The recent resignation of Jay Hill as executive director of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation has been felt by many in our community as sad and unfortunate. Many of us feel Jay Hill had a lot to offer the HDF…. We wish the very best to Jay, who made a lot of friends and supporters in a very short time at the HDF.

My call for San Diego to have one AIDS food delivery agency was met with great response and full agreement by almost every GLBT leader…. In these times of budgetary cuts, a struggling economy and decreasing public contributions, San Diego does not need to be the only city in the U.S. that has two different AIDS meal delivery services.

What we also do not need are unwarranted attacks and insults against Special Delivery and Mama’s Kitchen, as both agency’s directors and volunteers deserve our respect and gratitude. St. Clair Adams, your recent public statements are dead wrong, as Mama’s Kitchen is not “overloaded” and can even add another 200 clients. Not only were San Diego County Health Services Planning Council member Adams’ statements wrong, but Marie Pedrin-Gizoni’s statements that Special Delivery provided a better service than Mama’s Kitchen were clearly inappropriate and divisive. Both do an outstanding job … and personal attacks on Ruth Henricks are way out of line and upsetting to all of us. If these two AIDS agencies are to merge, it will not happen with insults, false statements and negativity.

The sixth annual San Diego GLBT Community Tribute Banquet in the gorgeous Crystal Room of the historic U.S. Grant Hotel was a rousing success. It almost turned into a “mini roast” and everyone agreed it was one of the most fun tributes in years, with over 100 VIPs having a great time. The evening contained a lot of laughter, pride, history and love. Dr. Al Best, the first openly gay candidate to run for the city council, in 1979, was this year’s honoree — with the mayor and city council proclaiming last Sunday “Al Best Day” in San Diego. Congressmember Bob Filner was the special guest speaker, while Coronado City Councilmember Frank Tierney spoke about how Best had blazed the trail for his election as the first openly gay, male council member elected in San Diego County. Also in attendance were city attorney candidate Deborah Berger, state Assembly candidate Vince Hall and SDPD captain Nancy Goodrich, who is a leading contender to become our next chief of police. Proclamations and honors were read from state Assemblymember Chris Kehoe and Congressmember Susan Davis. A big thank you to 2003 Tribute Chair Ron Ferrero and his hardworking committee: City Commissioner Julia Legaspi, Linda Childers, and the very hardworking Jess San Roque. Also, a special and gracious thank you to sponsors: Bourbon Street, Hamburger Mary’s/Kickers, Ben Dillingham, the Gay and Lesbian Times, Jess San Roque, Lou and Carol Arko and APICAP. Next year, our 2004 honoree will be our first lesbian so honored: local attorney Bridget Wilson.

I found Joseph Grienenberger’s letter to the editor in this week’s edition very interesting, as he admits he does not know me, nor has he met me. If you don’t like my column, then why do you keep reading it … just turn the page, stupid. I’ve been in this community for over 30 years and thus wear many hats, being elected to many local, state and national boards. And if I choose to co-write a letter defending Pat Washington, I can and will — we do not live under the Third Reich, “Herr Grienenberger.”

As for my charity, AIDS and political fundraising, I do not get paid for any of it, unlike many paid producers and directors. As for talking about my travels and meetings, I share information and news that I learn from these travels and meetings with my readers, as my column is called “Conversations with Nicole,” you moron. And now I am also writing for In Los Angeles magazine, Herr Grienenberger, so your nightmare about me continues…. And, by the way, what have you done or contributed to our community these last 30 years, other than being a barstool critic???

Summer is here and it’s time to get those tans, go on diets and get your teeth clean and together for the time of year everyone wants to look their very best. One of Southern California’s best and most popular dentists is the handsome Dr. Jeff Keeny, D.D.S. (1807 Robinson Ave., suite 101). Well known for his gentle touch and caring staff, his artistic, cosmetic dentistry is also outstanding. He welcomes all our community members…. Give Dr. Keeny’s office a call at (619) 295-1512. He is very reasonable, but when you walk away from his office, it will be with a million dollar smile!!

You know it’s always fun to do different things for entertainment, but most of all, it’s good to get away and forget your worries and laugh your ass off. This Friday and Saturday, June 27&28, the fabulous Comedy Store (916 Pearl St. in La Jolla) will feature, for a very special engagement, the star of “Queer As Folk,” yes, cute Hal Sparks, for two shows, 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. So make your reservations now by calling (858) 454-9176. The Comedy Store has always welcomed our community and hosted GLBT benefits…. It’s the home of the one and only Matt Bragg, San Diego’s favorite gay comedian…. So check out the Comedy Store, as it always rocks with laughter.

Tickets are now on sale and going like hotcakes for the 32nd annual Coronation Ball of the Imperial Court de San Diego, set for Saturday, Aug. 2, at the U.S. Grant Hotel. This year, the “Military Ball” is being produced by Mr. Rick Ford and will include dinner and special entertainment…. This is your chance to attend and thank the Emperor, Empress and Court for a year of hard work…. Call (619) 523-9500, ext. 15 for tickets, tables, etc…. It’s going to be a fun, festive and colorful night.

Hey, when was the last time you got “leid?” That long?! Even an old queen like me can do better than that! Why not get yourself over to the Brass Rail this weekend, where they are celebrating their Hawaiian theme month. You’ll find great drink specials on Mai Tais, and this Sunday night, check out the exotic Tahitian Dancers at 9:00 p.m. This Sunday will also be the grand prize drawing for airfare for two to Hawaii. The winner must be present, so drop in before you miss out on this exciting opportunity!