The air is much cleaner these last few days, the firestorm is almost under containment, and life in San Diego seems to be settling back to some sense of normalcy. The Rev. V. Gene Robinson was consecrated in New Hampshire as the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Governor-elect Arnold appointed a lesbian, Tammy Bruce, to be a member of his transition team. President Bush bared his true colors in his support of “Marriage Protection Week.” Many more American soldiers were ambushed in Iraq and there seems no end to this atrocity. The Chargers lost to the Bears, as most expected. J. Lo and Ben are still seeing each other, and NBC just signed another season of “Queer Eye.”

Yep, things seemed to be back to normal. But are they really? California is in deep financial woes — not only from the recall elections and the supermarket strike, but most of all the devastating losses due to the worst firestorm in our history. Thousands of people lost their homes, many businesses went up in flames, and many more people are out of their jobs. This coming Thanksgiving let us be thankful that more lives were not lost in this tragedy. This holiday season let us remember to share our blessings with those less fortunate. Our social service and AIDS organizations will need us more than ever. Let us be there for them.

One of the few things we can always count on is that we will never be denied our Halloween night. And what a joy to be able to break that bad spell of the last week and cast some good cheer instead. Nightmare on Normal Street was just the right antidote as over 650 San Diegans came out to trick or treat. There were close to 70 official contestants in the costume contest, with hundreds more in costume just enjoying the night. They ranged from the spectacular to the bizarre, from the sexy to the scary. True to my prediction, there were quite a few “Roys with White Tigers.” Unfortunately, the charred “Ms. Scripps Ranch” did not get the response she was hoping for, poor thing! And then there were the Target and Wal-Mart varieties. But the best thing is that children of all ages had a good time. Even the straight folks knew where the best party was.

All over town, every bar was having their own costume party. The lines outside Bourbon Street, Rich’s, Numbers, Bacchus House and others were a sight to see, especially those scantily clad men. The enterprising ones zipped from bar to bar, contest to contest, and hopefully to lots of prize money. To those who did drag for the first time, I hope you did listen to mommy, although I did spot quite a few of you with those outrageously unwalkable platform shoes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, now it’s time to pack those clunky things away. I took a lot of pictures to share and I hope you enjoy them.

If you haven’t nominated your favorite people and places for the upcoming Sandies, you have until tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 7, to do so. Nomination forms are still available at Obelisk Bookstore or the Sandies web site. You will find a link by going online to my column at www.gaylesbiantimes.com. You can even nominate yourself, but you can’t win unless you’re in it.

The Sandies are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, at The Prado in Balboa Park. A silent auction will be held to benefit the Hillcrest Youth Center. San Diego blues diva Candye Kane will be performing (with Sue Palmer), and the Girls from LIPS will also be turning it out for you. You can call the Sandies ticket hotline at (619) 523-9500, ext. 15.

Julie Sheppard swept into town and did two performances at Bourbon Street last weekend, and brought gay icon Judy Garland back to life, even if for just a couple of hours. A MAC (Cabaret) awardee, Julie has been channeling Judy for the past 17 years. Julie, herself, is an energetic and fun performer, especially when she launches into her signature song, “Is there a straight man in the house?” Ms. Sheppard also does a mean impression of Bette Davis. As Judy, she is a consummate and intoxicating performer, capturing not only the spirit and voice of Saint Judy, but also the joys, successes and pain that were so much a part of her life. And she loves her chocolate martinis! From the “Trolley” song, to “Dear Mr. Gable,” she nails every “Judy” moment we have come to expect; from the tight hugs to the way she swings her arms in circles, chain-smokes and chugs her cocktail. She shines with “Rock-a-Bye Baby” and “Swanee,” and did not disappoint when she closed her show with “Over the Rainbow.”

What a beautiful evening to end a spirited Halloween weekend. My only complaints are some inconsiderate people at the bar who kept on yakking away, oblivious that there was a show going on. There was a woman in a red sweater chatting away with her two male friends, who couldn’t care less that many others were glaring at her. If you wanted to chat, there are many other areas at Bourbon Street you could do so. Or when a local drag queen chose the most dramatic moment of Judy’s song to reach out and tip her a dollar. Girl, what were you thinking? I am sure you love her as much as I do, but this is not a drag show, when tipping is accepted. Even if it was a drag show, your timing was lousy. It is rude and inappropriate. In fact, it is sacrilegious to Mama Judy. The ultimate respect you can give a performer is to listen and enjoy the show. Ms. Sheppard is not going to get richer with the dollar, but you have just ruined the moment for her and everyone else. Twice! Despite all that, Julie Sheppard was a trouper and went with the flow. The ultimate moment came when one of the bar guests finally “ssshhhhed!!!” another noisy patron. Ms. Sheppard stopped dead in the middle of her song, tossed her head back, and said, “What the heck! This is a bar. I’ll just sing louder!” and went on to finish her song “ …why, oh, why can’t I?” Now that’s class!

Thank you to the people at Bourbon Street for bringing us such great talent!

Carson Kressley, the blond from “Queer Eye,” was spotted shopping at the outlet mall in Beaumont, on his way to Palm Springs this past weekend. Yes, our dear Carson does not pay full price for his togs. My kind of girl!

Emperor Robi Cox and Empress Cristina Monet invite you to join them for a benefit show to raise money for the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund. Linda Childers and Richard Britton are helping put together the event, to be held this Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Flame on Park Blvd. at 7:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Nov. 22, Alan Spyere and Vivian Dior are organizing a benefit dance for the LGBT Student Union at SDSU and The Center, on behalf of the Imperial Court. “CLUB 32” will be held at the Tula Hall (Tenocha Residence Complex) with a live DJ, performances, go-go dancers and refreshments. Students with ID get a discount.