* Send AROUND TOWN items to the...

* Send AROUND TOWN items to the Daily Pilot, 330 W. Bay St., Costa

Mesa, CA 92627; by e-mail to luis.pena@latimes.com; by fax to (949)

646-4170; or by calling (949) 574-4298. Include the time, date and

location of the event, as well as a contact phone number. A complete

listing is available at https://www.dailypilot.com.

TODAY

Gen Kelsang Tubpa of the

Vajrarupini Buddhist Center in San Diego will give a free talk,

“Guide to the Bodhisattva,” at 7 p.m. at Borders South Coast Plaza.

The talk will be based on “The New Meditation Handbook,” the latest

book by Buddhist scholar, teacher and author Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Information: (714) 279-8933.

International law professor

Victor Conde of Trinity University will present “International Law

and Civil Liberties: How Does the United States Stack Up?” at an ACLU

of Orange County meeting at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist

Church in Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 957-6107.

WEDNESDAY

Newport Beach recreation

services will present a new series of drawing and painting

workshops featuring individual instruction for students of all skill

levels in mixed media. The sessions, led by artist and lecturer Mimi

Sharon Stein, will run eight consecutive Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. in the Vince Jorgensen Center, 2005 Dover Drive in Newport

Beach. The fee for the series is $66. Information: (949) 644-3151.

A free seminar, “The Immune System and Beyond,” will be held from

6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mother’s Market, 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa.

Reservations: (800) 595-MOMS.

The Newport Beach Newcomers’ September general meeting will be at

10 a.m. at the Clubhouse at the Colony, 5100 Colony Plaza. The

meeting features a surprise speaker. Lunch will be served for $15.

Information: (949) 645-9922.

THURSDAY

The Costa Mesa Chamber of

Commerce has selected Back Bay Fitness experts and co-founders

Katherine Coltrin and Lisa McGhee to speak on the importance of

implementing corporate fitness programs in the workplace. Coltrin and

McGhee will present “Find the Balance: Scheduling and Keeping an

Exercise/Fitness/Wellness Regimen for the Busy Executive” at 8 a.m.

at the Costa Mesa Country Club. Information: (714) 573-2746.

FRIDAY

The 15th Taste of Newport,

featuring food samplings from more than 30 local restaurants,

spectacular live entertainment, more than 15 wineries, cocktails and

beers, will run today to Sept. 21 at Fashion Island. Today’s hours

are 6 to 11 p.m. Information: (949) 729-4400.

SATURDAY

Mother’s Market will celebrate its

25th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specials and free samples

will be available while they last. Mother’s Market is at 225 E. 17th

St., Costa Mesa. Information: (800) 595-MOMS

“Celebrating the Past ... and

Rebuilding for the Future” is a two-day fund-raiser to benefit

education, interpretation and restoration efforts at the Crystal Cove

State Park Historic District. The events, from 4 to 9 p.m. and again

from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 21, will celebrate four years of

preservation efforts and the beginning of restoration scheduled for

October under the park’s direction. For more information, call (949)

640-5220.

Volunteers and owners of

flat-bottom boats can participate in the 13th annual Upper Newport

Back Bay Cleanup Day from 8 a.m. to noon and receive a complimentary

lunch after combing the bay to dispose of refuse carried down to

Orange County waterways. Volunteers who can bring and skipper their

flat-bottom boats should pre-register by Sept. 16 at (949) 640-9959

or scholl@dfg.ca.gov.

The 15th Taste of Newport,

featuring food samplings from more than 30 local restaurants,

spectacular live entertainment, more than 15 wineries, cocktails and

beers, will continue today at Fashion Island. Today’s hours 4 to 11

p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 21. Information: (949) 729-4400.

Board a Hornblower yacht in

Newport Harbor and relive the fun of summer camp -- for grown-ups

only -- with elegant food and harbor views. The $100 ticket includes

dinner, live music and dancing. Proceeds will benefit underserved

girls. For more information, call Girl Scout Council of Orange County

at (714) 979-7900, ext. 315 or 397.

