California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

TEMECULA--As the air turns chilly, taste buds turn to chili. The Bruce Brill Memorial Chili Cook Off is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Temecula Show-grounds. Featured are chili competitions and tastings; a farmer’s market; craft and vendor booths, and music

by the Chili Pepper Chasers. Spectator admission: $3. A country dance and barbecue are at 6 p.m. Friday at the showgrounds (admission $10). One mile west of the Winchester exit off Interstate 15; turn right on Diaz Road. (800) 800-4038 or (714) 676-4718.

SANTA BARBARA--The Italian American Boot Club hosts the Festa Italiana 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday in Oak Park. Italian food, drink, music and dancing are featured. Italian collectibles are offered in the Mercato Vecchio. Free. Take the Pueblo Street exit from U.S. 101 north. (805) 687-7197.

PACIFIC GROVE--Beloved author John Steinbeck will be honored with a weekend of discussions on his works and explorations of local haunts relevant to his novels. “Steinbeck Returns to Pacific Grove,” Oct. 23-25, is limited to guests of the Gatehouse Inn, 225 Central Ave. Fee for the four-event program is $60, plus accommodations. (Rooms are $95-$170.) The weekend itinerary includes visits to Cannery Row and Steinbeck’s home site, and a talk on “Cannery Row” and “The Log From the Sea of Cortez.” (800) 753-1881 or (408) 649-8436.

OJAI--Discover creative treasures on the Ojai Studio Artists Tour, Oct. 24-25. Painters, sculptors and potters are among the 21 artists who will host open houses in their studios, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Visitors take self-guided tours at their own pace. In addition to two days of tours, a $10 ticket includes a coffee hour 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Ojai Arts Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., and a reception with the artists 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the center. Tickets available by mail or on both days of the event at the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, 338 E. Ojai Ave. Take U.S. 101 north to California 33. (805) 646-8126.

VALLEJO--Fresh goods from the farm, kitchen and sea are offered at the Vallejo Harvest Festival, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 24 at Sonoma Boulevard and Georgia Street. In addition to local produce, fresh fish, homemade salsas, jams and caramel corn, the festival features wine and cheese tastings, an animal farm, pony and wagon rides, crafts booths, music and demonstrations. Free. U.S. 101 north to California 37 east, then right on Sonoma Boulevard. (415) 456-FARM.