For the first time, the upcoming July 26 election will give San Diego a strong-mayor form of government… so, once again, your vote is very important, as we will elect a woman or man who will have more power than any mayor before her or him…. So vote wisely, and let’s turn out the GLBT vote!

Some of the highest honors to receive during our annual Pride celebration have gone to two very deserving and respected community and civil rights leaders – Dr. Bill Beck and Ms. Jennifer LaSar.

For over two decades, Bill Beck has been a leader we all can count on – locally, statewide and nationally. He has raised millions of dollars for civil rights causes, AIDS and important political campaigns. In my almost 40 years of activism, I’ve met a lot of “talkers,” not “doers.” Bill Beck is a man who gets things done, backs up his talk with action and loves our community… he is our Brad Truax of the 21st century. Congratulations, Bill, on your well-deserved and long overdue recognition. And I know your partner, David Huskey (another hard-working member of the community), is proud of you, too!

Some San Diegans who get appointed by mayors to city boards and commissions do nothing but fill up seats in these important positions of influence and power, but not our smart and beautiful Jennifer LaSar. She is one of seven members of the powerful Centre City Development Corporation board of directors… and any time you see her on public television during coverage of these important meetings, you soon realize that she is the most intelligent, articulate member of this board. But most of all, Jennifer was the driving force behind The Center’s GLBT youth housing project. Jennifer is one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes individuals who works night and day for our community, and stays out of the spotlight. She is truly a role model for not only all women, but all of us…. We should all be proud of her leadership and this well-deserved honor.

As she was always planning to do in her own time, state Senator Kehoe, the highest ranking GLBT state official from San Diego, has endorsed Donna Frye for mayor…. Mr. Campbell, a true gentleman would apologize. We are all waiting after your attack on Senator Kehoe.

As many of you know, I was critical of the first season of Showtime’s “Queer As Folk” for almost showing nothing but orgies, drugs, etc., but with the final season’s serious coverage of AIDS, adoption, hate crimes, anti-gay ballot initiatives, same-sex marriage, etc., it is turning out to be an outstanding show. And, yes, there is sex and drugs in our community, as well as in all communities, but there is a lot more to our community than just these two things…. Finally, “Queer As Folk” shows the good, the bad and the beauty of our GLBT community…. And, yes, I’ll miss the show.

Our popular Councilmember Toni Atkins’ birthday is on Monday, Aug. 1, and you’re all invited to a fun birthday party at Martinis Above Fourth. In lieu of gifts, you are requested to make a donation to the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund. The party takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and will feature great food and entertainment. Everyone in town is stopping by, so mark your calendar. For more information, phone (619) 582-5383 or (619) 692-1967.

I respect that mayoral candidate Myke Shelby is a veteran and fights for veterans’ rights, as well as being Jewish and supporting (as I do) the Mt. Soledad Cross… but is he the anti-gay candidate in this race? Here are some of the statements candidate Myke Shelby has made:

“I get a kick out of gays; they’re funny. They’re very self-deprecating, and so it’s entertainment.”

“I think gay marriage attacks our culture and undermines everything we stand for.”

“I don’t believe that people who are gay, and lesbians and bisexuals or whatever the hell they are, have the right to call themselves some endangered class and have us make special laws.”

“I don’t believe in hate crimes.”

Yes, all this from the mouth of mayoral candidate “Motorcycle” Myke Shelby…. Need we hear more?

There’s a new Italian restaurant in town (only open for a little over a month), and the word is out… it’s making the top of anyone’s list for fine Italian cuisine. Located at 495 Laurel St., it is also one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in San Diego, with imported Italian marble.

Who are the owners? Well, who else but the well-established “king and queen of Italian cuisine” Vince and JoJo Busalacchi. They named their restaurant Genelli, which means twins, after their two beautiful daughters.

In one sitting I had Crepes Cristina, Mama’s Imbottiti, Mistro di Cetrol, Halibut alla Siciliana, and more. It was a wonderful meal fit for the pope!

Next week state Senator Chris Kehoe and Dr. Bill Beck are having lunch there, and I’m already having dreams about this place. Trust me, just one visit and you’ll always go back…. That’s Genelli’s, open for lunch and dinner, with outstanding, attentive and friendly service. (619) 234-1050.

The biggest cash prize in any go-go contest in Southern California is the weekly “Body Idol” contest every Friday night at Bacchus House at 11:00 p.m., where the winner gets $175 in cold, hard cash. Co-sponsors include Bacardi, Tanline, Urban Body Gym and Salon Belle Jour…. Sign up any Friday night!

The annual “Mr. Nude San Diego” contest has been set for Thursday, Aug. 4, at the 2200 Club on University Ave. This XXX-rated contest always draws a huge crowd, and contestants are still being sought (ages 18 to 80!). For more information, phone (619) 254-6372.