Well, I’m back from my trips to Iowa and Washington, D.C., and while my visit to our nation’s capital was a short one (29 hours), my stay in Iowa was very interesting.

The state of Iowa has about 2 million citizens (2 percent African-American, 13 percent Latino), and the average age of its residents is between 55 and 60 years old (most move out of state when they finish their education). There is no homeless problem, and a two-story, four-bedroom, beautiful, large home will cost you $200,000 or less. The Marriott Hotel I stayed in was the third largest building in the entire state!

This year’s Pride parade drew 700 participants and 2,000 spectators. Des Moines has about five small gay bars, but has a growing, viable gay community. Des Moines has, in the past, elected openly gay people to their city council, and even to their board of education. Their state Capitol is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever visited, and there current governor is pro-gay – but, trust me, this is most certainly a “red state.”

I enjoyed meeting many of the state’s GLBT leaders and activists, and Democrat and Republican Party leaders. To think that this state, with just 2 million people (and hardly any people of color), plays a major part in choosing presidential nominees – through their infamous Iowa caucuses – is mind boggling! All the possible candidates are already coming here (yes, including Senator Hillary Clinton), mostly to state fairs and dinners.

Iowans are very hospitable and friendly, and the only thing that was upsetting throughout every political dinner and lunch I had was that I never got to taste my all-time favorite, corn on the cob!

City Beat, one of our city’s most read mainline weekly news magazines, is doing a front-cover story on anti-gay, formerly gay, religious radical James Hartline. The very respected and well-known journalist Dan Strumpf thoroughly investigated Hartline for well over a month, including up to 15 hours worth of personal interviews, and even going to church with Hartline. A lot of new information on Hartline should be very interesting to the public, as writer Strumpf did a full background check on him.

I feel that the GLBT community cannot afford to ignore Hartline when he presents false information and attacks our community with misinformation and outright lies. James Hartline has become a local mini-Jerry Falwell, and knows how to work the media. When he makes serious accusations, we as a community must not ignore him as a nut.

As for me, as a Christian I feel sad for him, because he is truly an angry man who – because he has HIV/AIDS, has been to prison, and is an ex drug user and sex addict – believes that by having “found God,” he has been chosen to lead a crusade to harm our community. He who is without sin, cast the first stone…. “Christian” Hartline has been throwing boulders at our community and, sadly, is full of hate instead of true Christian love for all. I pray that he finds the true meaning of being a Christian and turns his negative energy to helping his fellow sisters and brothers living with AIDS.

Pick up a copy of next week’s issue of City Beat, or read it online at www.sdcitybeat.com.

The truth is, after Katrina and Rita, we in California must take this as a wake-up call. Are you ready for an earthquake or a terrorist attack? Are you prepared? Somewhere in your house or apartment you should have a box or storage with the following items: three days worth of non-perishable food; water; a first-aid kit; a transistor radio; a flashlight; batteries; blankets and clothing.

Get your emergency box containing these items together today, as all predictions talk about an earthquake in our future, and the Muslim terrorists have stated that California is their next target!

If I hadn’t been out of state, I would have attended the 30th anniversary of the San Diego Democratic Club and their annual Freedom Banquet. Though I have had my disagreements with and varying opinions of this club, no one can say that they have not made a huge difference, and heavily contributed to our struggle for GLBT equality.

This club has had a major impact on the political scene, and helped make our community movers and shakers, and “players,” in the political scene, and in elections. They have made a big difference in our community in a major way. I most sincerely thank them and congratulate the San Diego Democratic Club…. Take a bow; you all deserve it!

One Monday night, Adrian Rodriguez and I stopped by Baja Betty’s for dinner, and the place was packed. With its outstanding Mexican food, Baja Betty’s has become like its sister restaurant, Hamburger Mary’s – a fun and relaxing atmosphere with outstanding and friendly service. What’s better than a great meal and a great time?

On Mondays, check out Baja Betty’s half-price meal menu, and on Saturdays they have a fabulous, huge brunch that is certainly one of the best in town. Super-popular bartender David Mojoiner is now pouring at Baja Betty’s, which now has happy hour from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Did you know that Baja Betty’s margaritas were named “best margarita” by the prestigious San Diego Magazine? My favorite is the carnitas… they give you big portions…. So stop by and enjoy Baja Betty’s – you’ll never want to leave!

Join Rich’s this Saturday, Oct. 1, for their anniversary party, featuring a live performance by international dance diva Pepper Mashay! Rich’s is located at 1051 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Call (619) 295-2195 for more details.