When I decided to write this article I got very excited because the topic of brunch is one that I thoroughly enjoy.

Being able to hop from one restaurant to another examining the meal period was a treat all in itself. There is just something about waking up on Sunday morning with no plans other than to sip coffee, mimosa’s and enjoy a breakfast meal.

The history of brunch and how it has originated to what it is today is fascinating. It’s by far the most leisurely of all meals and was once only associated with the wealthy and noble.

There was a time in history where only the very rich could afford to spend extended time indulging themselves in the pleasure of food.

These days, brunch is associated largely with our community. Just look around Hillcrest on Sunday morning. The music is on, the Champagne is flowing and restaurants are filled from noon to early afternoon.

There are so many great places to try brunch in our great city that it was hard to narrow it down to just a few. Alas, I picked my favorites for you to enjoy.

Over on Fifth Avenue, Snooze is probably one of the hottest seats in town for brunch. Even after being open for more than a year, lines remain out the door all morning long. If you are lucky to grab a table, you are part of the privileged set.

What makes them so popular? It could be the endless menu of delicious nibbles; the casual fun atmosphere or the magnificent Bloody Mary menu. Whatever your reason, get there early and wait. You are bound to be hovering outside with a ton of other people just waiting for them to call your name.

If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, where crowds and lines are not a problem, try Avenue Five. A little further down on Fifth Avenue, I still think they do one of the best brunches. The price is right and you get to sit and really enjoy yourself without crowds and loud music. Sometimes an elegant brunch is just what the doctor ordered. This is the place for that. And they have bottomless mimosas.

Relatively new on the dining scene is Uptown Tavern. Although I have yet to review them for dinner, their brunch is one not to be missed. Walk up to the fabulous bar and one of the very accommodating bartenders will guide you through a menu fit for any hangover. From great scrambles to a wide variation of eggs benedict to even chicken and waffles, this is the place to come hungry.

If you don’t like TV’s and the game on, this isn’t the place for you. If that is your scene, this is a great place to gather with some friends and cheer your favorite team on. Plus a great Bloody Mary bar and loads of beer on tap really make this a fun spot.

Heading down University to North Park, you can stumble on Urban Solace for your brunch needs. They offer a Bluegrass brunch with live music. It is fun, festive and the food is outstanding. They probably have one of the best “non-breakfast” menus in town offering sandwiches and salads alongside the traditional egg dishes and breakfast-style food.

When you wake up and have a hankering for a bit of European ambiance, downtown’s Café Chloe is the place to be. Ripped right out of Paris, nobody in town is making a better croque-madame. Sit on their fantastic patio, sip white wine and piece your night together over their delicious food.

For all you adventurous folk who want to journey out of the hood, head up to Burlap in Del Mar where Brian Malarkey is dishing out interesting Asian-style variations on classic brunch dishes. There is no shortage of seafood on the menu either and Chef Malarkey has proven that even eggs can be gourmet.

There are countless more that I could continue to write about up and down the coast. Some notable mentions are however are, Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas, the ever-so-popular Café 222 in downtown and, of course, San Diego’s own Hash House a Go Go.

Whatever your style, whatever your flavor and whatever shape you’re in on Sunday morning, brunch doesn’t judge. It just embraces you and allows the day to creep on in.

Brined Duroc Pork Chop

Mission Hills is a San Diego neighborhood that has lacked a certain amount of good quality restaurants. Quite surprising as it may be, there really is just a handful to choose from and I know from my many friends that live there that there is definitely a demand.

This past year has seen a couple pop up but one specifically has exploded onto the dining scene. Housed in the ultra-lux condominium building of Mission One at 4033 Goldfinch Street, Brooklyn Girl is a great and much needed addition to the neighborhood.

Part of their explosive success is due to owners Michael and Victoria McGeath being no strangers to the business. Operating restaurants here in San Diego for more than 22 years, the McGeath’s have been in downtown and La Jolla and achieved equal successes in both areas.

