New in the hood, The Holistic Cafe (phone-cam photo: mine)

If you’re interested in creating real change in your own community, head over to the Joyce Beers Center tonight for the monthly Hillcrest Town Council meeting. Starts at 6:30. Don’t worry about missing dinner, Babbo Grande on University is supplying pasta. Among the items on tonight’s agenda is a panel discussion led by local activist, former City Council candidate and Vice-Chair of the city’s Medical Marijuana Taskforce Stephen Whitburn. This promises to be a lively discussion, so as they say: Be there or be a square.

Here’s a wide variety of events coming up for your participatory pleasure in the greater San Diego community.

Tuesday, 9 February:

Hillcrest Town Council Meeting

Via HillQuest:

This month’s Hillcrest Town Council meeting will be held from 6:30-8pm next Tuesday, February 9th and will feature a panel discussion on medical marijuana dispensaries in Hillcrest led by Stephen Whitburn, Vice Chair of the SD’s Medical Marijuana Taskforce; Kim Twolan, owner of Mother Earth Coop; and Paul Cody, owner of Hillcrest Compassionate Care. February’s meeting will also include a discussion on Smart Meters by SDG&E representative Risa Baron, a LION Award presentation by Luke Terpstra and a Community Plan Update given by Roy Dahl. HTC meetings are held in the Joyce Beers Community Center on Vermont Street one block north of Cleveland Avenue.

Complimentary pasta dinners (provided by Babbo Grande Restaurant) and coffee will be available. Everyone is welcome. All Hillcrest residents are encouraged to attend and become involved.

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Joyce Beers Community Center
Street: 3900 Vermont Street (across from Trader Joe’s)
City: San Diego

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ExtravaGANJA – A Medical Marijuana Comedy Show with Howard Dover

Tuesday, Feb. 9th, at 9 pm, you really want to be at the La Jolla Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., 92037. (858) 454-9176.

It’s another Medical Marijuana Comedy Show ExtravaGANJA featuring WWE Champ Rob Van Dam!! He’s a wonderful supporter and a funny guy to boot! Check out his site at RobVanDam.com.

Also on the show is Last Comic Standing’s Jay London (JayLondonLive.com), MySpace.com/CorneliusTheComic, Myspace.com/JeffreyMichaelPeterson, Shia LeBeouf’s father, Jeff (one of CA’s original hippies) and much more!

Tickets are only $10, available cash only at the door or in advance, by contacting Eugene at (619) 446-9786. Our thanks to NUG Magazine for their support.

Proceeds benefit SafeAccessNowSD.org. Please support them and sign up for their email alerts.

Time: 8:30pm – 11:30pm
Location: 916 Pearl St. La Jolla, CA 92037

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San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Wednesday, 10 February:

Free H1N1 Vaccination Clinic at The Center

On Wednesday February 10, 3pm-7pm the County of San Diego will conduct a FREE H1N1 vaccine clinic at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103). Anyone and everyone who has not been vaccinated is welcome and all are encouraged to come get vaccinated! Professionals will be on hand to answer questions about age ranges for children, those with certain kinds of physical conditions, allergies, etc.

Thursday, 11 February:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 13 February:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 16 February:

Hillcrest Mardi Gras

Hillcrest Mardi Gras has become one of Hillcrest’s most exciting events showcasing our neighborhood and raising money for neighborhood improvements and youth scholarships

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is an age 21 and over event that closes University Avenue from Fourth to First streets. The event consists of entertainment, live bands, dancing, DJ’s, laser light shows, rides, games, street performers, beer and liquor, and lots of beads. This event has grown to over 3,000 people in attendance, all of which have an amazing night. We also pride ourselves that over the years we have thrown a safe event for our patrons.

The Hillcrest Mardi Gras is a 21 and over event. The cost for the event is $15 pre-sale (till the day of the event) and $20 at the door.

