By the time you sit down to read this, you’ll most likely have heard the news: Six Degrees, San Diego’s most beloved lesbian bar, is closing its doors this spring. For anyone who has supported the bar since it was Club Bombay, the news does not come as much of a surprise; the crowd that used to make the Six so packed on a Friday night that you could barely order a drink has dwindled over time to a small group of friendly, die-hard regulars. These days, ladies choose to flock to women’s nights at boys’ clubs or to more alternative straight watering holes instead of occupying the patio at the Six. For many, it seems the bar has become “that place I went when I first came out” or “that spot where my ex-girlfriend once Jell-O wrested for Dyke March” – not “the place I go regularly to see my friends, grab a beer, maybe sing some karaoke.” And now this spring, San Diego will lose yet another predominantly lesbian venue, leaving many of us wondering, what does this all mean?

“I think it definitely shows integration,” says Jennifer Jacobson, co-manager of Six Degrees. “A lot of women feel they don’t need to go to a lesbian bar anymore because they can be accepted at places downtown or at more alternative spots like the Casbah. But I still feel a loss because of the upcoming girls, the girls who are just turning 21 or are new to town…. What are they going to do?”

Darla Marcus, Jacobson’s co-manager, feels for another segment of the lesbian community. “My heart goes out to the people who have been supporting the bar for so long,” she said. “Younger people may feel more comfortable going elsewhere, but older people don’t. And in a way, I don’t blame the younger crowd… they want something more flashy. I understand it, but I hate it at the same time.”

Both Marcus and Jacobson agree, however, that the decision to close Six Degrees was inevitable.

“It’s a disappointment, but I saw it coming,” explains Marcus. “I see the bills coming in. I go to the bank. I know what’s going in and what’s going out, and it’s not matching up.” Jacobson kids that staff have long joked that they work for a non-profit organization.

Both women feel a mix of sadness and frustration as a result of the closure.

“I definitely feel let down by the women’s community,” explains Marcus. “I don’t want to be bitter, but people like to know this place is here when they want to go, [but that’s it]. I always hear people saying things like, ‘I love this bar so much,’ but why don’t they come in more often? By no means do I need people to come in every day or become alcoholics! I just want people to remember that we’re here.”

The bar, however, will not be here for much longer. The property has been purchased by Tim Mays of the Casbah, and although he plans to keep it a club, it will most likely cater to indie rock bands instead of drag kings.

“Six Degrees closing its doors this spring means a significant loss to the lesbian community, but also a great loss to the culture of San Diego,” says Bixi Craig, editor of San Diego’s lesbian magazine, Lavender Lens. “This city has a vibrant gay community which connects thousands of its residents but also makes it attractive to visitors. It is sad that we won’t have a nightspot that caters predominantly to lesbians. More personally, I will miss some great times had at the Six, such as the recent fourth anniversary party of Lavender Lens.”

Marcus and Jacobson note that the community’s reaction to the decision has been minimal so far, as many people were just beginning to read the announcement printed in the Lavender Lens at press time.

“Mostly we get compassion,” says Marcus.

“Pretty much the attitude is, this sucks, but let’s go out with a bang,” adds Jacobson.

So what’s in store for Six Degrees in its final months?

“Mainly, we’re just going to continue to support local music. We’re going to bring in some more big bands and have a few more benefits,” says Jacobson. “And we’re going to have a big New Year’s Eve party, Hollywood-style, with a red carpet, dance music, our New Year’s buffet, the works! Most of all, we just want to thank everyone who has supported the club, and just encourage people to come down and hang out for one last time.”

You can show your love for Six Degrees by attending one of the following events:

On Friday, Dec. 30, check out S.D.’s hottest drag troupe when the SD Kings Club holds its fifth anniversary party. The party kicks off at 9:00 p.m., and if faux facial hair is your thing, you must attend!

On Saturday, Dec. 31, celebrate “Hollywood-style” at Six Degrees’ final New Year’s Eve bash. The evening includes everything you could ever need on New Year’s Eve: hors d’oeuvres, shot specials, a champagne toast, balloon drop and even free designated driver rides home. A $10 cover charge starts at 9:00 p.m. (half off to anyone wearing a themed costume or formal attire). For more information, call the Six at (619) 296-6789.

Then nurse your New Year’s Eve hangover on Sunday, Jan. 1, at the Six’s Hangover Party, featuring Kuder’s famous breakfast beginning at 11:00 a.m. and $1 Bloody Marys and mimosas from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Good luck!

Save the date for the Women’s Wellness Fair at The Center on Feb. 18, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This special annual event includes low or no-cost mammograms and breast exams, yoga, healthy cooking classes, massage workshops and more. Sign up now because space is limited! Contact Claudia Lucero at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 or clucero@thecentersd.org to register or for more information.

If you’re the opinionated sort – or if you just like discussing movies – stay for the movie club immediately following Sapphic Cinema screenings, which take place at the Women’s Resource Center at The Center on the fourth Friday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Did you love the movie? Did you hate it? Did you particularly enjoy the use of Hitchcockian cinematography? Speak your mind and help decide what to watch next. The movie club meets at 9:00 p.m., and Robin Rigby serves as group leader. Participate in online movie discussions and get reminders about the group meetings by joining wrcmoviemavens-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Looking for local music? San Diego singer-songwriter Anna Troy starts a new Sunday residency this month at Café Cabaret (3739 Adams Ave.). The music starts at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday, so check it out!

Good news for those of you who have been missing Siren, S.D.’s open mic for women. We have plans to launch the open mic at a new location in January. If you would like to get involved, e-mail Abby at sheslams@bust.com. Hope to see you on the mic next month. Stay tuned to the Gay & Lesbian Times for more info.

If you’re looking to go out, check out Bacchus House’s new Friday night Game Girls Night! There’s $2 domestic beer, $2 Bacardi cocktails, the Lipstic Dancers and hip-hop all night, so don’t miss it. Other weekly women’s nights include Ladies Night at Bourbon Street on Fridays, with happy hour from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and VJ Kenny at 9:00 p.m. Numbers hosts Bad Kitties every Friday night, too. Saturdays is Candy at The Flame with DJ Tova. And Sunday, of course, Six Degrees has $1 Bloody Marys and mimosas from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and 50-cent Bud Light drafts from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., as well as a barbecue on the patio.

Warmest wishes to all of you in this holiday season! See you next month!