Brooklyn Girl is a bit different than their other concepts however, as they wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant and pantry that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With the help of sexy Chef Tyler Thrasher, they created a great place to enjoy any time of day.

Chef Tyler’s menu is classic organic farm to table cuisine. Using only seasonal and locally-sourced organic products, chef created a menu that reads like you are in his home kitchen. Offering some street food to start, a must-try is the Bacon Wrapped Vietnamese Meatballs ($11). Plump and juicy, the crisp bacon is doused in a sweet ginger glaze. The quick tiger slaw is a great accompaniment.

I’m a big fan of hummus at home and here the B.G. Famous Hummus ($7) is just that. Served with flat bread, house crackers and delicious plantain crisps, I could eat three of these. Rich and creamy, the hummus is a perfect consistency.

Another favorite is the Grilled Kasekriner Sausage ($11). Perfect with the grain mustard, the beer-braised savoy cabbage with apples brings a sweetness to the tang of the mustard and completes this classic dish.

All Kale Caesar

I don’t usually write about salads, but the All Kale Caesar ($9) is one of my favorites. Really crisp and fresh kale is oh so lightly dressed with a delicate dressing. And the bits of bacon and egg mix well with the homemade croutons. You have the option to add on a fried oyster or duck leg too.

The entrées are divided between the Range and Sea. They are also quite large and offer a great bang for the buck.

Recently I dined on the 14 ounce Brined Duroc Pork Chop ($24). Huge and delicious, it could not have been cooked more perfectly. A maple and Dijon mustard glaze coated the outside of this chop and the caramelization of the sauce was evident all around. A fall vegetable and potato hash offered crispy Brussels sprouts and the celery root and apple coulis add just the right amount of sweetness to the dish.

I love when you can share with your partner and here Chef Tyler offers Mary’s Free Range Duck for two ($44). Wood oven roasted with ginger and honey, you really feel you are in another world when it comes to your table deconstructed. My favorite part was the breast, and again it was cooked perfectly.

With such great food, one would hope the service could match. Unfortunately, I have run into some serious service glitches a few times. The space can get very crowded and the servers can get very flustered and it shows when they do. Although it has not always been bad, I just think more attention needs to be focused on taking care of the customer.

Bringing Brooklyn to San Diego was the goal, and I believe they achieved it. I am so glad they found a home in Mission Hills.

brooklyngirleatery.com

ambassador of the night

BY CHRISTINA MACNEAL

‘Baditudes’ behind the bar

Am I the only one that feels that the biggest problems facing LGBT bars, clubs and associated nightlife venues are the gay or lesbian rock star attitudes from some staff who think they are above the customer?

Anyone can sling drinks with a bad attitude. A real bartender knows and understands that exceptional service directly affects income and hinges on customer satisfaction. While bartenders and night staff have to stay upbeat and on their feet for long periods of time, may I respectfully suggest that mood-enhancers are not the answer. The effect only makes a potential rock star mentality worse which in turn brings down the service. Remember, work is work and partying is partying!

Sometimes, Hillcrest LGBT bar service can seem very similar to Comedy Central’s skit of Bon Qui Qui yelling to the kitchen, “I have a complicated order,” or “Secuuurity, security,” every time she does not feel like doing her job. If you haven’t seen it, check it out on YouTube. It’s a scream!

In the past, community bartenders and nightclub staff were given an elevated status in the community, mainly because it was one of the only times we could see people like ourselves. At a time before LGBT’s were visible in the media and in the public eye they were there to fill that void. Today, it is no longer that time and place and the community and world have evolved! So why has this mentality not?

I am not saying that all LGBT nightclub staff are like this or that this is something that has not gone unnoticed by some LGBT nightclub owners but, I would urge some to consider, however, that you are in the customer service industry!

When people are treated rudely and a lot of times overcharged for the pleasure they will search out new venues – gay or not!

More and more straight business people want to serve the gay community, and see the value in the all-mighty gay dollar. They live in a broader community where those who patronize their business are treated in a way that is conducive to good service and where the customer is right. In this economic and socially progressive time, we will lose more and more of our LGBT nightlife without this understanding.

