We all must take this recall campaign against Governor Gray Davis very seriously as the anti-gay right wing moves closer every day to having enough signatures to force a recall.… Make sure your friends and neighbors are not fooled into signing these petitions.

Now there are four candidates running for the office of City Attorney of San Diego. Former Assemblyman Howard Wayne’s decision to abandon his race against Chris Kehoe for the State Senate is welcome news indeed. But his decision now to become a candidate for City Attorney has crowded the field of Democratic candidates. While Wayne brings in over $200,000 in campaign money for this race we cannot forget his attack on the San Diego Democratic Club, saying the club’s “reason for existence is to elect lesbians.” Attorney Mike Aguirre has the longest record of support for GLBT issues and civil rights, but many view him as another “Bruce Henderson” or “Peter Naverreno” and feel he cannot win. Deputy City Attorney Deborah Berger has already received a lot of GLBT leadership endorsements as well as many major Democratic leaders. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Devaney has both Republican and Democratic office holders on her endorsement list and is most likely to make the run-off. Our GLBT community and vote has a hard decision to make in this race.… I am continuing to meet with the candidates and I have not yet made an endorsement.

Yes, I am a member of the San Diego Democratic Club but sometimes their leadership and stands get me and other more pragmatic GLBT activists hot under the collar. But the Democratic Club has always been there for our community when it has come to political redistricting, and once again has shown real leadership and made sure our interests were not ignored. Many of you don’t realize that there is an official redistricting committee that is drawing up new boundaries for the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education… and former councilmember George Stevens is on this committee and is doing his best to make sure that our GLBT community is not included. Jess Durfee (president of the SDDC) and the Democratic Club have been to almost all the redistricting meetings and are fighting for all of us.… By the way, Atty. Mike Aguirre has been a vocal ally. I say Bravo! And thank you Jess Durfee and the San Diego Democratic Club for representing us and fighting the good fight.… Oh, by the way, now George Stevens says he may run for the school board.… Isn’t this then a conflict of interest, Ron Ottinger (who, by the way, appointed Stevens to the committee)?

This year’s Tony Awards were fabulous and so very gay (loved the two gay lovers kissing on national TV) but in San Diego we all felt like proud family members when the Old Globe Theatre’s artistic director, Jack O’Brien, won a long overdue Tony Award as Best Director, something he has been for over 25 years! I know I wasn’t the only San Diegan to jump up and down in front of my TV set when Jack won, and his acceptance speech was eloquent and perfect.… I bet when you look up the word “Gentleman” in the dictionary you’ll find a picture of Jack O’Brien. Jack’s hit Hairspray won eight awards that night, and the beautiful and plump Marissa Jaret Winokur’s best actress award speech was one of the best and most “right on” remarks ever given at the Tony Awards show. I saw Hairspray in New York, and let me tell you it deserved to win every award it was nominated for.… A few years ago the GLBT community honored Jack O’Brien with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nicky Awards.… Your community and city continue to be proud of you Jack.… You bring us pride. Always know you’re much loved by many.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 13, at Bacchus House for the annual Miss, Mr., Ms. Gay Pride 2003 contest, one of our community’s most coveted titles, with the winners having a special place in our parade. This year again, Bud Light is the event’s major sponsor and, as usual, Anheuser-Busch continues its support of GLBT events. The July 13 event is set for 8:00 p.m., and will be a fun and prideful night for all. You’re all invited.… Interested contestants can phone (619) 692-1967.

If you want to visit a true Italian restaurant and taste authentic Italian cuisine, then rush on over to Antico Toscano restaurant in Hillcrest.… The food is fabulous, unbelievable and outstanding. Just one visit and you will be hooked and return every week! I’ve never had anything but a great eating experience at Antico Toscano.… I love authentic, real, down-to-earth Italian food, and this restaurant rates as one of the best in Southern California. From their salads, appetizers, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes to their soups… everything on the menu is excellent. They’re open for both lunch and dinner. They have specials all the time and their prices are very reasonable.… Owner Luca Allieri makes everyone feel welcome and makes sure his staff rolls out the red carpet treatment for all his customers. If you’re lucky, tall, dark and handsome waiter Lorenzo (an Italian god) will be serving you.… For further information on Antico Toscano, phone (619) 298-2768 or visit www.anticotoscano.com.

There is going to be a wild fiesta this Monday night, June 16, with outstanding entertainment 7:00-10:00 p.m. and a great Mexican buffet 6:00-7:00 p.m., all at Kickers (308 University Ave.). Your hosts will be Rafael Holguin, John Acosta, Lenette Morales and Franceska.… There will be door prizes and raffles, all to benefit the Tijuana AIDS Fund. The entire community is invited. Phone (619) 523-9500, ext. 22 for more info.… See you at Kickers Monday night.