Sometimes you just have to take time to stop “and smell the flowers”… I just recently realized in well over three decades I’ve never traveled to another city or state if it wasn’t related to a GLBT board meeting, speaking engagement, coronation, conference, etc. Never just to go out of town for no reason than just to relax or have taken a vacation… it’s been like I’ve been married to the GLBT movement! Needless to say, I’m going to start changing this part of my lifestyle…

Well, my pal Todd Kaufman picked me up and we were on our way to Disneyland (after stopping by Payless Shoe Store to buy some comfortable tennis shoes). We checked into the Anabella Hotel right across from Disneyland and got a great room deal. Indeed, Disneyland is the “happiest place on earth”. I love Fantasyland, and soon realized the last time I visited Disneyland was almost 20 years ago. I tried a few rides then went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for the nighttime fireworks and the fun Fantasmic show… For great food, I recommend the Blue Bayou Restaurant and the Rainforest Café.

After a good night’s sleep, Todd and I headed to the California Adventure Park… what a big bore! But do check out Golden Dreams, which does spotlight GLBT state notables. Also, Soarin’ over California is a great ride, but forget everything else.

Richard Nixon was the first candidate that I supported for President, governor, then President once again. So Todd and I took the 20-minute trip from Disneyland to visit the Nixon Library, birthplace (the home he was born in is in the exact, original location that his father built) in Yorba Linda. This is also the final resting place for President Nixon and Pat Nixon… I had the pleasure of meeting the entire Nixon Family in the 1960s and this visit brought back a lot of memories for me… thank you, Todd, for making me take off for two days… it was just what the doctor ordered… very relaxing and yes, fun!

Finally, on this year’s upcoming election ballot there will be a proposition for a sweeping retooling of our city’s timeworn municipal government.

I strongly urge your support for a “strong mayor/council” form of government. It’s long overdue that San Diego not be run by our city manager. Yes, the mayor will have veto power, but then the city council can get five votes to overturn a mayor’s veto. Right now, for the first time, San Diego has more registered Democratic Party voters, a Democratic majority on the council (seven) and I believe this election will see the last election of a Republican mayor… For our city’s future, support a stronger mayor/council form of government.

For years, our community has been talking about when will a new nightclub on the cutting edge open in San Diego… well fasten your seat belts, as I got a preview tour of the new Flame, which will be opening at the end of the month. Trust me, it will become the talk of the town and rock our community… Not only a totally new logo, but also a totally new remodeled and designed nightclub, one that will set the standard for all nightclubs from now on. First of all, The Flame will be two dance clubs in one! Yes, you read right, two new completely different dance clubs under one roof, including a “VIP section”… it will also be ready for the summer heat with the newest state-of-the-art air conditioning. With three bars and two huge stages, the new Flame will be the place to shake your booty and be seen… that’s The Flame, the future in nightclubs now right here in San Diego… get ready to follow the crowds!

The “Real World” has always been a great reality show on MTV and many of us looked forward to this season which was filmed in San Diego… but unfortunately we got the worst cast ever as it was one big continuing brawl with endless drunken bouts which ended up with two cast members landing in the San Diego County jail! The only highlight and positive thing was the unbelievable scenic shots of our beautiful city… some of the best I’ve ever seen… breathtaking. There were not GLBT members of the cast, though I did fall in love with hunky Brad… The “Real World” in San Diego is over… Thank God!!!

Summer is here and its time to get our bodies looking good and in shape from head to toe so here are some suggestions:

Great Earth Vitamins (between 10th and Vermont streets, next to Ralphs): Popular Bob Mitchell and staff have been proudly serving our community for over 24 years… they can get your act together for a more healthy you.

24-Hour Fitness Gym: Get your body in shape for those hot summer fashions… popular gym in Hillcrest, (619) 683-2424… join today!

Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Treatments! Yes, the Institute for Aesthetic Medicine (9339 Genesee Ave., Suite 250) is the newest way to smooth wrinkles and tighten your skin: Botox, Restylane, etc. I’ve had it done and it’s great and your lines and wrinkles go quickly away… free consultations: (858) 678-0220.

Artistic Cosmetic Dentistry! Yes, it’s Dr. Jeff Keeny (1807 Robinson Ave., Suite 101). Not only for the regular dentist checkup, but to get your teeth looking whiter and fabulous! (619) 295-1512.

Tanline (269 W. Washington St.) if your tan starts to fade this is definitely the place all year long! (619) 238-7161.

The Caliph (3100 Fifth Ave.) has always been a popular spot for decades and, recently under new ownership, it is well worth checking out once again for great entertainment, a beautiful patio and an outstanding deli! And oh yes, some of the best drinks in town! Coming up this Saturday, July 10, will be an outrageous and fun “Comedy Night” at 8:00 p.m. with comedian Adam Hunter and featuring Don Boland and a special performance by that fabulous group, Blue Velvet… so check out The Caliph – you’ll be back!