People have died in California when it comes to the hot weather, so I call upon my fellow seniors to be careful and take good care of yourselves. As for me, I’m staying indoors because of my breathing problems.

My phone started ringing like crazy immediately after 2:30 p.m. and well into the late hours of the night on Tuesday after Councilmember Donna Frye cast the deciding “no” vote on whether the City Council would sign a “friend of the court” brief in the marriage equality case currently before the California Supreme Court. It was like an atomic bomb had gone off at City Hall and our community’s reaction was at first shocked then outraged, all directed at Frye.

This made no sense to me, because was it not Donna Frye who took one of the most courageous and articulate stands against the Boy Scouts when they discriminated against GLBT scoutmasters and atheist youth? Wasn’t it Frye who stood fast and strong for compassionate marijuana use for HIV/AIDS and cancer patients and for the needle exchange program? Wasn’t it Frye who at the mayoral forum at The Center stated that she supported same-sex marriage? And isn’t it Frye who almost every year takes a bus (she doesn’t drive) to Being Alive’s “Soul Plate” AIDS Benefit and donates her time and money? Frye has been one of our community’s most trusted and loyal friends when it comes to GLBT equality. So why are people calling me and saying things like “Frye’s vote is the biggest betrayal of our community since Roger Hedgecock” and that her vote Tuesday, and recent Wal-Mart vote, are simply moves toward the political center for an upcoming run for mayor. Could all this be true?

I wish everyone could have had a personal conversation with Frye like I did Tuesday evening. As upset as I was after listening to her and while I didn’t agree with what she did, I understand why. Frye was being consistent on her record for being very demanding for an “open public process” on issues before the council. She wants more than a week’s notice on controversial issues and more than 30 minutes of public comments etc. Frye at first tried to have the vote delayed for a week, but it was voted down. Even our City Attorney Mike Aguirre, who had a conversation with me 24 hours before the vote, questioned the lack of public notice on the issue. On Tuesday, Aguirre did, however, urge the council to take a stand in support of the brief.

While I don’t Agree with Frye’s stance, I understand where she is coming from. Whether she’s pro or con, Frye has always stood up when she feels the “process” isn’t right. So before you go hanging Frye from the highest tree, know that Aguirre confirmed to me that this issue will come up again on Sept. 18. The filing date for briefs to go before the California Supreme Court isn’t due until Sept. 26. I’m sure that Frye will then vote for marriage equality. As she told me, she hasn’t changed her mind in support of this issue even one percent. And while GLBT leaders from all over were calling me very upset (San Francisco Supervisor Bevin Duffy even called from a Fire Island vacation!), I must say I don’t like the delay, but I understand her vote. Frye told me she “completely understands” how the community feels and understands our reaction. I believe that she is the same “quirky” Frye when it comes to her feelings on the council’s open public process and on Sept. 18 she will vote yes. And for those of you who think she did this just for “political reasons” Frye stated to me she will not be a candidate for mayor.

Conservative and radical right-wing Republican Sen. Larry Craig from Idaho repeatedly stated at a press conference that he wasn’t gay. Me thinks thou dost protest too much, but all my political sources in Washington D.C. and Boise (where I met one of my former lovers) tells me that Craig has been on the list of gay closet cases. Hell, even his own local newspaper came out with other gay incidents. And if I saw the hot handsome vice-cop who busted Craig, I think I would have been tap-dancing like a crazy Shirley Temple. As I’ve stated before in this column, the list of closeted gay Republican officials is a long one. Look for more to be yanked out of their hypocritical closets. As for Sen. “Larry,” honey, you’re just one big Mary!

City Commissioner Tom Felker and I attended Congressmember Bob Filner’s birthday celebration this past Saturday. I think we all understand his frustration and recent actions at a National Airport. The great news is that he is now going to become a leader for, the long over-due, “Passenger’s Bill of Rights.” I say way to go Bob. Go get them!

The whole town is showing up for a fun and outrageous night of comedy at “Laughing Out Loud” at the Marston Point Estate starting at 7 p.m. The benefit will feature comedians Leslie Jordan, Judy Tenuta and Allison Arngrim and tickets are going like hot cakes, so be sure to get yours today. For more information, call Jim Ginelli at 619-278-0777 ext. 101 or visit www.steppingstonessd.org. See you all there!