The Center’s “LGBT San Diego Delivers the Vote” is going on in full swing with thousands already taking the pledge and registering to vote… look for a huge GLBT rally a week before the election (Nov. 2). Please register to vote!

I first met Charles Lewis over 10 years ago when he worked in the District 4 City Council office… we became friends as I worked with him on a few projects. When he ran for city council, about 90 percent of the GLBT leadership and activists supported his opponent… the GLBT people of color leaders and a few others supported Charles Lewis. We hosted a fundraiser luncheon for Charles at Taste of Szechuan that raised $4,000… after Charles won we hosted a GLBT community reception so that people could meet him and his beautiful wife, Carletta, at the home of Dr. Greg Scott and Robi Cox….

Charles Lewis was not a politician but a true public servant; he was a true Christian who accepted all of God’s children. I attended his “State of the District” address… he loved his community and our city… and many of us love him in return. I am proud to have been his friend and to have supported him for office… I believed that the recent FBI controversy entrapment and lies took its toll on this caring young man… now he is at peace with God. My deep condolences to his wife, parents and staff who were like a part of his family… I will miss him and our friendship deeply.

Last week’s 33rd annual Imperial Court Coronation, “A Military Ball”, drew as usual a very diverse crowd. Congratulations to our new Emperor Chris Horton and Empress Lala Too look for an outstanding and very productive reign. Job well done to outgoing Emperor Robi Cox and Empress Cristina… over $85,000 was given out during their reign. Among the honorees at Coronation XXXIII were the honoring of Sir Shawn Ingram and the Lady Dr. Pat Washington. Jess San Roque of APICAP received the annual Queen Eddie Award and Ben Dillingham received the 2004 President’s Award by court president Linda Childers.

Congratulations to Priority Pharmacy and Bacchus House who received the annual Mrs. Alma Rosa Vasic Business of the Year Award.

Six outstanding young lesbian and gay students received the 2004 Nicole M. Ramirez Student Scholarship (since 1979 over $200,000 worth of student scholarships have been given away).

I would not call this one of our best coronations in the last 33 years (worst sound in history), especially compared to last year’s fabulous event… but we do sincerely appreciate all your attendance. A great job to our emcee, Coco LaChine… and the “medals of honors” to three men who stayed the entire evening go to: Robert Young (aid to Mayor Murphy) Steven Whitburn (president of the San Diego Democratic Club) and Ben Dillingham!

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest, most powerful GLBT voice and lobby we have in our nation’s capital… it is one of our most effective national voices as well for GLBT equality.

You’re invited to attend an HRC “Federal Club Mixer” on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Club Montage from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. with fabulous food hosted by the one and only Morton’s (the best steak house in the world) and Rockin Sushi. As a past national executive board member of the HRC, I can’t tell you enough about how important this organization is and how much it has done. For info: (619) 472-3836.

Last year, I attended the first annual GLBT-pride event in the South Bay at the beautiful Heritage Park in Otay Ranch (Chula Vista) and it was a fun and great day, with a big crowd. This now annual event is organized by the great people of Family Matters and you are all invited to Gay Day in South Bay next Sunday, Aug. 22…. We are indeed everywhere in this huge county of ours, and our GLBT families are growing bigger every day. For more information, phone (619) 298-5431.

Next Thursday, Aug. 19, I urge you to have a meal at Crush, Hamburger Mary’s, The Abbey Café, Indulgence Café and Bakery, California Cuisine or any other participating restaurant that on this day is supporting “Dine Out for Equality”; part of their proceeds will benefit the Marriage Equality Caravan.

I think it’s terrific that these outstanding restaurants are once again giving back to our community, so let’s support them and this important event… Hmmmm… I wonder if I could hit all these restaurants in one evening? For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the Dine Out for Equality website.

A recent issue of the prestigious San Diego Magazine recently issued its annual “Best Restaurants 2004 Readers and Food Critics’ Poll”. Among those that made this coveted list are: Best Chef in all of San Diego… Deborah Scott, of course! Best Neighborhood Eatery: Kensington Grill; Best Thai: Taste of Thai; Best Italian: Arrivederci of course made the list; Best Breakfast: Hash House A Go Go; Best Barbecue: hooray for Phil’s; Best Takeout: Pick Up Stix; Best Pizza: who else but Bronx Pizza. A very big congratulations to our city’s world-famous Hamburger Mary’s, who made both the Best Local Burger Joint list and Critics’ Pick.

Club Montage presents superstar circuit DJ Julian Marsh this Saturday night, plus CD giveaways and afterhours until 4:00 a.m.