FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
LIST OF HONOREES P2
FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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>>> FILM P40
SummerQamp: Queer joy
>>> NEWS P5
Donor tiles to return
> COMMUNITY P11
California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (in pink pantsuit) and her wife, Jennifer LaSar (in white pantsuit), greet supporters in the crowd at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Jan. 19, after Atkins made her announcement that she is running for governor of the State of California in 2026. Sen. Atkins represents District 39, which is located in San Diego County. (Photo by Big Mike Phillips)
‘I am ready to be governor’ San Diego’s Toni Atkins announces her 2026 bid By Morgan M. Hurley On Friday, Jan. 19, State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, wearing a dark pink pantsuit, climbed the stairs of a temporary platform set up inside the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Atkins had just been endorsed and introduced by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who had previously represented Assembly District 79 in San Diego. The former colleagues hugged warmly.
Then, with airplanes loudly descending into Lindbergh Field overhead, Atkins looked out beyond the teleprompters, the news cameras, the fluttering campaign posters, and the WWII airplanes hanging from the ceiling of the museum’s atrium, and smiled. As she gazed into the sea of cheering supporters, she said, “Good morning, San Diego. You are beautiful. Thank you.”
Bayard Rustin Honors
>>> EVENTS P14
Local man who set fire to Gossip Grill released Probation, rehabilitation, and restitution in his future by Neal Putnam
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Moe Girton, the owner of Gossip Grill, looked at the big picture when asked how she felt about the drug treatment sentence of the man who set fire to her restaurant causing $5,849 in damages on Oct. 20. “It’s just material damage,” Girton told LGBTQ San Diego County News. “The building didn’t go up. I’m good with [the sentence]. “He lost his way. He was very mentally unwell,” Girton added, saying she was “100% behind him getting treatment.” On Jan 18, San Diego Superior Court Judge Rachel Cano imposed 200 days in jail for Ryan Scott Habrel, 38, and ruled that since he had served 187 days in
Ryan Habrel in happier times. (Facebook)
jail with credits for good behavior, Habrel was released Jan. 19 to a residential drug treatment program. Cano ordered Habrel to pay $5,849 in restitution to Girton for the fire, which damaged outdoor
seating and awnings outside the entrance of the 1220 University Ave. restaurant and other areas. She also ordered Habrel to stay away from Girton and Gossip Grill, as well as Urban MO’s, with two years probation. Habrel used to work as a bartender for Urban MO’s, another restaurant and bar in Hillcrest. “If he violates his [probation] terms, he goes back to jail,” Girton said. The judge also suspended a four-year state prison term which Habrel won’t have to serve, but if he has significant violations of his probation terms, he could end up in state prison. He pleaded guilty Dec. 18 to arson, which is a felony, without having a preliminary hearing. Girton said she saw him on the day of the fire and he was talking to himself, walking around without shoes, and was homeless.
See ARSON page 4
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH FRIIDAE In recognition of Black History Month, the City of San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is offering a variety of programs throughout the month, including a “Black History Pride Storytime” event at the Skyline Hills Library. Featuring local drag persona Friidae, the hour-long storytime will take place at 10:30 am, Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Children’s Nook at Skyline Hills Library. According to the Library’s website, “Pride Storytime is a family-friendly way of recognizing and celebrating our diversity and individuality through ageappropriate stories and songs. This is a safe space, all families are welcome.” Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary age children are all encouraged to attend with their families and the programming is classified as (part of Black History) celebration month, community engagement, cultural appreciation, educational and LGBTQIA+. Skyline Hills Library is located at 7900 Paradise Valley Road. Other SDPL Black History Month offerings Black Com!x Day, Feb 3-4, at the World Beat Center, Balboa Park; Martin Luther King Community Choir performance, Feb 10, Rancho San Diego Library; Exploring Identity, Love and Being Black in America in Fiction Writing, with Jason Mott, this is a virtual event, Feb 20; Fearing the Black Body author talk with Sabrina Strings, Feb 25, at the SD Central Library; Afro-Mexicanos: Mexico Finally Recognizes its Black Citizens, at the World Beat Center, Feb 26; a Wikipedia edita-thon for Black History Month, at SD Central Library, Feb. 16; many craft events, including paper crafts, mask and quilt making, and much much more. For a complete list and detailed descriptions of all of San Diego Public Library’s Black History Month programming, visit bit.ly/3Spg5iO FIRST ‘CLEAN UP & COCKTAILS’ A GREAT SUCCESS Nearly 70 community members came together on the cold morning of Saturday, Jan. 20, for the first “Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails” event. Co-sponsored by @HillcrestSanDiego, the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive, the Hillcrest Business Association, and Urban MO’s, the event was organized to bring community members together to serve the community, while making the neighborhood look a bit better in the process. Participating volunteers reported coming from not only Hillcrest, but also as far south as
See BRIEFS page 12
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FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
NEWS
LGBTQSD.NEWS
2 0 2 3 H i l lc r e s t H o n o r s Full Honoree List
Fabulous Activist / Community Volunteer Martin Campos Isabel Cordova Jay Henslee Jen LaBarbera Mark Maddox Ben Mendoza Edgard Portola Amber St. James Nicole Verdes Rick Arlo Ya Lira
