GLSEN San Diego County Chapter Jump-Start Student Coordinator Arianna Segla holds her former GSAs check for $150 from last year’s GSA Awards Night.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) San Diego County Chapter will be holding its second annual Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Awards Night May 31, from 6-9 p.m., at The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

“The GSA Awards Night is a night to recognize GSAs for their work in their schools and gives them a chance to network with other GSAs,” said Arianna Segla, who is the student coordinator of the chapter’s Jump-Start program, a training program for GSA leaders. Segla is also helping organize the event.

Last year about a 100 students and advisors attended the event, said David Lyons, who is the chapter’s Jump-Start adult coordinator. This year, Lyons expects an even larger turn out.

William Kowba, superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD); Kevin Beiser, vice president of the SDUSD board; and Kristy Salazar, host from Out of the Closet, an online radio show, will be speaking at the event.

“I am thrilled that we have so many youth making a difference through their involvement in GSAs in our public schools,” Beiser said.

Local students will be providing entertainment to the ceremony’s attendees.

“One of the high school youth will be performing on the piano and singing and another student will be performing a musical piece,” said Lyons, adding that another host from Out of the Closet Radio will round out the entertainment with a Tahitian fire dance. LEDs will be used instead of fire.

“We’d prefer not to burn down The Center,” Lyons said.

Unlike other award ceremonies, the GSA Awards Night will not be recognizing specific GSAs or individuals; rather each GSA will be acknowledged equally.

“We are recognizing all GSAs for doing their part to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT students and their allies,” Lyons said. “All GSAs will be awarded.”

Each GSA that is represented (with three to five of its members) at the awards ceremony will receive a $150 donation from GLSEN. If their advisor attends, they will receive a $50 credit to the GLSEN Web site store where they can purchase T-shirts, buttons and books.

Many GSA attendees attend the event for the money said Segla.

“It’s an easy way to bring money into your GSA and be able to do things in your school,” Segla said. “You want to make T-shirts, you want to make posters and you want to buy Day of Silence gear.”

The GLSEN chapter started the event last year to recognize the Southern half of San Diego County’s GSAs. The North County LGBT Coalition has been hosting a similar GSA awards ceremony for North County GSAs for a number of years.

“The Coalition used the event to recognize GSAs, help them to network with other GSAs and encourage them to continue their hard work in making their schools safe for all students,” said GLSEN San Diego County Chapter Co-Chair Chet Sewell. “With the coalition’s permission, we began a similar event.”

PFLAG, LGBT Pride, Hillcrest Youth Center, SDG&E, Trevor Project, Out of the Closet, The Trend and Cash Closet are sponsoring the event, including several that will be offering a resource table.

Ceremony attendance is limited to GSA club members and their advisors.

For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/14zgYa0

Join HRC for Her HRC Masquerade in San Diego May 30 at Gossip Grill, 1440 University Ave. 7-11 p.m. DJ Dida will be spinning and there will be drink specials all night long. There will also be a raffle with giveaways and date auction with the opportunity to win a date and limo ride.

General admission tickets are $10 and include entrance, drink specials and a raffle ticket. VIP tickets at $25 include entrance, drink specials, raffle ticket and access to the VIP area. The VIP area includes a separate host bar with Castle Rock wines and Three Olives Marilyn Monroe Vodka specials.

Tickets to Her HRC events include annual HRC membership and support the work of the HRC and the HRC Foundation.

To purchase tickets go to http://bit.ly/13QOzeA

Prom season is here – and The Center is celebrating our community’s youth! The Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC) is preparing for The Rainbow Prom (formerly The Other Prom) for LGBTQ youth to be held at The Center, 3909 Center Street, Saturday, June 22 6-9 p.m.

The Rainbow Prom, which is in its 10th year, provides LGBTQ youth a safe, welcoming and affirming event where they can express themselves. LGBTQ youth want to go to prom, dress up and dance with that someone special, just like everyone else.

LGBTQ youth today still face the same pressures many did growing up. LGBTQ youth should not have to feel isolated or ostracized on prom night. They should feel celebrated, supported and embraced, and that’s exactly what happens at The Rainbow Prom.

Promgoers will enjoy a Cirque de Soleil theme featuring acrobats, contortionists and stilt walkers. This free event is open to all LGBTQ and allied youth ages 14-18. Help The Center provide them with a magical night and show your support by purchasing one of the Diamond, Gold or Silver stars. Your individualized star will be crafted by one of our youth and hung up at the event in your honor.

For more information, contact Sophia Arredondo at HYC@thecentersd.org

Each year, The San Diego LGBT Community Center celebrates the birthday of the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with the Pachanga de Frida event. This year’s event will take place at The Center, 3909 Centre Street Saturday, June 29 from 6-10 p.m. and will be hosted by the fabulous Franceska. Guests will enjoy dancing to the sounds of live band Latin Image and DJ Victor Rivera spinning a wide array of Latin music; shopping with multiple art exhibits by local Latino artists and vendors; sampling tacos provided by Baja Betty’s; entering the Frida look-a-like contest and tasting a little tequila!

Tickets are $15 in advance and a limited number will be available for $20 at the door. A small number of tables are available for purchase at $200. Advance purchase is highly recommended. This is a 21+ event.

For tickets visit thecentersd.org

A City Council committee voted 3-2 along party lines May 15 to limit political party contributions to $20,000 for citywide offices such as mayor and city ordinance and $10,000 to councilmember district elections.

This was forwarded to the full City Council for consideration which means Democrats will outnumber Republicans following the election of a Democratic councilmember in District Four.

There is now no limit to what political parties can contribute during elections. In 2012 the Republican Party gave its mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio $829,000, which included a $65,000 donation from U/T San Diego publisher Doug Manchester, according to the newspaper.

The Democratic Party gave Bob Filner nearly $237,500, according to material received by the committee. Currently, individuals can only contribute $500 per candidate, but they can give larger amounts if donated to a political party which can donate to any candidates.

Councilmember Kevin Faulconer made a motion to limit political contributions to $3,000 for Council races and $12,000 for citywide races, but only he and fellow Republican Mark Kersey voted for it and it was defeated in a 2-3 vote.

The Democrats on the Rules and Economic Development Committee said they thought those amounts were too low, and they passed a measure to allow for party contributions at $20,000 for citywide races and $10,000 for Council district elections.

“I think $10,000 and $20,000 is a reasonable limit and I do believe we do need to limit these contributions,” said 7th District Councilmember Marti Emerald.

Emerald made the motion to increase the limits and it was seconded by Councilmember Sherri Lightner. Councilmember David Alvarez also voted for it in a straight party line with the three Democrats in favor and the two Republicans opposed.

Faulconer said he would only vote for the motion if it included a recommendation by the Ethics Commission for a higher amount of donations. Emerald didn’t want to change her motion.

“There may or may not be a magic number. I don’t pretend to know what that magic number is, but I do support and have always supported campaign contribution limits,” said Faulconer.

The City previously had limits on what political parties can donate to elections, but they were struck down by a federal judge in 2010 as too low and unconstitutional. So when the 2012 election came along, there were no limits to political parties’ contributions and people like Manchester were free to donate to the Republican Party and thus give donations to DeMaio.

“There is no way to avoid the appearance of corruption when large, large amounts of money flood into our campaigns,” said Will Moore, general counsel to the local Democratic Party, to the committee.

“We’ve been warned we’re going to be sued if its $3,000 and $12,000. Maybe some people want to go down that path so that we get sued so that there are no limits,” said Alvarez.

“We want folks to be able to tell who is giving money to the various candidates when they run for office … and to have it be as transparent a process as possible,” said Lightner.

The board of directors of San Diego LGBT Pride  announced today that Stephen Whitburn will continue to head the organization as its general manager. Whitburn had held the position in an interim capacity since January.

San Diego Pride’s previous director, Dwayne Crenshaw, departed the organization amid his recent run for a seat on the San Diego City Council. The board moved quickly following the news that Labor coordinator and former police lieutenant Myrtle Cole had defeated Crenshaw in the race for the District 4 seat.

“This is a seamless transition for us,” said board co-chair Joe Mayer. “For several months, Stephen has been leading the team preparing for this year’s Pride weekend, and we are excited about how the celebration is coming together.”

“We congratulate Dwayne on his strong candidacy as a visible member of the LGBT community,” said board cochair Ebony Aldridge, “and we congratulate Myrtle Cole on her election to the seat.”

San Diego Pride will be held the weekend of July 12-14 beginning with the rally and the block party on Friday night, the parade on Saturday, and the festival both Saturday and Sunday. An estimated quarter million people will participate in this year’s festivities.

SAN DIEGO – The Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat (GMSR) has announced that  its annual retreat, to take place at majestic Camp Stevens in the mountains of Julian, Calif., will be June 7-9.  This retreat promises a weekend full of exciting outdoor activities, spiritual and self-help workshops, dancing and entertainment.

For the past 21 years, the Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat has worked to foster a spiritual community among gay men in San Diego.  “GMSR was created to empower gay men to find and embrace their own spirituality,” said Michael Hubbard, co-chair of GMSR 2013.

When founder Dave Smith was asked why GMSR was created he said, “We started the organization to have workshops for gay men who had to face day to day issues of being gay.”

Registration is now open at gmsr.org for the retreat.

The retreat historically sells out each year.

Being Alive HIV/AIDS Services is going green with the collection of plastic bottles and cans to support Daniel’s Pantry that feeds the clients every month. More than 400 people use the Pantry each month for a collection of canned goods, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables and some frozen meat. There are donation bins at local businesses and recyclables can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Being Alive, 4070 Centre Street, San Diego, 92103. For more information on this program call Harrison at 619-291-1400 ext. 320.