Having said all that, and with an expectation of many readers crying “foul,” I thought it would be only right to give praise to those LGBT nightlife venues who have standards, correctly train staff and set an example for those who fall short.

Chris Shaw: He does an amazing job of training staff, promoting from within and encouraging friendly no-attitude staff. If it was ever a wonder as to Chris’ success it was due partly to these things. All one has to do is look how packed his places are, how happy the customers look and his brand recognition. Another huge bonus is Chris does not just take from the community he gives back! A huge thank you to Chris and his staff for having standards and adding to the San Diego LGBT nightlife scene. Moe GM at Gossip is a long-time staple in the community and has helped turn a void in the community into a place that is what The Abbey in L.A. used to be. Kevin at Mo’s is one of my favorite bartenders. He is funny as hell and always brings high energy and hot underwear!

Baby Cakes: The setup is inviting, the staff almost all the time is friendly and attentive and the manager always greets you with a smile, regardless of who you are. Bo has to be one of my most favorite bartenders.

The Loft: This bar is one-of-kind and one of Hillcrest’s hidden gems. The crowd screws a bit older, however, they are full of excitement and are very friendly. It is one of the last places you can overhear someone using the words, Mary and rough trade. The most awesome addition to The Loft is the siren that goes off every time a hot guy walks by. It is old school camp and comfort. Amazing job and keep up the good work!

Rich’s: Nick Moede gets it! He always has staff that understands what service-with-a-smile is all about. There are a good number of women who work there and hands down Rich’s has the hottest go go’s in all flavors from Bear to circuit boys. They are friendly, even down to the security guards, and if you ever deal with security at many other LGBT venues, you will learn to appreciate Rich’s.

#1 on Fifth: Strong drinks, no cover ever, large pool tables and for smokers – somewhere to sip your drink without foregoing your cigarette or others getting pissed about the smell. The boys who work here are on-point, sweet and understand customer service.

There are many other great LGBT nightlife venues, but these just happen to consistently stand out and hats off to all the hard-working industry staff that keep us coming back for more!

‘Til next time, check your ego at the door, keep us shaking are asses and just say no to drugs! This is your Ambassador of the Night signing off.

BY CHRISTINA MACNEAL

By now, everyone has heard about the lily pond in Balboa Park/The midnight water-gun fight and everyone has cashed in an opinion from fish activist, to LGBT activist to Mayor Sanders. In fact, I am personally really sick of hearing about it. That being said, it was a nightlife happening and as Ambassador of the Night how could I not weigh in on this? After that, I am done talking about it and hope everyone else is too.

The event, that got its start on a Facebook page, has received more press coverage and got people up in arms than a drag queen line up at a Tea Party rally. As fate would have it, I was planning to attend and then opted out at the last minute. Lucky me! Otherwise I am sure, like the majority at the event, I would have gone in good spirits thinking it would be a lot of fun. Come on, who doesn’t like scantily-clad people running around at midnight, flash mobs and organically grown fun that deviates from the norm.

This would not have been my first rodeo with “free nighttime and let’s get real drunken fun” at Balboa Park. I have attended boozy ice blocking, skateboarding flash mobs at 2 a.m. and photo shoots and make-out sessions in men’s bathrooms that would make George Michael look tame. Here is what I think it was; a great idea in concept, just a terrible choice of location. People coming together to have fun is what being young and summer is all about, and who hasn’t been there once or twice? If you haven’t that really sucks and you should have gotten out more!

It happened, it is done and expecting a bunch of twenty-something kids to turn themselves in willingly is unrealistic and a bit rigid. Let’s hope they learned from it and move on!

No fish were harmed in the making of this review.

