On the day of closing arguments, Wednesday, June 15, Judge Vaughn Walker heard from both sides for the last time before he is to make a decision in the highly publicized Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, the federal case that challenges Proposition 8, the measure that banned same-sex marriages in California. The rights of the GLBT community hang on the decision of Judge Walker that could potentially take weeks to come to a verdict. The San Diego GLBT community, its members and varying other businesses and organizations will come together for a march and town hall meeting on the evening the court’s decision is handed down. The date is subject to the decision Judge Walker makes which could potentially take weeks, although community members and The Center are taking steps in advance no matter the decision, urging the community to gather at 6th & University at 6 pm, march to The Center at 6:30 pm and stay for the Town Hall gathering at 7 pm. For more information, visit the Prop 8 on Trial – Day of Decision Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Day-of-Decision-San-Diego-Prop-8-on-Trial/128037640562140

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A judge has agreed to hear a case challenging the U.S. government’s “don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy against openly gay soldiers. Lawyer Dan Woods says U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips in Riverside, Calif. agreed Monday to send the case to trial July 13. Woods is representing the Log Cabin Republicans, a group rights group. He says the group hopes to end the 1993 policy by having it declared unconstitutional. If the group wins, Woods says it could set a precedent for the entire nation. The Obama administration supports the drive to repeal the ban but faces a tough road ahead in the full Senate, where Republicans are likely to filibuster it.

A filled courtroom accompanied the June 23 hearing on the Medical Marijuana Collectives. County Supervisor Ron Robert’s position has long been based on the idea that there is a place for medical marijuana in the country’s list of medicines and the country needs to follow this and fill the need. Most other officials stood on the merit that marijuana is a drug that should be regulated and kept in pharmacies, many Robert’s pointed out that this logic is sound, yet it must follow what voters of the state demanded and that is to create a legal process for collective dispensaries. In the Board’s action today, they amended the zoning ordinance amendment, which will be up for an official vote on June 30th, to make all of the buffer distances 1000 feet rather than the varying distances recommended by the planning commission. The former distances were 500 feet from zoning for residential and 600 feet from schools, recreation centers as well as youth centers, playgrounds and parks. It is important to note that each of the 18 cities in the greater San Diego County also must enact similar legislation.

The Annual Big Bay Boom on the 4th of July will take place in downtown San Diego. Fireworks from barges placed near Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village will be fired at 9 p.m. to music from 105.7 “The Walrus” FM radio.

For questions, call 619-686-6200 or visit www.thebigbay.com for parking and shuttle information as well as a map.

“Alec Mapa, self proclaimed “Gaysian,” will headline Stand-Up for Equality at the Birch North Park Theatre on Friday July 16. Nationally known for his roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, Mapa will bring his unique brand of comedy to San Diego Pride for the first time. You do not want to miss him as he dishes about love, marriage, sex and all things “Gaysian.” Early Bird Ticket Prices and VIP Tickets $55.00 (premium seating and a post event reception, meet & greet w/Alec & Dana) or reserved seating $28.00. Late to the Party Prices (tickets purchased after 7/1/10) include VIP Tickets $65.00 or reserved seating $38.00. Buy your tickets at https://tickets.lyricoperasandiego.org/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent214.html

Self-taught guitarist and community involved lesbian Ashley Matte will be performing at Lilith Fair, Wednesday July 7th at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Originally from Morgan City, Louisiana, Ashley moved to San Diego 6 years ago with a passion for music and a sound that was inspired by her Southern roots and influenced by some of her favorite artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer. Her unique style of music and passion for songwriting eventually earned her a record contract with Coach House Records, with her first album release “Colors” on May 3, 2005. Her second album, “No Number No Address” released on June 13, 2009 with a special release show at the House of Blues San Diego. Recently, she performed lived on Fox News on June 28. Ashley Matte will perform at Lilith Fair accompanied by other artists which include Sarah McLachlan, Miranda Lambert, A Fine Frenzy, and many others. For ticket information, visit www.lilithfair.com.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be playing at the Birch North Park Theatre on Wednesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a magical phenomenon unlike anything ever before seen onscreen. An innocent young couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) are stranded at the home of a mad scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played magnificently by the fabulously sexy Tim Curry. With unforgettable song-and-dance numbers that have come to represent the sexual liberation of the 1970s. The memorable songs (“Time Warp,” “Sweet Transvestite”) help make The Rocky Horror Picture Show one of the most bizarrely entertaining and satisfying musicals ever made. Co-presented by San Diego Pride, GLT, Flawles & Bourbon Street. For tickets, visit www.filmoutsandiego.com.

San Diego based musician Lauren DeRose has joined the Gay & Lesbian Times with the inclusion of her new column Punk Rock from the Block in the Social section of the GLT. Be sure to read her thoughts and inside scoop on what is really going on with everything Indie and what there is to do in San Diego.

Contributing Lifestyle column writer and licensed psychotherapist Michael Kimmel celebrated his birthday this past week. From the community and the Gay & Lesbian Times, we wish you a whole hearted Happy Birthday and a giant thank you for everything you do for the community!