This past weekend I traveled out of town to visit my mother for “moms day”… it’s always good in a way to get away from it all and go back home… my brother was his usual “witty” self (yes, he’s gay too) and the food was fabulous (lobster and prime rhb!)…. A big “thank you” to Michael Mack and Todd Kaufman who made this trip to my mom’s possible.

A big “thank you” to the hundreds of you who attended this past Sunday’s 28th annual Nicky Awards… as County Supervisor Ron Roberts said, it was good that our community was honoring the San Diego Fire Department as the ballroom was packed to overflowing and we probably were breaking every fire code! CBS television Star Search champion Mark Mejia and National Children’s Champion Jessica Sanchez stole the show with huge standing ovations for their unbelievable vocal talents. Yes, $19,000 was raised from the podium with checks and pledges for Equality California and Mayor Jason West’s defense fund, who was in our state from New York and was honored at the Nicky Awards for his courage to continue marrying GLBT couples in his city despite facing over 25 criminal charges. Popular Congressmember Bob Filner received a well-deserved “Lifetime Achievement” honor for his decades of fighting for equality of all citizens. Joyce Marieb, one of the nicest women in our community (and hardworking), also received a Board of Governors honor for her service to the community with Stepping Stone, AIDS Walk and of course the GSDBA. The San Diego Fire Department and Fire Chief got a well deserved standing ovation… the event co-hosts from Fox 6 News, the beautiful Maria Arcega-Dunn and the handsome Ruben Galvan, did a great job. All the credit for this smashing success of one of the best Nicky Awards ever goes to its 2004 president, Jess San Roque… bravo and thank you Jess! District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis looked great and our Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins received a huge standing ovation. It was great to see our next city attorney Mike Aguirre, and State Assembly candidate Tricia Hunter was also very well received. Robert Young was representing Mayor Murphy (this is the first and last time we have this event on Mothers Day but we had no choice after another huge conflict).

Next year we will return the Nicky Awards to April and the following three changes will be made: First, only the top 10 in every category will be nominated; Second, there will be no acceptance speeches; Third, the two emcee/hosts will give out all the awards. Though the evening flowed nicely (out by 10:30 p.m.), every year we learn a lot and make changes. But one thing is for sure from all the comments – this was the best Nicky Awards ever…

The next community awards show will be in the winter with the return of the 92103 Awards!

With our GLBT community’s recent Children’s Easter Egg Hunt drawing about 300 children ages 1-12, the sponsors of this event, the Imperial Court and Family Matters proved how much our GLBT families are growing…. For many years, Family Matters has been here for our GLBT families, holding many events, and its membership is growing. (Info: 1010 University Ave., PMB #803, San Diego, CA 92103) So coming up on Sunday, May 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be another Family Matters event, “A Kite Day and Picnic” at Mission Bay at Ski Beach… all families are invited. For further questions, phone the wonderful Marci at (619) 298-5431.

In just one night at Bacchus House’s weekly “Noche Latina” on Wednesday nights, $4,800 was raised by the fabulous hostess Franceska. She announced her pledge to the Tijuana AIDS Hospice that she would somehow get them a badly needed van to transfer their clients… the Bacchus House crowd responded with $4,800 raised, and this past week a great new red van was delivered to the hospice in Tijuana. The money raised was processed through the Tijuana AIDS Fund of the Imperial Court… a great big hug and bravo! to Franceska, Emperor Robi, Dr. Greg Scott and everyone who gave at Bacchus House.

This coming Saturday, May 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is our annual GLBT Health Fair at The Center… It is important for all of us to take the time to stop by and learn more about nutrition, cancer, holistic health, child healthcare, arthritis, mental health, fitness, seniors, etc.… There will be HIV testing and blood pressure screening… It is important that we learn more about our bodies and our well being. A big thank you to the major sponsor, Priority Pharmacy… and I hope to see you all there… It is free and everyone is invited and welcomed.

For over 30 years, Bridget J. Wilson has served our community with her leadership, activism and volunteerism… especially in the field of civil rights and GLBTs in the military. This outstanding citizen, lesbian and attorney is the 2004 honoree of the seventh annual “San Diego GLBT Community Banquet” taking place June 27 at the beautiful U.S. Grant Hotel… so mark your calendar. Tickets are only $75 (and no chicken dinner, either!) with the proceeds benefiting the Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant and with a special donation made in her name to the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund. For more information, call (619) 254-6372.

Every year, Mama’s Kitchen throws its fundraising event, “Mama’s Day”, at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla, and it is spectacular and fun…. This year, it was the greatest, with more than 60 of our city’s top restaurants serving up some of their best… I always mark this event on my calendar, and yes, eat like it was a condemned man’s last meal on death row!

Congratulations to co-chairs Don Caulfield and Elisabeth Bergan, and of course to Mama’s Kitchen hard-working executive director Alberto Cortés and the beautiful board president, Stacey James!

The award-winning Club Montage and Bourbon Street are hosting a wild, fun boat cruise during Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 30, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. aboard the beautiful ship “Spirit of San Diego”. This super-popular event is always sold out, with hundreds of men hitting the two decks… tickets are now on sale for only $30 before the event (the L.A. Factory’s DJ Jack Jones will be doing the spinning). There will be a post-cruise party at Bourbon Street from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. For further information, call (619) 294-9590. By they way, some of the proceeds are going to The Center and the Human Dignity Foundation.