I was greatly disappointed in the cover of last week’s Gay & Lesbian Times. It is considered a sign of great disrespect and very dishonorable for any Marine to be “out of uniform” in such a disrespectful display…. Many Marines, both active and former (many gays and lesbians) are proud to have served, and many have died for this country. A completely inappropriate cover for Memorial Day….

For 35 years the Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego has been one of the major foundations that have held up our community…. Regardless of religion, race or lifestyle, the MCC has been there for all of us since the beginning of our GLBT community in San Diego. It has been there on the front lines in our battle for equality and against AIDS, and has been one of the very few organizations that could bring all of us together under one roof.

The Reverend David Farrell in those early decades was a well-respected leader we would all follow…. Our GLBT community owes much to the MCC, as without them we would not have taken such great strides in our civil rights as we have…. Yes, I’m still at this point a Catholic, but I have always had the greatest love, respect and appreciation for the good people of the MCC, who made all of us feel that we were at home and with family anytime we entered the church.

This Saturday, June 4, is the MCCSD Celebration Choir’s “Best of the Best Concert” at The Center, and you’re all invited. Sunday, June 5, there are 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services at The Center with MCC’s founder, the Reverend Elder Troy Perry – a true worldwide gay pioneer, leader and author that I am proud to call a friend, and yes, one of my very few role models.

On July 26 we will be going to the polls not only to elect a new mayor, but to decide if the city should hand over the Mt. Soledad Cross to the federal government. To me this is not only a historic part of our city, it is a respected veterans’ war memorial…. I urge a “yes” vote.

As many of you know, I have not as yet endorsed a candidate for mayor, as I’m still meeting with the major candidates. This past Saturday morning, Big Mike and I stopped by for the official opening of Donna Frye’s campaign headquarters…. A big crowd showed up.

I have a lot of respect and admiration for Donna Frye, especially on social and health issues, from her strong stand and leadership on the Boy Scout issue, to compassionate marijuana use, to needle exchange…. One of her campaign people even told me that in this strong-mayor form of government, Donna Frye, as mayor, would give serious consideration to marrying gay couples!

But there are many major, serious issues facing our city… and for me, while these issues are important, they are not my top priority. Also, I am concerned with the lack of people of color leadership involved in and supporting her campaign, as Donna Frye did not carry the Latino or African-American districts.

It is good to see state Assemblymember Lori Saldaña as one of her most visible supporters, but Donna needs to reach out more to the people of color communities. In all polling, she has still not cracked “30-plus” percent… but it is certain she will make the primary. Her supporters are the most loyal and the hardest working, and anyone who counts her out doesn’t know that her “people power” could take her to victory.

I urge all of you to support and attend a GLBT fund-raiser for the re-election of our District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis next Wednesday, June 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the beautiful home of Dr. Lester Machado and Craig Wagner…. For more info, call (619) 233-3085. See you all there!

Every year, the prestigious San Diego Magazine puts out a popular issue with their top list of the best in San Diego, and “ways to get the best out of local nightlife.”

Here are some of the winners that I absolutely agree with: Best Salsa, Ortega’s Mexican Bistro; Best Homemade Ice Cream, Mariposa Ice Cream; Best Brazilian Barbecue, Rei do Gado; Best Coffee Drink, The Living Room; Best Shoe Store, MINT; Best Margarita, Baja Betty’s; Best Coffee Shop, Lestat’s; Best Pizza by the Slice, Bronx Pizza; Best Place to Pretend You’re a Vampire, Club Sabbat, Rich’s and The Flame.

Calling all barbacks, waiters, managers, bartenders, door people, dishwashers, owners, etc., of both bars and restaurants: You’re all invited to the first meeting of the “Tavern Guild Roundtable San Diego” this Monday, June 6, at The Abbey Café from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more info, call Big Mike at (619) 807-7324 or Leo Moore at (619) 988-0247.