Our nation has now spent more than $560 billion, yes, billion dollars, on the war in Iraq. More than 3,000 American soldiers have been killed, and the numbers are growing. Please register to vote and get involved in the upcoming presidential election. Not one of us can afford another administration like this one … period!

My hat is off to the board, staff and volunteers at San Diego LGBT Pride. In my 33 years of participating in Pride festivities, this one was the best ever. One television news station said that 200,000 people attended. Thank you Pride for setting parade conduct guidelines that bar bare breasts, private parts and simulated sex, among other things. While the guidelines were in place, the drag queens, transsexuals and leather community did not lose their identity. It was great to see so many elected federal, state and local officials in attendance. It was also nice to see the many Christian and Jewish contingents representing the faith-based GLBT community. This was the biggest police department presence ever in the parade, and the Latino contingents are growing larger every year. Many families, friends and straight allies were in attendance, and the Ferris wheel in the festival was fabulous. We are all quick to criticize Pride, now let me be quick to congratulate and thank San Diego LGBT Pride, as they made us all proud.

In approximately two months, Mayor Jerry Sanders will officially kick-off his re-election campaign at the Town and Country Convention Center. GLBT VOTE 2008 has rightfully already issued an early endorsement of Sanders, who deserves and has earned the support of our community and the entire city. Sanders has been a strong and effective leader who has taken a former President Truman-style approach with his administration. He has believed that “the buck stops here” at the mayor’s desk, even when things have not always gone right. Sanders is honest and stands tall when it comes to integrity. As the past chief of police and executive director for both United Way and the Red Cross, Sanders has always been a public servant, not a politician. He has stood with our community and all citizens who seek equality. Many community leaders will be hosting a special GLBT reception fund-raiser in the future. I hope you will all show your support for the best mayor in America. Yes, I hope you will all join me in supporting and re-electing Mayor Jerry Sanders!

Although the idea and name for the Stonewall Citizens Patrol came from me after the beatings at last year’s Pride, 100 percent of the huge success of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol must go to Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman and City Commissioner Tom Felkner. They are the co-founders and true leaders, who do much of the hard work when it comes to this patrol. They most certainly earned this year’s Champions of Pride Award. Acknowledgement must also go to Police Chief William Lansdowne, Councilmember Toni Atkins and all of the volunteers for their strong support of the patrol. This past Pride weekend, I went on a late-night patrol with Lehman and Felkner, so I could see for myself what the Stonewall Citizens Patrol does. (Earlier in the week, Mayor Jerry Sanders went on a patrol tour with Lehman.) I witnessed firsthand the long hours, dedication and community service these volunteers do until 3 a.m. every weekend. Chief Lansdowne gave the Stonewall Citizens Patrol credit for the reduction of crime in District 3 in a recent television news interview. They are indeed making a difference and continue to need volunteers and financial support. What is most important to know is that the Stonewall Citizens Patrol serves and protects all citizens in our neighborhoods.

For more information, call 619-269-4992.

Lei Lounge will be hosting a birthday celebration for City Councilmember Toni Atkins this coming Sunday, July 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of gifts, a $25 donation or more is suggested to benefit the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund administrated by The Center and co-founded by the Imperial Court de San Diego. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this exciting event. A special thank you to our sponsors: Lei Lounge, Greater San Diego Business Association, San Diego Democratic Club, The Center, Imperial Court de San Diego and GLBT Vote 2008.

For more information, call 619-692-1967.

This past week, I attended the annual Pride fund-raiser for the Rob Benzon Foundation, held this year at the beautiful home of Greg Scott and Robbie Cox. It was so great to see the huge turn out of hundreds of young men and women who are supporting this respected foundation. At the event, the foundation presented a $1,000 check for a woman with cancer. The foundation does much good work and helps many people and organizations in need. It was great to see new people, new blood and a different generation giving back to the community. Thank you and bravo Rob Benzon Foundation.

For 35 years, the Imperial Court de San Diego has been serving our community by lending its support to countless organizations and causes. Now it’s your turn to show your appreciation by attending this year’s 35th anniversary dinner and coronation at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. The new Queen Mother of the Americas, an old queen named Nicole, will also name her heirs to the thrown and will be installing the International Court Council for the International Imperial Court of the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico.

For tickets or more information, call 619-993-8315.

Dutch Buurman, owner of Dutch Boy Irrigation, has been in the business for 22 years. Dutch really keeps up on all the new products and truly knows all about sprinkler and drip systems.

Dutch is also known for his great birthday parties in his wonderful backyard oasis. I happen to know that it’s on Aug. 18. You might want to hit him up for an invite. Dutch Boy Irrigation can be reached at 619-546-6090