Well, I’m off to our state capitol for five days of meetings and some speeches. Our governor could be naming a new gay or lesbian judge for San Diego soon.
Police Officers’ Widows/Orphans Fund gets GLBT support
Not long ago Police Officer Jeremy Henwood was shot and killed after stopping by a McDonald’s to buy some cookies for a little boy. Whenever a police officer is killed in the line of duty, and we see the TV news reporting families, funerals etc., all San Diegans weep. Recently, the San Diego Police Officers Association held a fundraiser at that same McDonald’s for their Widows/Orphans Fund so I turned to some in our community to put together a contribution to this important cause … $1,600 was raised in a few hours from Rich’s, Numbers, Caliph, Bourbon Street, City Commissioner Bruce Abrams, Big Mike, Allan Spyere, Imperial Court, Ben Dillingham Community Fund and the San Diego LGBT Weekly. S.D.P.O.A. president, Brian Marvel, Police Chief Bill Lansdown and dozens of officers in attendance expressed their deep appreciation to our GLBT community when Nick Moede, Allan Spyere, Big Mike and I attended the fundraiser. Of course, our popular councilman, Todd Gloria and his staff were there after Officer Henwood’s awful murder happened in the heart of District 3. One of the first times we supported the SDPOA was in the 1980s when we presented more than $4,000 at the Nicky Awards for a police memorial which now stands at police headquarters in downtown San Diego.
People, politics and opinions
I’m endorsing former assemblywoman, Lori Saldana for Congress. We badly need more qualified women in our nation’s capitol; and Saldana’s voting record for equality has always been rated 100 percent by Equality California.
Councilman Todd Gloria raised the $51,000 to keep the AIDS- prevention syringe program alive thanks to both Republican and Democrat contributions of Councilmembers Young, Faulconer, Emerald and Alvarez. Gay Councilmember Carl DeMaio refused to not only contribute a dime but also was the lone vote (7-1) against supporting this most important AIDS-prevention program. Shame on you DeMaio. But I’m sure your lack of support pleased your Tea Party and radical right wing base of supporters.
Openly lesbian and national Democratic activist, the wealthy Hilary Rosen really put her high heel in her mouth when she blasted Ann Romney and truly did give her a great “birthday present!”
I recently had breakfast with Congressional candidate John Brooks. While this up-and-coming African American Democrat is considered a long-shot against Vargas and Denchney, he’s a fighter; and you have to give him respect.
Openly gay state assembly speaker, the powerful and influential top Democrat John Perez praised ex-Marine Nathan Fletcher’s decision to become an Independent.
Republican County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price’s endorsement of popular former mayor, Dave Roberts (a Democrat) has helped him rise in the polls to succeed her.
I am so very proud of the many national GLBT organizations who came out in support of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, who was shot to death by a “wanna-be cop.” Now they should come out against that state’s insane “stand your ground” law.
Super-popular Mayor Jerry Sanders and Sheriff Bill Gore have been seen frequently volunteering at Bonnie Dumanis’ campaign headquarters. Now that Councilman Todd Gloria is unopposed for re-election, the talk is about who will succeed him after his last term. The top name being mentioned in this heavy Democratic district is Steven Whitburn. Interestingly, Andrew Poat, who registered as an Independent not long ago has endorsed Fletcher for mayor; hmm … But Poat’s many past endorsements of arch-conservative Republicans may hurt him as another possible candidate to succeed Gloria. Mayoral candidate Bob Filner was received like a conquering hero at this past weekend’s annual Democratic Party dinner. Look for a possible announcement next week about Filner’s involvement and support of another big national effort to honor Harvey Milk’s legacy. The annual Harvey Milk San Diego Breakfast (May 25) has already sold almost 900 tickets, so get your tables/tickets today because it will be sold out again.
City Commissioner Robert Gleason recently had breakfast with General Daniel Yoo, commander of the MCRD.
Joseph Rocha is the new chair of the GLBT Veterans Wall of Honor Advisory Council at The Center.
Chad Michaels, RuPaul … San Diego native superstars!
No one is surprised that San Diego’s award-winning entertainer, Chad Michaels has made the top three finalists of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Logo TV’s top-rated show. Chad Michaels has been a superstar long before this show and will continue to be one no matter the final outcome. Executive producer, RuPaul was born in San Diego and Chad has become the pride of, not only San Diego, but fans all over the world. He has been classy, smart, sensitive and proven that many female impersonators are, indeed, smart and articulate. Chad has made it clear that she is a “professional” to quote her more than a dozen times over! Yes, she has been humorous, smart and played the game well. I first met Chad when I was the founder/producer of the Dreamgirls Revue (Wednesdays at Urban Mo’s and Saturday’s at Bourbon Street). Trust me, he was a mini “hot mess” and very new to the business and his drag mom, Hunter, convinced me to give him a chance and hire him. As Chad’s drag “granny” I’m so very proud of him as, I’m sure, his partner of eight years Adam is. Yes; at times Chad Michaels has had a healthy ego but to know him is to love him; and to see him entertain just once is to become a fan for life. By the way, I just fell in love with Latrice Royale … an old-school queen who is fabulous!
Wang’s is No. 1 Chinese restaurant!
Move over P.F. Chang’s there is a new king of all Chinese restaurants. Wang’s (3829 University Ave.) has taken over the throne and is now No. 1. Last week, San Diego businessman Sherman Mendoza and I had another fabulous dinner at this super-popular classy place. Everything, and I mean everything, on the menu is outstanding and you just can’t go wrong. I do wish they would add their “Duck Sliders” on their menu. Handsome co-owner Tom Eads makes everyone feel welcome and their entire staff is friendly and great (lots of handsome men and beautiful women). So, for the best Chinese food in town it’s now definitely Wang’s.
37th annual Nicky Awards: Aug. 26
The “gay academy awards of San Diego,” yes, the 37th presentation of the Nicky Awards has been set for Sunday, Aug. 26. This annual charity fundraiser is always fun and fabulous with outstanding entertainment. The producers have informed me there will be some new exciting changes for 2012. Did you know that current American Idol top finalist Jessica Sanchez performed and sang at a past Nicky Awards show? For more information on San Diego’s gay Oscars phone 619-300-1232.
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.
Have never seen Chad live, but, just sad that Latrice was bounced, class all the way, and a big girl who knew how to look fab all thet time, and the two of them had to duke it out, so, now, left wanting a ‘mature’ diva to win the whole thing, go Chad!
And, you make sure you get some rest on that trip, don’t overdo it!