It’s a good sign that the anti-war movement is growing. We have already lost over 2,000 men and women and spent $200 billion on this war… $5 billion a month (We spend $5 billion a year on cancer research). It’s time to bring our troops home. This is Vietnam II, and don’t let anyone tell you any different. It’s going to end the same way.

It has just been announced this week that The Center’s director of development, yes, the very popular Shawn Ingram, will be leaving his position after almost six years of outstanding service, which has made a big difference at our Center and for our community.

I have seen our Center grow from being just a telephone answering machine in an apartment decades ago to what it is today, over three decades later. Shawn Ingram brought some professionals, new ideas and community outreach that he will always be known for. The Center and our community have been fortunate to have him. He is moving on, but, luckily, will stay in San Diego. Shawn will be leaving at the end of this year. Thank you, Shawn. You did your community proud!

The upcoming election for new City Council members for Districts 2 and 8 will have a great effect on the future of our community. The last two council members from these districts were strong allies and supporters of our community, and close friends of Mayor Atkins. Both former council members were liberal/moderate Democrats, and now there are possibilities of them being replaced by conservatives.

District 2 has the second largest GLBT population in the city, and thus we can make a difference in this election… but our community must get ready to volunteer and raise money for the best candidates in both District 2 and District 8.

In case you didn’t notice, about 2,000 softball players were in San Diego recently for a week for the Gay Softball World Series, and boy was it a week of great events and hot men from all over the United States. They were all really nice and friendly, and spent a lot of money! It was an exciting championship, and our clubs were hopping!

Great job to all the volunteers, members and board officers of the America’s Finest City Softball League. You all did a great job and made San Diego shine… bravo!

One of Southern California’s most popular arts journalists/writers, the award-winning Preston Turegano, will be honored for his outstanding support and service to the San Diego arts community on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Adams Avenue Studio of the Arts, located at 2804 Adams Ave.

This is long-overdue recognition for Preston, who has been a star writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune for what seems like decades! This great event will be a benefit for Korbett Kompany Productions, and the evening will include a buffet catered by Zio Italian Cuisine, with special entertainment. Everyone is invited. For more information, phone (619) 584-3593.

The Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) has announced the John McCusker Memorial Golf Classic, set for Oct. 20 at the Riverwalk Golf Course in Mission Valley. This will be a charity event for the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s McCusker Education Fund. For more information, call the GSDBA office at (619) 296-4543… but in the meantime, mark your calendar for Oct. 20!

The International Court System of the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico will officially celebrate its 40th anniversary at a gala state dinner and formal dance in Palm Springs on Dec. 10 at the world-famous Rivera Hotel. There are Imperial Court chapters in over 68 cities across these countries. It will be a very historic occasion, with full media coverage.

The International Court System raises millions of dollars annually, and I am proud to be their elected international president. The Imperial Court System was founded 40 years ago by Josè Sarria, the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the U.S.A., in the 1960s. For more information, phone (619) 692-1967.

With our GLBT Latino community growing leaps and bounds, Latino nights at our local clubs are more popular than ever. Here is your weekly schedule:

Mondays: Kickers

Wednesdays: Bacchus House

Thursdays: The Brass Rail

Saturdays: The Brass Rail

Sundays: Bacchus House

If you’re looking for a place to party this Labor Day weekend, check out Rich’s this Saturday night for Salvation with DJ Phil B. On Sunday, attend Rich’s annual Splash Guard Party with DJ Derek. Beach attire is suggested.

Be eligible to win a $30,000 kitchen just for stopping in at Bardon Quality Cabinetry’s newly remolded Santee showroom this Labor Day weekend. You must register in person to win. For directions and more information, visit www.bardoncabinets.com.