Enough ‘Stage’ for everybody

This weekend, I went downtown to the Gaslamp to party. I have to admit that, generally speaking, I really can’t stand going out at night in San Diego’s way-too-straight seethe pool of drunk military guys (as in not rough trade, just rough!), cheesy dress codes and silk shirt garb. The last time I was in the downtown area I was trying to figure out directions to a lesbian sex party and I don’t think that counts as “going out” in the Gaslamp. I beelined it to where I wanted to go and wondered why this shindig couldn’t have been somewhere less odd considering the occasion, but that’s another story for another week! However, the female DJ was amazing, it was a good crowd that was LGBT-friendly, but most importantly, there was no cover and the drinks were strong. I can attest to all of this!

Anyhow, if you go to the Gaslamp due to curiosity, or like in my case are striking a compromise with the trans boys you are painting the town red with, Stage is a must to check out. The vibe was great; they had multiple rooms with something for everyone playing; it was clean enough, yet Stage has just enough dirt to make it fresh.

DJ, producer and remix master Miss Dust aka Dusty tore it up; she has long-supported LGBT rights, spins ear candy, couldn’t be any hotter if she tried and gets everyone on the floor. She parks the typical DJ attitude at the door, is a must to check out and spins at Stage on Saturday nights. For more info on Miss Dust visit djmissdust.com

The night wrapped up with rescuing a puking curbside Navy guy and taking him back to the base, praying he didn’t repeat his actions in the car on the way there!

This is your Ambassador of the Night saying, don’t swim in iconic fish ponds, pick up after your party and please don’t leave friends to throw-up in front of crowded bars or clubs! Till next time.

For me, the most memorable moments of Pride were not the ones made in the clubs boasting a ridiculous door cost – after all, I am a lesbian and I am not willing to pay that much to get in. Let’s get real!

I started my Pride weekend on the streets of Hillcrest, Friday, where the flag-raising was really amazing. I did not care, however, for the rampant classism of some watching the event close-up and others stuck behind a chain link fence!

My favorite part of Pride is watching those who are willing to express their bad-ass selves regardless of what others think. To me they are the real honorees of Pride. This week, in honor of those folks and San Diego Pride 2012, I thought I would give a few of them their proper dues.

So, without further ado, your Ambassador of the Night honorees are:

The lesbian couple who get into a fight because someone was (fill in the blank) talking to someone’s ex or perhaps was checking her out, and she knows it or just straight got too drunk. This could be seen at any stop along the line of booths in the festival – one lesbian yelling at the other who is walking at a brisk pace in front of her making a huge scene. Ladies, it just wouldn’t be the same without you.

This years Lesbian Fight Award goes to two girls wearing bikini tops in the high energy dance pit in the main beer garden. Oh, to be that young and not giving a damn about making a scene.

Now, there are many variations of the drunken twink but normally it goes something like this: cute boy, tight 2Exist underwear, body glitter mixed with the heat and too much booze. We all know one, they all drink too much and it always ends in, “I am really sorry he is just really drunk” as he bumps into or falls over someone followed by a stream of slurred profanities!

This year’s Drunken Twink Award goes to the boy on the Ferris wheel screaming his lungs out during the Friday night rally. Never you mind people are taking the speeches seriously, trying to listen and that your scream is competing with assemblymen. Who cares – you’re young, dumb and full of … booze.

Of all the gear at Pride this year I wanted to buy, look at and check out I can honestly say I have never wanted to be dressed like a horse or purchase a carriage to be pulled by a human horse. However, to each their own. It was an over-the-top spectacle to watch – even better was watching Pride attendee’s reactions to it.

So, hooves down, this year’s Over-the-Top Leather/Kink Award goes to the horse-driven carriage.

Balls and boobs abound in Pride and along the parade route. Some you want to see and others … make you never want to see balls or boobs again. Please, I beg you, at least wear something that offers some support.

There were so many of you in this category I just could not narrow it down to two!

So, the Balls and Boobs Award goes to all of you. My hats off to you for having the “boolls.”

On a final note, there really is no place like Pride to run into every ex you ever had and the one night stand you told you would call and then never did. Pride would not be as awkward without you.

