Don’t forget this Saturday, May 31, will be the GLBT Health Fair at The Center (3909 Centre St.) from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thanks to the two major sponsors, The Center and Priority Pharmacy. The special guest will be Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders…. See you all there.

The recent elections of the Greater North Park Planning Committee have resulted in a majority of new members, who voted 8-6 against supporting the clean needle exchange program to stop AIDS. And now the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that some of the planning board members of this Greater North Park Planning Committee, and I quote, “vow to use the needle issue to oust Toni Atkins from office.”

All this in spite of San Diego Police officials stating that there has been no new rise in crime or drug use connected with the needle exchange program. Some board members are even videotaping the clients using this lifesaving program. Will these video shots appear in some of hypocritical John Hartley’s campaign ads? Is John Hartley behind all of this and the takeover of the North Park Planning Committee??

This should be a “wake-up” call to everyone that our hardworking and principled Councilmember Toni Atkins will be facing a tough, ugly and negative campaign to defeat her and it has already begun…. Shame on you “John Benedict Arnold Hartley” … and now we must support Toni Atkins stronger than ever…. Volunteer, walk precincts, give campaign donations and register to vote…. We cannot take Toni Atkin’s re-election for granted…. Period.

Last week, David Thaler urged our GLBT Pride board to reject radio station Magic 92.5’s participation in our parade this year, because they sponsored a breakfast for a local Boy Scout troop made up mostly of Latinos. Mr. Thaler I disagree with you 100 percent…. Magic 92.5 has supported and promoted GLBT community events for years…. And as for not allowing Councilmember Brian Maienschein in our parade, did you know Mr. Thaler that Councilmember Maienschein provided thousands of dollars for our new GLBT Center? Since President Clinton and Governor Davis both have taken the same stand on the Boy Scouts as Councilmember Maienschein, should we never allow them in our parade?? No one is going to support our GLBT community’s individual issues 100 percent. GLBT Pride should allow, and yes, welcome Magic 92.5’s participation in our parade.

I’m not going to name “names” but I just want to give you an example of a stupid board of directors full of egos and turf wars … and a paid event producer who is not only unprofessional, but full of herself. Recently an AIDS organization decided to hold an event.… A close friend of one of the board members, who happens to be a well-respected doctor in our community, set up a meeting between the AIDS organization and a well known community activist to try to get some support and help. The activist indeed helped, getting support, promotion, auction items etc. This AIDS event was going to have as a special guest a well known Hollywood personality who has done a lot of AIDS and GLBT benefits, so a local well respected elected official decided to issue an official proclamation honoring this individual for his humanitarianism. The activist was also going to present a “financial check” to the benefit.… Well, a phone call was made that the paid event producer felt the program had no time for this three-minute presentation and said “No,”… thus insulting the elected official, the activist and the organization that was going to issue the financial check.… The only good news is that the well-known Hollywood personality did receive the proclamation outside of the event.

This is an example of how some of our AIDS organizations are getting very grand and rely on paid producers who are even grander.… Trust me, I will tell all my friends to give their AIDS money to more deserving and down to earth organizations than this one.… Shame on them.

This coming Sunday, June 1, a 10th anniversary celebration: Fiesta Del Paws is the talk of the town.… This gala charity event will be held at the Historic Nuestra Casa Adobe and will include a lifetime achievement award to be given to Bob Barker (yes, of “The Price is Right”). There will be an unbelievably delicious Southwestern buffet, hosted refreshments, an incredible chocolate fountain, Mariachis, San Diego Youth Symphony, etc., etc. This is going to be one truly fabulous event under the chairmanship of the handsome Matthew Midgett, so you know it will be flawless and lots of fun. Last year’s event sold out, so call now for reservations, tickets, etc. at (760) 743-8235.… I’ll see you all there this Sunday, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

One of the most fun and entertaining contests of the year will be happening this coming Sunday, June 1, at Numbers. It’s the Miss Gay Hillcrest 2003 Contest, which always draws a crowd and is always a fabulous evening. Female impersonators are wanted for the contest and can even sign up Sunday night.… Contestants appear first in casual wear then evening wear. Your hosts will be Sybil Stunning, Satin Styles and the reigning Miss Gay Hillcrest, Charlene Montero. There will be surprises and outstanding entertainment during this benefit show. For further information, phone (619) 692-1967.… It all begins at 8:00 p.m. sharp, this Sunday at Numbers.

This Saturday night it’s your chance to be a part of the filming of a new Studio 2000 release at Club Montage! Sorry boys, no nudity, but there will be porn stars Ace Hanson and Tony Micelli. All the fun starts at 10:00 p.m. with DJ Bryan Pfeifer.

Last week I wrote about the possible election of “straight” presidents of two GLBT organizations. A board member of the GSDBA informed me of the possible election of its first straight president, who happens to be a woman. Well, this GSDBA board member was wrong and gave me false information.… The good news is that the GSDBA has elected its first LESBIAN president, Mary Golden (of the Center for Health and Well Being), and I extend my sincere congratulations on her long overdue election. I also commend outgoing president Jeffrey Wergeles on two outstanding terms. I apologize to the GSDBA for printing the wrong information and will have a long talk with the board member who provided it.… Trust me, it will be quite a discussion.

Don’t forget the GSDBA Board Installation Brunch this Sunday, June 1, at Park Manor Suites at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call (619) 296-4543.