The University of California San Diego LGBT Resource Center is hosting its annual UCSD LGBT Alumni Champagne Brunch. This year’s program, “Deconstructing our Past: Constructing the Future” highlighting the past years of UCSD GLBT history, focuses on the new resource center that is currently under construction at the original student center.

The brunch takes place Saturday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the UCSD LGBT Resource Center located in University Center, Building 312. RSVP by Oct. 8 to: (858) 822-3493. Parking on campus is free on Saturdays and guests may park in any available spot in the Gilman Parking Structure.

The UNA-SD 2004 UN Day event, taking place on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., is an evening of discussions, images and unique artistry, with a special program recognizing organizations, individuals and particularly women who are making a difference. As even more challenges arise around the world, now is a critical time to support millennium development goals and gender equity in regards to women and HIV/AIDS around the world. Each year for over five decades the chapter has commemorated UN day with a public program. This year’s event benefits Christie’s Place and Mama’s Kitchen, among others.

The gala takes place at the La Jolla Hyatt Regency Hotel and Resort, 3777 La Jolla Village Dr. Call (619) 233-3970 for more information.

In an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence, the Shelter and Support Services Committee of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council will hold its annual Not-To-Be-Forgotten Rally from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, at the Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave. at B Street in downtown San Diego. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout the nation.

The rally kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a Mini-Awareness Walk from the Family Justice Center (707 Broadway) to the Civic Center Plaza. Supporters are asked to gather at the southwest corner of Broadway and Eighth Avenue at 11:15 a.m. All participants receive a free T-shirt.

Resource tables from a variety of domestic violence service providers and related organizations will be open to the public starting at 11:00 a.m. at Civic Center Plaza. Domestic violence awareness activities and music will be presented from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., followed by inspirational speakers and the presentation of the Andrea O’Donnell Award to the individual or organization who has contributed significantly to the increase of awareness of domestic violence in our region.

For information or to reserve a resource table at the event, contact Kim at (619) 563-9878.

The Center will host a Community Coalition Breakfast focusing on the importance of civic participation and the coming election on Friday, Oct. 15, at The Center, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.

The Center’s Community Coalition Breakfast occurs on the third Friday of each month. The mission of the breakfast is to bring together fair-minded individuals to network, educate and discuss the diverse issues that concern GLBT and allied neighbors and citizens of San Diego. Each attendee is asked for a $6 donation to cover the cost of the full breakfast catered by the Abbey Café. RSVPs are not required. ASL interpretation will be provided upon request. Requests must be sent to AJ Davis at adavis@thecentersd.org at least seven working days before the event. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 212 for more information.

A celebration of life will be held for Imperial Court member Satin Styles on Nov. 7 at 3:00 p.m. at The Center. The celebration will be followed by a Tribute to Satin show; her mother, Mama Wheels, has asked that it be done in Satin’s style, and is encouraging guests to dress in bright colors and come with big hair. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Queen Eddie Youth Fund.

For more information, contact Linda Childers at (619) 303-2384.

November 5-8, the hills of Julian become the weekend home for 120 gay, bisexual and transgender men desiring an alternative to the “gay scene.” The California Men’s Gathering (CMG) began in 1978 in Northern California as an annual event, and has blossomed over the years to become three events: a spring gathering in Malibu, a summer gathering in Santa Rosa and a fall gathering in Julian. The CMG is now also a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is totally run by volunteers.

The weekends are a collection of community gatherings, workshops covering everything from creating art to deep personal growth, and social events such as a dance and a talent show.

For more information about CMG, call the 24-hour hotline at (619) 491-3949. Registration for the fall gathering is now open.

A casino atmosphere replete with blackjack tables, roulette wheels and live entertainment is in store at the next mixer for the Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA). The event, sponsored by John McCusker of Club Montage, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, at the club (2028 Hancock St.), and will continue throughout the evening for as long as guests want to stay.

The gaming activities will give members and non-members chances to win prizes using $500 in complimentary “play money.” One of the prizes includes a three-day trip to Laughlin, Nev. Appetizers, cocktails and live entertainment by recording artist Ashley Matte will also be featured.

The cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Prices include a free drink, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and “play” money. For more information, call the GSDBA office at (619) 296-4543.

To celebrate Halloween this year, the Kensington Talmadge Business Association (KTBA), a nonprofit community group, will be holding a Halloween Safe Night Out for all of the little “Trick-or-Treaters” in the community. Halloween night, Sunday, Oct. 31, and the week leading up to the big holiday, businesses throughout Kensington will be handing out treats from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Look for the participating-member pumpkin in the window of all participating businesses in Kensington.

Fraternity House, Inc., invites the community to dine in style while simultaneously making a difference in the lives of men and women living with HIV/AIDS. As San Diego County’s only nonprofit organization licensed to provide residential care facilities for the chronically ill, Fraternity House concludes its fifth annual Fraternity Feasts series with “An Affaire to Remember”, taking place at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23. George Schleder, executive chef from Affaire to Remember Catering, will host the dinner. The dinner will include cocktails and a five course, gourmet meal (including a main course of crown roast of pork with confetti stuffing). Following dinner, guests will be invited to explore Schleder’s home and view his extensive art and antique collections. Space is limited to 20 guests. To make reservations for the feast, contact Abby Schwartz at (760) 736-0292 ext.103.

After 10 years in University Heights, Persian Heritage Rugs & Antiques is closing its doors. Owner Ahmed Farid is selling all inventory at or below cost to expedite his move to New York, where he is pursuing another opportunity. The inventory includes handmade imported rugs and an array of hallway runners, as well as furniture, antiques and accessories.

Persian Heritage Rugs & Antiques, located at 4628 Park Blvd., will be open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until the inventory is sold. Call (619) 683-2696 for more information.