The week ahead in Orange County

Today

Crafts Fair: The Cypress Senior Center will hold its annual event featuring handmade crafts, such as ceramics and needlework. Free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9031 Grindlay St. (714) 229-2005

Nature Tour: Naturalists and Friends of Newport Bay will offer a guided walking tour of the coastal marsh to introduce visitors to a variety of wildlife and plants. Free. Tours, which will depart every 15 minutes from 9 to 10:15 a.m., begin at the corner of East Bluff Drive and Back Bay Road. (949) 923-2269

Watershed Walk: The Nature Conservancy will present a two-hour walk that will explore one to two miles of Fremont Canyon. Ferns and cottonwoods line the creek through the canyon, which is known for its 11 bat species. Free. 10 a.m. (714) 832-7478

Wednesday

Taste of Dana Hills: Dana Hills High School will hold its ninth annual food fundraiser, featuring a 1950s theme and samples from more than a dozen restaurants. 5:30 to 9 p.m. $8 per person, $30 for family of four. Proceeds will benefit Grad Nite 2005. 33333 Golden Lantern. (949) 496-6666.

Snakes: The Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library will welcome Alligator Al and his reptile, lizard and snake pals of all sizes. The show is for children 4 and older. 3:30 p.m. Free. 12700 Montecito Road, Seal Beach. (562) 430-1048

Thursday

Stem Cell Research: As part of the UC Irvine Libraries’ Speaker Series, Susan V. Bryant, a researcher in limb regeneration and dean of the university’s School of Biological Sciences, will lecture on the potential use of stem cells for regenerative medicine. 5:30 p.m. Free. Langson Library, UCI campus. Reservations and information: (949) 824-5300

Ari Fleischer: The White House press secretary during President Bush’s first two years in office will speak at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace about his new book, “Taking Heat: The President, the Press, and My Years in the White House.” 10:30 a.m. $8. 18001 Yorba Linda Road, Yorba Linda. (714) 993-5075 or www.nixonlibrary.org

Friday

Fundraiser: Orange Coast College will host its second annual Tuskegee Airmen of World War II Tribute Luncheon. Proceeds will be used to establish a scholarship program in the name of the Tuskegee Airmen to support Orange Coast aviation students. Noon. $50. Captain’s Table restaurant on campus, 2701 Fairview Road. (714) 432-5707

March 19

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Susan G. Komen Foundation will hold a conference at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange. “Celebrating Diversity” will offer information about breast cancer along ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic lines. The event will include breakfast, lunch, gifts, a fashion show, screening resources and a tour of the mobile mammography unit. Free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 100 The City Drive. Reservations required: (714) 957-9157, Ext. 25

Spring Festival: Westminster’s annual festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include handmade crafts, food, the Easter Bunny, pony rides, games and a petting zoo. Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Free. (714) 895-2860

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Source: The Orange County calendar is compiled by Philip Le and Jessica Zuchero. Submit items two weeks in advance to [email protected] or by fax to (714) 966-7711.

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Los Angeles Times