Location: University Avenue between 1st & 4th
City: San Diego, CA, 92103

Thursday, 18 February:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 20 February:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 24 February:

San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Thursday, 25 February:

Hillcrest 2.0: Charting the future of Hillcrest

Hillcrest’s Mobility System – transportation, walkability, and accessibility. How is it getting in and out of Hillcrest? Do we have too many cars and too little pedestrians? How are we going to accommodate for the future?

What can be improved?
How can they be improved?
What will it take?

At our next meeting, we will be exploring ways to improve Hillcrest’s mobility system. Come join us on February 25 for a fun and exciting forum to discuss Hillcrest’s transportation system.

We invited Dr. Sherry Ryan from San Diego State University to present a lecture on the mobility system of Hillcrest. Dr. Ryan’s research primarily deals with transportation and its elements–land use interactions, and the influence of land use patterns on travel behavior, physical activity, and health. More information about Dr. Ryan can be found here: http://spa.sdsu.edu/oldsite/sryan.htm

Please RSVP at benjamin @ hillcrestbia.org. RSVP is not required, but preferred.

Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Baja Betty’s
Street: 1421 University Ave.
City: Hillcrest, CA

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Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 27 February:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

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Save the dates in 2010!

Via the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center. Check The Center website for information as it becomes available.

29 April: Dining Out for Life®
21 May: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
26 June: Happy Birthday Frida
26 September: AIDS Walk San Diego
23 October: 37th Anniversary Center Gala
30 October: Nightmare on Normal Street

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Additions and/or corrections to calendar items are welcomed. Drop me an email or add a comment below.

(note: event descriptions are usually provided by the event’s organizers)

Actual evidence of actual weather taking place in San Diego (photo: mine)

UPDATE (20 January 4:40pm): The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality rally, originally scheduled for 20 January, has been rescheduled for Saturday, 30 January.

UPDATE (21 January 3:00pm): The Community Coalition Breakfast featuring Speaker-Elect John Pérez has been cancelled due to weather.

In other developments, actual weather led to actual power outages in formerly sunny, formerly conservative San Diego. And, here I thought that whole in and out like a lion thing wasn’t scheduled to take place until March! In any event, so to speak, here’s a calendar of what’s happening in the next few weeks in San Diego.

Reminder: If your organization has a non-commercial, public event of interest to local community or political activists, drop me an email with the particulars and (oh please, please, please) a link to a proper Facebook event page if at all possible.

Tuesday, 19 January:

Two Cents with Aaron Heier at The Center
featuring Joseph Christopher Rocha

Don’t miss Two Cents with Aaron Heier, a new Men @ The Center monthly event debuting Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7 pm in the Center’s Community Resource Room. Two Cents is an entertaining, informative and interactive social event featuring Aaron Heier interviewing the men who move San Diego’s LGBT community. Attendees will enjoy an informal talk show-style format followed by a mix and mingle cocktail hour featuring tasty nosh from Gossip Grill. Two Cents’ inaugural special guest will be Joseph Christopher Rocha, the gay Navy veteran whose horrific story of hazing, harassment and abuse while serving as a dog handler in the Middle East has made international news. For more information, contact Jeffrey Wergeles at jwergeles@thecentersd.org.

Wednesday, 20 January:

Lunch & Learn – Navigating Your Medicare Options

Confused and overwhelmed by the Medicare system? The Medicare Annual Election period is January 1 through March 31, so this is a great time to sit down and explore your personal insurance options. Join insurance agent Kevin Childers on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30am, in the library at The Center for a lunchtime workshop and Q&A session. Light lunchtime fare will be provided by The Center. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, 21 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 22 January:

UPDATE (21 January 3:00pm): Event has been cancelled due to weather

Speaker-Elect John Pérez at Community Coalition Breakfast

The San Diego LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast scheduled for tomorrow (January 22 at 7:30 am) with the newly elected Speaker of the California Assembly, Speaker John Pérez, has been cancelled. The weather is disrupting many Sacramento flights. Please circulate this message to anyone you know who may have been planning to attend so that no one has to brave the weather tomorrow morning!

