Everyone please stay safe while celebrating Halloween. Don’t drink and drive, as many children will be out trick-o’-treating. By the way, the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol will be out in full force.

As usual, the worst fires in the history of the state have brought out the best in people, who are reaching out to the fire victims by the thousands.

The leadership of everyone involved, including County Board of Supervisors Ron Roberts, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Council President Scott Peters, Councilmen Jim Madaffer and Brian Maienschein, along with Fire Chief Tracy Jarman and Police Chief William Lansdowne (both whose of homes had to be evacuated), has been outstanding. Most of them have only been getting one or two hours sleep during this time. The Red Cross and Gov. Schwarzenegger’s quick response has also been appreciated.

Many friends and family members of people in the GLBT community have had to leave their homes and are now staying in GLBT homes. The media has been excellent in its coverage. I must say, job well done to Steve Yuhas of KOGO 600 AM. He was one of the first on the air with information about the fires.

The Center and the Imperial Court de San Diego have joined efforts in collecting donations, including food, clothing and toiletries, which can be dropped off at The Center. Many GLBT citizens have individually donated, and The Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol was one of the first groups to drop off supplies at Qualcomm Stadium. We, as a city and county, are all in this together. So let’s all keep those affected by our very own Katrina in our thoughts and prayers. If you haven’t donated already, you can still do so by dropping off supplies at The Center.

For more information about the GLBT efforts for fire victims, call 858-300-1240.

Just a reminder to everyone, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies this week, and you will start to receive sales calls. Even more important, you will be charged for these calls. To prevent this, you can call and be added to the National Do Not Call List. It only takes a minute of your time and blocks your number from receiving calls for five years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked and cannot call from a different phone number.

The number to call is 888-382-1222. For more information, visit www.donotcall.gov.

Last week, I had a great dinner and conversation at Lei Lounge with hard-working District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and City Attorney candidate Bill Gentry. Yes, Dumanis and I do not agree on all the issues (death penalty, the Pete Wilson statue, etc.), but we are good friends. I believe she is doing an outstanding job to change this once ineffective and scandal-ridden office. (Perhaps that is why there is much talk of a future Mayor Dumanis? Or State Attorney General Dumanis?) I found Deputy District Attorney Gentry to be a sincere and intelligent individual, who is a gentleman that will be a strong candidate. Also entering the race will probably be former school superintendent and former U.S. Attorney Alan Bersin. But don’t count out the incumbent City Attorney Mike Aguirre. Though controversial, Aguirre is still popular in many areas. He is ready for what will be the most watched and colorful race in San Diego’s history. Dumanis, by the way, supports Gentry’s candidacy.

I am a strong supporter of the compassionate use of medical marijuana for cancer and AIDS patients. I know many people whose life was made less painful and more comfortable because of medical marijuana usage. Many are seniors. But now some individuals are using this for personal and financial gain, with recent proof of some marijuana centers selling it to teens and just about anyone. One doctor even gave a prescription to a dog! Some doctors have had their licenses revoked because of misuse. I find marijuana stores running ads stating that they will sell people marijuana if they suffer from depression, migraines and other medical disorders. Once again, I want to make it very clear that I support medical marijuana use, but these reports, raids and headlines are very disturbing I am afraid that soon people who truly need this medical assistance will not be able to be helped because of those who are abusing marijuana usage.

I love the beauty of Portland, Ore., but not its almost constant rain. Of all my out-of-state trips, this recent one was very moving and meaningful for me, as I got to address a group of young GLBT students and teens. In my speech I told them “they are our future,” but in all reality they are “our here and now.” Meeting and talking to many of these bright young men and women gave me great hope for the GLBT movement for generations to come. By the way, Portland may soon elect its first gay mayor!

There seems to be a big sigh of relief among Democratic leaders who were not looking forward to a California State Assembly race between Councilwoman Toni Atkins and labor leader Lorena Gonzalez in 2010. Gonzalez is a popular and intelligent Latina who barely lost the race for the District 2 City Council seat by a few hundred votes a few years ago. She is also a former top official in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It seems as though now Gonzalez is the front-runner who will succeed the very powerful and respected Jerry Butkiewicz for the position as secretary-treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council. Atkins has made it clear to all that she will be a serious candidate for the State Assembly in 2010, but now comes word that District 5 City Councilwoman Donna Frye may be entering the race also.

One of San Diego’s most progressive and influential organizations, the Center on Policy Initiations (CPI), recently held its 10th Anniversary Gala at the Holiday Inn in Downtown. It was a great evening for a great organization, and the event attracted approximately 700 people. Nearly every mover and shaker in San Diego’s progressive movement attended, along with countless elected public officials and candidates. It was a really nice meeting.

The GLBT community was well represented by Assemblywoman Lori Saldana’s mother, who was made famous in positive television commercials about her daughter along wth officials from The Center, San Diego Democratic Club, San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, GLBT Vote 2008, Greater San Diego Business Association and many more. While at the event, I had a nice chat with mayoral candidate Steve Francis and his lovely wife Gayle… and yes, I was wearing my “Jerry in ’08” button.

Thousands of people gather each year on Normal Street for the annual Hillcrest Halloween block party, Nightmare on Normal Street. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6-10 p.m., and will include more than $1,000 in cash and prizes for costume contest winners. This adult-oriented event is always a fun and crazy night under the stars. Jonathan Hale and the great guys at San Diego Pix Magazine will be giving everyone in costume a free color picture, so look for the Pix booth when you come out this Saturday.

Earlier that day, a calmer, and more nice and sweet Nicole will also emcee the Family Matters Halloween Carnival and Costume Contest from 5-8 p.m. Admission price to both these events is $5, and all proceeds benefit programs at The Center. For more information, visit www.thecentersd.org.

By the way, Bourbon Street will host the official Nightmare on Normal Street after-party called Wicked Sassy and I will also be the emcee for this event. Be sure to come out and join in all the Halloween fun and I’ll see you there!