Until next time, from your Ambassador of the Night, play hard and drink hard – just make sure you do it safely.

Bear Night happens the first Saturday of every month at Numbers

Portland, Ore. is the city that introduced the Keep Portland Weird bumper sticker. It did so, when Portland had an influx of people moving there who did not have views as liberal and as open as those who make Portland what it is. I propose a take on this same idea for Hillcrest; we just need to Keep it Gay, instead. I love my hetero friends, as much as the next and I do think that friends of the community shouldn’t feel anything but comfortable in our neighborhood and nightlife. I am saying this with all the bars and clubs in San Diego in mind. If you are insecure about your sexuality, or feel a need to express your concern about getting hit on whilst you are at an LGBT nightlife venue, then go somewhere else. Let’s just keep it real shall we? Hetero men, you really do not need to worry about getting hit on, as generally speaking gay men spend a lot more time on themselves than hetero men, and, ahem, it shows! Hetero ladies, for us girls, you are too much work, generally not as edgy as we are used to and, as much as I would love to spend time teaching you what you are doing wrong, I think I can leave your crazy ex-boyfriend and lack-of-experience drama at the door.

How gay is Comic-Con

It s a bird, it’s a plane, no its grown men in tights, capes and donning cos-play outfits! Comic-Con has to be the second largest gay event in San Diego. The best gay Comic-Con party this year was Rich’s last Friday. The event was packed with a mixture of hot boys, fierce drag versions of female superhero icons and muscle guys. Comic-Con and Rich’s was a huge success again this year and it was massive! While I was downtown for Comic-Con, I noticed Alexander Salazar was featuring gay comic/graphic artist Joe Phillips in an installment called Boys Will Be Boys. As if superheroes were not hot enough on their own, gay superheroes in suggestive poses brought on the heat! One word … hot!

Aww … leather and kink, two of my favorite things

Beat and Greet! Sorry girls, this event is men only! So, do you want to go out and socialize but don’t feel like going to the leather bar or mixing it up? If you are into, or looking to get into, or just curious and open-minded about the leather, kink and play communities the Beat and Greet might be just what the doctor ordered. It is held downtown on the third and fifth Fridays of each month. The next one is Friday, July 20 and it starts at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 11:30 p.m. and is for 18 and up. For more information go to info@beatandgreet.com

The Alibi … don’t even bother

I went to The Alibi last week, to re-check it out and see if I still felt the same way about it, and guess what, I do. It is an odd bar, considering it is located in Hillcrest and has been for a very long time. Generally, it caters to hard-core drunks and the broader community, not really LGBTs. The reality of this bar is this: if you are a lesbian who is soft butch to femme for the most part you might get some looks, be hit on or, on a good night, left alone. For gay men, it is really not the place out of all options to go in Hillcrest; not even to start the night. There is a somewhat hostile to unwelcoming attitude that hangs heavy in the air. All in all, if you are LGBT or expect more than what a biker dive bar offers, don’t even bother. The only redeeming quality to The Alibi is their art installment on the side of the building – a large chalkboard, that reads, “Before I Die …” open for all to write on … hmm!

Until next time, from your Ambassador of The Night, play hard and drink hard – just make sure you do it all safely. Happy Pride 2012.

Friday, I attended a rockabilly show at Tio Leo’s, a venue long-known for having a thriving scene. It was, um, interesting. I never really fully understood what rockabilly style meant. I mean, I like the fashion and motorcycles; however, I was not really sure what rockabillies actually stood for as a subculture. I found out during the show and thanks to two straight friends who are larger-than-life players in the rockabilly scene.

I have to say, I was a bit hesitant to attend the show for two major reasons: First, I grew up in the punk rock scene and second, I wasn’t really keen on walking into a room with people who are voluntarily stuck in a 1950s value system and/or mindset. Add to that, the origins of rockabilly lie primarily in the South, and I think it’s safe to say the original rockabilly ethos might not have been the most pro-LGBT philosophy out there.

