This Sunday is the 20th annual CityFest street fair in Hillcrest.… When it first began, about 5,000 people showed up. Now there are over 100,000.… See you all there!

First of all I wish to sincerely express my deep appreciation to Mayor Murphy, Councilmember Toni Atkins, the entire city council and all of the many Latino leaders and officials who strongly supported me and my appointment as a city commissioner. Yes, believe it or not, I am very humbled by this and have had long thoughts and contemplations on this new position.

First of all, I want to make it clear that I write this column as an individual, not in association with any national, state or local position that I hold. I also believe that I have a responsibility to do my best and will try to live up to such an honor. Thus, you will see a change in this column and my, at times, harsh and biting remarks.… I will continue to give my opinions, and yes, answer some letters that I feel are false and unwarranted … but in a kinder, gentler fashion (smile). I will continue to be myself and “tell it like it is,” but I think it’s time to stop letting people get under my skin.… But I am human too, and some of the letters have been slanderous and hateful lies. I have feelings too.

At any rate, I thank my good friends and “family” who showed up at City Hall for my swearing in as a city commissioner.… I thought of my father, who wanted me to become a Congressman and rejected me because I was gay, and who died not too long ago.… I think he would have been at least a little proud.… I thought of my mother and my GLBT family, and I remember Brad Truax, Jess Jessop, Barbara Crusberg, Mandy Schultz, Queen Eddie, Herb King, Neil Goode and so many more.… I love our community. I am not the perfect activist, and have made mistakes, but for over 30 years I have done my best to fight for our true equality and I hope that I have made a difference.…

Thank you for listening, and thank you for the many congratulation calls, letters, flowers, etc. from friends and respected “foes” alike.

I had the pleasure of meeting our new police chief, William Lansdowne, and his lovely wife at his swearing in.… I was impressed with his warmth and sincerity. He also stated that he would continue to have a GLBT Advisory Board, which was the first of its kind, established by our popular former chief of police, David Bejarano.… This police chief every Christmas rides in a police cruiser and has a weekly routine of joining his officers on patrol.… My political, people of color and GLBT contacts in San Jose give Chief Lansdowne good, solid marks.… Our community looks forward to working with him.

Recently the Desert Business Association of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, etc., held a reception at the Park Manor Suites to introduce themselves to our local GLBT business community. Thousands of San Diegans go to Palm Springs and its GLBT hotels, restaurants, bars, businesses, etc. Likewise, thousands of desert folk come to San Diego. It was nice running into my longtime friend, Charlie Sharples, president of the D.B.A. … and meeting so many businesspeople. I love Palm Springs and, when I’m there, I stay at All Worlds Resort, the most beautiful and largest gay men’s resort in Palm Springs.

In the 32-year history of the Imperial Court’s Coronation Ball, this one will go down in history as one of the most regal, beautiful and the best. When businessman Rick Ford puts on an event, he does it first class all the way. The “Military Ball” saw marines in full dress blues and sailors in uniform…. The set was beautiful and striking…. Emperor Rafael looked every inch a monarch and his constant smile melted the ballroom.

Empress Sybil looked very nice and the entertainment and food were outstanding — especially the mousse!! The 31st reign raised over $70,000 and a big congratulations to Rafael and Sybil…. Courts from Canada, Alaska, Kentucky, Hawaii, New York, Texas and every city in between were well represented. Congratulations to our new Emperor Robi Cox and Empress Christina. You are all invited to their first Court meeting, the third Wednesday of every month at The Center, 7:30 p.m. For further information, call (619) 692-1967.