What a year it’s been. We have seen many historic gay events this past year that give us hope that times may indeed be changing. The Supreme Court reversed the Sodomy Law; Canada approved gay marriage; the MA State Supreme Court decided that the state couldn’t deny marriage to same sex couples; a gay couple won the Amazing Race on TV (they’re no longer together); San Diego’s own Wes won the “Boy Meets Boy,” but he and James were not meant to be; “Queer Eye” is one of the biggest hits on TV …

But 2004 is an election year. The Republicans and the Conservatives are going to use gay marriage as a wedge issue. 2003 has been a good year for our morale. 2004 is going to be a crucial year in determining the course of our future. Let us use whatever clout we have to put into office those that are true friends of ours, not just those who pay us lip service. Let us not compromise our goals. Let us make sure Bush Jr. does not get re-elected, as he will have the power to change the structure of the Supreme Court, which are lifetime appointments.

Let’s all make it our business in 2004 to take that extra step in ensuring our future. We can’t afford complacency. Each one of us needs to do our share.

Thanks to so many new friends in San Diego; my first Christmas here has been very welcoming and delightful. Thank you for inviting me to your homes.

Dr. Greg Scott and Robi Cox, owners of Bacchus House, opened their home to family, colleagues, friends and neighbors for their annual holiday party. Among those invited was Toni Atkins, who represents that district and whom the hosts wanted their neighbors to meet as well. The black tie guest list was so diverse that amidst gay folks were silver-haired ladies and drag queens dressed to the nines. There was a low-key table set up for donations to The Center, but there were no political speeches, nor donation pitches made. It was just a nice, warm holiday party with a very mixed crowd, good food and holiday cheer. At the end of the evening, the party raised over $4,300 for The Center.

Rick Ford also threw a beautiful Holiday party. As you approach his home on Banker’s Hill, you noticed that there was snow — yes, real snow — in his front yard, and yet it was easily 60 degrees. The entire home was beautifully decorated, the fireplace was lit, the champagne was flowing and a harpist added a touch of elegance. Seen at the party were Ben Dillingham, Ron Ferrero, Robert Gleason, Michael Portantino, William Lopez, Darl Edwards, Gene Burkhardt, Al Best, Bill Beck, Richard Britton, Shawn Ingram, Jess San Roque, Pat Washington and many others. Guest feasted on delectable hors’d oeuvres catered by Chelsea’ Gourmet Catering (619) 708-2428. As you left the party later that night, you noticed that the snow had just begun melting. What a nice touch!

A group of concerned San Diegans, headed by Chris Horton — president of the Imperial Court — made a significant difference in the lives of residents of Casa Hogar Las Memoria near Tecate, Mexico. Gathering a group of friends and family, and soliciting donations, they adopted the residents — most of them people living with AIDS — and visited the hospice on a regular basis. This past Thanksgiving, they brought turkey across the border and served a Thanksgiving dinner. For one resident, it was the first time he had solid food in months and brought tears to his eyes as he tasted his first turkey meal in a very long time. The week before Christmas, they ventured another trip and again brought food and presents, including a personal CD player for each of the residents. I tip my hat to this notable group for their dedication and compassion.

I decided to take a last minute flight home and boarded a JetBlue flight the day before Christmas to New York for the holidays. JetBlue has become my airline of choice for trips between San Diego and New York City; with no lines, new planes, personal Direct TV, good service and low prices. However, with the terror alert raised to high, I was apprehensive about taking this trip, especially with New York as my destination. Except for a few more security personnel, I did not notice any more strict scrutiny of hand carried items. In fact, it was the first time they did not open my wig case. These days, it is simply easier to check in my luggage than try to explain the “unusual” personal items I bring along on my trips. I usually try to nap during the flight, but not this time. When we encountered turbulence somewhere above Ohio, there was a hastened beat in my heart. Five and a half hours later, I let go of my grip on the armrest and realized how white my knuckles were. As the taxi drove away from Kennedy Airport, I heaved a great sigh of relief and knew that air travel has indeed changed forever.

Green Tomato, the Kensington restaurant, recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. I found out that the name of the restaurant was not inspired by the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, as many thought. Co-owners Royce and chef Alberto (formerly with 5th and Hawthorne) were busy discussing the concept of opening a restaurant together in San Diego, while driving back from Atlanta, when they crashed into a green tomato field. And thus the restaurant was born.

I recently went back for dinner and found the restaurant just as delightful as before. My friend Toni Rose and I tasted the sea scallop/crab cakes and they were excellent. The delicately sautéed scallops were done just right over the very tasty crab cakes served with a tomato tarragon cream sauce. The fried green tomatoes were succulent and sweet, despite the cornmeal breading being a bit too heavy that night. For entrees, we tasted the Flat Iron (flank) Steak, which was served with a subtle red wine reduction with garlic, shallots and dried cranberries. Another excellent choice was the Seafood Linguini with clams, tilapia and shrimps in a nice rich broth over whole-wheat linguini. They were out of the tilapia sautéed with ginger and lemon butter, and I hear that the lamb chops, filet mignon and the pork chops are also favorites. For dessert, I was won over by the carrot cake with walnut and pineapple, and the very smooth pumpkin mousse pie with toasted coconut was heavenly. The place has that elegant ambiance with candlelight, double linen and attentive service. Average price for entrées is $18.

Green Tomato also serves lunch and weekend brunch, with an average price of $9. Brunch fares include a variety of omelets, quiches, benedicts (including crab cake benedict); and a selection of grilled shrimp, chicken or salmon salad; plus an array of sandwiches. Lunch menu includes a selection of starters such as steamed spicy clams or fresh ahi sashimi; clam chowder or green tomato soup; pizza and sandwiches; and lunch entrees such as bluenose sea bass steamed with ginger, soy-miso and scallions; baked salmon in a honey glaze or the perennial favorites tilapia, flank steak and seafood linguini.

Green Tomato is a good combination of fine food, tasteful decor, and good service at a very reasonable price. Happy anniversary Royce and Alberto!

Look for Club Montage opening on Sundays. Yes, starting in February, Club Montage will open at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday nights. Now you can party all weekend long at San Diego’s largest nightclub.

Need a little New Year lushness, as in foliage? Well, stop on by Flowers by Sean at 3768 Fifth Ave. (it’s located inside the patio at David’s Coffee House). Owner Sean Morton offers a bevvy of beauties in bloom that you can pick up at the shop or can be delivered to your home or to a loved one. Give Sean a call at (619) 296-1500.

As we bid adieu to 2003, Let me just take a moment to thank you all for the pleasure of your company this past year. My new life here in San Diego has been an eventful one and many of you have been very kind and welcoming. Thank you for letting me share some of my thoughts with you this past year, and thank you for taking the time to read this column. I will be signing off from my winter palace in New York City and watching the ball drop in Times Square, hopefully with a flurry of light snow. Here is a sincere wish that you are all blessed with good health and good fortune in 2004.