I will be in Hollywood this weekend for a gala to benefit the Los Angeles Nicole M. Ramirez Student Scholarship Fund, which is for GLBT students in Los Angeles County. The fund was established years ago, and I am very honored that Los Angeles activists named this fund after me. Now, about naming a certain alley after me behind the old Gold Cup on Hollywood Boulevard, my old stomping grounds…

City Councilmember Toni Atkins is receiving strong and solid community support with almost two dozen flower arrangements hitting her office along with countless messages and cards of support during this difficult time.

Word is her office looks like a flower shop, and all of the 10th floor council offices were buzzing about how Atkins was about the only council member to receive such an outpouring of calls and messages.

I had a long talk with Toni, and she was overwhelmed and so very touched and moved by the great signs of continued support from her community and district.

In an exclusive interview, the new San Diego Metro Weekly was able to get the first interview of one of the six men who were bashed with baseball bats during Pride weekend.

In the interview, Paul Mullins criticizes the police, Pride security and 911 operators.

The article by longtime pioneer activist and writer Leo Laurence quotes Mr. Mullins extensively.

I contacted San Diego Pride, which stated that a vast majority of their security detail is comprised of volunteers, and the very first time they were contacted concerning the attacks, Pride security was one of the first on the scene to try to assist the victims.

Last Friday night, two gay bars were almost under siege by gang-like youth whose threats and violence forced the two bars to close their doors and protect customers by having them stay inside.

Police responded, and, as chair of the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, I will be looking into these incidents. I am very concerned about the increasing attacks upon our gay bars by those who would rob or threaten GLBT patrons.

Great news for Hillcrest, as word is two restaurants may soon be opening on the corner of University Avenue and Vermont Street.

One will be an upscale restaurant that turns into a fabulous nightclub around 11:00 p.m., and the other will be a dinner theater venue.

Most of the Uptown Planning officials are in support of it, but there is, as always, some opposition from a few residents.

There will be valet parking, and all of the owners are doing everything they can to make things right for the neighborhood.

I support these new businesses and feel they will be an outstanding addition to Hillcrest.

As many of you know, I announced at our recent rally against hate crimes that took place at The Center the formation of a patrol for next year’s Pride weekend, which will be organized by the San Diego chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), led by former Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman.

The new name will be the Stonewall Citizens Patrol, and the patrol will be in partnership with the San Diego Police Department. The Stonewall Citizens Patrol will patrol Hillcrest, North Park and Balboa Park outside of the festival and walk people to their cars, etc., during 2007 Pride weekend.

For further information, phone Sgt. Bob at (619) 850-8698.

The entire community is cordially invited to the third annual dedication of the San Diego LGBT Community Wall of Honor at The Center (3909 Centre St.), which will take place this Friday, Aug. 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Our 2006 honorees are attorney Bridget Wilson, Doug Moore, Muriel Fisher, Patrick McArron, Ron Umbaugh, Maria Plasencia and Herb King. All are outstanding and most deserving of this recognition.

Let us come out and show our appreciation, and thank those who helped build our community to where it is today.

Our very own Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) was named the 2006 Chamber of the Year by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce at the International Business and Leadership Conference, which recently took place in Montreal, Canada, and drew GLBT business leaders from around the world.

What an honor for the GSDBA, our community and our city. Way to go, GSDBA. We’re all proud of you.

Don’t forget that our GSDBA was the first gay business association in the nation to sign an official agreement of understanding with the Small Business Association, which happened during the Clinton presidency.

Hey, fine diners, you don’t have to travel to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, etc., to taste the very best in Southeast Asian cuisine. One visit to the Red Pearl Kitchen (440 J St.) in the Gaslamp and your taste buds will embark on an exciting adventure they won’t soon forget.

The Red Pearl Kitchen has not even been open a year yet and it is already the talk of San Diego and a big hit.

My pal Rick Ford introduced me to this beautiful restaurant and we got the VIP treatment when we pulled up in his 2006 Rolls Royce.

However, everyone gets the VIP treatment, as the entire restaurant staff is super-friendly, attentive and fast. I could eat at this place seven nights a week.

The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. and has a happy hour, as well as dim sum Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and special happenings ranging from fashion shows to arts events.

Executive chef Jason Marcus is definitely an “iron chef” of his own. General manager Adams Saks is handsome and outgoing, and manager Heather Heuser is beautiful and classy. You’ll be lucky if the fabulous Jenna is your waitress, and everything on the menu is excellent!

Just how great is the Red Pearl Kitchen? Well, I spotted Mr. San Diego himself, Tom Blair (editor of the prestigious San Diego Magazine), having a meal at the “chef’s table.”

For more information on the Red Pearl Kitchen, visit www.redpearlkitchen.com.

Calling all Latinos, Latinas and their friends and fans, the LGBT Latin Pride music fest, “Pachanga de Orgullo,” is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 26, and will take place at the San Diego Auto Museum, located at 2080 Pan American Way in Balboa Park.

It will take place outdoors on the lawn from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight and will feature food and entertainment.

Get your tickets today at The Center. Call Carolina Ramos at (619) 692-2077 ext. 116 for further information.

Hey, all you women and lesbians, the place to be for a really hot dance party is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 26, at The Flame.

This is looking like a regular party for women, and is called “Milk!”

Your popular and beautiful hostesses will be Meaghan and Liza, so just follow the crowds to The Flame on Aug. 26 and get ready to party.

For more information, e-mail milkattheflame@yahoo.com.

Recently, I’ve been receiving calls about rumors that I will be a candidate for City Council in 2008 (among other rumors).

Read my lips: No way, no how, period.

Yes, in the 1970s the Gayzette had an editorial predicting I would be the first openly gay candidate to be elected to office, but even then I stated I would never run for public office.

And even though I appreciate the encouragement from both gay and straight Republicans and Democratic movers and shakers, I am not a candidate. So let’s drop the subject, as I am very content with those already being mentioned for the 2008 District 3 council race.