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Hillcrest Honors

@hillcresthonors

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🦄 | @hillcrestsandiego affiliate brand
🏆 | Neighborhood awards program
🗓️ | Monday, Nov. 16, 2026
🍾 | @uptowntavernsd
🏆 | @richssandiego

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✨ HONORED. GRATEFUL. INSPIRED. ✨

I’m incredibly honored to be a Hillcrest Honoree 🏳️‍🌈❤️

Being recognized by a community that means so much to me is truly special. As a creative, storyteller, and advocate for connection and community, I’ve always believed that the work we do is about more than just showing up. It’s about creating space, amplifying voices, sharing our stories, and reminding people that who they are and what they bring to the world matters.

Through my work, my creativity, and Hella Chisme, I strive to create meaningful conversations, celebrate our culture, and contribute to a community where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

This is both an honor and a reminder to keep going, keep creating, and keep showing up for the people and communities that inspire me.

Thank you to whoever nominated me and to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and been part of this journey. I don’t take this recognition lightly, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to make space for all of us to shine. 💚💚💚

Here’s to celebrating our community, honoring our stories, and continuing to make an impact together!

#hillcresthonors #lgbtqcommunity #sandiegopride #hellachismepodcast #2026 taken in San Diego, California by @hillcresthonors

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6 hours ago

44 years of Crest Cafe. ❤️

To everyone who’s stopped in for a meal, brought a friend, celebrated with us, or made us part of your routine, thank you. You’re the reason Crest feels like home, and we’re so grateful to be part of Hillcrest. Here’s to all the memories we’ve made together and many more to come!!!!

#crestcafesd #crestcafe #sandiegoeats #hillcrestfood
#hillcrestsandiego taken in Crest Cafe by @hillcresthonors

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20 days ago

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ It’s #LGBTQHistoryMonth and we couldn’t think of a better way to honor it then by inviting a good friend of the club back to speak again, Nicole Verdes of @lambdaarchives.

The mission of the Lambda Archives of San Diego is to collect, preserve, and share the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in San Diego, Northern Baja California and the Imperial County region.

Everyone is invited to join us to learn more about the important work Nicole and their team do every day to preserve our vibrant history!

🗓️ Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
⏰ 6:30-8 pm
📍 @uptowntavernsd’s back room taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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a year ago

We are incredibly honored, thankful, and grateful to be recognized by our LGBTQ+ and our San Diego community! A huge thank you to @bennyc80 and @rickrises for this amazing opportunity to uplift and support our community.

As a Transgender man, partner, father, brother, and uncle, I am deeply grateful for all the certificates received. To all my trans folk—I love you, I see you, and I stand with you. We will get through anything together.

A special thank you to Mayor @mayortoddgloria , @christopher.ward.sandiego (California State Assemblymber 78th District), @d4supmonica (District 4), Terra Lawson-Remer (Third District), @assessormarks_sandiego (Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk), @cm_marnivonwilpert (Councilmember, Fifth District), and @stephenwhitburn (Councilmember, Third District) for this incredible honor. We love and appreciate every single one of you and all the hard work you do for our community! We will continue this important work TOGETHER and keep making a difference!
🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Thank you for all the plus 1’s who attended, the support will continue to grow with you all there.

Let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep showing up ❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️

#lgbtq #lgbtqcommunity #lovewinsalways #hillcrest #transrights #lgbtqrights #humanrights #wewillnotbeerased taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

On Monday night, we hosted the Third Annual Hillcrest Honors - a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of our community, as well as a celebration of the individuals, businesses, and events that make Hillcrest the heart of San Diego!

One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing the Hon. Toni G. Atkins, whose dedication and leadership have been an inspiration to us all for over 25 years.

This event also holds a deep meaning for me personally. On March 1, I will celebrate three years of sobriety. This journey has allowed me to double down on my commitment to community work. As a first-generation Mexican American, where English is my second language, I understand the importance of representation. When my own blood family didn’t accept me, it was my rainbow family and the #HillcrestSanDiego community that nurtured me and helped me grow.

And it was six years ago that I created the @hillcrestsandiego account Instagram, which has become the go to source for news, information, fun pop culture tidbits and more for the neighborhood. I’m proud to announce that last year, the account saw over 20 million views! The Hillcrest Honors were born from this Instagram account, as another way we uplift, advocate for and celebrate our community.

It’s crucial that I - and all of us - continue to be loud about who we are, now more than ever. During my welcome speech the Honors, I addressed the concerning changes happening right before our eyes in the federal government and the constant attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and those most vulnerable. We will continue to fight and ensure our community is highlighted, represented and celebrated!

