I hope you all read our editorial last week on the rise of our drug problem and the “sweeping under the rug” mentality of our GLBT community… great job and thank you to our editor, Russ O’Brien, and let’s all start discussing and focusing on this issue and start supporting the Alano Club, Stepping Stone and The Center more… “Tina has to go.”

Though I share the great disappointment that Assemblymember Juan Vargas has decided to challenge fellow Democrat Congressmember Bob Filner in the upcoming 2006 primary, I am also disappointed in those already trying to paint Assemblymember Vargas as anti-gay. The facts are Equality California has given Vargas an outstanding GLBT civil rights voting record report. I remember supporting our first Latino council member, Jess Haro, and our first state Assembly member, Peter Chacon, both in the 1970s. I also remember strongly pushing for the appointment of our first Latino police chief, David Bejarano. I was looking forward in the “future” of supporting Juan Vargas for “mayor/Congress,” but not in a Democratic primary challenge. Most of our community’s leadership and businesspeople are supporting Filner for re-election because of an outstanding record for our many communities for well over 25 years. I’ve been to Juan Vargas’ home and respect and like him. Let’s not allow an ugly primary race to get into our community…. Let us treat both men with the respect they both deserve… thank you.

You can count the number of GLBT citizens that have been appointed to boards and commissions by the County Board of Supervisors on just one hand. Recently Ben. F. Dillingham was appointed to the County Veterans Board by Supervisor Pam Slater-Price because of the strong support and backing of Supervisor Ron Roberts. This is a very prestigious and important county board because of our large military community, and a board made of military officers from many branches. Ben Dillingham is probably only the third or fourth GLBT citizen that the county board has voted to appointment to a county board or commission. Congratulations, Ben, and thank you, Ron and Supervisor Slater-Price (and Ron’s chief of staff, Steve Danon, for his work on this).

Well, now that you have all had a taste of the Oscars get set for the 28th annual Nicky Awards set for May 15. San Diego’s gay academy awards have become bigger, better, and more exciting every year, and this year executive producer Jess San Roque promises another blowout of pride and outstanding entertainment. Remember, the last three years have been sold out, so be ready to purchase your tables early…. For further information on the 2005 Nicky Awards set for Sunday, May 15, phone (619) 993-8315.

City Councilmember Toni Atkins’ first ever District 3 “State of the District” drew a big crowd at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom. Atkins’ down-to-earth, “friendly neighbor personality” came right through, and everyone in attendance left with even more respect for our hardworking council member, who spoke about affordable housing, infrastructure, fewer closed-council meetings, police protection, etc, etc.

As Atkins stated, just the sight of “newly paved streets” makes her happy. It was great to see District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in attendance as well as Councilmember Tony Young. Atkins honored outstanding District 3 citizens including Gloria Johnson, Alex Sachs and Cindy Lehman. Among the media honorees were San Diego CityBeat, HillQuest (love you, Ann and Nancy) and our very own Gay & Lesbian Times. The only light criticism I have is that it was a little long and the stage could have been more colorful. But I hope Atkins gives us such an address report every year… bravo to Toni and her dedicated staff.

The popular 2200 Club (2200 University Ave.) continues to operate and contrary to the rumor, this private men’s club was never “raided” by the police department. One officer did go to make an inspection and that was when it was formally the Mustang Spa, not the new 2200 Club. I’ve had discussions with the city attorney’s and police chief’s offices and our community is not being “singled out”. In fact, this all started as an information request by the health department, with the police department and the City Attorney’s Office following through on official requests from the county health department. Last week I was given another tour of the 2200 Club by their new owners/managers, and the strict no drug policy and HIV/AIDS educational campaigns were very visible everywhere.

The new owners of the 2200 Club have homes in San Diego and Palm Springs and Bob Smith is a well-known businessman since the 1970s. The 2200 Club is clean, safe and open for business.

Yes, the first openly gay man to run for public office in the 1960s will be visiting San Diego March 19-20. This 83-year-old GLBT pioneer and historic figure is also the founder of the International Imperial Court System, now in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., with chapters in 68 cities. There are books and films on this gay legend, and he will be attending an Imperial Court de San Diego State Dinner on Sunday, March 20, at Martinis Above Fourth. Jose will be at Patti’s Club in North Park on Saturday, March 19, for Linda Childers’ birthday bash benefiting the GLBT Community Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. For more information on Jose Sarria, call (619) 692-1967.

After all that rain, it’s not too late to think of the damage that water can do to your property, not to mention your house. Standing water under or around your house can cause mold inside your walls and make you and your loved ones very ill. Dutch Boy Irrigation not only offers sprinkler and drip systems, but offers excellent drainage systems and other ways to keep water from damaging your property.

Owner Dutch Burman has been in the landscape business for over 20 years and is more than willing to help you with free advice on your garden, a free estimate, or he or one of his employees will even give you a free sprinkler system checkup. The rain may not last much longer, but rain or shine, Dutch Boy Irrigation, gay owned and operated, is a great choice to keep your property green and safe from those nasty downpours. Call them at (619) 546-6090 or email DBIrrigation@cox.net.

Remember those great “WCPC Wednesday Nights” that really rocked? Well, next Wednesday, March 16, is the return of “Trash Disco” with hot DJ Robert spinning all those great disco hits from the 1970s… Check it out!