Don’t forget the fabulous “Soulplates” celebrity art extravaganza coming up this Saturday night at the Balboa Park Club… a great AIDS benefit for Being Alive. For more information, call (619) 291-1400…. See you all there.

I attended Mayor Dick Murphy’s “State of the City Address” and found it to be his best yet. He was strong, forceful and showed leadership…. This was a no-nonsense speech: no frills, no “B.S.”, but a firm commitment to “restore the public’s trust.” He promised a more open government and offered a true course of action “to turn our city around.” Mayor Murphy addressed all the controversial issues and received a well-deserved standing ovation. No matter who you supported in this past election, we must all give Mayor Murphy a chance, as well as our city council. I am tired of the calls and “plots” to organize a future recall, something I will not support, nor should anyone. Let us give our mayor a chance and stop beating him down… the future of our city depends on all of us coming together and working together.

Well, this past Monday morning I got my fat butt up at 6:00 a.m. to attend the 17th annual Martin Luther King’s All People’s Breakfast at San Diego’s Golden Hall, with over 1,400 people in attendance…. Among the co-sponsors of the annual event were The Center, the Tom Homann Law Association and the Transgender Community Coalition. Keynote speaker David Valladolid gave a speech that received a prolonged standing ovation. Valladolid included GLBT equality in his remarks, which were well received. Later that evening I attended the Ebony Pride event at The Center.

It should really not be surprising that Prince Harry of England showed up at a costume ball wearing a “storm troopers” uniform and swastika armband, as many youth there, here and all over the world have not really ever been taught, or forgotten, about the horrors of Nazi Germany. In fact, some polls show that many believe that 6 million Jews really weren’t even killed. Prince Harry should visit the Auschwitz Camp (he turned down the invitation) or any Holocaust site or museum…. So should all young Americans. Too many have forgot about Hitler, the Holocaust and millions of Jewish children, men and women who were killed… including thousands of homosexuals who were killed by the Nazis…. As it has been said, those who do not remember the history of the past are doomed to repeat it.

Around San Diego, many different community leaders and Democratic political leaders are holding numerous meetings concerning state Assemblymember Juan Vargas, who looks like he will once again run against Congressmember Bob Filner in the Democratic primary…. Everyone is upset at such a waste of money and at the divisiveness of this challenge, especially since Filner is one of the hardest working and most progressive Congress members in Washington.

Personally, I respect and admire Vargas and have always felt he has a bright future ahead of him, but not in challenging the popular Filner. Already a vast majority of GLBT leaders, businesspeople and activists have endorsed the re-election of Filner, who has been an advocate for GLBT equality for decades, since his days on the school board. A $1,000-a-plate dinner is being planned at the home of attorney Bruce Abrams. For further information, please call (619) 692-1967.

In all due respect, Ariel Aldana, your letters did “hit a nerve.” I’ve been writing a column in a gay publication for over 35 years (the San Diego Sun in the early 1970s), and Ariel, I don’t mind constructive criticism or debates on the issues of the day, BUT… I do mind when my entire column and writings are attacked as if you have been forced to read them all these years…. Some of you act like someone ties you down every week and makes you read my column, and how you have had to suffer all these years. Thank you, Ariel, for saying you will now turn the page… do I believe you? NOT!

Our “gay chamber of commerce” – the Greater San Diego Business Association – has just come out with their 2005 directory and it is outstanding! More businesses than ever and more color, too. The cover design is one of the best ever. Congratulations to Alternative Strategies and Jane Wong on its look of truly a “community on the go”! Cathy Paddock did another great job as the interior graphic designer.

I most sincerely thank the GSDBA for taking my suggestion and including its history, timeline, etc. It was great to see the names of such 1979 founding members as Ron Umbaugh, Jim Walsh, Tom Homann, Mike Ragatz, Carol Horowitz, Bob Clark, George Isbell, Don Hauck and others. The timeline was most interesting, and all that I would humbly suggest is to always include a list of the past presidents and executive directors… many of whom are not with us today.

Great news, San Diego. Now you don’t have to go all the way to “the barrio” to visit the world-famous Chuey’s for a fabulous, authentic Mexican brunch, because right here in Hillcrest, Baja Betty’s is serving one of the best Mexican brunches I’ve ever gone to.

Taking place every Saturday, it has over 18 food items available and is all you can eat! We’re talking chorizo, pozole, enchiladas, chilaquiles, machaca, tacos, potatoes, fruit, queso dip, etc., etc., including building your own scrambled eggs! And it’s not only all you can eat, but drink…. Do try their homemade sangria… your taste buds will go “Olè!”

The chefs, handsome Saul Mendoza and his sidekick Salamon Leon, bring their family recipes into play… so try Baja Betty’s Saturday brunch, as it will become a habit. For more information, call (619) 269-8510.

Club Papi parties have become a hit all over the state, and in San Diego, they at times attract well over 700 men…. Coming up is another hot Club Papi night at Rich’s this Saturday, Jan. 22, with giveaways, super DJs, hot dancers and hundreds of the hottest, sizzling Latino men from all over Southern California and, yes, Mexico!

For more information, call the Papi hotline at (323) 692-9573.

Hey, come check out those men in those tight baseball uniforms this Saturday, Jan. 22, for an America’s Finest City Softball League night at Kickers, taking place from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. It will be a beer and beverage bust to benefit the 2005 Gay Softball World Series, taking place here in San Diego in August…. Let’s support this event, as we will be hosting gay baseball players from all over North America!

It’s a VIP Party this weekend at The Flame. Attend SPIN on Friday, Jan. 21, and get a free VIP card valid for no cover for six months. It’s the same deal for you ladies. Just pop in on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the ever-yummy Candy and get your sweet tooth on! If you want to get a jump on your weekend fun, head over to Numbers on Thursday nights. There’s Blazin’ Hip-Hop with DJ Niknotiq, $4 Long Islands and $2 Rolling Rocks all night long.

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