Sometimes you need to just get away from everything and try and enjoy yourself… so this week I took up my friend Todd Kaufman’s offer to take me to Disneyland and yes, the Nixon Presidential Library… though it was only for two days, I got to relax and forget about things… I’ll tell you all about my trip next week.

Months ago I stated that our American troops should all leave Iraq… as I’ve stated, I lived through the Vietnam War and believed our president who turned out to be lying, and I see this as Vietnam all over again… now more and more of our young women and men are getting killed or seriously wounded. We cannot shove democracy on this country and we all know that just like when the communists took over Vietnam, so will militant Muslims take over Iraq. We must stand by our troops while they are there, but must lobby our government to get them out… now.

My heart broke when I could not attend the official dedication of our community’s Wall of Honor… I was having a bad health day but I am doing better. A special “thank you” to Ben Dillingham for stepping in for me and speaking on my behalf. Special “thank you’s” to Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis… also to our Center staff, especially Dr. Delores Jacobs and Shawn Ingram. To Robert Gleason (Center board president) and Linda Childers (Imperial Court president) and my fellow committee members: Sharon Parker, Judi Schaim and Jeri Dilno… to all of you who attended (thank you to our county treasurer; Dan McAlister, for attending and for your call)… it’s so wonderful when one’s dream becomes a reality, god bless you all… I urge you all to check out “the wall” at The Center and learn about some of our community’s pioneers and “heroes”.

Two good friends of mine (they both served on the state board of Equality California) were in San Diego last week for two different events. Mayor Ron Oden of Palm Springs was in town for a special Equality California reception held at Margarita Mary’s (thank you for the special award presented to me as a past state co-chair) good job to hostess Atty. Paula Rosenstein.

The next day I attended The Center’s Marriage Project reception with Mayor John Duran of West Hollywood at Bourbon Street. I had a great time as “master of ceremonies” and it was nice meeting the past state chair of Log Cabin Republicans, Brian Perry. Another great job to the event’s organizer, Brent Miller, and co-sponsor SDPix.com

First of all, I am very, very honored, touched and humbled by my selection as the Grand Marshal of the 30th anniversary San Diego Pride parade.

I’m also very honored that my mother has agreed to attend the Stonewall Rally and ride in the parade with me… personally, this will be a highlight of my life… my mom and I together at a “homosexual parade”. Yes, it’s true – I never have been named Grand Marshal of our parade, so this is so very special and thank you to all those GLBT organizations and activists who nominated me and wrote letters to the Pride board, especially such public officials as: Mayor Dick Murphy, County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins, councilmembers Donna Frye and Ralph Inzunza, Congressmember Susan Davis and all the other officials….

Coming up on Thursday, Aug. 19, Marriage Equality and Immigration Equality will be holding the fabulous “Dine Out for Equality”, when participating restaurants on Aug. 19 will donate a portion of their sales to both organizations. I urge you to support… for more information, phone (619) 291-1230 or (619) 220-8119.

Last week, Richard Britton (of Numbers and The Flame) and I were the guests of Mayor Dick Murphy at the “City Box” at Petco Park to see the Padres vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks game (yes, the Padres won!). I had never been to Petco Park, and let me say, all San Diegans should be proud as we have one of the most beautiful ball parks in the nation… something for the whole family… it has become the jewel of our downtown.

Many friends I have known have died with no wills made up, or written wishes for their funerals or memorials. I remember years ago when Queen Eddie was first diagnosed with cancer and still was in good health, she took me out to lunch and gave me her last request all written out. When she died five years later, I (thank god) found it and her memorial was exactly how she requested… we should all have wills made out, as sometimes “families” come in and change everything, including almost throwing out a lifetime partner… also, if you’re in the hospital, how about the continuation of life support for how long?

I am putting the final touches on my will and last requests… and you should think about our community organizations in your wills… this process has made me feel more comfortable and given me peace of mind… I recommend attorney Rick Kerman, (619) 595-1379, or attorney Bruce Abrams, (619) 255-0481.