California Corner

SAN DIEGO--Dance in the streets at Sham Rock ‘99, a St. Patrick’s Day block party on Wednesday. Live music, food, entertainment and green beer will flow through the Gaslamp Quarter, 5th Avenue and F Street. 4-11 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door (no one under 21 admitted). (619) 233-5008.

SAN FRANCISCO--Feel the flower power at the 14th annual Flower & Garden Show, March 18-21. Explore two dozen gardens and a plant market or visit dozens of free seminars. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave. Thursday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $10.50 before Wednesday, $12.50 after; 11 and under free. (800) 829-9751.

PASO ROBLES--Ignace Paderewski (1860-1941), the Polish prime minister and pianist who lived in this town in the early 1900s, is honored with his own festival next weekend, March 19-21. Events include bus tours of the wine country and of sites associated with Paderewski ($10), a Polish folk dancing performance ($12 adults, $6 children), a concert ($12 adults, $6 children) and a breakfast, champagne brunch and dinner. Call for events schedule. (800) 406-4040.

TRONA--Next Saturday, March 20, this Mojave Desert town hosts its annual Spring Fling, with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. ($3 adults, $2 under 12), a free street fair (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), a parade at 11 a.m., a chili cook-off (judging at noon) and free tours of History House (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). A dinner dance gets underway at the VFW Hall, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. ($10). (760) 372-5356.

PALM DESERT--Get ready to rock with Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries at the Sun City Spring Festival next Saturday, March 20. Arts and crafts, kids’ activities and a classic car show are also planned at Del Webb’s Sun City Palm Desert, 39-755 Berkey Drive. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (760) 772-5350.

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