Quick ticks

Rose Parade goes for the green Saturday

World-famous Santa Rosa horticulturist Luther Burbank is gone, but his genius lives on. And with many of us growing more eco-minded all the time, the Burbank legacy is more relevant than ever.

In fact, in Santa Rosa, it makes people want to get out and march.

The theme for the 114th Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival is "Go Green and X-Treme." The day starts with the two-hour parade at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sonoma Avenue and E Street in downtown Santa Rosa, followed by a street festival until 4 p.m.

Information: 542-7673, roseparadefestival.com.

Etta James in Marin

With a pioneering career that spans American blues, soul, R&B and jazz, Etta James is regarded as a musical icon on par with Billie Holiday and B.B. King. Even after five decades as a recording artist, James continues to tour and win Grammys.

Backed by the Roots Band, the matriarch of rhythm and blues brings her legendary voice to the Marin Center at 8 p.m. Saturday for an evening of searing ballads and standards. Tickets: $25-$85. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. (415) 499-6800, ticketmaster.com.

Hiaasen's golf hijinks

Novelist, humorist, journalist and all-around guy's guy Carl Hiaasen has taken readers everywhere from the professional bass-fishing circuit to strip joints.

With his latest read he hits the links, chronicling his uncertain return to golf in "The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport."

Not only is it a book about a man and his game, but about the male bond, laced with memories of playing golf with his dad and watching his own son drive a ball down the fairway.

Hiaasen, who also is a columnist for the Miami Herald, will read at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Montgomery Village store of Copperfield's Books. 2316 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. 578-8938.

Paradise Ridge gala

Paradise Ridge Winery is having a grand reopening and anniversary celebration Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to mark the completion of a newly created stone-walled path. The Santa Rosa winery will also be releasing two new wines, paired with nibbles.

In addition, a special reception with the artists behind "Encore di Prelude," the annual sculpture exhibition at Marijke's Grove, will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Free. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, 528-9463, www.prwinery.com.

-- Virginie Boone, Dan Taylor, Diane Peterson, Meg McConahey