California Corner

SAN DIEGO--The Festival of the Bells next weekend, July 16-18, marks the 230th anniversary of the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala, California’s first mission. There will be entertainment, a blessing of the bells and animals, ethnic food and children’s games. 10818 San Diego Mission Road. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Free. (619) 283-7319.

MURPHYS--Join descendants of the Murphy family and other town residents for Murphys Homecoming next weekend, July 17-18. A parade rolls down Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday. Sunday in the Park offers food, music and children’s activities 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Murphys Park, off Main Street. Free. (800) 225-3764.

REDLANDS--A chili cook-off and an old-fashioned fire-fighting competition will be highlights of the Fireman’s Muster on Saturday, July 17. Music, food, crafts and other vendors will fill the quad at the University of Redlands, Colton and University avenues. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (909) 793-2546.

SANTA BARBARA--A two-story-high model of the Eiffel Tower will tower over the 12th annual Santa Barbara French Festival next Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, to celebrate Bastille Day. French foods from cre^pes to Cajun will be featured, along with entertainment on three stages and the Poodle Parade (5:30 p.m. Sunday). 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both days. Oak Park. Free. (805) 564-PARIS.

GREENVILLE--A rifle shoot, logging show and fireman’s muster are all part of Golddigger Days. Main Street will be closed Saturday, July 17, for the parade at 10:30 a.m., food and craft vendors throughout the day and a street dance (8 p.m.-midnight). Next Sunday, July 18, the Black Powder Shooting Tournament will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Indian Valley Shooting Range on California Highway 89. All events are free. (530) 284-6633.

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