Assemblymember John Pérez made history recently when his colleagues elected him Speaker of the California Assembly, making him the third most powerful officeholder in California and the first gay man to assume the Speakership. The Center will host the Speaker-elect at our 2010 kick-off of the Quarterly Community Coalition Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 22. Come meet Pérez and hear about his plan for addressing California’s perennial budget crisis, how he made history and the importance of coalition- building. A full breakfast is available for $10; coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required. For more information, contact Carlos Marquez at cmarquez@thecentersd.org.

Saturday, 23 January:

Walt G. Meyer reading Rounding Third

Local author Walt G. Meyer will read from his Lambda Literary Award nominated book, Rounding Third, on Saturday, January 23 at 11am at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (3909 Centre St., Hillcrest). Rounding Third is not your average baseball novel. Instead it tells the suspenseful tale of two teens falling in love on a high school baseball team in a small Ohio town and the secrets that plague them. Meyer will read from his book in the library at The Center. The event is free; coffee and bagels will be available for a small donation. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or aschwartz@thecentersd.org.

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MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 26 January:

San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Wednesday, 27 January:

Annual Community Volunteer Fair

The Community Volunteer Fair was established in 2005 by the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council and is designed to make gathering information about organizations easy and painless for the hundreds of community members who make New Year’s “resolutions” to volunteer. The fifth annual event will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 5:30pm-7:30 pm at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street. For more information or to receive an application for your organization to participate, please contact Amanda Bejarano-Ligato at amandab@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, 28 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 30 January:

SAME Protest Rally
One year anniversary of Obama administration

[ This event was rescheduled from 20 January ]

We will be having the S.A.M.E. Rally ‘ONE YEAR LATER’ on SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th from 1:00 – 3:00pm on the corner of Centre St. and University Ave. in Hillcrest. S.A.M.E. is demanding action from our Federal Representatives to pass full equality for LGBT people in matters governed by Federal Law. Our demands include though are not limited to a repeal of DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act), and UAFA (Uniting American Families Act). This ‘ONE YEAR LATER’ S.A.M.E. rally is also the culmination of efforts to gain commitments from our federal representatives to pass Federal Equality for LGBT people, and we will be announcing progress of commitments from Federal Representatives on these issues at the rally.

For more information check out samealliance.com, or contact Wendy Sue at WSUEB@aol.com.

Time: 1-3:00 pm
Address: The corner of Centre St. and University Ave
City: San Diego

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MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 16 February:

Hillcrest Mardi Gras

Hillcrest Mardi Gras has become one of Hillcrest’s most exciting events showcasing our neighborhood and raising money for neighborhood improvements and youth scholarships

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is an age 21 and over event that closes University Avenue from Fourth to First streets. The event consists of entertainment, live bands, dancing, DJ’s, laser light shows, rides, games, street performers, beer and liquor, and lots of beads. This event has grown to over 3,000 people in attendance, all of which have an amazing night. We also pride ourselves that over the years we have thrown a safe event for our patrons.

The Hillcrest Mardi Gras is a 21 and over event. The cost for the event is $15 pre-sale (till the day of the event) and $20 at the door.

Location: University Avenue between 1st & 4th
City: San Diego, CA, 92103

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Save the dates in 2010!

Via the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center. Check The Center website for information as it becomes available.

29 April: Dining Out for Life®
21 May: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
26 June: Happy Birthday Frida
26 September: AIDS Walk San Diego
23 October: 37th Anniversary Center Gala
30 October: Nightmare on Normal Street

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Additions and/or corrections to calendar items are welcomed. Drop me an email or add a comment below.

