COUNTY PLANS BIG BASH FOR 150TH BIRTHDAY.

Byline: Douglas Haberman Staff Writer

Los Angeles County will be showing its age next year.

On Feb. 18, the county turns 150 years old, and officials are planning a big celebration at Dodger Stadium in April, said Evelyn Gutierrez, the county's director of marketing.

``The bash is a salute to the county's 10 million residents and the cultural diversity in our communities,'' she said.

Plans include foods of many ethnicities offered by restaurants from around the county as well as music and dance performances that reflect the many cultural heritages found here, said Gutierrez.

The county is also hoping to sign a headline-type act to perform in the evening, she said.

``We're really excited,'' said John Wallace, an aide to Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Knabe. ``We think the (multicultural) theme is a really good one.''

Admission would be by a ticket, the price of which has not been set. Food and drink would be sold separately. No budget has been set for the festivities, and the cost to taxpayers will depend in part on how many sponsors contribute.

Talks between the county and Dodger Stadium are in the early stages, but ``we have interest in it,'' Dodgers spokesman Brent Shyre said.

Although the county's anniversary is in February, Dodger Stadium will undergo limited renovation during the off-season, which will preclude a February event there, he said.

Shyre said Dodger Stadium's regular seating capacity is about 56,000 people, although seats can be added on the field.

Gutierrez said the county is considering a smaller celebration on the actual anniversary date, possibly at the Hollywood Bowl or the Music Center.

The county is still lining up sponsors and has also invited the participation of all 88 cities within the county, Gutierrez said.

Members of the public who would like to get involved or want more information may call Gutierrez's office at [phone], she said.

As plans unfold and decisions are finalized, updates and other information will be available on the county's Web site - www.co.la.ca.us - by clicking on general information and then the events calendar.

California's 150th anniversary also is coming up next year, but the state's celebration planning has been marred by fund-raising problems and other setbacks.

Efforts to raise private funds produced meager results under the administration of former Gov. Pete Wilson, and some have called for Gov. Gray Davis to put new emphasis on planning and preparations for the statewide celebration.

By a quirk of history, the county's incorporation actually preceded the admission of California to the Union on Sept. 9, 1850. Statehood was delayed because of fear in Washington, D.C., of breaking the even split of 15 slave-holding states and 15 free states, Gutierrez said.