I sincerely thank everyone for the many holiday party invitations. My health this year has been like a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Many times I am down for a few days, so please know I appreciate you thinking of me. At times I just can’t make it, and trust me I’d rather be at your event than lying in bed … alone, of course, except for my cat Nixon!

Dr. Keith Vrhel has announced that he is closing his medical practice at the end of this month, after serving as one of the top physicians in the community for more than two decades. I believe that Dr. Vrhel has never received the proper recognition he deserves as a caring and outstanding leader during the early years of the AIDS crisis, when many doctors were afraid to even deal with AIDS patients. Dr. Vrhel was elected president of San Diego’s first HIV/AIDS organization, the San Diego AIDS Project, founded by Dr. Hal Frank. I served as vice-president of the board and as president of the AIDS Assistance Fund of San Diego County. Terry Cunningham was the executive director, and Chris Kehoe was also on the fund staff.

Thus I worked with Dr. Vrhel and witnessed the countless volunteer hours, sacrifices and leadership he gave to our community, while at the same time trying to be the best doctor he could be to a growing number of AIDS patients.

Dr. Vrhel and Dr. Brad Truax will be among those atop a very short list.

We owe much to Dr. Vrhel, who his patients’ would agree, is a very caring and loving person. I know many join me in wishing Dr. Vrhel the very best. He has our love and respect. Thank you Keith for all you have done, and God bless you.

Almost 400 people packed The Center for the Lambda Archives 20 Years … 20 Heroes celebration last weekend. What an inspirational and prideful night it was for our community, as we honored San Diego’s GLBT heroes. The video presentation of all the honorees speaking their own words was awesome. The event ran right on time, lasting exactly an hour and 15 minutes. As chair of the event I must thank the people who were part of the hard working committee who made this historic event possible, including: Tom Felkner, “Big” Mike Phillips, Jim Ginelli, Frank Nobletti, Frank Stefano, Kelly Revak, Jess San Roque, Shonee Henry, Christopher Galea, Michael Mack, David Cohen, Billy Nordneirer, Meagan Yaple and Lisa Sanders. Also thank you to Sherman Mendoza of The Caliph, Bamboo Lounge, Baja Betty’s and Lei Lounge for the great food and drinks.

The printed program would not have been possible without Cesar Reyes and the staff of Rage, Chris Galea, and Celene Adams of the Gay & Lesbian Times. Thank you all! A special thank you to our honorary chair, Councilperson Toni Atkins, The Center, the Imperial Court, the wonderful student volunteers, and video crew Alex Miller Pastore, Sean Griffin, Amber Barber and Oskar Escalante – bravo, bravo! And, to my hard-working Human Rights Campiagn San Diego officers Stampp Corbin, Brian Lacklen and Liza Mata, you three are the greatest!

The true life savers of the event were Michael Mack, David Cohen and Sherman Mendoza – you three saved the night! Thank you all for your numerous phone calls and e-mails, and with your outstanding comments – but the evening belongs to our 20 heroes, who truly are role models for us all.

Local restaurateurs and nightlife experts Michael Mack and David Cohen are going to hit North Park with the hottest new dining/lounge spot in mid January. Be on the lookout near the North Park sign for big changes coming to the existing location. This spot is shaping up to be the biggest and best, according to buzz on the street. Keep your eyes peeled for invites to opening parties and other VIP events beginning in the new year. This spot will be the host spot in North Park for the community. I predict it will be the most popular ever.

Just follow the crowd next Thursday, Dec. 20, to The Hole, for former Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman’s birthday bash. Bob Lehman was one of the honorees at this past Saturday’s Lambda Archives’ 20 Years … 20 Heroes event, so stop by and give him a big hug, and tell him congratulations. There will be food, a live Johnny Cash cover band and a host bar from 6 – 8 p.m., with prizes being given out all night. There is no cover, just bring a toy for the toy drive. See you all at The Hole next Thursday. Let’s party!

What has become a fun and outrageous holiday tradition? Yes, I’m talking about the annual A Very Babette Christmas shows! They are coming to Martinis Above Fourth this Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They are always packed, always sold out and always a blast. Make your reservations today, as these shows will most definitely sell out. For more information on dinner reservations or the show, call 619-220-7048.

One of San Diego’s premiere and most popular salons, the Richard Joseph Salon (1717 University Ave.) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gala party that drew more than 1,000 people! Famous hairstylist to all the movers and shakers, the always distinguished owner Richard Campione and his outstanding staff of 20 put on a party and fashion show many will not soon forget. Mayor Jerry Sanders and Councilmember Toni Atkins honored Richard and his business for being one of the finest salons in the state. Congratulations to Richard and his staff, and remember my dears, “The higher the hair, the closer to God.”

Yes, our very own Gay & Lesbian Times annual holiday decoration contest will be taking place, with your organizers Todd Klein, Frank Lechner and little ol’ me. A few years ago, I came up with the idea of a decoration contest to show our appreciation for those businesses that go all out to make their establishments look festive. Beautiful awards will be given for: Best Window Display, Best Dance Bar Decorations and Best Restaurant. So, we will be seeing you next week! For more information call 619-692-1967 or 619-299-NEWS.