Congratulations to those whom were nominated and those who took home the coveted golden "Gay Oscars" last Sunday evening! This event has been a favorite of the community's for 35 years! That is longer than the "fresh meat" at the bars have been alive! All in all, the evening was filled with fun, fellowship, and friendly competition. Here is how the Mo's family of restaurants did at the 35th Annual Nicky Awards, hosted at The Center:

Gossip Grill -- Outstanding New Business
Wes Geissler -- Outstanding Male Bartender (tie)
Matt Ramon -- Outstanding Bar Manager
Rebecca Rice -- OUtstanding Female Waitperson
Urban Mo's -- Outstanding Hillcrest Bar

To everyone who came out to support the community event, thank you! Even though there was only one winner in each category (well, beside some ties), we are all winners because we are able to call Hillcrest home.

Saturday, August 21, The South Bay Alliance will be holding the 8th Annual South Bay Pride at Memorial Park in Chula Vista. The festival goes from 12-7pm and is featuring entertainers to satisfy anyone's ear. Entertainers include Gabe Lopez, Lauren Holiday, Rhythm and the Method, among many more. A full set list can be seen at the South Bay Pride Website. South Bay Pride is one of the smaller Pride Events in Southern California, and has a very unique feel to it -- visitors say that it's much more relaxing and nice to just enjoy the company of the neighbors. This year, the South Bay Alliance is expecting 2,000 to 3,000 visitors, which is much more than the 50 they started with eight years ago.

As a sponsor of the event, Urban Mo's, Baja Betty's, and Gossip Grill will be taking our Pride Parade Giant Flamingo to the streets. Be sure to check in with Chris Patrick at the 20' mega bird in the Beer and Wine Garden and he'll hook you up with something nice (while they last).

Get ready for another great event to benefit the community! This Thursday, August 12, from 5:30 to 8pm, the Annual Toast to Hillcrest is happening. Tickets can be bought the day of the event at the check-in station or in advance online here. The Toast of Hillcrest will have a bus tour with your hosts Benny and Ricky, making sure you get the most of the event. This is an amazing way to sample your way around Hillcrest! This is a 21+ event, as there will be alcohol provided at most stops. Dine, wine, and drink your way through Hillcrest this Thursday!

*Photo Courtesy: Hillcrest History Guild

It seems that history is being made daily these days. Today is no different. Today the courts are reviewing the outcome of Proposition 8.

Ken Williams, Editor in Chief of www.sdgln.com reports:

This is the day! San Diegans, along with other Californians and human rights activists from around the world, will be eagerly awaiting a judge’s ruling in a landmark marriage-equality case.

Early this afternoon, a federal judge in San Francisco will electronically announce his decision regarding the constitutionality of the Proposition 8 law, which California voters approved by a slim margin in November 2008. Prop. 8 outlawed same-sex marriage just five months after the state Supreme Court had legalized it and more than 18,000 gay and lesbian couples had wed.

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker is expected to release his ruling between 1 and 3 p.m. California time. For an immediate online reenactment, go to marriagetrial.com to review the case.

Gay rights supporters around the world are planning vigils, marches and rallies today.

In San Diego, marriage-equality supporters and community members will gather at 6 p.m. today at Sixth Avenue and University in Hillcrest for a march down University to The Center, 3909 Centre St. That will be followed by a Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. at The Center.

:::Continued on www.sdgln.com:::

Read the full story HERE

It's that time of year again, when the neighborhood has finally recuperated from Pride Weekend and is ready for another fabulous community event! That's right, Cityfest 2010 is just around the corner, happening Sunday, August 8th, 2010 from noon-8pm. This year Hillcrest is celebrating the 26th year of the street fair and the 26th ceremonial relighting of the "Hillcrest" sign, which hangs above University Avenue at Fifth.

The history of Cityfest goes a little like this (as can be seen on San Diego Uptown News):

"In 1940 World War II was underway, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, and the small community of Hillcrest hoisted its neon sign over the town’s main intersection for the first time. But as decades passed, the sign became worn and eventually went dark. In 1983 it was taken down — but not for long. Volunteers raised $4,000 for its restoration and a year later the sign was returned to its rightful spot over University Avenue at Fifth Avenue. On Aug. 26, 1984, the sign was officially relighted, and the gathered crowd went wild, cheering and tooting toy horns for almost an hour. That was the unofficial start of CityFest, Hillcrest’s community celebration of music, art and community spirit, which has taken place every year since. On Aug. 8 the sign will again be symbolically “relighted” for the 26th time. But not before thousands converge on Hillcrest for a day full of dancing, face-painting, lantern-making and general merrymaking."

The Grand Stage has a great line up of local bands, the DJ booth will have DJ's spinning great music all day long, and there will be plenty of things to do for everyone! Come out and enjoy an incredible day in the sun, and be sure to swing by Urban Mo's, Baja Betty's, or the Gossip Grill to cap the night off with a strong cocktail!