This coming Saturday, Nov. 15 will be another sizzling hot night in San Diego as Club Papi hits Rich’s and draws the usual almost 1,000 men through their doors.… It’s the Latino night of all Latino nights…

Once again, controversial producer Rob Appel has walked away from an AIDS charity event (SummerQuest) that he organized with $75,000 in questionable expenses and only $9,800 going to AIDS agencies. Of course this is an outrage, but then why are people once again shocked and angry? This is Rob Appel’s method of operation.… When will our community, AIDS agencies, County Supervisor Pam Slater and all of San Diego wake up?

As usual, Rob Appel and his production company have not offered any report of where the money generated through sponsorships and ticket sales went…

I must respectfully ask Update, Buzz and others to please stop sponsoring and supporting Rob Appel’s events… please.

But there is good news finally, and while I at this time cannot reveal my confidential sources, the word is Rob Appel and his events are being looked over by many.… Stay tuned for some major headlines and investigations… thank God. By the way, Rob Appel, have you no shame?

This past Tuesday morning I woke up early to get ready to participate in the 16th annual Veterans Day Parade of San Diego. I was once again the guest of our local GLBT veterans chapter, AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights). Riding in Sgt. Bob’s infamous butch Hummer were State Assemblymember Chris Kehoe, Councilmember Toni Atkins, Bob Lehman (S.D. County Veterans Advisory Board) and little ole me trying to wave and be as masculine as I could. A great contingent of GLBT veterans were in attendance and were all well received by the thousands of San Diegans lining the parade route. By the way, this month marks the 228th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps.… One of the nicest moments for me this past Tuesday was watching Chris, Toni, Bob and the GLBT veterans giving away American flags to a big group of young Boy Scouts while smiling parents looked on.… If only it all could be this simple and understanding. Thank you AVER for once again inviting me.… I always feel honored to be with you.

Yes that infamous “Superior Court Judge” who had his court room totally cleaned after a man with AIDS testified (and later died), right winger, anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-AIDS compassion, “Judge” Larry Stirling has announced he will be running against Chris Kehoe for State Senate. Stirling is also a former State Assemblymember and will give Chris her toughest campaign.… We must take this race very seriously (let’s not forget Kehoe lost her congressional race due to the low 3rd district turnout). Join the Chris Kehoe campaign.… Volunteer, give money, as this state senate race must be our priority.… Thank you.

The annual Freedom Awards 2003 winners are all outstanding, especially my friends Fentress Ott, Gracia Molina de Pick and Carole Migden.… Other honorees are Amanda Watson and the ACLU.

Fentress Ott is one of the nicest and most giving activists I’ve ever met… a true gentleman who, for countless years, has given back to our community.… I adore him and respect him.… He richly deserves all the recognition he receives.

Our community cannot achieve full equality without friends and allies.… Gracia Molina de Pick has walked in the footprints of Cesar Chavez for decades. All her life has been about making a difference and making this a better world for everyone.… Our community is blessed to call her one of our friends and “family.”

I just love Carole Migden… one of the smartest and most effective GLBT leaders in the state… and this goes for all elected officials, period. Carole makes me proud to be gay, and I believe one day she could end up as our first GLBT Lt. Gov. or Governor!! Amanda Watson fights the good fight and keeps her eyes on the prize: transsexual equality.… You go, girl!

A year ago Judge Bonnie Dumanis made history by becoming the first GLBT to be elected as district attorney in the entire U.S.A. We all knew she was qualified and would make a fair, honest and reforming district attorney, and indeed she has brought integrity back to this office. From all reports she has brought this important office together and made it more effective.… She has not let the citizens of San Diego down and has been a public servant who has kept her word.… On Jan. 31 Bonnie Dumanis will be honored by the Alano Club at their 20th Anniversary Gala… well deserved recognition as she has made all of us proud.

Wolfs (3404 30th St.) in North Park has become a real man’s party bar for the Levi, leather, etc. community, and coming up this Sunday, Nov. 16, will be their erotic Underwear Party, sponsored by the popular Bare Buns Club of San Diego.… All the action starts at 7:00 p.m., so just follow the crowds.

The fabulous, famous, outrageous Mama Cass will host the annual Miss California At Large contest on Sunday, Nov. 30, at Numbers.… Contestants must be 200 lbs and over, with the winner receiving over $500 in restaurant certificates! Contestants appear first in swim/beach wear, then they entertain and finally appear in evening wear. This is always one of the most fun contests of the year…. For more info, call (619) 692-1967.