I believe our GLBT community has opened up a Pandora’s box with our pushing “Gay marriages”… I support and believe that “Gay unions” should have been on our agenda and that this “Gay marriage” issue is going to blow up in our face and cause a big political backlash and become a major issue in the upcoming presidential campaign.

Jess Durfee’s three elected terms as President of the San Diego Democratic Club have just ended and he did a great job and was one of the club’s most effective and visible leaders. Under Durfee’s administration the club got more sophisticated in technology, with voter data and tracking voting patterns more effectively. The San Diego Democratic Club was voted the club of the year by the county central committee during Durfee’s last term. While many of us have differences with the Club and some of its stands and especially with its very low GLBT people-of-color membership, Jess Durfee should be given credit for making a serious effort in reaching out to the people-of-color communities and attending their events. Now comes word that Durfee is being urged to run for the chairmanship of the San Diego Democratic Party… he is already considered the front runner and his election would make him the first “openly gay man” to hold this position… our community owes its gratitude to Jess Durfee for his three years of leadership and activism on behalf of equality and the civil rights of all of us.

Popular Councilwoman Donna Frye will be the special guest of honor at a GLBT reception/fundraiser in honor of the leading candidate for city attorney, Mike Aguirre. The entire community is invited to this event this coming Monday, Feb. 23, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the beautiful home of Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman… there will be a hosted bar and great hors d’oeuvres. Mike Aguirre has a 30-year record of supporting GLBT rights and has been endorsed by many GLBT leaders and activists… for more information phone (619) 692-1967.

Many of us are very upset over the campaign of political hack Heidi Von Szeliski who has hardly any record in our community other than being paid to work on campaigns. Most of our community leaders and activists are strongly supporting Vince Hall for the 76th State Assembly District and do not appreciate the attempts of Sacramento power brokers to shove Heidi down our throats… if you look at her campaign fundraising a lot of her money comes from outside of the 76th Assembly district. While Vince Hall is considered the front-runner, as for me personally if Heidi Von Szeliski wins I may support and endorse Republican Tricia Hunter who is pro-choice and supports domestic partnerships.

In a historic first joint sponsorship… a GLBT organization and an African-American organization will hold a “touch screen voting machine demonstration” this coming Saturday, Feb. 21 (2:00-4:00 p.m.), Wednesday, Feb. 25 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) and Monday, March 1 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) at the Malcolm X Library (5148 Market St.). This joint event is open to the public and our community is especially invited…. For more information phone (619) 582-5383.

Also, Numbers is hosting a fundraiser for Toni Atkins this Wed., Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m. Come show your support!

Did you know that the flu is the most frequent cause of death from vaccine-preventable diseases in our country?! The flu virus is spread through particles that are coughed or sneezed through the air.

The good news is that Priority Pharmacy (3935 First Ave) is offering the “Flu/Cold Comfort Kit” for only $4.99! This kit, which I have used and highly recommend, includes Vitamin C, generic Tylenol, generic Robitussin and Halls Fruit Breezers… So run and get yours today. Phone (619) 688-2290 for more information.

Yes, you can win $1,000 in cash and another $1,000 in prizes at Bourbon Street’s upcoming King & Queen of Mardi Gras Contest this coming Tuesday, Feb. 24… contestants are being sought for this wild, colorful event on Fat Tuesday night…. Bourbon Street’s “Seven Days of Decadence” is now going on with sinful events going on every night, including major video stars from Falcon and Colt Studios… part of the proceeds will benefit the Ben F. Dillingham Fund…. Phone Bourbon Street at (619) 291-4043 for more party information.

It’s “Treasure Chest” night every Saturday night starting at 10:00 p.m. and every half hour someone gets a chance to select a key that may open a real treasure chest, with every week an additional $50 added, along with more prizes, until someone wins…. Right now there is $250 in the treasure chest. This fun game is sponsored by that handsome gentlemen Robert Nadel of Mercedes Benz of San Diego… stop by and maybe you will get a chance at opening up Flicks’ treasure chest!

Also, Rich’s has a new L.L. Bear night, every third Saturday starting Feb. 21, with $3 Buds, and music by guest DJ Jimmy Spaulding.