Many of us knew, loved and supported Auntie Helen’s founder Gary Cheatham and I know he must be rolling over in his grave over the public scandal that continues to plague his beloved dream.
Auntie Helen’s has had to admit financial mismanagement and has been forced to return San Diego County funding and grants because of mismanagement, including its executive director using a debit card at a casino, repairs for his car, expensive restaurants and other unauthorized use.
And yet the entire board of directors remains the same and so does the executive director.
This awful waste and misuse of HIV-AIDS funding has played out in the mainstream media for months and now many have called upon the district attorney and state attorney general to launch an official investigation.
Yet Auntie Helen’s has not issued one official statement to the community. No explanation (there isn’t any really) or apology or changes being made or why they have not fired their executive director.
It seems they hope this will all go away and be swept under the rug or they don’t owe the community any explanation. Well, they are wrong and in time they will all be held fully accountable.
Voice and Viewpoint should be boycotted
The recent homophobic statements from the Voice and Viewpoint newspaper isn’t their first time with anti-GLBT lifestyle stands.
It’s time that we organize and get advertisers to stop supporting this homophobic publication and there will be a meeting about this soon. I’ll keep you in touch.
When we come out … America changes
For those of us who have lived through the 1960s and ‘70s, when homosexuality was illegal and we were shunned and considered “deviants,” it’s been a blessing to witness the changing of America toward GLBT equality.
But, trust me, it’s been the “coming out” of all of you that has changed and will change America.
Once a family, friends, co-workers and neighbors find out that someone they personally know is gay attitudes and feelings change and this is what will change America. The continuing opening of those closet doors.
First lady of San Diego to host children’s Easter egg hunt
Ten years ago I approached a wonderful grandmother who had a gay son; her name was Linda Chiders. I told her about my idea of the Imperial Court putting on a children’s Easter egg hunt at Trolley Barn Park and the first year about 50 children and their families showed up.
Last year almost 600 children came out along with their families. Now on our 10th anniversary of this annual children’s event the first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram, will be our official hostess as well as honorary chair. Council President Todd Gloria will be there, as he always has been, and so will be our Empress XLI Candi Samples, Family Matters of our LGBT Center and the leather community who always bring children’s bikes to give away. Thousands of Easter eggs were stuffed by Imperial Court volunteers and many businesses, bars and organizations donated.
As I’ve said so many times before, I may come up with these different ideas or projects but you the community make them happen through your always caring and giving wallets.
We still need children’s Easter egg baskets (1-12 years) so please drop them off at The Center by Saturday. Further info: 619-692-1967. And thank you for ten wonderful years that has brought so much joy to hundreds of children.
Arrivederci … it’s No. 1
Yes, there are hundreds of Italian restaurants in San Diego, but there is only one Arrivederci Ristorante.
In my almost half a century living in San Diego the No. 1 Italian food for me has always been Arrivederci, period.
Best food, best service and winner of every award. I love this place at 3845 Fourth Ave. in Hillcrest.
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 six mayors of San Diego. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
