From socallitlist:

The Santa Ana River Review, the literary journal of the University of California, Riverside’s MFA program, is now accepting submissions for the spring 2016 fiction contest “Writing Southern California.” We are looking for short stories from Southern Californian writers that shape, challenge, and upset contemporary notions of what it means to be a part of this diverse, dry landscape.

Special guest judge Helena Maria Viramontes, acclaimed author of Under the Feet of Jesus and Their Dogs Came with Them will select the winner. The first place winner will receive  a cash prize and publication in our spring 2016 issue. All submissions will be considered for publication.

Submissions should be less than 5,000 words and set in or exploring themes surrounding Southern California (Southland, Imperial, San Diego, etc.). We are especially interested in stories by underrepresented California writers. All rights revert back to author after published. No simultaneous submissions or previously published work; any disregard to these stipulations will result in entry fee forfeiture and contest ineligibility. Deadline: January 31, 2016.