Congratulations to Ms. San Diego Leather 2009, Christi Campbell and Mr. San Diego Leather 2009, Bryan Teague on a successful year as representatives of the leather people of San Diego. Both of these individuals made a firm commitment this past year to bring new life and energy to our thriving community. Each spent countless hours volunteering at various events to raise funds for charities that have been hit hard and devastated by a troubled economy. Christi and Bryan reached out to other local groups in their successful effort to build bridges and understanding between San Diego leather folk and the greater San Diego community. Each of them will have the opportunity to represent San Diego at one of the national or international contests, which includes International Ms. Leather, American Leather Family, International Mr. Leather or International Leather Sir/boy. We wish them well with whichever road they decide will best complete their leather journey as titleholders.

The next round of congratulations goes to San Diego’s newest representatives. Mr. San Diego Leather 2010, Anthony Rollar and Ms. San Diego Leather 2010, tiger were chosen as this year’s “bottoms of the community”. Both of these individuals will need a great deal of support from those they represent, and I’m sure we’ll see great things from them this coming year. Let’s give a big thank you to all the judges, volunteers, advertisers, businesses and individuals who made San Diego Leather Pride 2009 a success. Also, let’s give a very big thank you to the San Diego Leather Pride committee for their continued dedication in keeping leather alive in San Diego. It’s a lot of hard work, and we appreciate everything they do year after year.

This year was especially challenging with the passing of our good friend, Randy Vidal. Randy was only 51 years old when he left us on Friday, February 26, surrounded by friends and family. Randy arrived in San Diego in the early 90s and became a bartender at Pecs in 1995. Shortly thereafter he made his home at the Eagle and survived several name and ownership changes that included the Eagle, the Arena, the Zone and back to the San Diego Eagle. Randy’s bartending career eventually took him back to Pecs as well as Redwing and Cheers.

In 1997, Randy Vidal was awarded the title of Mr. San Diego Eagle and worked hard during his reign of 1997-1998. Randy also went on to represent “America’s Finest City” as a contestant at International Mr. Leather (IML) in Chicago. When Randy returned from IML, he continued to put his skills to work for the San Diego leather community. It’s been said that the most fulfilled and celebrated titleholders work long past the year of their reign, and Randy was happiest when making a difference in the lives of others. In 2000, Randy Vidal was awarded one of the Leather Pride Achievement Awards, which was presented to him at the Mr. San Diego Leather contest. One of his greatest and most well known achievements was San Diego Leather Pride 2002, which was one of the most successful leather events in San Diego history and raised over $15,000 for Special Delivery.

Randy Vidal also crossed lines in the San Diego gay community and was involved with the Imperial Court system where he was Crown Prince to “Papa” Ricky Alves, Emperor XX. He also hosted the Friends Christmas for over 10 years where the dress code was “tits and ties,” an opportunity to celebrate the holidays in dressy style.

Randy Vidal will best be remembered for his calming smile and unassuming demeanor while behind the bar. He made life better for so many of us, and we will never forget the hard working spirit he brought to the San Diego community. Thank you to the Leather Pride Committee, Leather History Project, Wayne Dietz and Mickey for helping us remember and share in the life of Randy Vidal. You will be missed, my friend.