First the “recall” and now the “indictments.” … We in the GLBT community have a lot invested in these two issues…. Please get informed, get involved and register to vote (Sept. 22 is the deadline to register for the recall election)…. Thank you.

Legally, an “indictment” is just an accusation. San Diegans should not rush to judgment on this case, as these three council members are innocent until proven otherwise. And we in the GLBT community should especially stand by these council members, who have supported us on many issues, including the needle exchange program, compassionate marijuana use for cancer and AIDS patients and the Boy Scouts lease. I remember in 1970 when our mayor and several council members were also indicted … charged with taking bribes. All of them ended up being acquitted or having their cases dismissed. I will support Zucchet, Lewis and Inzunza till the fat lady sings…. Period.

There was a time decades ago when the Copley Press (the San Diego Union-Tribune) used to almost control this town and its politics … at times almost hand-picking our mayors, city council, etc. Thank God those days are long over, as San Diego has become more progressive and coalitions have formed. The Union-Tribune has called upon Councilmembers Inzunza, Zucchet and Lewis to resign…. Hell no! Who is the Union-Tribune to hand down a guilty verdict and not allow due process to proceed and the issue to be properly decided in a court of law.

As for the Union-Tribune’s attack on Mayor Murphy … well, Dick Murphy is a former and well-respected judge. As he said, “In America, we presume people innocent until proven otherwise.” San Diegans would be wise to follow the example of our mayor, not the Union-Tribune.

One of the brightest and best U.S. senators, yes, our very own Barbara Boxer, was in San Diego and held a leadership circle meeting that included labor, people of color, business owners, environmentalists and the GLBT community. GLBT San Diegans invited were Dr. Delores Jacobs, Todd Gloria, Dr. Bill Beck, Kevin Tilden, Jess Durfee, Dr. Pat Washington and myself. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer at times stands almost alone in questioning and challenging the policies of this current presidential administration…. She is one of the most principled and honest public officials in Washington. Senator Boxer grew up in an apartment building in a hard-working family who faced the normal struggle to make ends meet…. She was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth. As someone said, she is a “hero to everyone” that was at this meeting. Among her comments were those against the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, upcoming judicial appointments, Proposition 54, and those who would make GLBT civil rights a “wedge issue.” I was seated next to former County Supervisor Leon Williams and it was nice talking about old times and the late Neil Good. It was great seeing and talking to former presidential aide Midge Constanza and seeing so many different community leaders in one room. Senator Boxer also stated that, “We should be proud to say NO on the recall and YES to Bustamante.” A big thank-you to Senator Boxer’s San Diego district director, Humberto Peraza, who made sure our GLBT community was well represented.

Hey boys, don’t miss your chance to pick up a CD of Cher’s concert, this Saturday, Sept. 6, at Rich’s. Many of you have seen this diva’s prolonged retirement tour (like me, she just keeps coming back) and now you can own it to play again and again, for all eternity! DJ Steven Oliveri will be spinning on Sunday at Rich’s to round off the weekend. Don’t miss the fun and hot men. It’s all at 1051 University Ave.

Our community has grown leaps and bounds and now we have dinners, galas and benefits almost twice a month … but APICAP’s 10th anniversary dinner on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the beautiful Emerald Plaza Hotel, will be something out of the ordinary with a lot of excitement, color, special entertainment and fabulous food…. This will be one event not to miss and not a big bore, as so many are. So get your tickets today and help the Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project (APICAP) celebrate a decade of hope, service and compassion…. Call (619) 229-2822 for more information. The special “Honorary Chairs” are longtime civic leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Jenny Fat.

Yes, that huge big hit comedy musical straight off Broadway is coming to San Diego from Oct. 7-12 and word has it the tickets are already going like hot cakes…. The venue will be the beautiful Spreckles Theatre…. This hilarious, critically acclaimed revue features 16 original songs and eight drop-dead gorgeous guys with no clothes on … at all…. We’re talking birthday suits … no wardrobe mistress needed for this play!!! Call (619) 220-8497 for tickets or more information.

Hey all you hardbody men. You won’t want to miss the Boxers and Briefs underwear party this Saturday night, Sept. 6, at Montage. Popular DJ Phil B. will be spinning and everyone who shows up in their underwear before midnight gets two free drinks. This is going to be a fun week — I don’t think my old ticker can take all this excitement! Find Montage at 2028 Hancock (near Old Town).

Thursday, Sept. 11: GLBT Reception for Lt. Governor Bustamante at the home of Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman (6:30 p.m.). Phone (619) 692-1967 or (619) 291-4043.

Thursday, Sept. 18: 10th anniversary roast of Christine Kehoe, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Inn on the Bay. Call (619) 795-1659.

Saturday, Sept. 20: APICAP 10th Anniversary Dinner, Emerald Plaza Hotel, 6:30 p.m. Phone (619) 795-1659.

Sunday, Sept. 21: Mr. Miss Ms. Gay Latino Contest, 8:00 p.m., Brass Rail. Contestants wanted!!! Phone (619) 294-8430.

Saturday, Sept. 27: annual San Diego LGBT Latin Pride Festival in Balboa Park. 12:00 noon-10:30 p.m. Phone (619) 295-2192.

Sunday, Sept. 28th: San Diego Dyke March.