Congratulations to the GSDBA, our community’s “gay and lesbian chamber of commerce” who this week are officially celebrating their 25th anniversary!

I found the national and local media coverage on the death of former President Ronald Reagan an outrage… it was like a moment to canonize him with sainthood. As I’ve said, the media has to take responsibility if they are going to cover the administration and eight years of a so called “great” president that they also discuss his human failings and his entire record… the media did not do this but went out of their way to fall all over themselves in proclaiming “Saint Ronald”. The foreign press noticed, as I did, the complete lack of people of color coming out in California and Washington, D.C. for his “laying in state” and funeral (and Washington, D.C. is almost 70 percent African American!).

Only KNSD/Channel 39 News went out of their way to give the Reagan administration a balanced report and I thank the many of you who called about my interview criticizing Reagan and his complete failings on AIDS. In the San Diego Union-Tribune, award-wining journalist Preston Turegano’s commentary was on target, especially comparing the media coverage of Reagan to that of Princess Diana!

The Reagan administration failed America on AIDS, the environment, labor fairness, civil rights, Iran-Contra, the poor and the homeless.

About two months ago, the father of Bob Lehman of Bourbon St. had a heart attack and Bob and his long-time partner, Tom Felkner, took off and spent a month with family… now they have decided to spend the summer with their family.

As usual, many rumors and stories are all over town and yes, true concern about these two popular and generous community activists and businessmen.

For over five years, Tom and Bob have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our GLBT community organizations, politics, AIDS, etc. etc. I know a lot of people take them for granted, “expected” their support and really many times did not show them the appreciation and respect they deserved… I and many will miss them and as for me, they are both more to me than friends… Tom and Bob are family. Popular general manager Michael Mack will continue to be in charge while the boys are gone.

San Diego’s GLBT community will be making history next Friday, June 25, with the inaugural unveiling of the first “GLBT Community Wall of Honor” in the nation.

All of the 2004 Inaugural Honorees are, sadly, deceased: Jess Jessop, Barbara Crusberg, Brad Truax, Tawny Tan, Tom Homann, John Ciaccio, Neil Good, John Eberly, Thom Carey, Clint Johnson, Corrine “Martie” Mackey, Gary Rees, Rob Shepard, Robert Walsh and Jerry White. The dedication will start at 6:30 p.m. sharp… our community’s heroes, pioneers and trailblazers… come celebrate their lives, contributions and memories. Each year, more honorees will be inducted, both deceased and living. For more info: (619) 692-2077 ext. 811.

Mark your calendar; you’re all invited to the seventh annual San Diego GLBT Community Banquet which this year is honoring longtime activist Bridget Wilson, esq., for over three decades of leadership, services and activism that has benefited our community… Bridget especially stands out when it comes to our GLBT members in the military… for decades fighting for their rights… her role during the AIDS crisis was also important. The dinner is on Sunday, July 11 at the U.S. Grant Hotel (7:00 p.m.). Tickets are only $75 (and no chicken will be served!). All proceeds benefit the Ben Dillingham Community Grant and the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund… For info, reservations, tables: (619) 254-6372, (619) 254-6371 or (619) 692-1967.

Two heterosexual women who have gay sons have been elected president and vice president of one of San Diego’s oldest social service organizations’ board of directors. Yes, the Imperial Court de San Diego, Inc. congratulates Linda Childers (of the annual GLBT Community Easter Egg Hunt) and Marie “Mama Wheels” Munoz (African American activist and disability advocate)… both are hard working and proven fundraisers.

The Imperial Court has welcomed “everyone” as members for over 33 years and is proud to have the biggest people of all colors membership of any GLBT organization in San Diego… this recent election is another example of the Imperial Court’s rich diversity.

For many years, Delta Air Lines has supported and sponsored GLBT organizations, events and causes, including AIDS agencies… I am, as you know, a strong believer in supporting those businesses that give back to our community. National business magazines and studies show that our GLBT community travels and takes more vacations than almost any other community… so why not pick an outstanding airline with outstanding and friendly service? Also a big “thank you” to Delta’s Western Region Marketing Manager Grant Reeder for doing such a great job and being so supportive of so many causes and events… fly Delta!

Right in the beautiful downtown Gaslamp District is the classy and popular Prava Hotel (911 5th Ave.) and they roll out their red carpet to our community. My very own mother and brother will be staying there next month. GSDBA members get a special discount and for San Diego Pride: $149 for two nights and $169 for three nights (based on 2 persons/ $20 for an extra person). In the stunning Prava Hotel is the fabulous Nectar Restaurant with outstanding California cuisine. For more information, contact Nicky Award-winning personality Dora Guillen at (619) 233-3300 ext. 107.

The notorious David Forrest of L.A. and his agency, which covered “call boys, models” all over southern California, has been arrested again for “pimping and pandering” in a Los Angeles-based sting that resulted in the arrest of some local San Diego “models” and “video stars” (including a bust at a posh downtown hotel). One of the San Diegans arrested did what some other callboys did and turned “state evidence” on the infamous David Forrest. I had a long talk with San Diego police officials and this “sting” was definitely Los Angeles law enforcement-driven which led to local San Diegans being arrested.