Being Alive is also continuing on the going green by collecting used cell phones, inkjet cartridges, mp3 players, laser cartridges, laptops, iPods, cds, dvds, blue rays, video games and other small electronic devices. This not only helps the environment it also raises needed money for the valuable services at Being Alive. Any items can be dropped off at Being Alive, 4070 Centre Street, San Diego, 92103 or at The Postal Place, 1010 University Ave., Suite C113 in Hillcrest. For more information on the e-waste recycling program call Terry at 619-291-1400 ext. 313.

Being Alive San Diego’s mission is to deliver quality and compassionate services to people affected by HIV/AIDS and to provide education to those in need. Being Alive was formed by 6 HIV + individuals in 1989 to address the need for “peer driven” support and services. Today Being Alive is the longest running AIDS service organization in San Diego, serving more than 10,000 individuals every year.

Anthony (Tony) Serafini

Born June 1, 1967

May 7 we lost our dear friend Tony Serafini.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same as well.  It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you.  You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.  Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems to be the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Tony was survived by his mother, Lorraine Serafini and his brother Stephen Serafini.  Sadly no mother should ever lose a child.  Our hearts go out to his family.

Tony’s memorial service will be held Sunday May 19 at gay beach in Balboa park between Quince Drive and Balboa Drive, San Diego CA 92103 from 2-4 p.m. Dress casual as Tony would like.  In lieu of cards, gifts or flowers kindly  make a donation to the www.thetrevorproject.org/ in Tony’s name.

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego LGBT Community Center has announced the launch of Project TRANS, its Transgender Services Program. Project TRANS (Transgender Referrals, Assistance, Networking and Services) will serve as an umbrella for the various services The Center has previously offered specifically to the transgender community, including discussion groups, behavioral health services, HIV prevention services, youth services and more.

In addition, the program will also focus on advocacy, referrals, outreach, cultural sensitivity trainings, social activities and events, workshops and networking with community agencies. Through a partnership with the Transgender Law Center, Project TRANS will also provide assistance with legal documents for those who need to change their name and gender marker on their driver’s license or other forms of identification, often a daunting task for transgender individuals.

Connor Maddocks

The new project will be led by program coordinator Connor Maddocks, who has served the community with The Center for seven years.

“The Center has offered discussion groups and behavioral health counseling for a long time, but it is time to branch out to address some of the more specific and emerging needs of the community by having a designated program and program staff dedicated specifically to working on the issues that are really affecting the transgender and gender queer community right now,” Maddocks said.

“I’m hoping we can help build and strengthen the community, and make clear that the transgender and gender queer community are safe, welcomed and celebrated at The Center.”

For more information about Project TRANS and a schedule of the various discussion groups, please visit The Center’s Web site at thecentersd.org or contact Maddocks at 619-692-2077, ext. 109 or via e-mail at trans@thecentersd.org

Kim McBride, League President Russ Mortenson Boyd and Nancy Logerberg

The San Diego Pool League’s (SDPL) Broomstick Tournament concluded April 28 at the Eagle with the team of Anthony Juarez and his team mate Kim McBride (sponsored by Twiggs Coffee House) finishing in first place. Finishing in second place were League President Russ Mortenson Boyd and Nancy Logerberg sponsored by the Leather Foundation. The three-weekend event which began at Kelly Pub in Old town April 14 and then PECS April 21 qualified the top four teams which in addition to the first and second place teams include: Joe Corder and Norma Posy and attorney Timothy Lee Davis and Oscar Castro.

Sunday, April 28 the four teams battled it out, with brooms in hand, until one team was left standing. So far the event has raised about $800 for PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) with the final tally to be determined following the Leagues Awards Banquet Monday, July 8 at the Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel where raffle tickets will be sold and lots of bar tabs will be up for grabs.

The Broomstick Tournament, which began back in 1985, is one of the oldest LGBT fundraising events and through the years has generated more than $30,000 for local organizations such as the San Diego AIDS Foundation, Special Delivery and the Lambda Archives, to name a few.

Tournament founder and this year’s tournament director, Mike Passante said, “I would like to thank Timothy Lee Davis: attorney at law, Sharon Sherman: attorney at law, Hillcrest Pharmacy, Twiggs Coffee House, Dr. David Shamblaw, The Leather Foundation, #1 Fifth Avenue, Starbucks, Big City Bagel, The Eagle, PECS, Kellys Pub, True North, The Redwing, The Big Kitchen, The Loft and everyone who helped to make this year’s event a success.”

Currently the Pool League is in its final weeks of team play in this its 35th year and 70th season! The first of its several playoff tournaments begins Sunday, May 12, where the Hungry Stick will host the leagues Rising Star Tournament starting at 10 a.m.

The league will be hosting the California 8 Ball championship West Coast Challenge in mid-July with teams from Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego competing in both team and individual events. The Leagues 71st season will begin Monday, July 29. For complete Playoff information and all league history and events check out the Pool League web site at sdpool.org

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is designed to bring together more than 1,000 diverse San Diegans – business, labor, Democrats, Republicans, all communities, all ages, all San Diegans who support equality and justice – to celebrate the memory of this influential civil rights activist.

The 2013 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will be held Friday, May 24 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel.

This year’s honorees are Milk screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black and former Oregon governor, Barbara Roberts.

Proceeds benefit the social services programs of the San Diego LGBT Community Center.

For more information or tickets contact Sarafina Scapicchio at 619-692-2077 x246 or events@thecentersd.org

A private reception, sponsored by the Harvey Milk Foundation, will take place Thursday, May 23 from 6-8 p.m. at a private residence. For more information call 619-692-1967.

The recycling center at the Albertsons supermarket in North Park has quietly disappeared following a petition drive that was signed by some of the neighbors that blamed scavenging and crime upon people who took their bottles and cans there.

The decision to disband was made by the corporate owner, RePlanet, in late March and not by Albertsons, according to a manager who said in April that he received the notice from RePlanet.

“People in the area are disappointed it left,” said a woman at RePlanet, who added that they received a number of calls after the recycling center was moved.

It officially was closed March 30 and the store at 2235 University Ave. put up a sign that listed the address of the nearest recycling center on 30th Street.

A message was left with the corporate HQ of RePlanet, but the call wasn’t returned.

The campaign began in 2012 after neighbors complained about noise, and people scavenging through trash cans. Literature was stuffed in the mailboxes of surrounding houses and apartments to drum up support. The petition drive obtained 96 signatures.

Earlier, RePlanet told LGBT Weekly they quit crushing glass in the center in response to complaints about noise. They also closed the facility on Sundays and Thursdays. The City’s garbage collectors come into the area on Thursdays.

SAN DIEGO– Take a trip back to the psychedelic ‘60s with your groovy hosts from the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC).  It will be a shimmering Summer of Love for everyone at their annual Encore Gala at Point Loma’s Liberty Station Saturday, June 15.  All hippies – and hipsters – are welcome!

There will be live ‘60s music from San Diego’s multi-award-winning band Rockola, themed food from John Little Catering and both live and silent auctions.  The highlight of the evening will be the live auction of an incredible San Francisco Pride Weekend Package with exclusive tickets to the new I Am Harvey Milk world premiere.

“This is going to be a really fun evening!  We hope all our fans, friends and families come out and enjoy themselves while supporting a great arts organization,” said SDGMC Board President Cheri Curtis.

All proceeds from the Encore Gala benefit the chorus and its mission of creating a positive musical experience through exciting performances that engage audiences, build community support and provide a dynamic force for social change.  The SDGMC has entertained San Diego audiences for nearly 30 years. With more than 150 members, it is one of the largest choruses of its type in the world.

Tickets for the Summer of Love event are $75 for general admission at 7 p.m. and $125 for special VIP tickets that includes preview admission at 6 p.m., open bar and other benefits.  It will be held at the McMillin Company Event Center, 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station in Point Loma on the grounds of the former Naval Training Center.

Tickets may be purchased at sdgmc.org or by calling 877-296-7664.  To be a special underwriter of the event or to donate an auction item, please contact SDGMC Executive Director Ben Cartwright at executivedirector@sdgmc.org.  SDGMC is a 501c (3) organization.  All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

SAN DIEGO – Instead of the traditional red and black, students at San Diego State University (SDSU) will celebrate in shades of purple at the fourth annual Lavender graduation ceremony May 8. The event honors graduating students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or allies.

“The Lavender graduation ceremony is very celebratory,” said Esther Rothblum, SDSU women’s studies professor and adviser for the university’s LGBT Studies program. “It’s very important to foreground LGBT issues at graduation and for students to be able to be out and open and supported, and to celebrate their lives in the company of their families and friends.”

During the ceremony, which is open to all SDSU students, graduates receive a certificate and a rainbow cord to wear as part of their commencement regalia.

Alyssa Baker is the 2013 outstanding graduate from the LGBT Studies program. Photo: SDSU

“For me, the rainbow cords are the outward representation of my commitment to the LGBT community as an ally, and the diversity that has come along with my education at SDSU,” said Alyssa Baker, the 2013 outstanding graduate from the LGBT studies program.

“I was ecstatic to find out that there was a ceremony put on for the LGBTQIA community at State to recognize the accomplishments of graduates in the community, and make an effort to celebrate graduation on our own terms,” continued Baker, who hopes to one day work in the SDSU Cross Cultural Center’s LGBTQ Resource Area, helping fellow Aztecs in their journey.

The Lavender graduation ceremony is not a replacement for the university’s main commencement ceremony, said Rothblum, but an opportunity for students in the LGBT community— along with their family and friends—to celebrate their accomplishments in a personal and meaningful way.

The ceremony has grown each year beginning with just 18 participants in 2010, to more than 30 this year.

Graduates majoring in everything from international business to religious studies, art, education, economics, and women’s studies to international security and conflict resolution will be participating in this year’s Lavender graduation.

“Lavender Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity of SDSU, as well as the expanding activism and scholarship on LGBT issues around the world,” said Rothblum.

