72 HOURS

1. BROWN BAG IT: The citizens’ group Stop Polluting Our Newport

will host a brown bag picnic at dusk today above the Newport Beach

Central Library, between Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. The

public is invited to enjoy the spectacular views of the sunset, coastline

and Catalina. (949) 548-6326.

*

2. PREVENTING BLACKOUTS: The Newport Beach Fire Department will

present a public information forum on power outages at 9 a.m. today at

City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd. The session will cover information on power

outages, brown-outs, how they can affect businesses and possible

solutions. (949) 644-3104.

*

3. THE WRITE STUFF: There will be free demonstrations and discussions

on Japanese calligraphy at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. “The Art

of Sho: An Afternoon with Shoei Ibata” will be held at Carousel Court at

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa. (310) 829-6060.