Fast Facts: California
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011Earthquakes In the rare event of an earthquake, you should know about a few simple precautions that every California schoolchild is taught: If you’re in a tall building, don’t run outside; instead, move away from windows and toward the building’s center. Crouch under a desk or table, or stand against a wall or under a doorway. If you’re in bed, get under the bed or stand under the doorway, or crouch under a sturdy piece of furniture. When exiting the building, use stairwells, not elevator.
If you’re in car, pull over to side of the road and stop, but wait until you’re away from bridges or overpasses, as well as telephone or power poles and lines. Stay in your car.
If you’re out walking, stay outside and away from trees, power lines, and the sides of buildings.
Emergencies To reach the police, ambulance service, or fire department, dial 
911. No coins are needed at pay phones for 911 calls.
Liquor Laws Liquor and grocery stores, as wells as some drugstores, can legally sell packaged alcoholic beverages between 6am and 2am. Most restaurants, nightclubs, and bars are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages during the same hours. The legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is strictly enforced.
Taxes California’s sales tax is 7.25%. Some cities include an additional percentage, so tax varies throughout the state. Hotel taxes are almost always higher than tariffs levied on goods and services.
Time California and the entire West Coast are in the Pacific time, 3 hours earlier than the East Coast.
March
•Return of the Swallows, San Juan Capistrano. Each St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), visitors flock to this charming village for the arrival of the mission’s loyal flock of swallows that will nest and remain until October. The celebration includes a parade, dances, and special programs. Call 
949/248-2048 for details. March 17 to 19, 2000.
• Santa Barbara International Film Festival. For 10 days each March, pretty Santa Barbara does it’s best impression of Cannes. There’s a flurry of foreign-and-independent-film premieres, personal appearances by noted actors and directors, and symposia on hot cinematic topics. For a rundown of events, call 
805/963-0023. March 2 to 12, 2000.
• Nabisco Dinah Shore, Rancho Mirage. This 31-year-old LPGA golf tournament takes place near Palm Springs. After the celebrity Pro-Am early in the week, the best female pros get down to business. For further information, call 
760/324-4546. Other special-interest events for women usually take place around the Dinah Shore, including the country’s largest annual lesbian gathering. Last week of March.
• Redwood Coast Dixieland Jazz Festival, Eureka. Three days of jazz featuring 12 of the best Dixieland groups, including a variety of jam sessions. Call 
707/445-3378. Late March.
April
? San Francisco International Film Festival. One of America’s oldest film festivals, featuring more than 100 films and videos from more than 30 countries. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, and screenings are very accessible to the general public during 2 weeks early in the month. Call 
415/931-FILM.
• Toyota Grand Prix, Long Beach. An exciting weekend of Indy-class auto racing and entertainment in and around downtown Long Beach, drawing world-class drivers from the United States and Europe. Contact the Grand Prix Association at 
800/752-9524 or 562/981-2600. Mid-April.
? Renaissance Pleasure Faire, San Bernardino. One of America’s largest Renaissance festivals, this annual happenings is set in Glen Helen Regional Park in L.A.’s relatively remote countryside. Performers (and many attendees) dress in 16th century costume and revel in this festive re-creation of a medieval English village. For ticket information, phone 
800/52-FAIRE. Weekends from late April to Memorial Day.
• Ramona Pageant, Hemet. A unique outdoor play that portrays the lives of the Southern California Mission Indians. The play was adapted from Helen Hunt Jackson’s 1884 novel Ramona. Call 
909/658-311 for details. Late April to early May.
• Del Mar National Horse Show. Horse-and-rider teams compete in national championships at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Call 
858/792-4288 or 858/755-1161 for more information. Late April to early May.
May
? Cinco de Mayo. A week long celebration of one on Mexico’s most jubilant holidays takes place throughout the city of Los Angeles. The fiesta’s carnival-like atmosphere is created by large crowds, live music, dances and food. The main festivities are held in El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, downtown, with other events around the city. Phone 
213/485-6855 for information. There’s also a Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Diego, featuring folkloric music, dance, food and historical reenactments. Held in Old Town. Call 
619/296-3161 or 619/220-5422 for more information.
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