SPECIAL EVENTS
San Diego Jewish Film Festival—- The 22ndannual festival will feature 48 films, filmmaker Q&As and morecontinues through Feb. 19; San Diego Center for Jewish Culture,Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla;$10.75-$13.75, screening tickets; lfjcc.org/sdjff or858-362-1348.
Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Festival ofAnimation—- Edgy, adult animated shorts return in anall-new lineup; midnight Feb. 17; Landmark’s Ken Cinema, 4061 AdamsAve., San Diego; 619-819-0236.
The Harlem Globetrotters—- Touringbasketball exhibition troupe; 7 p.m. Feb. 17; Valley View CasinoCenter, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego; $15-$145;ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
North County Film Club—- The independentfilm lovers club’s third season is under way with Sunday afternoonscreenings of arthouse, indie and foreign films at the UltraStarMission Marketplace cinema; films play at 4 p.m. Sundays every twoweeks through June; coming up: “Beginners,” March 4; “La Vie enRose,” March 18; “Micmacs,” “April 1; “Snow Flower and the SecretFan,” April 15; “Tree of Life,” May 6; 431 College Blvd.,Oceanside; $40 season pass (includes regular popcorn at each show);$30 for five films; ncfilmclub.com or 760-500-1927.
Board Shorts 2012: Surf Films by Socal Artists Inspiredby Women— San Diego SoCarl Surf Ladies and The Loftpresent a festival of short surf films inspired by women bySouthern California artists; 7 p.m. Feb. 25; The Loft, UC SanDiego, La Jolla; 858-405-4589.
Circus Vargas—- The touring big top familycircus returns to San Diego County for a one-month engagement infour locations: Feb. 16-27 in Balboa Park; March 1-5 in El Cajon;March 8-12 in Mira Mesa Community Park; March 15-26 at Highway 78and Vista Village Drive in Vista; showtimes, 7:30 p.m.Wednesdays-Fridays; 1:30,4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 12:30, 3:30and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; $25-$75, ages 11 and up; $20-$60, childrenages 2 to 10; circusvargas.com or 877-468-3861.
Cirque du Soleil: “Totem”—- The Montrealcircus theater company brings its latest big-top show to the DelMar Fairgrounds; “Totem” is aerial-themed, tracing the journey ofthe human species from its early amphibious state to its ultimatedesire to fly; opens April 25 for a limited engagement; Del MarFairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar; for tickets, visitcirquedusoleil.com/totem .
THEME PARKS
Belmont Park—- Opened in 1925, thisbeachside amusem*nt park features the historical Giant Dipperwooden roller coaster, along with a traditional carousel, bumpercars, the Beach Blaster suspension thrill ride, CHAOS 360-degreespin ride, laser and mirror mazes, Sky Ropes Adventure, kiddierides, flight simulator, climbing tree, arcade, picnic and playareas, the Wave House, with the Bruticus Maximus giant wave riderand Flow Rider perpetual wave machine, and the Sound Waverestaurant and concert venue and blacklight Mini Golf (the Plungeindoor pool is temporarily closed); hours, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; 3190 MissionBlvd., Mission Beach; unlimited ride wristbands, $26.95 (50 inchesand up) and $15.95 (under 50 inches); individual rides, $2-$6;Giant Dipper is $6; Octotron is $5; Flow Rider is $15; miniaturegolf is $7; 858-488-1549 or belmontpark.com.
Boomers! Vista—- Amusem*nt park featuresarcades, bumper boats, batting cages, miniature golf, laser tag,children’s rides and a large climbing structure; noon to 8 p.m.Mondays-Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays; 1525 W. Vista Way, Vista;$27.99 (unlimited, excludes batting cages and coin arcade) for over58 inches; $24.99, under 58 inches ($5 to $8 discount couponsavailable on website); $3-$8, single attractions; 760-945-9474 orboomersparks.com.
Castle Park—- Opened in 1973, themedieval-style theme park includes more than 30 rides includingroller coasters, a log chute, carnival rides, an arcade, miniaturegolf and magic shows; arcade opens at 11 a.m. daily; rides open atnoon; 3500 Polk St., Riverside; unlimited ride pass: $21.99, tallerthan 48 inches; $14.99, seniors and children under 48 inches;annual passes, $50-$55 (miniature golf has separate fee,$6.99-$7.99); $6 parking; 951-785-3000 or castlepark.com.
