Well I’m off to Seattle, Washington for about five days for my installation as head of the International Court system of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. It’s going to be a very regal and grand ceremony with much pomp and circumstance. I will lead this 42-year-old GLBT organization and its 68 chapters in three nations into a new era of change. Thank you to the many of you who have wished me well.

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Many of you who know that I’m a strong supporter and friend of Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco have called me about recent events concerning Mayor Newsom’s personal life. Unlike many public officials, Mayor Newsom came right out and took full responsibility and apologized. He didn’t hide anything and he was more concerned about friends he may have hurt and the city he may have embarrassed. Mayor Newsom is a young and handsome man and I believe he still has a great future ahead of him. Gavin Newsom is only human. He has done the right thing in his handling of this unfortunate situation and I will always be proud to be his friend. Bruce Abrams and I have organized two San Diego receptions for him and would like to do so again someday if he hopefully runs for higher office.

I don’t know about you but I’m getting tired of the battles between our mayor and the city council. Although I am friends with and a supporter of each of the current members of the city council – I endorsed them all except for Kevin Faulconer, who I feel has turned out to be an outstanding representative – a majority of San Diegans voted for the ‘strong mayor’ form of government and it seems that our council is fighting him at almost every turn.

That’s right, in just about four months, candidates for city council can begin raising money for their campaigns. Here in our third district, our own Toni Atkins will have termed out. She will be running for the State Assembly in 2010, but her departure leaves her seat up for grabs. The clear front runner is city commissioner Todd Gloria, the district director for congressmember Susan Davis, and word is that his campaign is ready to go. Another candidate from our community is Stephen Whitburn who just stepped down as president of the San Diego Democratic Club. Now comes word that former councilmember John Hartley will probably throw his hat in the race. Todd and Stephen, why don’t you two get together for coffee and have a good long talk? We don’t need to divide our votes, nor can we gamble on two candidates from our community.

These have been some slow times for many of our restaurants and other busineses, so when you go out, support and patronize GLBT owned restaurants and businesses. Also, don’t forget the straight-owned businesses that support the GLBT community. You should all know who these businesses are and if you’re not sure then just ask them. Yes, ask them politely which GLBT organizations they support and contribute to and while you’re at it, ask your favorite bar owner or manager the same question. Trust me you’ll be surprised by some of their answers because some will not be able to name any. Support those who give back to the community!

The Hillcrest Mardi Gras keeps getting better and bigger. Last year I had a blast. It was just lots of fun, and hot boys and girls were everywhere. The food was from restaurants all over town and this year Pepper MaShay, the star diva, will be headlining a bunch of outstanding talent. It’s from 6:00-11:00 p.m. between First and Fourth streets on University. Get your tickets today at www.hillcrestmardigras.org.

The other day, Bruce Abrams and I decided to drop by the Bamboo Deli at 1475 University Ave., because we had heard so much about its great sandwiches, and boy were we not disappointed. This place has some really great food at really great prices. We’re talking fresh, fast and fabulous. They have sandwiches, soups, wraps, and much more, all made in house. They also have deserts to die for. I love this place and right next door is the beautiful Bamboo Lounge and bar. For more information check them out at www.bambooloungesd.com

Ugh! A new study just came out that should drive you crazy. A lengthy professional study showed that the ice in fast food drinks had 70 percent more bacteria than toilet water! Hotels and Airplanes fared even worse. Hotel Ice had 80 percent more bacteria than toilet water, and Airplane ice had 90 percent more. Bottoms up!

Every Wednesday night at Bourbon Street is one wild, crazy and outrageously fun evening. Their fabulous bingo runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight and it is in its fifth year of giving away thousands of dollars, countless televisions, microwaves, CD players, and other fabulous prizes. It’s always a fun time and crowd, and the emcee wears a chicken head, or so I hear. Everyone is welcomed and bingo is free so if you’re looking for a totally different kind of outrageous and entertaining night, just stop by Bourbon Street any Wednesday night and you can win some cash, great prizes, or something I shoplifted from the 99-cents store.

Don’t’ miss the opportunity to win a free $30,000 kitchen. It is Bardon Quality Cabinetry’s annual President’s Day weekend giveaway. No purchase necessary, just visit the showroom this Saturday, Sunday or Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and register for the drawing. The kitchen giveaway includes Bardon Cabinets, granite countertops, granite fabrication and installation, and new appliances, free food and live music. Bardon Quality Cabinetry is located at 9429 Abraham Way in Santee. Call 619-562-7100 for more info. or visit them at www.BardonCabinets.com Universal Rhythms is coming Feb. 24

Get ready for a night you will never forget. Universal Rhythms is an evening at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. The evening will feature entertainment from around the world and will include universal food stations! Its all a benefit for Stepping Stone and the Human Dignity Foundation. It’s going to be one exciting and colorful night, and fun for your taste buds too. For more info, tickets, etc, go to www.universalrhythms.info.