Cont in comments. taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

Words can't even express how Honored and overwhelmed (in the best way) I am for having received this. 'Fabulous Performer's Award!! 🥹😭😭💓❤️‍🩹🥰

Thanks you so so very much to the @hillcresthonors 🥹🫶🫶 @hillcrestsandiego @rickrises & @bennyc80 for seeing in Me that 🔥 & passion towards performing. And that Heart that I put into it.
I love my community. And this is really an HONOR that I'm still in shock of and very grateful for 😌😌💓

I'm still in awe and it's jus CRAZY 🤯🤯 to me (and I'm sure to others lol) that I received this recognition at just a little over 1 year of doing Drag.
I'm way better at giving praise and flowers than I am at receiving them..it is something I'm still working on. And I'm getting there.

I gotta say in this one I DO TAKE the title of "Fabulous Entertainer" PROUDLY and own it.
I would be feeling some kind of way If I would've gotten an 'ICON' award or something similar. Cause I don't consider I'm there yet at all.

But you know what? I DO appreciate this and own it cause even though it has not been long since I've been in the scene I STAND proudly by my journey. I AM a fabulous entertainer! 🥰🥹 Messy AF for sure!! 😅😂 With A LOT of work ahead of me. With milestones to grow and polish. BUT FABULOUS nonetheless.
In this short time I have built so many Beautiful connections, I have found chosen family. I have gotten inspired and inspired others also.

And most importantly I have ENTERTAINED, I've spread some of my love with a lot of people, I've healed because of it. And I've laughed, cried, and fallen in love along with the audience.

I couldn't have chosen a better career and path. I am SO HAPPY I chose drag, I'm so happy I started doing cosplay. I found MY PLACE, My escape. And the way I can give back in some way to the community and to my inner kid in constant healing. ❤️‍🩹

Thank you so much to one of my besties and chosen family @trancemutations for being my +1 and being part of such an important moment 💓
To my concuñada @eilianam for the simply THE mothereffin best!!💓
To the sweetest man on earth, the kindest of them all chefgabrielferguson💓
To my drag Son @tommi_gotchi💓
And my fellow honorees and performers 💓 by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

🏆 It took a village to put on the #HillcrestHonors and we are so grateful for the nearly 50 volunteers who helped ensure the event was as fantastic as it was. From set up, teardown, to event management and cleanup, our volunteer team was spectacular. And the work isn’t over yet!

Our amazing volunteer, who also served as our Event Manager, spent this morning helping us unload all of the event supplies and pack them up in storage until next year. This was a huge lift and we truly appreciate her dedication to #HillcrestSanDiego.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, we truly could not have done this without them! taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Our Executive Director, Andrew Picard, has been named Fabulous Philanthropist of 2024 by Hillcrest Honors🏆 This award celebrates not only our fearless leader Andrew, but also recognizes our entire team and the lifesaving services we provide every day.

A heartfelt thank you to Ben Cartwright, Rick Cervantes and the amazing Hillcrest Honors volunteers. We’re also grateful to Mayor Todd Gloria, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert and Assemblymember Chris Ward for their commendations and support.

Since our inception nearly 50 years ago, we have been dedicated to providing addiction recovery, mental health, and housing services to the LGBTQ+ community, and philanthropic support and recognition are more vital and appreciated than ever these days!

Together, we’re making a difference! 💖✨ #FabulousPhilanthropist #HillcrestHonors #LGBTQCommunity #SteppingStoneSD #hope #healing #housing by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

Know Other Festival is honored to receive the Hillcrest Honors Award for Fabulous Event! This recognition means the world to us because this festival is truly a labor of love. Every single one of us, our incredible team of volunteers pours our hearts, time, and passion into creating this space for our community.

To feel so seen and celebrated for something that means everything to us. It’s beyond words. Thank you to everyone who believes in this vision with us. We can’t wait to celebrate together in May, it’s going to be even more magical this year!

For now, we raise a (virtual) glass, cheers to community, to love, and to creating something truly special together! taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

We are visible and we are here resisting ✨🏳️‍⚧️✨
Thank you @hillcresthonors for the nomination, the fabulous community organization #transpower taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

🎉 Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to the one and only, @rickrises (Rick Cervantes)! The founder of @hillcrestsandiego, co-founder of the @hillcresthonors, board member for @kiwanishillcrest, and so much more, Rick is an icon in our community and beloved by so many! Rick really deserves the best and we hope you will join us celebrating this amazing guy today! by @hillcresthonors

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2 years ago

Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to someone very special to me, @dee_dah_p! This @hillcresthonors honoree is more than a DJ, Barback, and industry OG queen; she is one of the kindest souls I know, and every time I see her, she brings me so much joy because she genuinely cares about me and her community. Feliz cumple, Dida! ♥️♥️♥️ #hillcrestsandiego taken in Hillcrest, San Diego by @hillcresthonors

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3 years ago