Just in time for Winter Olympics, Big Bear has a fresh coating of snow. There are two ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, tubing parks, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snowplay, and plenty of other activities.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts

"Families can come up for a few days and have their own mini-Olympics right here in Big Bear Lake," said Rick Shoup, CEI of the Big Bear Lake Resort Association. "We have tons of snow right now and excellent ski conditions. They could downhill ski on day one, have snowshoe races on day two and ride the alpine slide or go inner tubing on day three."

Now if you just want to be a spectator, there are winter sports competitions going on throughout the next several months, including USA Slalom (Feb. 9); USASA Halfpipe Competition (Feb. 21); Women's Edventures Ski & Snowboard Clinics (Feb. 26-28); USASA Boarder Cross (Feb. 28); Go Huck Yourself Contest (March 6); USASA Halfpipe Competition (March 7); USASA Slopestyle (March 14); Transworld Trans-Am (March 20); and Victor Alvarez Memorial Race (March 21).

For more information call 800-424-4232 or visit www.bigbear.com.

The Taco Bell Discovery Science center is hosting some old-school fun Saturday, Feb. 6 with a yo-yo competition. "Milk the Cow," "Warped Drive," "Cold Fusion" and "Walk the Dog" are apparently some cool yo-yo tricks. Don't I remember doing "Around the World" as a kid?

The competition is for beginner-level (K-12) yo-yo competitors and the first 25 kids to sign up get a free yo-yo. The event is part of the center's new exhibit, "Secret of Circles," which is open Jan. 16 - May 2.

Here's the competition schedule:
11-11:30 a.m.: Registration
11:30 a.m.-noon: Competition practice
Noon to 1 p.m.: "Junior Battle" competition
1-2 p.m.: Yo-yo workshop with the pros

The pros, you say? Mark McBride, part of the Duncan Yo-yos crew, wrote the book "The Yonomicon," which tackled modern yo-yo tricks. Yoshi Mikamoto is the 2005 and 2008 Southern Calif. "Iron Man" winner at the Southwest Regional yo-yo competitions. Brian Cabildo is also part of the Duncan Crew and runs the DXL Crew, an oranization of top yo-yo players.

All activities are free with paid admission, which is $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids ages 3 to 17. The center is located at 2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. For more information visit www.discoverycube.org.

So I just talked to Peter Facinelli, a.k.a. Dr. Carlisle Cullen over the phone. Yes I was tempted to scream into the phone, but I controlled myself.

Peter Facinelli

Facinelli will soon be making an Inland visit. He'll host a fundraising event at the Temecula Promenade Saturday, signing autographs (for a fee) and selling photographs, with proceeds going to UNICEF for Haiti Earthquake victims.

"Whenever I have time - once or twice a month - I try to do some type of charity fundraiser," Facinelli said.

The charity he most often works with is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer foundation.

"That's an important one to me," he said. "We've raised $10,000 at one of these for Alex's Lemonade Stand. And $10,000 for the Dornbecker Children's Hospital another time.

"Because of what happened in Haiti, we decided to have the Twilighters come out for UNICEF to provide Haiti relief."

And speaking of 'Twilight.' Facinelli's life has changed a bit since the madness began. But he already had quite a body of work before the Cullens came on screen, including "Riding in Cars With Boys" in 2001, "Scorpion King" in 2002, a leading role in the Fox drama "Fastlane" and a recurring role in HBO's "Six Feet Under" in 2004, the current role of Gregory Malina in FX's TV series, "Damages" and in all his spare time he's also frequently on the Showtime series, "Nurse Jackie."

While he was recognized in public before, things went to a whole new level after "Twilight" hit the big screen. Just this morning a fan showed up on his front door step, picture in hand, ringing the doorbell. He didn't answer.

"I'm in the Celebrity Witness Protection Program," Facinelli joked. "I keep my location undisclosed."

He also mentioned that 60,000 people showed up at one of these fundraising/signing events, so plan for crowds Saturday.

Facinelli is married to actress Jennie Garth and has three children ages 3, 7 and 12 - all girls. He enjoys the role of Dr. Carlisle Cullen very much and finds some similarities between himself and the character.

