The only way I agreed to go to Arizona for a charity fundraiser was on the condition I would not spend a dime; I didn’t for five days. Now I owe a lot of people “thank you” cards! Next trip: San Francisco for Harvey Milk’s birthday on May 22, then Nebraska!
If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it
So the saying goes, and City Council’s District 3 is not broken. In fact, it has given us three elected LGBT councilmembers for more than two decades. Our community is divided over this issue and many are not too pleased that the proposed new Council District 3 would force Councilman Todd Gloria out of his seat.
Many LGBT Latinos who live in City Heights and others are not happy about this proposal too, as it would cut them out as well as our many gays and lesbians living in Azalea Park (a fabulous neighborhood.)
The so-called self-appointed LGBT Redistricting Task Force never sought their input or held meetings in their neighborhoods. In fact, the chair of the Task Force, Linda Perine, doesn’t even live in District 3 and has only lived in San Diego for a few years, yet she is telling life-long residents of District 3 that it’s just too bad this new District 3 will be more gay and, oh yes, about 70 percent white.
I support people of color districts but District 3 is the melting pot of our city and people have learned to know each other and their cultures and communities. (More than 30 languages are spoken in District 3.) Let’s keep District 3 as it is and continue to be the pride of San Diego.
The reluctant hero Daniel Hernandez
The Crowne Plaza hotel in Phoenix, Arizona was the site of a beautiful dinner where I had the honor of presenting Daniel Hernandez with an award. Of course, you all remember he received world coverage for saving the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Hernandez is very modest and humble and is a reluctant hero and I will be bringing him to San Francisco for an event. Stay tuned.
Bevan Duffy for Mayor of San Francisco
Supervisor Bevan Duffy is a leading candidate to become the next mayor of San Francisco and its first gay mayor! He has a really great shot at it and the LGBT community is very excited. Bevan has been a dedicated public servant all his life and has been a close friend of mine for well more than three decades.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 5 when Bevan will be in San Diego for a fundraiser hosted at the beautiful home of Susan Atkins, national chair of the Victory Fund. More information to follow.
Nathan Fletcher is a “Daddy”
Yes, popular State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher is a proud daddy again, a baby boy named Caleb Cash Fletcher. The entire Fletcher family is super happy, but not getting too much sleep! Nathan called me the other day and he is one proud papa. Congratulations to the Fletcher family!
Joseph Rocha honored at USD
One of San Diego’s most widely-known gay activists, Joseph C. Rocha, was honored at the University of San Diego last week. This prestigious Catholic university has seemingly become more accepting of its diverse student body, which includes many GLBT Catholics.
I attended USD’s sixth annual Diversity Banquet at the campus where Rocha was voted the 2011 “L. Reuben Mitchell award for campus wide impact.” (Eight other students were nominees.) Joseph Rocha truly deserved the honor as president of USD Pride and all he has done to bring more visibility to GLBT causes and students.
At our table was 21-year-old handsome Anthony Pavlovic who was just elected USD president of the associated students. The openly gay activist beat out five other candidates for the presidency. Congratulations to both Joseph and Anthony.
Milk Breakfast sold out!
Once again, the San Diego County Harvey Milk Breakfast has been sold out with more than 1,000 attending on Friday, May 20 at the Hilton by the Bay, 8 a.m. Maybe you can find someone who bought a table and has an extra ticket. Mayor Sanders and his daughter Lisa will be returning once again for the third time. This year promises to be another exciting, moving and prideful event.
Shades of San Diego
Councilman Todd Gloria, City Commissioner Robert Gleason, Joseph Rocha, Tom Hodges and I will be featured on Channel Four’s Shades of San Diego show, Sunday, May 15 at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Monday at 4:30 p.m. It is going to be about how Harvey Milk touched people’s lives. For additional times and information about the program, log on to 4sd.com.
Alano Club gala Friday night!
The Live and Let Live Alano Club is holding their annual gala dinner, dance and concert this coming Friday night (May 13). The Alano Club is one of our most outstanding organizations in the recovery community. Special entertainment by the award-winning Sue Palmer. This is always a fabulous event and I’ll be stopping by to support the good people of the Alano Club and I hope you will too. Info: 619-298-8008 or lllac.org
It’s patio time!
Yes, summer is upon us and San Diego’s bars and nightclubs have some of the best and most beautiful patios on the west coast.
- Bourbon Street: Great atmosphere and beautiful design. Always a fun time.
- #1 Fifth Ave.: One of the longest lasting and popular patios in Hillcrest. Very cozy!
- Urban Mo’s: Packed with fabulous people always having a great time.
- Rich’s: Big, bold, cruisy patio, where the boys are!
- Gossip Grill: Lots of greenery and ladies!
- Pecs: Real men are always found in their big patio.
Latino contest this Sunday!
Contestants are wanted for the annual Mr., Miss and Ms. Gay Latino Contest 2011 at Numbers this Sunday, May 15. This is always a great event with a festive crowd of Latinos and admirers. The contest begins at 7 p.m. and if you are interested in running for the titles phone: 619-300-1232.
We were one of the many groups that Linda Perine and the LGBT Task Force built a bridge to. She introduced us to people like Midori Wong and Vince Hall, who gave Redistricting presentations at our Town Council meetings. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. The Hillcrest Town Council had from the beginning wanted a map that would reflect the problems and concerns of an older community, one with fragile infrastructures and neglected traffic problems, and historic buildings being torn down on weekends. She was always very professional, accurate and understanding in our attempts to be a part of this very important process. She is in our book a winner.
Is it broke and it needs fixing.
Luke Terpstra, Chair
Hillcrest Town Council