John Ealy
Fabulous Sports League or Team
Fabulous Communicator
America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) LezBHonest Drag Boat Team Out Loud Sports San Diego Pride Sports USA San Diego San Diego American Flag Football League (SDAFFL)
Fabulous Happy Hour &Bar at Barrel & Board Common Stock Hillcrest Brewing Company
Fabulous Community Organization
Fabulous Philanthropist
Fabulous LGBTQ Ally
Bears San Diego
Robert Gleason
Gay for Good San Diego
Elaine Graybill
Oseas Villatoro Showroom SHE Entertainment The unOPTICAL
Fabulous Drag Entertainer
Fabulous Entertainer Matti
Joe Phillips
Edgar Gallego (KSDY 50)
Experience Fitness
Maureen Wattelet
Fabulous Artist
Andrew Bowen (KPBS)
Benjamin Nicholls
Patrick Walsh
Sapphic Book Club
Karla Quezada-Torres
Apollo Emporium
Brooke Sheely
Red Dress Party San Diego
Ian Johnson
Cali Griebel Gardenia Partridge
Out Pro San Diego
John Greenwell
Fabulous Business
Naomi Daniels
Nina Bel Vande
Gus Hernandez (The Center)
Disco Dollie
Carol Curtis
Morgan M. Hurley (LGBTQ San Diego
Dolly Levi Nadya Simone
County News) Evan Noorani (CBS 8) Tony, Eric, and Brynee (Who Invited Her? podcast)
Fabulous Restaurant
Fabulous Bar
Fabulous Brunch
Fabulous Restaurant / Bar Manager
Gooseberries kafe
Gossip Grill
insideOUT
Jennifer Johnson (Cheers) Lindsey Leavitt (Gossip Grill) Hugo Lugo (Baja Betty’s) Keex Rose (Rich’s)
La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos
The Merrow
Massachusetts Mike’s Pizzeria
Snooze A.M. Eatery
The Rail
Our Green Affair
Trust
Chad Younger (Uptown Tavern)
Parma Cucina Italiana
Fabulous Bartender
Fabulous Barback
Mariah Doherty (Rich’s) Pablo Armendariz (Urban MO’s) Zach Bryan (Flicks) Juji Haddix (Gossip Grill) Harley Carney (Gossip Grill) Jasper Daleo (PECS) Chris Goller (Number One Fifth Ave) Nicole Lewis (Rich’s) Travis Steiner (The Loft) Andres Valdes (Rich’s) Charlie Vazquez (The Merrow)
Fabulous DJ
Life of the Party
Joanne Amiana (Rich’s) Karim Cabrera (Number One Fifth Ave)
Adonyss Illuzion (The Rail)
Diamond Knight
Scarlett Santamaria Richard Trinidad
Heart of Hillcrest Ann Garwood
Jim “Jimbo” Keough Nancy Moors Venice Price
Trent St. Louis
David “Mona” Valenzuela
Fabulous Doorperson / Host
Fabulous Security Guard
Marisol Corona (Urban MO’s)
Marc Anderson (Baja Betty’s)
Joanne Amiana (Rich’s)
Marcus Langford (Urban MO’s)
Albert Garcia (Uptown Tavern)
Adonyss Illuzion (The Rail)
Jonathan Michel (Baja Betty’s)
Ray LaMonte (Baja Betty’s)
Karim Cabrera (Number One Fifth Ave)
Fabulous Server
Heath Silvercloud (Crest Cafe) Matthew Keough (Hillcrest Brewing Company)
Fabulous Event
Hillcrest Health Champion
Unsung Hero
Turn San Diego Football at Flicks Hillcrest Variety Pack O’so Sucia QueerGxrl San Diego Kings Club Truck Stop
Vanessa Dubois Lizbeth Güido Joseph Guzzino Greg Hamilton Andrew Jacobson (AJ) Leonela Martin Ruben Medina
Hillcrest Community Changemaker
Lifetime Achievement Award
Francisco Carbajal Michael Donovan Tracie Jada O’Brien Urbano Pelicon Juan Angel Reynoso Isaac Vargas
Chad Michaels Chris Shaw
Hillcrest Honors | Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 Uptown Tavern (Awards, Invite Only) 6-10 pm The Merrow (After Party, Public 21+) 10 pm-2 am
Esteban Duarte/VIDA Eric Hufford
Benjamin Ignalino Ivy Rooney
Hillcrest Icon Jason K Joe Martinez Mike Munson Justin Nelson Jeff Praught Brittany Rae Babette Schwartz Johnny Stein Jim Winsor
LGBTQSD.NEWS
FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
Human Rights Watch Film Festival comes to San Diego Features in person and online film By Morgan M. Hurley After a swing through Frankfurt, London, and Munich, the Human Rights Watch Film Festival (HRWFF) is coming to San Diego starting this weekend, running Feb. 2-10, with films that will surely move you to tears … of both sadness and joy. This film festival comes from the same organization – Human Rights Watch (HRW) – that has, for more than 40 years, according to the film festival’s website, “defended people at risk of abuse by investigating abuses scrupulously, exposing the facts widely, and relentlessly pressing those in power for change that respects rights. Our researchers examine situations in more than 100 countries around the world functioning as investigators, journalists, and advocates.” The film festival is their way of telling the stories of the human rights violations and the diversity that exists in the world. With more than 500 films to consider annually, HRW acknowledges that sometimes the films “represent points of view that are different” from the organization itself. The festival isn’t new, however; they just celebrated their 30th year and have showcased over 720 films in that time all over the world. The festival will offer both in person and virtual (online) films,
with the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park as its host for the in person events. This is the 14th time MOPA has hosted the HRWFF. MOPA is located at 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. All in-person screenings will be followed by a question-andanswer (Q&A) session. FilmOUT San Diego is a partner for the festival, and opening night, Friday, Feb. 2, at 6 pm, the screening will be “Summer Qamp,” an “uplifting, funny, honest and moving” film from Canadian director Jen Markowitz. The 79 minute film tells the story of Camp fYrefly, and follows a group of teens in a “completely LGBTQAI2S+ affirming environment as they find community and come into their authentic selves.” There will be a reception at MOPA prior to the screening and a live Q&A after the film with the film team and local LGBTQ advocates. Executive producer Mia Weier established a relationship with Camp fYerfly in Alberta, Canada, when searching for an appropriate camp for her daughter. Mia and fellow producers felt a “sense of urgency” to share this story. “It’s no understatement to say we are experiencing an all- out assault on the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth; showcasing safe spaces like this camp can be both a healing balm for a community facing a period of heightened threat and a way for a larger audience to gain insight into and empathy for a group they may misunderstand.