The Lavender graduation is free and open to the public. It will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at SDSU’s Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. Refreshments will be served and parking is free on the upper level of Parking Structure 5.

Approximately 9,100 degree candidates will participate in SDSU’s Commencement ceremonies May 17 to 19 at Viejas Arena.  SDSU Imperial Valley campus will also host a commencement ceremony May 16 on their Rollie Carrillo Quad.

Ryan Trabuco

SAN DIEGO — Ryan Trabuco, president of the Clairemont Town Council and former president of the Log Cabin Republicans has joined the Democratic Party.

Following Nathan Fletcher’s move to the Democrats Trabuco posted on his Facebook, “ Today is a great morning for @TheDemocrats. Two new members today: @NathanFletcher and myself.”

Ryan Trabuco joined the Clairemont Town Council in 2010. Born and raised in Texas, he moved to California in 2004, and has lived in the San Diego area since 2007. Since 2009, he has served on the County’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board where he provides oversight of the County’s treatment and rehabilitation programs, and helps advise the Board of Supervisors on alcohol and drug prevention policy.

Nathan Fletcher

SAN DIEGO — Nathan Fletcher, once thought to be a rising star of the GOP and a former San Diego mayoral candidate who registered as an Independent, has joined the Democratic Party.

In an an email sent out to his supporters and posted on his Facebook page Fletcher stated:

I wanted to share with you an email I sent out to my donors and supporters this morning:

Ralph Waldo Emerson had a famous saying, “Life is a journey not a destination.”

For me, the last couple years have been quite a journey—going to war, serving in the State Assembly, campaigning for Mayor and now teaching and working in the private sector. You were a part of that journey as a friend and supporter. I appreciate your faith in me more than you will ever know. You hung with me when people said we had no chance of winning and then when every campaign was working overtime to make sure we didn’t. And you were patient with me in the aftermath of losing. There are no two ways about it—losing sucks. But time and distance have a remarkable way of providing clarity and perspective.

The last year has provided me a lot of time to reflect and I wanted to share with you a change I recently made. I joined the Democratic Party.

I was reluctant to make this move. It wasn’t due to any doubt about where I belong. It was simple dread over the criticism I would face. I know this is the party that reflects my values and beliefs, but I was reluctant to admit it. No one likes to be criticized. We all want to be liked. After I left the Republican Party, some compared it to me leaving a wounded Marine on the field of battle. There isn’t a single day that goes by that I don’t think about my relatives and friends who died in war or how hard we worked to save soldiers wounded in combat. It is embarrassing, but I still cry when I meet the mother of a solider who was killed. Could people be so jaded to not see the difference between that and the politics of political parties? I think I’ve got pretty thick skin, but to be perfectly candid I didn’t want to go through it again.

Adding to that is the simple fact that life is good right now. I take my son to school, coach tee ball, surf with my friends and feel like I actually have a life. I love my work at Qualcomm and UCSD. I’m not sure I have ever been happier. I don’t know if I will run for office again, but have no plans to do so now. But I knew a change in party registration would immediately trigger a wave of “what is he angling for now”. And frankly, I didn’t want to deal with that either.

So why am I emailing you? Why now?

It is because of a conversation near the 10thAnniversary of the invasion of Iraq with someone who knows me better than almost anyone else, Lou Orozco. Lou and I served together as Marines in Iraq. We lived together, trained together, deployed together, and remain the closest of friends. After reminiscing about 130 degree Iraq heat, a couple funny and one or two sad stories our conversation turned to family, daily life and eventually politics.

Lou asked if I missed the Republican Party. I was honest—I didn’t miss it one bit. Then he asked how independent was working out for me. Again, brutal honesty–it didn’t fit. It felt empty.

I shared with him a conversation I’d had early this year with a Member of Parliament from Myanmar who I was helping train for his new role as a lawmaker. He had “googled” me (the surest sign of an open society) and read about my becoming an independent. His reaction was blunt: “It doesn’t mean anything. It conveys no values.” He is a member of the National League of Democracy, the minority party that is led by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. He went on to tell me that parties are imperfect, sometimes frustrating, but they reflect values, organize like-minded people, and help govern societies. In America, our elected officials wear lapel pins signifying membership in Congress or the state legislature. But in Myanmar, they wear a party pin. This gentleman removed his NLD party pin and gave it to me. Until I figured things out, he said, I could be in his party.

Here I was getting advice from a man I had traveled 8,000 miles to advise. His observation seemed obvious—true in any country or language and I knew he was right.

I told Lou that, during my year without any party affiliation, I’d had time to reflect on my values and principles and where they fit best. My votes and positions, candidates I endorsed and voted for had been in line with the Democratic Party. I told him I’d watched President Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention three times trying to find something I disagreed with. I couldn’t. It was clear – at least to me – that I was a Democrat.

I explained to Lou that because I grew up in a working class blue-collar Democratic family I was often asked why I was a Republican. It was because I thought their policies provided the best access to the American Dream. I no longer believe that is true. In my opinion, the GOP today is more focused on protecting those who have already achieved the American Dream than allowing others access to it.

I believe in the amazing opportunity available to us here in America. What unites us is the fundamental belief that there is nothing you can’t accomplish if you work hard, play by the rules, are willing to fail and start all over. That has been the path towards the American Dream for generations. But believing it requires a real commitment to ensuring that opportunity exists for everyone.

That means ensuring all children can access a quality education, afford college, and ensuring a strong middle class that the poor can not only aspire to reach but have a realistic shot at joining. It means working to create and protect the jobs that grow our economy. Access to American Dream means real solutions on issues like immigration and healthcare. It means that all people regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation enjoy equal rights and equal treatment. We should all be working towards a future that is inclusive, safe and free that creates opportunity and prosperity for every citizen. For me, that is the goal of a more perfect union.

Those values and principles haven’t changed, but I believe the Democratic Party will better make them a reality for people.

Lou wasn’t judgmental or surprised. This friend who has known me for years and well before any political career said he never understood why I was a Republican in the first place. He laughed when I told him a lot of local Republicans shared his thoughtsJ

He then nonchalantly said, “So be a Democrat. That’s who you are.” I told him about the criticism I would face. People would question my loyalty and say that I don’t stand for anything. I would feel like I let people down. I just didn’t want to go through it.

He reminded me that the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis doesn’t mean “Always Faithful” to a political party or group of people. It is higher than that. It is always faithful to your country, your faith, your values and convictions. The Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment require you to be true to what you know in your heart is right. Lou finished by telling me if I was a Democrat, then I needed to just acknowledge it, tell people why and move on. He and I had learned together that life is too short and precious to live any other way.

He was right. A few snarky emails and maybe a bad story in the paper are a small price for doing what you know is right. Shortly after this I tracked down a voter registration card and checked the box for the party where I belong.

My decision will make some people happy, like my Mom, a life long Democrat. Ironically it will please both local GOP and Democratic leaders. The Democratic Party Chair and many elected officials have been encouraging me to take this step for a while and the local GOP party chairman has said publicly that I should be a Democrat. Who knew I could unite them? J

Despite my change in partisan affiliation, I have no animosity towards the Republican Party. I know many good people there, including friends, co-workers, and many I hold in high regard. I just owe it to them and myself to admit that I don’t belong anymore.

And I’m certainly not the first one to realize they were in a party where they didn’t belong. Prominent people, who have changed parties in the past, declared that they didn’t leave their party, their party left them. This was the case when Ronald Reagan went from being a FDR Democrat to a Goldwater Republican. It has also been true for Republicans that have changed to Democrat.

It is hard to dispute the Republican Party has changed over the last decade—in many ways the party has left me. But it is also true that during the same time I have changed as well. Our life experiences contribute greatly to how we view the world. In the last decade I went to war, became a father, governed in a period of great economic crisis and am now preparing to put two children in public school. I’ve sat with janitors who can’t afford healthcare, small business owners struggling to make ends meet, attended services for cops killed in the line of duty, met dreamers who are in the only country they have ever known and sat in classrooms with teachers doing the best they could in a tough environment. I learned a lot while confronting new information and a changing world.

That journey Emerson talked about has brought me to the Democratic Party. I’m proud to join the party and comfortable with my decision. I hope you will respect my decision and not fall into the cynicism that so often dominates our political discussions.

Either way, I will take the acceptance or criticism in stride and know that I am doing what I believe in my heart is right. I have found if you do that, you never go wrong.

Semper Fi,

Nathan

 

SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s best brewers, artists and musicians are showing off at the 17^th annual North Park Festival of Arts. Nearly 30,000 visitors are expected to visit the festival, spanning the intersection of University and 30^th Avenues. The festival is free to attend and sponsored by North Park Main Street, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of North Park. Visit for the variety of artistic expressions, including music, arts and crafts vendors, fine arts exhibitors and hands-on art demonstrations.

The Craft Beer Block is better than ever for 2013. Featuring a vast selection of local breweries including Rough Draft Brewery, Mad Lab Craft Brewing, Stumblefoot Brewing Co., Manzanita Brewing Co. and more, this is a separately ticketed event.

May 18 from 11 a.m until 6 p.m

For more information and tickets for the Craft Beer Block: http://northparkfestivalofarts.com/

SAN DIEGO — Today, Environmental Health & Justice Campaign (EHJC), an organization that fights toxic pollution in disadvantaged communities south of I-8, endorsed candidate Lorena Gonzalez in the race for Assembly District 80. The environmental justice organization says that Gonzalez will work hard to improve the health and economic well-being of the community members for years to come.

“We want to an assemblymember with a proven track record as an effective advocate and community organizer in our neighborhoods,” said Diane Takvorian, executive director of EHJC. “We believe Gonzalez’s dedication and persistence to achieving justice and looking to the community for solutions will translate into meaningful positive change for our communities.”

