Dear Editor:

An open letter to the Gay Community from The House of Blues:

I am writing this letter to recognize the need to repair our image and relationship with the Gay community. Neither I, nor for that matter, The House of Blues share the beliefs and views of the specific artist in question; his show or his music.

I personally have always believed in the right and freedom to express one’s self as an individual as well as to choose whatever life style one may desire. I believe we all are very lucky to have those very precious rights in our society. I know The House of Blues, as a company and a family, has an understanding and respect for that way of thought and we live those principles in our workplace every day. The mantra of our company “Unity in Diversity” is one of the many reasons why I have embraced working for the company for over 5 years.

As to the show on October 4th, we were under financial and contractual agreements which had an influence on other relationships impacting our business within the complexities of dealing with agents, managers and artists. I believe neither I, nor House of Blues, have the right to censor or decide what a person or artist verbalizes or states to the public, even if those lyrics may be hurtful to others. I am not willing to be put in to a position to be judge and jury as to what the public considers “entertainment” as that concept clearly varies with different groups of people.

Regardless, I do understand the importance of going forward to mend and repair our relationships within the gay community and I am open and willing to put forth such an effort. Finally, I do apologize for the anguish this event may have caused. In my heart, I know there was no malevolence on my part or the House of Blues.

Ron Deimling

General Manager

House of Blues San Diego

See ww.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=8232

Dear Editor:

Regarding the article, A workout with a purpose, AIDS Walk San Diego 2006, we would like to congratulate AIDS Walk on yet another successful event! The walk provides the opportunity to bring the public’s attention back to HIV/AIDS and offers those concerned about the impact of the disease on our community a chance to mobilize together and show our support.

We would also like to offer clarification of the manner in which the funds from AIDS Walk San Diego are distributed in the San Diego region. The San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative (SDHFC), a program of Alliance Healthcare Foundation, is the granting arm of AIDS Walk San Diego as well as other local and national private funding sources that support HIV/AIDS services. SDHFC has been in existence since 1990 and, since its inception, has raised and allocated over $4.2 million in our region, which includes San Diego and Imperial Counties and Northern Baja California.

For the current calendar year, a total of $480,540 was awarded to 38 HIV/AIDS service providers. These funds were donated from The Sunshine Brooks Permanent Fund of AIDS Foundation San Diego, AIDS Walk San Diego, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, McCarthy Family Foundation, National AIDS Fund, The Parker Foundation, the Lesbian and Gay Fund of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation and The San Diego Foundation at The San Diego Foundation, and The James Ziegler Advised Fund at The San Diego Foundation. 100% of funds raised are awarded to HIV/AIDS service providers; the Alliance Healthcare Foundation supports all administrative and operational costs in-kind.

Each year, the funds are granted through a competitive bidding process by a volunteer committee. We again want to thank AIDS Walk San Diego and everyone who contributed this and every year. Your fundraising makes a significant difference in the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS in San Diego and Imperial Counties and northern Baja California.

Scott Suckow

SDHFC Advisory Committee Chairperson

Katherine Crow

SDHFC Coordinator

Dear Editor:

I have disagreed with the council member on many issues, often developer projects she voted for after receiving substantial campaign donations from the developer. Certainly bad judgment in my view but a necessity of being elected in San Diego.

Despite that, I have never doubted her sincerity to try to do best for her constituents-all of them. And she has. Maybe because we both came from the humble origin of coal mining families. I believe neither of us could contemplate making life more difficult for our peers less lucky than we were.

On the other hand, your publisher still screws around mixing his professional and private life and is a blowhard who has yet to include public service on his resume.

Yes- Toni Atkins has made mistakes but she is a better human being than your publisher for trying to make a difference.

Ian Trowbridge

Dear Editor:

I just want to comment on how refreshing and fun I found your new column by cutie Gary Thayer. It hit right on the spot on the new dating ritual of today, the culture of instant gratification and “delete”, “ignore” and “unlock” buttons. Good for you and hope to see more of Gary.

Guillermo A. Sanz-Berney, M.D.