FILM Both these impacts can contribute to a cultural and political shift.” Director Markowitz stated that her career is “committed to telling the stories of queer and trans people; this project brings together my passion for storytelling with a dedication to their community, and knowledge of the deep truths and realities of what it entails to exist within it. “My investment and existence within the trans community is my joy and purpose in life,” she stated in promotion materials for the film. In addition Summer Qamp, the in-person festival at MOPA continues Saturday with the following films: Saturday, Feb. 3, 1 pm, Sundance Documentary Special Jury Award: Freedom of Expression winner, “Bad Press” (2023) by Rebecca LandsberryBaker (Muscogee Creek) and Joe Peeler. The landmark film follows the story of what happens when the elected leaders of the Muscogee Nation, the fourth largest Native American tribe, curb press freedom by giving officials the authority to edit all news stories before they reach the public, and a rogue Mvskoke Media reporter fights to expose her government’s corruption in a historic battle that will have far-reaching ramifications for Native American communities. Saturday, Feb. 3, 4 pm, “Si Pudiera Quedarme (If I Could Stay)” (2024) by Florencia Krochik and Theo Rigby. The film chronicles the story of two undocumented mothers, Jeanette and Ingrid. As they face deportation and separation
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LGBTQSD.NEWS
“SummerQamp,” tonight’s opening night film of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, celebrates the joyful story of camp fYrefly in Alberta, Canada, where a group of queer teens find community while coming into their own authentic selves. The festival takes place at MOPA in Balboa Park, and SummerQamp will have a reception and a filmmaker Q&A that includes local LGBTQ leaders and advocates. (Courtesy HRWFF)
from their young children, they and their communities rally support to keep them safe despite the risks. A story of courage and allyship, Si Pudiera Quedarme is a timely look at the transformative power of communities uniting for justice. Saturday, Feb. 3, 7 pm, “We Dare to Dream” (2023) by Waad al-Kateab. This final film of the in-person screening aspect of the festival shares the story of athletes from Iran, Syria, South Sudan and Cameroon — all refugees who swim, run and fight their way to opportunity and safety in host nations across the world. Spanning a breadth of backgrounds, personal stories and Olympic sports, the film reveals their lives and hopes as they train to compete on the world stage, showing the fire and the drive of young people forced to leave their families, homes and countries of birth to build new lives.
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ARSON
Later, when she viewed the restaurant video, it showed him setting the fire with lighter fluid and he was giggling, she said. “He looked a lot better [in court],” she said. Habrel was wearing blue jail clothes, but Girton, who attended the hearing, said she thought he seemed more alert, clear headed and just better than when she last saw him before the fire. Habrel was also placed on concurrent two years probation for felony vandalism at Rite-Aid in Hillcrest in which he destroyed 10 champagne bottles in the Fifth Avenue store. He was ordered to pay $3,232 to Rite-Aid. Cano ordered him to stay away from Rite-Aid, not possess firearms, ammunition, or incendiary devices. The Rite-Aid vandalism occurred on Oct. 9; he was released on his own recognizance Oct. 16, and just four days later, the arson at Gossip Grill occurred. Habrel said nothing in court, but had explained his actions to a probation officer, who wrote a report that was released on Jan. 23. “My brain was fried from smoking that stuff,” Habrel said, referring to fentanyl, according to his interview. He said he didn’t specifically target Gossip Grill, but he was “just high” and “is thankful he did not light himself on fire,” according to the report. Habrel wants to “make reparations,” for the damages he caused from “his very dumb
From Feb; 4-10, the festival will continue online and the films will be made available from 9 am Feb. 4, through midnight on Feb. 10. Films offered online are “Is Anybody Out There?” in which filmmaker Ella Glendining asks the question: “What does it take to love yourself fiercely as a disabled person in a non-disabled world?” Also available for online screening, the multiple awardwinning “Seven Winters in Tehran” chronicles the life of 19-year-old Reyhaneh Jabbari, who became a symbol of resistance and women’s rights in Iran and worldwide. In addition to these films, three of the in-person films, “Bad Press,” “Si Pudiera Quedarme (If I Could Stay)” and “We Dare to Dream” will also be available to stream. Tickets for in-person screenings are as follows: individual film tickets: $6 members | $8 seniors, military, and students (with ID) | $10 non-members. In-person festival pass to see all four films: $20 members | $30 non-members. Digital Tickets: Digital-only festival pass provides access to five films online, including two films not available in person: $20 members | $35 non-members. Individual film digital tickets: $6 members | $9 non-members. