Spring is here and summer is on its way so it’s time to get your body in shape. Get your medical check-up … join a gym … and wave to me when you jog by the restaurant where I’m eating!!!

In politics four years is not a long way off and if we are going to keep the 3rd District Council seat in our community then we better start taking a look at what will be a wide open race with no incumbent (Toni Atkins will be termed out). Most agree it’s time we elect an openly gay man to office and the following three men are the front-runners and want to run. So keep your eyes on them, as they are possible serious candidates and I predict one will be our first gay councilman.

Todd Gloria, currently San Diego Regional director for Congresswoman Susan Davis, a bright young man who will appeal to a new generation of GLBT community members, and past chair of The Center’s gala dinner as well as being a person of color.

Jeff Gattas, currently chief of staff to Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins and past member of the staff of a popular Assemblywoman. He’s well connected at City Hall and involved with modern democratic groups.

Robert Gleason, currently chief financial officer and General Counsel of Evans Hotels, he is the chair of our Center’s board of directors and is vice-chair of The Old Globe Theatres. He has outstanding ties with the mainstream business community and is a city commissioner appointed by the mayor.

You’re all invited and urged to attend the installation of officers of the San Diego chapter of NOW and the election of Dr. Pat Washington as the first African-American president of NOW in San Diego. That’s this coming Wednesday, March 24, at the beautiful home of Attorney Bruce M. Abrams. Special guest flying in will be the first African American woman elected national president of NOW, Ms. Aileen Hernandez. … It’s going to be a prideful and wonderful night so I hope to see you all there!!! Phone (619) 582-5383 or (619) 692-1967 for more information.

This week are the birthdays of five outstanding members of our community … five individuals who are known to always give back and are loved by many: March 16, Al Best, the first openly gay candidate to run for city council in San Diego; March 16, Richard Britton, chair of the Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant and co-owner of Numbers and the Flame; March 17, Graig Morgan, long-time community fund raiser, auctioneer and past Emperor; March 18, Rick Ford for decades always giving financial contributions to countless causes and president of All Worlds Inc.; March 19, Linda Childers, chair of the Toni Atkins Health Fund and chair of the upcoming “Community Easter Egg Hunt” … always giving and always volunteering. Happy Birthday, to these heroes of our community.

Big community congratulations to San Diego’s longest running GLBT publication Update, who will be celebrating their “Silver Anniversary” this Saturday evening at our Center. I was once a writer for Update and I remember fondly Don Hauck, Pat Burke and Queen Eddie … Let’s remember these three great people and give them a toast this Saturday. So happy anniversary, Update and especially to Tom Ellerbrock, Richard Wood, Ren Petty, Tryce Czyczynska, Bob Fox, Russ Connelly and my Czarina Norman Bricker and the entire Update staff!!!

Last week I had a great lunch (California Cuisine of course) with popular City Councilman Brian Maienschein who is on a very short list of those who will be our next mayor in 2008. Maienschein is the only councilman not to have to face any opponents in his re-election and took care of his district and our city during the recent fires, spending many sleepless nights out in the field. While most of our conversation was “off the record” Brian admitted that many are already pushing and lobbying him to run for mayor in the future. He hasn’t made up his mind as he has a new baby, beautiful wife and, hey, he says maybe he will return to his private life. But I predict a great future for Maienschein!

Yes, that handsome young man who has now won $200,000, a recording contract and is the “Champion” singer of CBS’ popular hit show “Star Search” has been booked for the 28th annual Nicky Awards, set for Sunday, May 9th. … The 2004 Nicky Awards will have a new look and some great surprises that will soon be announced. As usual 100 percent of all proceeds will benefit community organizations. The May 9th event, which is always sold out, will be held at the beautiful Wyndham Emerald Plaza Hotel. Phone (619) 229-2822 or (619) 692-1967 for more information.

Dr. Sean and Jessica at Cagle Chiropractic, located in the Uptown Center in Hillcrest, are hosting a Patient Appreciation Day for their clients, on Saturday, March 20. They’ll also celebrate the opening of their new location, still in the Uptown Center but to a larger space just steps away at Suite C201, on the same level (2nd floor), 1010 University Ave. The community is invited for food, beverages, music and complimentary adjustments and consultations for all – to celebrate their wonderful patients! Call (619) 295-9791 for information.

I just love the play M Butterfly, it’s one of my favorites and it’s coming to the Diversionary Theatre and the word is it will be another big hit … M Butterfly is the real-life story of a French diplomat who carried on a 20-year relationship with a Chinese opera star, never realizing that this most perfect woman was indeed a man!!! It’s been a hit play and also a movie so get your tickets today for this outstanding play which will be at the Diversionary Theatre from March 20 through May 8. Call (619) 220-0097 for information and tickets. I know I’m going, as I would not miss it for the world.