I just got back from Texas, where I’d been for five days (story in my next column). It’s always great to be home….Did you know that more than 40 percent of Americans polled chose San Diego as the second city in the entire country they would like to move to? Denver was first by only three percent. We do indeed live in America’s finest city!

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender and San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarman will be honored at this year’s Nicky Awards on Sunday, June 14, at the North Park Theatre, at 7 p.m. Both will be delivering the annual Mayor George Moscone Memorial Award. Last year, Mayor Sanders was the honoree. Sheriff Kolender is our former police chief and is retiring as sheriff after his fourth elected term. He was the first law enforcement officer to reach out to the GLBT community. Chief Jarman is the first female fire chief (who happens to be a lesbian) and is also retiring after having done an outstanding job. Everyone is invited to the Nicky Awards. For more information, call 619-602-9453 or 619-692-1967.

Our Mayor Jerry Sanders and his beautiful daughter Lisa Sanders (vice president of the GSDBA Foundation) were on “CNN Live!” this past Saturday. I saw them in my hotel room in Texas. Mayor Sanders has appeared on news programs and spoken at rallies for marriage equality. As you know, he is a Republican, and, trust me, he won’t talk about it, but he has received a lot of negative hate mail because of his support and visible leadership on the issue. Please contact Mayor Sanders and let him know that you appreciate his leadership on marriage equality! Call 619-236-6330 or e-mail JerrySanders@sandiego.gov.

Last Tuesday found me marching with thousands of other people in protest of the state Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Proposition 8. I remember our first march down Broadway Avenue, then up Fifth Avenue for our Pride parades during the early 1970s. This past Tuesday brought back many memories for me….This time, I was out of breath at times and walked more slowly (so much for getting old), and this time I was honored to be asked to be one of those to help carry the lead banner. It’s so good to see new and younger activists taking leadership and organizing roles! Special thank yous to our beloved and dedicated Sara Beth Brooks and her fellow organizers: Fernando Lopez, Kelly Moyer, Scott Allen, Tiffany Ross, Lisa Kove, Ben Cartwright and our goddess Wendy Sue!

Get your tickets today for the 30th GSDBA Anniversary Celebration Dinner on June 11, with special guest of honor, Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis!

Everyone but everyone is coming to this most historic milestone in our community. The GSDBA is one of the most important and respected organizations in our community and deserves our support and attendance. This June 11 event will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel, in Downtown, beginning at 6 p.m. For information and reservations, call, 619-296-4543 or visit www.gsdba.org. Tickets are $150 - $200, and reservations must be received by Tuesday, June 9.

On Sunday, June 14, the night of the annual Nicky Awards, all those in attendance will be voting for the 2009 Man and Woman of the Year. The honored nominees are: Man of the Year: Larry Baza, Alberto Cortes, Jess Durfee, Robert Gleason, Ben Gomez, Rev. Dan Koeshall, Brian Lacklen, Bob Nelson, Nick Moede, Stephen Whitburn. Woman of the Year: Michelle Burkart, Sara Beth Brooks, Bixi Craig, Cara Dessert, Delores Jacobs, Joyce Marieb, Carolina Ramos, Lisa Sanders, Andrea Villa, Pat Washington. Congratulations to all of these outstanding GLBT citizens!

Do you like to be entertained? Do you like fun and colorful shows? Well, this Sunday, June 7, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will be presenting a good ol’ fashioned show at the Center, at 7 p.m. Minimum suggested donation is $10, and I hope to see you all there. I remember when the MCC had these great shows during the 1970s, and they were always fabulous!

Martinis Above Fourth will be hosting a tasty benefit next Tuesday, June 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will be in honor of our active troops and will raise money to provide free tickets for our troops to attend the festival. What a great idea! Thank you GLBT Pride, San Diego Pix, Martinis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network…. Minimum suggested donation $15.

The hottest Pride parties are back this year and ticket sales have begun. Friday July 17, will be the Pride Ball, with DJ, the Perry Twins at The Abbey; Circuit Daze with DJ Tony Moran and DJ Manny Lehman at The Wonder Bread Haus will take place Saturday, July 18; the ever popular Zoo Party with DJ Joe Gauthreaux and DJ Phil B at the world famous San Diego Zoo will be held on Sunday, July 19 along with Fete’ Accompli with Rasable at Belo on the same day (Sunday, July 19). VIP passes are available for all events at www.billhardtpresents.com or the party hotline at 619-770-8322. Bust out your glitter and disco shoes, because these parties will be hot, hot, hot! .