Check out the upcoming issues of Rocket and the Gay & Lesbian Times for the best Halloween parties in town!

This coming November’s election is one of the most important elections for mayor in the history of our city… also for the two City Council seats – Districts 2 and 8. And, of course, the governor’s proposed state ballot measures…. Oct. 24 is the last day to register to vote. Nov. 1 is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail. Nov. 8 is voting (7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). If you have any questions or need more information, phone (858) 565-5800.

Todd Gloria, who many consider to be the leading candidate to become San Diego’s first openly gay elected city councilman, now has a Web page full of information, etc. It’s www.toddgloria.com.

Todd has already received major endorsements from neighborhood leaders within the Third District (lots of straights). He has also received major commitments for financial support… but don’t count out respected businessman Robert Gleason (a proud new father), who remains a popular choice in many circles.

I stopped by the sixth annual Scouting for All rally in Balboa Park, and it was great seeing such a big and diverse crowd of supporters. This rally always has great speakers, and it’s good to see youth participation, too.

The dedicated people of Scouting for All make sure this issue is not forgotten, and deserve our community’s support. For more information, visit www.sdscoutingforall.org.

I say this to you of the San Diego chapter in all due respect, and for your consideration: In my opinion, you should choose carefully where you show up dressed up. The San Diego AIDS Walk was not one of those places. I have a closet full of men’s suits and women’s gowns, and I know when and where to wear them. The drag queens of the Imperial Court do not show up in drag at civic events. (Transsexuals are another matter, and it is their lifestyle.) Continue to do the good things you are doing, but just take some of our events more seriously, and with more respect.

Over 1,000 men and women hit San Diego for the now annual GayBowl, and teams from Alabama, Chicago, New York, Texas, Salt Lake City, Boston, etc., were in town – and the red carpet was laid out for them as only San Diego knows how to do.

Big congratulations to the tournament’s handsome executive director, Ivan Solis, and the San Diego American Flag Football League. You did our community proud.

As you know, Ortega’s Mexican Bistro has only been open for a few months and has already received both TV and print media acclaim as one of the best Mexican restaurants on the West Coast (it was named “Best of the Best” in San Diego Magazine). Now Ortega’s (located at 141 University Ave., next to Hairspray), is open for breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.… and “iron chef” Deni Gonzales has come up with an outstanding menu (my favorites are Huevos Rancheros and Machaca Torta). There is also an American breakfast menu. For the best, it’s Ortega’s… olè!

Mark your calendars for a big and fabulous Halloween bash at the San Diego Museum of Man on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. It’s brought to you by the award-winning Linda E. and Sabbat. There will be big cash prizes and great entertainment, and part of the proceeds from the $20 tickets benefit charities. The evening’s theme is “The Pharaoh’s Ball.” For further information, call (619) 743-1623, or visit www.clubsabbat.net.

Popular bar owner and community activist Richard Britton will be crowned San Diego’s new emperor at Investiture XXXIV this Sunday night (7:00 p.m.) at Numbers. The entire community is invited to attend and congratulate Richard and his Empress Ophelia for a hopefully successful reign.

Well, I guess I will have to address this issue once again since I’ve been missing a lot of events and canceling meetings, etc. As you know, my health these last few years has been like a roller coaster ride… ups and downs. My breathing is now giving me problems, so I can’t go out too much in this recent Santa Ana-like weather. Please understand if I’m not there or don’t show up – it’s not intentional. Thank you.

Want to be a Rocket cover boy? The first in a series of contests to be featured in Rocket magazine takes place this Friday, Oct. 14, at Flicks at 10:00 p.m.! All winners in the Rocket cover boy contests will be featured on next year’s Rocket covers and will appear in the Rocket Boy 2006 calendar. The winner this Friday will receive a bar tab for Flicks, so don’t miss your chance!

Two popular bars in Hillcrest, Numbers and The Flame, have new Tuesday nights for the boys. There is an all-new go-go contest every Tuesday at Numbers, with $250 in cash and prizes and $1 well drinks from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. Across the street at The Flame, the original Boys Night Out is back, with $1 well drinks from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 a.m. Get in on the fun!