Every year I try to express my deep appreciation for the countless holiday invitations I get, and I’m sorry that there is no way I can make them all. I sometimes find myself attending up to six events an evening (I call my stops “hit and runs”). Please know that I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m an old queen!

State Senator Christine Kehoe held a private holiday luncheon last week at California Cuisine for about 15 GLBT leaders, where she gave a briefing on her legislative year. When I asked Chris who she was supporting for governor, she said our current state treasurer.

Sherman Mendoza and I attended an event for City Council District 2 candidate Lorena Gonzalez, which was hosted by the Mexican American Political Association at the beautiful CityFront Terrace. Gonzalez truly impressed the crowd with her knowledge of all the issues.

State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña held a holiday party and toy drive for homeless children, and it was great to see so many people in attendance. Richard Britton and I brought some toys and had a great time. It was nice to see Councilmember Donna Frye in attendance. By the way, although Frye may have lost her own council district in this past mayoral race, anyone who is thinking about stopping her re-election would be wasting their time. Many of us Sanders supporters will be supporting Donna for her re-election.

Possible City Council District 3 candidate Robert Gleason informs me he will make his final decision early next year on whether or not he will run for the office. I am sure Todd Gloria will be anxiously awaiting his decision.

What’s all the fuss over popular Congressmember Bob Filner? His very intelligent and politically savvy wife, Jane, has always been a part of his campaign – for decades. It’s no secret, and many elected officials have their wives involved. Who could they trust more? This race is getting too nasty already. But not to worry, Filner, we’re still 100-percent behind you.

A nice crowd of community leaders, activists and businesspeople showed up for Ben Dillingham and Adrian Rodriguez’s holiday party, which featured County Supervisor Ron Roberts as a special guest. Ron brought some toys for our GLBT community’s annual Toys for Kids drive. Thanks, Ron.

While we are all waiting to see what Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins’ decision will be about running against Ron Roberts, two other Democrats are already running: school board member Shelia Jackson and a union organizer.

Our GBLT alcohol/drug recovery community and its organizations are some of the most ignored and unsupported in our community. They seem to get less financial support, though Stepping Stone and the Live and Let Live Alano Club continue to change and save lives, and have for decades. This past Sunday, I attended the Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat’s 14th annual spaghetti dinner. There were hundreds of people at The Center.

This year it was good to see “Living Out Loud” do so well, and next month is the Alano Club’s third Gala Dinner (Jan. 28). As our alcohol and drug problems continue to grow, I strongly urge more support for our GLBT recovery community, its organizations and events… thank you.

You can imagine my surprise when I read Update’s political columnist Bob Fox’s “Come Peek Under My Tree and See What the Famous Get,” and read what he wished for such political leaders as Mayor Jerry Sanders, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, ex-Congressmember Randy “Duke” Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins, etc. Then it came to Nicole, and Mr. Fox proposed renaming a portion of University Avenue in Hillcrest to Nicole Avenue, stating that “it should be done so now.”

Well, though I was touched, I did feel sorry for Mr. Fox, as I’m sure he will be receiving bombs and roses for this proposal, but mostly bombs! While I sincerely thank you, Mr. Fox, I want you to know that I have been working on getting a street named near our Center for Jess Jessop, and I feel there truly are some individuals much more worthy of such an honor. But after so many arrows that have at times been shot my way, it’s nice to get a rose once in awhile. I appreciate your mention, and I’m sending a bulletproof vest over to you at Update!

The legendary Palm Restaurant has finally opened in San Diego. It’s the talk of the town, the new “in” spot for political movers and shakers, and it’s my new favorite place for lunch or dinner. There are Palm Restaurants in over 20 of our nation’s top cities, including West Hollywood and Los Angeles (for my L.A. readers). The new Palm Restaurant in San Diego (615 J St.) has only been open for a few weeks and already recommends making reservations. Their top cuisine includes live 3 to 9-lb. Nova Scotia lobsters (to die for!), USDA prime, aged beef, and fresh seafood, veal, lamb and pasta dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The service is outstanding and the staff is smartly dressed (our waitress was the fabulous Kim). They have in-house desserts and the best cheesecake on the West Coast. The must-see at the Palms is the collection of art sketches of world-renowned and local celebrities and politicians, including some of our very own community leaders. I had the privilege of working with sales manager Cathy DeLeon on a private birthday dinner gala for Sgt. Bob Lehman (member of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ advisory board and the first member of our community to be appointed to the County Veterans Board), but more on that party next week. Just trust me, one visit to the Palm Restaurant and it’ll top your list of dining favorites. Their new general manager, Howard Buchanan, makes everyone feel welcome – like a VIP. For more information, phone (619) 702-6500 or visit www.thepalm.com.

The ever-popular Caliph (3100 Fifth Ave.) has announced its fabulous New Year’s Eve party with Blue Velvet and a six-piece live band. Yes, you read right, a six-piece live band! There will only be a $7 cover charge after 8:00 p.m., and chocolates and champagne at midnight. The Caliph will be the place to be for a classy New Year’s Eve and outstanding entertainment.

One of the West Coast’s most popular and critically acclaimed (Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, etc.) female-impersonator shows – yes, the Dreamgirls Revue – will be back in town this coming Friday night (Dec. 23) at Rich’s at 10:00 p.m. The holiday show will be full of celebrity look-alikes and outrageous comedy, and stars the one and only Chad Michaels along with LaDonna Monroe, Dolly Levi (from the movie The Birdcage), Kiwi and top comedian Delta Work. Come see the new cast members.

As the founder of the Dreamgirls Revue, I am proud to see it play to packed houses in Hollywood, Laguna, Long Beach and all over the West Coast. See you all at Rich’s Friday night, as San Diego welcomes back the Dreamgirls!