Morning Coffee: Thurs., March 11, 2010

Welcome! Here's the news of Newport-Mesa from Wednesday gathered in one place for you. Check back often today for updates and the news as it happens.

• Last night's seminar targets drug abuse in our youth.
• Attendance was up at Toshiba Classic; maybe Freddie is our new Tiger. 
• Coastal/Bay Water Quality meeting this afternoon. Agenda.
• City Arts Commission to meet tonight. Agenda.
• Be a part of the WaterMiser Workshop today.
• Historical Preservation Committee meeting today. Agenda.
• Let the big dog eat: Newport Harbor High School sweeps culinary contest.
• Costa Mesa police arrest Herman Lee Coleman for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
• OCC to stage Hamlet.
• Rah, rah, rah: honors just keep coming for Costa Mesa High School cheer squad.
• "Don't drink and drive." you'd think a local cop would know better.
• After years of complaints, councilman finally comes "clean."
• It's the Newport Beach norm, a facelift; this one to a shopping center.
• Sprinkler system saved more fire damage.
• Judge says "murdering" dentist should be freed.
• Temple Bat Yahm congregants write own holy book.
• Chamber President writes about the great things going on at the OCC Foundation.
• Jack Wu is in the house: Leslie Daigle for higher office.
• Jill Fales with Mom's Voice column: likening a mother to a cross-walking guard.
• Terin Cottam's Shopping column, she's our shopping queen.

Courtesy of Newport-Mesa's best calendar (found in the Daily Voice); here's a look at what's on tap for the next couple of days.

Today - March 11

Pacific Symphony's "A Salute to John Williams," at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Williams’ score for “Star Wars” transformed the landscape of Hollywood film music and became an icon of American culture. Now, 30 years (and 80 films) later, his melodies remain the soundtrack of a generation. Movie Maestro Richard Kaufman and Pacific Symphony celebrate the man and his music, including favorites from “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter” and “E.T.” Continues through March 13. (714) 556-ARTS.www.ocpac.org

More than 30 colleges and universities will participate in Orange Coast College Transfer Center’s Spring Day Fair, and the public is invited to meet higher education representatives at this free event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Watson Hall, the college’s Enrollment Center. Admissions officers and reps. will provide information about their colleges and will answer questions. OCC is located at 2701 Fairview Road. Metered oarking and permit dispensers are located at Fairview Road and Pirate Way. www.orangecoastcollege.edu.

Sugar Plum Festival's "Arts & Crafts Show," at the OC Fair and Event Center. Continues through March. 13. www.ocfair.com

March 12

Orange Coast College presents, "An Evening Chat with Walt II." OCC theatre arts instructor Beth Hansen will direct vocalists in a selection of favorites from Disney films. Beginning at 8 p.m., the event takes place in OCC's Fine Arts 119, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Admission: $10. Parking is free in lots B & C, Fairview Road and Arlington Street. Tickets are available online at www.occtickets.com or at the door.

Sugar Plum Festival's "Arts & Crafts Show," at the OC Fair and Event Center. Continues through March. 13. www.ocfair.com