February 3 Fun Friday Nites Parents can have a “date night” while children enjoy a night of games, crafts, pizza and movies with friends at the San Elijo Recreation Center. Program is supervised by trained recreation leaders. For ages: 4-12 years. Cost: $20/child; $5 sibling discount. Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmLocation: San Elijo Recreation Center, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd, San Marcos For more information visit http://www.san-marcos.net/index.aspx?page=563

February 4 El Cajon Ford Youth Fishing Derby   Poway’s annual Youth Fishing Derby for ages 15 and under. Fishing begins shortly after 6:00 am and continues until noon, followed by a free barbecue lunch. The awards ceremony and raffle drawing will begin at approximately 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded to age division winners, raffle ticket winners, and to the kid with the best fishing story. Time: 6:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway For more information visit http://www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=14&recordid=7508

February 9 - 19 22nd Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival The San Diego Jewish Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious Jewish Film Festivals in North America. Annual presentation of American and international feature films, including documentaries and short subjects that explore the Jewish experience.   Time: Refer to website for scheduleLocation: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center/ Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla For more information visit http://www.sdcjc.org/

February 11 Mermaid San Diego 5K, 10K & Half Marathon This event is an all women’s 5K and 10K run/walk & half-marathon that travels along the shoreline of East Mission Bay and on the roadway around Fiesta Island. See website for admission fees. Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pmLocation: South Tecolote Shores, Mission Bay For more information visit www.mermaidseries.com

February 11, For the Love of Chocolate & SweetArt Festival 3rd Annual “For the Love of Chocolate” festival will take place in Downtown Escondido. Sample locally brewed beer and wines, paired with San Diego’s finest chocolatiers. Cost: $20 per person; includes 10 beer or wine and chocolate pairings. Admission to Sweet Street is free. Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pmLocation: Downtown Escondido, Grand Avenue For more information visit http://www.downtownescondido.com/chocolate.html

February 12 Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K The flat and fast course is perfect for the casual runner or couple who are looking for a fun event or for the serious racer who is looking for the perfect course for a 10K PR. See website for registration fees & contact information. Time: 8:00 AMLocation: Tidelands Park, Coronado For more information visit http://www.coronado10k.com/

February 12 San Dieguito Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk USAT&F certified course, sanctioned event. Beautiful, scenic course through Rancho Santa Fe: starts and ends at San Dieguito County Park. Long sleeve t-shirts to all participants. Medals to all Half Marathon & 5K finishers. Post-race merchandise drawings and refreshments. Time: 8:00 amLocation: San Dieguito County Park, Rancho Santa Fe For more information visit www.kathyloperevents.com/sandieguitohalf/

February 18 K9 Cancer Cure Walk - San Diego Help to find a cure for Canine cancer. There is a 1 mile walk, vendors, guest speakers, and gift bags. All the proceeds benefit the Morris Animal Foundation.   Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pmLocation: Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos For more information visit http://www.curecaninecancer.org/about.html

February 18 Polar Plunge Totally insane individuals plunge into the ocean to raise money for Special Olympics.This event is sponsored by the Special Olympics Southern California. Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pmLocation: Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, Oceanside For more information visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

February 18 9th Annual Little Italy Carnevale Venetian masquerade event in Little Italy mirrors the one held in Venice, Italy, as the celebration before Lent. People will be dressed in traditional Venetian Carnevale attire and entertainment includes music, stilt-walkers, jugglers, and more. Free admission. Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmLocation: Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, India Street between Hawthorn & Cedar Streets For more information visit www.littleitalysd.com

February 21 Mardi Gras 2012 Gaslamp Quarter An adult only (age 21+) Mardi Gras. Masked revelry in the streets. Entertainment on multiple stages, masquerade parade at 9:30 pm, International DJ talent, themed areas, and beads--beads--beads! See website for details and locations. Time: 5:30 pm - MidnightLocation: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego For more information visit http://www.gaslamplocal.com/menu/165/Events.html

February 21 Hillcrest Mardi Gras Mardi Gras for adults only (age 21+). Dress up in colorful attire and lots of beads, and party down. Dance in the streets, mingle, drink beer and enjoy games, rides, anda laser light show. Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pmLocation: Hillcrest, University Ave (between 1st & 4th Aves), 3rd Ave (between Washington & Robinson Sts) For more information visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com

February 24 – 26 Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show The Silver Bay Kennel Club dog show is one of the largest in the United States. Open to the general public. Free admission. Please, no pets. Only dogs participating in the show are allowed. Time: Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sat: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sun: 8:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar For more information visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com

February 24 - 26 Heritage Weekend Festival and Parade The Heritage Day Festival and Parade is a grassroots community affair with many free activities for the entire family to enjoy. The parade features two-minute presentations from over 60 parade entrants. Time: Festival & Parade: Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pmLocation: Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego For more information visit www.heritagedayparade.org

February 25 9th Annual Guacamole Bowl Cook-Off Contest Guacamole lovers, feast your mouths on this!! Well, it’s not exactly a cook-off, but more of a whip-up. Teams will come together and use their own guacamole recipes that will be entered into a contest for the best tasting concoction. Come hungry and vote for your favorite! Admission $5.00 - includes a bag of chips and a vote of your choice. Benefits “Sports for Exceptional Athletes.” Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Balboa Park, 2150 Pan American Rd West, San Diego For more information visit www.guacamolebowl.com

February 26 San Diego 2012 Muscle Walk Muscular Dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. Participants who join this 5K event are encouraged to obtain pledges or donations to raise funds for services through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Admission: Participant pledge/donation.   Route: Crown Point Shores > boardwalk > Ingraham Street Bridge >Riveria Dr. > Crown Point Shores. Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pmLocation: Crown Point, Mission Bay, 3600 Corona Oriente Rd, San Diego For more information visit walk.mda.org