Things are looking good for the end of the “Bush era” with the defeat of his two candidates for governor of Virginia and New Jersey. The defeat of Arnold’s ballot measures also signals a very possible one term governor. With such anti-Bush/conservative feelings sweeping the nation, it is possible that Democrats could get control of congress next year.

The number one issue of this campaign to become the 34th mayor of San Diego was who could better deal with the city’s financial debacle and clean up City Hall. The voters made their choice very clear with the decisive election of Jerry Sanders. Let’s not forget that San Diego voter registration is 39 percent Democrat and 33 percent Republican with the rest independents. Sanders received a lot of Democratic votes. I was at the Sanders victory party on election night where our community’s own District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis was the mistress of ceremonies among GLBT supporters. In attendance were: Ben Dillingham, City Commissioner Julia Legaspi, Bob Lehman and Ben Gomez of the GLBT Veterans organizations and Adrian Rodriquez. I supported and endorsed Sanders because of his outstanding record of effective leadership in turning around the Red Cross and United Way when they were about to go under…. Jerry is a decent, honest and good man and was and always will be a friend of our GLBT community and will truly be a mayor for all citizens of this city.

The facts are that Donna only gained one percent of the vote from the primary election, while many of us respected and admired her blunt talk, we did not believe that she was the one to fix the huge problems at City Hall. Donna also got somewhat “mean spirited” during the debates and many of her campaign supporters were like “moonie zealots” who at times acted very ugly and rude (can’t we all agree to disagree on candidates and act decent to each other San Diego Democratic Club members???) I believe Donna Frye still has a great future in politics (for Assembly or future supervisor) and if she has a campaign debt, I for one will help her.…Why? Because it’s the right thing to do for such a strong supporter of our community.

While all eyes are rightfully on Mayor-elect Jerry Sanders and Donna Frye, let’s not forget to show our appreciation and thank our acting mayor until December, yes Toni Atkins, who has done an outstanding job and has kept our city running…. a lot of pride and respect not only to our community, but to the office of mayor.

The District 8 City Council race will be very important because it will continue to be in the hands of a moderate/progressive council member who believes in building coalitions with other communities or an arch-conservative, right-wing Republican? The choice is clear … Ben Hueso for City Council. Let’s support him both with volunteers and financial support.

Well I’ll be gone for about five days and will be heading for Northern California for two reasons: I’ll be speaking at two forums at the annual Creating Change Conference, sponsored by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NLGTF). Over 2,000 GLBT leaders and activists from across the United States are expected in Oakland. I will be then heading to San Francisco for a state board meeting for Equality California.

Next Friday, Nov. 18, there will be a wonderful live concert starring R&B and gospel artist, the sensational Rika-Rai at The Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This will be a benefit for Alternative Community Services (ACS), which is committed to building bridges between the faith-based communities and the HIV/AIDS and GLBT communities for the development of social change and understanding. The ACS Social Change Development Award will be presented to the South East Abundant Resources. Tickets can be purchased at the Obelisk Bookstore or for further information, call (619) 692-0035.

There are new great movies out that I highly recommend. Both are now playing at the Hillcrest Cinema. First, there is Capote, about the late gay author Truman Capote and how he came to write In Cold Blood. This is definitely an Oscar-winning film as Capote comes very much alive in this uncanny portrayal.

I lived through the Joseph McCarthy era and Good Night, and Good Luck is about the early days of television journalism in the 1950’s. It’s a film about newsman Edward R. Murrow and taking on the anti-communist, anti-gay fanatic Senator Joseph McCarthy. This too will probably be an Oscar-nominated film.

Chris Walsh is one of San Diego’s top “Iron Chefs” and loyal fans and crowds follow his every move from California Cuisine, Café W, to now Confidential in downtown San Diego in the trendy Gaslamp district (901 Fourth Ave). Confidential is a nightclub and restaurant and is one classy place. The bachelor reality TV star, yes sexy Andrew Firestone, is one of the investors. The co-owners are two handsome young men and well-known nightclub proprietors, Darren Moore and Merritte Powell.

If you know Chef Walsh then you know everything on the menu is outstanding and a fabulous adventure for your taste buds. I love this place. Confidential serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (619) 696-8888 or visit their Web site at www.confidential.com.

There is always something happening at the Caliph (3100 Fifth Ave). Great nightly entertainment, fun karaoke, great patio and one tasty deli. Now they are serving mouth-watering roast beef on a bun every Saturday for only 50 cents. Yes, I said 50 cents! It starts at 5:00 p.m. and we’re talking hand-carved and slow-roasted!

Also on Saturday is the piano playing with Leviticus from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to purchase your homemade Thanksgiving pie for Mama’s Kitchen at the Caliph and receive five chances to win a $500 bar and deli tab. For more information, call (619) 298- 9495. Over $1000 worth of pies have already been sold.

Cathy Sabater, a local real estate agent and loan officer, hosts a seminar entitled “1031 Exchange – Learn How to Save on Taxes Selling or Buying a Home” on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7:00 p.m. at 3131 Camino del Rio North Suite 400. You must RSVP to attend, as space will fill up quickly! For more information, contact Cathy at (619) 846-2675 or via email at cathysabater@yahoo.com.

Want to hot guys strut their stuff? Come check out Thursday night “It’s Raining Men Wet Underwear Contest” at Bacchus House. Hosted by Coco Lachine, the contest features $250 in cash and prizes. Come have a $1 well drink.