I have lived through the ’60s and ’70s and have witnessed the beatings and hate crimes against blacks, Latinos, Asians and gays. When the door is broken down by one member of these communities, in time, we all soon follow. God bless our new president. I am more proud than ever to be an American.

Todd Gloria’s election to the District 3 City Council seat makes him the first Filipino-American elected to the San Diego City Council and the first person of color elected outside of districts four and eight. I sat with his beautiful, proud family on election night. Todd is one of the most honorable, decent and true public servants ever elected to office. His mother told me she knew he would run for office when he was 4 years old, because he cared so much about people. Todd Gloria will make history again when he becomes the first councilmember to walk from his district to his swearing in at City Hall on Dec. 8.

In the District 3 City Council race we had two solid Democratic candidates. They agreed on almost 95 percent of the issues. Both were gay. Yet you had to come into this race and help make it become one of the ugliest and most negative races run.

Bob Filner, I have supported you since your school board days, and organized with Bruce Abrams your first $1,000-per-plate dinner. Your continuing involvement in this district’s race, which is so far from yours, is disappointing to so many of us. Donna Frye, you have lost a lot of support for your future race for supervisor. You did everything you could to defeat Todd Gloria, and you didn’t even come close. Now, many are ready to support anyone except you. Richard Barrera, how could you – a Latino – campaign against a qualified person of color? We Latinos must bring our Asian-Pacific Islander allies to the table of political power. You probably could have a great future ahead of you, but we will be watching. The Democratic Party San Diego Central Committee needs a complete overhaul, and it’s coming in the next election. How dare you spend tens of thousands of dollars in a race between two Democrats? You could have put that money to use in the No on 8 campaign, or toward Democratic candidates running against Republicans. The Democratic Club and the Democratic Central Committee are run not by an “old boys’ network,” but an “old queens’ network.” Trust me: Democrats want change right here in San Diego – particularly when we have the chair of the Democratic party who was defeated overwhelmingly by the voting public for re-election to the Central Committee, but who the “old queens’ network” still voted in, dismissing the public’s vote of “no confidence.”

The bottom line is: I am writing what hundreds are saying and there are going to be a lot of changes in town. Stay tuned.

I have been friends with Mike Aguirre for almost three decades. He is a brilliant attorney and was at the top of his Harvard law class. Delores Huerta told me that Mike Aguirre saved the farm unions. Mike has a long record of helping those less fortunate, and those without voices, he’s helped speak for. Yes, I am disappointed with Mike and feel he let us down. Sometimes during these last four years, I had long talks with him dozens of times a week. I told him, “It’s OK to be a pit bull in the court of law, but not in the court of public opinion.” Mike called Mayor Jerry Sanders “corrupt,” called acting-Mayor Toni Atkins “incompetent,” and called District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis more names than I can remember. Mike Aguirre was like a bull in a china shop. He drove me and others crazy at times, but I voted for him because I know what is in his heart and soul. I hope Mike takes time to learn from his huge mistakes and softens those very rough edges. I hope he returns to being the good citizen he was and let’s go of all that negativity. And yes, I hope he will one day run for City Council. The public is forgiving of those who learn from their mistakes. We may not have heard the last from Mike Aguirre.

I strongly support the re-appointment of Laurie Black and the appointment of Bob Moneely to our city’s Port Commission. For decades, the Port Commission has been made up of nothing but white, wealthy men. Ms. Black has been an outstanding commissioner and has decades of social service and social justice on her side. Mr. Moneely is a very qualified black leader with a long history of leadership and community service. Scott Peters was rejected by the voters for city attorney and now he is trying to shove his appointment through – backroom politics.

Next week, I’ll be announcing the first re-organizing of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club of San Diego, the home club of our newly elected Councilmember Todd Gloria. Plans are being made for the first meeting, and, once again, I will not run for an office or be on the club’s board – but I will support this club. Almost every major city has the two GLBT Democratic clubs and now San Diego will too. Keep your eyes open for the flyers, ads, e-mails, etc.

Our GLBT community is growing every day and its diversity is beautiful. The bear community is one of the fastest growing and positive communities that is full of pride, friendship and good spirits. You just want to hug them! Most bears have million dollar smiles and I’m proud that they are part of our community. Chris Vance, the promoter of Bacchus House’s Bear Night, is one hot bear, in particular! Coming up on Nov. 18 is “Big Fun Bear Bingo!” at The San Diego LGBT Community Center from 7-9 p.m., with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. Drop by and have some fun! Also coming up, Nov. 13-16 is the wild Sunbears Weekend. It’s a weekend of events for all bears and bear fans. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1089.

The popular award-winning neighborhood bar that has a great patio, yes, #1 Fifth Ave. has a new owner: Omar Lowery! The super-popular and all around nice guy is planning a great remodel. There will be some other surprises, but “if it’s not broken then don’t try to fix it…” Everyone loves #1 Fifth Ave., where everyone is always welcome no matter who you are. Stop by and congratulate Omar!

Finally – somewhere to get good, exciting food late at night with a reasonably-priced late-night menu. The ever-popular, award-winning Saigon on Fifth is open weekly and on weekends until 3 a.m. Your host with the most, Patrick, is always there to greet you and make you feel right at home.

Don’t miss “Top Chef” Wednesdays every week at Pecs, starting Wednesday, Nov. 12. Support handsome Pecs bartender/contestant Rich Sweeney as Bravo’s hit show progresses. Enjoy Pecs EXTENDED happy hour every Wednesday until closing! It’s always a good time at Pecs. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1089.