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit ff.hrw.org/san-diego. –Morgan M. Hurley can be reached at editor@lgbtqsd. news. ▼ actions,” the report quoted him as saying. Girton said when the fire department first arrived at the scene and put out the fire, they initially suspected the cause was electrical. Girton said that didn’t make sense because it burned where there was no electrical outlet and the rainbow flag was also burned. Then she saw the video in which a giggling Habrel started the fire with lighter fluid. When he was first arrested, Habrel said he wanted to “burn the city down and proceeded to find the best wood structure,” the report said. He admitted to police that he shoplifted a $6.99 bottle of lighter fluid from Ralphs and had also been smoking “some bad fentanyl,” according to the report. He told police he selected Gossip Grill “because they were gossiping and he needed the gossip to end in his mind.” Habrel also said he tried to set a telephone pole on fire. The report said Habrel was later polite and cooperative while talking to a probation officer. “The interview process was explained, including the fact nothing he said would be confidential and that he had the right to terminate the interview at any time. The defendant indicated he understood and did not submit a written statement,” the report said. No one was injured in the fire. –Neal Putnam is a local crime reporter. You can reach him at nealputnam@gmail.com ▼
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FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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The Center tiles controversy
Donor tiles removed during renovations to be replaced by summer By Benny Cartwright Following our reporting in the Sept. 2023 issue about the San Diego LGBT Community Center’s removal of donor recognition tiles that had been on display in The Center’s main lobby for nearly 20 years, the organization has announced that it will soon replace the tiles. “We heard feedback from some community members who were connected to the tiles that they were concerned about the relocation of the tiles to the digital display in The Center’s auditorium,” said The Center’s Senior Director of Development Ian Johnson. “The Center has now decided to replace all the donor tiles that were removed with new tiles.” The Center, which moved into its current main location in 1999, performed an extensive remodel of its ground floor while the building was closed to the public during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the renovations, the donor recognition tiles, many of which had adorned the lobby walls since the early 2000s, were all destroyed. According to Johnson, 187 tiles were on the original wall before the renovations. Photos were taken of all the tiles before their removal and in order to continue to honor the memory of the plaques, a digital display was created that showed images of the former plaques on the wall of the building’s auditorium during all major events. “We heard feedback from some in the community that the digital display we implemented did not capture the impact of the original tile display,” Johnson said. “In response to that feedback, we put together a plan to explore options beyond the digital display of tiles in the auditorium.” To replace the tiles, The Center has plans to install the new tiles outside the building on their front patio, among the capital campaign bricks from
The new tiles will be placed on the walls surrounding the Memorial Garden, which is located to the right of the front entrance to The Center. (Photo by Big Mike Phillips)
1999 and the Memorial Garden to right of the main entrance (as you face the building). “We feel that this highly visible placement will honor those remembered in the tiles and will have a strong impact on people visiting The Center,” Johnson said. While the tiles will not be re-created in the exact same style as the originals, they will have a similar look and feel, and be printed with the exact wording as before. There will be no charge to the original donors and all tiles will be replaced unless a donor specifically requests that it not be. Center officials said they shared the news with many of the donors who contributed to the original tile program and said the response has been positive. “The supporters whom we have been able to contact are thrilled with the relocation,” Johnson said. “Some have instructed us that a replacement tile is not necessary, and others are excited to see them back up. Our donors who want their tile replaced have been happy to hear this news.” Johnson also shared the responsibility that his organization has to honor the
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community’s history while meeting the current needs of the community. “Both are part of building trust with our community; trust that we will not forget our past and trust that we will be here as a gathering place and as a place where people can be their full, authentic selves while accessing services,” he said. “In creating a larger and more welcoming lobby filled with community art and accessible services, as well as more meeting spaces, we answered the requests of thousands of community
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–Benny Cartwright is a longtime activist and community leader. Reach him at community@ lgbtqsd.news. Follow him on Instagram @BennyC80.▼
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“Replacing these tiles and having them be a part of that welcoming experience means so much to our tile donors who were early supporters of The Center,” Johnson said. “We can’t wait to see the results later this year.” The project is expected to be completed this summer.
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members who participated in our Community Needs Assessment and our Town Halls,” Johnson continued. “In placing the tiles along the patio wall near the other memorial pieces, we are honoring our history as well as preserving the legacy of those who helped to make us what we are today.” Johnson said that the San Diego LGBT Community Center should be a place where every person feels and knows that they belong.