Discovery Science Center—- Museum featuresmore than 100 hands-on science, math and technology exhibits,including “Dino Quest,” earthquake “shake shack,” climbing wall,musical floor, and 4-D theater featuring “Masters of the Night: TheTrue Story of Bats”; exhibits include a “WaterWorks: Soak Up theScience,” “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head,” “Planetary ResearchStation,” “Robots & Us,” and “Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl:Home Sweet Home”; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Discovery ScienceCenter, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana; $12.95, general; $9.95,children (3-17); free, children 2 and under; movies are $3; DinoQuest is $5; $4, parking; 714-542-2823 or discoverycube.org.
Disneyland Park—- Opened in July 1955, WaltDisney theme park has 60 attractions, including roller coasters,trains, boats, trolleys, carriage and black-light rides, monorail,walk-throughs, live shows, hands-on exhibits, walkabout encountersand dining experiences; parades daily and “Remember … Dreams ComeTrue” fireworks and special effects show nightly; open daily; hoursvary; Harbor Boulevard at Disney Way, Anaheim; $72, general (ages10-59); $62, children 3-9; free, 2 and under; $87-$97, one-daypark-hopper passes; $131-$151, two-day park-hopper passes;$169-$439, annual passes; $17, parking ($20, RVs); 714-781-4565 ordisneyland.com.
Disney’s California Adventure—- Opened in2001, this 55-acre Disney theme park highlights the history,culture, beauty and industries of California; themed lands includeGolden State (agriculture, aviation, wilderness), Paradise Pier(seaside amusem*nt park) and Hollywood Pictures Backlot(filmmaking, TV and stage shows); the park has more than 25 themedattractions, shows and rides and the “World of Color” water show;the park is in the midst of a multiyear expansion and enhancementthat will include the introduction of many new attractions, ridesand shows through 2012; hours vary, check Web site for dailyschedule; Harbor Boulevard at Disney Way, Anaheim; $72, general(ages 10-59); $62, children 3-9; free, 2 and under; $87-$97,one-day park-hopper passes; $131-$151, two-day park-hopper passes;$169-$439, annual passes; $17, parking ($20, RVs); 714-781-4565 ordisneyland.com.
Knott’s Berry Farm—- During February,two-for-one admission is being offered for $34.99 (per person);Knott’s is a 160-acre amusem*nt park featuring 165 rides, includingan authentic Old West Ghost Town; roller coasters; Camp Snoopy’schildren’s area; themed restaurants; all-new “Everybody LovesSnoopy” live ice-skating show and other family entertainment;thrill rides that include the Silver Bullet, featuring corkscrews,spirals and cobra rolls, Ghostrider, a Western-themed suspendedroller coaster that features a 109-foot drop, and RipTide thrillride; opens daily at 10 a.m.; closing time varies; 8039 BeachBlvd., Buena Park; $56.99, adults; $24.99, seniors (62+) andchildren 3 to 11; free, children 2 and under (adult tickets can bepurchased online for $38.99); $69.99, season passes; $12, parking;714-220-5220 or knotts.com.
Legoland California—- The 128-acre Legotoy-themed amusem*nt park, best suited for ages 2 to 12, offersLego-building areas; new “A Clutch Powers 4-D Adventure” film isplaying in rotation with “Bob the Builder,” “Lego Racers 4-D” and”Spell Breaker 4-D” films; the park has interactive play areas,water rides and attractions; mini-roller-coasters and car-andboat-driving courses; live stage shows; walk-through attractions;Miniland USA (miniature cities of the world built from Lego bricks,including “Star Wars” land; dinosaur, Egypt, water, castle andother themed “lands,” miniature golf and a water park; hours vary;1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad; $69, general; $59, children (3-12) andseniors; free, 2 and under; $12, parking; 760-918-5346 orcalifornia.legoland.com.
