Tonight, I’m joining friends for Dining Out for Life. Then, I’ll be catching a plane to Arizona. The very best to Pastor Dan of the Metropolitan Community Church, who will be giving the invocation at the City Council meeting on May 4.

Recently, CNN did a segment on online hate speech. All you have to do is look up some GLBT Web pages or blogs, including our Gay & Lesbian Times, and you will see, first hand, some real ugly, hateful words, posted mostly anonymously or with only a first name. Rarely will you see a full name posted below these usually false statements. Recently, the comments on the GLT editorials about Stepping Stone and the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association have turned ugly and divisive. I have talked to many past and present board members of these organizations, and the truth is they have different views on the issues that have been raised. The fact is, some individuals associated with the HBIA made a complaint to the City Attorney’s office. As for Stepping Stone, it is most important that it continues. Stepping Stone saves and changes lives every day.

Recently, the Caster Family Center for Nonprofit Research interviewed me for a review it is doing on the crisis at Stepping Stone. The review includes interviews with donors, clients and community leaders. The GLT, through its editorials, asked questions that had been brought to its attention by HBIA’s and Stepping Stone’s board members. As for HBIA board members Ann Garwood and Nancy Moors, they indeed bring new energy and help HBIA and Stepping Stone build a better and more organized Hillcrest community and neighborhood. But the facts are, almost half of HBIA board members were against the $4,800 purchase of the HillQuest Urban Guide’s back cover. Those board members brought their objection to the GLT. Five of them even called me. Now, instead of discussion and resolution, it’s become a pile of attacks and negativity. In many cases, it’s the same individual posting comments – some 12 times a day. One of the commentors is a well-known, “straight” owner of a Hillcrest beauty salon and thinks he knows what’s best for our GLBT community. I will continue to support Stepping Stone and the HBIA. They both do great work. Now, let’s stop these attacks; they are hurting organizations and people.

I have a prediction. The next mayor of San Diego will be gay, and it will be one of the following three public officials: District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, State Sen. Christine Kehoe or current dark-horse Councilmember Carl DeMaio. Greater San Diego Business Association Foundation President Stampp Corbin had a long discussion with Miss California Carrie Prejean and her mother on a flight from back east to San Diego. Interfaith Committee of Worker Justice Executive Director Laurie Coskey, who had expressed some interest in the future city council race, may have blown it when she called for a “Yiddish curse” on the entire San Diego City Council, during her benediction at a labor dinner. Many felt this was very inappropriate. Word is Councilmember Marti Emerald left the event in tears. I don’t blame her. I hope California State Board of Equalization Vice Chair Judy Chu gets elected to Congress in the special election on May 19, especially after I learned about her opponent State Sen. Gil Cedillo’s extravagant shopping spree. Cedillo purchased more than $125,000 of gourmet meals! Undersheriff Bill Gore has received the endorsements of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and other major GLBT leaders and business people. Jim Duffy has been spotted at the San Diego Democratic Club and The Center’s monthly Community Coalition Breakfast. Gore and Duffy are both Republican. Duffy is also the son of, I’m sad to say, one of the most homophobic sheriffs in our country’s history. The San Diego Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on May 22 is going to sell out, as 800 tickets have already been sold for the event.

Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge hosted the third annual Development In Gardening fund-raiser this past Saturday. DIG cultivates better health in urban HIV hospitals, orphanages and outpatient centers in Africa and Central America. I had the honor of introducing DIG Co-founders Steve Bollinger and Sarah Koch, both San Diegans who spend most of their time in Africa and Central America. They were both presented with special recognitions and honors from the International Court System, a founding sponsor of DIG. Councilmember Carl DeMaio stopped by and gave his support. More than $16,000 was raised. Hors d’oeurves were provided by Ono Sushi and Hawthorn’s. Organizers Big Mike, Michael Mack, David Cohen and the volunteers did an outstanding job. I had a great time, and thanks to all who gave.

Last week, I joined hundreds of people for Urban Mo’s 17th Anniversary Celebration. Owner Chris Shaw went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. You know, I’ve known Chris since he was 17 years old, and he hasn’t changed one bit. Chris is just an all-around nice guy with a big heart. Chris is a role model of what all business people should aspire to be: one who always gives back to their community. Shaw’s financial contributions these last two decades amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars to GLBT social service organizations, HIV/AIDS agencies, countless charities, civil-rights causes and pro-equality candidates. Shaw, you’re the best. Our community and the city is a better place because of you.

This past Saturday night, Carolina Ramos and I attended the ninth annual Grupo Transgenero 2000 dinner at the beautiful Park Manor Hotel. This outstanding Latina Transgender organization has been around for nine years and has been associated with Christie’s Place, Metropolitan Community Church, Bienestar and now The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Latino Services. With almost 100 GLBT and friends in attendance, it was a wonderful dinner and felt like “family.” Grupo Transgnero 2000 Founder Sandra Ramirez and the always hard working and dedicated Amador Cerda were the MCs. Congratulations to all the honorees, and let’s all remember that 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, in which many Latinos were involved.

In 1975, the Nicky Awards were founded. The Los Angeles Times later hailed them as the “gay Academy Awards of San Diego.” This community awards ceremony, which honors outstanding individuals in the community, is now the oldest GLBT awards ceremony on the West Coast. The ceremony has even been saluted by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 2009 Nicky Awards are returning to the Birch North Park Theatre on Sunday, June 14. Co-producers Michael Mack and David Cohen are once again chairing its board of governors. This year’s proceeds will benefit The Center and the Imperial Court de San Diego. As you know, Nicky tickets sell like hot cakes. Tickets for VIP and dinner, as they were last year, are $150.

San Diego Rustic Furniture, in collaboration with North Park businesses like House Boi, Lips San Diego, and Redwing Bar and Grill are hosting, Mercantile Circus on Sunday, May 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. Everyone is invited. There will be food, beverages, dance music and a fire and poi show. Just follow the crowd. San Diego Rustic Furniture is located at 9570 Distribution Ave. in Miramar. For more information, visit www.sandiegorustic.com or call 760-809-7266.

On the subject of the ever-growing popular North Park, do check out Apertivo Italian Tapas and Wine Bar. Its food is fantastic and very reasonable. I recommend their vongole, fish plate, prosciuitto wrapped shrimp, osso bucco, d’agnelli. It’s all fresh and healthy and open Tuesdays through Sundays. One visit, and trust me, you’ll become a regular. Apertivo is located at 3926 30th St. in North Park. For more information, visit www.apertivo.com.