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FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
OPINION
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LGBTQ San Diego County News P.O. Box 34664 San Diego, CA 92163 619-432-LGBT PUBLISHER Eddie Reynoso publisher@lgbtqsd.news EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Morgan M. Hurley editor@lgbtqsd.news GRAPHIC DESIGN Chad Bevan creative@lgbtqsd.news COMMUNITY EDITOR Benny Cartwright community@lgbtqsd.news STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Big Mike Phillips WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA info@lgbtqsd.news ADVERTISING SALES sales@lgbtqsd.news 858-886-9458 SENIOR COLUMNIST Nicole Murray Ramirez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Phillips | Neal Putnam | Frank Sabatini Jr. Connor Maddocks
Opinion
I’m coming out: I’m Team Toni By Eddie Reynoso Earlier this month, California Senate President Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins announced her 2026 bid to serve as Governor of California. As publisher of this paper, but also as someone who has had to work multiple jobs at once to survive since the age of 16, I am proud to endorse Toni. Toni is one of us; the working class. If elected, she will be the first woman to serve as governor of California. And she just so happens to be lesbian. She has experienced our challenges, and she knows what making a dollar means. She is not afraid to speak about her upbringing, her free school lunches, and the donations
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Terry Sidie David Mannis
of clothes that her family accepted. She understands the struggles that more and more Californians are facing each and every single day. It makes her human. It makes her accessible. And that makes her relatable to a lot of us. Time, after time, after time again, Toni Atkins has shown up for our people. She has been there for those who struggle to make ends meet, for those whose reproductive rights are challenged, for those with “less than” ... Toni is there for us. And she takes that fight everywhere she goes: from cleaning up our local beaches in San Diego; to the home of our civil rights movement at The Stonewall Inn; to the sidewalks of Hillcrest, where she got on her knees to clean the John Wear Hate Crime plaque; she has been there to remember those of us who have been beaten or killed for being perceived as less than. Year after year, Toni has given her time to feed our community for Thanksgiving. She lends her
Publisher Eddie Reynoso with Atkins after her speech announcing her gubernatorial run. (Photo by Tonja Alvis)
support to the LGBT Victory Fund, ensuring other LGBTQ people like you and I are not just benefiting from the work she has done, but she is there to lift us up and provide us with our own platforms by encouraging other young LGBTQ leaders to get involved in local politics, to challenge themselves to grow and run for office. From the halls of our city hall where she helped pass San Diego’s first living wage law, to the halls of the state capitol leading both chambers, she is the most qualified person to lead the most populous state in the nation, and the world’s fourth largest economy. She knows the policy work, and she knows the budget. As leader of both chambers, she is uniquely qualified for and knows how to reach across the aisle to get difficult and challenging things done. As leader of the State Senate, Toni is the first person in 150 years — and the third in California state history to have
served as both the Speaker of the Assembly and President pro Tem of the Senate. She is also the first woman and first openly gay person to ever hold those roles. As Speaker of the Assembly, she became the first openly gay Governor of California, when she served as acting governor while then-Gov. Jerry Brown and thenLt. Gov. Newsom were both out of the state. Most recently, this past July, when Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis were both out of state, she made history as the first LGBTQ person to sign bills into state law. The election for 2026 may be two years away, but TEAM TONI begins today! Support Toni Atkins for Governor of the people, by the people, and for the people. Toni is one of us! Get to know her by visiting toniatkins.org. ▼
Toni Atkins cleans the John Wear Hate Crime plaque on University Avenue. (Courtesy Eddie Reynoso)
ASSOC. PUBLISHER EMERITUS Nicole Murray Ramirez NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE Charles Wellman charles@rivendellmedia.com 908-232-2021 EXT 225
CALIFORNIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE Scott Wazlowski advertising@ebar.com 415-829-8937 DISTRIBUTION LGBTQ San Diego County News is distributed free monthly. © 2023. All Rights Reserved. SUBMISSIONS / NEWS TIPS For tips, stories, letters to the editor, or other media inquiries, email editor@lgbtqsd.news. EDITOR’S NOTE The opinions written in this publication’s advertorial, editorial and opinion pages are the author’s own and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff and/or publisher of LGBTQ San Diego County News. The newspaper and its staff should be held harmless of liability or damages.
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Letters Editor’s Note: We accept and encourage letters to the editor, and we curate our “letters” from emails, snail mail, Facebook, and comments on our website. However, we reserve the right to publish – or not to publish – any particular submission or comment, and if we do choose to publish, it does not mean that we align or agree with the writer’s intentions, assertions or allegations. Auntie Helen’s feedback [Ref: “A ‘bright light’ goes dim,” Vol. 4, Issue 31, or online at bit.ly/3Opawjz] Wow, what a legacy. Thanks for so many years of service. –Kevin Flynn, via LGBTQ San Diego County News Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me. Unfortunately, they went through too much turmoil. –Jeff Redondo, via LGBTQ San Diego County News D3 candidate reaches out [Ref: “Whitburn faces challengers,” Vol. 4, Issue 31, or online at bit.ly/4bfp8vw] Thank you, Morgan, and LGBTQSD News, for this opportunity. As a native San Diegan born in this district, I am both humbled and blessed to have the chance to represent such a rich and diverse community.
