Center on Saturday, raised $2,100 for the program.
About 40 riders competed for prizes and ribbons in activities at
the show, where classes were held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all
levels, including first-time riders.
All 14 riders from the center went home with a ribbon, said
Darlene Harman, the center's program director and head instructor.
"They got from first through sixth place," Harman said. "All 14
won."
At halftime, knights and horses from Medieval Times performed
jousting and sword matches on horseback. A barbecue, silent raffles
and auctions were also held throughout the day to raise money for the
organization.
The Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1992 by a group of
community volunteers. It provides lessons for 27 to 30 disabled
students whose disabilities include strokes, down syndrome, autism,
multiple sclerosis and dwarfism.
Riding a horse helps blood flow down through your legs, while
strengthening and working out muscles, Harman said.
"Someone that's been faced with a great challenge in their life
can come here and ride," she said.
The show was intended to raise money and increase community
awareness of the center, which is funded through grants and
contributions. The center is always looking for volunteers
"We want to let everyone know that we are here and that we are a
great asset to the community," Harman said.
For more information, contact the Therapeutic Riding Center at
(714) 848-0966 or log on to www.trchb.com.
-- Jenny Marder
Beach lot closed for improvements until 2004
Beach parking between Huntington and 1st streets is closed for
improvements and until fall of 2004.
The second part of the South Beach improvements project is
expected to take about a year to complete. This phase of work will
include improvements to the city beach parking lot and the bicycle
path, new public restrooms and showers, a new lifeguard headquarters
and new facilities for the junior lifeguard program.
Beach security lighting and three new pieces of art will also be
installed.
Parking is still open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at entrances across
from Beach Boulevard and Huntington Street and at the north and south
Pier Plaza parking lots.
Trailers have been erected on the sand in front of the former
lifeguard headquarters. They will serve as temporary headquarters
during construction. These are at Pacific Coast Highway and 1st
Street.
Also, the junior lifeguard trailer has been moved to the sand to
the north of Jack's concession stand.
For more information on the second phase of South Beach
improvements, visit the city's Web page or call the city's Community
Services Department at (714) 536-5486.
-- Jenny Marder
