Once again the Human Dignity Foundation’s annual gala, “Springtime in the Park” was a smash success, congratulations to Bill Beck, Jay Hill and all the hard working committee members and volunteers!!!

For the first time in the history of San Diego we have a progressive majority on the City Council (six Democrats and three Republicans) and now we find out the FBI has been wire tapping these city council offices for two years. What angers me most is the sensationalistic rumors, innuendos, etc. that many in the media are spreading … TV Channel 8 even had the nerve to conduct a poll, asking if the three councilmembers should step down until the investigation is over, … Read my lips: HELL NO! These men have not been charged or arrested … they are now innocent unless they are proven guilty. I know these men and they are honorable, honest public servants who deserve our support and loyalty. They are young, bright and are the future of this city and speak for a new generation of San Diegans.… They are not the longtime, downtown, conservative good-old-boy establishment that used to rule our city. I believe in Michael Zucchet, Ralph Inzunza and Charles Lewis…. I feel for what they and their families must be going through. We of the GLBT community have always been a loyal constituency…. Let us now stand by our friends.

These past few weeks I’ve been meeting with different candidates for our new Chief of Police and City Attorney…. These are two very important offices that affect our GLBT community…. I will making my endorsements and recommendations for these two offices.… As a member of the Chief of Police’s Advisory Board I want our new chief to continue in the forward and positive footsteps of past Chief David Bejarano. Though I have disagreed at times with City Attorney Casey Guinn … I have always liked him and am proud of his domestic violence program, leadership and open door policy toward our community, openly gays/lesbians on his staff, attendance at our events, etc. At this time I am leaning towards Leslie Devaey to replace him.

Usually when I’m in Sacramento it’s on a weekday, when the state legislature is in session. This past weekend I was invited to speak at a gala benefit (at their ugly convention center) and while it was mostly a social time for me I did have some side political meetings. I was the guest of prominent businessman Terry Sidie (a recent Mayor’s appointee) who owns Verona Village River Resort (five prime acres) Faces (Sacramento’s No. 1 gay nightclub), Club 21, Hamburger Mary’s etc. etc. I stayed at the Clarion Hotel, which is right across the street from the Governor of California’s old mansion. I met with very handsome John Boyd, Sacramento’s first openly gay candidate for city council in the upcoming election…. While Terry was the perfect host and a gentleman, Sacramento is one boring city.

Two local GLBT organization’s members are having private discussions among themselves about upcoming elections this year for the “presidency” of their organizations. In both cases one of the leading candidates is a straight woman…. The two organizations are the GSDBA and the Imperial Court. While both women are respected by the organizations, some have expressed that they feel that only GLBT individuals could understand our community best, including issues of personal discrimination, homophobia, etc. One of these two women has a gay son. While the Imperial Court has never had a full reigning straight “Monarch” neither has the GSDBA. Both positions are elected. Both organizations have straight members. The Imperial Court’s Board of Directors has two current straight women who were elected to these positions…. I have heard from both GSDBA and Imperial Court members as to their opinions, pro and con, on having a straight person — male or female — lead their organization. I believe that a person should be judged solely on their qualifications, commitment and record…. After all, we have had “gays/lesbians” elected to straight organizations (atty. Todd Stevens was elected president of the prestigious San Diego County Lawyer Association). But others point out that our GLBT organizations “missions” and “goals” include equality and civil rights, homophobia … which only one of our own can feel and know. Have people of color organizations elected “white” presidents? No, not really. So what is your opinion??? What do you think??? Write a letter to the editor and let us know….

This is Asian-American Month in the U.S.A. and this year our GLBT San Diego Pride has made us all proud by selecting Jess San Roque as a co-grand marshal of our annual parade … an outstanding and deserving choice and, after 29 years, the first GLBT San Diego Asian to be so honored. City commissioner Julia Legaspi and Jeffery Tom have for years been at the forefront of GLBT visibility and representation when it comes to the Asian Pacific-Islander Community. At times Jess San Roque has been almost like a single warrior when it comes to the issue of AIDS and his community. Jess has put APICAP on the map and works almost 24 hour a day for his and our community. Congratulations Jess … this type of recognition is long overdue.

Lots of new changes and good vibes and attitudes are at the Brass rail with popular Hal Frost now the sole general manager. Hal has some new ideas and is going to make the Rail’s nights hotter and more popular than ever. The Brass Rail’s original “Noche Latino” nights on Thursdays ad Saturdays are still as steamy as ever … and “Brown Sugar” on Sundays and Fridays rocks all night long. Wednesdays are now girls night out, with a lot of beautiful women … so check out the Brass Rail and we’re glad to see you back on top Hal!

Tonight, May 22, don’t miss the legendary Jeff Palmer live at Bourbon Street, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Then, on Memorial Day, May 26, Bourbon Street will feature a Beach Party Blowout, starting with a barbeque at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Hottest Swimsuit Contest and a Best Tan Line Contest at 6:00 p.m., with over $300 in cash and prizes hosted by Ophelia.

Of course, for those of you that loved Club Hedonism at Rich’s, you’ll want to make sure and drop by this Saturday, May 24, for a Club Hedonism Reunion Party — and don’t miss Rich’s Fusion 2003 party this Sunday, May 25.

Remember when Gene Burkhard owned International Male and its store was the place to shop and get the latest fashions and the coolest threads…. Well, those days are long gone but now we have Blink, which is the hot new store for all your needs, be it clothing, jewelry, men’s accessories, etc. Blink (142 University) is also a great looking store with that trendy New York look…. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable of the latest styles and what’s hot … so check out Blink — it will definitely become the first stop for all your shopping needs.

Recently the prestigious San Diego Metropolitan named GSDBA board member, 29-year-old William Lopez, as one of its 40 business people under 40 to watch in San Diego. Lopez, of Alternative Strategies, offers a full-service agency that provides advertising, public relations and creative services, including graphic and web design. He is also the YMCA’s youngest board member…. Congratulation William Lopez — you’ve made our community very proud.