As you read this, we may have a new mayor. Or maybe not! I voted at 8:35 in the morning, and I was voter number 37. It’s scary to think that so few people will turn out for this special election. Perhaps we have too many people in San Diego who don’t care. But we must care, because whoever becomes mayor will determine how our city will survive this crisis, and ultimately affect our daily lives. So if you did not get to the voting booth this time, I hope that you will in November; because if you don’t, you’ll get what you deserve. Me, I’ll have earned my right to bitch for an extra two minutes.

With all the negative publicity being hurled around some members of the Pride committee, I hope you will all make it an even stronger reason to come out and celebrate our lives. I know that I’ve said that we should be celebrating Pride every day, but this controversy is aimed not only at the few people in question, but at our community as a whole.

This Pride celebration is about all of us. And I will put my faith in the Pride committee and our community leaders to sort this all out. Remember that hundreds and hundreds of volunteers are donating their time and talent to make this a joyous celebration. Let us not let a zealous few cast a shadow on an entire community. We are not all perfect, and let he who is without sin cast the first stone. No matter what event or occasion we may be celebrating, there will be a person or a group out there who will denigrate us and stop us from moving forward. Please make a pledge to help our own, clean our own yard, and show up for our own party.

I will be hosting a drag show for the Imperial Court at the main stage in Balboa Park on Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. Scheduled to perform are Empress Lala Too, Miss Gay Pride Sasha Scarlett, Miss Show Queen Justice Page, Miss Gay California-At-Large Gigi Master, Miss Gay San Diego Vivian Dior, Princess Royale Regina Styles and Mr. Gay Teen San Diego Marco Contreras, Boy Mike and Latin Rhythm Creations. So come on out and see us.

There are so many events happening this weekend, there is something for everyone. So be sure to pick up the Gay & Lesbian Times’ Pride pull-out guide, which came out last week, as did the newest issue of Rocket.

And keep in mind that despite the party atmosphere, we need to behave as we would every day of our lives. I do not want to hear any news report on Monday morning of how many of you OD’d, and how many were arrested for indecency and public nuisance. If you have to party, party sensibly and don’t be stupid. Drugs can and will kill you. If you have to be indecent, come to my house. If you have to drink, do not drive. Take that “bar bus tour.” If you are too horny, e-mail me and I’ll give you Cristina’s number.

And let’s be nice to each other. In fact, I’m declaring this a “Give Coco a Hug Weekend.”

It’s gonna be hot this weekend, so remember to put on sunscreen and drink a lot of water. Have a fantabulous weekend. Be safe and be proud.

Oh yeah! It’s coronation time, and the ball is sold out. And the race is on.

But before that, royalties from all over the United States and Canada will be descending on San Diego to toast and pay their respects to Emperor Chris Horton and Empress Lala Too on their very successful year. Together they have attended 18 out-of-town coronations, and for most of those coronations the empress has not repeated her outfit.

In town they’ve been very busy as well, attending every community event. For the court there is practically one event a week, not to mention all the contests that come with a title. The court also sends a contingent down to Tijuana every month, visits the Mission Hills Rehab Center every other month, help feed the youth at The Storefront once a month, collect toys for kids, blankets for the needy, serve Thanksgiving dinner for PWAs, and throw an Easter egg hunt for 450 kids.

Together the board of directors and Reign XXXIII have raised in excess of $86,000 this year. That is impressive!

Four equally qualified candidates are running for the monarchs’ positions. Candidates for emperor are Nathan Garcia and Robert Rodriguez, while candidates for empress are Lola and Ophelia.

If you are attending the Coronation Ball, which is on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Westin Horton Plaza, formal evening wear or formal uniform – including dress leather – are de rigeur! This is a formal ball, and you would never wear jeans or T-shirts to meet the Queen of England. In fact, the more jewels the better. Do not be late – it is neither fashionable nor nice to be late for a ball. This is one drag event that starts on time.

The biggest drag show happens on Friday, Aug. 5, at 7:00 p.m. at Bacchus House. If you can’t get to the ball, get yourself to the other parties and rub elbows with the blue-blooded from out-of-town.

Due to overwhelming requests, there will be a limited number of $40 standing room only tickets. I suggest you get advance tickets by calling (619) 523-9500 ext. 15, and ask for Empress Toni Rose. These tickets are for an 8:00 p.m. entry.

There’s a new coffee house in town. Mystic Mocha is located at 2105 Mission Ave. (at Alabama and Monroe) in University Heights, and they have the goods to keep you cool in this heat! A particular favorite is Maui Ice, which is Ghirardelli chocolate with vanilla, Almond Roca, sweet cream and espresso, chilled and served on the rocks with homemade chocolate whipped cream. (There goes that Pride weight loss goal!)

They also have 25 different mochas that can be hot, iced or blended, including the Mojito Mocha, the Mexican Mudslinger Mocha, the Peanut Butter Cup Mocha and the Banana Gorilla Mocha, all served with their homemade chocolate or vanilla whipped cream. So stop on in and get a sweet iced treat to beat the summer heat!