SPOTLIGHT

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY FAIRE

The events of the past two months have put religion in the spotlight.

The upcoming two months -- November and December -- are filled with a

variety of religious holidays: Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas. So what

better time to explore the spiritual side of life?

The 8th annual Religious Diversity Faire at UC Irvine, to be held

Thursday, will give people the opportunity to explore the beliefs,

rituals, customs and holy texts of a variety of religions. In the past

the fair has included lectures, panel discussions, experiential workshops

and even music and artwork. Two years ago, the event even had a labyrinth

walk (above).

Using the theme “Integrating Spirituality into Everyday Life,” the

fair will feature panelists whose daily work raises religious questions

-- people working in health care, human resources, education and more.

The fair will be set up like an interfaith cafe, with panel discussions

followed by small group meetings.

The mission statement of the fair is not to proselytize or promote one

particular religion, but “to promote respect, understanding and

appreciation among the many faith traditions in our communities.”

FYI

Where: UC Irvine’s student center, corner of West Peltason and

Pereira, Irvine

When: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday

Cost: $5 to $10 donations suggested to cover costs

Call: (949) 661-3087

A conversation with Isabel Allende

ALLENDE BOOK SIGNING

Chilean author Isabel Allende will be venturing to Barnes & Noble

Booksellers in Costa Mesa to sign copies of her latest book, “Portrait in

Sepia” and take part in a conversation with Michael Silverblatt. She will

also be reading from her novel, which tells the story of Aurora del

Valle’s search for her past in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Allende is

known for her novels “Of Love and Shadows,” “The House of the Spirits”

and “The Stories of Eva Luna.”

FYI

Where: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 901B South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Cost: Free

Call: (714) 444-0226

PLANNING AHEAD

FASHION ISLAND TREE-LIGHTING

Fashion Island in Newport Beach will light what has been called “the

world’s largest Christmas tree.”

Friday, November 16

THANKSGIVING

Start planning your meal now. Thanksgiving Day and the Macy’s parade

are just around the corner.

Thursday, November 22

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

21: The number of years “A Christmas Carol” has been staged at Costa

Mesa’s South Coast Repertory, which is currently selling tickets for the

holiday show.