VALLEY REACHES OUT: The Oklahoma City bombing...

VALLEY REACHES OUT: The Oklahoma City bombing has created an outpouring of sympathy in the Valley area. . . . Hundreds of people wanting to donate blood for bombing victims have inundated phone lines at American Red Cross branches from Santa Clarita to Van Nuys. “I haven’t seen anything like this since the Northridge earthquake,” said Julia Montez, San Fernando Valley District director. . . . Blood will be accepted today at the Burbank, Van Nuys and Santa Clarita Red Cross branches, as well as at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. Call the branch office or (800) GIVE LIFE for an appointment.

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS: Recent rains may produce the worst mosquito season in two decades, prompting concerns among county health officials about a possible outbreak of mosquito-transmitted St. Louis encephalitis (B1). . . . Among the reasons for the mosquito increase: standing pools of water, such as unrepaired swimming pools and spas damaged by the Northridge earthquake.

NO BULL: Want to see a preview of the 1996 Olympics? . . . The first World Cup dressage final to be held in the United States will kick off today at the L. A. Equestrian Center in Burbank. What’s dressage, you ask? “It’s like ballet on horseback,” according to event spokeswoman Lorri Bein. Most of the 15 competitors--including Nadine Capellmann-Biffar (above)--consider the event another step toward participating in equestrian events at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

SEA SICK: A funny thing happened on the way through Universal Studios this Easter weekend: The Red Sea refused to part. . . . The watery attraction on the studio’s back-lot tour lost steam during the holiday. “After 20 years of parting, the Red Sea was getting a little sluggish,” said a studio source. Since then, “a crew of engineers of biblical proportions” has been trying to do the work of Moses, the source said. The Red Sea is expected to be parting again by this weekend--the end of Passover.

TONIGHT: The San Fernando Valley Banjo Band performs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Barbata’s Steak House, 20001 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Information: (818) 340-5914.