While I am not a member of the LGBTQ community, I recognize the longstanding kinship between the Black and LGBTQ communities in our shared struggle for acceptance and equality. I am committed to nurturing this alliance, bringing a conservative perspective to our united efforts. –Ellis California Jones (candidate for District 3 City Council seat), via LGBTQ San Diego County News Hail to new theater writer [Ref: “How I lost my Broadway cherry,” Vol. 4, Issue 31, or online at bit.ly/48YFY07] That’s so cool! Congratulations, Chris Barone! Love you! –Rose Linder, via LGBTQ San Diego County News More celebration of local exhibitionist [Ref: “Amazon turned the lights off,” Vol. 4, Issue 29, or online at bit.ly/47qitf1] I admire anyone who does what they enjoy doing! For you it’s “Clothes Off,” and you found a way to do it. I like anyone who finds an avenue into happiness, especially “between the lines” of an establishment. Here’s to always finding one’s voice in any other closed venues that needn’t be closed at all. Feed your souls, desires
and appetites adequately … they power everything. –Manny Givot, via LGBTQ San Diego County News Reader clarifies church name [Ref: “Flamy Grant ‘sways her hips’ back into San Diego,” Vol. 4, Issue 31, or online at bit.ly/48Ufug6] University Christian Church is a Disciples of Christ Church, not United Church of Christ (UCC). The initials of University Christian Church (UCC), can sometimes cause confusion. –Rev Bruce Baker-Rooks, via LGBTQ San Diego County News Well deserved thanks [Ref: “Benny’s Beat: Honoring our community is a serious responsibility,” Vol. 4, Issue 31] or online at bit.ly/496gjT6] I’m sorry you guys had to deal with hateful people. You are doing wonderful things for our community! Your love and support are felt everywhere! Thank you. –James Wallen, via LGBTQ San Diego County News
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FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33 Bathhouse comparisons [Ref: “The Shoulders I Stand Upon: History of San Diego’s Bathhouses,” Vol. 4, Issue 27, or online bit.ly/40gHnM5] The entry price is way too high for lockers only or for a room. I’ve never experienced such high prices for a bathhouse anywhere else in the US, or world for that matter. –Eric Moreno, via LGBTQ San Diego County News
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Artist appreciation [Ref: “Artist Profile: Colette Hebert,” Vol. 4, Issue 23] or online at bit.ly/47V0yxg] Wonderful article of a marvelous artist, Colette Hebert, whom I met at least three decades ago when I purchased many of her works at Passions Gallery in Provincetown. So wonderful to read about you Colette! –Andrea M. Gordon, via LGBTQ San Diego County News ▼
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COMMUNITY VOICES
FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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A simple idea created a journey that changed lives
Many years ago, Nigel Mayer and I worked together as bartenders, and over time, we became best friends. We worked together, partied together, traveled together, spent the holidays together, and always celebrated each other’s birthdays together. On Nigel’s birthday in 1996, I took him to Peohe’s on Coronado Island, which was his choice to celebrate. I remember as if it were yesterday, we had just finished eating our lunch, sitting on the patio overlooking the beautiful skyline of San Diego, when our server brought Nigel his slice of birthday cake and sang “Happy Birthday” to him as he blew out his candle. As we sat there talking, Nigel said to me, “I have been thinking a lot about Ruth Henricks and Special Delivery.” (From their website: “Special Delivery San Diego, founded by Ruth Henricks, is a nonprofit, 100-percent volunteer organization that feeds men, women and children with AIDS that serves a hot lunch and dinner five days a week.”) Nigel said Ruth had recently talked to him about the need for more money or they may have to shut down the entire operation. Just so you know, Nigel had been putting together bus trips to the game show “The Price is Right” in Los Angeles every year to help raise much needed money for Special Delivery, but they still needed more. So Nigel looked at me and said; “You know a lot of people in our community just think that we bartenders make all this money, but we never give back. So I have this idea and wanted to see what you think about it and if you think it could be done.” Nigel always had good ideas, so I was really interested in what he was going to say. “Well Big Mike, I was thinking about taking what we are already doing with our tips during the fundraisers held at the bar while we are working, how about if we create our own fundraiser event? We would invite all the bartenders in all the gay bars and ask them if they would donate half of their tips to help Special Delivery to continue feeding those with AIDS.” I looked at Nigel and said, “Hell yes, what a great idea. I would be happy to help you, it’s such a great idea.”
By now our minds were racing a hundred miles an hour, we were so excited. You see, neither one of us had done anything on a scale as large as this and needed to really sit down and figure this entire process out. How would we go about making this a reality? Who would we get to help, or who would want to help work with us to make this idea come true? That afternoon we talked about a few things we should concentrate on, but we both needed to go to work, so we agreed to start the next day on our game plan and how we would make this happen. Both of us were looking forward to taking on this new adventure, and our goal was to find a way to include every single bartender in every gay bar in San Diego’s then gay and lesbian community. First, we wrote down our ideas so we could explain our goals and what we were trying to accomplish. We would be asking all the bartenders to give up half of their hard-earned money for a charity and we had no idea how they would respond to that. After a few hours writing and rewriting our ideas, we called every single bar in town and asked for every bartender’s name, and then documented it all so we could put packages together.
great relationship with Michael Portantino the publisher, so we decided to approach him for help with getting the word out. We were hoping he would donate advertising space so our community would know what we were planning. In those days, we did not have the luxury of social media, so we relied on our local gay newspapers to see what was going on in our community and in our bars, gatherings, charities, fundraisers, and major community events. We really relied on our news outlets to provide us with all this information. Well, Michael loved our concept so much, he offered us a cover story in the Gay and Lesbian Times, suggesting we get a photo of all the bartenders together on the cover to help kickstart our event. Not only did he give us the cover, but full-page ads until the week of the event. At that moment, Michael Portantino became our very first sponsor and would continue to be our biggest sponsor until the end. With his support, ads, stories, and even money, he was able to tell our community our ideas, story, needs, and goals. It encouraged others to get involved, and even attracted other major sponsors to be included.
