Rev. Dan, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church San Diego, gave Bourbon Street’s Big Mike and me a tour of MCC’s new church building off Clairemont Drive. Its wonderful City Councilmember Donna Frye has already welcomed the MCC to the neighborhood!

It takes five votes to get things accomplished at our City Council meetings, and all San Diegans should be concerned and involved in the upcoming four council races. District 2 Council President Pro-Temp Kevin Faulconer has earned our support and respect. He is a hard worker and an independent voice on the council. I do give my respects to community activist Ian Trownbridge and would like to see him in government someday. District 4 Councilmember Tony Young has been a fighter for his district since his first day in office. His district includes a large Latino and black community, which have found a leader in him. While we do disagree on some issues, I believe Young has done an outstanding job for the people in District 4. The current city council does not have one attorney serving on it. It needs an intelligent, legal mind, and who better than a deputy attorney general for more than 30 years, a proven public servant, Howard Wayne (District 8). This race has many qualified candidates. I am very impressed with David Alvarez. He is a true Latino rising star. Another candidate, Felipe Hueso has a long record of community service. Five candidates are running for this seat, and they all bring something to the table.

As many of you know, I did not support State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña when she first ran the primary. I supported Vince Hall. In the general election, my longtime friend, former State Assemblymember Tricia Hunter got my support, especially remembering her leadership on AIDS as state president of the Nurses Association. I did support Saldana for her re-election and helped raise her money, because she has turned out to be an outstanding supporter of our community and equality for all from her very first day in office. I respect and, yes, admire her for her leadership on many issues, including hate crimes.

About a week ago, Lori called me to let me know that she was definitely a candidate for the County Board of Supervisors District. 4. Current County Supervisor Ron Roberts had also called me to let me know he was running for re-election.

This week, Saldaña called me and others asking to co-host a boat cruise fundraiser on the bay for a state senate campaign for 2012. Lori told me that she was keeping all options open, and that if she did not win the county seat next year, she would, indeed, run for the state senate and would be raising money for both. So while this has been confusing for some of you who have called me, I hope you understand more now.

We GLBT citizens are indeed everywhere, all over this county. To me it’s our brothers and sisters living proudly in South Bay and North and East County who are in their own ways “heroes” by living and being who they are in neighborhoods other than Hillcrest. I have enjoyed the North County Pride and South Bay Pride events in the past and have met great people. This coming Sunday, Aug. 16, from noon to 7 p.m. is the annual South Bay Pride at Memorial Park in Chula Vista and you’re all invited. It’s a free and always fun event. For more information, visit www.southbayalliance.net.

Silence = Death. The government cuts when it comes to AIDS will result in death, I believe. Many San Diegans are concerned that not long ago I joined a demonstration in front of the State building in Downtown organized by Bienestar, San Ysidro Health Center and CLASP. Bravo to them and to everyone who came out. But now comes word that ACT-UP San Diego is reestablishing and that’s good to hear. We need the energy and focus of ACT-UP, and let’s support the organizers. For more information, visit www.miketidmus.com

Every first Sunday of the month in West Hollywood at Here Lounge is a popular event called SOBAR!, a fun club in a healthy sober environment, where gays and friends come together and spend time celebrating sobriety. It is a monthly party for those in recovery at a nightclub where no alcohol/ drugs are allowed or tolerated, period.

I think SOBAR! should come to San Diego. So I called one of its founder’s, former popular San Diegian Curtis Hutchinson aka former film star “Dean Phoenix,” who is now a recovery counselor in L.A. and is excited about helping launch SOBAR! San Diego in the next coming months. I’ve talked to Nick Moede of Rich’s, Numbers, Bite, Jim Ginelli, Chris St. Pierre and people at Stepping Stone and the Alano Club. They are all very interested. Who says being sober means no fun, dancing and time at your favorite nightclub? The proceeds of SOBAR! will benefit San Diego’s recovery programs. For more information, call 619-692-1967.

By the way, this week I was at the Alano Club for a meeting to give Jim Ginelli his nine-year-recovery cake. I stayed for the entire meeting and was moved by the honesty, caring and familial support. Join a meeting at the Alano Club or Stepping Stone, and you will know these outstanding organizations save and change lives every day.

For more than five years, San Diego has had a great organization called Guys Like Us (GLU). It’s a locally based social organization of proud Asian-Pacific Islander men and their friends. They do welcome lesbians, trans, bi and straight people to their events. This great organization celebrates Asian culture and fosters ethnic unity and diversity. This past Saturday, GLU had a wonderful pool party at the beautiful home of businessman Michael Weiss (Lei Lounge/ Bourbon Street), and almost 200 people attended. City Councilmember Todd Gloria (the first Filipino American elected to the City Council), and I stopped by and all proceeds went to AIDS Walk. For more information, call www.guylikeus.org.

The upcoming National Equality March on Washington, D.C. (Oct. 11) is gaining support. The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) have joined other national GLBT organizations endorsing the march. This will be our community’s fifth march on Washington. As with most other marches, there are those who support it and some who do not. Gay icon Cleve Jones and other GLBT leaders called for this march, and many young activists are in the forefront of organizing this one. I think I’m the oldest activist on its executive committee. Hmmm, let’s see, am I representing seniors, Latinos or drags?

Located in Hillcrest on the corner of Third and University, Ortega’s Bistro brings an authentic Puerto Nuevo dining experience right to the heart of San Diego. Enjoy Baja-style lobster, fresh guacamole prepared at your tableside, and other regional specialties while sipping decadent pomegranate margaritas. The restaurant’s spacious atmosphere and design capture the festive Mexican traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo. The happy hour, which features drink and appetizer specials is unbeatable!

Ortega’s, a Mexican Bistro is located at 141 University Ave., in Hillcrest. For more information, call 619-692-4200 or visit www.ortegasbistro.com.