California Corner

PALM SPRINGS--Community Day at the Palm Springs Desert Museum is Friday, when the museum forgoes its usual $7.50 entrance fee, and the kids can go on a treasure hunt. 101 Museum Drive. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (760) 325-0189.

MORRO BAY--Set course for the Winter Bird Festival, Jan. 14-17. Highlights include guided estuary tours, boat trips, guest speakers, museum activities and walks for children. Hours and fees vary, from $15 to $55. Reservations suggested. (800) 231-0592.

MONTEREY--As gray whales migrate, Whalefest 2000, Jan. 14-30, celebrates with ocean exhibits, art shows, children’s activities and whale-watching excursions. An open house 7-9 p.m. Jan. 15 at Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, will include music. (831) 649-6544.

BLYTHE--The 13th annual Colorado River Country Music Festival, Jan. 14-16, will offer food, crafts and bluegrass. Colorado River Fairgrounds, Highway 95 and Riverside Drive. Saturday night jam-dance $3. Three-day pass $25; single day $10; 12 and younger free. Camping $40 for four nights. (760) 922-8166.

SAN DIEGO--The 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Multicultural Festival on Jan. 15 will begin at 10 a.m. with a parade from Grape Street in front of the County Administration Building to Seaport Village. 585 Harbor Drive. Festival noon-4 p.m. Free. (619) 264-0542.

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