(l to r) Michael Lunsford, Nigel Mayer, and Big Mike Phillips (Courtesy Big Mike)
fountain at the end of the Prado in Balboa Park in front of the RH Fleet Science Center. Everyone who wanted to join in could come and register and also be in the photo for the cover of the paper, which would help promote our new fundraiser and star all of our participating bartenders. It also created a way to get our customers involved, just by showing up to support their favorite bartender and tipping them.
(l to r) Big Mike, Ruth Henricks (executive director of Special Delivery), Larry Aston (then photographer for the Gay and Lesbian Times), and Nigel Mayer, the day they photographed 100 local bartenders to kick-off their “Bartender’s Charity Event.” (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
Then with our own money, we went and “xeroxed” all our paperwork, bought 8 x 10 manilla envelopes, and put together a personal package inviting every single bartender from every gay bar to sign up. Nigel and I started laughing after we had created over 130 packages to hand out and looked at each other and said they are either going to think we are absolutely crazy asking for half of their money for one night’s work or they will love the idea. Luckily, Nigel had a column in the Gay and Lesbian Times newspaper, and we both had a
Michael and his paper truly opened the doors we needed to become as successful with our goals as we could, by getting all our information out to the entire community, over our five-year mission and it brought our community together as human beings to help save lives. First thing we did was go back and tell Ruth how Michael had agreed to sponsor us through the newspaper. Then we set a date for a Saturday morning at 10 am with Michael, and in our packages we invited everyone who would like to participate to come to the large
One of the very first people in the bar community who loved what we were doing was our very close friend Michael Lunsford. After Nigel and I hand delivered all those manilla envelopes to each bar, it was Michael Lunsford, Nigel Mayer and myself who showed up that Saturday at 9 am, with a six-foot table and three chairs, a handful of pens, extra sheets to sign up to participate, and sat down and waited for people to show up. Now remember this was a big ask, because we bartenders work till 3 or 4 in the morning, so to get
130 bartenders to show up that early was going to be a challenge. Remember this was long before social media the three of us had no idea who – or if anyone – would show up. Well, it was 10 am and not one soul had shown up, and by 10:10 am, still no one. Then Nigel said, “Looks like this may not be such a great idea after all, what will we do if no one shows up?” To which I replied, “Then the three of us will do it, it may not be much but it’s still more money than they have now.” Then out of nowhere, they started showing up! Needless to say, the three of us were overjoyed to witness all the support headed towards us. We had over 100 show up, though not everyone wanted to be in the photo. Even Ruth showed up that morning with Special Delivery Christmas T-shirts that she was able to get donated. So, we did have our photo for the cover taken with all the bartenders that wanted to be in the picture. Out of a total of 130 bartenders, 125 did commit and sign up before the actual night of the fundraiser. This photo session marked the beginning of an adventure of kindness, compassion, inclusions, and something that would turn into something bigger and better than any of us could have ever imagined. Unfortunately, because of the limited space I have to write in each issue, I will stop here and in future issues I’ll be writing about the growth, people, sponsors, donors, businesses, and the joy that these years had not only on myself, but how it brought a community together in a time we needed each other most. I invite you to follow me on this journey that helped change and shape so many lives for the better, just by being involved and giving of themselves and their hard earned money from the heart. These are the shoulders I stand upon. –Big Mike Phillips is a local photographer, bartender, and longtime LGBT activist and fundraiser. You can reach him at bmsd1957@gmail.com
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Life is easier when you just ‘keep scrolling’ As I write this column, I am sitting at a local bar in Hillcrest that was quiet until just a few minutes ago when karaoke started. I’m not a fan of karaoke, especially when super drunk people get on stage and start screeching into the microphone thinking they sound like Taylor
What’s Happening in 2024 VOTE VOTE VOTE So we rang in the New Year, but so far nothing has changed much, that I can see. Republicans all over our country are still introducing many anti-transgender bills as fast as they can think of them. The Republicans also seem to be holding on to their uninformed, biased, disgraceful support of the dishonorable, seditious, lying, sexual violence perpetrator against women, thief, and well you can add the rest since you should all know who I am talking about, Presidential contender. Now that we know him much better than the reality show host and real estate mogul he pretends to be, it is 100 times scarier for those of us who are decent, patriotic, law-abiding citizens, Republican and Democrat. I won’t go on anymore about this person, but sadly he does play a large part in our upcoming year. Transgender people are part of this country, our state and our city. As such, I believe we have a huge responsibility, especially now, to be a part of the voices for change across our country. Maybe we think it’s all nice and cushy here in California, yet, one never knows if or when the tide could change. One of the best ways we can be part of keeping
COMMUNITY VOICES
Swift, but they really sound like Roseanne Barr singing the national anthem at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1990 (younger ones may not be familiar with that reference). I also used to really dislike when football played on the TVs at bars. A bunch of people staring at a TV screen and screaming violently whenever a play happened that they didn’t like was extra obnoxious to me. And as I wrote in my December column, I also used to poke fun at “circuit boys,” guys who I felt were constantly chasing a faded youth. I reconciled that when I worked the door at a series of circuit parties in the summer and over Thanksgiving weekend, where I realized that some of the nicest guys ever attended these parties. I used to also get annoyed by people who had obsessions with various celebrities, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and so much more. And I would often post on my social media about these irritations.
