Hey, don’t forget the special Oscar party and viewing (with food and great door prizes) this coming Sunday, February 29 at The Center… get your tickets today!

2004 will be one of the most important election years in the history of our GLBT community…. Our fight for equality and civil rights will either continue to move forward or take a big step backwards. Not one of us… no one in our GLBT community 18 to 108 years old can afford not to vote and get involved. Please, I beg of you to vote this coming Tuesday, March 2… vote like your life depends on it… because in all actuality, it does! For recommendations on how to vote, check out GBLT Vote 2004, Gay & Lesbian Times and Democratic Club endorsements… thank you.

This past Monday night, over 200 people attended a special community townhouse meeting on the growing gay marriage issue… while many viewed it as a great turnout and success, many of us see it as a bad beginning. The entire official panel and official speakers were ALL GLBT white leaders and activists… not one person of color. Many people of color leaders and activists informed me they did not even know about the meeting, and were not called or invited. We cannot win on this issue or any, or fight for our GLBT civil rights without people of color communities, leaders and visible speakers…. This is not the first time such a community meeting left out people of color participation and speakers…. I and other people of color activists are disappointed, angry and find this continuation of these kinds of GLBT public presentations unacceptable and an insult to people of color communities… period.

I want to take this time to thank the many of you who continue to support the Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant…. Once again, this week, a family who could not even afford to cremate their son who died of AIDS was helped because of this important fund. Almost a dozen funerals and cremations have been provided to those who could not even afford this last dignity in one’s life. Thank you to the fund’s chair, Richard Britton and especially Bourbon Street, who designated the Ben F. Dillingham Grant as the charity recipient of their successful Mardi Gras celebrations.

There are two especially important campaigns that will have an effect on our community… Toni Atkins is facing a tougher challenge for reelection than expected… please do not take her election for granted. Reelect Toni Atkins for City Council.

Assemblymember Chris Kehoe is termed out and is running for the State Senate, so we must replace Kehoe with a solid community supporter…. Vince Hall has been our friend and advocate for almost two decades… the choice is clear, vote Vince Hall for State Assembly.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has named Mike Aguirre as the frontrunner in the race for the next city attorney of San Diego… and they are right, as Mike Aguirre has been a fighter and advocate for the civil rights for people of color and our GLBT community for over 20 years. This past Monday, a fundraiser/reception for Aguirre was held at the beautiful home of Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman… great food, speeches and the appearance of City Councilmember Donna Frye, who is a strong supporter of Mike Aguirre. Among the many GLBT leaders and activists in attendance were: Atty. Charles McKain, Richard Britton, Jess Durfee, Jeri Dilno, Dr. Greg Scott, Larry Baza, John Richardson, Dr. Pat Washington, William Lopez, Joe Letzkus, Peter Janopaul, Jess San Roque, Robi Cox, Dr. Maggie Anderson, Chris Horton, George Murphy, Michael Portantino, Eugene Heytow, City Commissioner Julia Leaspi, Linda Chiltens, Big Mike Phillips and many more…. The Democratic party, GLBT Vote 2004, the City fire fighters, the Sierra Club, the San Diego Labor Council, the Police Officers Association, the Gay & Lesbian Times, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and countless others urge you to vote Mike Aguirre for city attorney.

Last week, Jess San Roque, fellow city commissioner Julia Leaspi and I attended popular City Councilmember Charles Lewis’ “State of the District” address, held at the Cultural Complex whose auditorium was overflowing with hundreds of people in attendance. Charles Lewis had a lot to be proud about, with crime the lowest ever in District 4 and all the improvements and new businesses…. Councilmember Lewis has become a good friend of our community and it was good to see such a great turnout for his event…. Also, congratulations to Jess San Roque, executive director of APICAP, who was honored by Councilmember Lewis for his leadership on the issue of AIDS in the Pacific Islander community.

It’s time for another fabulous boat cruise on the beautiful San Diego bay on the ship “The Spirit of San Diego”. It is coming up Sunday, March 7 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. with a sumptuous champagne brunch, entertainment and lots fun, friendship and socializing… all to benefit the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. The chairman of this year’s event is one of our community’s most respected citizens, George Murphy…. For tickets or further information, phone (619) 236-1257.

In celebration of Leather Pride week, Club Montage is throwing one of it’s most popular parties. It’s the 7th annual Arrested Party. Dance yourselves into submission with DJ Mike Duretto. Live erotic shows and giveaways from All Worlds Video! Call (619) 294-9590 for details.

Together with the Gay & Lesbian Times and Alternative Marketing Strategies, the Miramar Speed Circuit is hosting it’s first Gay and Lesbian Night on Monday, March 1 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. For $36, you get unlimited go-kart racing and catered food. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their website.

One last thing, congratulations to the owners of Numbers — Nick Moede, Richard Britton, and Butch VonRyan — who have just purchased the Flame. It will keep the name the Flame, but keep your eyes open for some makeovers.