Did you know that in 2009 Americans’ fourth most traveled destination was San Diego? Yes, its proof positive that we need to expand our convention center!

Christmas is fast approaching, and we still need lots of toys for our community’s annual Toys For Kids drive. The Imperial Court founded the drive in 1975. This year, we have been hit up by many children’s agencies and organizations, and we have been delivering toys constantly, but we badly need more. Also, we are providing goods and toys to almost 40 GLBT families in need through Family Matters. These difficult economic times have affected many families within our community. Please drop off toys at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. For more information, call 619-692-1967. Thank you.

The holidays bring about more deep depressions and suicides than anytime of the year. Depression affects millions of adults each year and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness or a lack of interest in daily activities, sleep problems or chronic fatigue. During this holiday season, I urge you all to reach out to each other. Be more sensitive and caring about each other and watch out for one another. San Diego County has a multilingual 24-hour crisis line at 800-479-3339.

Yes, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is totally and rightfully focused on her re-election campaign. Once again the popular public servant doesn’t really have any opposition. And yes all, she will talk about her position as San Diego County’s top law enforcer, but after the election of Annise Parker, as mayor of Houston (American’s fourth largest city) local political tongues are talking about Dumanis following in the high heels of Parker and running for mayor of San Diego in 2012. While in a recent interview, Bonnie Dumanis would not rule anything out in her future, her supporters are already getting ready to draft her for mayor. Like Parker, Dumanis is a dedicated public servant and a brilliant woman.

Last week, Being Alive’s HIV Community Learning Center (3940 4th Ave.) opened and it’s a beauty. It is a one-stop center for the HIV/AIDS community, sponsored by the good people at Priority/MOMs Pharmacy. The center has a resource center, classrooms, offices, artist gallery and pharmacy, and its one of the best building design spaces ever! I was honored to have been asked to speak and helped cut the ribbon at its official grand opening ceremony. Official representatives from almost all the city council offices were there. A big thank you and congratulations go to Being Alive and Priority/MOMs Pharmacy.

About a year ago, I called upon all the Imperial Courts within the USA and Canada to raise money during Oct. 2009 for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. There are Imperial Court chapters in more than 68 cities within the USA, Canada and Mexico. The Imperial Courts will be celebrating it 45th anniversary next year. As the national director (aka Queen Mother of the Americas) of the Courts, I called upon each chapter to raise funds to help Judy Shepard and her educational campaign to erase hate in schools and stop the bullying and harassment of our GLBT youth/students. The American courts raised $82,000. Judy Shepard stated that is was its biggest donation ever. The Canadian courts raised $7,000 for a local nonprofit like organization in their country. I am proud of all my fellow international court members. The San Diego Imperial Court raised $2,000. Next year, the Harvey Milk Foundation will be the beneficiary of the courts Oct. 2010 fundraising campaign.

Recently the North County LGBT Coalition (NCLGBTC) and local gay/straight alliances held an awards event at the Mira Costa College campus in Oceanside to present financial assistances to four high schools and one college gay/straight alliance chapter: Carlsbad, Ramona, Oceanside, Rancho Buena Vista High School and Mira Costa College. I was honored to be a guest speaker at the event as were Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s Nora Parker and Ron Goetz from Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The college’s student center was packed and there was a lot of pride, love and community. NCLGBTC President Max Disposti presented the checks to the student group. It was great seeing Solana Beach’s popular former mayor Dave Roberts in the audience.

There are going to be some major 2010 ballot initiatives concerning the labor community and working families in San Diego. I recently had lunch with the very beautiful and brilliant labor leader Lorena Gonzalez, who is the first female secretary-treasure of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, ALF-CIO and, trust me, their getting ready for the upcoming battles.

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