The Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) has released its new 2004 directory, which contains a record-number of business listings totaling 600 plus 300 display ads. The directory is 15 percent larger than the one printed in 2003, notes Joyce Marieb, GSDBA executive director.

Additionally, the organization is ringing in the New Year with a “Penthouse Mixer” scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, at Top of the Park, located at 525 Spruce Street. The event, sponsored by Park Manor Suites and The Old Globe, will feature food and drinks, as well as dinner and theater prizes. Tickets are $5 for GSDBA members and $7 for guests.

The new directory is currently being distributed to bars and restaurants throughout Hillcrest, as well as the LGBT Center and a few North County businesses such as Greystokes in Oceanside. It can also be found at this year’s LGBT Pride festival, the North Park Spring Festival, CityFest, Latin Pride and AIDS Walk. For more information, call the GSDBA office at (619) 296-4543.

The CDG Ring of Life will be hosting a six-week long workshop for gay widowers on grief management and taking steps to building a new future. The workshop will be hosted by Being Alive, 4070 Centre St., and begins on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The workshop is free and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Kevin Currin at (619) 291-9412 or Ron Eads at (619) 269-3613.

District Three Councilmember Toni Atkins and The Center invite the entire community to attend their monthly LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast on Friday Jan. 16 at The Center. The LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. on the third Friday of each month. The January breakfast will focus on the arts and entertainment community of San Diego. Speakers will include representatives from the San Diego Performing Arts League, The Globe and Diversionary Theater. The cost is $6 per person and includes a full breakfast, panel presentation, question and answer period and open networking. RSVP’s are not required. Organizations or individuals interested in adding an event to the Community Calendar or placing Community Announcements should contact AJ Davis-DeFeo at (619) 692-2077 ext. 212 at least ten days prior to the event.

The Imperial Court de San Diego invites the entire community to the Mr. Ms. and Miss Gay Teen Pageant. The event is a benefit for the Queen Eddie Youth Fund and will be held at The Center, 3909 Centre Street on Saturday, Jan. 17. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to sign up as a contestant call (619) 264-6588.

On Jan. 16 and 17 The Flame and Six Degrees are coming together to benefit the Mandy Schultz Scholarship Fund. The two-day benefit, The Wonder Twin Olympics, will be taking place at Six Degrees on Jan. 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will continue at The Flame on Jan. 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The benefit will include “Super Hero” games with staff members from both bars participating. There will also be a raffle with prizes, free food from local restaurants. In addition, $1 from every Mandory Up (Mandy’s namesake cocktail) served will go to the benefit fund for both events at both bars.

There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away. Help San Diego’s GLBT community remember Mandy for all she’s done. Any donations and support will be greatly appreciated.

Come learn about the reality of teen suicide in the LGBT community; an issue that affects the entire community. The informational meeting will be an opportunity to educate yourself and share the knowledge gained from the evening about issues related to teens struggling to come to terms with their sexual identity, and the tragedy of suicide. Come with questions, an open mind, or knowledge to share. All UCSD and non-UCSD affiliates are welcome at the event, and all are encouraged to attend.

The event is being held on Wednesday Jan. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in the UCSD Women’s Center located at University Ctr. 407 on the UCSD campus in La Jolla. This event is being sponsored by the UCSD LGBT Resource Center and is coordinated by the Youth & Seniors Intern, Chilan Ta. For more information contact the UCSD LGBT Resource Center at (858) 822-3493.

Award winning singer-songwriters Judy Fjell and Peggy Watson will perform old favorites and new originals on Friday, Jan.23 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 4761 Cass St., in Pacific Beach to benefit the Wild Jammin’ Women Music Camp (WJWMC) a new project to help women find their voices and learn to make music regardless of previous experience or ability level. Tickets are $12 and parking is free.

Fjell, a Montana native and singer-songwriter, has recorded 11 albums during her 25-year performing career and is director of the Canta Bella Women’s Chorus and the Montana Women’s Chorus. She is founding director of Music Empowerment Camps which is sponsoring WJWMC to bring the same supportive environment where women can take guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and vocal lessons and make “homemade music” together to Southern California.

Watson is one of San Diego’s leading acoustic singer-songwriters who moves her audience from tears to laughter with her songs. She has been on stage with Janis Ian, Dave Carter, Deborah Liv Johnson, Dave Beldock, and Pete Seeger. Her 1998 release, “A Thousand Wishes,” was part of KPBS Radio’s premium membership package and her songs have been featured on public radio and college stations across the country. For more information about this event call (858) 270-7922

Join the Greater San Diego Business Association and the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation in the Civic Theatre’s elegant Beverly Sills Salon for a no-host reception with the renowned Zandra Rhodes, designer of the sets and costumes for San Diego Opera’s new production of The Pearl Fishers. Zandra has a highly renowned fashion museum in London and has designed fashions for Princess Diana and Elton John.

Following the reception stay for the Opera’s presentation of The Pearl Fishers where paradise sizzles when two men, pledged to “eternal friendship” fall in love with the same tantalizing woman. Three of opera’s hottest young stars come to San Diego for the show. Isabel Bayrakdarian who’s ethereal voice mesmerized millions in The Lord of the Rings is the object of the two men’s desires and best friends in real life, tenor Michael Schade and baritone Russell Braun heat up the stage with their dramatic rivalry and seductive voices.

Ticket range in price from $70 to $135, a portion of each ticket price supports GSDBA and San Diego Human Dignity Foundation initiatives in the San Diego community.

On Friday, Jan. 23, at 7:00 p.m. The Lesbian Connection (TLC) is kicking off the New Year with its premier speed-dating event, Quick Match. Quick Match is for single women who are looking to meet others for friendship or dating. There will be great conversation, ice-breaking games, music, and refreshments. Advanced registration fee is $10 and $15 at the door. For additional information, call Cindy Davis at (619) 379-8616. Tickets are also available at Obelisk Bookstore in Hillcrest.