My California trekked to San Francisco’s Books by the Bay this weekend and contributors Firoozeh Dumas (“Bienvenidos a Newport Beach”), David Kipen (“How Many Angels”) and Matt Warshaw (“Surfacing”) signed copies for an enthusiastic crowd. Firoozeh shares this report:

It was a beautiful, sunny day. The weather matched the Hockney print on our book.

I had never met David or Matt before, but knowing they had participated in this project, I figured I’d like them. David was easy to spot since he is taller than most people, and was carrying the poster that all the contributors are supposed to sign so it can eventually be auctioned. I want that poster.

I expected Matt to look like a surfer and he does. I can tell he loves the ocean. I could have spent a lot more time talking to him except that people were actually coming to us with books to sign!

A lot of people came up to talk to David who can basically talk to anyone about anything — and do it with enthusiasm. He could be a talk show host — he’s that good. He was also wearing a shirt that matched the cover of our book. His enthusiasm is contagious and we should make him go to all the signings, in his blue shirt.

I met a guy who grew up in Newport Beach. He shared a couple of horror stories with me, then used the word “escape” to describe how he finally left. I have a feeling I may become the poster child for people who don’t like Orange County!

Tonight: David Kipen talks with novelist Carl Hiassen at the Skirball Cultural Center as part of the Writer’s Bloc series.