I am off to our state capitol for four days, and then I’m home for two weeks … hooray!
“Carl DeMaio is not loyal to his gay community…”
So, says San Diego Democratic Club President Doug Case in about an hour conversation I had with him this past week. Case also stated to me that his club would indeed be issuing a press release questioning the openly-gay City Councilman DeMaio’s loyalty and commitment to the LGBT community. Needless to say, Case and I continue to disagree on the San Diego Democratic Club issuing press releases attacking public officials from our community.
You can say what you want about DeMaio, but since he has been on the city council Carl DeMaio has become a strong advocate and vote for LGBT rights supporting the Harvey Milk Holiday, lifting the ban against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and supporting Marriage Equality.
DeMaio has been in a committed year-long relationship with gay businessman Jonathan Hale and in fact has given him a “promise ring” which is like an engagement ring. There is no doubt that if DeMaio does become mayor that Jonathan Hale would become his “First Lady” at city hall. In fact, Hale is already acting like he already has this role as he has informed me and others that we would not be welcome at city hall under a DeMaio administration. Hmm, sounds like a “Nixon’s enemy list” to me.
But back to my conversation with Case: I want to make it clear that while he and I do not agree on these negative news releases, it does not take away from his decades of activism fighting for LGBT equality.
Prominent leaders host Bonnie Dumanis
The beautiful Mission Hills home of Dr. Phil Diamond and Kevin Tilden was the site of a gathering of many prominent community leaders and business people with mayoral candidate District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. What made this meeting so interesting is that Diamond and Tilden are well-known and respected Democratic Party fundraisers and about 85 percent of those present were also democrats proving once again Bonnie Dumanis’ broad appeal to democrats, republicans and independents. Among the republicans that were there was the mayor’s daughter Lisa Sanders who has endorsed Dumanis.
Bob Filner is the strongest democrat for mayor
A few months ago, the first major poll in the mayoral 2012 race saw Congressman Bob Filner coming in a strong second in a very crowded field. Two other polls since then also find Bob Filner as the most popular and strongest democratic candidate in a very republican dominated race. Filner beats Kehoe in all three polls and word is that many Democratic Party officials are hoping to have one strong candidate so that they can hopefully make the run off.
While I believe that Filner will have a good solid chance if he is the only democrat, talk among a lot of political pundits is that they believe Nathan Fletcher and Bonnie Dumanis are the ones to beat.
Jailed at the Rail April 17
Bo Andras and his super popular Pride Card and Global Male are hosting what promises to be one of the most fun benefits of the year entitled Jailed at the Rail this coming Saturday, April 17, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Brass Rail. Community leaders will be jailed until they make their “charity bond” to get out!
The Brass Rail is giving up some of their bar receipts for the cause and it should be one wild, fun event. For more info: jailattherail.com
Lambda Archives expanding
The Lambda Archives of San Diego (4545 Park Blvd.) is expanding its space and growing. The LGBT historical society of our community need your support in this new expansion and exciting remodeling, so contact Lambda Archives and donate or volunteer. They need paint, plumbers, builders, etc. Info: Frank Nobiletti, 619-962-3539. Thank you!
Bangkok Thai Bistro is fabulous
I just love Asian food. For me, the best Chinese food is at P.F. Chang’s and the best Vietnamese food is always at Saigon on Fifth Ave. and for wonderful Thai cuisine at very reasonable prices it’s Bangkok Thai Bistro (540 University Ave.) across from the City Deli. They serve lunch and dinner (Big Mike works the lunch crowd) and long time community supporter Shonee Henry is the new part owner. In fact, on Thursday April 28 during Dine Out they will be giving half of their proceeds from the entire day to The Center! Info: 619-269-9209 or bangkokthaibistro.com.
Ria and Don L at The Caliph
The world famous Caliph (300 Fifth Ave.) continues to be one of the most popular award-winning piano bars on the west coast On Fridays and Saturdays, they feature super singers, the fabulous Ria and Don L, who sing from pop and rock to country and soul. Stop by and enjoy and you’ll be back for more!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. Nicolemrsd@aol.com
