The news desk never seemed so quiet. Sure, there’s the usual insanity everyone in the gay biz experiences during Pride season, but compared to last year’s madness, the past few weeks have been a walk in the park.

By madness we are of course referring to the controversy that erupted last year after registered sex offenders were discovered working for Pride. And while many in the community still don’t see eye to eye on this issue, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Pride is a better organization today as a result of last year’s scandal.

Well, there was that hiccup over whether unaccompanied youth could attend the Pride festival. Community members organized, the Gay & Lesbian Times did our signature brand of editorializing and then something extraordinary happened: A new policy was created that incorporated the community’s input while still addressing some of Pride’s concerns about the safety of youth at the Pride festival.

While we remain convinced the amended policy still sends the wrong message, we here at the Gay & Lesbian Times understand better than most how difficult it is to please everyone. This compromise is just one of the many reasons we are proud of Pride this year.

What’s this, a positive Pride editorial, you say?

Did you flip back to the cover to confirm you have a copy of the GLT in your hands?

Oh, come on, we aren’t that bad, are we?

Following last year’s hot potato, Pride made us a few promises. And by us we mean the community.

Pride now performs criminal background checks on all staff and volunteers. All people convicted of crimes against youth are ineligible to volunteer.

After a year’s time, several new board members and new executive director Ron deHarte have joined the Pride ranks, answering the community’s call for new leadership.

But Pride did more than just fulfill its promises. The board and new E.D. met with leaders of every color in our diverse rainbow community. As a result of these meetings, you’ll notice the addition of several new stages and community-specific areas that aim to make everyone feel at home at this year’s Pride festival. These new areas include the Women’s Space, the Ebony Pride Stage, the Latin Dance Stage, the Transgender Area and the Interfaith Pavilion.

Pride facilitated a communitywide survey to get feedback. The most common complaint: entertainment. The festival has been enhanced as a result, and now boasts 10 performance stages and more than 70 performers, including headliners Deborah Gibson, Tiffany, Flock of Seagulls and When in Rome, all included in the festival ticket price.

We asked for results and Pride delivered. It’s not easy to take a beating and get right back up on your feet. But that’s what Pride did. We salute Pride and wish everyone a happy Pride weekend.

Before you go on your merry way, however, we want to make the community aware of possible dangers this Pride weekend. Several reports of crimes against gay men in the Hillcrest, North Park and Mission Hills areas have been circulating throughout the community (see this week’s news story, page 32). At this time, there is no evidence to support that these crimes were motivated by anti-GLBT hate, but it does not rule out the possibility.

The San Diego Police Department is investigating these crimes and the Gay & Lesbian Times will continue to report as the story develops. This Pride season, please take extra precaution and always be aware of your surroundings.

The use of alcohol and drugs increases during this time of revelry and celebration. Let’s take care of one another and, if you must use, use responsibly.