California Corner

SAN DIEGO--Greet the New Year with a dip in Mission Bay during the Jan. 1 Penguin Day Ski Fest. Those who water-ski without a wetsuit will earn a penguin patch. Public boat launch at De Anza Cove, on Mission Bay Drive. 7-11 a.m. Free. (858) 270-0840.

PALM SPRINGS--This desert city holds VillageFest on Thursday nights year-round, featuring entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and farmers market along Palm Canyon Drive. Downtown. 6-10 p.m. Free. (760) 320-3781.

MORRO BAY--Bird- and whale-watching trips are highlights of the Winter Bird Festival Jan. 12-15. There will also be guided tours of the estuary and surrounding areas. $40 for all four days (includes a T-shirt); $15 per day. $55 for wildlife-watching excursions. Call (800) 231-0592.

SANTA CRUZ--Learn to prepare a fabulous fungus feast at the Fungus Fair, Jan. 13-14. Cooking demonstrations and children’s activities are part of the event. Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $5; $3 students and seniors; free under 12. (831) 420-6115.

CHICO--The Gathering of Wings banquet will be a highlight of the two-day Snow Goose Festival, Jan. 13-14, which also offers arts and crafts, a book fair, field trips, guided tours of wildlife areas and children’s workshops ($2). Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Ave. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Jan. 13; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 14. $22 for Jan. 13 banquet, 6-10 p.m.; guided tours and adult workshops, $5. (800) 852-8570, Internet https://www.chicochamber.com.

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