CRYSTAL CLEAR: It’s usually not cheap to...

CRYSTAL CLEAR: It’s usually not cheap to shop at Crystal Court at South Coast Plaza. But tonight your money could go for a cause. . . . The mall is hosting “Passport to End Hunger,” an annual food- and wine-tasting benefit for the Orange County Food Distribution Center. You can sample cuisine from 40 local restaurants. It’s $35, but that covers everything you can eat or drink. Over the past 10 years, the nonprofit group based in Orange has given away nearly 10 million tons of food to the hungry.

JEWEL FISH: A Huntington Beach environmental group has renewed its drive to make the Garibaldi--a bright orange fish named after an Italian general--the state’s official fish. . . . “They’re living jewels representing all that’s good about California,” says Jim Hall of Ocean Futures. The group is convinced that the state designation would protect the fish from the nets of unscrupulous aquarium collectors, who have fought past measures.

SHE’S IN THERE: You might say Cecilia Fannon has put more of herself into her newest play than ever before. She has used bits of her own personality to create characters in the past, but in “Green Icebergs” one of the main roles is modeled directly on her. But which one? She’s not saying. . . . “I’m definitely in there,” the Newport Beach playwright says. “Green Icebergs” previews Friday at South Coast Repertory’s Mainstage and will have its world premiere on Oct. 21 (OC Live!).

POND DWELLERS: This is the time of year when they’re supposed to be thinking hockey at The Pond of Anaheim. The Mighty Ducks, of course, are awaiting a resolution to the lockout. But there is basketball to be touted. . . . The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce is rounding up people for its luncheon Monday at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers for the Los Angeles Clippers’ players and coaches. The Clippers play eight games at The Pond this year--the first a preseason game Tuesday night against the Lakers. Luncheon tickets: $40.