(note: event descriptions are usually provided by the event’s organizers)

January came in like a lion … somewhere (photo: Mike Tidmus)

With the holidays behind us, things are starting to get back on track, and, from readings and writings to meetings and gatherings, there’s something for everyone coming up in the month of January. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the San Diego community:

Tuesday, 5 January:

Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women

Don’t miss the next Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women, on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 7pm at The Center. Coffee & Conversation is a monthly event featuring Tryce Czyczynska interviewing notable women from the community. We are very excited to announce that January’s “cool woman” is artist, graphic designer and educator Julie Warren. Warren lives in North Park, where she shares her life with longtime partner Christine Kehoe. Please join us for coffee, dessert and a dynamic conversation about fine art, graphic design, politics and more. This event is FREE, open to all, and will take place in The Center’s library. For more information, please contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or women@thecentersd.org.

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San Diego Food Bank Distribution at The Center

With a growing number of families being impacted by the economic crisis, The San Diego Food Bank has asked the San Diego LGBT Community Center to host a distribution site once a month for the Community Cares Project. On the first Tuesday of every month, 9-10:30 am, visit The Center’s parking lot for a “one-stop-shop.” Receive emergency food, pre-screen for Food Stamps and sign up for a range of other services, including employment and medical as well as low-cost utility programs. For more information, visit the San Diego Food Bank website.

Wednesday, 6 January:

Guys, Games & Grub at The Center

Have a hankering for an evening of board games, card games and pizza? Like the sound of a free monthly social event for guys 21+, where you’ll meet interesting men of all ages? Then don’t miss Guys, Games & Grub on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The Center, 3909 Centre St. For more information, contact Jeffrey Wergeles at (619) 692-2077, ext. 204, or jwergeles@thecentersd.org.

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Ladies Laughter and Literature

L3: Ladies Laughter and Literature meets the first Wednesday of each month, 7-9 pm at The Center. Books are selected each month by popular vote – primarily fiction, but there is a wide variety. New members are always welcome! The book chosen for January is The Amateur Marriage, by Anne Tyler. For more information, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LadiesLaughterLiterature.

Thursday, 7 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 8 January:

The San Diego New Atheists present
Discussion: Zombie Preparedness

Join the San Diego New Atheists Meetup group at Lestats for coffee at 7:00pm to discuss strategies for surviving the impending zombie attack. We’ll go over melee weapons, explosives, armor, food-rationing, bunkers and forts, and and anything else that would be of interest. It’s a lot to try to handle, all at once, but maybe it’ll at least be a start.

More about the group: “We’re looking for intelligent, creative and fun people to join our community of New Atheists and Agnostics. Building a fun-loving, supportive community is the main purpose of this group, not discussion of atheist philosophy. This group will provide the benefits available to like-minded communities without the downsides, such as religious beliefs. We welcome atheists, agnostics, humanists, brights and other secular humans.”

Place: Lestat’s
Address: 3343 Adams Ave
City: San Diego, CA 92116

Saturday, 9 January:

Ring in the New Year Protest
Boycott Manchester

It’s been two years since Doug Manchester, owner of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, contributed $125,000 to anti-LGBT rights campaigners — an early infusion of cash that paid for the signature-gathering drive that put Proposition 8 on the ballot.

Members and supporters of San Diego’s large LGBT community immediately called for a boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and, on July 10 of 2008, a coalition led by the San Diego LGBT community and the labor movement announced a formal boycott of the property. Equality California, Courage Campaign, Californians Against Hate, UNITE HERE International Union, the San Diego County Labor Council and many other LGBT and progressive organizations have endorsed the boycott, joined picket lines and attended rallies at the hotel.

Over the past eighteen months, the boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel has become a remarkably successful statement for marriage equality and a powerful example of the coalition between the LGBT movement and the labor movement.

Two years after Doug Manchester’s contribution to Proposition 8, the boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt continues. Join us Saturday, January 9th at 2pm outside the Manchester Hyatt (1 Market Place, San Diego)

Learn more at Facebook.

