If you have not heard of this place, maybe you have never had an orgasm.

The Rubber Rose, located at 3812 Ray St. in North Park, is owned by local activist Lea Caughlan. For the last four years she has dedicated her life to educate the community about not only sex and pleasure, but about sex health and social justice. The Rubber Rose philosophy has always been, “Be more than a store. Exist both to educate and titillate the communities we serve.” Her website www.therubberrose.com articulately explains it as: “A space where healthy and joyous exploration of sex and sexuality is encouraged and embraced, facilitating the development of a stronger, safer and more educated sex positive community.”

Some people have never felt comfortable in a sex shop, or even near a sex shop. But this is not some raunchy little porn shack. This is a sexuality boutique, adorned with sex toys, books, art and more. It is an unbelievable source of sex education and sex health. It stocks its shelves with only skin safe/ body safe products that are all free of phthalates, a chemical softener used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient. Phthalates are found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo. You would hope that all sex shop owners would be concerned about your safety and health when purchasing items from their store, but the reality is that a lot of shops carry products containing this chemical. A lot of them don’t care.

Another attribute of The Rubber Rose are its workshops. Lea has been known to host sex workshops at her store SDU, UCSD, Women’s Fest, etc. If you have ever been to one of the workshops you would know that it is not all about pleasuring yourself or others, but how to use a certain toy properly. Topics involve queer rights issues, women’s right’s issue, social justice, race, class, population and more. When I think back to all the events I have attended at The Rubber Rose I cannot help but think about how I would have never had these opportunities if I lived anywhere else. How I would not feel as comfortable as I feel in a sex shop if anyone less educated than Lea Caughlan was my primary supplier of accessories. We need to support this independent business owner who is trying to make a difference in our community. Show her that her continuous outreach and efforts to improve our quality of life do not go unnoticed. Keep it classy and go stop by The Rubber Rose or visit www.therubberrose.com. I guarantee you will learn something new. Maybe about yourself, or maybe about someone else. Rarrar!

This year’s 26th annual Cityfest, in my opinion, was the most entertaining thus far. EmCee Laura Jane, whom I dubbed “MC of Everything,” created a very inviting atmosphere throughout the entire festival. A recurring theme of her banters with the crowd involved pointing out the diverse audience. I recall her implying being happy about gays and straights all in the same place in our beloved Hillcrest with their families and friends. I was glad that she mentioned it. I am always excited when I see the two worlds come together, to sing, dance, drink and be merry. Maybe you’ve not noticed, but this does not happen nearly enough in San Diego.

The music this year was definitely a huge improvement from the previous years. Eleven different bands on one stage, in the middle of 5th and University, was the most efficient and convenient way to showcase the local performers. The line up consisted of bands of many different genres, ensuring that you would enjoy at least one of them. The two bands that stuck out in my mind were The Burning of Rome and The Tighten Ups. The two had nothing in common with one another except for the fact that they both demanded the audience’s attention. As I watched from the Hapenstance balcony I could see everyone jumping up and down and screaming, having a really great time. As a performer this year, I have to say that it was my most favorite time I have ever had performing outdoors. The sound crew were tight, the audience was really open-minded and supportive and it was amazing to be able to rock out on a big stage practically under the pink neon Hillcrest sign. Thumbs up this year SD.

I am not going hold my breath, but I like being a first class citizen. That is all.

San Diego’s very well-known Uni Heights bar Bourbon St. is now known as Bourbon St. Bar & Grill. That’s right; B St. is also a restaurant, serving all your Creole favorites. They are also offering a skewer bar that ranges from veggies to ginger sesame pork. Bourbon St. Bar and Grill also updated and upgraded their beer selections, now offering local beers and more beers on tap. Word on the street is they are also going to carry Gluten-Free beer for those who can’t handle the wheat. YAY! Also, the bar will have some form of entertainment every night starting on the restaurant’s grand opening on August 12th. Also from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. every Thursday, yours truly will serenade you while you dine on New Orleans’ staple cuisine. For more info on the restaurant please go to www.bourbonstreetsd.com.

I am sad to say that this week’s edition of “Punk rock from the block” will be my last for an undisclosed amount of time. I have made the decision to put the column on hold because of my hectic work and performance schedule. I wish to continue but there are just not enough hours in the day. I would like to thank the GLT and my supporters for this opportunity to voice my opinions and perspectives and involving me even more into the gay community. When there comes a day I only have one job, maybe, I will be able to bring you the punk rock news again! On that note, I leave you with a musical pick of the week. The Geraldine Fibbers “Lost somewhere between the earth and my home.” key tracks...”Dragon lady”, “Lilybelle”,” Marmalade” and “Baby off baby. That’s my story and I am stickin’ it to ya.......one last time. l