Well, doctors would not let me go to New York last weekend. I have some more medical procedures to go through, but I’m holding my own and, so far, my upcoming trips to Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are a go.

I’ve known former City Councilmember John Hartley for almost two decades and I have always found him to be a decent gentleman and a passionate activist for our neighborhoods, all the while trying to make District 3 safe for all residents. While we may not always agree on all the issues, I have never doubted Hartley’s devotion and hard work. Though I am not supporting his current city council bid, I believe that he is innocent until proven guilty. I believe he needed to use the restroom and made a stupid mistake, and did it in his car. (Boy, how many of us haven’t been in that kind of situation?) I refuse to judge Hartley’s decades of service to our city on this one sad incident and I wish him the best. He should know that many of us are still his friends.

As I’m sure you all know by now, four San Diego firefighters from Station 5 in Hillcrest are suing the San Diego Fire Department for forcing them to attend last year’s San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, where, purportedly, they were subjected to sexual harassment … hmmm. At any rate, you can imagine my surprise when I was subpoenaed for a two-hour videotaped deposition, and found out that only Ron DeHarte, the executive director of Pride, had been subpoenaed too.

I found the firefirefighters’ attorney to be a gentleman and very professional. Attorney Charles S. LiMandri is a respected member of The St. Thomas Moore Society and a very religious man who I admire for his work on the Mount Soledad cross issue. But, I do feel that Attorney LiMandri tried to paint our parade as a “political event” instead of a civil rights celebration. He also seemed to see “lewdness” in everything. It was a most interesting two hours.

From one old queen to another, if all you do to defend Stephen Whitburn is attack me about my “friends who keep [me] alive by paying for all [my] meals,” you’re a really sad guy. First of all, I live in senior housing, don’t cook, don’t have good health insurance, don’t drive and I’m not in the best of health. So, yes, my friends take me out to eat and even bring me food/groceries and drive me to my doctors etc.

You are a senior too and lucky to have a partner to share your bills. I hope you two never have to face what I’m going through. But isn’t there something better you can attack me with than having good friends who stand by me?

All Whitburn supports should take note of Kevin Beiser’s recent letter to the editor. He was positive, presented his views and did not go negative one bit. A lot of Whitburn’s supporters are really going negative and crossing the line. Though we disagree on candidates, they could learn from how Mr. Beiser conducted himself. You, Mr. Beiser presented your case well and have my respect. Thank you!

The good people of San Diego LGBT Pride are working on a videotaped photo history of all our Pride parades, rallies, festivals etc., since 1974. Next year will be the 35th anniversary of San Diego LGBT Pride and that young, energetic and hard working John Bilow (former editor of RAGE) is working his butt off.

We visited the old police department on Market Street where Jess Jessop, Tom Homann and I had to almost battle to get our parade permit. We then went to “Hobo Park” Downtown off Broadway where we gathered for our first Pride parade. John said we should unveil a plaque to commemorate our anniversary next year. I’m going to look into this.

Med Grill (1263 University Ave.): With new owners, chefs and staff, it’s 101 percent better – so much so, I’ve eaten there two days in a row.

La Vache (420 Robinson): I love this place. It has the very best frog legs in all of San Diego.

Arrivederci (3845 Fourth Ave.): The No.1 Italian restaurant on the West Coast. Just follow the crowds.

Viva Pasta (646 University Ave.): It just opened a few months ago and it’s already a hit. The dishes are fresh and there is a hot looking staff.

Ono Sushi (1236 University Ave.): The home of the iron chefs of sushi-land

Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave): The very best blue cheese bacon wrapped filet mignon in the world

Baja Betty’s (1421 University Ave.): Great food and a fiesta party atmosphere all day long

Lei Lounge (4612 Park Blvd.): Most popular brunches and the “in spot” to be seen and eat

Lucky Bucks (1459 University Ave.): This restaurant has the best beer battered onion-rings in town.

Saigon on Fifth (3900 Fifth Ave.): This place has won every award there is. It’s the best Vietnamese food on earth.

Hawthorn’s (2895 University Ave): It’s the new hot spot of North Park. I love its pork chops.