California Corner

RIPON--This Central Valley town in the heart of almond country is home to the annual Almond Blossom Festival next weekend, Feb. 26-28. Take a tour of the almond orchards or drop by the arts and crafts booths, Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. in the Community Center on 4th Street. On Saturday, an 8K- and a 1-mile run are followed by a parade, at 1 p.m., and a tractor pull. Free. (209) 599-7519.

LAKEPORT--All types of music will get toes tapping in this North Coast town next Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Winter Music Festival. Lake County bands and soloists will perform in the renovated movie theater, christened the Soper-Reece Performing Arts Theater. Performances at 1:30 and 7 p.m. $6, $5 students and seniors. (800) 525-3743.

SANTA CRUZ--The boardwalk will be the hot spot next Saturday, Feb. 27, when the 17th annual Clam Chowder Cook Off gets underway. More than 60 teams, some in costume, will cook up favorite Boston and Manhattan chowder recipes. Spectators can purchase tasting kits for $5, beginning at 10 a.m. Tasting 1-5 p.m. 400 Beach St. (831) 420-5273.

SAN DIEGO--Celebrate your heritage--along with everyone else’s--at the eighth annual Heritage Day Parade next Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 10 a.m. from 49th Street and Logan Avenue. Festivities, which include vendor booths, rides and entertainment, are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 286 Euclid Ave. Admission is free. (619) 286-8887.

PALM DESERT--For a picture-perfect weekend, check out the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society’s 10th annual Juried Show and Sale March 6 and 7. More than 150 entries will fill the Palm Desert Community Center, 43-900 San Pablo Ave. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Admission is free. (760) 341-1233.

Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.