"I am the patriarch of a family and I do feel compassion for people," he said. "I enjoyed the books and it's a lot of fun for me to have some say in how the character is portrayed."

The kids Luca Bella, Lola Ray and Fiona Eve are excited about the roles Dad plays.

"My 12-year-old has read the first two 'Twilight' books," he said. "And they've seen the movies."

Facinelli will be at the Promenade Saturday, Feb. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. Autographs will cost $25 and photos will be on sale for $40.

If you miss this weekend's event, he may be back in the near future.

"We're coordinating another event in Rancho Cucamonga, probably in a couple weeks," he said.

When asked about any 'Twilight' updates, he didn't have any new information.

"Usually the fans know before I do," he said. "I do know there's some debate about the last book being made into two movies. But I haven't heard yet."

Sign twirlers next week will dance outside the Riverside County Department of Public Health's 10 family care centers throughout the county to promote free shots for swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus.

Sign twirlers are part of the county's campaign to inform residents that they can walk into centers without appointments and get vaccinated.

The family care centers operate 8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clinics will be closed Feb. 12 and Feb. 15 for holidays.

Centers are in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa, Lake Elsinore, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside and Rubidoux.

Go to www.rivcoph.org/h1n1 or call the county's 211 information line. Residents also can call 800-464-1123.

Last night the kids and I saw the premiere of the national Broadway tour of "Annie" by Networks at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside. Both kids had seen a few high school productions, but this was their first experience with real theater. It also happened to be the first Broadway show at the newly-renovated historic Fox Theater (now called the Fox Performing Arts Center), so it was an exciting night to be there.

There was a mix of adults and children - quite a few even younger than mine, many in the 4-to-6 year old range, up to pre-teens and teens. Once everyone was seated, I don't think I saw an empty seat in the orchestra (where we sat) or up in the balcony area.

Neither of my kids were familiar with the story of "Annie." Bad Mom! So I showed them some old 1983 photos of me and my sister dressed as Annie from a long-ago Halloween, and explained the storyline before the show began.

From the moment the curtain went up, they were absolutely mesmerized. There were a few questions as the show progressed, including "What's an orphan?" and "How do they know where to go and what to do?" and "What's a Democrat?"

My youngest didn't make it all the way to the end - it began at 7:30 last night, so sometime after the intermission, he passed out across my lap. But my daughter wasn't about to miss a second. We loved the scene set in Oliver Warbucks' mansion when it appeared to be snowing outside. Absolutely magical.

And we loved the music. It's funny how music, like certain smells, can immediately transport you somewhere when it touches you. Hearing Annie - Madison Kerth was incredible - took me right back to 8-year-old Jen, which was a lot of fun when sitting with my 8-year-old daughter.

When at last the evil pretenders had been exposed for their false parenting claims, including Miss Hannigan played by Lynn Andrews, the show wrapped up to thunderous applause. And it was Andrews who brought them to their feet. She was hilarious, with a perfect combination of disgust for her errant charges and silliness.

After the applause died down, we carted the limp body of my son back to the car and drove home. I answered every question I could about how the actors travel, how the sets work, where Sandy the dog goes while on tour, what Democrats and Republicans believe and how the Great Depression and New Deal worked.

I'll bet these kids are going to have some interesting commentary for classmates and teachers at school today.

There are more "Annie" shows Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. before the group moves on to their next tour location. Ticket prices range from $22-$72 and can be found at www.ticketmaster.com.

Written by guest author Bonnie Woodrome:

Bonnie Woodrome

Guest Author

My husband, a man probably like many other men, has a mind that is always analyzing and trying to simplify the mundane tasks of the everyday with the ultimate goal to be completely lazy on Sunday afternoons.

Though since we have had children, his focus has changed from the dream of inventing the combination recliner /fridge/universal remote/ that repels stains, pets and anyone attempting to sit in his chair (although that is still in the back of his mind, especially during football season) to what would quickly clean up after the tornadoes our children create on what seems to be an hourly basis. I have noticed that these ideas often take place while I am at work or away from the house, you can only guess why!