SEPT. 21

The 15th Taste of Newport,

featuring food samplings from more than 30 local restaurants,

spectacular live entertainment, more than 15 wineries, cocktails and

beers, will conclude today at Fashion Island. Today’s hours noon to 8

p.m. Information: (949) 729-4400.

Chef Sumiko Matsumoto will discuss and sign her book, “Japanese

Healthy, High-Style Cooking,” at noon at Borders South Coast Plaza.

Matsumoto’s approach to cooking has brought her an exclusive

clientele in select settings such as Lake Forest, Illinois, La Jolla,

Palm Springs and Boca Raton, Fla. Information: (714) 279-8933.

Antonello Ristorante in South

Coast Plaza Village will host the 11th annual “La Dolce Vita” at 6

p.m. to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The evening includes

an exquisite four-course meal prepared by Franco Barone, who was

recognized as “Chef of the Year” by the Southern California

Restaurant Writers. Tickets cost $150 or $1,500 for a table of 10.

Information: (714) 938-1393.

SEPT. 24

Orange Coast College’s Transfer Center will host a UCI

representative from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Huntington Beach Christian Women’s Club is offering a luncheon

entitled “Song In Your Heart” at the Los Caballeros Sports Village

Ballroom, 17272 Newhope St., Fountain Valley. Patty Kelly will offer

tips on how to be safe and Arlene Hart will speak on finding peace

after the loss of her child. The cost is $14. For information and

reservations, call Deborah at (714) 960-5369.

The Friends of Orange Coast

College’s library will host “Rabbit Island: Let the Adventure

Begin!” at 7 p.m. in the Norman E. Watson Library. The lecture will

focus on the 36-acre, heavily wooded British Columbia island donated

to OCC and its school of sailing and seamanship last spring.

Information: (714) 432-5725.

A free seminar, “Your Menotype,

Your Menopause,” will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mother’s

Market, 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Reservations: (800) 595-MOMS.

SEPT. 25

The Orange County affiliate

of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will pay tribute to

the sponsors of its 12th annual Komen Orange County Race for the Cure

on Sept. 28 in Fashion Island with a VIP sponsors reception from 6 to

9 p.m. at the Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 957-9157.

The Newport Beach Chamber of

Commerce will host its Newport Sunset Networking Mixer from 5 to 7

p.m. at the Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, 23000 Newport Coast

Drive. Attendance is free for chamber members and $10 for potential members. Information: (949) 729-4400.

Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe, at 1348 Bison Ave. in Newport Beach,

will host a grand opening reception benefiting Share Our Selves from

6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. Information: (949) 642-3451.

SEPT. 26

Orange Coast College’s school of

sailing and seamanship has scheduled a three-day cruise to

Catalina aboard the Alaska Eagle, a 65-foot vessel that has returned

from a 13-month trip from Newport Beach to Antarctica. The cost for

the three-day trip is $430 per person. Information: (949) 645-9412.

The Oasis Senior Center will

hold a preview rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission costs

$3. The center, at 800 Marguerite Ave. in Corona del Mar, will be

accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays from Sept. 8 to

23. Information: (949) 646-4131.

A free 15-minute consultation

about naturopathic programs will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at

Mother’s Market, 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Reservations: (800)

595-MOMS.

SEPT. 27

The Oasis Senior Center will

hold a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendance is free. The

center, at 800 Marguerite Ave. in Corona del Mar, will be accepting

donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays from Sept. 8 to 23.

Information: (949) 646-4131.

SEPT. 28

The 12th annual Komen Race for

the Cure will take place at 7:30 a.m. at Fashion Island. The

fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation includes

women’s and coed 5K runs, a one-mile fun walk and team competitions.

Information: (714) 957-9165 or https://www.occure.com.

SEPT. 29

Mesa Verde Country Club in

Costa Mesa will host the second Bayside/Bistango Charity Golf

Tournament starting at 10 a.m. Registration and a putting contest

will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The $170 fee includes registration, the

golf tournament, wine tasting, box lunch, a catered dinner and live

entertainment. All proceeds will benefit a local charity.

