If you didn’t vote – and many of you didn’t – you have no right to complain.… While the “political circus” is now over, the “political earthquake” will change California for years to come.…

Our GLBT community owes its deep and sincere gratitude to Governor Gray Davis, who supported and signed more GLBT civil rights bills than any governor in the history of America.… The GLBT community has always been able to count on Governor Davis for the 20 years of his public service.… We should never forget it was Davis who overturned California’s ban on adoptions by gay couples and officially outlawed harassment and bullying of our GLBT children in school, to name but a few of his accomplishments on our behalf. I urge you to join me in writing to Governor Davis and thanking him.

Arnold Schwarzenegger will soon be our governor, and I will follow the advice and words of Governor Davis in putting this election behind us and coming together as a state in supporting our new governor.… I believe that Arnold Schwarzenegger is a decent man who really wants to be the “Governor of all Californians.” Hopefully, the governor, the State Senate and Assembly can work together and get our state on the right track.

By the way, I think former San Diego Democratic Club president Craig Roberts showing up at AIDS Walk carrying a big sign attacking Schwarzenegger was in poor taste and didn’t belong in our AIDS Walk… period.

Our community’s first AIDS walk was held in the early 1980’s in downtown San Diego on “Pacific Coast Highway” and, along with Susan Jester and David Coppini and others, I helped organize it.… I walked in the first one and others but getting old and fat, healthwise I was advised not to do too many. But this year I wanted to show my personal support to The Center on their first year as producers, so when Bob Lehman of Bourbon Street asked me to join their team I said yes.… Well, I must tell you I sweated like a pig and was all out of breath at the end but I made it (with two days following of aching bones)! I sure need to go on a diet and take better care of myself but it was a wonderful experience — though I don’t recommend this to any of my fellow aging, fat queens.… It was great seeing so many youth and families.… This year’s AIDS Walk was the best ever, had the least cost/expenses ever, and made the best money ever.… All of this is because our Center took it over. The entire staff and volunteers deserve a big standing ovation from all of us.… Thank you Bob and Bourbon Street for inviting me to join you, and congratulations to Team Bourbon Street, who raised over $4,000!!!

Our beautiful San Diego Convention Center by the Bay will be the site of a historic, prideful and fun celebration of our entire community which all of you are invited to… the 30th anniversary of our GLBT Community Center, coming up next Saturday, Oct. 18.… As you know, there have been few gay events at our downtown convention center since its doors opened, so now is your chance to party at this beautiful place.… The 30th anniversary of The Center is really in many ways a celebration of our GLBT community’s history… so this Gala is truly our celebration. So let’s all pack the place.… For more information, tickets, etc., phone (619) 692-2077.… See you all at the convention center next Saturday night!

Once again, businessman Darl Edwards of Club San Diego made another big financial contribution to The Center… this time $30,000 in honor of its 30th anniversary.… In these past years, Darl Edwards has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to, not only The Center, but also AIDS Food Bank, GLBT and civil rights causes, etc. Darl Edwards is the founder of the Imperial Court de San Diego and its reigning “King Father for Life”… but most important of all, he is a businessman who has always given back to our community for decades.… Bravo and thank you Darl, you are a role model for our business community.

For the last 19 years, one of our community’s most fun and successful AIDS benefits, the San Diego Pool Association’s Broomstick Tournament, has raised over $75,000 for local AIDS Charities.… This coming Sunday, Oct. 12, it will be held at Shooterz starting at 5:00 p.m. and going on til???? Yes, it’s a fun time with a pool tournament played with broomsticks.… For further information, phone the Broomstick Tournament’s hard working founder, Michael Passante, at (619) 281-6208.… I know I’ll be stopping by this Sunday and I encourage all of you to stop by and support this great event.

San Diego’s award winning — and one of southern California’s most popular — dance club, yes Rich’s, celebrates its 12 year anniversary this weekend.… It’s a wild Studio 54 Party on Saturday, with diva Debbie Jacobs Rock singing live at midnight. On Sunday is Rich’s “Absolutely Fabulous” DVD release party with all kinds of surprises.…

A very big and heartfelt “Thank you” to Bart, Ken and the entire staff of Rich’s for 12 years of always giving back to our community.… Personally, I remember Rich’s leadership during those early years of AIDS, and their involvement with the “Grocery Hearts” food campaign and always supporting and walking at every AIDS Walk.… And who can forget Rich’s always having one of the best floats in our Pride parade…. Happy Anniversary!

I know our entire community joins me in most sincerely offering our condolences to police Sgt. Mark Dallezotte (GLBT liaison to the Chief of Police) on the death of his mother.… Mark and his mom were very close and I know this must be a difficult time for him.… Over these past years, Sgt. Mark Dallezotte has earned our community’s trust and respect. Know, Mark, that you’re in many of our thoughts and prayers.