Since I came back from my trip east for the family wedding, I’ve been playing catch-up. My koi fishes have disowned me for leaving them so long, though my friend Bruce and Edith took good care of them. With the daylight lasting much longer, I’ve taken up grilling in my yard as a new pastime, and my friends Edith and Leroy are the guinea pigs for my test recipes. I must be doing OK, since they keep coming back.

Over the past three weeks, Martinis Above Fourth has hosted several fund-raisers at their Sunday brunch for their sports teams – the Starz softball team and The Eagles football team – to help defray the cost of their traveling and expenses. This past weekend, they held another one for the San Diego Expendables to go to the Gay Games in Chicago. The players come up with activity packages like dinner at a local restaurant like Martinis and L.E.I., drinks at Bourbon Street, workout training sessions and even home-cooked meals. The guys are all fun, friendly and hunky, and the auction raised a nice amount to help the team. I hosted the first two events and had the best time of my life. In fact, these events are so much fun, my sister Cristina Monet, who hosted the last one, has not been seen since.

Speaking of sisters, I wanted to thank the San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their appearance at the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest last Thursday at Bacchus House. No, the sisters did not get wet, though I’m sure they could be talked into it. It was a great evening, with lots of the good-looking guys San Diego is known for, plus my special guest, Rascal Video exclusive Tyler Riggs, a former cop who wowed the audience with his studly physique and his friendliness. There were at least seven other porn stars in the house partying with the crowd. Porn diva Chi Chi LaRue was the special celebrity guest DJ, and Chi rocked the house. There were also plenty of video giveaways and a good time was had by all.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been making waves and making themselves known in our community. They are not only growing in number, they go everywhere. They have participated in many events, like Cinco de Mayo, Toys for Kids and the GLBT Community Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, and even gave blessings at a recent memorial service. You’ve got to give them credit for their energy, community work, their edgy style and, most of all, their creativity – not only with their makeup and outfits, a hodge-podge of stuff from Rite-Aid, the 99-cent store, Michael’s and The Home Depot. I’m just kidding, so don’t make me say “I love Bush” as punishment. I would love to host a fashion show featuring these wonderfully twisted souls. They also come up with the most outrageous names, like Sister Samoa Cracka Toa, Sister Kali Vagilistic X.P. Aladocious and Sister Mary Drama Penelope Overhim. Obviously, even I blushed and left off some of the more risqué names, which included body parts, as a courtesy to my editors. This past Sunday, the Sisters held a show at The Brass Rail to raise money for the Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant, a fund operated by the Imperial Court that assists indigents with funeral services. Habits off to the Sisters! Or maybe they should keep those on…

In five weeks, we are going to celebrate Pride. I am co-emceeing the parade with Nicole at the reviewing stand on University Avenue, and I, for one, am looking forward to it. I understand that there are many concerns regarding the youth policy at the festival, and I am not in total agreement with this policy. But I understand that the Pride board has agonized over this and would like to err on the side of caution and responsibility. I am, however, suggesting that the Pride board revisits this issue and gets more community input. It is not too late. We will not always agree with the decisions made by our community organizations, but let us also not vilify these people who volunteer on our behalf. I have no doubt their intentions are honorable. I just hope the decisions end up being the right ones. We cannot afford another controversial year.

PowerHouse Productions is already selling advance tickets to Pride parties all weekend. The parties start with a harbor cruise on Friday, July 28, with DJ Joe Gauthreaux, which will be followed by the Pride Ball at 4th & B with DJ Brett Henrichsen. Saturday, July 29, is Circuit Daze at the Sports Arena, which will feature DJ Manny Lehman and a special performance by Debby Holiday. Sunday is the famous Zoo Party with DJs Phil B. and Tony Moran, and special guest Kristine W. Finally, if you’re still buzzing with energy, carry on at the Fete Accompli with guest Rosabel and DJs Abel and Ralphi Rosario. VIP and regular tickets are now available online at www.powerhouse-productions.com.

In the shameless plug section, please consider advertising in the Gay & Lesbian Times’ Pride Guide, which offers the most comprehensive information package of all the festivities during Pride week in San Diego, including the parade route, a festival map and details on all the parties happening in town. It’s also a good way to reach our out-of-town guests. Premium spaces are selling fast, so don’t delay. Call my friends at the ad department at (619) 299-6397.

It’s that time of year, and plans are already in progress for Coronation XXXV, which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 6:00 p.m. at The Center. Aspiring candidates are Norma and Justice Page Counce for empress and Daddy Don and Robi Cox for emperor. The ceremonial part of Coronation will be short and sweet, and will end by 10:00 p.m. Then the party continues with a show at The Flame, home of reigning Emperor Richard Britton. There will also be a show on Friday night at The Brass Rail that will feature out-of-town guest royalties. For ad information and to reserve tickets, call (619) 692-1967 or (858) 300-5805.

“South Pacific,” the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s 10th annual gala, takes place Saturday, June 24, aboard the USS Midway. The event will feature a special presentation by Imagination Entertainment, which will include musical moments from South Pacific and Blue Hawaii. Boarding time is 6:30 p.m. for VIP and 8:30 p.m. for the main event. Call (619) 291-3383 for tickets to an enchanting evening.

The GLBT Community Tribute Banquet takes place Sunday, June 25, aboard the majestic Victorian paddle wheeler the William D. Evans, located at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay. This year’s banquet will honor the community and philanthropic works of City Commissioner Bruce Abrams. Past honorees include Rick Ford, Ben Dillingham III, Julia Legaspi, Chris Shaw, Al Best, Alma Rosa Vasic, Bill Beck and Bridget Wilson. Cocktails start at 6:00 p.m. and the boat departs at 7:00 p.m. for a scrumptious dinner. Call (619) 794-2777 for tickets.

Back on land, it’s the 80th anniversary of the historic Park Manor Suites, and they’re kicking off a weekend of festivities to show off the beautifully remodeled Top of the Park and guest suites. On Friday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m., join them for a kick-off happy hour with complimentary champagne and cake. Saturday, July 1, is “Gala under the Stars,” a cocktail benefit for PAWS San Diego that begins at 6:00 p.m. RSVPs are required and can be made by calling (619) 297-7297. On Sunday, July 2, a barbecue will begin at 12:00 noon. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit Mama’s Kitchen and Special Delivery.