Information: (949) 752-5222.

Orange Coast College’s annual “Transfer Day” will host recruiters

from more than 80 public and private universities. The recruiters

will be stationed at OCC’s quad area. They will distribute

information about such things as transfer requirements , educational

offerings, admissions procedures, scholarships, fees and expenses,

campus environment, athletics, financial aid, special programs,

services for the disadvantaged and ROTC programs.

Second Annual Bistango/Bayside

Charity Golf Tournament to be held at Mesa Verde Country Club,

3000 Clubhouse Road, Costa Mesa. There will be wine tasting, lunch, a

hole in one contest, which includes a 2003 Mercedes-Benz coupe and

designer jewelry. There is a post tournament dinner and live

entertainment. Five percent of the proceeds go to the Hillview Acres

Children’s Home. Tournament registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The fee

for the tournament is $170 per person. Tickets may be purchased at

Bistango Restaurant, Bayside Restaurant and online at

www.baysiderestaraunt.com.

SEPT. 30

A free seminar, “Nature’s Magic

Plant Power: The Key to Health,” will be held from 6:30 to 7:30

p.m. at Mother’s Market, 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Reservations:

(800) 595-MOMS.

Dr. Ray Ghandi will present

a discussion on “New Guidelines on Hypertension” in the Hoag

Hospital Conference Center at 6 p.m.Cost is free. For reservations:

(800) 514-HOAG.

OCT. 1

Orange Coast College applications are now available for the spring

semester. Anyone that is not enrolled at OCC must submit a new

application. The Admissions and Records Office is open Monday through

Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

or information: (714) 432-5072.

OCT. 4

Celebrating the renaissance

of the streets of Balboa Village and talents of more than 100

artists, “La Strada Dell’ Arte: An Italian Street Painting Festival

and Taste of Italy,” will be presented Oct. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. The two-day event is free and open to the public. Information:

(714) 557-5100, ext. 13.

Orange County Market Place celebrates 35 years with the theme

“California Dreamin’ ” at the Orange County Fairgrounds. There will

be free birthday cake and 35-cent food and beverage items.

Entertainment will include 1960s music, strolling performers and the

presentation of donations to Costa Mesa charitable and nonprofit

organizations. The event is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OCT. 5

KCRW presents Next Up!, formerly known as Unsigned Indies, a

showcase of independent local artists, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Town

Center Park in Costa Mesa. The free, all-ages twilight concert kicks

off the Eclectic Orange Festival 2003. Parking in local structures is

$7. Information: (949) 553-2422

OCT. 6

The Pacific Community of Secular Humanistic Jews presents a Yom

Kippur observance at 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Costa Mesa.

The event will consist of a Yom Kippur program, discussions on

medical ethics, Jewish history through music and the roadmap to

peace, and then a full-course dinner. Information: (949) 262-5850.

OCT. 9

South Coast Plaza’s Macy’s

Home Store will host the 19th annual Food, Wine and Micro-Brew

Fest, featuring live music with dancing and drawings for prizes.

Tickets are $45 in advance, $35 for groups of 10 or more and $55 at

the door. Proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of

Orange County and KTLA charities. Information: (714) 771-1343.

OCT. 18

The Jr. League of Orange

County’s Christmas Company Shopping Extravaganza at the Orange

County Fair and Exposition Center will begin with an opening night

gala from 7 to 11 p.m. Shopping dates will be Oct. 19 to 22. General

admission is $7. Information: https://www.jlocc.org.

OCT. 20

UC Irvine professor Thomas J. Carew will lead an Allergen lecture

called “From Molecules to Memories: Lessons from a Simple Brain,” at

7 p.m. in the UCI Student Center’s Crystal Cove Auditorium. The event

is free, but reservations are required. Information: (949) 824-7252.

