Anaheim stables provide shelter

They came down the mountain to escape fires, smoke and poor health conditions. Now they're camped outdoors, in round pens and stables. Some of the refugees from last week's wildfires have found a temporary home at Rancho del Rio Stables. The horses - 10 in all have gotten accustomed to city life, away from their ranches and sprawling properties in Southern California's rural spots. Jayne Jones, owner of the stables, said there's no room left in the 166 stables, though she expects most of the horses to begin returning to their owners' stables. "At least we can do something to help," she said. "We hate to say no. We're trying to be creative." Desperate fire refugees continued calling through last week, Jones said, and she suggested they try boarding their horses at the Orange County Fairgrounds and El Rodeo in Brea. The last three Jones said she was able to take had to stay in a round pen, rather than individual stables. "We're just trying to be creative instead of making everybody put their horses in a pasture," Jones said. Terry Orbis, Rancho del Rio's manager, made the trek to the thick of the Paradise fire to help evacuate three horses, three dogs and a cat. "Just give me the animals," she said. "And I'll take care of that. I don't do hospitals, I don't do people, just give me the animals." From where she stood, Orbis said the flames were visible in the trees next to the house and the smoke thick. For others, it wasn't the danger of fire that spurred them to relocate their animals. Paul Gallagher, a lieutenant with the Anaheim Police Department, said his veterinarian suggested moving his horses to avoid health hazards from the smoke. So Gallagher brought Cotton and Katie down from Chino Hills to Rancho del Rio. "We got them out of there soon enough," he said. "So they weren't too exposed. We were just fortunate to get where we did." Though the flames have been tamed, many homes are without power or water, making it impossible for many residents whose homes were salvaged to return to their neighborhoods, so some horses are staying longer. Annual tree lighting dinner to benefit Boys and Girls Club The annual Anaheim White House Christmas Tree Lighting Dinner will be held Nov. 23 beginning at 6 p.m. with a champagne reception, tree lighting and dedication at 7 p.m. with dinner following. Proceeds will benefit "Caterina's Girls" Club, a special fund of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim. Participants will be able to witness the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree surrounded by 10 tons of white "snow" blanketing the rose garden. Special guests will include Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other holiday characters. Those attending may bring an unwrapped toy to place under the tree, which will then be delivered to a disadvantaged child from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim.