BEST BET

You say it’s your birthday? Even it’s not, it’s California’s birthday today, marking 140 years of statehood. So why not celebrate? History buffs at the Centinela Adobe in Westchester have a great little fiesta planned for today. Emphasizing California’s Hispanic heritage, the fiesta will feature costumed Mexican dancers twirling their stuff, old-style chefs grinding corn on Indian metates to create handmade tortillas, and local artisans demonstrating--and selling--their handiwork.

The crowd also will be invited to tour exhibits highlighting major aspects of California history. All three buildings in the adobe complex will be open for inspection, including the 1834 Adobe, the 1887 Freeman Land Office and the 1980 Centinela Valley Heritage and Research Center containing what’s left of the Freeman Mansion after it was razed in 1972. There will be pinatas for the kids to bash apart, pan dulce for everyone to sample, and coffee, tea and punch to get you through the day.

High school alumni from the Centinela Valley Unified School District will get a chance to run into old friends by registering at a special booth, where they will be given ribbons to distinguish them from the rest of the crowd. If you really want to get into the spirit of things, the folks at the adobe say they would be delighted to see you show up wearing a period costume. Best of all, this celebration is free of charge. The party will go from 2 to 5 p.m. at the adobe complex, 7634 Midfield Ave. Free parking and shuttle service can be found on 83rd Street, just west of Hindry Avenue.

And happy birthday to all of you.