This is the holiday season and up first is the start of Hanukkah, on Dec. 21. Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish brothers and sisters!

In 1974 when I was Empress IV, Craig Morgan and other Imperial Court members tried to give toys to the Marines’ annual Toys for Tots drive. They refused to take the toys because they were from “homosexuals” (not until the late 1970s did this policy change). So, the Imperial Court started its annual GLBT community Toys for Kids drive, which has been going on for decades since. Toys numbering in the thousands are given out to countless children’s centers and organizations.

About a month ago, The Center’s Family Matters director and Carolina Ramos, director of The Center’s Latino Services, contacted me with more than 30 GLBT families with children who need help with toys (some had lost their jobs and homes). I suggested giving food to the families too, and they agreed. So, I got on the phone and our community’s response has been overwhelming and wonderful. First to commit was the Rob Benzon Foundation, the staff and volunteers of San Diego LGBT Pride, Sherman Mendoza of The Caliph, Bob Lehman, Baja Betty’s and Urban Mo’s, Carl DeMaio, Lisa Mada, Leah Greenwood, the HRC San Diego, and, of course, members of the Imperial Court. Several of the bars and restaurants also participate by placing boxes for toys and blankets in their establishments.

We still need toys and grocery store food vouchers. For more information, contact Carolina or Jane at The Center, or Imperial Court President “Big” Mike Phillips at 619-807-7324. You can also contact me at 619-692-1967. Thank you and God bless!

I have been getting interesting phone calls from New York and all over from longtime Kennedy supporters. For them, they’re looking not only to get Caroline Kennedy in the Senate – they’re looking to get another Kennedy in the White House. These close Kennedy family political associates tell me they see this as a chance for the return of “Camelot.” In one Kennedy’s famous words, “The dream will never die.” Interestingly and understandably, Hillary Clinton supporters are not happy with this possibility. Could it be after Barack Obama’s presidency a fight will erupt between Hillary Clinton and Caroline Kennedy for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination? Remember, you read it here first!

The 92103 Awards set for January 2009 are now receiving nominations and anyone can nominate, so nominate your friends, co-workers, businesses, bars, etc., that reside, work or have business in the 92103 zip code. The 92103 nomination night, when the community will learn who the 2009 nominees are, will be held at The Flame. You can nominate at two sites: The Center’s Web site and mosuniverse.com. Nominees can be straight or gay! The 92103 categories are: Best Pizza, Best New Business, Top Chef 92103, Best Mexican Food, Best Asian Food, Best 92103 Neighborhood Bar, Best Coffee Shop, Best Business, Best Waiter, Best Waitress, Best Fast Food, Best Restaurant, Best Bar Owner, Best Manager, Best Pharmacy, Best Adult Business, Best Realtor, Best Thrift Store, Best Burger, Best Brunch, Best Bartender-Male, Best Bartender-Female, Best Publication-Mainstream, Best Publication-GLBT, Best Chiropractor, Best Florist, Best 92103 Event, Best Hotel, Best Hair Salon, Best Male Centerfold, Best Female Centerfold, Best 92103 Couple, Mayor of Hillcrest, First Lady of Hillcrest, Queen of Hillcrest.

The organizers of San Diego’s new GLBT Democratic club – yes, the re-established Harvey Milk Democratic Club – have decided to hold their first meeting in January, letting all our youth, students and others learn more about Harvey through the movie Milk. The Harvey Milk Democratic Club was in San Diego for three or four years – now, change is coming in GLBT Democratic politics in San Diego. For more information on the Harvey Milk Democratic Club feel free to contact Mike Kirkeby at 858-354-3528 or mlkirkeby@sbcglobal.net.

Popular personality, community activist, veteran, philanthropist and all-around nice guy, former Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman is celebrating another birthday this coming Saturday at Universal starting at 6 p.m., and you’re all invited! Bob is the co-founder and hardworking leader of the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, and, along with his handsome longtime partner, Tom Felkner, was the first gay couple to be married in San Diego.

The theme of Sgt. Bob’s Saturday night birthday party is, of course, military, and all active-duty military and veterans are being treated to a hosted bar from 6-9 p.m. (bring proof of service or your military ID to receive a wrist band). The famous, unbelievable Johnny Cash cover band will be playing live – it’s as if Johnny Cash were still alive! There will be no cover, but Bob urges all attending to bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Toys for Kids drive. Ben Gomez is your host. For more information, call 619-459-1019. Let’s all show up and thank Bob for all his hard work, activism and dedication to our community. Let’s not forget that Bob and Tom donated more than $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign!

Yes, the award-winning Vulcan Steam and Sauna (805 West Cedar) is once again celebrating and thanking its customers for its 35th anniversary with 10 cash prizes ($350 in all) given away every Saturday night in December, and $2,009 – yes, you read right, $2,009 – being given away on New Year’s Eve! Owner Frank Stirriti has been a longtime community member and financial contributor for decades, and Vulcan is an award-winning men’s club open 24 hours a day. For more information, call 619-238-1980.