CALENDAR

TODAY

RECOGNITION BARBECUE

Officers and employees of the Costa Mesa police department, fire department, and the communications center will be honored at a barbecue at the Orange County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets are $10; police, fire and communications personnel get in free. The fairgrounds are at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 885-9090.

BOOKSTORE OPENING

The First Page children’s bookstore celebrates its grand opening at Newport Hills Center, 2816 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with crafts, balloons, face painting and more. Best-selling author Gail Carson Levine, author of “Ella Enchanted,” will be reading and signing her books at 4 p.m., and a prize drawing will include a signed collection of her works. Call (949) 644-KIDS.

TILL OCT. 22

CLEVER COMEDY

The play “Sly Fox” is at the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College. Set in San Francisco, the plot centers around a wealthy miser and his three conniving heirs. Advance tickets are $8; $10 at the door. Show time is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. (714) 432-5880.

TILL DEC. 31

2006 CALIFORNIA BIENNIAL

The Orange County Museum of Art presents the 2006 California Biennial, an event with more than 150 works, including installations, sculpture, paintings, works on paper, wall drawing, photographs, film and video art. The exhibition is at 850 San Clemente Drive, in Newport Beach, and in Costa Mesa at 3333 Bear St. Hours vary. www.ocma.net.

TIL NOV. 29

THEATER PRODUCTION

The west coast premiere of “Ridiculous Fraud”, a comedy about three brothers and their efforts to make ends meet while trying to bail their father out of jail, is showing on the Segerstrom Stage at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $20 to $60. Call (714) 708-5555 or go to www.scr.org.

SATURDAY

HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY

Bring your pooch for a day of Halloween fun at Muttropolis in Fashion Island, 865 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pet photos are available for $15; proceeds benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center. (949) 717-6888 or www.muttropolis.com.

SUNDAY

PUMPKIN PATCH

The Environmental Nature Center, 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, is hosting a fall fair and pumpkin patch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-day events include activities for kids, nature center tours, a silent auction and live music. Food and beverages are available. (949) 645-8489 or www.encenter.org.

MONDAY

CENTENNIAL BOOK SIGNING

Local author Christopher Trela will be appearing at the Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado, Newport Beach at 7 p.m. to discuss and sign his recent book, “Newport Beach Centennial: Celebrating A Century.” Books will be available for sale for $25; admission is free. Call (949) 644-3151 or go to www.newportbeach100.com.

WEDNESDAY

ASK THE DOCTOR

Learn how to detoxify your body as Dr. Decker Weiss speaks on the harmful effects of hair spray, lawn fertilizers, food preservatives and other toxins at Mother’s Patio Café, 225 East 17th St., Costa Mesa from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Call (800) 595-6667.

THURSDAY

MEN’S FASHION SHOW

The Sophisticates, a support group of the Assessment and Treatment Services Center (ATSC) in Newport Beach is holding a men’s Fashion Show at Fladeboe Volkswagen, 20 Auto Center Drive, Irvine from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fashions provided by Gary’s will be modeled by local civic leaders. Tickets are $100; proceeds benefit youth counseling programs at ATSC. Call (949) 756-0993.

MARINES MESS NIGHT

The city of Newport Beach First Battalion First Marines Adoption Committee invites the community to join in the celebration supporting the troops adopted by the city in 2003, at the Balboa Bay Club, 1221 West Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach at 6 p.m. This third annual Mess Night is traditionally a time for military leaders and guests to honor their country, their unit and their fallen camrades. Cost is $225 per ticket; proceeds from the event assist family members of the battalion. Dress is formal; reservations are required. Call (949) 644-3202.

USC ALUMNI

The Newport/ Irvine USC Alumni group is meeting at the Shark Club, 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa from 5 to 9 p.m. Evening activities include a football raffle, live music, food and a no-host bar. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the scholarship fund. Cost is $10. Call (714) 556-5774.

OCT. 27 & 28

ART FAIR

The Artistic License Fair 2006 returns to Estancia Park, 1900 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring works of art including hand-woven garments, jewelry, ceramics and hand-blown glass. Fair takes place rain or shine; admission is free. Call (951) 371-6507.

OCT. 28

GROWL-O-WEEN PARTY

Treat your dog to a Halloween party at Three Dog Bakery, 924 Avocado, Newport Beach from noon to 3 p.m. Best dog/ owner costume contest starts at 1 p.m.; a pet photographer will be available. Proceeds benefit animal rescue groups. Call (949) 760-3647.