NOV. 14

The Costa Mesa Senior Center will present a benefit performance of

“Late Nite Catechism,” an interactive comedy by Vicki Quade and

Maripat Donovan, at 8 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange

Coast College. Tickets are $35 or $75 for preferred seating.

Information: (949) 645-5080.

NOV. 15

The Costa Mesa Senior Center will present a benefit performance of

“Late Nite Catechism,” an interactive comedy by Vicki Quade and

Maripat Donovan, at 8 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange

Coast College. Tickets are $35 or $75 for preferred seating.

Information: (949) 645-5080.

DEC. 7

The Orange County Market Place presents its Fourth annual Holiday

Car Show And Pedal Car Invitational at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

There will be Classic cars, motorcycles and trucks decorated for the

holidays. There will also be pedal cars and children’s pedal car

races. There will also be holiday entertainment and outdoor shopping.

DEC. 22

The Orange County Market Place presents its Holiday Market Place.

Admission will be free. There will be artisans’ crafters’ corner,

photos with Santa Claus and seasonal entertainment. The event starts

at 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

ONGOING

The Newport Center

Toastmaster’s Club can help you improve your public speaking

skills or polish your business presentations. Members come from a

variety of professional disciplines and backgrounds. The group meets

every Monday morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at 610 Newport Center Drive,

Newport Beach. Validated parking is available in the parking

structure next to 24 Hour Fitness. Guests are welcome. For more

information, call (949) 721-5732.

The Newport-Mesa cribbage club meets on the second and fourth

Wednesdays of every month from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at Oasis Senior Center,

800 Marguerite Ave. in Corona del Mar. The cost is $2. Information:

(949) 646-5293.

Pastor Hein Austin leads a Bible

study on “How to Become a Contagious Christian” from 6 to 8:30

p.m. Wednesdays at 377 W. Wilson St., No. 15 in Costa Mesa. All are

welcome to come and meet new friends. Information: (949) 722-7498.

Jewish Family Service is

offering a support and discussion group for women 50 and older the

second and fourth Monday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 250 E. Baker St., Suite G in Costa Mesa. Pre-registration is required.

For information or to register, call (714) 445-4950.

Jewish Family Service is

offering a women’s divorce and separation support group at 7 p.m.

Wednesdays at the Jewish Federation Campus in Costa Mesa, 250 E.

Baker St. For more information, call (714) 445-4950, ext. 114.

The ACLU of Orange County

meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian

Universalist Church, 1259 Victoria St. in Costa Mesa. Each month’s

meeting will feature a different speaker on issues relating to the

Bill of Rights. Information: (714) 957-6107.

“Beach Landscapes,” an exhibit

featuring digitally manipulated aerial photographs of the Hawaiian

islands by Donna Ruzicka, umbrella beach scenes by Carole Boller and

Back Bay landscapes by Luke Spencer, will be on display through Sept.

30 at Newport Beach City Hall. Information: (949) 717-3870.

“Tennis in Art,” an exhibit of

paintings by longtime tennis instructor and coach Jose Mendoza,

will be on display in the Newport Beach Central Library foyer through

Aug. 30. Mendoza’s work is known for its manipulation of color and

form as well as its concentration on tennis. Information: (949)

717-3870.

Volunteer drivers are needed to

help deliver nutritiously prepared meals to homebound, frail or

elderly clients incapable of shopping or cooking for themselves

through “Mobile Meals,” sponsored by FISH-Harbor Area Inc. and Hoag

Hospital. Call (949) 645-8050 for more information.

Project Cuddle, a nonprofit

organization that offers safe and legal alternatives to girls who

are considering abandoning their babies, is in need of ongoing

volunteers. For more information, visit www.projectcuddle.org or call

(714) 432-9681.

Macy’s in Costa Mesa

invites Orange County nonprofit organizations that provide

services and programs to the HIV/AIDS community to apply for

participation in Macy’s South Coast Plaza’s Passport In Store

fund-raiser. This year’s event will be held on Oct. 4. To receive an

pplication to participate, call (714) 556-0611, ext. 4231.