California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Morro Bay--The bay will be boppin’ Jan. 11-13 during the Jazzuary Festival. Swing, big band, Dixieland and zydeco bands will perform in several venues around town. 6 p.m.- midnight Jan. 11; 11 a.m.- midnight Jan. 12; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Jan. 13. All events $45; students $5 per day. (805) 772-8086, www.morro-bay.net.

Santa Cruz--Immerse yourself in mushrooms Jan. 12-13 at the 28th annual Fungus Fair. Check out the food, cooking demos, displays and expert advice on identifying mushrooms at Louden Nelson Community Center. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5; $3 students and seniors; younger than 12 free. (831) 420-6115.

San Diego--The ninth annual Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival culminates Jan. 9-11 with a showcase of ethnic dances. Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego. $15-$25 adults; $10 seniors; $5 ages 12 and younger. 7:30 p.m. (619) 230-8623, ueo.ucsd.edu.

San Francisco--The 12th annual Celebration of the Sea Lions gets underway Jan. 19. Officials from the Marine Mammal Center will talk about the sea lions in the bay. Pier 39. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (415) 705-5500, www.pier39.com.

La Quinta--The Desert Plein Air (open air) painting fair is open Jan. 26-27. A Quick Draw contest and lecture is 1-4:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Living Desert ($8.50; $7.50 seniors; $4.25 ages 3-12). On Jan. 26-27 the public can view more than 200 works outdoors at 47555 Washington St.,

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (760) 564-1244, www.lqaf.com.

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

Lkschenden@msn.com.