While the primary election is over … and while we will have a short break, it’s not over ‘til the “Fat Lady” sings … and she will not be singing her last note ‘til November.

On election day morning city attorney candidate Michael Aguirre was attacked on the popular Rick Roberts radio show for taking contributions from gay bar owners because some gay bars have video stars as special guests. Bar web sites were looked at (two recent charity events had video stars) and Aguirre was attacked for his association with the “adult/porno industry” because the bar owners have video stars at their events. Both City Attorney Casey Gwinn and Rick Roberts jumped all over Aguirre who was blindsided by the unfounded and false attack. To make things worse, some gay “leaders” urged Aguirre to return the checks until this issue was cleared up so that four gay bar owners had their checks returned. … Mike Aguirre, who is a strong advocate for gay civil rights and equality (a 30-year record) immediately defended the bar owners and is meeting with them. This slanderous and ugly attack on our bar owners and trying to link them with the pornography industry is an outrage. I know Casey Gwinn and Rick Roberts and like these guys, but am very upset and disappointed at how they handled this issue without even looking into the facts. No gay bar owner has any ownership with the adult industry … and gay bar owners have made political contributions to everyone from Mayors Hedgecock, O’Connor, Golding and Murphy, etc. Bar owners in the gay community are outstanding business people and also make big contributions to countless social service agencies including child abuse centers. Mike Aguirre is being attacked for his gay support and now more than ever we must stand by him.

This past Monday night I had dinner at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, future City Attorney Mike Aguirre and Bob Lehman (member, San Diego County Veterans Board) while our dinner conversation was “all off the record” it covered many areas. While Republican Dumanis will remain neutral in the city attorney race, Senator Dede Alpert, State Assemblywoman Chris Kehoe and Councilmember Toni Atkins have joined the Aguirre bandwagon … By the way, Mike won in all eight council districts! I received a nice call from Lori Saldana who won her Assembly race like “David versus two Goliaths.” I plan to meet with Tricia Hunter as well as Saldana before I make my endorsement. Dr. Pat Washington and I stopped by Vince Hall’s headquarters a couple of days after the election to give him our continuing love, support and a big hug … as far as we Hall loyalists are concerned, “It is just a dream deferred.” I’m having lunch with popular Councilmember Brian Maienschein this week … He is considered a future candidate for mayor in 2008. Word is supporters of Todd Gloria for city council in 2008 are already organizing and making plans … in politics indeed the “early bird gets the worm.” Tom Felkner will be heading up GLBT Vote 2004 for the general election. He has big plans. Word is right wing Republicans from all over the state have made Chris Kehoe their number-one target to stop her election to the state Senate … Kehoe’s campaign must become our number one priority. Word is La Jolla business leaders are urging Peter Janopaul to run for city council in District 1 in the future. Scott Peters must be reelected to the city council as his opponent is an arch conservative Republican who is pouring in hundreds of thousands of dollars into his campaign … Hello Democratic Club, when are you going to grow up and stop withholding your endorsement of Scott? Meetings will begin soon of the Hillcrest Street Committee to get a street named after Jess Jessop.

Many restaurants and businesses donate food for countless charity, AIDS, civil rights, GLBT organizations and political fundraisers and all these donations are very much appreciated, but five truly stand out for their always giving and never saying no. … I want them to know how very much we as a community appreciate them and thank them: Ono Sushi, Hamburger Mary’s, The Abbey, Bourbon Street (catering) and Hash House A Go Go … let us support those who support us. I urge you to patronize these places.

Yes, the GSDBA Exp 2004 is coming up soon, Thursday, April 29. It is the annual event to introduce the general business world to our growing gay market, “From Gay to Z”, so call in today for your booth space, table, etc., as they are going fast. Phone (619) 296-4543 for more information.

Yes, San Diego’s number-one award-winning video bar, Flicks, will celebrate its 21st anniversary on Thursday, April 1, and the whole town is showing up to wish owners Joe and Nigel and their outstanding staff a big happy birthday … there will be food from the award-winning Ono Sushi … giveaways and a top outrageous comedian to entertain you. So mark April 1 on your calendar and just follow the crowds.

Boycott the new clear channel country music station 95.7 FM and only support KSON 92.1 FM and 97.3 FM (north county). There was a recent tape of the morning show producers for 95.7 FM plotting to create a promotion that was aimed at taking advantage of our military families who have loved ones away at war. The only country music station that cares about our military and our community is KSON. t