I’m sorry I couldn’t make Dr. Drew Mattison’s and Princess Royale Lola’s celebrations of life (I had some health problems), but I thank everyone who showed up to honor these two beloved individuals.

San Francisco’s popular mayor, Gavin Newsom, will be in San Diego on Thursday, March 23, and there will be a private luncheon held for him at Martinis Above Fourth from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

The handsome and popular Newsom is viewed by top national political leaders as a future governor, vice president or president. The $500-a-plate event will also kick off a Newsom leadership advisory council. For more information and reservations, phone (619) 318-9220 or (619) 692-1967.

The other day, Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman took me to see the hit movie TransAmerica. What a great movie – both a drama and a fabulous comedy.

Felicity Huffman should win an Oscar for her outstanding performance as a pre-operative transsexual – she is very believable. Hot young actor Kevin Zegers takes your breath away with his sex appeal. But most importantly, this movie makes you understand more about our transsexual sisters. It’s a must-see movie!

Our state’s very own U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer was in town for a luncheon held in support of Congressmember Bob Filner. Even the leading Democratic candidate for governor, State Treasurer Phil Angelides, stopped by to support Filner.

Among the GLBTs in attendance were: City Councilmember Toni Atkins, City Commissioner Bruce Abrams, Dr. Pat Washington, City Commissioner Julia Legaspi, Fentress Ott, City Commissioner Jess San Roque and San Diego Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee.

The food was great, and Jane Filner looked smashing – like she stepped off the front cover of Vogue.

The current issue of Rocket, the biweekly entertainment magazine, carries on page 37 one of the most outrageous and insulting anti-Christian columns I’ve ever seen in any publication… period. The column called Toyz 4 Boyz features a Web site for one to purchase a “Baby Jesus Butt Plug” and a “Jackhammer Jesus,” with pictures and all. The Jackhammer Jesus is actually a Christian cross with Jesus on it that turns into a dildo!

Now, I have never proclaimed to be the perfect Christian – not even close – but I find this insulting to any Christian of any denomination or background. I would be just as outraged if a Star of David was portrayed in such a manner.

I believe that Rocket should issue a public apology. As for the publisher, he informed me he did not know of its contents and would be looking into the matter.

Yes, Patrick Hong Luu, the popular former owner of the award-winning Taste of Szechuan, is opening up a new upscale, classy Vietnamese restaurant next month at 3900 Fifth Ave. Patrick and his handsome manager, Nam Hoang, gave me a private tour of his new place, and, trust me, it will be one of the most beautiful restaurants in Hillcrest.

For over a decade, Patrick has been traveling to Vietnam to research all the fine restaurants with the best cuisine, and he has also brought back beautiful and priceless antiques and paintings, including a white jade Buddha!

Patrick Luu has owned four restaurants, and he is a perfectionist. When you step into Saigon on Fifth, you will feel like you’re stepping into a five-star restaurant in the heart of Saigon. The staff will be dressed in Vietnamese attire that was specially designed by one of this country’s top designers. Saigon on Fifth will be open seven days a week, and seats about 100 people. There is a private dining room that will be available, and a beautiful patio.

I predict that Saigon on Fifth will soon become the Asian jewel in the Hillcrest crown of fine restaurants!

Yes, next Wednesday, March 1, will be the fourth anniversary of Bourbon Street’s super-popular Fabulous Bingo, and there will be four games that will give away $100 to the winner, plus the usual chances to win color TVs, microwave ovens, etc. All games are free, and, remember, one card per person.

My special assistant will be Bingo Bob, and we have a lot of surprises in store for you. That’s next Wednesday from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. Come and claim your prize.

The award-winning Baja Betty’s, a restaurant critics’ favorite, is now available for all your parties and fiestas! They offer their full menu, plus more, and it all comes with complete set-up, breakdown and the usual friendly, professional service. They will cater your birthday, anniversary, office or divorce parties…

This past week, they catered our city’s Human Relations Commission reception/meeting, and everyone left raving about the buffet. For more information, phone (619) 269-8510.

San Diego’s very own Coco LaChine was honored as a top video director when her film, the super-hit Desperate Husbands, received five GayVN nominations (like the Oscars). It’s a great film, with superstars and a great storyline.

All Worlds Video received 20 nominations in all. Congratulations to Rick Ford and Coco. The GayVN Awards will take place March 9 in Hollywood.