Dear Editor:

A few months ago in an editorial the Gay & Lesbian Times mocked the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for passing regulations regarding safe sex in adult clubs. Instead of advocating responsible behavior, publisher Michael Portantino has devoted countless editorials calling for more funding, demanding that “state and local politicians, gay leaders and service providers devise campaigns in a collaboration to effectively tackle the issues surrounding crystal meth and the increase in AIDS.” With galling hypocrisy in a resent telephone conversation he asserted: “What goes on in a bathhouse is the responsibility only of those who regulate them.”

In January ’05 the GLT reported that there was a new owner and new management at the former Mustang Spa. However the article failed to mention a third proprietor, Mark Earnest Carter, former manager of the club. He had worked there for at least two years during which unprotected anal sex was permitted in common areas, the staff sold crystal methamphetamine and there were two drug related deaths.

The Mustang Spa originally opened in the mid 1980’s as a “Friendship Club.” Regulations enacted in 1979 placed “bathhouses” under the supervision of SD City Code Enforcement and the club was never legally intended to be a sexual encounter establishment. Any issues regarding violations of sexual activity would be the jurisdiction of city code enforcement and the city attorney. The San Diego Police Department does not have purview over code enforcement and investigates only at the request of the city.

January 24, 2005 the city attorney’s office informed the new club that they were “operating in violation of the city’s Adult Entertainment regulations.” At the request of city code enforcement, the vice unit had conducted an undercover inspection the previous month, Dec. ’04. It was not until December 2005 that charges were filed based on the violations alleged a year earlier, and again alleged in June ’05. The case did not get to court until April of this year resulting in a guilty plea by the corporation and probation. I have learned that Mike Aguirre indeed was personally responsible for delaying the case in has office during which time code enforcement and county officials adopted a “hands off policy” regarding any ongoing violation.

To this day, unprotected sex continues at the club and I continue to believe that if men cannot play safe in a business supported by the gay community, we should be offended and that business should be shut down.

On July 20 the city attorney will finally ask to revoke Club 2200’s probation due to continued violations. This action cannot be blamed on any over zealous religious group or unilateral exploit taken by any government agency. I can assure all readers, this is the result of blatant arrogance and mendacity demonstrated by leaders of this community who have taken no interest or responsibility in what actually take place in gay bathhouses.

Kevin McCarthy

Dear Editor:

FYI,-George Zander is a Democratic Activist, president of the Desert Stonewall LGBT Club , and lives in the Palm Springs area. We have worked together on many issues within the California Democratic Party. And yes, he is probably not familiar with Nicole’s many achievements here in San Diego.

I personally did not consider Nicole’s advice to me “constructive criticism,” and I am sure he did not consider my remarks to him about our San Diego Democratic Club’s endorsements “educational.” However, that is what I intended my remarks to be.

I do not support Republicans because of what the party that they are registered with stands for. Actually, I should say that I do not support Republicans because of what their party is against. Some of those issues are LGBT Rights, Reproductive Freedom, the ERA, Universal Health Care, Affirmative Action, Open Immigration, A Livable Wage and Labor Unions.

And they vote for George W. Bush.

I have respect and regard for what Nicole Murray-Ramirez has done over the many years for San Diego, especially with the Imperial Court. And, I am well aware of his fund raising for many charities. I am also aware that dedication to the Democratic Party and electing Democrats is not a priority of his. It is a very top priority of mine.

Gloria Johnson

AKA “Ms Democratic of SD”

Dear Editor:

I want to recommend to all in our community that they see the movie “Imagine Me and You.” Out magazine calls it a “witty and charming comedy?” It is an enjoyable, sensitive and positive movie about loving...it is just out on dvd, and I would love to see our community support it.

Cathy Bolger