I’m off to Iowa now. While there I will attend an event for Sen. Barack Obama and eat a lot of good ol’ buttery Iowa corn.

All day Tuesday, both television and print media announced that Mayor Jerry Sanders would veto the City Council’s 5-3 vote in favor of filing a friend of the court brief supporting same-sex marriage. The mayor was under extreme pressure from many corners to veto the brief, and many of us received phone calls that he would indeed be exercising his veto power. So what changed his mind?

As I have always said when I have introduced him, Sanders is not now and never has been a politician. But he has always been a public servant. From being police chief, to leading the Red Cross and United Way, Sanders cares about people, period. Above all, he is truly a decent man with strong Christian beliefs and a big heart.

So what changed his mind… a night with his family that includes two wonderful daughters – one who is a lesbian. Although many people have known this for years, Sanders spoke for the first time openly to the press about his lesbian daughter this past Wednesday when he joined the City Council supporting its vote.

Sanders searched his soul and knew in his heart it is the right thing to do. Being the true Christian that he is, he knows we are all God’s children and, simply put, he loves both of his beautiful daughters unconditionally. On Tuesday night, Sanders sat with his family and went through a gut-wrenching discussion that pulled in many directions. But Sanders once again became a profile of courage: True family values weighed out while sitting with his wife and children in the privacy of their home.

I know when I said, “God bless you,” as I talked to the mayor early Wednesday morning, I was saying it on behalf of tens of thousands of GLBT San Diegans.

This past week, Mayor Sanders and his wife invited more than a dozen GLBT activists to their home. We had drinks and hors d’oeuvres on their patio. I must say that I see why Sanders’ home has been featured in San Diego Magazine. It is always an honor to be invited to the home of the mayor (my first was breakfast at the home of Mayor Roger Hedgecock). On behalf of everyone who was there, I would like to thank the mayor and Mrs. Sanders for making us feel so comfortable and right at home.

While Sanders has announced that he will definitely be running for re-election, word is that millionaire businessperson Steve Francis will likely be challenging him once again. Now word comes that California State Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny may run after mounting pressure being put on her by some Democratic and union activists.

Many feel that the popular mayor will be hard to beat with Sanders already having the endorsement of many community leaders, activists and businesses in all eight districts.

Lavender Lens, one of the premier West Coast lesbian publications, will be celebrating its six-year anniversary at The Flame on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. It is not easy for a women’s magazine to survive in this community. Bixie and her staff have made sure that they put out the best publication possible. It has earned the respect and admiration of a large, loyal readership. I say good for them and I wish the Lavender Lens many more years.

Yes, you are reading right. The La Jolla Playhouse will be showing Most Wanted from Oct. 2-14.

Of course the play, based on killing spree murderer Andrew Cunanan, is already the talk of the town, and surely it will contain adult language and very adult situations. First books, then television movies and now a play. Well this is one play that you shouldn’t miss. I bet you that Cunanan is in pig heaven either gleefully looking down on all of this notoriety... or up from… Oh well, you get the picture. Now get tickets to the show! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the box office or online.

For more information, call 858-550-1010 or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

Urban Mo’s sure knows how to put on a one year anniversary party. That was proved this past Tuesday when the blow out bash happened, as the place was packed with people celebrating with a red theme all night. The night included everything from food, drinks, boas and entertainment, along with photos of events and people who have frequented the business during its first year. It was out-of-this-world fun and certainly the best anniversary party that a bar has thrown in decades. Congratulations to Chris, Doug, Matt and the whole gang at Urban Mo’s.

Television super personality Leonard Simpson will be hosting a fabulous fashion show to benefit Mama’s Kitchen women at the prestigious Westgate Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6. The runway show featuring designer fashions for both men and women will start at 1:15 p.m. The event will also include a gourmet lunch and great silent auction.

Tickets are $100-$200 per person. For more information, call 619-233-6262, ext. 104.

One of my favorite restaurants of all time is the award-winning California Cuisine. The restaurant is celebrating its silver anniversary as one of San Diego’s most popular restaurants. It is always at the top of the list for most food critics, is known for its superior food and has received almost every award a restaurant could possibly receive. As a matter of fact, I was one of the first writers to review California Cuisine 25 years ago. The beautiful restaurant owner Stella and her outstanding staff will be hosting a fund-raiser for Mama’s Kitchen and Special Delivery in the near future. For more information, call 619-543-0790 or visit www.californiacuisine.com.