* Send AROUND TOWN items to the...

* Send AROUND TOWN items to the Daily Pilot, 1375 Sunflower Ave.,

Costa Mesa, CA 92626; by e-mail to lindsay.sandham @latimes.com; by

fax to (714) 966-4667; or by calling (714) 966-4625. Include the

time, date and location of the event, as well as a contact phone

number.

TODAY

A free seminar on organic gardening solutions is being presented

by Ty Hall and Kellogg Garden Products from 11 a.m.-noon at Mother’s

Market, 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Information: (949) 631-4741.

“The Dark Side of the Universe,” a presentation by UC Irvine

astrophysicist David Buote, will examine the progress scientists have

made in establishing the existence of dark matter and dark energy.

The universe is believed to be governed primarily by “dark matter”

and “dark energy” -- mysterious components that continue to puzzle

scientists. Buote will speculate on the fate of the universe and

outline prospects for uncovering the nature of the “dark side.” The

lecture will take place 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Arnold and Mabel

Beckman Center of the National Academies, 100 Academy Way, on the UC

Irvine campus. The event is free and open to the public. Information:

(949) 824-4613.

WEDNESDAY

The annual UC Irvine Town at Gown Luncheon, featuring a program on

“The World of Flamenco” by dance professor Nancy L. Ruyter and a

performance by the UC Irvine Spanish Dance Ensemble with guitarist

Hideki Tamaya, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tapas Restaurant,

4253 Martingale, Newport Beach. Cost is $35. Information: (949)

548-1361.

The Highs and Lows of Blood Pressure: learn about symptoms and

treatment options for high blood pressure and how to take control of

this vital health issue in the discussion presented by Hoag Family

Practitioner Diana Nguyen. Information: (800) 514-HOAG.