San Diego Zoo—- The 100-acre zoo houses morethan 4,000 animals of 800 species and 6,500 plant species; changeis underway at one of the San Diego Zoo’s most popular areas, PandaCanyon, to transport guests to a world inspired by China’s pandareserves; visitors can trek through bamboo forests marked bytraditional Chinese landscapes to learn about animals that sharehabitat with the critically endangered giant panda includingtakins, red pandas and the Mangshan pit vipe; the journey ends atthe panda habitat, where guests can continue to learn about thezoo’s pandas as well as its efforts with China to save thisspecies; the 7.5 acre Elephant Odyssey exhibit combines the fun ofa zoo with the experience of a museum by creating an untamedlandscape of animals from the past and present; walk-throughgorilla, polar bear, tiger and rain forest habitats; live shows;children’s petting areas; regular hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. dailyduring the summer months; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the fall and winter;Balboa Park, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego; one-day pass includesSkyfari aerial tram and guided bus tour: $40, adults; $30,children (3-11); free parking; 619-234-3153 orsandiegozoo.org.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park—- Opened in 1972,the 1,800-acre wildlife preserve is operated by the San Diego Zoo;the Safari Park (formerly known as the Wild Animal Park) is home tomore than 3,000 animals representing more than 375 species — manyliving in wide, open field enclosures; the 25-minute Africa TramSafari takes guests around the Park’s field exhibits full of herdsof giraffes, crashes of rhinos and flocks of exotic birds on anopen-air, soft-wheeled vehicle inspired by the legendary safaritrains of Africa; “Lion Camp,” which offers visitors an up-closelook at the African cats in their natural habitat, will reopen inJuly after renovations; the Flightline Safari tour takes ridersover the rhino and giraffe enclosures at speeds up to 47 mph ($70);plus hands-on encounters, walk-through exhibits, live animal shows,children’s petting areas; a 50-foot African-themed carousel with 61animal-themed ride-on creatures is open; “Frequent Flyers” birdshow is performed several times daily; 15500 San Pasqual ValleyRoad, San Pasqual Valley; one-day pass includes unlimited Journeyinto Africa tram and carousel rides: $40, adults; $30, children(3-11); $10, parking ($15 for motorhomes); 760-747-8702 orsdzsafaripark.org.
Scandia Ontario—- This Scandinavian-styletheme park offers 25 rides and attractions including the new CliffJumper and roller coasters, race cars, carnival-style rides,miniature golf, an arcade and batting cages; 1155 S. WanamakerAve., Ontario; unlimited rides: $22.95, taller than 54 inches;$17.95, under 54 inches; golf, $6.95-$9.95; 909-390-3092 orscandiafun.com.
Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland—- Sea LifeAquarium has a 36,000-square-foot, 200,000-gallon aquarium filledwith more than 200 aquatic species, including seahorses, stingraysand sharks; newly opened, Octopus Garden exhibit; “Sharks Revealed”is an interactive exhibit that introduces children to themysterious world of sharks; also features more than 70 models madefrom Lego bricks, including an 11-foot submarine; a sea-themed cafeand interactive Lego sandcastle-building area; also featured,”Atlantis Adventure,” a 22-minute film about the lost city ofAtlantis, a daily underwater dive show and daily shark-themedshows; hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Legoland Drive, Carlsbad;$20, adults; $17, seniors 60 and over; $13, children ages 3 to 12;$12, parking; 760-918-5346 or sealifeus.com.
SeaWorld San Diego—- Opened in 1964, the189-acre ocean-themed park features live shows with killer whales,dolphins and sea lions; sea creature encounters; Animal Connectionsclose-up encounters; Skytower, virtual motion, rapids andsplashdown rides; shark, penguin, dolphin and otter and otherexhibits and new Turtle Reef exhibit; stage shows and SesameStreet-themed play area; interactive experiences available withdolphins and beluga whales; hours vary; 500 SeaWorld Drive, SanDiego; $73, adults; $65, children (3-9); free, children 2 andunder; $14, parking; 800-257-4268 or seaworldsandiego.com.
Speed Zone Los Angeles—- This 10-acre autoracing-themed park offers miniature auto race tracks built for3/4-scale Grand Prix cars and 18-foot, 300hp dragsters, as well asminiature golf, mini-bowling and an arcade; hours vary; 17871Castleton St., City of Industry; prices by the hour, playcardsstart at $30; 626-913-9663 or speedzone.com.