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Street: 1 Market Place
City: San Diego, CA

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MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Monday, 11 January:

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Inaugural Info Night
Everyone is Invited to Join the New Chorus

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus is excited to kick off its new existence and 2010 Inaugural Season by welcoming everyone to attend its premiere Info Night. SDGMC’s first Info Night event will take place on Monday, January 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Interested singers as well as non-singing volunteers and community members who want to join the new San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus family are welcome to attend.

Info Night is dedicated to welcoming potential new members and will take place at SDGMC’s regular rehearsal space inside the University Christian Church, located at 3900 Cleveland Avenue, right across the street from the Hillcrest Post Office and DMV. Those who attend Info Night will have the opportunity to learn even more about the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, meet current members, and hear samples of SDGMC’s sensational sound.

Tuesday, 12 January:

Hillcrest Town Council Meeting

Join us for the monthly meeting of the Hillcrest Town Council. The HTC exists to provide a voice & enhance the quality of life for Hillcrest renters and homeowners while supporting actions that benefit our neighborhood. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings of the Hillcrest Town Council which feature political leaders, candidate forums and committee updates on area crime, litter, graffiti and development.

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Joyce Beers Community Center
Street: 3900 Vermont Street (across from Trader Joe’s)
City: San Diego
Map

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San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Thursday, 14 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 15 January:

Wine & Cheese for the Cause
The Grassroots are Moving Downtown!

Join Canvass for a Cause in their new office space in downtown San Diego!

After the close of the 301 University building, Canvass for a Cause has moved into an amazing space in the Columbia district downtown. We’d like to share it all with you!

Wine and appetizers will be served with a $20 donation. Donations will help Canvass for a Cause bookkeeper Sara Beth Brooks be able to attend the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change conference in Dallas in February.

Canvass for a Cause is a non-profit specializing in grassroots organizing. We recruit, train, and employ activists to be on the streets daily having conversations about marriage equality with the public, empowering them to change hearts and minds.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Hive
Street: 402 W. Broadway
City: San Diego, CA

Saturday, 16 January:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 19 January:

Two Cents with Aaron Heier at The Center
featuring Joseph Christopher Rocha

Don’t miss Two Cents with Aaron Heier, a new Men @ The Center monthly event debuting Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7 pm in the Center’s Community Resource Room. Two Cents is an entertaining, informative and interactive social event featuring Aaron Heier interviewing the men who move San Diego’s LGBT community. Attendees will enjoy an informal talk show-style format followed by a mix and mingle cocktail hour featuring tasty nosh from Gossip Grill. Two Cents’ inaugural special guest will be Joseph Christopher Rocha, the gay Navy veteran whose horrific story of hazing, harassment and abuse while serving as a dog handler in the Middle East has made international news. For more information, contact Jeffrey Wergeles at jwergeles@thecentersd.org.

Wednesday, 20 January:

SAME Protest Rally
One year anniversary of Obama administration

January 20 marks the anniversary of President Obama’s first year in office and SAME demands equal rights for all LGBTQIQAA Americans. We will not be forgotten by our legislators and the ‘Yes, We can’ administration during the next 3 years!

Please join SAME downtown in protesting the lack of action taken by our government representatives about EQUALITY – we demand the repeal of Prop H8, DOMA, DADT – NOW!!!

For more information, contact Wendy Sue at WSUEB@aol.com.

Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Federal Building
Address: Corner of Front & Broadway
City: Downtown San Diego

+++++++

Lunch & Learn – Navigating Your Medicare Options

Confused and overwhelmed by the Medicare system? The Medicare Annual Election period is January 1 through March 31, so this is a great time to sit down and explore your personal insurance options. Join insurance agent Kevin Childers on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30am, in the library at The Center for a lunchtime workshop and Q&A session. Light lunchtime fare will be provided by The Center. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, 21 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 22 January:

Speaker-Elect John Pérez at Community Coalition Breakfast

Assemblymember John Pérez made history recently when his colleagues elected him Speaker of the California Assembly, making him the third most powerful officeholder in California and the first gay man to assume the Speakership. The Center will host the Speaker-elect at our 2010 kick-off of the Quarterly Community Coalition Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 22. Come meet Pérez and hear about his plan for addressing California’s perennial budget crisis, how he made history and the importance of coalition- building. A full breakfast is available for $10; coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required. For more information, contact Carlos Marquez at cmarquez@thecentersd.org.

