The Center’s ‘LGBT San Diego Delivers the Vote’ registration is in full swing, so register today, as volunteers are all over town signing people up.

Lucky Lighting has struck Bourbon Street and our community twice with the new owners of Bourbon Street being two brothers with an outstanding business reputation and a solid record of giving back to the community. They will follow in the footsteps of popular past owners Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman, who our community owes much to for their five years of giving and supporting so many causes and organizations.

Meet the new owners of Bourbon Street, brothers Michael and Bill Weiss, of Philadelphia, where they own five nightclubs (two gay: called Pure and Bump). Michael is the gay brother (in a 20-year relationship with Michael Skubish) and Bill is the straight but not narrow brother. Both are very popular and respected businessmen in the city of Philadelphia.

Currently, Michael Weiss is an appointee of the mayor of that city, and is also, with the state’s Senate vote soon to come, will be an appointee of the governor of Pennsylvania. The Weiss family has been in Philadelphia for five generations and believe in giving back to their community and city.

They have some big plans for Bourbon Street, including a restaurant, and will keep popular general manager Michael Mack as the captain of the Bourbon Street crew. Michael tells me he is very excited about this new team and says, “Keep your eyes on Bourbon Street.”

Michael and Bill Weiss have an outstanding reputation for giving to their community center, AIDS agencies, civil rights and political causes…. Be on the lookout for a special welcoming reception. They are both buying homes here, and welcome to San Diego, Michael and Bill… we’re happy you chose our community.

The beautiful home of Dr. Greg Scott and Robi Cox was packed for a special GLBT community reception for our next State Assembly member, nurse Tricia Hunter. Among those who spoke in support of Tricia Hunter were our nation’s first elected openly lesbian district attorney, Bonnie Dumanis. Dr. Al Best (San Diego’s first openly gay candidate) spoke about Tricia Hunter’s support in those early years of AIDS. Also in attendance was Councilmember Frank Tierney (the first openly gay council member of Coronado).

There were many Democratic activists and business people in attendance, but I will not mention their names so that some of their fellow Democratic smear mongers will not attack them! I will tell you there were over 40 GLBT leaders, activists and business people in attendance, with 95 percent of them Democrats.

A big thank you to Ono Sushi, Hamburger Mary’s and Margarita’s for the great buffet! While I think Tricia Hunter’s opponent, Lori Saldaña, is a good candidate, I feel Tricia is a better-qualified candidate and, as a nurse, understands the important issues of healthcare, AIDS, cancer, etc.…. She has been on the front lines for decades.

Well, I’ll be gone for a few days to Sacramento where I’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker at their annual “Rainbow Rally”… the mayor of Sacramento will be introducing me at the rally, so I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. I will be speaking mainly on the upcoming election and voter registration and the GLBT marriage issue… 20,000 people are expected at this annual GLBT event at our state’s capital, which will include participation from many elected officials… I’m honored to have been asked to be the keynote speaker at this event and hope to do San Diego proud!

A great crowd showed up last week for a support meeting/rally for Dr. Pat Washington and her current discrimination case against SDSU. Now over 20 academic and social justice organizations are supporting Dr. Washington.

The event, held at Springfield College, drew some powerful civil rights speakers and was an outstanding rally… keep fighting, Pat, as many of us are with you from many communities.

People will be traveling from all over the United States for San Diego’s first annual Military Weekend taking place Sept. 16-19. There will be a huge military dance called “Momentum on the Midway”… this will be a biggie, with a lot of active military and veterans in attendance. That’s the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network… for tickets or more information on the event visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the SLDN website.

If you love Italian food, then Vesuvio’s Restaurant (3025 El Cajon Blvd.) is a must stop for you… it’s fabulous, with a big menu with dishes that will satisfy your appetite for fine Italian cuisine. This fine Italian family owns about half a dozen Italian restaurants in San Diego County, including the popular Taste of Italy (1013 University Ave.) next door to Flicks.

The staff and management are super friendly and for decades have welcomed our GLBT community (always proudly displaying the rainbow flag). By the way, stop by Vesuvio’s Restaurant any Thursday night, as popular bartender Big Mike is one of your hosts starting at 5:00 p.m.

I am so sick and tired of TV news stations stopping regular programs at any time of the day to spend at times hours following crazy car chases on and off the freeways… I’m surprised all those news helicopters haven’t crashed into each other after chasing the cars from one point to another. Its all boring and a waste of time… and they all usually end the same, with the nut driving the car finally stopping and immediately turning himself in… stop it already!

Yes, former Mayor Maureen O’Connor is right… with the recent death of Helen Copley, “San Diego has lost one of its jewels.”

Mrs. Copley’s generous philanthropy touched and changed many lives and social organizations… almost always anonymously.

While for decades I have disagreed with the San Diego Union-Tribune’s arch-conservative and anti-gay views, as well as its lack of support of AIDS as a serious health priority… things have changed somewhat in the past decade, and the paper has improved somewhat. I offer my condolences to David Copley on the loss of his mother… and hope he will now lead his publications in a more moderate direction.

This Saturday night, Sept. 4, Club Montage throws the big Pre-Black and Blue Party with DJ Phil B. Not only is he one of the most popular DJs around today, there will be a drawing for two tickets to the Montreal Black and Blue Festival, including a five-day package with VIP passes to all events and hotel accommodations.

Sunday, Sept. 5, Rich’s hosts Splashguard 2004. DJ Derek will be spinning. It is the ultimate end of the summer beach party. Check out all the hot lifeguards on duty and Splashguard go-go dancers. Remember, swimsuits are optional. Party starts at 9:00 p.m.!