Yes, I’m sorry to have missed The Center’s Gala, to emcee Nightmare on Normal Street, Satin’s memorial and other events…. Thank you for understanding that I’m following my doctor’s orders and doing a lot of resting, and having to though I don’t want to… take it easy and thus miss more events.

Well, I’ll be gone this week, as I fly to Little Rock, Ark., for the official dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library…. I received a special invitation to this historic event as a longtime “chartered member” of this important library.

There will be a week’s worth of events to go to, including lunch at the Governor’s Mansion in honor of Senator Hillary Clinton, dinners, concerts, exhibits, etc.

I’ve rested as much as possible for this trip, and will give you all a full report in my next column…. I will then fly out of Arkansas at the end of the week to go to snowy Boston, Mass., for a GLBT National Board meeting and awards dinner.

Count ALL the votes, period. Fire the city clerk for not informing the candidates and public about the city charter conflict concerning write-ins. The city attorney is already leaving office. The challenge to Donna Frye’s candidacy should have been made when she turned in her petitions, and yet no one questioned her candidacy or raised objections. As I write this column, I do not know who will end up winning the election for mayor (as they’re still counting), but whoever wins in the end, Mayor Murphy or Councilmember Frye… we… all of San Diego, must support them… 110 percent… period.

Many of you have asked me my opinions and how I feel about the aftermath of the 76th Assembly race. First of all, I want to make it very clear that just because I am gay does not mean I will automatically support any gay candidate…. The same goes for me being Latino. I have no regrets supporting former State Assemblymember Tricia Hunter (a close friend) and yes, I would do it all over again. I had numerous talks with Tricia Hunter during the campaign over what I and many felt were all negative ads, some almost racist… these ads were run by independent organizations and not from the official Hunter campaign.

Yes, I was disturbed by all the “independent” negative ads and mailings… I made it clear to Tricia that it was very disturbing to many in the district. But I know Tricia, and she is not a racist or anti-gay, as some portrayed her as. The campaign is over, I remain close friends with Tricia Hunter and wish our new Assemblymember, Ms. Saldaña, the very best; and as we know, these seats are up for re-election every two years, and I hope she will serve our district well.

Look for our popular Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins to run for Ron Roberts’ County Board of Supervisors seat when his term is up. As for who will follow and go after Atkins’ city council District 3 seat when she moves on to higher office… based on visibility and already getting solid commitments… at this time, the two front runners are Todd Gloria and Robert Gleason, with Jeff Gattas being viewed by many as losing interest or not having “fire in the belly” like Todd and Robert do… what’s going on, Jeff?

San Diego’s most popular and fastest-growing alternative newspaper (getting more popular than The Reader), City Beat recently named their annual “Best of San Diego”…. Oh, by the way, they were the only major newspaper to endorse Donna Frye for mayor… and now among their best of San Diego:

Best Gay Bar: The Brass Rail

Best Adult Bookstore: F. Street

Best Thai Restaurant: Lotus Thai

Best Gym: 24 Hour Fitness

Best Lesbian Bar: The Flame on Saturday nights

Best Farmers Market: Hillcrest at the DMV

Best Late-Night Eatery: City Deli

Best Cheap Eats: Chicken Pie Shop

Best BBQ: Phil’s BBQ

Blocks-long lines of people anxiously awaited the new name of one of our city’s most popular Mexican restaurants at 1421 University Ave., and the crowd roared its approval of the great new name, Baja Betty’s, chosen from thousands of patrons’ suggestions… and now they have Saturday brunch: all you can eat for $14.95, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with champagne and sangria drinks included…. Check out the new additions to their already great menu…. See you all at Baja Betty’s… olè!

The talk of the town is this Thursday night’s (Nov. 18) Boys Nite Out at The Brass Rail, with a steaming-hot, all-male Las Vegas-style erotic review that will make your tongues hard… umm… I’ve seen some of these hunks, and they’re GODS… very built… every type with only a $5 cover…. See you at The Brass Rail this Thursday night starting at 9:30 p.m.!

A real big congratulations to those great people at SDPix on their second anniversary of being the “eyes” of San Diego…. Great shots, fun photos and always a fabulous presentation of America’s finest GLBT community!

Wednesday night, Nov. 24, Club Montage opens it doors for all the men and women not going home for the holidays. This party is always a big hit, and this year not only will popular DJ Bryan Pruett be spinning, but there will also be a live performance by Debby Holiday. Afterhours until 4:00 a.m.

Creative Futons is temporarily closed due to flood repairs being done in the showroom. They are working fast and will reopen new and even more improved before Thanksgiving. Creative Futons is located at 3134 University Ave. Call (619) 528-8443 for more information.