At a recent family gathering, I overheard my husband telling the men of the family his tale of the leaf blower. Our blower is the loudest on the block- and quite possibly the most powerful- apparently. He had decided to use it one morning while I was away, instead of the traditional broom and dustpan on the lower floor of our home.

Looking for some fantasy? Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," presented by Christian Arts Theatre, tells the tale of the Prince's ball and the glass slipper but with a twist - all the action takes place in the lush setting of New Orleans and the French Bayou of the 1800s.

The production is based on Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" presented on television in 1957, staring Julie Andrews. The stage version is from the 1997 teleplay.

Performances will take place Feb. 26 through March 14. Tickets range from $11-$15; group rates are available. All performances will be at the Corona Civic Theater at 815 W. 6th St. in Corona.

Show times will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 & 7 p.m. Feb. 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; 7 p.m. March 5; 2 & 7 p.m. March 6; 2 p.m. March 7; 7 p.m. March 12; 2 & 7 p.m. March 13; 2 p.m. March 14.

For more information visit www.catcorona.org.

In celebration of Presidents' Day weekend, Calico Ghost town will hold an old fashioned Civil War re-enactment. The ghost town will be transformed with Civil War re-enactors who will engage visitors with daily battles, Union and Confederate troop encampments and more.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Two battles will take place each day at the Silver Bowl and Artillery Hill. Generals will narrate each of the battles. About 300 re-enactors from the Southwest region of the American Civil War Society will participate.

Don Ancell of Oxnard, will portray Abraham Lincoln, delivering the Gettysburg address and interacting with guests. Other activities over the weekend celebration will be a Civil War period fashion show, music from the era and a ladies' tea.

Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-15; and free for children age 5 and under. Active military with proof of identification will be admitted for $5 adult; $3 for military kids ages 6-15. Admission on Monday, Feb. 15, will be $10 per carload.

For more information, visit www.calicotown.com or read about it in the Inlandsocal Travel blog here.

Peter Facinelli as Dr. Carlisle Cullen on the Twilight.

ATTENTION "TWILIGHT" FANS: Peter Facinelli, also known as Dr. Carlisle Cullen of the "Twilight" series will be at The Promenade in Temecula Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Peter Facinelli

He will be signing autographs and photographs and a portion of the funds raised will be donated to UNICEF for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Facinelli currently stars opposite Edie Falco in Showtime's "Nurse Jackie." He has previously appeared in "Six Feet Under" and "Damages" and the movies "The Scorpion King" and "Riding in Cars."

The autographs cost $25 and photos will be on sale for $40. The Promenade is located at 40820 Winchester Rd. in Temecula. If it gets rained out, everything will be re-located to the lower level JCPenney court.

Two Kimberly Elementary School parents will share their recent experiences in Haiti during the earthquake on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Kimberly Elementary's Multipurpose room. Carlo Alce and James Goss will discuss the devastation and what can be done to help.

Several families at the school have been directly involved with people in Haiti, and so the school is also joining in the efforts to provide relief for the earthquake victims. Donations for the following are being accepted:

• New or gently used twin bed sheets for hospitals
• Twin size inflatable mattresses for hospital use
• Black pens and writing pads for doctors and nurses
• Headlamps
• Small one-to-four personal tents, easy to assemble
• Packages of emergency blankets (foil, mylar or other)
• Money in the form of a check made payable to Loma Linda University-Haiti Relief

There are drop-off points around the perimeter of the Kimberly campus every day this week, open Monday-Friday from 7:15-7:45 a.m. and again in the afternoon from 1:40-2:10 p.m.

The school is located at 301 West South Ave. in Redlands.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

Dianne Bright

Guest Author

The Love Month has arrived. Some people love it and some people hate it. I guess that's how it is with all holidays, but this one seems to really carry a lot of passion, one way or the other. You're either in love and can't wait for the day to get here or you're alone and angry and want it to pass over you like a 747. Then again, there are those who just don't give a rip, one way or the other.

If you hate the day just for its mere existence, then I hope you'll transfer your energy into caring for a friend or a loved one instead. The day doesn't have to carry such a negative connotation with it. Why not send roses to your Mom or Dad?

