As we begin 2010, many of us are feeling the pressures of tough economic times. We are spending less, tightening our belts, and being more careful about how we spend our money. In our community, many of us give of our time and treasures to San Diego Pride. We give of ourselves to organizations, we feel, act in the advancement of our values. Even when times are tougher, we might not have the extra cash to give, but surely volunteer our valuable time.

San Diego Pride is an organization created to “foster pride in and respect for all…locally and globally.” After hearing what San Diego Pride’s board has done, I was/am outraged! Each board member that voted to misappropriate our community’s funds (make no mistake, that money was donated by many, many of our neighbors) may want to re-read the mission statement on the Pride Web site. Each one of them disgraces the organization’s very words. Words like; Respect? Accountability? Honesty? Please! Everyone on the San Diego Pride board should have to courage and integrity to resign. It is my understanding, these are volunteer positions. When I volunteer, I expect nothing in compensation, but for a simple “thank you.” Dr Princetta may not have asked for this payment, but he should have never considered accepting it. If he, or any agent of Pride, had an expenditure to be reimbursed, fine. But to hand over $5,000, just because, that is despicable.

Ron deHarte and I have interacted, on and off, for several years. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I can say this. He has always, and I mean, always been a stand-up guy. Anytime I have had a concern, he made himself available to listen. He has done many things to forward the mission of San Diego Pride. Mr. deHarte was fired for bring to this travesty to light. No wonder he as purported to have had many differences with this band of thieves. I want to be clear, I believe the board of San Diego Pride stole the money entrusted to them, to do the work of the gay and lesbian community. They must go and go now. I beg the board, do the right thing. Please do not destroy Pride for you arrogance.

I am a volunteer and an Ambassador of Pride. I was very excited to start the 2010 fund raising… until hearing this. I want my friends and acquaintances to know, I will not ask for, or donate one thin dime to San Diego Pride until these people account for their actions. When, we as Ambassadors of Pride, ask others to support Pride, by attending a function, we are asking said attendees to trust that our hard-earned money is being spent well. I can not give anyone that assurance today.