Takvorian says that Gonzalez has worked passionately for economic and environmental justice for years and is a long-time friend and ally to EHJC. She says that Gonzalez is committed to achieving clean air, middle class green jobs and healthy, safe neighborhoods.

“It is important that we have an elected official in Sacramento who will take a leadership role in achieving a greater quality of life for everyone,” said Takvorian. “We believe Gonzalez representing our voices in Sacramento will restore the community’s hope and optimism for future.”

Jacque Wilke, Dangerfield G. Moore, Lauren King, Maggie Carney, Yolanda Franklin and Daren Scott. Photo: Ken Jacques

SAN DIEGO – Diversionary Theatre have announced complete casting for its production of The Divine Sister written by Charles Busch and directed by Glenn Paris. Performances begin at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego May 23.

The cast includes Maggie Carney as Mrs. Levinson, Yolanda Franklin as Sister Acacius, Lauren King as Agnes, Dangerfield G. Moore as Jeremy, Daren Scott as Mother Superior, and Jacque Wilke as Sister Walburga.

Do nuns really have more fun? The Divine Sister is an inspired homage to every Hollywood film ever centered on the convent. Written by Charles Busch (the comic genius behind such classics as The Tale of the Allergists Wife; Die, Mommie, Die!; Psycho Beach Party; and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom), this is the gleefully twisted tale of an indomitable Mother Superior trying to cope with a young postulant experiencing “visions,” a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from Berlin, and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows. No nun, whether singing or flying, is spared and no Mary is left un-hailed in this loving parody that dares to take a look beneath the habit.

The creative team for Diversionary Theatre’s production of The Divine Sister includes Matt Scott (Scenic Design), Luke Olson (Lighting Design), Blair Nelson (Sound Design), Corey Johnston (Costume Design), David Medina (Prop Master), Bret Young (Producer) and John E. Alexander (Executive Director).

The Divine Sister opened for a successful and critically acclaimed run in September 2012 at the Soho Playhouse where Ben Brantley of  The New York Times called it a “gleefully twisted tale …. Mr. Busch’s freshest, funniest work in years, perhaps decades.” The New York Post calls Busch “as much of a beloved classic as the movie heroines he impersonates in performances that are half loving tribute, half wicked spoof.”

Evoking such films as The Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Singing Nun, and Agnes of God, The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. Along the way, she has to deal with a young postulant who is experiencing “visions,” sexual hysteria among her nuns, a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from the Mother House in Berlin and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows.

Previews begin May 23 with an official opening of June 1. The production is scheduled to run through June 30. Tickets are now available online at www.diversionary.org,by calling 619-220-0097 or in person by visiting 4545 Park Blvd. in  San Diego. Single ticket prices ranges from $25-51 (Prices are subject to change).

GSDBA Professional Luncheon: May 14

The next GSDBA Professional Luncheon will be at Wang’s North Park, 3029 University Ave., in San Diego  11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The special guest speaker will be Gary John, president of Corporate Alliance of San Diego, a revolutionary company that facilitates the creation and growth of lasting business relationships between owners, executives, administrators and key employees. He also owns the Air Conditioned Lounge.

John will be speaking about small business and entrepreneurship.

Tickets are $25per person (lunch included), $35 at the door.

GSDBA presents ‘Engaging Aging:’ May 14

GSDBA, Scripps Hillcrest and Lifeline present a free community event featuring Gen Silent – a documentary film followed by a panel discussion including expert panelists in the fields of long term care, financial and estate planning, senior medical care, graceful aging, senior housing options and more. There is no need to RSVP, be sure to arrive early as seating is limited. The program is as follows:

Community meet and greet: 5:30 p.m.

Gen Silent Screening: 6 – 7 pm

The Expert Panel 7-7:30 p.m. Includes: Dr. Teresa Shanahan, PhD, Founder & Owner of Lifeline; Sacha Mackels, Financial Advisor, Tax & Financial Group; Kevin T. Kellar, Esq., Principal, Kellar Law Group, Estate Planning Attorney.

The panel discussion will follow the screening of Gen Silent. With special guest moderator, John Brown, executive director of San Diego Human Dignity Foundation

The event will be 6-8 p.m. at West Auditorium Scripps Mercy Hospital, 4077 Fifth Ave., Lower Level in San Diego 92103.

GSDBA presents Speed Marketing: May 16

Are you looking at your marketing efforts and wondering why customers aren’t beating down your door? Then we have the event for you! Get all of your marketing questions answered by professionals in a casual one on one environment.

Members of the GSDBA Marketing Professional Development Group want to help you elevate your marketing campaigns to the next level. You will have a chance to ask questions of professionals specializing in:

* Brand management

* Copy writing

* Graphic design

* Logo creation

* Photography

* Print services, including business cards, postcards, and fliers

* Promotional marketing items

* Public relations

* Search engine optimization (online marketing)

* Social media

* Video production

* Web design and creation

Your admission not only gives you access to professional input, but it also enters you into a raffle for a marketing makeover. This prize is valued at more than $3,000 and will include various services from the list above.

$10 for members

$50 for guests

Hurry, this event is limited to only 25 people!

Thursday, May 16

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Joyce Beers Community Center

3900 Vermont Street in San Diego 92103

SAN DIEGO — Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed  Democrat Lorena Gonzalez’s campaign in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District, her campaign announced today.

Newsom has promoted innovation in public service and civic engagement and has led initiatives to benefit environmental quality, job creation and equal rights in California throughout his career. As Lt. Governor, Newsom serves on the governing boards of the University of California and California State University, the State Lands Commission and the California Commission for Economic Development.

“Lorena’s reputation as an honest, effective advocate for all working families is already well-known across California,” Newsom said. “I know Lorena will be an outspoken champion for middle-class jobs, high environmental standards and a world-class education system that will prepare our students for the careers of the future.  I’m proud to call her my friend and I’ll be even prouder to call her ‘Assemblywoman’.”

Lorena is a candidate to replace state Sen. Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District will be held Tuesday, May 21.

Monica and Morgan Page

SAN DIEGO –  At a special event last Friday night at the 1202 Nightclub, San Diego LGBT Pride’s staff and volunteers were on hand to announce that R&B and hip-hop sensation, Monica, and the wildly popular DJ,  Morgan Page, will be the headliners for the San Diego LGBT Pride Festival July 13 – 14.  Freedom to Love and Marry is the theme of the 2013 celebration.

DJ Morgan Page had this to say about his involvement in the annual celebration, “I’m excited to be a part of this year’s San Diego Pride, as I believe everyone deserves the freedom to love and marry. It’s a pleasure to give back to my fans in the LGBT community who have supported my music over the years.”

“It’s both an honor and pleasure to perform and participate in Pride.  I look forward to sharing the universal language we all call music as we celebrate love, freedom and togetherness! God Bless,” said Monica Denise Brown, professionally known as Monica.

“Morgan Page and Monica are great highlights to Pride’s entertainment lineup,” said San Diego LGBT Pride’s general manager, Stephen Whitburn. “We are incredibly thrilled to announce this year’s headliners and a sampling of our featured entertainers as the Pride team is hard at work to make this the best Pride celebration ever.”

• Morgan Page will perform Saturday evening, July 13, 2013.

• Monica will perform Sunday evening, July 14, 2013.

San Diego LGBT Pride Festival will also feature:

• DJ, Myndset – Saturday, Main Stage
• Dirty Electro Pop Singer, Luciana – Saturday, Main Stage
• Transsexual Sensation, Amanda Lapore – Saturday, Main Stage
• Drag Comedian, Pandora Boxx – Saturday, Main Stage
• Dance Electronic Singer Vassy – Saturday, Garden Dance Party Stage
• Blues Singer Songwriter, Beverly McClellan – Sunday, Main Stage
• Country Singer, Justin Utley, – Sunday, Main Stage

Exact performance times and other featured entertainment announcements to come in the weeks ahead.

Limited-time, early bird tickets are now available on Pride’s website. www.sdpride.org

SAN DIEGO — Join HRC for the annual Her HRC Masquerade in San Diego, at Gossip Grill, 1440 University Ave. in  San Diego, 7-11 p.m. May 30.

DJ Dida will be spinning and there will be drink specials all night long, a raffle with your favorite giveaways and date auction with the opportunity to win a date and limo ride. Masks are encouraged!

General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $25. General admission includes entrance, drink specials and raffle ticket.
VIP admission includes entrance, drink specials, raffle ticket and access to VIP area. VIP area includes a separate host bar with Castle Rock wines and Three Olives Marilyn Monroe Vodka specials.

Her HRC events are open to all, regardless of gender identity or history.

To purchase tickets click here.

SAN DIEGO – This coming weekend marks the 26^th annual San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) spring concert, Still We Rise with special guests Black Storytellers of San Diego. The powerful, evocative program will be presented twice: Saturday May 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday May 5 at 5 p.m. at the University Christian Church in Hillcrest. Still We Rise will explore the themes of equality, community, justice and love through the rich musical and oral tradition of the African American community. SDWC is honored to share the stage with special guests, the women of Black Storytellers of San Diego, who bring a dimension of exceptional strength and beauty that harmonizes wonderfully with the chorus’ musical offerings.

Through song and poetry, Still We Rise pays tribute to major players in women’s history and key events in the history of equality, but also acknowledges the daily, mundane struggles and triumphs that comprise a lifetime. “Each and every day, in ways big and small, we sing out for freedom, we speak up for justice, we stand up for love,” explains Heather Robert, SDWC’s vice president and outreach coordinator. “We soothe our babies and we fight for our families. Empowered by the community of sisterhood, we find our courage. We dare to be powerful. We prevail. Buried under bills and barriers, pains and pressures – still we rise.”