Six Flags Magic Mountain—- The theme parkhas the world’s largest collection of roller coasters —- 17, with”Green Lantern: First Flight”; also newly opened, the kid-friendlyRoad Runner Express; major rides include the Apocalypse woodencoaster, “Superman: Escape From Krypton,” taking visitors backwardsat up to 100 mph; Terminator Salvation: The Ride; X2 is a spinning,multisensory coaster; Tatsu, the world’s tallest, fastest andlongest “flying” coaster; Scream floorless coaster travels at 65mph with a 150-foot drop and 128-foot vertical loop; also,children’s play areas, water rides, live shows; opens at 10:30 a.m.daily; closing hours vary; 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia;$59.99, general; $34.99, children under 48 inches; free, 2 andunder; $15, parking; 661-255-4111 or sixflags.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood—- The 415-acremovie-based theme park, built in 1964 on the grounds of theUniversal television studios, features roller coasters and thrillrides, special effects-based live shows and a ride-throughbehind-the-scenes Studios Tour; the park’s studio backlot hasreopened with all new sets and attractions; rides and attractionsinclude “Universal’s House of Horrors” walk-through haunted house;”Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride,” is one of the world’s fastestindoor roller coasters, “Shrek 4-D,” “Terminator 2 3-D, “TheSimpsons Ride” virtual reality ride; “Waterworld” water stunt show;”Jurassic Park: The Ride,” “Adventures of Curious George”children’s water play area; the “Universal Experience,” showcasingoriginal props and wardrobe from popular Universal movies;Universal CityWalk entertainment, dining and shopping promenadefeatures “The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club,” park hours vary, butgenerally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends;100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City; $74 for SouthernCalifornia residents; $59 for guests under 48 inches; free,children 2 and under; annual passes (Southern Californiaresidents), $74-$134; www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
COMEDY
Thursday Night Comedy Club—- Comedy Palacepresents weekly headliners at 8 p.m. Thursdays at this new comedyclub; Sycuan Casino, 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon; $20-$25; sycuan.com.
Felipe Esparza—- The winner of the 2010season of “Last Comic Standing” will perform with Bill Bellamy; 8p.m. Feb. 18; the Pavilion, Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort,777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center; $25-$35; harrahsrincon.comor 800-745-3000.
West Coast Funnies with Kurt Swann starring Bronx-borncomedian Barry Diamond—- Norelli, a former joke writerfor Byron Allen and now stand-up comedian, stars in the monthlystand-up comedy and sketch comedy show featuring Kurt Swann, Zoltanand the Pearl St. Players; 8 p.m. Feb. 18; Carlsbad VillageTheatre, 2822 State St., Carlsbad; $20; PG-17-rated; 619-997-3033or westcoastfunnies.com
“Sandra Bernard: I Love Being Me, Don’tYou?”—- La Jolla Playhouse presents the comedian andsatirist in her new solo show; 8 p.m. March 14-16; 7 and 9:30 p.m.March 17; Poticker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse complex, UC SanDiego, La Jolla; $35-$60; lajollaplayhouse.org or 858-550-1010.
Monique: “Not Skinny, Not Blonde”—- WithKyle Fitzgerald; 6 p.m. March 17; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. CedrosAve., Solana Beach; $10-$12; bellyup.com or 858-481-8140.
Second City’s “Laugh Out Loud Tour”—- LaJolla Playhouse presents the Chicago-based sketch comedy troupeperforming new pieces inspired by audience suggestions; 8 p.m.March 21-23; 7 and 9:30 p.m. March 24; Poticker Theatre, La JollaPlayhouse complex, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $30-45;lajollaplayhouse.org or 858-550-1010.
Gabriel Iglesias—- 8 p.m. May 4; StarlightTheatre, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala;$28-$45; startickets.com or 877-946-7252.
COMEDY CLUBS
Comedy Fiasco—- This new comedy clubco-founded by Mark Christopher Lawrence and Industry Showroom’s RexEdhlund will present headliner entertainment on Saturday nightsonce a month in an East Village warehouse cabaret; Culy Theatre,338 Seventh Ave., San Diego; $20 at the door; 619-338-0526; forschedule of future showd, visit comedyfiascosandiego.com.
Pechanga Comedy Club—- Improvisationalcomedy club hosts three comics nightly; 8 p.m. Wednesdays andThursdays; 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Pechanga ComedyClub, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway,Temecula; $22-$30; 877-711-2946 or pechanga.com/comedyclub.
Comedy Store La Jolla—- New comediansnightly; 6:45 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Wednesdays/Thursdays; 8 and10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 916 Pearl St., La Jolla; $20 onFridays/Saturdays; $8, Wednesdays; no cover/two-drink minimum,Sundays; 858-454-9176.
National Comedy Theatre—– San Diego-basedimprovisational comedy troupe creates on-the-spot skits fromaudience suggestions; appropriate for all audiences; 7:30 and 9:45p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; National Comedy Theatre, 3717 IndiaSt., San Diego; $15, general; $12, students, seniors and military;619-295-4999 or www.nationalcomedy.com.
