Morning Coffee: Fri., March 12, 2010

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

• Don't forget, tomorrow's a 'Spring Forward' weekend. Move your clocks ahead one hour.
• Loehmann's South Coast Metro opens today.
• Fair board vote is just a token. More to come.
• The anniversary of the Mask's passing from Ferrari crash brings sorrow to some.
• Kiff and Daigle head to Washington, hoping to come home with $6 million for Newport Bay.
• Young man's death outside nightclub ruled accidental by coroner.
• Newport Beach CERT volunteers needed for upcoming events.
• You know it, a sign with a kid and a bowl of spaghetti over his head. The Pasta Connection is back.
• School district releases statement on student's death.
• Molester gets bad news for him, good news for us; more prison time.
• Len Bose's column: the latest news on the harbor.
• It's the Top 5 Weekend Picks...oh, what to do?
• Breakfast coming to TK Burgers....yum.
• If Zinfandels are part of your palate, this is the place to be.
• All ages video gaming event this weekend at the library. Check it out.
• Newport Beach Family concert weekend event.

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

Today - 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

Saturday - March 13

Chef Ann Cooper wants to change the way kids eat at school. She will be giving a free talk at 9 a.m. at the Environmental Nature Center, 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. The talk is sponsored by the center and also by Slow Food Orange County. Come and share your thoughts and suggestions.

Artist Showcase XIII at Whittier Law School is being heldfrom 8-10 p.m. Free Admission. The law school is located at 3333 Harbor Blvd. (and Law Court), Costa Mesa.

Drums and Universal Rhythm with Chazz Ross during a dynamic, interactive drum circle quest. Using African Djembe drums, Ross will introduce drumming and music to the audience. This free family concert for ages 5 and up will be held 2:30 to 3:30 at the Corona del Mar Library Branch, 420 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.www.newportbeachlibrary.com

Pacific Symphony performs "The Little Red Hen"at 10 and 11:30 a.m. in the Studio Performance Space - Dodge Education Center at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa. The little red hen works so hard all day to make a tasty treat, but will any of her friends help her? Sing and play along with the instruments of the orchestra while telling this celebrated folk story. (714) 556-ARTS. www.ocpac.org

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

California Country Antique Show at the OC Fair and Event Center. Continues through March 14. www.ocfair.com

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Enrollment Opens for 2010-2011 New Students. www.web.nmusd.us

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Education Center board room. www.web.nmusd.us

Sunday - March 14

Orange County Market Place is hosting the 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival with Irish dancers from Claddagh School of Irish Dance at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Aniar Academy of Irish Dance at 12:30 and 1 p.m.; and Fearon O’Connor School of Irish Dance at 2 and 3 p.m. Other entertainment includes electric cellist Marston Smith performing Celtic music from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on the ACE Stage, Celtic stilt walker Joy Halverson from 12:30-2 p.m. and Jeff Abbit, the Average Leprechaun, showing off a bit o’ Irish magic and comedy from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Green mint ice creen and green lemonade will be among the special food items. All events are free with swap meet admission, which is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Orange County Market Place is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (949) 723-6660. www.ocmarketplace.com

Pacific Symphony Orchestra presents, "Classical Idol" at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The finalists have been chosen by Michael Daugherty, Carl St.Clair and conductor/educator H. Robert Reynolds. And this is it! The finals of this year's American Composer's Competition which aims to identify exceptional new talent and voices among younger, emerging Symphonic Wind Ensemble composers. You, the audience, together with the orchestra, will vote for your favorite work during this performance! (714) 556-ARTS. www.ocpac.org

California Country Antique Show at the OC Fair and Event Center.www.ocfair.com

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. (set clocks ahead one hour)