However, I did check out what I thought were a few cute butch girls at Tio Leo’s. Then I realized where I was, and that I was actually checking out a clean-shaven 21-year-old guy. Oops; my bad.

I felt like I had stepped into a time machine, and gone back to a land where bad motifs dominated interior design and men’s suits were shaded in varieties of muddy earth tones, and ties were just too huge. The rockabilly vibe at Tio Leo’s was very odd, and I feel confident in saying it does not sit well with being queer. It was like mixing cheese and coffee, instead of cheese and wine. I cannot say I fully understood the music either. I think I’ll stick to what I know – Riot Grrl and punk shows.

Tio Leo’s

Juicy, juicy

For girls, Juicy at Bourbon Street Sundays is definitely a thumbs-up. It is free; it draws in more than one crowd; and it isn’t just the same girls holding down the same bar stool night after night. They have also hired on what looks like a new crew of girls. I have to say, I do miss running into Franki and Monica Knux. They will have a hard time trying to find a female bartender who can fill Franki’s shoes. San Diego misses you both. Another bonus to Bourbon Street is El Vee. She is an amazing DJ and I was glad to see she will be keeping everyone shaking their asses during Pride, Sunday, July 22 in the HiNRG dance area. So, go check her out and support local LGBT artists and musicians.

Juicy at Bourbon Street

Femme Fatale

Also in girl news, I went to Numbers for Femme Fatale Saturday. Sorry guys, but that was a bust! Big thumbs-down. It was certainly not the bartenders’ fault as they were all great. It was simply too high of a cover charge for not anywhere close to enough people; the same problem with security that they have had for too long – door guys that are brutish, cold and generally pushy and unfriendly. The music was good, though, and the venue is great; it just is not what it was before – plus the rude door guys.

Numbers get new door people! This has been an issue for years!

Femme Fatale at Numbers

Cheers!

Cheers has always been a great place to go to get the night started or for a Sunday afternoon to hang out, play pool and control the jukebox. It is down-to-earth and has the best set of regulars of any LGBT bar. It is a local crowd and like the old TV show, everyone knows your name. It is a very interesting crossover of gay, straight, young, lesbian and old all drinking together and chatting it up. Lucas, the bar manager, is one of the nicest guys in the business and ensures that guests feel at home. He is always willing to share a friendly smile and a hilarious story.

Finally, their house specials, beer size and prices are unmatched.

Cheers!

Until next time, play hard, drink safe and shake your ass! This is your Ambassador of the Night, signing off for now.

Living outside of the box: In our community this mantra is the rule, not the exception. We incorporate unorthodox thinking into the way that we love, the way that we work and even the way that we parent our children. We form creative arrangements for the parenting of our children that vary from traditional nuclear two-parent homes to arrangements between multiple couples and extended family members. Let us not forget the many newer members of our community that have joined us having “come out” and are facing the task of developing parenting plans in the midst of backlash and anger from their opposite-sex ex-spouses/partners.

For those of you that are single mothers and fathers, or mothers or fathers being gauged by hefty child support payments, you don’t need an article to remind you that child support is a topic that goes hand-in-hand with any discussion about co-parenting. In California there is a rock solid legal obligation that each parent has to support his or her child. Regardless of his or her lifestyle preference or custody plan, he or she is financially obligated to support that child. And the parties that are obligated to support that child are not limited to the child’s biological parents (for instance, the domestic partner or husband/wife of a woman that births a child during the union can be obligated to support that child in some instances – LGBT parentage is a developing area of the law and an interesting topic in its own right).

The California legislature has come up with a mathematical equation to determine exactly what that financial obligation shall be, to the dollar. This obligation is called the “guideline.” Support under the guideline is determined by the gross income of each respective parent, and the percentage that each parent spends with that child. There are many laws surrounding child support, and some misunderstandings about child support need to be debunked.

