INSIDE SCOOP

-- Daily Pilot staff

You may have recognized local Newport Beach resident Lois Wilson Friday

morning during breakfast while watching the “Live With Regis and Kathie

Lee.”

During her weeklong trip to the Big Apple she managed to strike up a

conversation with the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” host during a

commercial break while taping the show.

Wilson, who biked from Laguna Beach to New York 15 years ago to raise

money for the renovation of Statue of Liberty, was on a reunion trip back

to the city she grew so fond of during her ride. Philbin was so impressed

with her story that he gave her some airtime.

And yes, that’s the final answer.

CLEAN STREETS, CLEAN PLATES

The volunteers who helped fix fences and paint six Costa Mesa family’s

homes and pull weeds from Canyon Park Saturday, were filled with more

than pride for their good work.

Chef George Poston of Maggiano’s Little Italy surprised them all with

mostaccioli con carne, fresh-baked garlic bread and drinks.

And yes, they picked up after themselves when they were done with the

feast.

NO TV IS GOOD TV

With more than 10 items on the calendar for the Newport-Mesa Unified

School Board to discuss Tuesday night, only one topic warranted a short

dialogue from each and every board member -- national “No TV Week.”

Apparently, even if they’re against television, people are still consumed

by it.

SWALLOW VS. SMELT

San Juan Capistrano captures all the glory around this time of year when

its famous swallows come swooping back home.

But for the naturalist who’s paying attention, Newport Bay has a creature

that’s just as predictable as the swallow, and a little less publicized.

It’s the top smelt, a small silver fish that is especially prolific in

the Bay at this time of year.

“It’s a sure sign of spring,” said John Scholl, who works for the state

Department of Fish and Game on Shellmaker Island.