I hope everyone has a blessed and happy Christmas and remember those less fortunate than yourselves…. Why not give a donation to a local homeless shelter, Mama’s Kitchen, or an abused children or women’s center.

I am so very upset over those people across the nation who are trying to take away “Merry Christmas” nativity scenes, etc. I believe we should celebrate Hanukah and Christmas and believe in the public display of both holidays. Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday and the joy of children and I believe we have the right to celebrate it, and our local, state and national governments should be allowed to display such celebrations just as we should celebrate Hanukah.

Jeff Gattas has stepped down as Councilmember Toni Atkins’ chief of staff to assume the new position of chief of policy. Former staff member Jeffrey Tom has come back to become Atkins’ new chief of staff. Gattas will now have the opportunity to “get out from behind the desk” and get out in the district more… it is common knowledge that Jeff Gattas, along with Robert Gleason and Todd Gloria, are three frontrunners to run for the District 3 council seat.

Many of us thought that the election of Kevin Shelley as secretary of state was a great thing as a young, progressive and smart man with a possible shot at being a future governor. Now he has turned out to be like a lot of politicians and used his office to make friends. State auditors have issued a stirring report on Shelley’s use of federal election funds, charging his office with poor management of millions of dollars. Shelley was responsible for millions of dollars of the Help America Vote Act funds, and a lot of the money went to his campaign manager, campaign treasurer and his political cronies… Now I know why our state’s GLBT community saw so little of these federal funds intended to help Californians and other states to educate voters…. Shame on Shelley.

One of San Diego’s most popular former police chiefs, yes David Bejarano, steps down from his presidential appointment as a U.S. marshal to become the chief of investigations for the office of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

Bejarano became the first Latino police chief of San Diego and is responsible for establishing only about the third GLBT advisory board in the nation to a police chief… Bejarano is a frontrunner to become the next sheriff of San Diego County and could end up being the first Latino mayor in our city’s future.

Many of you called, faxed, etc., that your were concerned or upset about me agreeing to be on “The Steve Yuhas Radio Show” this past Sunday night… before you even heard the reason or topic of my appearance. Well, I appreciate that Steve, during this holiday season, gave me the opportunity to discuss and inform his listeners about the long history of our community’s Christmas Toys for Kids Drive for children, our blanket drive for babies and the elderly in Tijuana and our homeless veterans shelter here in San Diego. Yes, Steve and I have a long history of confrontations and yes, I disagree with many of his views and find some of them very upsetting, but as I’ve said, thank God we live in America, where we have freedom of speech for all and you can change your radio dial… I wish Steve a safe trip to Israel, which he will soon be undertaking.

Yes, San Diego’s world famous Globe Theatre will be celebrating its 70th birthday next year, with a big, festive celebration being planned. It will also be the 90th birthday for the beloved Graig Noel… and of course, we’re all proud of the Tony winning artistic director “Mr. San Diego” himself, the Globe’s popular artistic director Jack O’Brien (love him!). Among new plays to look forward to in 2005 are one about Anne Landers and a fabulous comedy about the making of Gone With the Wind… I can’t wait!

It’s been about three years since my good pal attorney Rick Kerman got me my first pet since I was a child… a little black kitten that I named Nixon (after one of my favorite presidents)…. Well, Nixon is as big as a house now and has made my life very happy and been a great companion since I live alone. My Nixon knows when I’m not feeling well and is very affectionate… so this holiday season is the perfect time to get yourself or someone you love a pet…. Stop by our local pet shelter and give a cat or dog a home – you will not regret it!

No matter what make or model you drive, Pearson Ford Plus can take care of you! Just ask popular Big Mike. He’s been going there for years. Why, you may ask? Well, it’s elementary, my Queer Watson. They provide excellent customer service, and can do the same for you. From accessories such as wheels and tires to a service department that offers a quick lube and nine different types of fuel, they are the one-stop shop for tricking out your car. Speaking of shopping, right now they are having a holiday audio/video sale for in-dash CD players (from $119) and CD/MP3 players (from $149). Didn’t have time to find that something extra or didn’t want to fight the crowds at the malls? Fret not. Their sale is good through Dec. 31. Pearson Ford Plus is located at 4100 El Cajon Blvd. Call (619) 521-2469 and ask for Mike or Nuke.

Need some fun after the holiday dinners! Dance it off at Club Montage, open Friday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 25. You can also call to reserve special VIP bottle service in the great private seating area for their big New Year’s Eve party. Accommodations are available for two to 12 people. Located at 2028 Hancock, Club Montage is San Diego’s largest nightclub, with three levels, a high-energy dance floor, four massive bars and a rooftop patio overlooking downtown. Call (619) 294-9590 for details.