Community news briefs for June 28, 2000

Wednesday, June 28, 2000 | 9:24 a.m.

Basketball court gets a new floor

The 45-year-old Dula Center gymnasium has some fresh squeak and bounce thanks to a new wooden floor unveiled Tuesday in a reopening ceremony.

The gym, located downtown on Bonanza Road near Las Vegas Boulevard, was once the largest basketball facility in the state, seating 2,180, and was once the home court of UNLV basketball.

It is named after Sgt. Bob Dula, a popular Las Vegas Police officer killed in a traffic accident while on duty in 1955.

City Councilman Lawrence Weekly shot some hoops on the new court Tuesday morning during the ceremony to unveil the shiny lacquered floor and new backboards.

Learn more about mountain lions

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a variety of free hikes, walks other educational programs. Call 363-1922 for reservations.

Here are some of the programs coming up:

Mountain Lions of La Madre: Three-mile hike to the White Rock "saddle" Saturday for adults to learn about the prey relationships, behavior, problems and characteristics of the mountain lion, from kittens to the older toms.

What Did the Owl Eat: Hands-on exhibit inside the visitor center 9 a.m. to noon Saturday for young and old to learn about owls and their prey. Examine owl pellets close up through the microscope and you may want to keep any bones you find.

Tortoise Talk: 30-minute tortoise program at the visitor center Monday, morning and afternoon.

Hot Shots -- Fire Weather For Kids: Program on Tuesday will teach kids about fire and about becoming a junior fire fighter. Understanding the weather helps predict fire danger. Be prepared to get wet.

Whitney Ranch sets tournament

The Whitney Ranch Satellite Center will host a Monopoly tournament for youth, ages 6-12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the center, 1661 Galleria Drive.

The free event is part of "Let the Games Begin," a monthly board game tournament sponsored by the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

Chef to show healthy food tips

Grilling for Better Health, presented by Executive Chef John Demarco, will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, 2075 E. Flamingo Road.

Demarco will demonstrate and have samples of several grilled foods. The program is sponsored by the Senior Advantage. Call 369-7911.

Astronomical observation

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society will have an observation session Saturday. Meet at the Echo Bay site. For more information, call 361-1356.