Winners were announced in 37 different categories at the 29th Annual Nicky Awards, which were held at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel in downtown San Diego on May 15. Over 500 people attended the event this year, which raised money for the Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project (APICAP), Equality California (EQCA), the Human Dignity Foundation and the Imperial Court de San Diego.

City commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez, who founded the Nicky Awards in 1976, said there will be only two emcees, no acceptance speeches, less entertainment, less speeches and less of a political tone.

St. Paul’s Cathedral’s clergy was on hand to accept one of three Board of Governors awards.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden also received a Board of Governor’s award.

Local activist Vertez Burks was given the Board of Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I was flabbergasted and honored. I didn’t think I had done enough to merit such an award,” said Burks.

Todd Gloria, Congressmember Susan Davis’ 53rd congressional district director, received the Male Citizen of the Year award.

“I am humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as Alberto Cortez, Bruce Abrams, Ben Dillingham, and the other outstanding nominees,” said Gloria. “I am touched that the community would select me for this award.”

Delores Jacobs, chief executive officer of The Center received the Female Citizen of the Year award.

• Outstanding Neighborhood Bar – The Caliph

• Outstanding Night Club/Dance Bar – Numbers

• Outstanding Levi/Leather Bar – The Eagle

• Outstanding North Park Bar – Bacchus House

• Outstanding Impersonator – Justice Paige Counce (LIPS)

• Outstanding Female Personality – Leo Moore (Bourbon Street)

• Outstanding Male Personality – Angel Cologn (Patti’s) and Jonathan Hale (San Diego Pix)

• Outstanding Adult Business – All Worlds Video

• Outstanding Restaurant – California Cuisine

• Outstanding Waitperson – Ryan Jackson (Ono Sushi)

• Outstanding Business – Park Manor

• Outstanding New Business – Baja Betty’s

• Outstanding Business Man – Ron Ferrero, Ferrero Insurance

• Outstanding Business Woman – Jona Briggs (Principle Real Estate)

• Outstanding Community Volunteer – Brenda Watson

• Outstanding HIV/AIDS Service Provider – Mama’s Kitchen

• Outstanding Community Event – San Diego LGBT Pride

• Outstanding Community Organization – Family Matters

• Outstanding Friend of the Community – Thelma Harris (GlaxoSmithKline)

• Outstanding Entertainer/Group – Andy Anderson and Nathan Fry (Inn at the Park)

• Outstanding Bar – Flicks

• Outstanding Bar Event – Detour (Hamburger Mary’s/Kickers) and Noche Latino (Bacchus House)

• Outstanding Bar Owner – Richard Britton, Nick Moede, Frank Von Ryan (Numbers/The Flame)

• Outstanding Manager – Michael Mack (Bourbon Street)

• Outstanding Female Bartender – Jersey Mitchell (Inn at the Park)

• Outstanding Male Bartender – Tug James (Rich’s)

• Outstanding Bar Employee – Saul Mendoza (Baja Betty’s)

• Outstanding Women’s Bar – Six Degrees

• Outstanding DJ/VJ – DJ Derek (Rich’s)

• Outstanding Gym – Urban Body Gym

• Outstanding Hillcrest Bar – Kickers

• Outstanding Publication – Gay & Lesbian Times

• Male Citizen of the Year – Todd Gloria

• Female Citizen of the Year – Delores Jacobs

• Board of Governors’ Award – St. Paul’s Cathedral, Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden

• Board of Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award – Vertez Burks