Just 12 more days to go before the elections, then it will be all over. The sound bites, the political commentators, the pollsters, the spinmeisters and the fear mongers. As you walk into the election booth, thinks of these words – weapons of mass destruction, our failing economy, Osama Bin Ladin, the high gas price, terrorism, social security, stem cell research, equal rights, pro-choice, affordable health care and drugs, AIDS research. Make up your mind based on hope, not fear. And since I can’t offer each of you a kiss for voting, cause I do not want them coming after me for bribery like they are after Michael Moore, I’ll just offer you dear readers my eternal gratitude for exercising your right to vote and be heard. In fact, offer to take your friends or neighbors to your voting location. This is not the year to be lazy or complacent. By next time, I hope to be celebrating America’s new beginning with President John Kerry. And thank you for allowing me to stand on my soapbox for the last few months.

Next time, we can go back to talking about Martha!

After many years, Martini’s is closing its doors, but do not fret, it will undergo a reincarnation into Martini’s Above 4th. Three really cool guys – Chaz, Dale and Johnny – intend to return Martini’s to its old glory days, but a little swankier. Their plan is to completely renovate the place into a jazzy super-club and cabaret. Gone will be the faux palm tress with twinkle lights and the salmon napkins. In their place will be a new stage, more banquet seating and an overall classy joint. Helping them along will be chef Jason Williams, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., who is revamping the menu to feature contemporary American cuisine with a French flair. The three young entrepreneurs exude boundless enthusiasm, charm and a vision of what the gay San Diego dining scene is lacking – a truly classy dining experience that is moderately priced with fine food and fun entertainment. The place will be tastefully refined, but not stuffy; swanky but also edgy; a place to dress up for or not, but definitely to clink your martini glass with friends. Consider this your private dining room and you have the chef and bartenders at your disposal – well almost.

Martini’s Above 4th will open in late November, but already the boys have a few events planned. There will be a special pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner, a Holiday Wreath Auction on Dec. 13 to benefit the Queen Eddie Youth Fund, and the much-awaited Babette Schwartz’s Holiday Extravaganza. In fact, they already have a few holiday parties booked, even before opening their doors. Soon the candles will be lit, the piano tuned and the grill will be fired. Say hello to Martinis Above 4th.

Sam Harris brings Broadway magic to Schroeder’s Club and Cabaret at the Westin Horton Plaza this weekend, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23, at 8:00 p.m. I first saw Sam on Broadway in Cy Coleman’s The Life, for which he received the Drama-League Award as well as Tony, Outer Critic’s Circle and Drama Desk nominations. His other credits include Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the self-penned shows Different Hats and, most notably, Hard Copy. You may also remember Sam from his winning performance on “Star Search”. Sam will be joined by musical director and accompanist Todd Schroeder. This will be a sell-out show, so call (858) 794-9044 immediately for reservations.

The Center’s Gala, “Celebrating 31 years of connection, community, commitment and leadership,” will be held at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, Saturday, Oct. 30. The festivities start with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:00 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 7:00 p.m. and, of course, dancing and live entertainment. Among those receiving honors are Darl Edwards, Bank of America, the Imperial Court de San Diego and Metropolitan Community Church. Ticket prices are $150 each, and $300 for VIP. You can order your tickets on The Center’s website or by calling (619) 692-2077.

On Nov. 6, Emperor XXI and Center board member John Laird, Empress Lala Too and Emperor Chris Horton and the XXXIII Reign presents – “Who Do You Think You Think Are” – one of the original Turnabout shows in San Diego. This event is a fundraiser for The Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund, established by the Imperial Court and The Center to assist low-income and uninsured lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in accessing necessary healthcare resources. Come and enjoy a very entertaining evening where the boys will be boys, and so are the girls. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Center. Be There!

This year, I will not be celebrating Halloween in San Diego. I will be taking my first trip to Hawaii with some friends. And rather than taking a costume with me on the trip, I’ve decided to wear my Kerry/Edwards T-shirt. In fact, I urge all of you who do not have a costume to wear a Kerry for President T-shirt for Halloween this year to show our numbers and commitment. You can get an official Kerry T-shirt for about $13 online (visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for link), or even make your own T-shirt. You might get this even cheaper at a swap meet, or even free by calling the Democratic campaign headquarters. The shirts might be boring, but this is one time we can give up a night of camp for a night of campaigning for our future. Make it a fashion statement at The Center’s Nightmare on Normal Street on Sunday, Oct. 31. Whatever you decide to wear, have a good time and be safe. And as Mommy always advises, those of you who do drag once a year should wear sensible shoes. Forget those stupid platform hooker shoes – not only are they uncomfortable, they are not safe. They’re also passé.

Everyone is invited to the unveiling party for the restaurant formerly known as Margarita Mary’s on Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Owners Chris Shaw and Doug Snyder will celebrate the new name and the grand prize winner with drink specials and live entertainment. Phone (619) 269-8510 for more information.

The Latin Leather Club presents Mr. and Ms. SoCal Latin Leather, with emcee Mike Russell, Mr. International Sir 2003, on Saturday, Oct. 23, at The Hole. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the contest starting at 7:30 p.m. A $7 door donation benefits the North Park Family Heath Center and Group Ellos.

King XXI Daniel, Queen XXI Jackie O, Prince Izzy and Princess Lynette present the Mr., Miss and Ms. Gay Intercity Contest to benefit Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project (APICAP) on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 4:00 p.m. at The Chee Chee Club, located at 929 Broadway. For information, call Jackie O at (619) 563-7756.

Bourbon Street celebrates its 17th anniversary this week starting on Thursday, Oct. 21, with Janice Edwards live at 8:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, is Lady’s Night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with Lesley and Laura performing in the front bar, DJ Kenny spinning in the Stable. Ashley Matte performs live on Saturday, Oct. 23, in the front bar, and DJ Dawna Montel spinning in the Stable at 9:00 p.m. Sunday Tea with DJ Taj at 4:00 p.m., and a live performance at 7:00 p.m. by Niki Haris.

Rich’s is jumping on weekdays with the new Superstar Tuesday $2 drinks and shot specials all night. Wednesday is Heaven, a night of euphoria on the dance floor with San Diego’s freshest, hunky gem – new resident DJ, Finbarr Massi, with $1 well drinks and shot specials! Every Thursday is Urge, with DJ Brian Cabalic and DJ Ala, with $3 shot specials, $4 vodka/Red Bulls and no cover on any of the above night!

Bacchus House is haunted starting on Thursday, Oct. 28, with a Monster Wet Underwear Contest with me, Coco, at the weekly It’s Raining Men contest, with a $125 cash prize, $1 well drinks and video giveaways! Friday, Oct. 29, is the Blackout Party with DJ Ruben Casas, and the Jack O’ Lantern Contest, with a $125 cash prize. Saturday, Oct. 30, is the Ghouls & Goblins Ball and Costume Contest, with $500 in cash and prizes. DJ Jon Williams spins.

Are you more of a pimp? Or, would your friends tell it true and say “Oh no, he’s a ho!” Find out at the Halloween Pimp ’n’ Ho Ball, Friday, Oct. 29th, at The Flame.

Since I have this small leftover space, I thought I might share the good news. My photo at the USS Midway event made it to Steve Yuhas’ website. Oh my gawd! I guess I have finally arrived.