Adoption

ORLANDO, Fla. — These reader questions were answered by experts attending the North American Veterinary Conference here Jan.14-18. Question: We adopted a kitten from a shelter, and at only 7 months she already weighs 14 pounds. We feed her a half a can of canned food each morning and have dry food available all the time. Sparky even sleeps near the food bowl, and eats often. I believe she must have gone hungry before she came to us. To cut calories, I have switched to adult dry food.

Winter is a sweet 9-year-old Maltese mix, given up recently by his owners who moved and could no longer care for him and Coco, his Golden Retriever companion. Coco has been adopted, and now Winter is eager to find a new home of his own. He is friendly with other dogs, comfortable around children, well-behaved on leash, responsive to basic commands, already neutered, and house trained. Despite losing his companion, he is not despondent; instead, he enjoys sunning himself in his kennel, playing with toys, and offering affection to all who meet him. Although there are many deserving dogs currently housed at the shelter, this "Winter's Tale" makes his case for adoption especially compelling.

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines is the adopted U.S. Marine Corps unit of Costa Mesa. "Patrol Base Jaker" is a documentary of the deployment of the 1/5 to Afghanistan in 2009-10. These films usually center on combat operations. But this one zeros in on the vital aftermath of combat: helping the local population to build a secure life. This film pulls no punches in presenting the complaints of the villagers. The Marines have pushed out the Taliban fighters who took over the area, but severe challenges remain.

The Irvine City Council on Tuesday could become the latest Orange County city to consider a citywide ordinance banning sex offenders from going to public parks. The proposal comes on the heels of the Orange County Board of Supervisors approving an ordinance in April prohibiting registered offenders from county parks. Since then, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and other cities have started researching similar laws at the local level. Westminster approved such an ordinance in May, making it a misdemeanor for offenders to visit parks there.

Help local dogs while scoring designer sunglasses at Kaenon Polarized's third annual Sup for a Pup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 864 W. 16th St., Newport Beach. Savings will be up to 50% off retail on shades, footwear, surf apparel and more; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the A Wish for Animals Foundation. Wahoo's Fish Tacos will be on hand, along with raffles and music. Those who adopt a dog onsite will receive a gift bag and discounts on future product purchases. Visit kaenon.com . Try a 'crazy' new side Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco has released three new premium side dish options — corn, corn cake and sweet potato fries — and will offer a free large side with any family meal purchase through June 24 to increase buzz about them.

SANTA ANA — Newport Harbor will be affected by the Orange County Board of Supervisors' Tuesday decision to prohibit registered sex offenders from county-owned recreation areas. "We're setting up a safety zone by keeping parks and recreational areas safe from predators," said Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas. However, privately owned boats cruising in harbors most likely will not be affected, he said. Under the new ordinance, registered sex offenders cannot, without official written permission, enter a county-owned, leased or maintained area where "children regularly gather.

COSTA MESA — The number of torn and dirty temporary banners hanging from local businesses has spurred new restrictions on temporary signs. A citywide ordinance that took effect last month requires businesses to secure permits before they can hang banners. The regulations provide strict limits on banners for commercial, industrial, institutional and residential properties, said Ed Fawcett, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce president. The issue is one of aesthetics, Fawcett said.

Members of the Newport Beach City Council expressed frustration — as did several members of the community — about a plan to increase speed limits on some stretches of roadway, including along East Coast Highway by the Cameo neighborhoods. But in the end, the council members voted unanimously to adopt the increases with a plan to review the Cameo area and three others to see if speeds could be adjusted in the future. "This is one of those issues that infuriates the public," said Councilman Keith Curry.

Camp Pendleton Marines, who will soon be deployed to Afghanistan, are to be honored at a formal mess night at the Balboa Bay Club Thursday night, an event organizer said. The Newport Beach 1/1 Marine Foundation, which raises money for and reaches out to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and the Marine Corps unit's families will host the formal mess night and fundraiser, said Homer Bludau, a former Newport Beach city manager who is the foundation's president. The city adopted the "1/1" as a military unit in 2003.

Many women out there are claiming to find a safe and secure home for pets (mostly cats). They attach themselves to rescues that either don't exist or make false claims. They scan Craigslist for unsuspecting people in tough situations needing to relinquish their animals, as well as taking animals from veterinarians who have bought into their lies. It seems unfathomable, but almost every bona fide rescue organization in Orange County knows these innocent animals are being ushered to their death.