Last weekend most leather folks made the trek to Palm Springs Leather Pride 2009 - Turning up the Heat. The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) has been hosting this event since back in the ‘90s when it was called “Sweating Bullets.” Now, “Turning Up the Heat” has become one of the most popular leather events in Southern California if not the country. A few years ago Mr. Palm Springs Leather Gary Iriza went on to win International Mr. Leather. So, although it is the desert, they take their leather seriously out there. Most of these weekends follow the same format that you might expect. This year, however, the PSLOD brought back the Formal Leather Dinner presented by PULP Magazine. This year’s meal was prepared by Russ Olden, former chef de cuisine at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and executive chef at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. That was just the beginning. Tool Shed hosted the Friday night Meet-N-Greet. The following day a vendor market and afternoon cruise party was held at the Barracks, with the contest moving to the Palm Springs Convention Center. There, the contestants competed for the title of Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2010. The Master of Ceremony for the evening was our friend International Mr. Leather 1992 Lenny Broberg. I know that 1992 sounds like a long time ago but Lenny is still out there doing his thing and serving the leather community. Imagine what we could accomplish if all titleholders took their commitment this seriously and continued the work they set out to do when they were awarded their title. Unfortunately, most drop out when the going gets rough or the glory fades.

If you didn’t make it to Palm Springs, but need something to wear to upcoming San Diego events this week, be sure to swing by Pleasures & Treasures (P&T), which has collars and harnesses on sale this month. One can never have too many harnesses, but you may want to be sure to have a boy before purchasing the new collar. At the very least have a puppy.

Recon.com will be in San Diego the following weekend as part of the CLAW Nation 2009 tour. Mr. San Diego Leather 2009 Bryan Teague will host the party at Rich’s on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include a “Puppy Mosh Pit,” so you may need that new collar from P&T after all. There will also be live BDSM scenes, prize drawing etc. Supporters will also be admitted into the L.L. Bear dance afterwards. This will be a great evening all around and a must attend for those who want to bump and grind after some BDSM play. In case you don’t know, CLAW Nation and Recon.com use their events to raise money and then donate that money back to local charities. This is a great way to have fun and give back to the community.

Across town at Bourbon Street hot, hairy and horny men will be “Dropping The Bear Bomb” with DJ Bryan Pruett. This also happens on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 9 p.m. Bigmusclebears.com and Gun Oil will host this party for those who want to “meat” the sexy men they have been cruising and admiring in the Bigmusclebears’ chat rooms. Bigmuscle parties are a guaranteed good time and you get to put a face to the other body parts you’ve seen on cam. Sometimes that’s a good thing. If not, then concentrate on the other body parts and you’ll be fine. There is a sign-up list at bigmusclebears.com so you can let your hook-ups know you’ll be at the party and ready to take it to the next level.

Looks like things are heating up in So Cal so be sure to take advantage while you can. Be safe, and I’ll see you soon.