New York, NY—Earlier today, CNN released a national poll in which they asked, “Do you think gays and lesbians should have a constitutional right to get married and have their marriage recognized by law as valid?” 52% of respondents replied “Yes.” 46% replied “No.” And 2% had “No Opinion.” Sampling Error: +/-4.5 Percentage Points Statement from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, on CNN’s groundbreaking poll:

“For the first time, a national poll shows that a majority of Americans support the freedom to marry and that those who would deny liberty and equal protection to same-sex couples are in the minority. As last week’s federal ruling striking down Prop 8 again confirmed, there is no good reason to continue excluding same-sex couples from marriage. Americans are realizing that gay couples crave the personal significance of marriage and need the critical safety of protections and responsibilities that marriage brings. With many hearts and minds still to be changed, we must continue making as strong a case for the freedom to marry in the court of public opinion as we are making in the courts of law.”

San Diego GLBT Pride will hold its second annual Equality Torch Relay on Oct. 10, within 18 municipalities throughout San Diego County and eight city districts. The community-driven event puts forth a sweeping call for GLBT equality as more than a hundred participants are expected to carry symbolic torches and banners past numerous landmarks and government buildings. This year’s relay, titled “Unite, Inspire, Change,” also commemorates National Coming Out Day a day later (Oct. 11).

“The goal of the relay is to raise awareness of the valuable contributions made to communities by GLBT individuals,” said San Diego Pride co-chair Larry Ramey. “Participants will spread out simultaneously through the areas in which we live, work, shop, worship and raise our children.”

Those interested in taking part are encouraged to visit www.sdpride.org for more information. Participants will set out on their assigned routes at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event, followed by a closing ceremony from 2 to 3 p.m., at the GLBT Community Center. Routes include San Diego’s eight city districts, plus the incorporated cities of North County, East County and South Bay. For more information, call 619-297-7683, ext. 118.

This unique workshop will be held on Thursday, August 26th at 7pm and will cover the basics of GLBT life planning – the minimum legal documents that all GLBT individuals should have in place as part of a basic estate plan, a three-step strategy to building and maintaining a plan, information on basic asset titling and more. This free workshop will take place in The Center’s library and all are welcome. For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.

Do you love classical music? Join music aficionado Jack Nelson for an exploration of classical masterpieces on Tuesday, August 17th at 1pm. This new Music Appreciation Group is very relaxed — more like a listening party than a lecture. Entire works of classical music are enjoyed, followed by discussion. The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month, 2-4pm, in The Center’s library. No music experience needed to participate! For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.

The 5th Annual Fiesta del Sol is a free two-day street festival on August 14-15th. Celebrating the history, cultural diversity and civic participation of the people of San Diego. It’s a fun, family-friendly, alcohol and tobacco free event focused on empowering our communities to achieve positive change. The festival will take place August 14-15 in Historic Logan at Evans and 26th Street from 11 am-7 pm. For more information, call (619) 696-9474 or visit www.fiestadelsolsandiego.org. Fiesta del Sol is presented by Justice Overcoming Boundaries (JOB).

Summer is in full swing and many are spending their days at the ball park enjoying the great American past time while our four-legged friends remain at home. PETCO knows how much we cherish time spent with our pets, so this summer PETCO Park is hosting the “Dog Days of Summer.” On August 27, 2010 PETCO Park goes to the dogs and is inviting pet owners to bring their pals to the park for the this year’s annual Dog Days of Summer. This year, PETCO intends to double the number of dog attendees to 500, meaning it won’t be “ruff” to spend the day with the Padres and your pet. The special events will include pre-game access into PETCO Park for an exclusive “tail” gate party which includes PETCO vendors, events and giveaways. Prior to the game, dogs are invited to strut their stuff in an on-field pet parade where PETCO will award prizes in different categories such as best look-alike and best costume. Applications to attend the event are available at all San Diego area PETCO and Unleashed by PETCO locations and will be accepted through August 13, 2010 on a first come, first serve basis. No walk-ups accepted on event day. Pet and pet parent tickets are only $12 and include one dog admission and one fan admission. Additional fan tickets may be purchased for $5. For more information, visit www.petco.com/petcopark or call 619-795-5198.

North Park Music Thing is an annual 2-day music event, which will take place August 13-14, 2010 at the historic Lafayette Hotel. All conference registrants will learn about the music business during panel discussions, workshops and demo review sessions. NPMT will feature speakers who have been involved in local, regional, and national music. Each night following the workshops, NPMT will showcase over 100 musical acts from the Southwestern United States, on 14 stages in San Diego, California.

All proceeds from the North Park Music Thing will be donated to the San Diego Music Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses its efforts on local musician assistance, music education, professional development, live performance and the annual San Diego Music Awards show recognizing creative achievement in the San Diego music community. The Foundation’s primary goal is to advance artistic growth and increase understanding, appreciation, enjoyment and interest in music and its ability to enhance and enrich the City of San Diego. The tickets range in price from$10-$35 each.

Suffragist Leader Alice Paul, toasts to Suffrage Victory in 1920. Anne Hoiberg, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of San Diego and President of the Women’s History Museum, discusses the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States, which led to the passage of the 19th Amendment. This event will be held at the San Diego Public Library, Wangenheim Room on the third floor at 820 E Street, San Diego, www.sandiegolibrary.org

The court will enter its order on the motion to stay judgment pending appeal (docket number 705) in Perry v Schwarzenegger, C09-2292, between 9 am and noon on Thursday, August 12 PST. The order will be posted on the court’s web page devoted to the Perry case, will be available through PACER and will be available in hard copy at the San Francisco courthouse in the hallway outside the ADR courtroom (16th Floor) and in the Press Room on the 18th Floor.

Our rescue, Help for Homeless Pets, is a 501C3 non-profit. We currently have a litter of five purebred pit bull puppies that are fixed, have shots, wormed, and had flea control applied. They are only eight weeks old and we are having trouble finding homes for them because of prejudice against the breed. We were hoping that the more exposure we get the faster they would be able to move into their forever homes. We are an all foster home organization and they are quickly out growing their foster home. For more information, call HHP Rescue Line at 619-825-6168.