Well I’m off to Portland this weekend, home of openly gay Mayor Sam Adams whom I greatly admire.
Lunch with Police Chief Lansdowne
This past Monday afternoon I had lunch with our popular and respected Chief of Police William M. Lansdowne. We established a friendship about eight years ago, when we met at the City Hall when he was sworn in as our new police chief and I took the oath as a city commissioner. We met at Urban Mo’s to discuss ongoing police relations with the GLBT community, San Diego Pride and of course local politics (off the record, of course). I have had the honor of being the first elected chair of the Chief of Police GLBT Advisory Board and have worked with the last four San Diego police chiefs and, let me say, Chief Lansdowne is one of the most honest, direct and understanding police chiefs San Diego has been fortunate to have. Period.
A Harvey Milk Street in 2012?
The first meeting of San Diego citizens organizing to get a street (or park, school, etc.) named after Harvey Milk met last week. It was a most productive meeting, especially because most of those in attendance had vast experience in or dealing with local and state government. I and many GLBT activists were involved and supported both the MartinLuther King and Cesar Chavez holidays and street naming in San Diego. Now it’s time for Harvey Milk to be recognized. He has been honored in many cities, not only in the U.S.A. but around the world. And while Harvey Milk was in the Navy he was stationed in San Diego. We will keep you posted on the progress of this effort. Wouldn’t it be nice to dedicate a Harvey Milk Street in San Diego on his birthday next year?
Councilwoman Zapf meets with gay leaders
During her campaign for City Council Lorie Zapf was attacked by some as being a “homophobe” because of some of her past views and statements. Zapf, of course, succeeded super-popular and very pro-gay Donna Fry. While Councilwoman Zapf is indeed a conservative Republican, I believe she wants to be a representative of all her constituents, including our community. It was good to hear she recently met with Pastor Dan Koeshall of the Metropolitan Community Church and longtime gay activist George Murphy. Zapf has also established a good relationship with Todd Gloria, who sits right next to her in the City Council chambers. Zapf also has a good relationship with Councilman Carl DeMaio and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, though she has not endorsed any candidate for mayor yet.
Peters vs. Saldana and Vargas vs. Ducheny
Well fasten your seat belts, because next years Democratic primary for Congress is going to be a most bumpy ride. State Sen. Juan Vargas will battle it out with former state Sen. Denise Ducheny for Bob Filner’s vacated congressional seat, and former state Assemblywoman Lori Saldana will be taken on by former City Council President and Chairman of the San Diego Port Commission Scott Peters. At this early stage of the game Vargas and Peters are considered the frontrunners, but June 2012 is a long way off.
MTV’s Real World San Diego
The original reality show MTV’sReal World has returned to San Diego and the ratings are one of the highest ever for this popular show, now going strong for more than two decades. One thing is very certain and that is San Diego looks absolutely fabulous and this should really boost our tourism as “America’s Finest City” comes across very beautifully. Now, about some of the San Diego cast. Bi-sexual Frank is a big ole hairy drama queen and sadly has a lot of problems. Lesbian/trans Sam is good looking and is very confident with herself and tries to help Frank, who gets creepier by the minute. Zach is one butch-built Adonis Greek-like walking statue who I would love to worship up close. But, it has become very obvious that Zach and Frank’s roommates are both very straight and are somewhat uncomfortable around gays. The great news about the Real World San Diego is that many of our bars and nightclubs will be featured in this series including our Pride festival.
Big Bear party Oct. 15
The San Diego bear community is not only a big one, but a most caring one. This Saturday, Oct. 15, at Rich’s is Bearlesque, an official BearQuake weekend event that will attract hundreds of bears, cubs and their fans. This is one of the biggest bear events of the year and part of the door will benefit the Trevor Project and Special Delivery. This Saturday’s party will include the Mr. Southern California Bear Contest and Show and one bad ass dance party with DJ Tony Ruiz. For more info, bearquake.com.
T-Deli is the best
For the very best sandwiches, tortas, paninis, soups, salads and, well, everything in all of San Diego, including the most affordable prices, it’s got to be T-Deli at 1469 University Ave., in Hillcrest. My favorite is the Avocado BLT and the T-Deli Salad. Wow, I could eat here all week. This place has become very popular for lunch and the service is also top notch. Just follow the happy crowds to T-Deli.
MCC Follies this Saturday
The return of the MCC Follies has everyone excited as this has always been a fun variety show filled with great talent. The fab show will begin at 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church, 2633 Denver St., with everyone invited. For more info, 619-521-2222.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsd@aol.com.