Enhanced by the powerful words of the Black Storytellers, SDWC will perform songs that speak to the universal themes of struggle, triumph, hope and love including “What About Love?” from the musical The Color Purple, the African American gospel “Keep Yo’ Lamps,” an homage to Martin Luther King Jr. in “Only Light, Only Love,” the gorgeous classically-inspired Latin piece “Nigra Sum,” and the Latin-American folk song “Duerme Negrito.” Other show-stopping numbers include Rosephannye Powell’s powerful “Still I Rise” and a medley of “Girl on Fire” and “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys.

During intermission concert attendees will have the chance to learn more about local organizations working to make a difference in our community, including Pazzaz, Inc, International Crisis Aid and Mama’s Kitchen. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and to win prizes from local vendors by bidding in the silent auction or purchasing opportunity-drawing tickets.

Pre-sale tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for Seniors/Military/Children (3-17). Children under 3 will be admitted for free, but may be required to sit on an adult’s lap. Ticket prices at the door are $20 and $15. Tickets available at www.sdwc.org

Jeff Redondo and Brandon Tate

SAN DIEGO —  The San Diego LGBT Center has announced that two new members have joined their development team. Brandon Tate (right) is joining as development director and Jeff Redondo (left) is joining as major gifts officer. You can reach Brandon at btate@thecentersd.org and Jeff at jredondo@thecentersd.org

Kim McBride, League President Russ Mortenson Boyd and Nancy Logerberg

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Pool League’s (SDPL) Broomstick Tournament concluded this past weekend at the Eagle with the team of Anthony Juarez and his team mate Kim McBride (sponsored by Twiggs Coffee House) finishing in first place. Finishing in second place were League President Russ Mortenson Boyd and Nancy Logerberg sponsored by the Leather Foundation. The three-weekend event which began at Kelly Pub in Old town April 14 and then PECS April 21 qualified the top four teams which in addition to our first and second place teams include: Joe Corder and Norma Posy and attorney Timothy Lee Davis and Oscar Castro.

This past Sunday the four teams battled it out, with brooms in hand, until one team was left standing. So far the event has raised about $800 for PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) with the final tally to be determined following the Leagues Awards Banquet Monday, July 8 at the Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel where raffle tickets will be sold and lots of bar tabs will be up for grabs.

The Broomstick Tournament, which began back in 1985, is one of our oldest LGBT fundraising events and through the years has generated more than $30,000 for local organizations such as the San Diego AIDS Foundation, Special Delivery and the Lambda Archives, to name a few.

Tournament founder and this year’s tournament director, Mike Passante would like to thank Timothy Lee Davis: attorney at law, Sharon Sherman: attorney at law, Hillcrest Pharmacy, Twiggs Coffee House, Dr. David Shamblaw, The Leather Foundation, #1 Fifth Avenue, Starbucks, Big City Bagel, The Eagle, PECS, Kellys Pub, True North, The Redwing, The Big Kitchen, The Loft and everyone who helped to make this year’s event a success.

Currently the Pool League is in its final weeks of team play in this its 35^th year and 70^th season! The first of its several playoff tournaments begins Sunday, May 12, where the Hungry Stick will host the leagues Rising Star Tournament starting at 10 a.m.

The league will be hosting the California 8 Ball championship West Coast Challenge in mid-July with teams from Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego competing in both team and individual events. The Leagues 71^st season will begin Monday, July 29. For complete Playoff information and all league history and events check out the Pool League web site at sdpool.org

SAN DIEGO — Selena Diamond, Carlos Silva and friends, along with the Imperial Court de San Diego’s 41st reign, present the 15th annual Cinco de Mayo charity fundraising event featuring the annual Mr., Ms and Miss Cinco de Mayo contest.   This event benefits The Tijuana Aids Fund and fundraising programs of the Imperial Court de San Diego.
Everyone is welcome!  Please join the Imperial Court Saturday, May 4,  for the  Cinco de Mayo celebration and help them elect the 2013/2014 Mr., Ms. and Miss Cinco de Mayo, at Numbers Bar, 3811 Park Blvd. in San Diego.
This year there will be  a traditional Mexican buffet and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The menu will include enchiladas, tamales, rice, beans deserts and much more!
The show will begin at 6 p.m. with special emcee’s and entertainment.  Enjoy an evening filled with food, festivities and fiesta with only a suggested $10 donation.

For tickets and more information contact Selena Diamond orm Carlos Silva at 619-540-8727 or email them at grinsil@yahoo.com

SAN DIEGO — Yesterday, thousands of San Diegans dined out, volunteered and donated to Dining out for Life® to support The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s HIV services and prevention programs.

In a message of appreciation The San Diego LGBT Community Center issues the following statement,

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and clients of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, please accept our heartfelt thanks for making the seventh annual Dining Out for Life® San Diego such a tremendous success!

We are truly grateful to everyone who participated in this amazing, community-wide fundraising event. We also want to extend our most sincere thanks to our participating restaurants and the owners, managers, chefs and servers who worked so hard yesterday. Without them, this event could not happen.

The enthusiasm and generosity of everyone who participated will make a huge difference as The Center continues to do all we can to serve those living with HIV/AIDS and prevent new infections in San Diego.”

 

Thank you, San Diego!

SAN DIEGO — Don’t miss The Center’s seventh annual Dining Out for Life® San Diego.  TODAY more than 100 participating restaurants, bars, coffeehouses and nightclubs in San Diego will donate a minimum of 25% of sales for The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs.

Grab your family and friends and make plans to Dine Out and Fight AIDS TONIGHT!

FIND RESTAURANT GUIDE HERE

BY NEAL PUTNAM

SAN DIEGO — Bettie Lois Cain is again facing felony charges after she was accused of renting property and buying a motor scooter after writing checks on a defunct business she ran in North Park.

Cain, 68, of Normal Heights, has pleaded not guilty to grand theft, burglary, and writing checks for insufficient funds on a nursery and gardening business. A June 11 preliminary hearing has been set in San Diego Superior Court.

Cain has a history in North Park with starting coffeehouses or other businesses and not paying some of her employees. She has been sued 35 times in the last 12 years and served several prison terms for forgery and fraud.

Cain’s girlfriend was never implicated in any of the schemes and she is believed to have acted alone. Cain has a record for grand larceny in 1988, forgery in 1997, grand theft in 1998, fraud in 2003, and auto theft in 2007, according to court records.

The recent charges allege she rented a vacation property for three weeks for $1,533 and wrote a business check with a closed bank account. She has been sued for unlawful detainer in this case.

She is also charged with writing a check for $4,058.66 to buy a motor scooter from Vespa Motorsport and using another business check that bounced.

She opened Just A Cuppa Coffee in 2000 on 30^th Street, but workers complained she didn’t pay them before the business abruptly closed. A review on Yelp makes the same accusation about workers not being paid in the nursery and gardening business in 2011.

A warrant was issued for her arrest on Feb. 22. Cain posted $85,000 bond and was allowed to remain free at her April 8 arraignment.

North Park Family Health Center

With the death last week of Angeleno Brett Shaad, 33, from meningitis and a particularly deadly strain of the meningococcal disease appearing in gay men in New York City, health activists and others are cautioning against a wave of panic in a community familiar with the ravages of disease.

San Diego LGBT Weekly spoke with Dr. Delores Jacobs, the CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, and Dr. Christian B. Ramers, MD, MPH, and the assistant medical director for Special Populations at Family Health Centers of San Diego to try and gain a better understanding of the disease, how to prevent becoming infected and what to do if you do become infected.

First and foremost, Dr. Jacobs illuminated, “This is not a sexually transmitted disease.” Meningitis starts as inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. It is why, many health specialists will tell you, that some of the chief symptoms to first appear are intense headaches and stiff necks. But because the inflammation is in such close proximity to the brain, it can turn deadly quite quickly if left untreated.

Other symptoms, explains Dr. Ramers, include “fever, confusion or loss of consciousness, lethargy, or a red or purple rash that does not turn white when you press your finger on it.” As with any unusual health signs, both Jacobs and Ramers urge you to seek out the attention of a health care professional immediately.

Meningitis is spread, adds Dr. Ramers, through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions or through close contact with a person infected with meningitis. This includes kissing, hugging, or sharing food and drinks (and, of course, sex).

When asked what one of the biggest myths about the disease was, both agreed that, although there is a vaccination against meningitis, vaccination is not the best choice for everyone. There are two different vaccines available that can protect against meningitis. Routine adult vaccination is not recommended at this time, even among the MSM community, or for those infected with HIV. It is normally recommended for teenagers and those who live in communal living situations like a college dorm or military barracks.

However, like many health issues, it’s important to be aware of any symptoms you may have and talk to your provider about what’s best for you. Vaccination can be considered based on a thorough assessment of your individual risk factors.

And although a report issued on Wednesday by the County News Center initially claimed that only two cases of the meningococcal disease had been confirmed so far this year, now public health authorities confirm there have been five cases diagnosed in San Diego County in 2013. These cases do not appear to be related to each other, and this is still a relatively low number of cases considering our population of three million people.

It is also important to know that while symptoms may occur anywhere from two to ten days upon infection, most infected people begin to see signs in about five days.

The fear, of course, is that the public will once again perceive the meningitis outbreak as a ‘gay thing’ despite the fact that it is an equal-opportunity infection. And while the particularly virulent strain being seen in New York has some alarmed, statistics point to a very different picture.

In 1913, according to a report on TheAtlantic.com, “bacterial meningitis was nearly 100 percent fatal. Now that rate is around 16 percent in the U.S. Not more than a few hundred people in the country are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis every year, and most who die from it are older.”

Family Health Centers of San Diego’s mission is to provide caring, affordable, high quality health care to everyone, with a special commitment to people who are low income, uninsured, and medically underserved. They are the largest provider of HIV/AIDS outreach, prevention, testing and treatment services in San Diego County. Visit fhcsd.org

The San Diego City Council voted 7-0 April 16 to donate $77,000 in funds from councilmembers’ district budgets to The LGBT Community Center in support of its many core programs.

