This Sunday, Sept. 28 is AIDS Walk San Diego, and as usual, thousands will be in Balboa Park to support the biggest AIDS fund-raiser of the year. I can’t walk for that distance anymore (the last time I was at AIDS Walk, I drove a motorized chair!); however, like many in my position, I still help raise money for those who can. For more information, call 619-291-WALK. We’re all in this together, so give until it hurts. Until there’s a cure, we ALL have AIDS!

In the early 1980s, San Diego’s first AIDS Walk was called “Walk For Life” because no such events in the country would use the word AIDS during those dark years. Community fund-raiser, Republican leader and mayoral appointee Susan Jester, who was also a self-described “gay woman,” is the founder of our first “Walk For Life.” She was even able to enlist the attendance of a then “Dynasty

” star, which was a hit-TV series at the time. I spoke at the first opening ceremony as a member of the San Diego County AIDS Task Force (appointed by then supervisor and future mayor Susan Golding). We walked up Pacific Highway, and, yes, we were the target of some ugly cat calls. The late Gary Reese was executive director of the second walk, followed by the late Albert Bell. Both activists later died of AIDS. At the time, there were no corporate sponsors and very few straight supporters, with GLBT citizens comprising 90 percent of all the participants for the first three walks. Thank God our AIDS Walk has now become one of the most diverse events with people of all lifestyles and ages – but let us never forget “Walk For Life.”

Good for “American Idol” star Clay Aiken who came out in his own way. In the last couple years, when asked about his sexuality, he always responded that it was a private matter between himself, his family, his close friends and God. I agree and believe that a person should not be outed as long as the individual is not anti-gay themselves. Aiken, who just became the father of a beautiful baby boy stated, “I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things.” Bravo Clay Aiken! You not only did it your own way, you came out the right way with a beautiful statement that stands on honesty, principle and sends the right message.

This past Monday afternoon, I found myself, along with Ron DeHarte, executive director of San Diego Pride, at the Superior Court building Downtown. We had both been subpoenaed to testify at the ongoing firefighters’ trial. The questions directed at me were mostly about the history of Pride, as one of the three co-founders in 1974 (my co-founders are the late Jess Jessop and attorney Tom Homann). First, I completely agree with Mayor Jerry Sanders and Fire Chief Tracy Jarman in changing the policy which in the past forced firefighters to attend certain parades. My outlook is that if someone doesn’t want to support the Martin Luther King, Jr., St. Patrick’s Day, Cesar Chavez, Pride or Columbus Day parades, then they shouldn’t have to. It all should have been voluntary and with no overtime pay. I was cross examined by one of City Attorney Mike Aguirre’s Deputy City Attorney’s and questioned by attorney Charles S. LiMandri. LiMandri is a member of the very prestigious St. Thomas More Society and fought to keep the Mount Soledad cross where it belongs. I’m glad both mine and Ron’s part is over, as he and I also gave two-hour depositions last month. By the way, I thought Superior Court Judge Michael Anello seemed to be fair, honest and a true gentleman with a sense of humor.

One of the most talked about documentaries, Pursuit of Equality, starring the super handsome Mayor Gavin Newsom, will be a highlight of the San Diego Film Festival. The documentary covers the start of his fight for “marriage equality,” which started in San Francisco. It’s first come, first serve and this movie is expected to draw a huge crowd, so get your tickets early! Rumors are out that Mayor Newsom may make a surprise appearance, but he will definitely be in Long Beach next Sunday for the Lambda Democratic Dinner, aboard the Queen Mary.

The late Scott Carlson, Dak Thomsen-Bousquet, drag diva Maddy and I started the annual Thanksgiving dinner for people living with HIV/AIDS 20 years ago. Soon after, the super popular Mayor Maureen O’Connor became a big supporter and attended the dinner. At one of her annual “State of the City” addresses, she presented the organizers her coveted Seashore Community Service Award (only five were given out annually). After Scott died of AIDS, fellow co-founders Dak and Maddy named the dinner in honor of Scott. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner, which is held at the First Unitarian Universal Church. The church’s members are big supporters of the dinner. Dak returned this year to co-chair the event, which now welcomes those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and those who are homeless or alone. Several years ago, the Imperial Court de San Diego took on the event as organizers with the help of community businesses and bars. Dak and his team need your support, whether it is financial or by volunteering at the dinner. For more information on how you can help, contact Dak at 619-299-5906.

Crest Café, located next door to The Brass Rail, has become a landmark in its own right. It is now in its 26th year delivering award winning food and service to the community. It is simply still the best of the very best restaurants in San Diego. Everyone loves its home-style food and I’m a big fan too. The restaurant is open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everyone I know has been to Crest Café at one time or another. In these economically hard times, we better start looking for restaurants with great food at great prices. You don’t have to look further than Crest Café. Say hello to the beautiful father and daughter A-team, owners Louis and Cecelia.

The Ladies’ Texas Hold ‘Em group is now presenting California Hold ‘Em games for everyone! Men, women, bois, gurls – everyone is welcome to the Saturday games at the Moose Lodge. Each week’s event is a fund-raiser for a different charity, with this week’s games benefiting the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Lessons begin at 6 p.m. with instructor Dawn, followed by games beginning at 7 p.m. More than $1,300 in prizes will be out to the top three. A $25 donation is required by state law, with $25 re-dots and an optional $35 add-on. Pizza will be provided by Transamerica. The Moose Lodge is located at 1648 30th St. in South Park. For more information, visit http://games.groups.yahoo.com/luckyladiesofpoker.