Child support should be based on what your actual income is. Expenses like health insurance premiums, mandatory retirement costs and mortgage interest payments can be reduced from what the court considers to be your income. Additional biological or adoptive children and costs for their care increase your bills and accordingly reduce your available income – so the court will reduce your financial obligation related to all of the children

Child support can almost always be modified on an appropriate basis. If a child support order is several years old, it is probable that the income or timeshare of the children has changed and should be modified to reflect the current circumstances.

Contrary to popular belief, child support payments do not include health care premiums and day care costs. Those are separate amounts that each parent is responsible for – and can be requested in connection with a child support action as an additional obligation

Having a larger timeshare than the other parent doesn’t mean that you won’t end up owing child support under the guideline. Again, the guideline is based on the respective income of each party, and a higher earning parent may in fact have a higher obligation, even if she or he has more time with and responsibility of the child.

Keep in mind that a fair and reasonable child support arrangement with the other parent can help avoid unnecessary arguments, misunderstandings and difficulty.

This article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Please seek the assistance of an attorney to discuss these issues as they apply to your specific situation.

Rachel Young is a family law practitioner in San Diego County. She represents LGBT clients in divorce, domestic partnership dissolutions, and handles issues relating to child custody and support. If you have questions about the information presented above or to schedule a free consultation at her Hillcrest office, you can contact Attorney Young at 619-584-0505 or you can email her at ryoung@rpylaw.com

SAN DIEGO  – My Sister’s Closet, the nation’s largest designer consignment resale store, hosts “Giving Back is the New Black” – a charitable afternoon of fun and fashion taking place at My Sister’s Closet’s flagship San Diego location (8610 Genesee Avenue) on Saturday, June 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The highlight of the afternoon will be the live modeling of items from My Sister’s Closet and its men’s counterpart Well Suited, featuring this summer’s hottest looks. In addition, the store will be transformed into an outdoor lounge complete with a DJ and two bars serving up designer cocktails and delectable edibles.

Attendees are asked to donate $10, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Helen Woodward Animal Center. The Helen Woodward Animal Center will also be on site with several adoptable dogs for anyone looking for the ultimate summer companion.

To RSVP or obtain more information, please call (858) 455-0045. The first 50 guests will receive a custom designed reusable bag filled with goodies from My Sister’s Closet and other sponsors, so there is no such thing as being fashionably late to this event.

The cliché is that you have to be a kid to make a dent these days in the music industry. Raspin Stuwart is the exception to that rule. At 53, after 28 years of running a publishing empire that produced two of Los Angeles’ most beloved monthlies, Boulevard and Gorgeous, he’s retired to finally focus on his true love: music. And he’s making some serious waves. Not only is he selling out shows around Los Angeles, he’s also been picked up by Starbucks to be a featured artist. A tremendously soulful singer and songwriter who has been described in recent reviews as a “force of nature” who is “in the business of showstopping,” he’s also a humble and warmly humorous man who is presently bringing his music to the attention of the public in a variety of ways. As a magazine publisher, he was known to make connections within diverse pockets of the L.A. population, so that the appeal of his magazines crossed over a multitude of cultures and attitudes.

Now he’s bringing that same savvy to the problem of how a musician gets his music heard in the chaotic context of modern times. It all starts with the tried and true: live performance, connecting directly with people and giving them a needed respite from the everyday cavalcade of electronic entertainment.

“It’s all about the people,” he said, “about building your fan-base. It’s about connecting. The thing people talk about most is a feeling of love, of compassion and forgiveness.” His recent sold-out live shows in Los Angeles have reflected this conviction, garnering critical raves for both his performance and his songwriting, rare in this city of jaded critics, and generating an ever-expanding audience for this singular artist.

Raspin has one solo album in release, the critically acclaimed We Do What We Do. If you are the kind of listener who prefers albums that don’t stray too far from a single style and tone, you won’t like this one. But if you long for those days when albums could possess a veritable rainbow of musical styles, embracing folk, jazz, blues, gospel, rock and soul all at once, then you’ll love this, his debut.

