Don’t forget, this Sunday is Mother’s Day, and to all my “children of the corn,” yes, many people (even those I’ve mentored) still call me mother, grandma, mommy dearest, etc. You all know who you are! I will humbly accept Mother’s Day gifts – just leave the price tag on so I know how much you really care (or, so I can return it for money or re-gift it later!).

I just returned from a five-day visit to Washington, D.C. for meetings, dinners, board meetings, cocktail parties, etc. I’ll give you the complete lowdown in my next column, but it was a very productive trip. I stayed at Russell Roybal’s home (he has one in San Diego and one in Washington D.C.). I met with elected public officials and high-ranking Democratic Party leaders (one very high-ranking official is, sadly, still in the closet – but you see him/her a lot on television). I’ve seem some interesting polls, and we Democrats are in big trouble with the party split down the middle. A large number of voters say if their candidate doesn’t get the nomination, they are either staying home or voting for John McCain!

More on my visit to the nation’s capital in the next column; next week I’m off to Salt Lake City! Lately I’ve felt like I’m on the Eva Peron Rainbow Tour!

As many of you know, I’ve been in this city for decades (though, no, I wasn’t here to greet Balboa!) and I’ve served our last five mayors in one capacity or another, and been friends all of them. I’ve seen mayors come and go and I’ve seen their staff members come and go (many times, before the mayor’s term ends!).

In all these administrations, I’ve never seen a staff member attacked more than Fred Sainz (the mayor’s chief press secretary). Now, if you know Fred, you know he is only human and has a few rough edges, but no one can say he isn’t the hardest working, most loyal individual in the mayor’s office. Most importantly, he is not only a senior staff person, he’s a very close friend. It seems to me that many members of the news media are taking great pleasure attacking Fred for anything and everything. I think they’re not used to someone who doesn’t always kiss their butts and they like to make Fred look bad at any opportunity, I’ve known Fred to continue to work for the mayor long after city hall closes, and his weekends are busy as well. Fred, in my opinion, is doing what he’s supposed to be doing, and we, as the press, can’t always get everything we want. I, for one, am glad the mayor has someone like Fred as a close friend, confidant, press secretary and adviser.

As I’ve always said, Mayor Jerry Sanders is not a politician – he’s a public servant. He had to be talked into running for mayor because our city was in a mess and we needed real leadership. Fred Sainz is a very experienced, service-oriented public official and is politically savvy too, but his No. 1 priority is serving the mayor – and he is doing an outstanding job!

I think a lot of people are getting tired of the constant attacks and are trying anything to paint Fred in a negative light. The only “big sin” Fred is guilty of is using naughty words in an e-mail – well, I guess he should get a spanking or have his mouth washed out with soap. Please, I’m surprised someone hasn’t gone postal in the mayor’s office during the last decades! It’s a thankless job and everyone is pulling you in 100 directions. So what if he cussed! We Latinos are known for our tempers and we can all only take so much! I wouldn’t want to be in Fred’s position for all the tea in China.

Fred, you’re doing an outstanding job. Thank you for always being there for our incredible mayor. As for the detractors, screw them!

Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman are organizing a fund-raiser to re-elect Mayor Jerry Sanders. It is this Monday, May 12, at Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge (2895 University Ave.) from 6-7:30 p.m. David Cohen and Michael Mack, owners of the restaurant, Stampp Corbin and little ol’ me are co-chairing the event. Everyone is invited. A contribution of $75-320 is required. Mayor Sanders isn’t a wealthy man (he was the past executive director of the United Way and Red Cross), and his opponent is spending almost $3 million of his own money on his campaign. The mayor needs our help, so let’s reach deep in out pockets and support him. For more information on Monday’s event, call 858-342-6272 or 619-692-1967.

Under new leadership and a completely new board of governors, the Nicky Awards will have a new look on Monday, May 18, and will be a fun, fast-paced, entertaining, fabulous awards show. The Nicky Awards are the state’s oldest GLBT awards show and the Los Angeles Times called it, “the San Diego gay Oscars.” All are invited to attend. This is the closest thing to being at the Oscars! The VIP dinner tickets are nearly sold out so call quickly (like, today) to reserve your seats. There are still general and VIP tickets available and you can buy them at the Birch North Park Theatre box office (2895 University Ave.) Because of my health (I didn’t need the stress) this is the first time I have not been 100 percent involved with the Nicky Awards. I’ve only been about 20 percent involved, when I can be … this queen is getting too old for all this. If you know Michael Mack and David Cohen, you know it’s going to be a great party, so get your tickets today. May 19 is just around the corner. For more information, visit www.nickyawards.com.

The Nicky Awards voting parties at the bars and The Center were the biggest ever, and internet voting closes this Monday, May 12. Voting is being handled by The Center. You can only vote once! www.nickyawards.com.

On the subject of great events, everyone (and I do mean everyone) who attended the Lambda Archives gala last year (20 Years, 20 Heroes) said it was one of the best gala events of the decade, and it clocked in under two hours with entertainment and food. Well, I am pleased to announce the permanent theme of the Lambda Archives’ annual gala: Honoring Our Heroes, Pioneers and Trailblazers. I’m honored to serve as this year’s chair once again, and I’ll soon announce the 2008 honorees and the location. So, mark your calendars for Dec. 13.