Hospital Makes Full Recovery

When the dust cleared after the Jan. 17 earthquake, St. John’s Hospital and Health Center looked like a bad accident. The north wing of the 1940s structure was lost, and only outpatient services have been available for the last eight months. Now, the historic building has been patched up and is ready to reopen. The community will celebrate with a big “Bouncing Back” party Saturday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Billy Vera and the Beaters will perform a free concert. Numerous sports figures--including Doug Christie and James Worthy of the Lakers, pro volleyball player Gabrielle Reece and Kelvin Hildreth, Sterling Forbes and Jeffrey Dollison of the Harlem Globetrotters--will lend their support.

A parade, starting at Olympic School at 11th Street and Arizona Avenue, kicks off the event at 11 a.m. Among the many marchers following a one-mile route to St. John’s will be the Cardiac Physicians Drill Team, the Santa Monica High Marching Band, L.A. Polo Club and Boy Scouts. A food court at the hospital will offer In-N-Out Burger, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and more.

Sports clinics include slam-dunk and three-point contests, led by the pro ballplayers; volleyball demonstrations by pro players Reece, Linda Chisholm and Linda Hanley. Also: games and free health screenings. The event is free. (310) 829-8016.