California Corner

San Diego--Water ski without a wetsuit and earn a Penguin Patch at the annual Penguin Day Ski Fest

9 a.m.-noon Tuesday. Potential penguins meet south of the De Anza launch ramp, Mission Bay. Noon-3 p.m., catch the San Diego Yacht Club’s New Year’s Day race in San Diego Bay. Best viewing from Shelter and Harbor islands. Both events free. Ski Fest: (858) 270-0840, www.sdmbbsc.org. Regatta: (619) 221-8400, www.sdyc.org.

Stockton--First Night 2002 begins Monday with a community festival featuring food, entertainment, children’s activities and, to announce the New Year at midnight, fireworks. Hunter Square downtown. 6 p.m.-

midnight. $6 in advance, $8 at the door; 6 and younger free. (209) 937-8136, www.firstnightstockton.org.

Santa Rosa--The Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County will transform downtown into a festival of the arts on Monday to celebrate First Night Santa Rosa. Music and puppet performances, along with numerous activities for kids, will be among the festivities. Downtown. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $10. (707) 579-2787, www.firstnightsr.org.

San Luis Obispo--Bring in the New Year at First Night San Luis Obispo Monday. The family celebration offers a mix of music, dance and other performing arts for all ages. Downtown. 3 p.m.-midnight. $10; age 6 and younger free. (805) 781-6668, www.firstnightslo.org.

Palm Springs--Saunter down Palm Canyon Drive on Jan. 3, when the weekly VillageFest will draw food and craft vendors, merchants and entertainment to downtown. 6-10 p.m. Free. (760) 320-3781, www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us.

--Laurie K. Schenden; Schenden’s e-mail address is

Lkschenden@msn.com.