I have been out of town for the last three Sundays in a row. My next out of town trips will be New York, Denver and Washington, D.C. I’m taking time to rest and pacing myself when I’m out of town, but, boy, do I always smile when I see the San Diego Bay and the skyline of the city when landing at Lindberg Field. We’re all very lucky to live in this beautiful city.

The recent debate over the term extension for the Port Commissioner Steve Cushman or the appointment of Laurie Black as the new commissioner, sadly, became a political football and caused great division among many democrats.

Many times I have said that I have the utmost respect for Cushman, who is an outstanding citizen of our city. There were many of us who were willing to support him in the past for mayor. Black has been a progressive voice in our city since the 1970s and is a highly respected woman. The issue for me was not Cushman or Black, but keeping term limits for our boards and commissions.

I have received a lot of e-mails and communication from supporters of both of these individuals. It was very upsetting to see that the only e-mail criticizing Laurie Black was from a member of our own GLBT community.

Brian Polejes, you should be ashamed of yourself. Laurie Black was fighting for gay rights when you were in your diapers. There was no need for Polejes to attack Black. Even our San Diego Democratic Club supported her without knocking Cushman.

You owe Black an apology.

First of all, let me say that I like Charlie Shaples a lot and respect his longtime activism and leadership in the community of Palm Springs. The same goes for businessperson Bob Smith, who since the 1970s has been a strong supporter of GLBT organizations and civil rights. I would like to consider them both friends. They know I’ve tried for years to help out the business at 2200 University Ave. But the fact is that there are only three bathhouses in San Diego and only the 2200 Club is the one that has received 90 percent of complaints, negative reports and letters from the health department and the police department. I made many arrangements to try to clean up the situation at this bathhouse, but I honestly feel that Charlie, Bob, John Smith and all the people at the 2200 Club, were always fighting an uphill battle to clean up the reputation for drugs it had for decades.

They could not play “big brother” 24/7. I know positively that police reports to the City Attorney’s Office included reference to a continuing drug problem.

The bottom line is, of the community’s three bathhouses, only the 2200 Club had police investigations after complaints and two other bathhouses are open and not under investigation.

Community activist, marine veteran and chair of GLBT Vote 2006 and Stonewall Citizen’s Patrol, Bob Lehman, was one of a very few business people invited to a private luncheon with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger held at the beautiful Manchester Hyatt San Diego. Mayor Jerry Sanders, of course, was also in attendance and many important issues were discussed.

Lehman’s GLBT Vote 2006 organization endorsed the governor’s re-election. Lehman will also be heading to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Lehman is also a member of Congressmember Bob Filner’s Veterans Advisory Board.

Not long ago, longtime San Diego businessperson and past owner of the Caliph, Warren Phillips, died. Everyone is invited to join family and friends in a “celebration of life,” at the Caliph this Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m. Phillip’s family is flying in from back East to show their appreciation to many of his friends in San Diego. Sherman Mendoza, the current owner of the Caliph, will be hosting the celebration with a buffet.

I knew Phillips and appreciated his many generous financial contributions to countless social service, AIDS and civil rights organizations. I especially remember Phillips from when he and I organized a gathering at his beautiful home in La Jolla for Mayor Susan Golding.

Now that public smoking has been completely banned in Balboa Park, San Diego Pride must make sure that this year’s Pride festival is entirely smoke-free. This means you may only be able to smoke on the sidewalks along Sixth Avenue, but don’t exactly count on it!

Almost all of my life, I’ve never had a pet, nor did I understand why people with dogs or cats made such a fuss over them. At times, I would even poke fun and laugh at them. Well they all got the last laugh because years ago my good friend, Rick Kerman, took me to an animal shelter and I picked out a tiny black kitten. I named him Nixon (yes, after the president) and I love him to death. He’s so affectionate, as he cuddles and sleeps with me. Nixon is my roommate at my new “Shady Pines” residence and has become an important part of my life and my companion. I urge all of you who don’t have a pet to visit an animal shelter and get one. What a joy it will bring to your life.

The Imperial Court’s fifth annual Easter egg hunt for children is now being organized by major co-sponsors, including The Center and Family Matters. Last year, more than 400 children showed up so, they need your donations, baskets, candy, etc.

For more information, call Chris Horton or Mike Zarbo at 619-254-6372.

The community is coming together at Bourbon Street on Saturday, March 10, to help celebrate the 40th birthday of one of our most popular personalities. Yes, handsome Michael Mack!

Now this should be a fabulous and fun party. It will include an open bar hosted by Stoli from 7-9 p.m., with music by DJ Dallas and appetizers provided by Leis Lounge.

Instead of gifts, Mack has requested a $25 donation to the John McCusker Education Fund, PFLAG Scholarship Fund or the Sherri Tanner Breast Cancer Fund.

Mack has been a very giving and involved community activist for decades, who has assisted many community organizations and political candidates. Hope to see you all at Bourbon Street on Saturday!

Now that I’ve moved back into Hillcrest and into my new home at “Shady Pines,” I once again love stopping by what has been one of my favorite places for decades. The ever-so-popular and award-winning City Deli, located at 535 University Ave.

There is always great food and fast and friendly service (I love Sandy). It’s a Hillcrest tradition that keeps getting better with time.