A big thank you to everyone who continues to support the ongoing holiday benefits and charity events.

A few years ago, I started predicting future City Council races, especially in District 3.

After much talk, and after the dust has settled, Todd Gloria remains the strong front runner in the District 3 council race, with Stephen Whitburn in the No. 2 spot.

Since then, gay moderate Republican Tom Hebrank, a strong ally of the mayor and a popular businessperson as well as a really nice guy, is still thinking about running.

In the race for District 1, I believe Phil Thalheimer is the front runner, though word is that the vice president of the San Diego Police Officers Association, Steve Mcmillan, could become a strong candidate.

In District 5, popular citizens and taxpayers advocate Carl DeMaio has earned a lot of respect and made a name for himself at City Hall as a “watchdog” for the average citizen. Leslie Devaney, the Republican candidate who came in second in the race for city attorney, is also looking at this race and is a very decent and likeable candidate.

In District 7, I like April Boling, and everyone considers her a favorite to win this race.

As for City Attorney Mike Aguirre, the citizens crusader will run for re-election, and word is Council President Scott Peters would love to run against him. This would be a WWIII campaign, trust me.

Our super-popular Mayor Jerry Sanders has declined to commit to run for re-election, telling the press that his family would have to give their blessing and support. Those of us who are strong supporters and friends of Mayor Sanders would like to see him run again but, as his friends, we want what would be best for him and his family. This job at this time cannot be good for anyone’s health, and the pressure must be awful.

So what if the mayor decides not to run? Well, look for another possible race by businessperson Steve Francis. And now that the Democrats have taken over Congress, Bob Filner’s interest in the mayor’s seat has waned. The truth is that Jerry Sanders could also hand-pick his heir, he is so popular.

About three years ago, those handsome owners of Martinis Above Fourth, whose popular restaurant had only been open for a few months, immediately put on a benefit for the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund (which assists GLBT teens with their needs, such as school supplies, clothes, bus passes, etc.)

Now in its third year, it has become one of the most successful holiday benefits of the year. More than $25,000 was raised this year at the packed event. My “son” Bob Lehman of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol was going to pick me up for the event, but I wasn’t feeling well. It seems that Bob was feeling very generous because he bought almost $10,000 worth of items!

Thank you and congratulations, Martinis.

On her Web site, drag queen comedian Jackie Beat posted an SOS to her “fans” to write this paper and defend her, and we have received about a dozen letters, mostly from out of state.

Let me make this perfectly clear to all you Jackie Beat fanatics: I stand 100 percent behind my comments criticizing and questioning Jackie Beat’s so-called humor when she calls a respected national GLBT civil rights organization (GLAAD) “nasty Nazis” and then puts mention of starving African babies with “flies buzzing all around them” in her act. So you can keep those letters and cards coming, but they will never change my mind.

Word is that the award-winning Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego’s super-popular holiday concert, “Nutcracker, Men in Tights!” is almost sold out. So you’d better get those tickets today because, trust me, this is one of the most fun and greatest concerts of the year.

The concert takes place this weekend (Saturday, Dec. 16, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:00 p.m.).

The chorus, which is under the direction of Gary Holt, is selling tickets like hot potatoes.

For further information, phone (619) 57-GMCSD or log on to www.gmcsd.com.

Mark your calendar for one of the best benefit galas of the year, yes, “Soulplates 3,” where celebrities dish up the art.

“Mr. Broadway” himself, the one and only Jack O’Brien of the Old Globe Theatre, is once again the honorary chair.

Look for artful plates by Elizabeth Taylor, Donna Summer, Jerry Seinfeld, etc.

This is always a fun event, with great food, a hosted bar and great items. It all comes your way Jan. 13 and benefits the great people at Being Alive.

For more information, phone (619) 291-1400 or log on to www.beingalive.org.

The Imperial Court de San Diego invites all of you to Investiture 35 at the beautiful Westin Horton Plaza hotel this coming Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:00 p.m.

It’s going to be a beautiful affair, with Emperor Robi and Empress Norma hosting the event.

Admission is $20 and the donation of a toy.

For more information, call (619) 993-8315 or (619) 757-0197.

In the 1970s, the Marine’s annual Toys for Tots campaign refused to accept any toys from the “homosexual community,” so we started the Toys for Kids campaign.

Every year since, the Toys for Kids campaign has helped countless children’s organizations, including abuse and homeless centers.

When we learned about little babies and the elderly dying in Tijuana just because of the cold weather, we started the blanket drive. (We now also help homeless vets.)

So in our bars and businesses around town you will see big boxes in which to donate. Please donate toys and blankets. Thank you.

For more information, phone (619) 692-1967.

There’s a new way to keep your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. Sweet Cheeks Aesthetics and its owner, the very handsome Ryan Scott, are committed to providing their clients with the utmost care and precision in their efforts to help keep you ever youthful. From innovative, cutting-edge facial treatments to noninvasive chemical peels, Sweet Cheeks Aesthetics even has exclusive physician-grade skincare products! So what are you waiting for? Head on in so you can look your very best this holiday season and all year long.

Sweet Cheeks Aesthetics is located at 3952 Kansas St. in North Park. Phone (619) 823-2288 to set up an appointment.