I give thanks to God for all of my dear friends who have helped me during some recent very difficult times. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Exclusive
When you first meet Mayor-elect Bob Filner’s fiancée and San Diego’s next first lady you are struck by her natural beauty, calm demeanor and captivating, warm, welcoming smile. She takes the time to talk to everyone who approaches her.
Trust me, she is the perfect partner for our new mayor.
We went out to lunch this past weekend for a short exclusive first interview.
Bronwyn is of Irish and Finnish descent and will proudly tell you she is 48-years-young! She is a rare California native born in Orange County. She attended Cal State Fullerton where she received a B.A. in psychology.
“We hope to get married in October,” Bronwyn told me. “I currently spend four days working in Los Angeles and three days in San Diego, but I will be moving permanently to San Diego around January or February at the latest.”
Bronwyn Ingram has possessed a love and commitment for social justice and social service all her life and was even the co-founder of Americans Against War with Iraq. She worked with the John Kerry presidential campaign and currently works for the Social Security Department.
“It was in this capacity that I met Bob,” she said. “You see me and some of my fellow workers joined together to try to stop the waste of tax-payers money and the bad treatment and all the endless red tape confronting veterans, the elderly, homeless families with children and people with disabilities.
“We tried to get meetings with almost every Southern California congressman and they were all too busy but one: Congressman Bob Filner. Bob met with the 8-member delegation which included myself and as they say the rest is history.”
Bob asked her out for dinner and they soon discovered that they were true soul mates in love and in their love for social justice and giving voices to the voiceless.
Filner, as a chair of a Social Security subcommittee made sure there were changes made in dealings with those in need and Bronwyn and her fellow workers helped change this department.
Though Bronwyn is 5’ 3” and size O, don’t expect her to ever be wearing Oscar de la Renta, Versace or any designer clothing. That’s not her style, nor does she like wearing fancy jewelry.
“I plan to be a most visible and active first lady for San Diego,” Bronwyn states.
Our future first lady has already visited the Neil Good Homeless Center and the Rescue Mission.
“I am establishing an all-volunteer Citizens Advisory Council to the first lady, who will advise me on projects, charities and causes close to my heart,” she said. “I hope to put the spotlight on military families left behind, children’s causes and the homeless. I am excited to be named the honorary chair of the eighth annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, held in Trolley Barn Park that helps many families living below the poverty line.”
While Bronwyn admires the humanitarian work among the poor, those with HIV/AIDS and the elderly done by the late Lady Diana, I believe Bronwyn Ingram could go down in our city’s history as “the people’s first lady.”
City celebrates Mayor Sanders
Thousands of San Diegans turned up for a big block party in front of the new downtown library for a big thank-you and job well-done for our outgoing 34th mayor of San Diego.
It was one big love fest with rock bands, drinks and food – all to benefit Barrio Logan College Institute, Public Library Foundation and Balboa Park.
Every mover and shaker attended including Mayor-elect Bob Filner and Councilmember Carl DeMaio who were both having a good time with their partners.
I had a nice talk with Council President Tony Young and his wife, who are looking forward to his new executive job with the Red Cross. Young asked Stephen Whitburn for some advice as Whitburn spent about 10 years with the Red Cross.
Dave Roberts = family values
Newly-elected County Supervisor Dave Roberts has been a public servant all his life, serving the people in many government positions – most recently as the popular deputy mayor/councilmember of Solana Beach.
I recently caught him speaking at a GSDBA luncheon and what struck me was his down-to-earth honesty and sincerity.
He and his proud military veteran partner have five, yes five, adopted children and may soon get a sixth!
On election night Roberts was at Chuck E Cheese with his small children. You see, Dave Roberts’ passions are family and public service.
I believe he will be a moderate voice on a very conservative board of supervisors. He wants to cut the growing red tape facing small businesses and as a father Dave Roberts, who has five kids in four schools right now, wants better schools for all of our children.
I remember when Roberts, a Democrat, endorsed some good Republicans for office and the chair of the Democratic Party attacked him and threatened to withhold money and support. Dave Roberts stood his ground and I was proud to defend him in this column.
Dave Roberts’ election hasn’t gotten the headlines and media spotlight his unexpected victory deserves but, trust me, this devoted father and true public servant has a very bright career ahead of him, as Dave Roberts has now truly become, “the people’s supervisor.”
8 play: a smash hit
Within days the Birch North Park Theatre was sold out for Monday night’s one-night-only staged benefit reading of the highly acclaimed 8. The ensemble cast received long standing ovations from the almost 800 in attendance. Popular actors who stood out were most certainly Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy-winner Bruce Vilanch (my favorite comedian of all time), super-handsome Ryan Rottman star of the TV hit 90210 and his gay partner, superstar Lance Bass of *NSYNC fame.
Lisa Sanders can never do “no wrong” and she was great as ever. The entire cast was excellent and I especially loved the lesbian mothers and their two boys. Gregory Cruz and his Production and Celebrity Entertainment Company did an outstanding and professional job producing this play, as well as Cruz’ partner, San Diego businessman Tom Brown.
I had the honor to be the moderator for a Q&A session after the play which included Mayor Jerry Sanders (who received a loud, long standing ovation), City Councilmember Todd Gloria, City Commissioner Stampp Corbin, Richard Dreyfuss and Lance Bass. But the main spotlight and the man who raised the roof with prolonged standing ovations was Oscar-winning writer and 8 playwright Dustin Lance Black, who has become one of our nation’s most articulate and passionate civil rights speakers. Bravo to everyone involved with this production!
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. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