The San Bernardino Downtown Rotary Club is holding the 11th annual Music Competition on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Norman Feldheim Library, Bing Wong Auditorium in San Bernardino.

The competition is for high school level instrumentalists, pianists and vocalists. Cash prizes will be awarded for the highest scoring musicians in any category, including $400 to the 1st place winner, $250 to the 2nd place winner and $100 to the 3rd place winner.

Winners will next compete at the University of Redlands District Finals and have the chance to perform at the Rotary District Conference in Cathedral City.

Student applications must by received by Rotary Chair Sheldon Ewell by no later than Feb. 25. Applications can be downloaded from http://rotarysb.clubwizard.com/Downloads.cfm. Click the Downloads button and the application will be listed under the heading "2010 Materials." Complete the "RCSB Music Competition Rules and Application" and submit it to: Sheldon Ewell, Rotary Chair, 153 Palmyra Dr. in San Bernardino.

The Norman Feldheim Library, Bing Wong Auditorium is located at 555 West 6th St. in San Bernardino.

"Seussical the Musical" will open at Yucaipa Little Theater Thursday, Feb. 11 and run through Feb. 27. The show centers around Horton the elephant, originally from "Horton Hears a Who," who tries to save the world of Whos while Citizens of the Jungle try to ruin his efforts. Throughout it all, The Cat in the Hat acts and narrator and, true to form, jumps into the action to mix things up.

The Cat is played by Yucaipa High School junior Garret Peters; Jojo is played by Kristen Lungstrum, a seventh grader at Park View Middle School; Horton is played by actor Eric Lopez; Gertrude is played by actress and choreographer Kelly Lopez; Mayzie is played by UC San Bernardino student Amanda Presley; Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are played by John and Kathleen Woolsey; and Sour Kangaroo is played by Hilary Peters.

Directed by Christine Presley, the show will include songs like "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!" "How Lucky You Are" and "Green Eggs and Ham."

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 27, with matinee performances at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 21 and 28. A special performance for local students will be on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $8 for seniors, students and children under age 18; $25 for families and $10 for adults.

For more information call 909-790-1884. The theater is located at 12135 California St. in Yucaipa.

Auditions will be held for Missoula Children's Theatre production of "King Arthur's Quest" on Monday, Feb. 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

There are about 50 roles available for local students, grades K-12. No advance preparation is necessary.

Those auditioning should arrive early at 3 p.m. and plan to stay for the duration. Some cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

Most students will rehearse about 4 1/2 hours daily, Monday through Friday. A one-night only performance will be held Friday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. A participation fee of $75 is required for all those cast in the production.

"King Arthur's Quest" is part of an international touring project with Missoula Children's Theatre and is presented by the City of Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department.

Tickets for "King Arthur's Quest" cost $12 and are available at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office, located at 12505 Cultural Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga, or by calling 909-477-2752 or 877-858-8422 or by visiting www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus. Here is the rundown on our Taco Tia experience:

Jennifer Dean/The Press-Enterprise

Sometimes you've just got to splurge a little. Taco Tia probably isn't the healthiest eating establishment, but it's definitely one of the tastiest. If you've never experienced a Taco Tia taco, you're missing out.

Back in the day, the restaurant was the place to go after a late night out. This week I introduced my kids to the traditional quick-service Mexican food restaurant. Now they may be obsessed.

After Ashley Argota performed at today's B.I.G. Expo, there seemed to be a small teen star convention going on backstage. Carlos Pena of the new Nick show, "Big Time Rush," Nick Purcell of "The Troop" and Brittany Curran of Disney's "The Suite Life on Deck" and daughter of Ray Romano on TNT's "Men of a Certain Age" hung out waiting for Ashley.

"They shoot right next to us," Pena said of the cast of "True Jackson VP. "So we go over and prank them and stuff."

Percel and Curran also work on sets next store, so all have become good friends.

This was Argota's fourth year of working with the girl scouts.

"Hopefully they'll bring us back to perform next time too," Pena said.