Saturday, 23 January:

Walt G. Meyer reading Rounding Third

Local author Walt G. Meyer will read from his Lambda Literary Award nominated book, Rounding Third, on Saturday, January 23 at 11am at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (3909 Centre St., Hillcrest). Rounding Third is not your average baseball novel. Instead it tells the suspenseful tale of two teens falling in love on a high school baseball team in a small Ohio town and the secrets that plague them. Meyer will read from his book in the library at The Center. The event is free; coffee and bagels will be available for a small donation. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or aschwartz@thecentersd.org.

+++++++

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 26 January:

San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Wednesday, 27 January:

Annual Community Volunteer Fair

The Community Volunteer Fair was established in 2005 by the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council and is designed to make gathering information about organizations easy and painless for the hundreds of community members who make New Year’s “resolutions” to volunteer. The fifth annual event will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 5:30pm-7:30 pm at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street. For more information or to receive an application for your organization to participate, please contact Amanda Bejarano-Ligato at amandab@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, 28 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 30 January:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

+++++++

Save the dates in 2010!

Via the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center. Check The Center website for information as it becomes available.

29 April: Dining Out for Life®
21 May: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
26 June: Happy Birthday Frida
26 September: AIDS Walk San Diego
23 October: 37th Anniversary Center Gala
30 October: Nightmare on Normal Street

+++++++

Additions and/or corrections to calendar items are welcomed. Drop me an email or add a comment below.

(note: event descriptions are usually provided by the event’s organizers)

Ready to bring in the new year (photo: Mike Tidmus)

This week brings both 2009 and the aughties to a close. What a year it’s been! Lots coming up in the month of January in the San Diego activist community:

Tuesday, 5 January:

Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women

Don’t miss the next Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women, on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 7pm at The Center. Coffee & Conversation is a monthly event featuring Tryce Czyczynska interviewing notable women from the community. We are very excited to announce that January’s “cool woman” is artist, graphic designer and educator Julie Warren. Warren lives in North Park, where she shares her life with longtime partner Christine Kehoe. Please join us for coffee, dessert and a dynamic conversation about fine art, graphic design, politics and more. This event is FREE, open to all, and will take place in The Center’s library. For more information, please contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or women@thecentersd.org.

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San Diego Food Bank Distribution at The Center

With a growing number of families being impacted by the economic crisis, The San Diego Food Bank has asked the San Diego LGBT Community Center to host a distribution site once a month for the Community Cares Project. On the first Tuesday of every month, 9-10:30 am, visit The Center’s parking lot for a “one-stop-shop.” Receive emergency food, pre-screen for Food Stamps and sign up for a range of other services, including employment and medical as well as low-cost utility programs. For more information, visit the San Diego Food Bank website.

Wednesday, 6 January:

Guys, Games & Grub at The Center

Have a hankering for an evening of board games, card games and pizza? Like the sound of a free monthly social event for guys 21+, where you’ll meet interesting men of all ages? Then don’t miss Guys, Games & Grub on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The Center, 3909 Centre St. For more information, contact Jeffrey Wergeles at (619) 692-2077, ext. 204, or jwergeles@thecentersd.org.

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Ladies Laughter and Literature

L3: Ladies Laughter and Literature meets the first Wednesday of each month, 7-9 pm at The Center. Books are selected each month by popular vote – primarily fiction, but there is a wide variety. New members are always welcome! The book chosen for January is The Amateur Marriage, by Anne Tyler. For more information, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LadiesLaughterLiterature.

