My doctor made me cancel my Oklahoma trip and I’ve been in bed rest for about four days, but I’m feeling better and ready to rock and roll. I’ve cancelled all of my out of town trips until the end of the month, so maybe I’ll see you around San Diego!
SDDC attack on Dumanis is sexist
When conservative Republican Carl DeMaio announced he was going to run for mayor, the San Diego Democratic Club did not say a word. But when popular progressive Republican and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced she was also going to run for mayor, the SDDC President Doug Case and the club issued a statement in less than 24 hours attacking Dumanis. Doug Case and the club also question Dumanis’ loyalty.
Let’s see now: Dumanis is running for mayor, which is a non-partisan office; she has endorsed both Democratic and Republican candidates; she is a proud Jewish woman; and she gets attacked by the SDDC. Yet conservative DeMaio is given a free pass by the club. This looks very sexist to me and many others.
The SDDC will have time and plenty of candidates for mayor to attack just because they are Republican, but voters will not buy it. Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders has been one of our city’s best mayors along with Mayor Maureen O’Connor. San Diego voters support the woman or man for mayor, not their party affiliation. Dumanis will be a mayor for all San Diegans, even Case and the SDDC.
Jennifer LeSar
Citybeat is one of my all time favorite San Diego publications, but their recent editorial containing negative remarks about Jennifer LeSar and her company getting a city contract to help the homeless is way off the mark.
I am glad that Citybeat does not “doubt her sincerity,” because anyone that knows LeSar knows she has been very committed to the issue of our city’s homeless. In fact she is responsible for a housing complex for homeless youth/teens, spent years on this project and was not paid a dime! LeSar also puts her money where her mouth is and has given countless financial contributions to non-profits, charities and social justice causes. LeSar has also worked with the City of Los Angeles and their downtown homeless problem
The homeless issue is not one that most people care about or want to get involved with. In fact, LeSar’s company was the only one to respond and willing to work on this issue.
Yes, Citybeat, LeSar is very sincere. She cares and rolls up her sleeves when it comes to the poor, homeless and those in need. It’s who she is and always has been … period.
Leather community deserves our appreciation
The leather community has been a visible and great part of our LGBT community since the 1950s and history shows even earlier. Proud LGBT men and women, along with straight friends and supporters, make up the leather community. They have a long record of decades of raising money and giving back to our community.
During the early dark years of AIDS, we could only count on the drag, dykes, bars and leather community to hold weekly fundraisers for our AIDS agencies and they continue to do so to this very day. Our community owes much to the leather community and they deserve all of our deep appreciation.
Good luck to all the contestants for the 2011 leather title holders competition.
Burger Lounge rocks!
All of Hillcrest is talking about Burger Lounge at Fourth and University Avenue, and their “Grade A” burgers, which are the best in the land. They are now in Hillcrest, but also in Kensington, Little Italy, La Jolla and Coronado. One taste and you’ll be back! Burgerlounge.com Nicolemrsd@aol.com.
Outrageous Bingo II set for April 6
Mark your calendar as outrageous bingo returns for one night only on Wednesday, April 6 at Bourbon Street. It’s a fun crazy night to benefit the eighth annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.
That night, you will be able to win more than $2,500 in cash and prizes! Your outrageous and sinful hosts will be Nicole (Hey, that’s me!) and Emperor Allan Spyere. So, I hope you will all join us on April 6.
65 tables sold for Milk Breakfast!
The annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast attracts more than 1,000 people from all walks of life. Set for May 20, it has already sold more than 65 tables! Yes, it’s going to be another sell out, so get your tickets and tables today. 619-692-2077.
‘That’s what friends are for …’
I’ve always loved this song as it speaks truth and from the heart – about friends being there for each other during good times and bad times. These bad economic times have affected all communities and Americans. I know LGBT people who have lost their jobs, lost their homes and are struggling. Many more are becoming homeless and many are in deep depression and, yes, some have taken their own lives. These are very hard times for many people.
On April 18 at Eden there will be a fundraiser to help a longtime community personality who has HIV/AIDS and is having not only health problems, but sleeping on friend’s couches. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for other people, organizations and causes and now he needs our help. So, mark your calendar for April 18 and I’ll let you know more in my next column. Thanks.
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. Nicole is a past state president of Equality California and has served on the national boards of the HRC and NGLTF. He is currently a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and Chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico.
It is very unlikely that Bonnie Dumanis is being called to the carpet because of sexism. It is likely her terroristic attacks on medical cannabis patients, her failure to protect citizens, her asset forfeiture greed, her backing of Steve Cooley the homophobic losing Attorney General, her mishandling of the Sommers case and her squandering of resources.