Events in the news this week.

Friday is the beginning of African-American Heritage Month. Many events are planned throughout the county during February to celebrate.

During the monthlong celebration’s first weekend, events include the 12th annual Orange County Black Historical Parade, to be held Saturday at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at 15th and Main streets in downtown Santa Ana. It will proceed along Main Street, turn west on 3rd Street and continue on to Ross Street. Food and other concessions will be available for sale.

Also, Rancho Santiago College will be the site of a monthlong schedule of activities. Sponsored by the college’s Black Student Union, the activities begin Friday with a rally. On Saturday, a panel discussion on how African-Americans are portrayed in the media and a variety of films, including “Glory” and “Do the Right Thing,” will be screened in the student lounge. All activities are free and will take place at the college’s Santa Ana campus, at 17th and Bristol streets.

The Irvine Ranch Water District will consider a plan at its board meeting Monday that would double water costs for excessive water use. The district serves Irvine and portions of Tustin, Orange, Portola Hills, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. The board will meet at 6 p.m. at the district’s administrative office, 18802 Bardeen Ave., Irvine.