Well, I’m off again, this time to the state of Nebraska for five days but I’ll be back for Pride 2010 and let’s roll out the red carpet to our visitors next week and show them all what a friendly and welcoming community we are here in San Diego.

An editorial in last week’s Union-Tribune stated, and I quote, “…we offer this memo to Carl DeMaio: Politics 101 teaches that he who counts his chickens before they hatch often ends up with egg on his face.” Indeed after over a year of bragging all over the city that he would get an outsourcing initiative on the November ballot and spending over $200,000, City Councilman Carl DeMaio suffered a major defeat and embarrassment when it was announced that he had not gotten enough signatures. But then it has been a bad month for DeMaio as he has been on the losing vote against a new Library, City Hall and angered many Latino leaders with his vote for Arizona’s new anti-immigration law. Top that with last week’s City Beat article concerning Carl’s relationships with his lover Johnathan Hale and putting over $16,000 in campaign money to Johnathan Hale’s SDPIX and SDGLN, it’s the talk of the town with even my phone ringing off the hook from political movers and shakers. Even a member of the city’s Ethnic Commission called me and others and who knows what’s coming up. And let’s not forget Carl DeMaio and Johnathan Hale bragging all over the community that it was the end of the Gay & Lesbian Times and Michael Portantino, and guess what, we are still here and aren’t going anywhere. Word is that other media outlets are doing their own investigations and everyone is getting calls from reporters. While I agree that Carl’s dreams of becoming our next Mayor have been very much damaged and probably will now go nowhere, he is still a political force to be reckoned with. And he still has the support of the local Tea Party people and some of the conservative wing of the Republican party. I agree Carl has changed a lot in the last year, as San Diego continues to move to a more Democratic city with a huge growing Latino population. Carl DeMaio is becoming more out of step with a majority of San Diegans including, sadly, his own GLBT community. I hope it isn’t too late.

This past 4th of July weekend, Councilman Todd Gloria and I headed up North for Oceanside’s annual Independence Day Parade with this year’s theme, “Celebrating 68 years of military history.” The great people of the North County LGBT Coalition and G.L.O.B.E. had organized the first GLBT contingent in the history of this patriotic parade. Thousands of people lined the streets including many active military personnel and veterans in this “Marine Town.” While there were a few ‘boos,’ the overwhelming reaction of the crowds were supportive and positive for this historic first GLBT contingent. We carried a banner that read “We Support All of Our Troops,” bravo to North County!

Milk Foundation to honor Mayor Sanders and Senator Kehoe

Next Thursday, July 15th, you’re all invited to kick-off our 2010 Pride weekend by joining Stuart Milk (2010 Grand Marshal) and the Harvey B. Milk Foundation as they present four prestigious “Milk Honors” to Mayor Jerry Sanders, Senator Chris Kehoe, City Commissioner Robert Gleason and Lisa Sanders; an evening of pride, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and honoring outstanding leadership and achievement. This will be a benefit for the Milk Foundation ($75 minimum donation), the July 15th event will be from 6-8 p.m. at the most beautiful mini-estate (1041 Cypress Ave.). For more information, call 619-692-1967.

Next week, from July 12-23, history will be made when the first time at City Hall (202 C. St.), there will be an official celebration and exhibit of San Diego’s LGBT History that you’re all encouraged to stop by and see. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors! Yes, I came up with this idea, but it could not have been possible without the support of the Lambda Archives, Councilman Todd Gloria and staff, the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and my hard-working and dedicated City Hall LGBT Exhibit Committee. This will become an annual display during Pride Month like other ethnic and community annual exhibits at City Hall.

The hottest ticket for next week’s pride weekend is a great comedy night on Friday, July 16th at the North Park Theatre (2891 University Ave.). One of the most outrageous and fun stars of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, yes the one and only comedian, Alec Mapa will be hitting the stage and it will be a night full of laughs and surprises including another fab comedian, Dana Goldberg of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Get your tickets today at the North Park Theatre box office, it’s all a benefit for the Human Rights Campaign. See you all there!

Let’s see now, City Councilman Todd Gloria and some of his buddies want all of us to forget about the homophobia and hate that we GLBT San Diegans were subjected to in the 1970s and 80s by this family. All for thirty pieces of silver. Todd, you and others stand on the shoulders of many GLBT men and women, many whom are no longer with us who’ve paved the way for you. If the Pernicano family has changed, then why didn’t they send any family members to your ribbon cutting ceremony Todd? They sent only a business employee. Everyone knows that the reason the Pernicano’s Restaurant was never sold or re-opened was because the old man hated how Hillcrest “turned gay,” and let everyone know that as long as he is alive, he will not let it go. Now some of the Pernicanos know that the old man, whom is 92, could kick the bucket at anytime. And they are trying to make some money and will probably sell it after he dies. But we are supposed to forget decades of hate and homophobia? What about an apology from this family or a donation to a GLBT social service organization? Todd, you’re all wrong on this issue and your statements ring hollow.