Nightmare on Normal Street is this Friday. With $1,000 going to the costume contest winner, 10 $100 F Street Bookstore gift certificates, plus more cash and prizes than before, it looks like this event is the place to be this Halloween. The costume contest starts at 8:30 p.m. sharp.

Stephen Whitburn supporters have threatened the owners of many bars and businesses with boycotts because of their support for Todd Gloria for City Council. Among them is the owner of Urban Mo’s Chris Shaw and Ace Hardware owner Bruce Reeves, to name a few. This has been the most negative, nasty and ugly campaign waged by Whitburn and his supporters. Long time gay philanthropist Bruce Abrams is accused of being a lobbyist, which is a big lie, and Gloria signs are being torn down daily.

What is most unbelievable is that Stephen Whitburn has tried to buy this council seat with $200,000 of his own money, while giving the “No on 8” campaign on $200. While Whitburn has lived here for only six years, after making calls to countless social service organizations, I’ve learned Whitburn has never, I repeat never, even given them a dollar. Sometimes negative campaigns work and thus the race between Gloria and Whitburn has become close. More than 800 community leaders, businesspeople and activists made it clear who they support by giving Gloria a loud rousing ovation at The San Diego LGBT Community Center Gala, while Whitburn only received a polite applause. You can ask anyone who attended. The sad thing is many of us tried to like Stephen but all these ugly smears by his supporters are unacceptable.

Since their support of “No on 8,” Republican councilmembers Kevin Faulconer, Jim Madaffer and Democrat and Latino Ben Hueso have received ugly and negative calls and e-mails. There are many angry Republicans, Catholics and “Yes on 8” supporters who have made it clear they will never support them again for public office. Let’s hope it’s the usual “hot under the collar” reaction and it will in time go away. As a community we should especially let these three councilmembers know how much we appreciate their support. We should also do the same for Donna Frye, Toni Atkins and Scott Peters, who may be in more progressive districts, but are also being hit with very negative responses.

I know they will not like this because these two philanthropists have kept this contribution quiet, as they have with so many other countless contributions they have made, but I strongly believe that the community should show its appreciation and Bob Lehman and Tom Felkner should be publicly thanked. This couple is responsible for the “No on 8” headquarters and staff, and that $100,000 played a big part in the campaign locally and statewide. As many people know, Tom was the “No on 8” campaign co-chair, but had to drop out of this and other positions he held, because his parents are moving to San Diego and he is busy getting their home ready. I wish them the best. I’ve known these two men for a long time and they have never let people know how much they give in contributions to several social service organizations. It’s part of their Indiana upbringing not to brag and keep things to themselves, but I think the community needs to know so they can properly thank them.

I dropped by the Family Matters Children’s Halloween Party this past Saturday and, wow, what a fabulous and fun party it was for the children in the community. They were all in costumes, playing games and eating pizza at The Center. I had a discussion with the executive director of Family Matters and there are some families who needless to say are going through some rough times. The upcoming holidays don’t look so good, so I along with the Imperial Court de San Diego will be helping these families out with food and toys. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

Last Friday, popular Councilmember Toni Atkins and her beautiful chief of staff Denise Price and I had dinner at one of Toni’s favorite restaurants, Lei Lounge. While many restaurants are having bad times, Lei continues to draw in crowds of people. There are three simple reasons they continue to be successful. First, it has an unbelievably beautiful atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re on an island paradise. Second, the food is fabulous, especially the Lei Cabana Sampler, crab mac and cheese with lobster added, grilled cheese toastie, the infamous sweet potato fries and its to-die-for desserts. Finally, the fast and friendly service is always with a smile. The gorgeous male and female staff helps a lot also.

Two hours later, Toni, Denise and I had had the most heavenly experience and were floating out of Lei.

The people at the Metro Area Real Estate Professionals are the greatest. For the third year in a row these outstanding professionals raised big bucks for the Youth Housing Project at the Top of the Park. With lots of food, and Councilmember-elect Carl DeMaio stopping by to show his support, Harvest Howl was very fun. A special thank you to handsome Ivan Solis!

I will of course not name them, but at least a dozen of the community’s top contributors and donors have been hit badly by the tough economic times. With the current bank and stock market situation, some have actually lost half of their fortunes. I ask the social service organizations and staff members of these organizations to be very sensitive and understanding to the fact that many of the usual yearly contributions will change or disappear. It’s sad that in many of my conversations almost all of these donors stated that many organizations don’t even bother to send thank you letters, which is causing them to further re-evaluate such contributions. Those who can continue to give will, but not in the ways they used to.

A big thank you to everyone across the country and even in other countries who are visiting and reading my daily postings on my blog on Mo’s Universe. Soon we will be setting up my video gallery. Also, stay tuned for my list of the “Best and Worst Halloween Costumes.” For a link to my blog, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

While those in favor of amending the state constitution to eliminate same-sex marriage are gathering at Qualcomm Stadium to pray for the passage of Proposition 8, marriage equality proponents will be holding a vigil of their own. Beginning at 8:45 pm on Saturday, Nov. 1 signs and candles will be distributed at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. “No on 8” supporters will line up on University Avenue through Hillcrest at 9 p.m. to bring awareness to the fight against this proposition. With only a few days left before Election Day, we invite all of our supporters to come and stand united in this historic moment.

Re-Nous Skin & Body Spa and Del Mar Smiles invite the entire community to its Autumn Open House on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 6-8:30 p.m. Everyone who visit the spa will receive a complimentary skin analysis and chair massage. All guests will go away with a gift and a chance to win an hour facial or massage. Additionally, for touring the offices at Del Mar Smiles guests will have a chance to win a free ZOOM! Whitening treatment valued at $550. RSVP by phone or e-mail. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

Don’t miss “Top Chef” Wednesdays each week at Pecs beginning Nov. 12. Come out and support popular Pecs bartender/“Top Chef” contestant Rick, who is also the Executive Sous Chef at Downtown’s Confidential, as the competition progresses! There’s always a lot of fun going on in the back patio of Pecs – see you there! Pecs is located at 2046 University Ave.

One of my favorite Hillcrest restaurants is making changes again … for the better. Med Grill San Diego has completely re-designed its menu, yet again. Most importantly, it has LOWERED all of its prices and added tapas to the flair. Also, Med Grill is now open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights – one of the few restaurants to serve food so late in Hillcrest. Med Grill’s steaks are at the top of my list (and everyone knows how much I love to eat). Med Grill is located at 1263 University Ave. in Hillcrest.

It's time to party! Ageless and Beautiful is holding a Rob Benzon charity event on Thursday Nov. 6, 2008 from 6-9 p.m at 1080 University Ave., suite H201. Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be a DJ spinning music. There will be live procedures done, including restylane/perlane and Active FX laser skin resurfacing demonstrations. There will also be drawings for fabulous prizes courtesy of Ageless and Beautiful. Fifty percent of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the Rob Benzon charity. Please RSVP to 619-299-0264.