Wow, I’m finally in town for a weekend, and, boy, am I happy. Only when one is in other cities and states can they fully appreciate San Diego. We are lucky indeed to live in this beautiful and diverse city!

I attended the national board meeting of the nation’s oldest and largest GLBT civil rights organization, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), which has headquarters in Washington, D.C. I am honored to have been elected to this board. The entire staff and my fellow board members are some of the most dedicated and committed GLBT leaders and activists in the country. A lot was accomplished at the meetings held in Los Angeles at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

Additionally, businessperson Loren Ostrow hosted a reception for the event at his beautiful estate in the Hollywood Hills.

The 2007 Annual Los Angeles Leadership Awards were also held at the prestigious five-star Beverly Hills Hotel. The turn out for the awards brunch was great, with some of Southern California’s biggest movers and shakers in attendance, including former NGLTF boardmember and city commissioner Bruce Abrams. This year’s event honored my good friend Christine Chavez, who, as the granddaughter of civil rights and labor hero Cesar Chavez, has been a civil rights advocate since she was four years old. NGLTF also honored former Assemblymember Judy Chu, who currently serves as a member of the California State Board of Equalization. It was awesome for the GLBT community to honor these two individuals who are straight allies in the Latino and Asian communities.

I was honored to be asked to emcee the first anniversary celebration of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol, which turned out to be a wonderful event that drew a big crowd – District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Police Chief William Lansdowne and City Attorney Mike Aguirre were all in attendance.

Co-founders Bob Lehman and City Commissioner Tom Felkner received prolonged applause, and 40 volunteers were honored, as those in attendance expressed deep appreciation for their leadership and dedication. Councilmember Toni Atkins was also there and along with Mayor Jerry Sanders, proclaimed Oct. 1 as “Stonewall Citizens Patrol Day” throughout the City of San Diego. Sen. Christine Kehoe, Chair of the County Board of Supervisors Ron Roberts and Congressmember Susan Davis, represented by Todd Gloria, also presented proclamations. Lansdowne was the first recipient of the “Founders Award,” an honor that is very well deserved. Additionally, the good people of San Diego LGBT Pride presented the Stonewall Citizens Patrol with a $1,000 check.

The Stonewall Citizens Patrol, which has received national media attention and recognition, was also honored by Matt Foreman, the NGLTF executive director.

I’d like to extend a big thank you to Alex Marin, owner of the beautiful Bamboo Lounge for hosting the event. The food was fabulous.

But one question I have is, where were all the bar owners or managers and other businesspeople whose establishments are protected by Stonewall Citizens Patrol volunteers until 3 a.m.? Shame on you!

The only other bar owners or managers in attendance were Michael Mack of Bourbon Street and Lei Lounge, Sherman Mendoza of the Caliph, and Billy Nordmeier, the general manager of the soon to open Universal Lounge.

Bravo and thank you to all the volunteers, including Ben Gomez and co-founders Bob and Tom.

It seems the Democratic Party, both locally and statewide, is busy looking for a candidate to run for mayor. Among the very few on the top of the list, is California State Sen. Kehoe, who this past week received commitments of support from top Democratic leaders, labor officials and women’s organizations, who urged her to toss her hat in the race. Although she was flattered and honored by all the support and encouragement, Kehoe will not be a candidate for mayor… period.

Former television news anchor Marti Emerald, who has received more than 100 community awards for helping people, now wants to be a “trouble shooter” for all San Diegans and is running for City Council. Our City Council needs more non-politicians who will be true public servants like Emerald. As a candidate in District 7, Emerald, faces a rough race. But she can definitely win with the support of everyone who cares about reform in San Diego. I urge you to support her campaign, by writing a check, volunteering or placing a sign in your yard. By the way, Emerald will be the special guest emcee at the Christie’s Place Annual Gala on Friday, Nov. 2.

Just in time for Hillcrest’s Centennial Celebration this week, comes word that the National American Planning Association named Hillcrest one of the top 10 great neighborhoods in America. Being a longtime resident (since the 1970s), I know everyone who considers Hillcrest home is just as thrilled and honored as I am. A big “hooray” to District 3 Councilmember Atkins and former councilmember, now State Sen. Kehoe, whose leadership helped make Hillcrest the fabulous neighborhood it is today. Another big hooray goes to the Hillcrest Association, Uptown Planners and the “first ladies of Hillcrest,” Nancy Moors and Ann Garwood of the Hillcrest History Guild and Hillcrest Town Council.

One of San Diego’s most popular mainstream publications, City Beat, is hitting the stands this week with a big story about the District 3 City Council race. The article includes interviews with front-runner Todd Gloria and his main competitors, John Hartley and Stephen Whitburn, So pick up a free copy today and find out what is going on in this sizzling race.

Powerhouse Gym will honor any renewal or monthly rate from any other local gym. Make the switch. Free trials are welcome!

The gym’s current special is buy six months, get six months free. Powerhouse Gym is located at 734 University Ave. in Hillcrest. For more information, call 619)296-7878.

It’s time to get out of town. The Gay & Lesbian Times has a gift for you – a free hotel stay for three days and two nights in destinations across the country, including Hawaii, and in Mexico.

Just provide toddk@uptownpub.com with seven email addresses, and your mailing address. Emails will be used for the GLT’s weekly e-blast to the GLBT community.

Local hunk and model Rocky Rey, along with Natalie Grace will host Shackles and Chains at the Brass Rail this Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. The event will benefit the Ben Dillingham Community Grant and the San Diego Leather History Project. So simply follow that great leather smell and get ready for a hot and sexy night, all for a good cause.

For more information, call 619-795-3727.