As a Latino American, I would love to see three qualified Latino city councilmembers. Anthony Bernal’s parents were two hard-working Latino Americans, but sadly Bernal never really got involved with his own Latino community in San Diego, and has no record within his own community, its leaders and organizations. That’s why a vast majority of Latino leaders and organizations have endorsed Chris Ward. His endorsements include Councilman David Alvarez, Mayor Mary Salas, Senate President Kevin de Leon, Commissioner Larry Baza, the Chicano Democratic Club, La Raza Lawyers Association, the Latino Peace Officers Association, etc. As they say, who would know a candidate better than his own community?
Two of the major constituents in the Third City Council District are the LGBT and Latino communities, and both have soundly rejected Anthony Bernal. So now Bernal has turned to conservative Republicans, including Doug Manchester, who have pumped in thousands of dollars into his once fledgling campaign.
Chris Ward is the most qualified candidate, period. Yes, he happens to be gay, and is a proud father and married. However, his endorsements by the San Diego Democratic Party, the Police Officers Association, City Fire Fighters, Equality California, the Sierra Club, etc., have to do with him being the best candidate for City Council, and like Christine Kehoe, Toni Atkins and Todd Gloria before him, he will represent all San Diegans.
Bravo Gay Men’s Chorus
The award-winning San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus handled the San Diego Padres’ controversy with complete dignity and class. They continue to make our community proud, like when they perform at the White House, Super Bowl and performing for Mayor Kevin Faulconer at numerous official city events.
The San Diego Men’s Chorus concerts are always sold out and they have won more “Nicky Awards” than any other entertainment group in the San Diego gay academy award’s 41 year history. The Chorus’ executive director, Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman handled all of the intense media coverage, and interviews most articulately and with absolute class. I have been invited to an upcoming meeting with top Padres officials, and I believe everything will be worked out.
However, my message to all San Diegans is now more than ever to support the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus by attending concerts, being a sponsor, etc. Let’s make lemonade out of baseball lemons!
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
As the founder and co-chair of the eighth annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, I want to most sincerely thank you for your continued support and the over 1,000 people who attended this annual civil rights breakfast in the tradition of the annual Martin Luther King All People’s Breakfast and the Cesar Chavez Unity Breakfast.
I offer a special thank you to my co-chair, Dr. Delores Jacobs, the hard-working Center staff and wonderful volunteers. Sitting at my founder’s table was Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Sheriff Bill Gore, Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, Mayor Annise Parker (Houston), Assemblyman Michael Connolly (Alberta, Canada), renowned author Lillian Faderman, Gay San Diego Editor Morgan Hurley, San Diego LGBT Weekly Publisher Stampp Corbin, Caliph owner Sherman Mendoza, Emperor Summer Lee and Empress Jaeda Reign.
