After the frenzy of the last couple of months — never before seen in California history — did you wake up this morning feeling different? So Arnold is our new Governor. CNN called the election at 8:01 p.m. Hopefully he has some plans for California, or God help us. Don’t expect things to change overnight. Arnold’s plan to tax the Indian Casinos will not solve all of our problems. We also have the added burden of at least $50 million this recall election has just cost us. He is going to need the State Legislature to come around and support his programs. But there is a ray of hope for our state yet. The recall election sends a very strong message that we want a change. The voters are pumped up. Anyone who stands in the way of change will suffer in the next election. The Democrats need a new leader and a new strategy.

And, for the record, I was never groped by Arnold. I was quite young 30 years ago. I shall, however, ask my dear friend Nicole, who was around about that time.

Mark your calendar, the Center Gala is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the SD Convention Center and will honor the founding of our Center home thirty years ago by Jess Jessop. The Gala will feature three unique “decade lounges” reflective of the style and history of each decade of the Center’s existence. So if you are feeling creative, come in period fashions of the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s. While dinner will be served, it is not a sit-down affair. However, reserved seating is available. Last year’s black-tie event raised over $90 grand for various Center programs. “I am so proud of the work The Center is doing every day through its many programs and services…. I hope everyone will join us in saluting and sustaining those efforts,” commented Robert Gleason, Center board chair. For ticket and sponsorship info, call Shawn Ingram at (619) 692-2077, ext. 204.

One thing for sure, you will not see me in an afro wig or bell-bottom pants with platform shoes!

The 2003 Sandies are set for Monday, Dec. 1, at The Prado in Balboa Park. In commemoration of World AIDS Day, a silent auction will also raise money for the Hillcrest Youth Center. The Sandies recognizes the outstanding people and places that make it fun to live in San Diego. Some of the honorees at last year’s awards include Ben Dillingham (Mr. Sandies 2002), The Hon. Bonnie Dumanis (Ms. Sandies 2002), Chad Michaels (Entertainer of the Year) and Nicole M. Ramirez (Jewel of the Sandies). Last year, the silent auction raised $11,000 for the Hillcrest Youth Center.

Rick Ford, executive producer of the Sandies, remarked, “We are thrilled that the good folks at The Prado have agreed to help us with this event. We are planning a really entertaining and glitzy awards ceremony deserving of the people who will be honored.” Watch for more info about the upcoming Sandies in this magazine or visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their web site.

Imagine a huge outdoor barbeque grill set up right on the sidewalk patio of David’s Coffee House. That’s exactly what those cool guys at Priority Pharmacy thought up when they partnered with David’s & Phil’s to set up this fundraising cookout for AIDS Walk San Diego, Wednesday night a week ago. As I turned the corner of the Brass Rail onto Fifth Avenue, I was instantly drawn by the smell of char-grilled chicken and pork ribs, and that special Phil’s BBQ sauce. “Our goal for this event is to provide the community with an outdoor gathering of fun and food, that will generate more funds for AIDS WALK,” said Monique DeChaine, Priority Pharmacy’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. A large group of hungry supporters, including The Center’s Delores Jacobs, Emperor Robi and Empress Cristina, and APICAP’s Maria Galleta, were on hand to enjoy the great finger-licking food and entertainment. What a smart idea for a casual, fun and supportive event. Don’t miss out next time.

When it rains, it pours! And it sure was raining hot men at the new wet-underwear contest I began hosting every Thursday at Bacchus House. They are building a new wading pool right on the stage and a fabulous rain shower never before seen in San Diego barland. Aside from the wet boys, there were drink specials such as Goldschlager, Jaegermiester or the “red-headed whore” shots, and video giveaways from All World’s Video. What’s great also is that Bacchus House is starting the contest earlier, so that us working girls can get home at a decent hour to get our beauty sleep. The opening night contest saw nine good-looking studs getting wet down by audience members and strutting their stuff. If you missed last week’s show, get yourself down there and rediscover a new, fun way to get wet with the boys.

And speaking of Bacchus House, don’t miss Franceska every Wednesday for Latin Nite & Passion as only she can deliver. This is indeed the best Latin party in town, with Go-Go boys, $2.25 Coronas, and margarita & tequila drink specials.

By the time you read this, long time AIDS activist Artie Edwards will be U-Hauling his way – along with his two cats, Stella and Miss Kitty – to the mountains of Tennessee. After 27 years of living in San Diego, Artie decided to pack up and pursue his lifelong dream of living in a log cabin on the prairie. Apart from his 15 years of leadership with the Alano Club, Artie served on the HIV Consumer Council for the past two years and was appointed to the Planning Council of San Diego by the Board of Supervisors. The Planning Council is composed of AIDS/HIV providers, caregivers and people with HIV who plan the distribution of the Ryan White Care Act monies allocated to San Diego. Artie had been an active volunteer and fixture in many community organizations and a champion for people living with AIDS/HIV and those in recovery. San Diego will miss his jolly, easygoing and always helpful nature, as he motors his way to Johnson City – population 52,000. Somehow, I do not think Artie will be spending time in a rocking chair anytime soon.

For a New Yorker, eating pizza is like eating mashed potatoes. There are more pizza shops per square mile in New York City than anywhere in the U.S. And more and more gourmet-style pizza parlors are opening up with specialty pizza — meatless, cheeseless, or even non-red tomato sauce. So when I moved to San Diego, I was glad to happen upon Bronx Pizza and find true NYC-style pizza. Now there’s another place in Hillcrest just as good, if not better.

Me-N-Ed’s is a family-owned bar founded in 1958 in the San Joaquin Valley. After the success of serving pizza at the bar, they decided to open their own pizza place. Today, there are 60 Me-N-Ed’s (mostly in CA) and the Hillcrest location, on University Ave. (between 4th & 5th), is the only one in San Diego. You can buy whole pies or by the slice, and the pizza comes in three choices of crusts – the NY style, CA style thick or the original thin. You even have a choice of original Red Tomato, White Garlic Alfredo or NY Tangy Red sauce. “The Italiano” signature pizza (sausage, pepperoni, red and green peppers, chopped garlic, tomato sauce and five cheese blend) is a crowd pleaser, but the health conscious will love the “Valley Veggie” (spinach, broccoli, zucchini, artichoke, mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes and black olives loaded on creamy garlic Alfredo sauce). And if pizza is not your thing, Me-N-Ed’s also serves up great sandwiches, salads, pastas and calzone. You must definitely try the stromboli. They also offer incredible lunch specials. The place is comfortable and large enough for groups. Me-N-Ed’s is definitely on my new favorite list of Hillcrest pit stops.