This week is the opening of our GLBT Youth Housing Project. Congratulations to Dr. Delores Jacobs, Jennifer LeSar, Kevin Tilden, Shawn Ingram, Robert Gleason, Richard Valdez and everyone at The Center.

One of San Diego’s legendary institutions, All Worlds Video, has been sold to Channel 1 Releasing of Los Angeles. Businessman and philanthropist Rick Ford has sold All Worlds Video, though he will continue directing the popular Dirk Yates line for Channel 1. World-renowned producer Chi Chi LaRue, a partner of Channel 1, is very excited about this new acquisition and will keep the All Worlds label alive for decades to come.

In a conversation with LaRue, she informed me that, in time, the entire All Worlds company will be moving to Los Angeles. Its top graphic artist, Todd Allen, will remain, and probably Coco LaChine, who is producing a film for Channel 1 next week.

For almost three decades, Rick Ford has made countless contributions (amounting to well over a half-million dollars) to GLBT organizations, charities, civil rights causes and AIDS agencies. I asked him why, and Rick Ford said, “You feel in your heart you must do what you can to make a difference. We all should in our own way.”

All Worlds is the biggest gay video company in the world, and Channel 1 is the newest, most popular, cutting-edge video company of the 21st century. And with Chi Chi LaRue, the sky is the limit. Word is that Rick Ford may also be selling his All Worlds Resort in Palm Springs soon. Rick Ford deserves time to enjoy life, travel and have fun, because he has done so much to help the quality of life of so many. Thank you and God bless you, Rick Ford.

Prominent businessman, veteran and community leader Bob Lehman, a former Marine sergeant, will be heading up San Diego’s GLBT Vote 2006 committee/campaign for this year’s local, state and federal elections.

Lehman, the first gay person appointed to the county veterans board (by Supervisor Ron Roberts), also serves on the citizens advisory board to District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Congressmember Bob Filner. GLBT Vote is a nonpartisan committee of political activists and businesspeople who organize voter-registration drives and endorse candidates for office in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.

One of the West Coast’s top artists, Julie Warren, will be presenting a collection of her much-in-demand prints and paintings on Monday, May 1, at Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd.) from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event will feature the music of the one and only Sue Palmer and Boogie Noir, and, of course, fabulous food provided by Judy the Beauty from the world famous Big Kitchen. So if you’re an art collector, your collection will not be complete without art by Julie Warren. Follow the crowds for a fun evening of music, art, food, friends and community on May 1. See you there.

Now it’s your once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy a full-course Italian dinner cooked by Gay & Lesbian Times publisher Michael Portantino (which will include a special family steak recipe) and little ol’ me – yes, Nicole will serve you and be your waitress! The dinner next Thursday, May 4, at Michael Portantino’s home is being held in honor of his brother, Mayor Anthony Portantino (younger and more handsome), who is on his way to being elected to the state Assembly. The $500-a-plate dinner will have limited seating, so call (619) 692-1967 today. Mayor Portantino has been endorsed by state Senator Kehoe, Councilmember Atkins and every major GLBT leader in the state. Yes, you read that right, Michael will be cooking and I’ll be serving!

One of San Diego’s most popular and fun personalities, Troy Paschall, passed away unexpectedly last week, to the shock and sadness of many of his friends. Troy was one beautiful person, with a heart of gold, an outrageous sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room. Troy, a.k.a. Troyale, was a volunteer at The Center, for the rodeo and for San Diego Pride. He also won the title of Miss San Diego At-Large. Troy worked for the old WCPC in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary (3655 Fifth Ave.), and a celebration of life will take place on Sunday, April 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Top of the Park. Rest in peace, girlfriend!

This past Monday, City Commissioner Bruce Abrams and I had lunch with Chula Vista Mayor Steve Padilla at Ortega’s Mexican Bistro (great food). Mayor Padilla’s re-election has been endorsed by almost every member of his city council, the chamber of commerce, the police officers association, etc. Mayor Padilla’s opponents are all Republicans, so he is the sole Democrat in the race. But he needs all of our support in what is being considered a tight campaign. The mayor has an outstanding record and is a highly respected Latino role model. Chula Vista is the largest city in the U.S.A. with an openly gay mayor.

Never has San Diego seen an opening of a restaurant like L.E.I. (4622 Park Blvd., next to Bourbon Street). The classy brochures, the unbelievable CD invitations… everyone is talking about L.E.I. like it’s a world-premiere opening of a major movie! And now, L.E.I. is open and the crowds are forming. This week’s private tasting parties and grand opening celebrations have been packed with movers and shakers and the top “eye candy” in town. Restaurant critics I’ve talked to are already raving about the food. And, of course, the interior and atmosphere – it’s like a tropical paradise. Next week, I’ll give you my complete food review. In the meantime, just follow the crowds to L.E.I.!

GLBT Latinos and friends will be celebrating the annual traditional holiday Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5, at The Center. There will be a fabulous Mexican buffet at 6:30 p.m., with an exciting show starting at 7:30 p.m. sharp. This is always a huge, fun, colorful party, put on every year by longtime community activist Carlos Silva and his legions of friends. Everyone is welcome, and it’s all a benefit for the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund and San Diego Young Positives. For more information, call Carlos at (619) 692-9076.