Rocky receives award from gay-rights group

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was honored Friday by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Utah for supporting the state's gay and lesbian community.

Anderson received the center's "Champion" award during a kick-off ceremony for Winterfest, a weeklong festival hosted by the GLBT Community Center.

Valerie Larabee, executive director of the GLBT Community Center, said in a statement that Anderson "has been and continues to be a pillar of strength."

Winterfest will run until next Saturday. The event includes forums, rallies and entertainment. For information, log on to www.slcwinterfest.com.