Yes some families in our GLBT community have lost their homes in the recent fires.… A big thank you to the many GLBT individuals, businesses, organizations and bars that have given support both financially and by volunteering to those in need.… God Bless you all.

For over 25 years the Imperial Court has sponsored its annual community Toys for Kids drive… collecting toys for underprivileged children.… Many bars and businesses join by putting special “toy boxes” in their establishments with the GSDBA also now (for the fourth year) helping out in a big way.… Please support, give, display a toy box in your business.… The need grows bigger every year with many children’s organizations contacting the Imperial Court for help.… For more information, phone Emperor Robi at (619) 516-0282 or Empress Christina at (619) 675-5327.

Last week Bob Lehman (member of the San Diego County Veterans Board) and I had dinner with County Supervisor Ron Roberts and my good friend Karolyn Dorsee (state and local Republican Party bigwig).… We discussed the upcoming change in the governor’s office as well as hate-crime issues, veterans concerns, GLBT rights and some “off the record” conversations. As many of you know, Ron Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of our community and has gotten grants for our Center, AIDS agencies and recovery organizations. Rumor has it Roberts may be joining the Arnold Schwarzenegger administration, but I think he is keeping all his options open…

Next Tuesday, Nov. 11, is the annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade and, for the fourth year in a row, our local GLBT veterans chapter AVER will have a contingent, which will include special guests of honor Speaker pro Tem of the State Assembly, Christine Kehoe and City Councilmember Toni Atkins.… all GLBT veterans in San Diego County are invited to attend and join AVER next Tuesday. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m., beginning at the San Diego County Administration Building. All GLBT veterans are encouraged to wear their military uniforms or business casual attire.… The GLBT contingent will meet at Bourbon Street at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact Sgt. Bob at (619) 296-4043.

I woke at 6:00 a.m. this past Sunday to head to Palm Springs with our local San Diego GLBT veterans to participate in their annual Pride Parade. What a wonderful event in this beautiful city, with this year’s weather being outstanding. A big crowd showed up from all over California and beyond, and I had a fabulous time. Let me tell you, the Palm Springs Pride festival is one of the best I’ve ever attended in the entire country.… It was great seeing so many friends, and our San Diego GLBT Pride had a big contingent as well.

Congratulations to Palm Springs Pride on a top-notch event, and if you’ve never been… go next year… it’s great.

A special thank you to the San Diego and Palm Springs AVER chapters for inviting me.… It was an honor.

As you know our Center is celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year.… The recent changes and strong foundation our Center now has are because of the hard work and leadership of such people as Dr. Delores Jacobs, Kevin Tilden and a strong board and dedicated staff. But a lot of credit must go to The Center’s director of development, Shawn Ingram, who is the man behind and in front of the scenes for almost all of The Center’s events and fundraisers… working many hours and making The Center’s events/fundraisers more professional and, yes, profitable. Shawn Ingram and others have taken our Center to a new level, and we as a community owe them our gratitude and appreciation.

For well over 30 years I’ve been looking for an authentic and original Philly Cheese Steak sandwich in San Diego… and while at times I’ve come close, I’ve never found one ‘til now. Run, don’t walk, to The Philly Grill (2041 University Ave. — across from Pecs) before the whole town discovers this place, which has been open for only about two months. This restaurant is the real thing, with owner Suzann Barnes not only being from Philadelphia but having restaurant experience in Philly. The Philly Grill also serves (along with every kind of steak sandwich) chicken sandwiches, Italian hoagies, vegetarian, etc. The Philly Grill is open six days a week (10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.) and of course has take out. Call (619) 688-9437). One visit and you’ll be hooked for life.… It’s the best in San Diego.

San Diego’s popular leather bar, yes, the San Diego Eagle (3040 North Park Way), is celebrating its first year anniversary, Saturday, Nov. 8.… The Eagle is definitely San Diego’s main leather men’s bar and in its first year has given back to our GLBT community and AIDS agencies whenever asked.… A big congratulations and thank you to the men of the Eagle.… Check out their events and special nights by visiting www.gaylesbiantimes.com and clicking on this column for a link to the Eagle’s web site.

This Friday night premiers the weekly “Best Bulge & Butt Contest” at Club Montage, with $500 to the weekly winner and $2,500 for the finals… all in cold hard cash and prizes. Yes, the good ole party nights of the infamous “Club West Coast” return to Club Montage every Friday night with great drink specials.… So, calling all men 21 and over to enter the contest. For more information, check out their new web site by visiting www.gaylesbiantimes.com and clicking on this column.

Last year it was held at All World’s Resort in Palm Springs and this year the annual Mr. Nude California Contest will be held in San Diego at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Mustang Spa.… Contestants are being sought, with the winner receiving $1,000 in cash and prizes.… It is going to be a wild XXX-rated event…. For further information, phone (619) 692-1967.