Council President Todd Gloria thanked all the councilmembers for the donations and said The Center has “touched the lives of thousands.”

The funds will go toward HIV services programs that include mental health services, prevention, testing, counseling, information and referral. The donation also helps the Sunburst Youth Housing project for homeless transition age youth, and also for the Hillcrest Youth Center.

Gloria donated $16,000 from his district budget. Councilmembers Mark Kersey and David Alvarez gave $15,000 each. Councilmembers Sherri Lightner, Lorie Zapf and Kevin Faulconer donated $10,000, and 7th District Councilmember Scott Sherman gave $1,000.

Kersey, who represents the 5th District, said he got to see some of the programs and suicide prevention work The Center performed. “It was eye opening to me to see what good work they are doing,” said Kersey.

Kersey made the motion to donate the funds, which was seconded by Sherman, who added, “I wish I had more money to give.”

The Center’s application says $62,000 of the funds will go for non-personnel needs such as equipment purchases, building improvements, supplies, permits and client services. The remaining $15,000 will go to salaries and wages.

No funds came from District Four because the seat is still vacant.

Dave Roberts

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s 2013 annual gala is being held May 18 at the Oceanside Museum of Art. This year’s theme is Hearts in the Community, Eyes on Equality and the event is billed as an evening of entertainment, inspirational speeches, good food and fun for sponsors, friends and members. The event is the North County Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year and keynote speaker for the night is San Diego Supervisor Dave Roberts, while Executive Director Max Disposti will introduce the gala.

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center opened its doors in January of 2012 thanks to the support of people and businesses who realized the tremendous need for such a resource. The North County Center serves more than 800 people per month between support groups, services and activities, and this year they have plans to offer even more.

Their programs reach people throughout North San Diego County from college, high school students and their families to Marines at Camp Pendleton.

Tickets are $50 each or $90 for two and are available at ncresourcecenter/gala.org or call 760-994-1690.

After a nine year hiatus the San Diego American Flag Football League’s (SDAFFL) Surf & Turf Tournament is back April 27- 28. The only tournament of its kind on the West Coast, the Surf & Turf Tournament is expected to bring in some of the best LGBT flag football teams for what is being seen as a possible foreshadowing of things to come at this year’s National Tournament to be held in October.

Last held in 2004, Surf & Turf’s return adds to the circuit of tournaments such as Florida’s Sunshine Cup, and Chicago’s Pride Bowl leading up to National Championships to be held in Phoenix, Ariz. With 12 teams registered, translating to approximately 300 participants, this sold out event will be bringing visitors from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Denver as well as six teams from San Diego County.

Mike Paganelli, SDAFFL commissioner said, “The Surf & Turf is a great way to give our players some tournament experience so that they can feel that excitement and rush you get from playing under these conditions and it gets them excited for the Nationals in October.”

Tournament co-director and SDAFFL founder, Ivan Solis said, “San Diego has long since been a favorite location for a tournament. We are pleased and excited to be able to bring the Surf & Turf back and at a level that most of these players are accustomed to. The Surf & Turf Tournament board, crew and sponsors have all worked really hard to host a top-notch event.”

Games start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with round robin to determine tournament seeding; Sunday it is single elimination. Games are played at Nobel Athletic Fields located at 8820 Judicial Drive, San Diego, 92122.

For more information about the SDAFFL Surf & Turf, visit sdaffl.com and select “Tournament” or contact Russ Edra, PR/Media, SDAFFL, russ@sdaffl.com 310-709-3116.

Walter Meyer

SAN DIEGO – Anti-bullying expert and Hillcrest resident, Walter G. Meyer will be speaking about the timely topic of bullying at Mission Hills Books and Collectibles, 4054 Goldfinch Street in San Diego May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Meyer said he never set out to become a bullying expert, but his novel Rounding Third was published just before the bullying/suicide crisis started making the news. His book powerfully addresses those tragic issues and he started getting requests to speak and write about the topic. He has written about bullying for many newspapers and Web sites including the San Diego Union-Tribune and he has spoken throughout the U.S., including at Penn State, Arizona State, SUNY-Jamestown, the Cleveland LGBT Center and libraries in California and Pennsylvania; he coordinated an anti-bullying program with members of the San Diego School Board and City Council.

Meyer has been a guest on radio programs across the country and as he learned more about the problem, he has become recognized as an authority in the field and works as a consultant for Civility Partners, a company that does bullying prevention.  He was asked by the international nonprofit “No Bully” to become certified to do their in-school bullying interventions, and he has created webinars for SafeSchools and the nonprofit Acheiva.

“I live walking distance from Mission Hills Books and Collectibles and was excited to see that another bookstore had opened in the neighborhood,” Meyer said. “Too many bookstores are closing these days. I stopped in and saw they were a having a local author do a speaking engagement, so I volunteered to do one as well.”

“We were excited to have Walt come in,” said Jim Schultz of the bookstore. “We have several schools in the neighborhood and could see a presentation like his having real benefit for parents of students.”

Jim’s father, Steve Schultz, the store’s owner added, “We want our store to become more of a community center and meeting place and events like this will help promote that feeling. And this is certainly a timely topic.”  Mission Hills Books and Collectibles opened in September and has already hosted several local author events. “We’d like to keep doing one a month,” the elder Schultz said.

Meyer’s novel has received critical and popular acclaim for its realistic portrayal of bullying. He said, “I often get emails from people saying, ‘Did you follow me in high school? This is my story!’ I think it rings so true for a lot of people because it is based in part on my experiences and those of people I know.”

Meyer started getting so many requests to address the problem that he started doing research and attending conferences to learn more. “When I went to speak to groups, I didn’t want to just say, ‘here is a book that portrays the struggle,’ I wanted to be able to offer solutions. Although my book is fiction, I really didn’t make any of the story up and so the characters put very relatable faces on the problem. That gives me the opening to talk about ways of addressing these concerns in real life.”

Rounding Third tells the story of two high school baseball players who face harassment in their school and on the team. It is Meyer’s third book and first novel. He is currently at work on the sequel. The stage play he co-wrote GAM3RS has been performed during several runs in San Diego and is now being turned into a web series. You can learn more about him and his anti-bullying work on his Web site: waltergmeyer.com

Meyer’s anti-bullying presentation is free and open to the public. Signed copies of Meyer’s novel will be available at the event. Mission Hills Books and Collectibles is located at 4054 Goldfinch Street, with the entrance on Fort Stockton Drive. For more information, call 619-550-7749.

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation is a new organization that was started in November 2012. The organization was started by Caleb Rainey and is currently in the process of being incorporated as a nonprofit. The organization’s signature program is a book club that reads one book per month and meets at Bluestocking Books, 3817 Fifth Ave. in San Diego on the first and third Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. to engage in a political and literary discussion regarding the book.

The group has also started a scholarship program that provides discounted or free books to low-income individuals who still want to participate in the group. The organization strives “To preserve, promote, and teach works by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender artists of color” while striving “To nurture cultural awareness, anti-racism, and historical literacy in San Diego’s LGBT communities”.

Caleb Rainey, the founder of the organization received his master’s degree in Liberal Arts from San Diego State University and received his bachelor’s degree in Women’s and Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado. An organizer since his time in undergrad, Rainey has dedicated his time and energy to the cause of social justice for most of his adult life. “Social justice is more than just a job or a hobby for me, it’s my world. I can’t think of anything else more deserving of my time and talents,” says Rainey. So if you are looking for an LGBT organization that delves a little deeper into the most pressing issues facing LGBT people today, you may want to check out the San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation’s book club. It promises to be a challenging political experience.

For more information about the San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoMulticulturalLgbtBookclub or email Rainey at calebrainey73@yahoo.com

City Council proclaims Thursday, April 25, as “Dining Out for Life® San Diego Day” in the City of San Diego.

SAN DIEGO – At the Tuesday, April 23 meeting of the San Diego City Council, Council President Todd Gloria led the effort to proclaim Thursday, April 25, as “Dining Out for Life® San Diego Day” in the City of San Diego.

Citing Dining Out for Life® San Diego as “a major community event” and commending the event because it “raises HIV awareness, helps lessen the stigma associated with the illness and encourages people to get tested for HIV,” the City Council unanimously approved the proclamation.

The seventh annual Dining Out for Life® San Diego is set for this Thursday, April 25, and enjoys the support of not only the San Diego City Council, but also of the more than 100 local restaurants, bars and coffee shops that will be participating on April 25.

Participants can simply dine out for breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or cocktails and the Dining Out for Life restaurants will donate 25-100 percent of Thursday’s sales to benefit HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs at The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

“In a short time, Dining Out for Life® has become a true community event in San Diego,” said Ian Johnson, The Center’s Dining Out for Life® coordinator. “This is a win-win-win for San Diego – diners have a great time knowing they are making a difference, the restaurants benefit from increased traffic and ultimately, we raise much-needed funds for HIV services and programs.”

You can select from an incredibly diverse array of dining options to take part in Thursday’s event. The full listing is available at http://events.thecentersd.org/DOFL.

Myrtle Cole

SAN DIEGO – UPDATE  – Further to Dwayne Crenshaw’s endorsements announced earlier in this news report San Diego LGBT Weekly reached out to his opponent Myrtle Cole for comment. In an email response Cole stated,

“I am extremely proud of the endorsements my campaign has received from thousands of voters in every corner of the District – so many that I finished first out of 9 in the primary and beat the second place finisher by 2-to-1.

“In addition, I am very proud to be supported by Mayor Bob Filner, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, City Council President Todd Gloria, former State Senator Chris Kehoe as well as community leaders like Ray Smith who ran in the primary for this seat.

“As a former police lieutenant and somebody who has worked in the community for more than 20 years, I look forward to the campaign and for the opportunity to serve.”

