The news that our soldiers headed overseas to fight in war are being charged baggage fees up to $100 by airlines is disgusting and disgraceful. I say airlines should waive the fee for our soldiers headed overseas.

We’re all getting tired of the increasing traffic congestion in Hillcrest. It’s getting to be really bad. The good news is: the Hillcrest Town Council, the Uptown Planners, the Hillcrest Business Association, and other organizations are continuously working on plans and proposals that will cut down on this growing problem. Among the ideas on the table up for discussion are: more bike lanes and bicycle parking spaces and a campaign to encourage people to ride their bikes more in the neighborhood; and an electric trolley, which would be very much like San Francisco’s or New Orleans’.

As a Hillcrest resident I am very glad that these organizations are focused on this issue. I hope our two candidates for City Council District 3 are listening.

Last week I had dinner with City Attorney Michael Aguirre and his beautiful fiancée Anna at Dish at Universal. I met Aguirre’s new campaign manager and his two new political consultants. Aguirre was in a good mood because the Labor Council had just voted to allow individual unions to endorse any candidate they want in the city attorney’s race. This means Aguirre could get a majority of those endorsements, because most unions usually lean toward a Democratic candidate. I understand this is a process, and this is a recommendation that will go to the full membership of the union delegates.

When Allan Spyere-Spackman and Travis Spyere-Spackman asked me to officiate at their wedding, I was, of course, honored (as I have been with any couple who gives me this privilege and honor). Both young men put a lot of time into what was one of the most beautiful and majestic weddings. Held at the home of Dr. Greg Scott and businessman Robbie Cox, it was a wonderful evening of family and friends. Travis’ family came all the way from Utah, and Allan’s family hoped to catch the ceremony live on an Internet video clip, but there were some technology difficulties. Allan and Travis are blessed to have the unconditional love of their parents, and it was, indeed, a special night for all of us who attended, as we witnessed the couple’s true love and devotion.

That evening I was not only a City Commissioner, I was also a Deputy County Marriage Commissioner – I even borrowed Bonnie Dumanis’ old Superior Court Judge robes! The flowers were breathtaking, the live singer sang like a diva of the opera, and the entire theme of the wedding was from the film Moulin Rouge! The food was fabulous (the roast beef was to die for) and there was even a release of butterflies. On the same night, I knew of four other weddings taking place, including Randy Hope and Brian van de Mark’s wedding at the Top of the Park. This has truly become the “Summer of Love” in California!

There was a great going-away party on the top of the Ivy Hotel for Mayor Jerry Sanders’ top aide and confidante Fred Sainz and his partner, former FBI agent, attorney Mike Tipton. The couple is leaving for Denver this week for Fred’s new job at the Gill Foundation – and before they left, the couple got married! Well, it was an invitation-only party, and let me tell you, it was full of our city’s political movers and shakers, including people from the media. Among those in attendance was Mayor Sanders and his wife Rana, City Council President Scott Peters, Police Chief William Lansdowne, City Councilmember Jim Madaffer, City Councilmember-elect Carl DeMaio, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Fire Chief Tracy Jarman, former press secretary to President Richard Nixon, Herb Klein, and many more. There was a short program that turned into more of a roast of Fred, who I and others nicknamed “the deputy mayor” of San Diego long ago. The emcee of the evening was The San Diego Union-Tribune’s editorial board chief, Bob Kittle (minus his famous bow tie), who did a great job. Gene Cubbison of Channel 10 and Gerry Braun, a top writer at the Union-Tribune, spoke as well. FBI Special Agent Lori Jensen also spoke, as did, of course, Mayor Sanders. I was honored to be included in the program and, well, I promised Fred what was said and done to him at the Ivy Hotel stays at the Ivy Hotel. But, his comment to those in attendance that he was “tickled pink” will certainly be remembered for a long time coming – especially from the mouth of the always so butch Fred Sainz!

Among the GLBT VIPs in attendance were City Commissioner Robert Gleason, Bob Nelson, Kevin Tilden, Bob Lehman, George Biagi, Jeff Gattas, Attorney Rich Valdez, Steven Johnson, Rich Ahrendt, Jim Ginelli and Don Mullen. It was great to see the editor and assistant editor of CityBeat there, too, as well as Paul Krueger of NBC 7/39. Only Fred Sainz and Mike Tipton could draw the attendance of so many of our city’s power brokers!

Dish was once again the scene of what turned into a nearly three-hour brunch with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. We had a great time and had both very serious and very humorous conversations. We discussed the death penalty and police shootings and discussed some very deep and heavy issues. Of course, Bonnie refused to even discuss the fact that some are urging her to run for mayor or attorney general – she is totally focused on her current office. Bonnie agreed to attend next month’s meeting of the Human Relations Commission to discuss the death penalty and police shootings, and the concerns of some of our City Commissioners. Bonnie’s job is not an easy one and she knows her decisions affect families on all sides. I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes – but I’m glad she is.

Dr. Jeff Keeny, one of the best dentists in the state, will bleach and whiten your teeth for only $250 – and he’ll donate it all to the Challenged Athletes Foundation through the end of this month. He’s located at 1807 Robinson Ave., Suite 101. You can also contact him at 619-295-1512 for more information. It’s a great cause and a great way to get your teeth whitened and brightened!

Our newly crowned Emperor Chris and Empress Selena Diamond invite one and all to their first court meeting, Wednesday Aug. 20 at The Center at 7 p.m. There will be a free dinner and the meeting will begin at 7:30. For more information, call 619-692-9076.