CdM Today: Christmas Walk fever hitting CdM residents

 Rick Allen of the popular band Pinch Me! has been planning for Christmas Walk for a long time.

"It's the kick-off for the holidays," Allen said. "It gives us a chance to connect with our fans and to try out a few Christmas songs."

While Pinch Me! is busy rehearsing for the 32nd Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, other bands are gearing up for their sets.

Travis Barrett and his partner Alex Herrera — formerly the Green Room — will be playing outside Gina's Pizza in the Albertson's parking lot. About 10 other local bands will be performing, including at the Wells Fargo lot near the post office on Orchid Avenue and in other locations. The Corona del Mar High School's Madrigal Singers also will perform up and down Coast Highway between 2 and 4 p.m.

Music is just the tip of the iceberg, however. The beer and wine garden is always a huge draw, as well as the Newport Beach Fireman's BBQ, carolers, a bouncy house, Santa visits and photo ops and the opportunity drawing full of local prizes. As always, the event is free, and local merchants typically offer treats and refreshments.

"The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is one of the area's most anticipated events," said Michelle Brown of the Brown and Stowell Team.

Corona del Mar Today will be on hand in the vendor area, live blogging and selling greeting card sets that show original photographs of some of the most stunning images they've captured for the site. Stop by and check them out — then tell them your Christmas Walk stories and they'll update the site immediately.

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Police announce curfew crackdown plans

When schools let out for winter break on Dec. 17, the Newport Beach Police Department will be ready and waiting to find curfew violators, department officials announced.

"This is in response to a recent increase in theft related crimes committed during nighttime hours by juvenile subjects," according to a police press release.

The concentrated curfew enforcement effort will last throughout the entire school vacation period.

According to the city curfew ordinance, minors younger than 18 are prohibited from loitering in public streets, alleys and other public places between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.