Toni Atkins | Photo Credit: http://Asmdc.org

UPDATE –  Responding to San Diego LGBT Weekly’s request for comment  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins stated in an email, “I strongly support Myrtle Cole.  She is the best and most qualified candidate.”

Earlier in the day San Diego LGBT Weekly had reported that ahead of the City Council 4th District runoff election, Dwayne Crenshaw has received the endorsements of primary election candidates Blanca Lopez-Brown, Barry Pollard, Sandy Spackman, Tony Villafranca and Bruce Williams. Between them, these candidates and Crenshaw garnered 7,434 votes which represent roughly 56 percent of the votes cast during the primary election.

“I am excited to have received the endorsements of these important community leaders,” said Crenshaw. “During the primary, I

Dwayne Crenshaw

was impressed by their shared passion for the neighborhoods of District 4 and common commitment to creating good jobs, quality schools and safe streets. Like me, Blanca, Barry, Sandy, Tony and Bruce have all lived in the 4th District for more than 30 years and have a real record of working in the community. I look forward to working with each of them.”

Dwayne Crenshaw was born and raised in the 4th District and is a current resident of the O’Farrell/South Encanto neighborhood. He earned his law degree from California Western School of Law and his BA degree from San Diego State University.

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition has launched Bike Local Sundays, a monthly line-up of events encouraging folks to ride bikes to local businesses and support neighborhood economies. Bike Local Sundays kicks off in fabulous Hillcrest  Sunday with free bike valet parking at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market and Earth Fair in Balboa Park.

Bike Local Sundays started with a goal to get more people riding bikes to support business in San Diego. Trends show that more people riding bikes versus driving improves community health, air quality and traffic congestion, as well as boosts business by relieving residents of the costs of owning and operating a vehicle, transferring those savings to the local economy. Plus it’s just plain fun.

Anyone who wants to ride a bike meet at:

Lincoln Street and Normal Avenue, 3960 Normal Street (Hillcrest DMV Parking Lot), San Diego, CA 92103

Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information contact SDCBC Membership Coordinator Britany Statt, 858-248-0664

Visit sdcbc.org for more information on other local cycling events in San Diego County.

SDGMC’s Brian Nagle, left, found that singing Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” can bring out the beast in his dance partner at last weekend’s chorus show

SAN DIEGO – One of the hottest tickets in town this past weekend was for the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC) show Rocket Man – The Music of Elton John.  Both record-setting shows sold out days before the concert, filling the Birch North Park Theatre with hundreds of fans to experience the music, dancing and staging of the SDGMC.

“We had an amazing Elton John show.  The crowd response was through the roof,” said Joe Gregore, membership director.  “We’re now incredibly excited to start on our next show and we’re looking for singers and volunteers to join us.”

Anyone interested in joining is invited to Info Night on Monday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at the University Christian Church at 3900 Cleveland Ave. in Hillcrest.  Pre-registration is requested by completing and submitting an application at sdgmc.org and clicking the “Join Us” link.  Actual auditions will be held at the church on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m.

The SDGMC’s summer show is Feelin’ Groovy – Songs of the ‘60s from The Beatles to The Beach Boys, The Supremes to The Mamas & the Papas.  In December, it’s the hugely popular holiday show that promises lots of naughty and nice for everyone.  For more information or show tickets, contact sdgmc.org or call 877-296-7664.

As a mark of respect for the victims of yesterday’s violence in Boston, Mass. the Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street in San Diego flew at half-staff.

Earlier President Obama had ordered flags at the White House and all federal buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the Boston bombing.

The newly-opened Gang Kitchen didn’t hesitate to sign up as a participating restaurant for Dining Out for Life® San Diego this year. But they didn’t stop there — the restaurant’s owner, Jon Mangini, was inspired to increase his gift from 25 percent to 50 percent of all proceeds April 25. He’s also signed up his other restaurants, Urbn Coal Fired Pizza and Bar North Park and Vista locations.

Edamame by Gang Kitchen

“We’ve aIways participated in Dining Out for Life® because supporting this is event is something I believe in,” said Mangini. “This year, I jumped at the chance to give more through Gang Kitchen. We are in a wonderful new location. Hopefully, this event will inspire people to come out, have a great time and enjoy our unique menu for a good cause.”

Gang Kitchen is located at 345 Sixth Ave., San Diego CA 92101 in San Diego’s Gaslamp District and it features a truly innovative multi-Asian menu.

“I have to recommend our Edamame Wontons, Mushroom Potstickers and Kale Salad – all of these are crowd favorites! And our Gang’s Pimm’s Cup is definitely a very popular cocktail,” Mangini said. “I hope people join us April 25!”

BY VICTOR HOFF

'Fashion Week San Diego' preview at Roppongi's

Set amid the brooding clouds, hand passed chicken satay with a warm peanut sauce and the soft chortle of its participants, über-trendy Roppongi’s restaurant in La Jolla held court last night to the Fashion Week San Diego preview. The occasion, which presages the main event to be held downtown from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, is partly a public relations generator, partly a coming-out of sorts for this year’s designers but mostly it’s an opportunity for the event’s creators to showcase the growing success of the five-year-old project that started back in 2008.

“What we’re doing here today,” explains Aime Wilde, one of the event coordinators, “is introducing the media to our lineup of designers. We have 26 emerging designers and what we’re doing is introducing them. So what you’ll see is a little preview of their past collections – this is not what you’ll see on the runway. You won’t see their actual collections for the spring and summer of 2014 until the fall. What we have here is a more traditional lineup – plus-size women, accessories, ready-to-wear.”

When pressed to give us a taste of what we can expect, Aime diplomatically deferred. “That’s what they’re actually currently working on. For the next month, we’ll be meeting and checking in with the designers. We’ll be seeing what their inspirations are, their sketches, what their colors are going to be. So it’s still a work in progress.”

Amie Wilde and AllisonAndrews

Allison Andrews, the founder and director of Fashion Week, spoke enthusiastically about the event’s growth. “We went from one day, last year, to three this year. And we’re at one venue for the whole five days – the Broadway Pier – and our occupancy has at least tripled. Last year our biggest night saw about 1,800 people and this year we’re expecting 3,000 people every night. This is huge growth. These aren’t even baby steps.”

But what accounts for such seemingly wild growth? Allison went on to explain. “Because of the press and the community support  and the fact that designers from out of the state and out of the country are now applying here at Fashion Week San Diego. And not just because it’s a great event but because we’ve had proven successes. Five of our designers got picked up and were asked to  show at New York Fashion Week. There are actually sustainable successes coming out of our event.”

And how do these emerging designers land themselves in the thick of things? I asked Allison to qualify the steps needed to be taken whereby a designer can participate in an event of this caliber. “There’s no real judge because fashion is subjective and I don’t think anybody should be allowed to judge another on the quality of their work. There’s a bar of excellence, of course – you need to have good hemlines, you have to know sewing 101 – so, yes, there is a bar. But just because someone is more fanciful and I’m more conservative doesn’t mean I’m not going to like them. So we got all that out of our system. Basically, what we do is base it on one qualifier: our designers have to be doing this full-time and they have to make this their full-time career. We want to work with serious designers.”

Frania Contreras

And for the young, possibly up-and-coming designers like Frania Contreras, whose collection goes by the more couture-sounding name Isabel Vianey, Fashion Week San Diego is an opportunity not just to hobnob with a culture obsessed by fashion but a very real chance to make her mark in the world. “I literally had to sit down and pray about it. And, you know, God willing, you let me know if I can do this. And then one day I said, ‘I’m going for it.’ And I’m comfortable with that decision. I know what I like. I know my aesthetic and as far as my designs? I know what a woman wants. At my age, I don’t want to be too young but I know I have a business sense and I am able to couple it with  fun femininity.”

Words that just as easily might have come from Vera Wang at her age.

For more information on Fashion Week San Diego, visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or visit their Web site at fashionweeksd.com.

Barbara Roberts and Dustin Lance Black

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast of San Diego County’s co-chairs, City Commissioners Nicole Murray Ramirez and Robert Gleason have announced that this year’s honorees will be Gov. Barbara Roberts, the first elected woman governor of Oregon and a long-time civil rights and women’s advocate, and Academy Award winner Dustin Lance Black, who wrote the screenplay for the movie Milk and J. Edgar. Black also wrote and produced the highly acclaimed play 8.

“Gov. Roberts has been an outstanding advocate for social justice and has spoken out for full GLBT equality all her life,” stated City Commissioner Murray Ramirez who founded the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast seven years ago. Gov. Roberts will receive the Harvey Milk Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The torch of GLBT leadership and activism has been passed on to a new generation and Dustin Lance Black has, in these past years, become one of the most eloquent and respected,” said Commissioner Murray Ramirez. Black will receive the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award.

According to Commissioner Gleason more than 900 tickets have already been sold for the Friday, May 24 Diversity Breakfast, to be held at the Hilton by the Bay.

The annual breakfast honoring Milk’s legacy is always sold out and for the first time a naval honor guard will present the colors for the national anthem.

Stuart Milk will also be in attendance for a private invitation-only reception Thursday night, honoring Gov. Roberts and Black. This reception will be sponsored by the Harvey Milk Foundation.

The annual Diversity Breakfast is sponsored by The LGBT Community Center and the City of San Diego’s Human Rights Commission. The Diversity Breakfast, along with the annual Martin Luther King All People Breakfast and the Cesar Chavez Unity Breakfast have become the three premier civil rights events that draw huge crowds and top elected officials.

For more information call 619-692-1967 or 619-692-2077.

Elaine Graybill (second from left) and the staff of Adams Avenue Grill

Thursday, April 25, not only will Adams Avenue Grill be serving up great food, it will do so with outsize servings of commitment and compassion.

