It’s good to hear that GLBT activists are organizing around the country against the war in Iraq, and to bring our troops home…. Though we must continue to support our men and women in uniform overseas, too many have already died, and this “war” is based on lies…. We all must raise our voices even louder in opposition, and organize even more to bring our troops home… period.

Yes, in just about five days we will elect the next mayor of San Diego. I predict there will be a run-off.

I have had the honor to work with mayors Hedgecock (when he was pro-gay in office), O’Connor, Golding and Murphy…. This race is a difficult one for me personally because I’m very torn between some candidates, one being a longtime friend and another being so solid on gay issues, and yet another who seems to have a good plan to turn our city around.

During this entire campaign, Donna Frye has continued to support the end of the Boy Scouts’ lease, and also supports same-sex marriage and compassionate marijuana use.

The fact that former chief of police Jerry Sanders turned United Way and the American Red Cross around from being in the red gives us proof that he can turn our city around, which is and should be every voter’s top priority…. He supports gay unions with all the benefits of “marriage.”

Steve Francis stood up against the extreme radical right who attacked him for being supportive of equality for all San Diegans, including, of course, the GLBT community. Francis’ lovely wife and his lesbian sister-in-law were also viciously attacked for being pro-gay…. Steve Francis stood his ground.

I have made financial contributions to all three candidates… having met with them eye to eye… one on one… broken bread, as it were.

Please turn out to vote, and vote for the best and most qualified candidate for mayor, one who will make our city proud again… thank you.

Two bright men with big futures; now their lives are in ruins after being found guilty on so many charges.

Now, with Deputy Mayor Zucchet’s guilty charge and Mayor Murphy’s exit, our very own Councilmember Toni Atkins will serve as mayor pro-tem until the council meets as early as Monday to determine who will fill the seat until a mayor is elected. Though it is sad, we must start thinking about the soon-to-be-vacant Council District 2…. Run, Kevin Tilden, run!

The recent death, due to silicone injections, of a beautiful transsexual named Patricio Gonzalez received great compassion and support from many in our community.

I want to most sincerely thank those who so quickly responded to my request for assistance for her burial…. Thank you and God bless you, Big Mike and everyone at the Rob Benzon Fund of Ordinary Miracles, Chris Shaw of Hamburger Mary’s and Baja Betty’s, Joe and Nigel of Flicks, the Ben F. Dillingham Fund of the Imperial Court, Michael Weiss and Michael Mack of Bourbon Street, and especially Nick Moede of Rich’s, The Flame and Numbers, who made a big difference with a major contribution, and was the first business person to call me with support.

Please keep the other transsexual that is still in the hospital in you prayers… thank you.

My good pal Sherman Mendoza, the popular owner of The Caliph, and I went to the opening night of one of my all-time favorite plays, Evita, at the beautiful downtown Civic Theatre.

Well, I’ve seen Evita in New York, Los Angeles, etc., and this production was OK. But first of all, the leading lady, Kathy Voytko, got ill in the middle of the play, so she was replaced by her understudy, Kate Manning, who was brilliant, and much better than Kathy.

Actor Bradley Dean as Che stole the show, but I must say that at times it seemed the orchestra did its best to drown out all the singers, and this was frustrating…. The sets were fabulous, and Sherman and I enjoyed ourselves, especially at an outstanding dinner at Max in the Gaslamp.

Sealed bid are now being accepted for the Aug. 6 auction of a beautiful, mint-condition classic Jaguar donated by prominent philanthropist and attorney Bruce M. Abrams…. It’s a four-door, champagne-colored Jaguar with leather seats, and it’s in great condition. All of the proceeds from its auction will benefit The Center’s GLBT youth housing building, Mama’s Kitchen’s Grocery Hearts Campaign (100-percent of their portion goes to the food bank) and the Ben F. Dillingham Grant.

The auction will take place on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Coronation XXXIV, “A Military Ball,” at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel…. Drop by your sealed bid at The Center, or call (619) 692-1967 for more information. The Jaguar will be on display until Aug. 6.

It’s been recognized as the best nightclub in all Baja, California, and, yes, I’m talking about Club Extasis in Tijuana, which just celebrated its eighth anniversary with a huge, great weekend of shows with Gwen Stefani and Shakira, plus unbelievable male strippers built like Roman gods, who in Mexico always take it off!

Club Extasis is just a few steps from the border, and is very safe and fun. It’s 18 and over, and it’s open until 6:00 a.m.…. I plan another visit soon to one of my favorite clubs, and so should you.

Yes, it’s the second annual “Free Personal Training Day” next Friday, July 29, by those very attractive, built and professional men and women of Edge Fitness…. You get a one-hour workout, bottled water, nutrition bars and a lot more. So now is your chance to get yourself ready for Pride weekend, the parade and the parties – let alone summer!

Learn how to be a healthier you, and check out Edge Fitness on July 29.

To schedule for a free appointment, call (619) 997-7488, or stop by the Edge Fitness office at 734 University Ave. (located in the award-winning Powerhouse Gym).