I’m off to Denver, Colo. Like California, Colorado has a fast-growing Latino population that in the future might, like ours, become the majority. What some people might not realize is that Denver has a very large and united GLBT community.

I always enjoy my visits to the “Mile High City” – I just hope my speech goes over well. If it doesn’t, hopefully the tomatoes don’t hit their mark.

Here are the facts: There are about 20-30 young men “hustling” in Balboa Park every day. Most live in the bushes at night in various “little camps.” Many “closet cases” and other gay men cruise the park and pick these guys up to have sex in exchange for money. I’ve received official word that there has been a huge syphilis outbreak among the hustlers, and now their clients are becoming infected with the bacteria.

Family Health Centers of San Diego is sending the organization’s mobile clinic out to Balboa Park every week, and in just one week 11 known hustlers in the park were treated for syphilis.

I am not one to pass judgment on anyone’s lifestyle, but I urge anyone who has had sex with a hustler to see a doctor and get tested, or visit the San Diego STD Clinic, located at 3851 Rosecrans Ave. Please take this very seriously.

I would like to sincerely thank Terry Cunningham, chief of San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch, for his leadership and hard work on this issue. Cunningham has even been to Balboa Park himself educating these young people and urging them to get tested.

I would also like to thank County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Family Health Centers of San Diego and all of the staff members and volunteers of the organization.

For more information, call 619-293-4706. Be sure to pass this information on to anyone you feel should have it.

First of all, with all due respect, Rev. Ramsey, the BattleCry Christian youth are coming by the thousands to San Diego, as they did in San Francisco, to attack the GLBT community with words and posters, such as “GLBT community = AIDS.” Unlike in San Francisco, where there were ugly and almost violent demonstrations and confrontations by the GLBT community, I have not called for this type of response, but the exact opposite.

Now for you, Mr. Hartline. As usual, you misrepresent me in your little so-called “newsletter.” Yes, I am Catholic. And, no, I don’t dress up as a nun and host bingo every Wednesday night at Bourbon Street. Just stop by and see for yourself. Bring a camera if you wish.

In no way have I called upon anyone to disrupt or attack this upcoming youth event. I have called for fellow Christians to greet BattleCry with love and remind them that we are all God’s children. My hope is that Christians will greet Christians in San Diego.

I have since heard that certain groups are indeed planning counter demonstrations, which is their right to do. But, Mr. Hartline, at this time I am not leading or organizing any demonstration. So please, for once in your life, get your facts straight. And you know what? You had a better sense of humor when you were a bathhouse-attending, card-carrying homosexual. Lighten up. I don’t think anyone has ever seen you smile. You’re just a bitter old queen – oh, yes, a “straight” bitter old queen.

This past Sunday, I was honored to attend the official groundbreaking for the beautiful new Temple Emanu-El. A big crowd was on hand, and it was a very uplifting, spiritual and loving event for everyone who attended, including those who were Jewish and non-Jewish alike. Great words from the much-loved Rabbi Marty Lawson and Aaron Borovoy, the president of the temple. Borovoy is also a proud member of the GLBT community and a past emperor of the Imperial Court de San Diego.

Among those in attendance were the popular Mayor Jerry Sanders, Congressmember Susan Davis and, from the GLBT community, City Commissioner Robert Gleason, Bob Nelson, City Commissioner Todd Gloria, “Big Mike” Phillips and John Laird.

It was nice to see so many wonderful people there, including restaurant owners extraordinaire the Cohen family, who was there in full force.

I love the Temple Emanu-El and its members. They were the first Jewish temple to march in the San Diego Pride Parade. They feed the homeless and do so much for those in need. God bless the entire Temple Emanu-El family and congratulations to you all. By the way “Mr. President,” the GLBT community is very proud of you, Aaron Borovoy!

We have all hated going to the dentist since we were kids. But a lot has changed since then, and there are many great improvements that make visits much more comfortable. For years I have been going to Dr. Jeff Keeny, who is not just a dentist, but a master in the art of cosmetic dentistry. He’s always on the cutting edge of the changes in the world of dentistry. He is very caring and has that extra-gentle touch. Not to mention, he has one of the nicest and friendliest staff in town.

Dr. Keeny’s office is located at 1807 Robinson Ave. To make an appointment, call 619-295-1512.

Almost all the best restaurants and nightclubs in town have signed on to fight HIV/AIDS and to assist those living with HIV/AIDS through Dining Out For Life. So make your reservations today to take the family out or plan a dinner party with friends. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, it must be Thursday, April 26, because that is the day that several participating restaurants and bars in the San Diego area will donate 25 percent of all food-and-beverage sales back to HIV/AIDS programs at The Center. I hope to see you all “dining out” next Thursday because by dining out on April 26, you are doing your part to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information, call 619-692-2077 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

Do you have electrical problems? Then you need to call Fleet Systems. They offer 24/7 emergency service with a one-hour response time and a one-year written guarantee. And, best of all, they are locally owned and operated. They can handle all of your residential, commercial or industrial needs. Call them today at 619-266-4004 or visit www.fleetsystems.net.

Support those businesses that support our community. Jim Abbott is a former city commissioner for the San Diego Public Library and is currently a statewide board member for Equality California, whose remarkable passage of 30 bills has put California’s GLBT community within reach of marriage equality and equal rights for all Californians.

For all your real estate needs, call Jim Abbott and Associates at 619-234-3995, and support those who give back to San Diego’s GLBT community.