It is well known in political circles that I was a longtime supporter and friend of Bob Filner – from School Board, to City Council, to Congress and to the Mayor’s Office. “Team First Lady” was indeed my idea and civic leader Nancy Chase was my co-chair.
In past columns of mine, I have stated that many of us – his friends, supporters, staff and Democratic leaders for decades accepted the fact that Bob could be crude, sexist and yes a complete asshole. But he was “our” Bob. Many looked the other way when it came to Bob because of his long record of fighting for the civil rights and equality of Blacks, Latinos, Asians, gays and working families. I have taken my responsibility in this column for not speaking out more and accepting things as they were. I’ve learned a lot about sexual harassment – more than I ever knew.
But shame on Lee Burdick who was on Bob’s mayoral staff from the first day to the end and now writes a book called Bob Filner’s Monster. Well Ms. Burdick, you, Vince Hall and others then were Frankenstein’s doctors as you also turned the other way and ignored his conduct. You, Ms. Burdick, give attorneys an even worse reputation with your two faces and “I found Jesus” like bull. This author, this empress has no clothes … period. Her book should be used for toilet paper.
Would you have a beer with Lori Saldaña?
Almost all of San Diego’s mayors have been nice individuals who were friendly, outgoing and had great people skills. Jerry Sanders stands out; Murphy was a gentleman; Hedgecock had a good sense of humor; Golding had a great smile and O’Connor opened up City Hall once a month to anyone who wanted to talk to their mayor. San Diegans love to like their mayors and when it comes to Kevin Faulconer you would not just like to have a beer with this guy but a whole damn keg!
Well, sad to say, most Republican and Democratic leaders I’ve talked to have told me that they definitely would not have a beer with mayoral candidate Lori Saldaña.
Mayor Parker to keynote Harvey Milk Breakfast
When Annise Parker was first elected mayor of the fourth largest city in America – Houston, Texas she made world headlines because she was a proud out lesbian. I first met her when she was the city controller of Houston. She is a dynamic civil servant and leader who cares about all people.
I am proud to say she will be the keynote speaker of the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Friday, May 20. As always, this event will be a sellout with over 1,000 people. Contact The Center for your table reservations today!
Who is a future Fourth District supervisor?
Ron Roberts will go down in history as one of our county’s most popular county supervisors. Respected and, yes, loved by many community leaders. He was just once again elected chairman of the board and is termed out. So of course there is already talk on who will follow him. Among Democrats being mentioned are Kevin Beiser and Susan Quinn and many party activists are hoping to encourage Nathan Fletcher to run who is busy with his Veterans Foundation and causes. Tony Young, who is now an Independent, is also mentioned. The only Republican who would actually have the best GOP chance is Lorie Zapf who is half Latina and interestingly would be the only person of color in this race.
Keep your eyes on them all. For right now it is early but then the early bird will get the worm.
And San Diego’s new labor boss is …
Lorena Gonzalez was one of the best labor leaders in San Diego history. She took names and kicked ass; a true “Iron Maiden” and a tough lady who ruled in a mostly man’s leadership world. Now some other San Diegan women are looking to follow in her high heels. Among them I hear, Carol Kim, Dale Kelly Bankhead and Laurie Coskey. Now to me the one that comes close to Lorena Gonzalez’ DNA … and that is …?
Police Officer Meyer did San Diego proud
Seems that radical demonstrations did not only shut down an LGBT Jewish reception at the annual Creating Change Conference in Chicago but also a workshop on improving police relations with speakers Latina activist Carolina Ramos and respected openly gay San Diego Police Officer Daniel Meyer. About 80 demonstrators forced Officer Meyer to leave the conference shouting him down and refusing to have dialogue about how to improve police and community relations; the workshop was shut down. Officer Meyer to his credit, in an ugly and threatening situation handled himself outstandingly. He did our city, the police department and his LGBT community proud.
As a past national board member of The LGBTQ Task Force I apologize to Officer Meyer as well as Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman for what he was subjected to which was totally unacceptable. I am glad to report that The LGBTQ Task Force leadership also reached out to this outstanding police officer to convey their regret and offer support of him.
LGBT San Diegans Fernando Lopez, Carolina Ramos, Ricky Cervantes and Connor Maddocks stood with Officer Meyer during this ugly ordeal and we should be proud of all of them, and I thank them for their solidarity.
Needless to say The Task Force is taking a serious look at both incidents and changes will be made so this never happens again.
You know Nicole, you should really take a look in the mirror regarding hypocrisy. You have flip-flopped on nearly every candidate and have said some really nasty things about them, then turned right around and praised them as outstanding and your best friend. DeMaio is just one example. Now you’re protecting and defending Filner, a disgraced and despicable manwhore. It is comforting to know that if you endorse a candidate, I vote the opposite 99% of the time. You’re known as the political endorser’s kiss of death. You have zero credibility and you’re not a good judge of character. Oh, and yes, I’m buying the book.
“It is well known in political circles that I was a longtime supporter and friend of Bob Filner.” God, the rank ego of this Nicole creature. “Well known in political circles” — yes, he/she is a major figure in American politics. I’m surprised none of Nic’s bar denizen supporters haven’t erected a statue to him/her. Regardless, to still be a booster of a disgraced pig like Filner speaks volumes about Nic’s character.
“It is well known in political circles that I was a longtime supporter and friend of Bob Filner.” Josh S, that can be translated into, “He bought me lunch.”
I feel the imperial court bs is an embarrassment to the gay professional community. Its like a saturday night live spoof. Do these people live in a parallel universe with those ridiculously tasteless dresses, titles and crowns. I saw one guy walking around a sporting event with a crown and people were laughing at him. my opinion
It is also degrading to women and transwomen, it shows the hard core hatred that exists in the male homosexual world toward women. The whole thing should be abandoned if the Confederate Flag is racist the Imperial Court is sexist and only haters and self hating TG people would belong.
Liz