I’d like to extend a very big and warm welcome to all the royalty who are visiting San Diego from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Welcome to America’s Finest City.

I’ve recently noticed many attacks on anti-gay leader James Hartline. Many of them are ridiculing Hartline for being an ex-convict, ex-drug addict and ex-sex addict. The truth is that Hartline has turned his life around. What message is being sent by attacking him on these issues when others are trying to turn their lives around? Are we conveying a message that we will never forget these peoples’ pasts, or a message that change is not possible? The Bible says, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Now when it comes to his hate and homophobia, I agree that we must stand up and confront Hartline. I find him a very sad individual. He states that he found God and it turned his life around after he was diagnosed with HIV. He says he is no longer gay. Well, sadly he didn’t find the one true God who does not hate. Hartline sees himself as a modern-day prophet. I see things differently. As the GLBT community continues to battle Hartline, it reminds me of the battles in the Roman Coliseum between the lions and the Christians. But in this case, it is Hartline who represents the lion and the GLBT community which represents the Christians. I pray that one day Hartline will find the true loving God.

The front-runner for District 3 City Council, Todd Gloria, has raised far more money than Steven Whitburn. In fact, Gloria might just have broken a record for the first financial reporting period, which ended June 30. And he is still raising money each day. I’ll bet that if Whitburn was not in the race, Gloria would have reported more than $60,000. The fact is that more leaders, activists and business people have endorsed Gloria, as attributed to the number of huge Gloria signs that appeared outside businesses just before Pride weekend. Not one business would put up a Whitburn sign. I think that Whitburn is a gentleman, but the fact is that he is taking votes from our front-runner and splitting our community. Though it may be just a part of the race, it’s enough to let former City Councilmember John Hartley, who is also running for the District 3 seat, right up between them. I call upon The Center’s Public Policy Department to host a debate between the candidates, which will include a question and answer portion.

For more than 35 years, the Imperial Court de San Diego has supported countless organizations and is always giving money out and never asking for anything. This year, as we are celebrating our 35th anniversary, the Imperial Court sent out letters asking organizations to place an ad in the coronation program. The lack of response has been very disappointing and shows a lack of regard for the court. Some organizations have even had the nerve to request free tickets for the upcoming coronation event. We help and give money because we care and support your causes and benefits. However, we will remember those who could not even show some respect or appreciation.

Thursday, Aug. 2: Birthday party in honor of Empress Charmaine Lee Anderson at Redwing Bar and Grill from 7-9 p.m. No cover.

Friday, Aug. 3: Tijuana bus tour, including a strip show and a stop at a special private club, starting at 9 a.m. Cost for the bus tour is $25. For more information, call 619-478-2507.

Friday, Aug. 3: A salute to Canada and Mexico at the Caliph, with a fabulous buffet and live entertainment at 10 p.m. No cover.

Saturday, Aug. 4: 35th Anniversary Coronation, complete with a steak dinner and the Queen Mother of the Americas investiture of heirs at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 5: Victory Brunch at The Brass Rail from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet the new emperor and empress. Brunch cost is $25.

The Human Rights Campaign and the MTV Logo Network will host the first ever presidential forum that focuses solely on GLBT issues. Bourbon Street will be the official headquarters to watch the debate on Thursday, Aug. 9, from 6-8 p.m. At Bourbon Street, the community can watch the debate on eight televisions throughout the bar. It will also be shown on the big screen TV in the patio area. The event will include drink specials named after each of the candidates, along with light hors d’oeuvres. I’m very proud to be a past national board member of the Human Rights Campaign and I invite the entire community to join me in watching this historical event at Bourbon Street.

A large number of people showed up at Lei Lounge Sunday for a birthday bash in honor of our very popular City Councilmember Toni Atkins. The event raised much-needed funds for the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund. I extend a big thank you to Michael Mack, Michael Weiss and the staff and management of Lei Lounge for hosting the event. The food was great, the wine and champagne was refreshing, and the cake was beautiful. A special thank you also goes out to The Center and the official sponsors, including the San Diego Democratic Club, the Greater San Diego Business Association and the Imperial Court de San Diego.

Congratulations to the award winners of the San Diego LGBT Parade: Hairspray won the Judges Award and a $1,000 prize for best interpreting the theme “United for Equality;” Bienestar won the Grand Marshal Award ($500) for the most entertaining and crowd-pleasing float; the Gay & Lesbian Times won the Co-Chair’s Award ($400) for the best decorated vehicle that represented the theme; the Family Health Center won the Community Partner Award ($300) for the most creative entry from a local business; Hillcrest Pharmacy won the Musical Marching Contingent Award ($250) for an entry that included a musical marching contingent that performed in a coordinated manner; the Gay Freedom Band won the Mayor’s Award ($200) for the best out-of-town entry; the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego won the Spirit of Pride Award ($200) for a community organization’s entry that best displayed the spirit of Pride; and the San Ysidro Health Center (CASA) won the Rainbow Mile Award ($150) for the most imaginative and colorful walking contingent.

San Diego has arrived. We finally have our first upper-crust, men’s only full-service salon and day spa in downtown San Diego. Well Heeled opened in a new high rise at 350 10th Avenue. It puts the local Four Seasons Aviara Spa to shame. Services from grooming, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures are offered, as well as high-end skin and hair products. The service is impeccable. Make your appointment today by calling 619-338-8385 and visit www.wellheeled.biz for more information.