If I get my doctors OK, then I will soon be on my way to speaking engagements in Denver. By the way, the Democratic National Convention will be taking place in the Mile High City in August. My life has turned into a rollercoaster ride of good days and bad days, but this old queen is still kicking!

You might think that this subhead is a heavy statement but it isn’t. Since Universal opened last weekend, it has accomplished something never before seen in Hillcrest. For three nights, hundreds of members of the GLBT community alongside members of the straight community had a great time dancing and partying together.

Truth be told, the MTV generation and generation X have never had a problem partying together. In fact, there are several nightclubs that cater to mixed crowds in many other cities, including New York and Hollywood. And now, finally, Universal has taken San Diego’s nightlife to the next level. Already it is a huge hit and has become the talk of the town!

There were lines that formed down University Avenue every night last weekend, as people waited to get in the doors. And the wait was well worth it! Not only is the staff super friendly and professional, it is also very diverse. This is the place to go if you want some hot men and sexy women serving you!

As the Union-Tribune said of the very handsome James Brennan, who owns the establishment, “When it comes to San Diego’s glitzy nightclub scene, James Brennan is arguably the king of the velvet rope.”

So, San Diego, there is no longer any need to go to Los Angeles, Las Vegas or New York, because Universal has it all. It has indeed captured the No. 1 position as the best nightclub on the West Coast … period.

A special thank you goes to James Brennan, manager Billy Nordmeier and VIP host Mack Reffit for making me and everyone feel so welcome.

For more information about Universal, visit www.universalhillcrest.com.

Congressmember Bob Filner gave me a call regarding our differences in opinions about the District 3 City Council seat. We agreed on some things and on other issues we agreed to disagree. But what Bob and I were most concerned about is the negative tones and the lies that seem to be surfacing.

Recently a pro-Stephen Whitburn flyer listed well-known philanthropist Bruce Abrams, who supports Todd Gloria, as a “lawyer/lobbyist,” which is a big lie.

Filner and I have had a long and close friendship since his school board days and we are not going to let our differences in this race change that. Still, Filner is aware that I, along with others, am disappointed in his involvement with the Whitburn campaign.

After District 3 City Council candidate John Hartley’s recent no contest plea to a misdemeanor crime and his decision to stay in the race, along with the fact that he sent out a letter to voters stating (as I thought) he just “had to take a leak,” the campaign in the District 3 has turned upside down. It could now go any way when it comes to the run-off. Interestingly enough, Hartley still has a lot of support and could possibly still make it in the run-off, as polls had him in first place. Then again, it could end up a “gay battle royale” between Gloria and Whitburn all the way to November.

San Diego can be very proud that it has one of the few GLBT youth housing projects in the country. In fact, San Diego has the best and largest such facility. Recently, I was named chair of the Youth Housing Project Advisory Committee. Among the members is Carolina Ramos, who is a lesbian, mother and activist.

Ramos and I will be meeting with the youth every two months to listen to their concerns and report back to Dr. Delores Jacobs and board of directors at The Center.

The most recent meeting was almost two hours long and there was a lot accomplished. The meeting was very productive and many recommendations were made by the young clients at the project. I also had the opportunity to visit many of the rooms at the housing project where the clients live. I was able to see the conditions of the rooms first hand.

Of course these meetings are confidential, but I can say that these youth are very grateful to have a decent place to live. Still, the community must continue to financially support the housing project.

While it has been fixed up, it’s still a very old hotel that has various problems and requires constant maintenance and upkeep. I believe the staff does its best to do a good job, but our financial support is still very much needed.

Just recently, the Imperial Court and Martinis Above Fourth, through the Queen Eddie Fund, bought a new washer and dryer, along with tables and dining room chairs for the facility.

Call The Center today for more information about the many ways you can help contribute to the Youth Housing Project!

For years I’ve been subjected to the insane lies in letters from one bitter queen named Ian Trowbridge, who I call “a wannabe, who will never be.” He ran for the District 2 City Council seat and came in last place in a crowded filed. All he does now is write letters, which are full of his bullshit and I’m sick and tired of it.

So to him I say: the Gay &Lesbian Times editor wrote a correction that stated it was the publication’s mistake, not mine, concerning the error on Lorena Gonzales’ name. Ian Trowbridge, I officially challenge you to a boxing match with all the benefits and proceeds to go to the Youth Housing Project. So stand up and back yourself up, or SHUT UP!

Don’t forget that Thursday, April 24, almost every restaurant in town will participate in Dining Out for Life to benefit the San Diego LGBT Center. Make your reservations today and be sure to take your friends, family, neighbors and even your ex-lovers out to eat.

For more information, call 619-692-2077 or visit www.thecentersd.org.

Get your tickets to the 30th annual Nicky Awards today – they’re already going fast.

Also mark your calendars for Monday, April 21, which is the nomination mixer at Flicks.

For more information, call 619-295-1666, or visit www.nickyawards.com.

Club Montage will be open this Friday for a soft-opening with DJ Mark Farina. The venue will officially reopen on May 3 with Boys Night and DJs Shane Steil and Lil’ Chris spinning all the latest hits. Additionally, DJ Manny Lehman will be there on May 10 to help celebrate the reopening of this San Diego hot spot. Be sure to come out and show your support and check out the Club Montage Web site for full details: www.clubmontage.com.