Well, I talked to Mayor Filner the night before he started his two weeks of therapy and, yes, I believe it will be good for him, and he will discover a lot about himself. There is much weighing on Bob and I believe that this time will give him a chance to reflect on things and make some important decisions. He will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
What’s with all these resignations? First, the popular GSDBA executive director, Tom Luhnow resigns; then the two San Diego LGBT Pride co-chairs resign, (good sources tell me that Will Kennedy was sadly forced to step down). Looks like County Supervisor Ron Roberts will not be facing a major well-known challenger for his re-election next year. Roberts continues to be well-liked and respected in recent polling of the Fourth District. It seems that Steven Whitburn, Chris Ward and Laurie Coskey are continuing their low key, private conversations, luncheons, etc. about their possible future candidacies for the Third District City Council seat. There is now even more talk among those who want Robert Gleason to run for the Ninth District Council seat. Sounds good to me!
I strongly support state Assemblywoman Shirley Weber’s call for a boycott of Florida because of their “Stand your Ground” law. Also, let’s recall or defeat County Clerk Ernest Dronenburg. I believe his reasons for trying to stop same-sex couples getting married are crazy and he is a looney-tune.
Now, as for the mayoral recall campaign of San Diego LGBT Weekly publisher, Stampp Corbin, let me make myself perfectly clear: I was never, and I am not a part of this effort, and he never asked for my advice. Stampp Corbin is and always has been his own man. Period. By the way, congratulations to Stampp, who will receive the HRC’s leadership award at their second annual dinner this Saturday night at the U.S. Grant Hotel.
The 36th mayor of San Diego?
There is widespread “back door” discussions going on about if Mayor Filner resigns or is recalled. Some media sources have even done polling with former Marine and state Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, and former City Councilman Carl DeMaio, the top choices.
While some see popular current Majority Leader Toni Atkins as having a good chance of being the next speaker for the state Assembly, others believe San Diego voters want to elect her as our city’s only third woman mayor.
But it is Council President Todd Gloria, who is also getting a lot of positive media attention for his current leadership role and professionalism. Gloria would become the interim mayor of San Diego upon a resignation and all indications are that he would run for a full term with three months in office as mayor for voters to get used to and feel comfortable with. But then there is the real possibility that if a recall does not succeed.
Dumanis, Cruz and Gays For Good at Nicky Awards
The police chief and sheriff will both be at this year’s Nicky Awards to present District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, the evening’s highest honor. Movie and TV actor Wilson Cruz, N.G.L.T.G.’s National Deputy Director Russell Roybal, and the local chapter of Gays For Good will be receiving the annual Harvey Milk honors (established in 1979).
Tickets and tables are moving fast for the 38th annual presentation of “The Gay Academy Awards” of San Diego to be held Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Marriot Hotel in Mission Valley. It all starts with the red carpet walks, and then an evening of glamour, fun and Oscar- like trophies to the winners, and some really outstanding, top-notch entertainment. For tickets and/or information please call 619-300-1232, or go to nickyawards.org
The end of Team First Lady?
Many of you are still asking me about the future of Team First Lady.
Well, it was disbanded and dissolved, but Bronwyn Ingram’s accomplishments and outstanding record, as our first lady will live on and touch countless San Diegans. Let us hope that our city’s next first lady or first gentleman will also take a more visible and active role when it comes to social justice issues and charities as Bronwyn did.
Now, as for your many questions about Bronwyn and I. Well, it’s very complicated to say the least. I wish her the very best and was honored to serve as the founder and co-chair of Team First Lady, along with prominent San Diegan, Nancy Chase. I was very upset and disappointed with Bronwyn Ingram’s negative statements concerning Mayor Filner, and feel she did not tell the entire story. I did grant a half hour media interview about the mayor and, of course, the only thing that aired was about two minutes of my comments about Bronwyn. Needless to say, I refused about a dozen other media requests after this interview.
Yes, I regret using the words “open relationship” and should have used other words. This was Bob and Bronwyn’s personal issue and relationship, and I should have kept my mouth shut, but I was reacting to the ongoing piling on. Enough said on this subject.
By the way, any money left over from the contributions made to Team First Lady will go to a homeless project.