Recently, Raspin has succeeded in capturing the attention of Starbucks, who have evidently recognized that his style of soulfully seasoned folk is ideal for their stores. Several of his songs are now in constant rotation, along with that of other musical luminaries, on their daily broadcasts, which are heard in more than 16,000 Starbucks around the world.  Not a bad way to get your music to the public. When he does something, he does it big.

Raspin’s the rare modern man, one who diverged from his dream to build an empire – miraculously producing two healthy magazines in one of the most perilous periods ever for print journalism – only to return to that dream after nearly three decades with a genuinely infectious spirit that is drawing people of all ages to his music. He’s a guy with a golden touch, and that he’s applying that magic to music at this time is lucky for us all.  www.raspin.com

Raspin will be performing in San Diego on June 14 at 9:00 p.m. at Lestat’s. Details below.

Welcome to my first column as your Ambassador of the Night. I’ll be your host on a journey covering everything and anything from shiny disco balls and circuit parties; drag and must-see DJ’s; homocore artist’s to bears and booze.

Where to go; what’s hot and what’s not; from boys’ nights and leather events to where the girls are; from punk to funk, no queer will be left behind! Whatever the flavor you savor in local and SoCal nightlife you will find it here. I hope you enjoy the ride. Cheers!

L.A. Pride set it off yet again this year. It was great to see LGBTQA people out having fun in ridiculous numbers. The lineup was fantastic, and the act that stood out among the rest was Playboy School, who played the main stage, Friday. If you like electro punk and hot girl trio’s they were where it was at. Alec Mapa was as funny as only he can be, and DJ Shane Stiel brought the house down. West Hollywood was packed and, of course, every bar and club made it hard to choose where to start and end the night. Each club, bar and event offered something unique and catered to all palettes. I have to say, I love seeing the leather men and drag queens and who doesn’t love the, oh so popular, scantily-clad girls wearing little more than electrical tape; it just would not be Pride without you!

Beyond the bars and clubs, I also checked out the Pride house parties. For those who aren’t so keen on standing in lines that wind around the block, this is where it is at and a great alternative that packs just as much action. I found such action in a DJ that I had heard of, yet had not seen live; DJ HookerFace. Her music is across the board, but she mixes it up picking songs that create unstoppable dancing, creating a full soul, body and mind experience that seemed to win over the dance floor that Pride weekend. Her busting out of dance moves, level of energy and big bursts of smiles reminded me of a new lesbian version of GirlTalk. She is one to watch and a must-see when you are in L.A. She is set to play San Diego next May.

The Brass Rail and Imperial Court de San Diego hosted Miss Transgender San Diego this last Wednesday and it had a very impressive turn out. Congratulations to Malva Sanchez the new titleholder. The competition was fierce and you all did a great job!

One of Hillcrest’s oldest and most well-known nightlife venues, The Flame, was sold recently. What will now be called Kitty Diamond is set to open May 18 under new owner, Erica Jessup. There have only been rumors at this point as to whom the venue plans to cater to, however, I would bet money it will be mixture of younger LGBT’s and heterosexual hipster’s and scenesters. It will also boast May Star and Diamond Dust, May 19.

Friday, June 15 The Ruby Room will host a night of art, music, silent auction and fun for a breast cancer fundraiser called Boobs, Booze & Art from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. The tickets are $8 presale and $10 at the door. The event is not only for a great and worthy cause, but also takes a progressive outlook on how cancer is perceived. All of the proceeds will go to Fuck Cancer. The Ruby Room is located at 1471 University Ave.

Another event not to miss this week is The Eagle’s Red Hanky Night, Thursday. The Eagle always boasts the hottest, sweatiest guys and an unmatched openness where all are welcome to have fun and cruise. It has fast become one of my all-time favorite San Diego bars. The drinks are always strong and very reasonable. Whether you are just looking to play a game of pool, meet with friends or hook up, the Eagle offers it all, served with a sexy smile. Located at 3040 North Park Way, it is a must to check out.

So, from your embassy of nightlife, San Diego, this is your ambassador signing off for this week. Enjoy the night and ’til we meet again …