symbols representing the university''s vision statement.

Examples? How about the paint brush protruding from a tank near the center of the mural-that''s been adopted as the VPA MURAL DIVISION''s symbol. Further south along the wall is the "Fort Ord Conversion Symbol," which transforms Fort Ord''s original LIGHT FIGHTER symbol into an hourglass, its rifle turned into a pencil. Other objects on the mural represent local wildlife, cultural and academic endeavors promoted by the university, and pieces of Monterey County''s heritage, beginning with the original OHLONE people. Not to forget what lurks underneath, two symbols on the mural represent "biohazard" and "radioactivity." The VPA unveils its mural today at a 4pm dedication, followed by an Open House from 5-7pm at the VPA complex on Third Street.

OUR HOUSE IS A VERY, VERY FINE HOUSE...Almost ten years ago, COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA passed one resolution banning funding for the arts, and another condemning "the gay lifestyle," after public outcry at a production of Terence McNally''s gay-friendly play LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART. At a heated community meeting following the city''s action, a local gay man invited the public to visit his home as a first step in bridging the lifestyle gap. That gesture influenced Duke University Professor JOHN M. CLUM to write RANDY''S HOUSE, the story of a gay professional couple that moves to a small, homophobic town and invites everyone over for a visit. The UNICORN THEATER opens Randy''s House Nov. 22 at Carmel''s CARL CHERRY CENTER, with a special preview Nov. 21 at 8pm to benefit PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays). Tickets for the preview are $20; call Terry Blum at 372-0895.

LAST CALL...Writers with an almost-finished or completed children''s book who want an extra little push are invited to a weekend of intensive writing and editorial feedback at the SIXTH ANNUAL BIG SUR CHILDREN''S WRITING WORKSHOP, Dec. 6-8 at the Big Sur Lodge. $550 includes lodging; $380 without. Call 667-2574.