That is the day of San Diego’s seventh annual Dining Out for Life event, and Adams Avenue Grill has been there from the beginning. Dining Out for Life benefits HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs at The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

Local restaurants, bars and coffee shops – this year more than 100 of them – agree to donate a minimum of 25 percent of their day’s food and liquor sales to support this effort. Last year, Adams Avenue Grill raised the bar, donating 50 percent of its sales on the day of the event, but also extending that offer from Thursday through Saturday.

Elaine Graybill is the Dining Out for Life ambassador for Adams Avenue Grill, and while the event boasts some incredible and dedicated volunteers, Graybill brings her own special touch and enthusiasm to the cause.

“I enjoy helping to fill up the restaurants,” Graybill said, who has volunteered every year for Dining Out for Life. She will be serving as ambassador for both lunch and dinner at Adams Avenue April 25. She loves the restaurant and is deeply impressed with the owner/chef Tim Klepeis’ generosity and willingness to donate all weekend. “You want to make sure they are full so we can raise as much money as possible.”

So how did this straight, Southern woman get to be such a passionate advocate for those impacted by HIV?

She explained that her friend, Maureen Steiner, first got her involved with the San Diego Democratic Club (now Democrats for Equality), and since she started, she hasn’t stopped. She’s volunteered for everything from LGBT softball clubs to San Diego LGBT Pride.

“Once you start volunteering, it cascades into further involvement because it is easy and fun and it is a way to help,” she said. “As a Southerner who grew up in the civil rights movement, the struggle for LGBT equality is a natural fit for me.

“I really enjoy volunteering with The Center. The organization and its services have grown so much. It really is the LGBT home of San Diego and it is a place where everyone can always feel safe,” Graybill continued. “The programs and services are amazing, so the funds we raise for The Center help support those programs. The Center is a very special place where people can come together if they need help or just need to gather. Anything I can do to further the work of The Center, I’ll do it.”

Adams Avenue Grill owner and chef, Tim Klepeis shares Graybill’s dedication to the cause, and to The Center.

“We’ve been involved right from the beginning,” Klepeis said. “The Center focuses on inclusion and I love that. The results have been amazing; not only in our community, but in building a more inclusive community.”

And Klepeis has personal reasons for his commitment as well.

“My friend, Larry, has been HIV-positive for more than 20 years,” Klepeis said. “I met him shortly after he was diagnosed, and we’ve been best friends for more than 20 years. At the beginning, he was told he would have maybe seven years to live.”

At the time, there was a great deal of fear and despair associated with testing positive for HIV. Klepeis said he remembers Larry giving him power of attorney for his health care matters, and he “had an issue with it. I didn’t feel like I knew enough to make any medical decisions.” So, they teamed up to volunteer to deliver meals for Mama’s Kitchen. “I thought it would help me learn more and that I’d then be able to make better decisions if I needed to,” Klepeis said.

Then, hope came in the form of HIV treatment advancements, and today Larry is one of Klepeis’ biggest supporters. An architect by trade, he helped design the interior of the restaurant, and continues to help beautify it with weekly floral arrangements and other design touches.

“I know he thinks of me when he gets involved with Dining Out for Life,” Larry said of his friend. “He has been there for me by taking time to go on my quarterly checkups and getting me through some really low emotional times and health issues. Likewise, I am there to support him. I have helped him since day one of opening Adams Avenue Grill, creating the interior design and being his number one promoter.”

And on the day (or in the case of Adams Avenue Grill, days), of Dining Out for Life, Klepeis said the atmosphere in his place is filled with “an amazing, enlightened feeling.”

“There’s a cross section who are there for Dining Out and people who are just coming in as regular customers. When they are given the explanation as to what Dining Out for Life is about – from whatever walk (of life) they come from – they get to participate in a comfortable way,” he said. “There are folks who come in who may not have a lot of exposure to HIV-positive people or to The Center. On that day, when they step out of their comfort zones and you see them contribute, that’s the magic.”

Make your reservations for Thursday, April 25 (or for the following Friday or Saturday) today and tell them you’ll be there for Dining Out for Life. Just call Adams Avenue Grill at 619-298-8440 and for more info, visit adamsavenuegrille.com or thecentersd.org

Connor Maddocks PHOTOS: LEE BOWMAN

The community gathered April 5 at The Center to celebrate the 10th annual Transgender Day of Empowerment, “An evening of celebration, education, and entertainment.” The auditorium was filled with a diverse standing room only audience including many families and youth.

Connor Maddocks was the emcee and welcomed special guests, sponsors, keynote speakers and elected officials.

Tracie O’Brien and Paola Coots also welcomed guests before introducing City Council President Todd Gloria.

O’Brien gave a brief history of the Day of Empowerment, her brainchild, and spoke about the need to create a safe life-affirming space where transgender people could build relationships with each other and the larger LGBT community. O’Brien told the audience, “Things are changing, and the world is getting better.”

Tracie O’Brien

Todd Gloria spoke about how San Diego is a better place because of the contributions of transgender citizens, and acknowledged everybody contributes to the city’s “rich cultural diversity.” Gloria said that “too often the T in LGBT is silent and overlooked,” and that “what we do here today blazes a trail for our youth and makes it easier for them to contribute to society.”

Gloria was followed by the first keynote speaker, T. J. Seguine, a self-identified trans-male. Seguine spoke about his sometimes difficult path from young girl living in poverty, to butch lesbian in the Navy, to meeting his wife Sophia, to transitioning from female to male. Seguine spoke about the supporters and allies who stood up for him along the way. He told the audience, “Life is too short to waste your time worrying. Whatever your dream, go out there and make it happen.”

Todd Gloria

O’Brien then introduced the first musical guest, a shy 16-year-old with long beautiful hair, Sammirah Floresvillar. She began softly, but quickly found her voice and filled the hall with a voice that was pure and sweet. The audience responded with a standing ovation.

Maria Roman, a trans-female, was the second keynote speaker. The star of Showtime’s original program Wild Things, told the audience, “You have to stand up and speak for yourself, because nobody else is going to do it for you.” Roman stressed the importance of transgender people sharing their stories because doing so affects change. Roman said, “Things are moving in the right direction, and transgender people have made strong gains in California, but the fight goes on. We must speak up for those who will follow us.”

T.J. Seguine

Awards were then presented. The Community Service Award, which acknowledges the individual who has made a significant impact to further the well-being or positive visibility of the transgender community, was given to Liat Wexler. The Satin Styles Youth Award, which recognizes a transgender youth under age 20 who serves as an exceptional role model to other youth through resilience in the face of significant obstacles, or service to the community, was presented to Loryn Pacheco. Chelli Mohamed was given the Ally Award in recognition for her demonstration of commitment to the San Diego transgender community through donations of time, money or space, or consistent advocacy of equality for transgender people.

Mohamed said, “Silence hurts all of us. Always speak up.”

Maria Roman

Scott Duane then introduced the Visible Bodies presentation, an exhibition of photographs portraying trans-gendered men and women, including short narratives in the subject’s own words. Four of the participants representing the range of diversity, from trans-male, to trans-female, to gender-queer, also spoke to the audience. Many of the photographs were displayed in the auditorium, but the full showing will be at Art of Pride in May.

Vicki Estrada then sang an original song, “Empower Me,” which had the crowd singing along on the chorus. Estrada sang about how “hatred is turning to dust” and one day “the laws will be fair and just.”

Tracie O’Brien closed the program by thanking everybody who participated or attended, and invited attendees to join in the reception and help themselves to food and beverages.

The Auntie Helen’s thrift store has moved to 4127 30th Street near the Vons supermarket in North Park after the rent was raised at its old location to the non-profit organization which still supplies free laundry services to people with HIV and AIDS.

The old location at 4028 30th Street is closed, but there was an 80 percent off sale last week that ended April 5. An observer peering into the windows of the departed business on Saturday noticed a large amount of miscellaneous items scattered all over the place.

The phone number for Auntie Helen’s was disconnected as of Monday, and executive director Michael Dudley could not be reached for comment. A worker on Saturday at the new location said the move occurred because of a significant rise in rent.

Auntie Helen’s is the third major business to move from the area in four months. Mary’s Beauty Supply was located on University Ave. at 30th Street for many years, but an employee said Saturday the landlord doubled its rent to $4,000 a month.

The beauty supply store cut hair for women and men and offered manicures and pedicures. They relocated to 4598 30th Street in North Park in late March. A “green” medical clinic is now at the old location.

Chester’s Furniture was a fixture in North Park at different locations for 67 years. They could no longer pay the rent on University Avenue and they suddenly went out of business in December 2012. They marked down their remaining furniture and even gave away lamps and other items with a purchase.

Several days after Chester’s closed its doors, a notice was attached to the door noting they had been sued by their landlord for past due rent.

Operations at the new location for Auntie Helen’s are still underway, but it appears the store has a smaller amount of space. Its Web site erroneously lists the new store in the 92102 zip code and has an incorrect address for the old store.

“We’ve been open for 23 years and every inch of our old store has collected many items – too many – and since we’re too lazy and old to move them to the new location, please visit us at the old location and fill a basket or two with great finds!” states the Web site, which urges customers to “pick up an odd gift for the friend who has everything!”

At the new location, a proclamation by a former City Council that honored Michael Dudley is displayed on the wall.

News accounts say Auntie Helen’s had to return grant funding to the County because its executive director allegedly used money for dental work and unauthorized expenses.

Gary Cheatham founded Auntie Helen’s in a garage in 1988 to help one person with AIDS. Through time it moved into a grassroots, community based agency to serve thousands of people with AIDS, according to its Web site, which says there are 25 volunteers who are still doing the free laundry services.

The current board of directors for Auntie Helen’s doesn’t include any names, with the Web site saying the information for that is pending with a “page in progress.” The Web site also says Auntie Helen’s has been voted the best thrift store in North Park for 14 years in a row.

The agency was also named as a National Point of Light by the White House in 1991 and the Web site says the organization received an “apostolic blessing” from Pope John Paul II.