So cute! Hundreds of girl scouts are shouting "Ashley! Ashley!" They're so excited to see her.

David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise

Ashley Argota, a.k.a. "Lulu" from Nick's "True Jackson VP" sings to hundreds of fans at the Girl Scout's B.I.G. Expo Saturday.

She's started off with "Hot Topic," singing to screaming girls surrounding the stage.

After finishing the first song, Argota pulled up a stool to talk to the crowd.

This year we've been really busy shooting the new season of "True Jackson" and it's really busy with school. As you guys know, everything changes. It can be hard but really great too," Argota said, and then began singing, "Everything Changes."

Then came Argota's signature song, "Dreams Come True," which got the kids all back to their feet.

I'm at the Believe In Girls expo, presented by the Girl Scouts of the San Gorgonio Coucil, at the Ontario Convention Center and it is PACKED. CEO Jessica Lawrence said 3,700 pre-sale tickets were purchased and plenty more are being bought at the door.

David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise

Malaysia Rogan, 5, of Riverside tries on a fireman's helmet and goggles at the first annual B.I.G. Expo at the Ontario Convention Center on Saturday.

The days activities include more than 150 exhibitors booths, workshops and special guest appearances by "True Jacson VP" star Ashely Argota. Keynote speakers Jess Weiner, from Dove's Self-Esteem Project and modeling company owner Ben Barry both spoke this morning.

What do the scouts like about today's event?

I talked to a group from the 875 troop and they're excited to see Argota, love hanging out with friends and enjoy learning new things.

What's great about the Girl Scouts in general?

"We get to help people," said Summer Burton of Colton. The troop makes cards for sick people, seniors and U.S. troops.

"We also make 'happy socks' with catnip and stuffing and give them to cats in shelters," said Lyndi Johnson of Riverside.

Now we're hanging out and waiting for Argota to take the stage in about 10 minutes.

Mt. San Jacinto College's second annual gala, "An Evening With Our Stars" is coming up on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards in Temecula.

Jennifer Aspen

Among the night's activities will be a student talent competition that's getting a celebrity host. Jennifer Aspen, a.k.a. Kendra Giardi on FOX's "Glee," will be one of five judges reviewing MSJC student performers competing for a scholarship from the MSJC Foundation.

Other judges include Jeff Stone, Riverside County Supervisor; Bob Madden, morning host for KATY101.3 FM radio; and Gerry and Rosie Wilson, owners of Wilson Creek Winery.

Prior to "Glee," Aspen has been a series regular on FOX's "Party of Five," ABC's "Bob Patterson" and NBC's "Come to Papa." She has also had guest-star and recurring roles on "Friends," "CSI," "Grey's Anatomy," "Boston Legal" and "The Closer."

"We are excited that Ms. Aspen will join our second annual gala," said Kristine DiMemmo, interim executive director of the MSJC Foundation. "The annual gala is the Foundation's signature event to raise student scholarships, faculty grants and other charitable activities that support the college and its students."

The formal event, which is black tie optional, includes dinner, a silent auction and dancing to the sounds of "Splash!" - a high-energy lineup of four vocalists and a six-piece horn and rhythm section. The group has performed at the Rose Bowl and during the premiere of Denzel Washington's "The Titans."

Tickets for the gala cost $150. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. to purchase tickets or for more information call 951-487-3170 or visit www.msjc.edu/gala.

Families will get some free college education coaching from UC Riverside's Copernicus Project, a program dedicated to promoting math and science education.

The "CoperniKids' Families for Success" workshop series will take place Feb. 8 and 22 and March 8 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the César Chávez Community Center in Riverside. The workshops are free and open to students in grades K-12. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Professionals from UC Riverside and other area universities and community colleges will participate in each workshop.

The Feb. 8 workshop will be dedicated to the study of science, the Feb. 22 workshop will be dedicated to engineering and the March 8 workshop will be all about technology.
Each night will include presentations, interactive activities and information on financial aid assistance, grants, scholarships and more.

The workshops are funded by a donation from the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation and the UC Riverside Graduate School of Education. On-site registration is available or reservations can be made at 951-827-4973.