Around Town: UC Irvine professor named fellow of American Academy of Arts and Sciences

UC Irvine mathematics professor Svetlana Jitomirskaya was recently named a fellow by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for her work involving the study of quantum mechanics equations.

Jitomirskaya, born in Ukraine, started working part time at UCI in 1991 and became full-time in 2000.

“Professor Jitomirskaya exemplifies the innovation and excellence that are the hallmarks of those elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences,” UCI Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Enrique Lavernia said in a news release. “This is yet another demonstration of the tremendous strength of the UCI faculty.”

Jitomirskaya is the 36th UCI member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which recognizes accomplished academics, artists, writers, scientists and business leaders.

Huntington Beach YMCA to celebrate opening of expanded KidZone

The Huntington Beach Family YMCA will debut on Saturday an expanded KidZone with areas for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, an open-play section and homework and technology spaces.

There will be bounce houses, shaved ice, food trucks, relay races, face painting and a DJ.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YMCA at 8875 Adams Ave.

Laguna Beach Grapes for Grads wine tasting fundraiser will build scholarship funds

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach will host the 13th annual Grapes for Grads wine tasting and scholarship fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships for Laguna Beach High School and Laguna College of Art and Design students.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.GrapesForGrads.com.

Fountain Valley seminar to provide caregivers with self-care tips

A seminar to help rejuvenate caregivers will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at The Center at Founders Village at 17967 Bushard St., Fountain Valley.

A physician with MemorialCare Medical Group will provide caregivers with self-care tips to fend off low energy and other health issues associated with the job.

To reserve a spot, visit memorialcare.org or call (800) 636-6742.

Laguna Art Museum to hold event in honor of Shakespeare

In honor of Shakespeare’s birthday, the Laguna Art Museum on Thursday will host a night of music and art inspired by the famed poet.

The event is slated for 6 p.m. at the museum, 307 Cliff Drive.

To reserve seats, visit https://bit.ly/2HiCxVl.

Fundraiser for children to feature jazz singer Leslie Lewis

Leslie Lewis, a renowned jazz singer, will perform at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Seven-Degrees at 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Proceeds will go toward the Laguna Boys and Girls Club and public schools.

For tickets, visit lagunabeachlive.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1017009.

Friendship Circle to honor 224 O.C. teenage volunteers

Friendship Circle will honor 224 Orange County teenage volunteers at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the UC Irvine Beckman Center, 100 Academy Way.

Friendship Circle is a nonprofit that provides support to people with special needs.

For information, visit FriendshipOC.org.

Fountain Valley High School to host STEAM Fair

The Huntington Beach Union High School District will hold a STEAM Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 at Fountain Valley High School, 17816 Bushard St.

The free event will have a range of interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) projects, such as robotics, e-sports and DNA modeling.

Food trucks also will be available.

For more information, visit hbuhsd.edu/STEAM.

Women’s breakfast with New York Times bestselling author

Orange County nonprofit Working Wardrobes will host a women’s breakfast on May 3 in Newport Beach with New York Times bestselling author Lisi Harrison.

The event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to noon at The Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd.

In addition to food, the event will feature a question and answer session with Harrison, business networking opportunities and shopping.

Harrison is known for her latest novel, “The Dirty Book Club,” and the teen series “The Clique.”

For tickets, visit workingwardrobes.org/smart-women/.