Reps call for professor’s job

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher has joined 103 of his House colleagues in

calling for the immediate firing of a Columbia University professor

who criticized U.S. forces in Iraq.

Nicholas De Genova, an assistant professor of anthropology at the

university, ripped U.S. forces at an antiwar rally, calling for an

American defeat in Iraq. De Genova called for “a million Mogadishus,”

a reference to the 1993 ambush that resulted in the deaths of 18

American servicemen.

“The only true heroes are those who find ways that help defeat the

U.S. military,” De Genova is reported to have said. His remarks first

appeared in Newsday.

Surf City’s congressman signed his name to an April 4 letter the

lawmakers sent to Columbia’s president, Lee Bollinger.

During an April 9 interview, Rohrabacher called De Genova’s

comments “crazy enough, malicious enough” to trigger the strongly

worded letter and call for the professor’s job.

“Columbia University is a private university, so it was a

suggestion, not a mandate,” Rohrabacher said. “We’re not advocating

that he be thrown in prison for saying what he said. ... It’s just a

kook spouting off.”

On Friday, Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) wrote a letter to

Bollinger. In it, Hayworth called De Genova’s comments “racist,

hateful, seditious words.”

Rohrabacher signed his name to the letter, which called for the

professor’s immediate dismissal from Columbia.

University officials have said the remarks “properly invite anger

and sharp rebuke,” but that De Genova should not be censored.

In other news, Rohrabacher, on April 2, successfully introduced an

amendment to a House energy proposal to include scholarships for

Americans who pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees in the

sciences.

The amendment to House Resolution 238 would encourage graduates

with scientific and technical expertise to seek employment with the

Department of Energy.

“There’s a high level of retirement with very little supply going

in to replace it,” said Aaron Lewis, the congressman’s press deputy.

-- Paul Clinton

Equestrian center raises $2,100 for riding center

Riders wheeled their horses around a course of barrels in the

barrel race and tried to stay steady while holding water balloons,

balancing eggs on spoons and sitting on dollar bills.

These were some of the events at a competition to raise money for

the Therapeutic Riding Center, a riding program for physically and

mentally challenged riders.

The Spring Fling Gymkhana, held at the Huntington Beach Equestrian

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