FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2026
Fourth Annual Hillcrest Honors Celebrates Community, Connection and Joy Across San Diego
Beloved, volunteer-run Hillcrest tradition returns November 16 to recognize Lifetime Achievement honorees, local businesses, activists, changemakers and the spirit that connects San Diegans.
WHAT: The fourth annual Hillcrest Honors returns Monday, November 16, for an evening dedicated to uplifting the people, businesses and organizations that make Hillcrest extraordinary and whose contributions extend throughout San Diego.
Founded in 2023 by Rick Cervantes and Benny Cartwright, Hillcrest Honors is a completely volunteer-run celebration that has become a beloved community tradition, recognizing nearly 400 honorees since its inception.
This year's honorees reflect the diversity of the community, from restaurants, bartenders and neighborhood businesses to volunteers, artists, activists, entertainers and community changemakers.
Highlights include four Lifetime Achievement honorees: Norma Braxton, Judy "The Beauty on Duty" Forman, Susan Jester and Alice Henry Taylor.
Other honorees include viral San Diego DJ Daniel Joseph, who will also headline the official dance after-party, and Anthony Ralphs, whose viral Darth Vader activism brought national attention to San Diego's automated license plate reader surveillance debate. Special awards also recognize Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, and Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano.
WHEN: Monday, November 16, 2026
5–7 p.m. — Private honorees and VIP Pre-Party at Uptown Tavern (media welcome)
6 p.m. — Doors open at Rich's San Diego
7:30 p.m. — Awards ceremony begins at Rich’s San Diego
Following the ceremony — Dance after-party with DJ Daniel Joseph
WHERE:
Uptown Tavern — Honorees and VIP Pre-Party, Hillcrest
Rich's San Diego — Awards Ceremony and Community Celebration, Hillcrest
WHO: Co-founders Rick Cervantes and Benny Cartwright, community honorees, local leaders, activists, volunteers, performers and neighborhood supporters.
WHY: Hillcrest Honors celebrates the people whose dedication, creativity, advocacy and generosity strengthen Hillcrest and the greater San Diego community.
This year, organizers are intentionally expanding recognition beyond Hillcrest's geographic boundaries, reflecting the belief that Hillcrest is more than a neighborhood. As the historic heart of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, Hillcrest represents a spirit of resilience, vibrancy, diversity and belonging that extends throughout the region.
The completely volunteer-run celebration brings San Diegans together to recognize the good happening across the city, uplift one another and share an evening of community joy.
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Lifetime Achievement Award presentations and community recognition
Viral DJ Daniel Joseph receiving recognition and performing at the after-party
Local activists, volunteers and neighborhood business honorees
Emotional acceptance speeches, audience reactions and group celebrations
Drag entertainment featuring returning host Kickxy Vixen and drag icon Glitz Glam
A vibrant gathering of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community and allies
HONOREE ATTENDANCE: Attendance confirmations are ongoing, with over 800 attendees confirmed so far. All honorees will be recognized regardless of their ability to attend in person, as the celebration honors their impact, not their attendance.
MEDIA ACCESS: Interviews and photo opportunities may be coordinated in advance. Individual honoree availability is subject to confirmation.
PUBLIC ADMISSION: Free with advance RSVP at HillcrestHonors.com. Ages 21+. Entry subject to venue capacity.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Benny Cartwright, Co-Founder
619-316-9197
benny.bc.cartwright@gmail.com
Rick Cervantes, Co-Founder
ricky.rc.cervantes@gmail.com
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