Well I’m off to New York, and then I’ll be headed to Canada. So, I should have some interesting stories to tell you when I’m home, particularly about wild and free Canada. And maybe I’ll get married to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, since same-sex marriage is legal there.

The entire GLBT community should be against any statue “honoring” former Mayor Pete Wilson. During the eight years Wilson served as mayor, he refused to acknowledge that a homosexual community existed in San Diego. He refused to meet with any GLBT activists, or attend any GLBT events. He never appointed GLBT citizens to boards or commissions, and he allowed our bars and businesses to be raided by police, and our citizens to be harassed and beaten. As mayor, a senator, and our governor, Pete Wilson never supported or voted for any bills that furthered GLBT civil rights. As far as Pete Wilson was concerned, homosexuals didn’t fit into his concept of “America’s Finest City.” Well, a statue of Wilson shouldn’t be erected in Horton Plaza, as proposed. Our community and its leaders, as well as GLBT elected officials should not support this statue. If we are going to honor a mayor, let’s honor former Mayor Maureen O’Connor. O’Connor appointed more people of color, women, and GLBT citizens to boards and commissions than any mayor before her.

I did meet with then-Senator Pete Wilson in his Washington, D.C. office, but he still refused to support GLBT civil rights legislation. I’ve run into Wilson again on occasion during the last few decades. Though he is a nice enough man, the GLBT community cannot, and should not, ever forget those eight dark years he put our community through.

As a gay citizen, and a Latino citizen, I do not support this proposal.

Name a street after him in La Jolla, because that’s the only place and constituency it seems he related to. He even prefers to live in Los Angeles, the only ex-mayor who chooses to live outside San Diego.

There are now several candidates for the District 3 city council seat. Many predict that in such a crowded race former city councilmember John Hartley will likely come in first or second in the upcoming primary.

I call on Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn to pledge support to whoever places in the primary. We should all make that commitment. I will support Stephen if he makes it through the primary. But, we could see both Todd and Stephen finishing in the primary together – then all bets are off!

Stepping Stone is presenting its annual Living Out Loud event. But, this year it’s called “Laughing Out Loud” with Emmy award winning comedian Leslie Jordan (formerly of television’s “Will and Grace”). This is always a great event with outstanding food and great auction items. There will be a fantastic musical guest, Abigail’s Attic, and the event will be held at a gorgeous estate in Hillcrest. For more information, or tickets, contact Jim Ginelli at 619-278-0777, ext. 101.

Remember: Every day Stepping Stone saves and changes lives of GLBT people in recovery.

With visiting courts flocking to San Diego from all over Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Imperial Court de San Diego’s 35th Anniversary Coronation was a great success, with hundreds of visitors and numerous events, receptions and brunches. We would like to thank those GLBT organizations who sent representatives and supported the Imperial Court.

As for those who didn’t even have the courtesy to respond to us, don’t bother asking for our support again. We are tired of being taken for granted, period.

Congratulations to our new Emperor Daddy Don and new Empress Chantal. Thank you to co-chairs Jess San Rogue and Julia Legaspi for doing such a wonderful job, and a very special thank you to Sherman Mendoza of The Caliph, Wes of the Brass Rail, Chris Shaw and everyone at Baja Bettys, City Commissioner Tom Felkner, and Bob Lehman, Gene, the GSDBA, and Ben Dillingham.

The whole town is anticipating the opening of what will most certainly be one of the most modern, stylish restaurant/lounges on the West Coast.

I’ve seen the plans, met with the owner and handsome manager and, trust me, Universal is going to blow you all away. Universal is being brought to you by the owners of the award-winning Stingaree in the Gaslamp. Need I say more?

Justin Smith and Big Mike will host a masquerade ball at Rich’s on Saturday, Aug. 25. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hillcrest Youth Center. Justin, 22, is a fine example of GLBT youth who step up to the place when the community is in need. There will be a $10 suggested donation at the door, and Nick Moede, the owner of Rich’s, agreed to match every dollar made at the door. Justin and Big Mike have already raised $1,000, thanks to $500 donations from the Rob Benzon Foundation and the Imperial Court. Justin has high hopes – he wants to raise $5,000 for the Youth Center. Go support a good cause!

New to San Diego and rolling in with a bang, owners Ari Clare and Alex Wheeler will open a unique retail concept featuring home furnishings and men’s fashion.

Mark your calendars. Saturday, Aug. 25 from 6 – 9 p.m., House Boi will host an open house complete with hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails and a DJ. Located at 2537 University Avenue, the fantastic business concept will be open for business. Call Ari or Alex at 619-298-5200 for more information.

Call Dr. Adrjmand at Sunshine Dentistry today to set up your consultation. Sunshine has the most amazing technology – they use a very small camera to show you the condition of your teeth on a television monitor, while you sit back and relax. Currently Sunshine is running a special on Invsalign braces, which, true to their name, are practically invisible. They retail for $6,000 but Sunshine is offering a special at $3,995. Dr. A has the best bedside manner, and he can be reached for an appointment at 619-282-1007.

Many of you know him, and most of you love him – now, Frank Lechner, a familiar face in the community has joined the GLT’s sales team. With the confidence of publisher Michael G. Portantino, Frank’s more than 30 years of sales experience is a welcome addition to the team.

Frank has been active in the community, serving on various community boards and committees for The Greater San Diego Business Association, The Center, The Live and Let Live Alano Club, American Cancer Society, AIDS Walk San Diego and other organizations.

Frank is excited about being back in “the hub” of the community and looks forward to working with you.

You can reach Frank directly at 619-331-7106 or frankl@uptownpub.com.