Thursday, 7 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 9 January:

Ring in the New Year Protest
Boycott Manchester

It’s been two years since Doug Manchester, owner of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, contributed $125,000 to anti-LGBT rights campaigners — an early infusion of cash that paid for the signature-gathering drive that put Proposition 8 on the ballot.

Members and supporters of San Diego’s large LGBT community immediately called for a boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and, on July 10 of 2008, a coalition led by the San Diego LGBT community and the labor movement announced a formal boycott of the property. Equality California, Courage Campaign, Californians Against Hate, UNITE HERE International Union, the San Diego County Labor Council and many other LGBT and progressive organizations have endorsed the boycott, joined picket lines and attended rallies at the hotel.

Over the past eighteen months, the boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel has become a remarkably successful statement for marriage equality and a powerful example of the coalition between the LGBT movement and the labor movement.

Two years after Doug Manchester’s contribution to Proposition 8, the boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt continues. Join us Saturday, January 9th at 2pm outside the Manchester Hyatt (1 Market Place, San Diego)

Learn more at Facebook.

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Street: 1 Market Place
City: San Diego, CA

+++++++

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Monday, 11 January:

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Inaugural Info Night
Everyone is Invited to Join the New Chorus

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus is excited to kick off its new existence and 2010 Inaugural Season by welcoming everyone to attend its premiere Info Night. SDGMC’s first Info Night event will take place on Monday, January 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Interested singers as well as non-singing volunteers and community members who want to join the new San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus family are welcome to attend.

Info Night is dedicated to welcoming potential new members and will take place at SDGMC’s regular rehearsal space inside the University Christian Church, located at 3900 Cleveland Avenue, right across the street from the Hillcrest Post Office and DMV. Those who attend Info Night will have the opportunity to learn even more about the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, meet current members, and hear samples of SDGMC’s sensational sound.

Tuesday, 12 January:

Hillcrest Town Council Meeting

Join us for the monthly meeting of the Hillcrest Town Council. The HTC exists to provide a voice & enhance the quality of life for Hillcrest renters and homeowners while supporting actions that benefit our neighborhood. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings of the Hillcrest Town Council which feature political leaders, candidate forums and committee updates on area crime, litter, graffiti and development.

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Joyce Beers Community Center
Street: 3900 Vermont Street (across from Trader Joe’s)
City: San Diego
Map

+++++++

San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Thursday, 14 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 15 January:

Wine & Cheese for the Cause
The Grassroots are Moving Downtown!

Join Canvass for a Cause in their new office space in downtown San Diego!

After the close of the 301 University building, Canvass for a Cause has moved into an amazing space in the Columbia district downtown. We’d like to share it all with you!

Wine and appetizers will be served with a $20 donation. Donations will help Canvass for a Cause bookkeeper Sara Beth Brooks be able to attend the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change conference in Dallas in February.

Canvass for a Cause is a non-profit specializing in grassroots organizing. We recruit, train, and employ activists to be on the streets daily having conversations about marriage equality with the public, empowering them to change hearts and minds.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Hive
Street: 402 W. Broadway
City: San Diego, CA

Saturday, 16 January:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 19 January:

Two Cents with Aaron Heier at The Center

Don’t miss Two Cents with Aaron Heier, a new Men @ The Center monthly event debuting Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7 pm in the Center’s Community Resource Room. Two Cents is an entertaining, informative and interactive social event featuring Aaron Heier interviewing the men who move San Diego’s LGBT community. Attendees will enjoy an informal talk show-style format followed by a mix and mingle cocktail hour featuring tasty nosh from Gossip Grill. Two Cent’s inaugural special guest will be Joseph Christopher Rocha, the gay Navy veteran whose horrific story of hazing, harassment and abuse while serving as a dog handler in the Middle East has made international news. For more information, contact Jeffrey Wergeles at jwergeles@thecentersd.org.

