A very Rosh Hashanah to our Jewish community and next week, Yom Kippur begins.

I wish to make something very clear. It has been well-known that I’ve been a Gay/Latino activist now for over 40 years. I wear many hats; activist, writer, entertainer, etc. I’ve known all these GLBT officials before they got elected. I respect all their services as public servants and they have all sought my advice from time to time. Some have been like “sons” to me and believe it or not, I truly like all of them and some are like family to me. But like all “families” or friends, when it comes to politics we definitely do not agree on all issues and I have, in fact, criticized all of them in my columns. In my opinion, Chris Kehoe should not run for Mayor, but maybe Congress in the future which she once lost in a very close election. Carl DeMaio is one smart guy who lives and breathes “government,” and like Meghan McCain is out to change the Republican party and minds. Toni Atkins will be our next State Assemblymember and probably State Senator and Mayor in 2020. Todd Gloria, I agree with Mayor Sanders who said he is a future Congressman, U.S. Senator. Bonnie Dumanis I hope, does run for Mayor. I like them all but I will continue to disagree and criticize some of their stands in this column which I’ve been doing since 1973!

What a great nation: free health care, Gay marriage, Gays in the military, etc. I was at the only GLBT library in North America on a campus; the Pride Library at the University of Western Ontario and presented an award to its founder, Professor James Miller. I also stopped by St. Andrews Church for the 30th anniversary of the M.C.C. and had a great time with Rev. Troy Perry and Rev. Paul Whiting. Though I was busy with meetings and speeches I did get to see much of this beautiful country which I always love visiting.

In the last year, Lt. Dan Choi has received wide media attention and risen fast as an acknowledged symbol for fighting to lift the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”policy. A West Point graduate, son of a Baptist minister, handsome and articulate, the proud 29 year old Korean-American stopped by San Diego this week and we had lunch at Baja Betty’s. I got to know Dan when we were elected National Co-Chairs of the March on Washington in 2009. Lt. Dan Choi has appeared on countless programs from MSNBC’s the Rachel Maddow Show to Bravo’s Kathy Griffin Show. As usual, with any high profile gay activist, Lt. Dan Choi has been praised and attacked for some of his actions from chaining himself to the White House fence to disrupting the Senate Majority leader. Lt. Dan Choi is a new breed of GLBT activist who views things differently. There is no doubt that Dan Choi loves his country and his community and deserves all of our respect. At times I have mentored and advised him and I believe he has a bright future ahead and hope he does move back to California. As I’ve said so many times before, “You can tell our gay pioneers and activists by the arrows in their backs,” and Lt. Dan Choi has gotten his share of arrows but trust me, it has made him stronger. Thank you Dan Choi for your service, activism and leadership.

For over 40 years, Robin Tyler has been one of America’s leading gay activists, national marches and rally organizers, comedians, civil rights leaders, etc. She is one smart, funny and politically savvy Jewish dyke that has helped shape our movement since the 1970’s, and now her life story of activism comes to the stage of the Diversionary Theatre from Sept. 16-19, her one woman show is called, “Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Groom” and it’s a must see play that will make you laugh your butt off. Join Councilman Todd Gloria and I when we welcome Robin Tyler to San Diego at her Friday, Sept. 17th opening show. For tickets or information, call 619-220-0097 or visit www.diversionary.org

Popular and award-winning chef, Chef Chris Walsh has closed his restaurant Bite and this is a loss for everyone. These are indeed hard and difficult times for restaurants and many small businesses. Chris Walsh and Bite always gave back to our community with its fundraisers and causes. Please support our gay owned businesses that give back to our community. Shop Gay! When we support them, they can in turn support our community and its organizations. Thank you Chris and Sam, we hope to see you back behind the stove soon!

Run, don’t walk to the newly remodeled, super chic and beautiful Bourbon St. Bar & Grill. Now serving great food at an even greater price! Last week, a group of us celebrated Cheri Reeves birthday and what a fabulous dinner. Their Bourbon Bleu Burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted, also I highly recommend the Bourbon Mixed Grill and Tri-Tip Sirloin Sandwich. Trust me, all three menu items are out of this world. Most of their menu items are from $5 to $12 Tues., Thurs, and Sun. till 10 p.m. And do try their Bourbon St. Glazed Apple Cobbler, totally out of this world! Our waitress Heather was great and Manager Chuck and staff made everyone feel at home. Bourbon St. is a 5 star hit!

Next week is the launching of a very exciting new event/organization in San Diego’s GLBT community; Urban Pride at the Center, Saturday, Sept. 18th from 6-8 p.m. Calling on all people of color to come out and find out about Urban Pride, see you there!

Coming up next Sunday, September 19th is the annual Family Matters BBQ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all GLBT families, children and parents are invited. For more information, call Jane at 619-692-2077 ext. 121. l