The elections for Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) are only about a month away. Please register to vote… and make all your neighbors, friends and family members register, too!

The recent death of Butch Von Ryan has touched many in this community. The co-owner of Numbers and The Flame was like a gentle, butch giant… quiet but with a big heart.

A Marine veteran, “Butch” was the right name for this really sweet daddy. I would always try to draw him out of his shyness, but while some people do things loudly, Butch made his contributions and did his productive work quietly. He was one of the nicest guys in San Diego.

I want to take the time to thank and acknowledge Butch’s loyal and loving partner of more than 14 years, Richard Britton, who stood by Butch through some very rough and difficult health problems these last few years. Richard was with him ’til the end and loved him unconditionally.

Richard touched me deeply when he told me that Butch, in his last days, held onto the rosary I had given him, which had been blessed by the pope.

It was my honor to call Butch a friend, and my heart aches for Richard. But knowing Butch, he would want us all to go on and fight the good fight, take time to smell the roses and treat people nicer.

Richard, Nick Moede and friends at Numbers, The Flame and Rich’s will be furnishing and dedicating a room in Butch’s memory at our new GLBT Youth Housing Project. Butch would have loved knowing he could bring warmth and comfort to homeless youth.

Rest in peace, my gentle friend. We will never forget you.

Many of us are very concerned about who the Democratic nominee for president will be in 2008, especially if the Republicans nominate Senator John Glenn and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the ticket.

I love Senator Hillary Clinton, but I strongly believe she cannot win.

Well, former Vice President Al Gore is tanned and rested, and no one is laughing anymore about his global-warming warnings. I hope Gore is a candidate, as he got the most votes in 2000 and I believe that, just like Richard Nixon did decades ago, Gore can once again rise like the phoenix.

I’ve noticed “Kill Roger Hedgecock” stickers plastered here and there around town recently, including on some cars. I know they’re not from our GLBT community because I would have heard about this much sooner, and I haven’t seen them in Hillcrest and North Park.

Yes, I disagree with and get upset about some of Hedgecock’s statements regarding GLBT and Latino issues, but to wish him or anyone to be killed is truly crossing the line, and it shocks me that anyone would put these stickers on their cars.

If someone wants to disagree with Hedgecock, call his show, e-mail him or write to him, but no one should ever call for the killing of pro-gay or anti-gay radio personalities… period.

Longtime community leaders and businessmen Bill Beck and David Huskey celebrated their 30th anniversary along with the 25th anniversary of their successful business, Will Copy & Print, with a special “55 party” that was a smash hit, full of fun and friendship.

Almost every top San Diegan mover and shaker was there, from elected public officials to community and business leaders. It was most certainly the fun party of the year, held in honor of two great guys who have done so very much for our community and our fight for equality.

Both David and Bill were very touched to see their beautiful home packed wall to wall and the air of laughter, respect and love that filled their home.

Decades ago, an article in the Los Angeles Times called me the “mayor of Hillcrest.” Well, I should be moving back soon (onto Robinson Avenue).

After my recent disastrous turn of events at my apartment in Normal Heights (the ceiling fell in and mold and possible spores were discovered), I’ve been going through hell and back, especially regarding health issues. I can’t wait to get out of here!

Patrick, the popular owner of Saigon on Fifth, will be celebrating his birthday this Monday, Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at his beautiful restaurant. There will be great food and drinks, so stop by and give him a hug.

In lieu of gifts, a donation to APICAP (Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project) is requested.

Well, now you should all know that one of the West Coast’s most popular and award-winning restaurants, Hamburger Mary’s, has changed its name to Urban Mo’s and has a fabulous new logo, a great new menu and also new colors and some interior changes.

I had lunch with Chris Shaw this past Tuesday, and he told me about all the exciting changes. The name Urban Mo’s actually comes from the television show “Will & Grace” and is the new hip slang for “gay.” (The name was co-owner Matt’s great idea.)

As many of you know, Shaw has been a gay businessman since 1979 and Hamburger Mary’s has been a huge hit for more than 14 years. Chris told me he feels his decades of success have been made possible by his staff, which is always up, fun, courteous and smiling.

Urban Mo’s will continue to be like having a meal at Disneyland… just fun, fun, fun. Chris gave me a sneak peek at their new menus (it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), and I am especially excited about their new extensive dinner menu, which includes T-bone steak, mango salsa, swordfish, shrimp and Urban Mo’s new barbecued meatloaf.

Urban Mo’s fun logo includes an Andy Warhol-like fun crown. So, to sum it all up, stop by Urban Mo’s, where everyone is treated like royalty!

If you’ve never been to an AIDS benefit, this is really one to support. This coming Saturday, Sept. 16, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Lei Lounge will be a gala benefit for DIG (Development in Gardening), which is a nonprofit organization founded by San Diegan Steve Bolinger that assists with the nutritional needs of urban HIV/AIDS hospitals and orphanages throughout Africa. There will be hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and silent and live auctions, etc., as well as lots of fun and surprises. For more information, phone (619) 274-7218 or (619) 807-7324.

Look out, San Diego, Universal is coming to the corner of University and Vermont, and, trust me, Hillcrest will never be the same, as they’re taking things up a notch with a classy, hip New York-type superclub/restaurant/lounge.

I’ve seen the plans and the design, and I predict Universal will be the talk of the town.

Yes, the owners of the top nightclub in the Gaslamp, Stingaree (which they put about $8 million into), are pulling out all the stops for their new Hillcrest venue, which in time will hopefully include entertainment and dancing.

I met with handsome Billy Nordmeier, the logistics manager, and let me tell you that Universal is definitely going to offer the best service, food and ambience in Hillcrest. The owner of Stingaree has a solid reputation for giving back to the community, including to AIDS Walk, homeless youth, etc.

Stingaree and Universal owner James Brennan told me: “I feel Hillcrest has risen to a new level over the years and needs a few upscale establishments to put it over the top. It is our intention to transition into this community and work with its residents to create a product we can all be proud of.”

Well, let me tell you, I’ve never been so excited about a new restaurant/lounge opening in decades. Keep your eyes open, because Universal is going to be unbelievable!

Firefly Factory, located next to The Flame, is a fabulous store that has a bevy of greeting cards, gifts, watches, retro clocks and lighting, novelty toys and collectibles, and even a large collection of those form fitting shirts we all love to show off our goods in. The best news is that everything in the store is well below the manufacturers suggested retail price! So stop on by and buy to your heart’s content. Firefly Factory is located at 3774 Park Blvd., and you can check them out online at www.fireflyfactory.com.

Every Thursday throughout September and October is Date Night at Martinis Above Fourth. Buy one entrée and receive one of equal or lesser value at one-half price (dine in only). Martinis Above Fourth looks forward to seeing you! Call (619) 400-4500 or visit www.martinisabovefourth.com for details.