Thursday, 21 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Friday, 22 January:

Speaker-Elect John Pérez at Community Coalition Breakfast

Assemblymember John Pérez made history recently when his colleagues elected him Speaker of the California Assembly, making him the third most powerful officeholder in California and the first gay man to assume the Speakership. The Center will host the Speaker-elect at our 2010 kick-off of the Quarterly Community Coalition Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 22. Come meet Pérez and hear about his plan for addressing California’s perennial budget crisis, how he made history and the importance of coalition- building. A full breakfast is available for $10; coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required. For more information, contact Carlos Marquez at cmarquez@thecentersd.org.

Saturday, 23 January:

Walt G. Meyer reading Rounding Third

Local author Walt G. Meyer will read from his Lambda Literary Award nominated book, Rounding Third, on Saturday, January 23 at 11am at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (3909 Centre St., Hillcrest). Rounding Third is not your average baseball novel. Instead it tells the suspenseful tale of two teens falling in love on a high school baseball team in a small Ohio town and the secrets that plague them. Meyer will read from his book in the library at The Center. The event is free; coffee and bagels will be available for a small donation. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or aschwartz@thecentersd.org.

+++++++

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

Tuesday, 26 January:

San Diego Alliance for Marriage meeting

The San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality (SAME) is a grass roots, democratically-run organization committed to fighting for LGBT rights including marriage equality. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit the SAME website.

As the movement continues we encourage everyone with an idea, a hope, a voice, to join us in this struggle. in numbers there is strength, in unity there is hope, and together we WILL realize our goal: equality.

We want to invite LGBTQIQAA activists to become NEW members and NEW organizations to join us in coalition at this SAME membership meeting. Please join our membership meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. SAME meetings are open to the public. For more info visit SAME online.

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: At a Residential Building on the SE Corner of 4th & Walnut (street parking after 6pm is FREE.) Signs at the gate will guide you to the meeting space which is UPSTAIRS on the 2nd floor. If you need directions contact Cecile: 858 335 6615.

Thursday, 28 January:

Drop in Writers Group

A 5:00pm drop-in writers group is held at Lestat’s Coffeehouse every Thursday. The group is hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink., whose mission is to nurture writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, foster a literary community, promote literature and celebrate artistic diversity. Writers of all levels are welcome to “drop-in” and join the group to discuss work. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and other specialty drinks are available for purchase. Lestat’s is located at 3343 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Saturday, 30 January:

MEUSA-SD Canvass OUT-Reach for Equality!

Project OUT-Reach – is a campaign by Marriage Equality USA -San Diego where we are going into neighborhoods around San Diego County talking to voters, asking them how they feel about marriage equality, educating the community about what’s happening around the issue, and getting them involved in the next steps towards equality. Even by starting right now we still need to open 300,000 Californian hearts and minds by using earned media, demonstrations, public outreach and education.

To be successful we cannot just organize in areas that are supportive. We must also reach out to communities that have not traditionally been our allies in this fight to bridge the gap in understanding. We will have conversations with people, both at their doors and in busy public spaces to raise consciousness about the issue as well as funds for the cause. We will keep our community energized and engaged as activists, fighting to win back our fundamental right to marry.

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lips Restaurant
Street: 3036 El Cajon Blvd
City: San Diego, CA
Email: volunteer [at sign] marriageequalitysd [dot] org

+++++++

Save the dates in 2010!

Via the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center. Check The Center website for information as it becomes available.

29 April: Dining Out for Life®
21 May: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
26 June: Happy Birthday Frida
26 September: AIDS Walk San Diego
23 October: 37th Anniversary Center Gala
30 October: Nightmare on Normal Street

+++++++

Additions and/or corrections to calendar items are welcomed. Drop me an email or add a comment below.

(note: event descriptions are usually provided by the event’s organizers)