There's no lack of great film festivals to attend in California in the coming months:

the Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from January 6 through 19, 2009,

the Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from January 22 through February 1, 2009,

the San Diego Jewish Film Festival runs from February 4 through 15, 2009,

the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival runs from February 15 through 21, 2009,

the San Diego Latino Film Festival runs from March 12 through 22, 2009,

the Newport Beach International Festival runs from April 23 through 30, 2009.

All of these are great festivals that show independent feature, short, and documentary films. You can meet the filmmakers, attend some educational seminars, and making some great contacts.