For the first time in California history, a lesbian democrat and a gay republican are running against each other. Toni Atkins (D), and Ralph Denney (R) will move on to the November 2nd general election for State Assembly of California, District 76.

Toni Atkins has been dedicated to San Diego politics for so long you’d have to be living under a rock to have not heard of her. After more than ten years of efforts including renovating parks and neighborhoods, and defending the environment and worker’s rights, she still shows enthusiasm and determination to work toward a better future. Atkins resides in the South Park neighborhood with her wife JenniferLeSar, who has also made many recognized efforts within the gay community, such as using her real estate development background to arrange new housing for homeless GLBT youth.

Ralph Denney has been a member of the Log Cabin Republicans of San Diego for almost a decade now. Denney’s campaign is very much concerned with the public school system, the state’s budget, and citizen’s rights. As a single father of two living in the Hillcrest area, he is a CFO/Business manager and a community volunteer, concerned with improving the quality of California’s education system, raising our students’ test scores, hiring teachers, and financial accountability. He describes himself as a family man who happens to be gay, but more importantly a moral Christian Republican.

Soon, California is likely to have a total of seven openly gay and lesbian state legislators in the next term, up from five currently. In Sonoma County, Jill Ravitch won her race for District Attorney, becoming California’s second openly lesbian DA along with San Diego’s Bonnie Dumanis (R). GLBT politicians are becoming more common than ever at rapidly growing rates. Nowadays it is not as much of a scandal to be an elected GLBT official. Being outed while in office doesn’t necessarily mean losing your position anymore.

What this all adds up to is progress and becoming closer to having our full rights. “Gays and lesbians don’t pay tithing, theirs religion is politics,” says Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), “Republicans need to get the money flowing the way the gay community does for Democrats.” While this comment may be offensive and ignorant, there may be some truth to it.

The notorious “Long Jaw Bandit,” Roger Bruce Jones, 44, of Tijuana, did not discriminate in businesses he robbed. He hit three F Street Bookstores, other adult businesses, grocery stores, 7-Elevens, office supply centers, shoe stores, a bank, drug stores, electronic stores and gas stations.

Jones plead guilty to all 35 robbery charges on March 8 and won another two-month delay in his sentencing on May 27 after his lawyer told San Diego Superior Court Judge Eugenia Eyherabide he wasn’t prepared for sentencing.

Jones will return before Eyherabide on July 16 and faces a maximum term of 39 years in state prison. Jones remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility on $500,000 bail.

Jones was dubbed the “Long Jaw Bandit” after witnesses told police he had a jutting jaw. Deputy District Attorney Allison Worden described it as a “pronounced jaw.”

Jones admitted he had held up three F Street Bookstores in Chula Vista, San Ysidro, and on Miramar Road. He also plead guilty to holding up two Adult Emporium stores in San Diego, as well as Romantix on El Cajon Boulevard, and Fantasy Adult Books in Spring Valley.

Since he lived in Tijuana, Jones apparently didn’t know his images on security cameras were broadcast in television newscasts. He left his fingerprints on a counter at an office supply store, and police agencies matched them with Jones’ fingerprints as he was on parole, according to court records.

Police issues a warrant for his arrest apprehended him on Dec. 26, 2009, while he was trying to enter the country at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. They have not disclosed the amount of money Jones stole.

It is almost that time again for one of the largest AIDS charity events in the world, AIDS LIFE’s Life Ball, in its 18th year in Vienna, Austria July 17th. While this event is not local, who doesn’t need a vacation, Get one of the last tickets available to this once-in-a-lifetime exclusive glamorous Vienna-style costume ball and walk the red carpet with Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Clinton, Elton John and hundreds of A-list celebrities. Fashion icons Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg present a glittering gala opening fashion show with top runway models. The Life Ball features a wide variety of live international performances from operetta to pop, from midnight to sunrise, in the richly decorated ballrooms. Tickets are approximately $200 and available through AIDS LIFE U.S. tour operator Steele Luxury Travel for more information visit www.lifeball.org

If you want to be a part of this great organization, please inquire! Help us with our 2011 Festival and Monthly Screening Series!

Examples of opportunities include: Board of Directors Member, Task Force, Special Committee Member, Festival Events, Advertising, Demographics, Advertising/Sponsorship, Hospitality, Fundraising, Film Programming, Website & Media, and Community Outreach.

Please send resume to:

FilmOut San Diego

1010 University Avenue #1869

San Diego, CA 92103

or fax to:

619-512-5157

www.filmoutsandiego.com

info@filmoutsandiego.com