Word is that former Marine Captain Jacque Atkinson was in Washington, D.C. meeting with top Republican Party leadership and half a dozen GOP members of Congress along with powerful political PACS for serious discussion about a possible campaign against Congressman Scott Peters in 2016. Atkinson is co-chair of the Sheriff’s LGBT Advisory Board and also sits on the Mayor’s Advisory Board. She has never run for office and while I have much respect for this decorated Marine veteran I don’t think she can beat Peters and isn’t ready for a run for Congress.
City Councilman Todd Gloria recently informed me that he has definitely not ruled out a run for Toni Atkins’ Assembly seat and it does not bother him one bit that two Democratic candidates have announced, with Susan Davis looking more like she will go for another term and with Mayor Faulconer still looking unbeatable.
Many are encouraging Gloria to announce his intentions for 2016 and that being a run for the State Assembly seat.
Five days in San Francisco
I just got back from the City by the Bay and its weeklong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, and thus the International Imperial Courts of Canada, Mexico and the USA.
I was put up in a really beautiful suite in the Mark Twain Hotel and thank goodness because I had about $25 in my pocket!
For me, it was a weekend of shows, events and lots of meetings; and I had to give three speeches so I am sure San Francisco’s LGBT community is tired of my voice.The highlight was the gala in the beautiful rotunda of City Hall with a wonderful dinner, big orchestra music, outstanding entertainment and many of San Francisco’s movers and shakers and elected officials.
We also had a ceremony at the final resting place of our founder, World War II veteran and the first openly gay candidate to run for public office (1961) Jose Julio Sarria. I miss him greatly.
My official escort for the weekend events was active duty Marine Lt. Joseph C. Rocha, a former San Diegan and recipient of a Harvey Milk/Nicole Murray Ramirez student scholarship. It was good seeing old friends like former supervisor Bevan Duffy, City Treasurer Jose Cisneros, my favorite state senator and future mayor, Mark Leno and award winning columnist Donna Sachet and many others.
Bayard Rustin Honors
The LGBT community of San Diego will be celebrating Black History Month next Friday, Feb. 27 at The LGBT Center with the annual presentation of the Bayard Rustin Honors. Last year drew a huge crowd and among this year’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Awards recipients are State Assemblywoman Dr. Shirley Weber, a long time black civil rights leader and a gay ally. The two gay and lesbian honorees are long-time LGBT activists and true role models Phyllis Jackson and Stan Lewis.
The 2015 San Diego civil rights honorees are Larue Fields, Tanisha Cartwright, Christopher Wilson and John Gwynn.
There will be a fabulous soul food buffet and outstanding entertainment including the Martin Luther King Community Choir. There is only a $10 donation to this event, and the 2015 Bayard Rustin Honors sponsors are The LGBT Center, San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, Imperial Court and the GLBT Task Force. The entire community, yes that means you, is invited to the event Feb. 27 6-8 p.m. at The Center.
Save the date: March 26
This will be the official kick-off for the fundraising for a San Diego AIDS Memorial. It will be an entertainment extravaganza including super comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer and many more. One of the emcees will be the first lady of San Diego Katherine Faulconer. For more information Facebook San Diego AIDS Memorial Benefit Concert or call 619-863-4630.
