Third District Councilmember Toni Atkins is pleased to announce that her chief of staff, Jeff Gattas, has been selected to attend the John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives program in state and local government at Harvard University this summer. The three-week session, beginning June 9, provides training to help officials assess the tasks they face in managing today’s results-driven government. In particular, the program provides an opportunity for the senior executives to develop new conceptual frameworks for addressing policy issues, explore the relationship between citizens and government, examine the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership, and exchange ideas with experienced faculty and participants from diverse backgrounds.

In addition, Gattas was awarded a full scholarship by the Victory Foundation, which prepares lesbians and gays to enter civic life and participate at the public policy table.

The Trans-Unity planning committee is seeking FTM and MTF performers for the 4th Annual Siren Awards and a pre-show. They are also looking for sponsors, vendors, community service organizations, artists and workshops for Trans-Unity, an annual substance free celebration of transgender, transsexual, gender-queer, and cross-dressing individuals. The event includes educational workshops, discussion groups, entertainment, music, refreshments and relaxation. Transgender advocates will speak and provide workshops and discussions on subjects including political activism, accessing health care, substance abuse, career planning, and youth specific issues. Trans-Unity will be held Saturday, June 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles. Admission is free. For more information, contact Farina at (323) 860-7394.

Join Queer People of Color’s fourth annual youth conference to promote diversity, awareness and knowledge at UCSD, Saturday, May 31. This free all-day conference will feature great speakers, interesting discussions and free food, topped off with a dance at the end of the day. For more information and registration, e-mail qpocatucsd@yahoo.com.

The Greater San Diego Business Association has announced the addition of two new board members and the departure of board president Jeff Wergeles and treasurer Mike Solorio.

The recent elections brought in William Lopez and Sandra Marciari as new members, and included votes of re-election for Rick Bernardo, Victoria Garcia, Mary Golden and John McCusker, all of whom will serve second terms.

Lopez has served on the GSDBA’s Business Development and Expo committees. Marciari has been active with the organization’s Membership Committee, while advising on legal issues.

Serving one more year in their current terms are Michelle Burkart, Michele Fortunati, Drew Cross, David Knepp, Tim Holmberg and Neil Khaner.

San Diego Ebony Pride 2003 is seeking community volunteers and support for its annual festival, happening in August. San Diego LGBT Pride 2003 has also included Latino and Ebony Pride in the festival ticket price for this year. The objective is to build a Community Center, the Umoja Center, to assist the needs of GLBT African-Americans in San Diego. For more information, visit www.umojacentersd.org.

City Manager Michael Uberuaga is seeking the names of citizens interested in appointment to San Diego’s Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices. The names of all nominees must be received no later than Tuesday, June 1, 2003.

The Police Review Board was created in 1988 to review citizen complaints against SDPD officers. The board is comprised of 23 members who represent a diverse cross-section of San Diego citizens, including the GLBT community. Board members are appointed by the City Manager to serve terms of one year. Twelve additional members are appointed each year as prospective members and receive board training. They are available for appointment to the voting board as vacancies occur. Appointments are for a one-year term beginning July 1.

Enjoy a coffee and your dog’s canine companionship at the San Diego Humane Society’s Doggie Café without having to worry about knocked over tables and spilled drinks! This is the chance to give your dog a safe practice ground. Friendly trainers will give you tips on how to keep your dog calm in public around distractions like people, food and other dogs. Dogs should be friendly and on-leash. A $5 donation per person is suggested. For more information or to register, call (619) 299-7012, ext. 230.

Outfest San Diego and the San Diego Public Library are offering a special preview screening of Georgie Girl at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 2, in the third floor auditorium of the Central Library, 820 E St., downtown. This event is free and open to the public. Following the screening Judith Halberstam, Ph.D., from the Literature Department at UCSD, will facilitate a discussion.

Georgie Girl tells the story of Georgina Beyer, a one-time sex worker of Maori descent turned public official, who stunned the world in 1999 by becoming the first transgender person to hold national office. With charisma, humor and charm, Beyer unapologetically recounts her fascinating life story, sharing how she overcame adversity and disclosing the reasons she decided to run for office in a mostly white, conservative New Zealand electorate.

Join San Diego Basset Hound Rescue and Adoption, Inc. for the 12th annual Basset Hound Rescue Picnic at Morley Field, west of the tennis courts in Balboa Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on June 7. This fundraiser picnic is open to the public. There will be raffle drawings for gift certificates and pet-related products, as well as Basset Hound contests. As a special treat, Chef Deborah Scott will be grilling up burgers, chipotle-buttered corn on the cob and black beans for $10. Donations are gratefully accepted and a $1 donation per raffle ticket is requested. For more information, call (619) 286-8638.

Add a spark to your evening with the melodic sounds of the San Diego Women’s Chorus at their annual spring concert, “Sizzlin’ Hot,” at the University Christian Church in Hillcrest at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 31. Enjoy jazz and Motown favorites ranging from “Fever” to “Too Darn Hot.” For more information, call (619) 291-FEMM (3366).

Family Health Centers of San Diego’s Gay Men’s Health Program invites you to attend the next “5 Minute Man.” It’s a fun and free way to meet other gay men, 21 years and older. To take part, arrive at the Joyce Beers Community Center (by Trader Joe’s, in Hillcrest) around 7:45 p.m. The event starts promptly at 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Bailey Mitchell at (619) 515-2424, ext. 2913.