THE LAST WORD:

A pint of Guinness, anyone?

Few people, or cultures, in the world know how to celebrate better than the Irish, and St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest — if not the biggest — of all Irish celebrations, so big, in fact, that it’s celebrated worldwide by Irish and non-Irish folk.

Newport-Mesa is no exception.

We’ve got our share of Irish pubs, and no doubt they’ll be bustling on Monday night.

In the true Irish spirit, we encourage you to patronize our local watering holes. Take a break from the hurly-burly of everyday life. Smile. Shake hands with a stranger. Hug a loved one.

And be safe. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa police are serious about fighting a growing scourge: drunk driving and alcohol-related vehicular accidents. We’ve got some of the highest incident rates in the state on both counts. Police will be patrolling in force, as they should be.

Make their jobs easier, and make all of our lives safer. Enjoy a pint of Guinness. Toast the blessings that this life brings. Just don’t drink and drive.