“I have a few choice words for the criminals who committed this vicious attack and for any others who are contemplating perpetrating such a crime: You are cowards. Make no mistake about it; if you commit such a crime, we will do everything within our power to catch you.”

– Mayor Jerry Sanders in a press conference addressing the city following the hate crimes that took place Pride weekend in Balboa Park

“I believe this event, as tragic as it was, is a unifying event for the city of San Diego to move forward once again, to give everybody equality and the rights that the Constitution guarantees you.”

– Police Chief William Lansdowne at a rally against hate held at The Center on Aug. 4

On July 31, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Police Chief William Lansdowne, City Attorney Mike Aguirre and Councilmember Toni Atkins stood united before the city of San Diego and addressed the criminals responsible for the hate crimes that took place in Balboa Park during Pride weekend. This unprecedented response by city officials and swift action taken by Lansdowne and the San Diego Police Department sent an unmistakable message to the public: Hate will not be tolerated in San Diego.

The Gay & Lesbian Times is proud to honor Sanders and Lansdowne as our “Persons of the Year” for their strong stand against hate and their commitment to providing justice for all San Diegans. Without a doubt, these two public servants have made a significant impact on the lives of GLBT people in 2006 and are deserving of this recognition.

Now an annual tradition (Atkins received the GLT’s first “Person of the Year” in 2005 for her stint as San Diego’s acting mayor), this week’s issue features individuals or groups that have had the most influence on our community during the course of the year.

In addition to the mayor and police chief, we recognize Fire Chief Tracy Jarman, the first female fire chief in San Diego history and the nation’s second openly lesbian fire chief. Jarman was appointed by the mayor in June and approved unanimously by the City Council.

Another historic first took place in 2006. Openly gay Deputy District Attorney David Rubin was elected to a San Diego Superior Court judgeship, making him the first openly gay man elected to public office in San Diego history. Rubin will be sworn in Jan 8.

Also honored this year is an organization of philanthropic real estate professionals known as MARYAH (Metro Area Real Estate Professionals for Young Adult Housing). MARYAH has raised $30,000 to sponsor two apartments for The Center’s Youth Housing Project, a 23-unit affordable housing facility for youth between the ages 18 and 24 that focuses on GLBT and HIV-positive youth who are homeless or are transitioning out of foster care or group homes.

Every year has its share of disappointments, and 2006 was no exception. Councilmembers Atkins, Jim Madaffer, Brian Maienschein, Scott Peters and, to a lesser degree, Donna Frye, were named in a report released by Kroll Inc., the risk-management firm hired by the City Council to investigate allegations of wrongdoing at City Hall. Kroll found that past and present city officials knowingly broke the law and debilitated the pension system through years of “reckless” and “wrongful mismanagement.” The Securities and Exchange Commission later ruled that the city defrauded investors by not disclosing the city’s massive underfunding of its pension system. The ensuing finger pointing by the council, including our own representative Councilmember Atkins, made the spectacle all the more disappointing.

2006 also had its share of losses. The community said goodbye to bisexual leader and activist Dr. Fritz Klein this year. Klein helped launch the American Institute on Bisexuality and was the co-founder of San Diego’s Bisexual Forum. A major supporter of the arts during his life, Klein left Diversionary Theatre $250,000, along with the building that houses the Diversionary Theatre and a gift from his Charitable Remainder Trust that is estimated at between $50,000 and $60,000.

The closing of lesbian bar Six Degrees was another loss felt by the community. Catering to gay and lesbian clientele for roughly four decades, the nondescript building at 3175 India St. went through several incarnations, including The Swing, A Different Drum, Club Bombay and finally Six Degrees. Though there are several lesbian-themed nights at San Diego bars, Six Degrees was the city’s last remaining lesbian bar and the end of an era.

To read the entire list of individuals selected for this year’s “People of 2006,” turn to page 40.

Correction: In last week's editorial, "Pelosi steps in it twice - and counting," we incorrectly referred to House Rep. Nancy Pelosi as a "liberal senator from California." She is, in fact, a liberal representative from California. We also stated at one point that Pelosi fumbled when "nominating" House Rep. Alcee Hastings for chair of the House Intelligence Committee. Because House speakers select committee chairs, a better term would have been "considering." We regret both errors.