(Morgan M. Hurley is a Contributing Editor of San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, Editor of San Diego Downtown News, and Assistant Editor of Gay San Diego and San Diego Uptown News.)

When Talonya Geary and Dr. Wendy Ochoa first decided to launch FlawLes Media in time for San Diego Pride 2007, they had a mutual vision: to increase the visibility of the lesbian community. As FlawLes became a reality, that vision soon became their mission statement, and now, as they prepare to celebrate their sixth anniversary, nothing has changed.

SAN DIEGO -- A celebration of life has been planned for a much beloved member of the San Diego LGBT community who died this week after a long bout with inoperable brain cancer.

Charissa "Chazzy" Kolich died peacefully at home Monday, surrounded by her immediate family and her longtime partner, Cortney Reno. She was 36.

A friendly and welcoming face to all who came in contact with her at San Diego International Airport, where she worked for the last six years, Kolich spent her social time with family, her partner and her many adoring friends.

SAN DIEGO -- Charissa "Chazzy" Kolich, a beloved, bright light in the San Diego community for over a decade, died peacefully in her Hillcrest home on Tuesday. She was 36.

Surrounded in the care of her devoted longtime partner Cortney, loving parents Nina and Steve Kolich, and brother Jeff at the time of her death, Charissa had fiercely battled inoperable brain cancer with grace and an interminable smile, for nearly two years.

Her glowing spirit, open-handed generosity and fun-loving charisma was cherished by adoring friends and casual acquaintances, alike.