Well, I got onto a train to Los Angeles to get away from it all (and to see a heart specialist). I stayed at the estate of a world-renowned scientist: Dr. Danne Montague-King. He was a perfect host. But honestly; I slept most of the time.
Conversations with Nathan Fletcher and Tom Shepard
Not only is Bob Filner leading in the polls for mayor, but now comes word that popular Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher may well endorse him soon. And, the man who has been the campaign manager for at least four successful mayoral campaigns has joined the Filner campaign.
I talked to both men last week and Fletcher told me he wants to continue to serve the public any way he can, and will continue to be visible and active in our diverse city and its neighborhoods. He is spending more time with his two little boys and beautiful wife. Wherever he goes, the former Marine is always well received.
Tom Shepard turned 60 last week; so I called to wish him a happy birthday.
Shepard is one brilliant political strategist who has an outstanding record of running successful campaigns. Bob Filner is building a strong team of Independents, Republicans and Democrats to work to bring all San Diegans together.
American and Rainbow Pride flag together?
Recently, I have had many veterans and gay and non-gay people tell me that they would like the American flag to fly with our rainbow flag in Hillcrest. I agree 100 percent! We are indeed America’s Finest City and we are proud of all of our military personnel and veterans.
There will soon be launched a major petition drive by veterans to get the Hillcrest Business Association to add the American flag to the rainbow flag, and they have my full support … I know about the hard work the committee did just to get the rainbow flag up and we are all proud of their dedication, but the American flag belongs with the rainbow Pride flag. Flying both together is the right thing to do.
Why Eden closed
Times have changed in the GLBT community as more people are using the Internet to meet and socialize than are going to bars and nightclubs. We have successful bars because they go out of their ways to have exciting and different and events and because they are friendly and welcoming to all. Sad to say, that both Universal and Eden had some attitude problems … that is a lot of their staff were cold and not friendly. Many bragged that they had the most elite club in town for “upper-class gays.” Also, both establishments’ restaurants’ food got pretty bad. It’s sad when any GLBT business closes, but sometimes it’s their own fault. Just down the street, Rich’s has been successful and popular for decades. But we do thank the owners or Eden for their financial contributions to GLBT causes.
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
