While we are going through the very worst firestorm to hit San Diego County in over three decades that has cut a path of destruction from Valley Center to Mexico.… As Mayor Dick Murphy has stated, we still live in “America’s Finest City,” and this is because of so many caring San Diegans who have reached out and continue to reach out to those in need.… Many in our GLBT community have joined their fellow citizens in volunteering, donating food and doing whatever they can to assist those affected by this awful tragedy.

The recent decision of the San Diego Democratic Club not to endorse the re-election of Councilmember Scott Peters is wrong and a big mistake. The Democratic Club did not endorse Peters because of his past vote supporting the city’s lease of land in Balboa Park to the Boy Scouts. But now the city is in negotiations with the ACLU on this issue and, according to Councilmember Toni Atkins in a conversation I had with her this past weekend, “Scott peters is with our GLBT community on this issue.” Atkins also endorsed Peters for re-election. Peters has voted for the needle-exchange program and compassionate use of marijuana, and against anti-transsexual discrimination.… He has been and is still our friend. Yes, we were disappointed with his past vote on the Boy Scouts issue, but former President Clinton and Governor Gray Davis have the same views on the Boy Scouts as Peters does, and the Democratic Club still endorsed them.… We cannot expect our political allies to support us on 100 percent of our issues — though it would be great, it is not being pragmatic. Councilman Peters supported us on 95 percent of our civil rights issues and has earned and deserves the support of the GLBT community.… Some officials of the Democratic Club state that Peters did not fill out their club’s questionnaire, but the club in the past has endorsed the re-election of our allies without once again filling out another questionnaire. I urge the Democratic Club to reconsider and join Councilmember Toni Atkins, “GLBT Vote 2004” and numerous other GLBT leaders in endorsing Councilmember Peters.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 4, is election time in Palm Springs and I urge our desert readers to vote for Councilman Ron Oden for Mayor and Ginny Foat for City Council, both outstanding and qualified candidates that will make badly needed changes in the city of Palm Springs and take it in a more progressive direction.

For 20 years the Alano Club has been changing and, yes, saving lives in the GLBT community… making a difference every day with those battling alcohol and drug addiction. The Alano Club has never really asked our community for support or held major fundraisers but now on this, their 20th anniversary, members of the Alano Club and community supporters have joined together and are planning a fun and prideful celebration dinner on Saturday, Jan. 31.… I urge our entire community and its businesses, bars, and organizations to support this event and become sponsors or buy tickets, donate silent auction items etc. So mark your calendar for Jan. 31.… For further information, call (619) 692-1967.

I got my flu shot this past week and I urge all of you to get yours today, as it does really help and the cold winter weather and flu season is upon us.… Also check out those Flu Comfort Kits, now available for only $4.99 (free to new clients) at the award-winning Priority Pharmacy (3955 First Ave).… A kit to help you get over the flu and comfort you.… I most highly recommend it!

For many years, the Great Earth Vitamin Store (in the Uptown district next to Ralph’s in Hillcrest) has been serving our community, and trust me, no one knows nutrition and what vitamins and programs to get on like they do.… And they also always give back to our community, so stop by Great Earth Vitamins and get yourself on a healthier program. They can also tell you how to lose weight!!

It’s the attack of the disco MONSTER Halloween party at Rich’s on Friday, Oct. 31. Hosted by the fabulous Babette Schwartz, there will be a costume contest at midnight with cash prizes! Check out the fun, fright and all the ghoulish festivities.

Yes the annual Miss California-At-Large Contest will be happening on Nov. 30 at Numbers in San Diego and contestants are now being sought… contestants must be 200 lbs. and over and will appear three times: (1) swim/beach wear, (2) entertainment, (3) evening wear. Winners will receive over $600 in restaurant gift certificates! This is always a fun and outrageous event, with your hostesses being Mama Cass, Jackie-O and Satin. For further information, phone (619) 692-1967.

San Diego’s night life will change with next Friday’s premier at Club Montage of “Gay Fridays,” with no cover 9:00-11:00 p.m. and only $5 after 11:00 p.m.… There will be hot go-go boys and at 10:00 p.m. will be the erotic “Bulge and Butt” weekly contest with $500 in cash and prizes to the winners and $1,000 at the finals….