And thinking back about it, I can only ask myself, why? What was I so angry about? Why does what other people enjoy bother me? I post constantly about a lot of things I enjoy – mostly Hillcrest-related. I have gotten some nasty messages from people saying, “You really need to get out more, there’s a bigger world than Hillcrest.” And there absolutely is. On a given week, just within San Diego County, you can find me as far east as Pine Valley, at the border, and up toward Oceanside. When I’m not traveling out of town, I’m always exploring my home county and all of the unique parts of it. I don’t post online about most of my adventures because I like to explore anonymously when I get around. But regardless, I’m a big Hillcrest booster and other people are boosters of the many other things they are interested in.
California Blue is to VOTE. Never dismiss the impact of your one vote, because all of our votes together do help make a big impact. And because it is also the responsibility of each and every one of us to be part of the political system in our country, even if it’s just by voting. Vote in every election, not just the big ones like Federal and State leadership. You can help impact who represents your little piece of real estate. There are local elections for such things as Mayor and City Council members, for County Board of Supervisors and school boards and so many more. There may be bonds to vote on, which will impact your money. Don’t think for one minute these elections are not your concern, because they are yours, mine and everyone in this country. Before you can vote, make sure you are REGISTERED where you live now. Many people don’t realize that they must re-register to vote if they move, do a name change, become a new resident of California (or any other state for that matter). All the information you need to get this done and/or check on your status is located at the San Diego Registrar of Voters. Their website is sdvote.com. Literally everything is there for you, you can register to vote, you can check if you are registered, and you can update your registration if you have moved. Election information, Voter Rights, Voting Guides, even information on military or overseas voting. This is a no excuse website for all of us to get ready to vote. Did you know there is a Presidential Primary election coming up on March 5? [California permanently moved its Primary Election up to March from June.] Right now is the time to make sure you are ready for it, because voter registration deadline is Feb. 20. If you have questions, you can contact the Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800. Or visit their contact page on the website above.
TRANSGENDER DAY OF EMPOWERMENT So what other fun and important things are happening soon? One event very close to my heart is our annual Transgender Day of Empowerment. This event was conceived by our very own special DIVA, Tracie Jada O’Brien. Not long after the 2003 Transgender Day of Remembrance, some of us formed a group to begin work on bringing our community together, to find and share health resources, hormone replacement resources, to share our doctors, and the business places that were Trans friendly. It was a big bite, but we were determined. We knew many folks showed up for the Day of Remembrance, and we wanted to have something to counter that, that would bring so many in our community together. As we brainstormed, Miss Tracie said, “How about a Trans Day of Empowerment?” This would be a day to celebrate us, to show off our accomplishments, to BE US and to meet and mingle with our siblings and allies and supporters. We had plenty of discussion, and it was decided to hold the event every April, and the first Friday of April became our official day. I would love to tell you everyone who was part of this group, but I am old and forgetful, lol, and would leave someone out. A few members have now passed away and others have moved on with their lives. I will tell you that Tracie, Sarafina Scapicchio and I were on the founding committee and all 3 of us have been part of that committee since it started. That is 20 years for those who don’t want to count. As far as we could ascertain, we were the very first Transgender Day of Empowerment in the country. Many others have cropped up across the country since. We invited the entire community, local press, all of our elected officials and the Imperial Court de San Diego, to name a few. The event was held at the
LGBTQSD.NEWS My friends who love football often joke with me reminding me that it’s “Football Sunday today so don’t complain.” I actually haven’t complained about football in about five years. And why haven’t I? Because getting older is healing and I realized that it’s not worth my time or energy to put down things that others enjoy. We are a large, diverse community, and I want to celebrate everything that everyone enjoys. I often see people post on social media “I’m so sick of everyone posting about …” (be it the weather, RuPaul’s Drag Race, a current political hot topic, or a celebrity). My advice to those people is to just keep scrolling. There is no reason to put down what others enjoy or want to discuss. I no longer complain about football or karaoke or circuit boys or whatever else I used to think irritated me. Our world is more divided than ever right now, so
San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest. It was a wonderful night, decorations, cake, food and drink. Oh, did I mention cake? The elected officials brought proclamations and I believe a few speeches were made. We gave out community awards to those who had worked so hard to make things better. From there it grew, year-by-year a bit more elaborate, more people showing up and Costco Cakes and chicken wings became a must-have part of the menu going forward. I would also like to point out that our current mayor, Todd Gloria, came to our very first event representing his boss at the time, Susan Davis, our then Congressmember. Todd has never missed this event, being there in person for the last 20 years. Our wonderful Toni Atkins has also been with us to celebrate many many times and when she couldn’t, she would always send a representative from her office. A few years later, the idea came to us that we wanted to do more than simply come together and eat cake. Someone in the
I am cool with whatever things people enjoy, even if I have to endure a bit of screeching on the microphone at the bar. As we continue into 2024, let’s figure out ways to celebrate each other. Not just people’s career successes or other victories, but the simple things. People’s cultures, people’s identities, and people’s everyday likes. If someone cares about a celebrity, sport, or activity I know nothing about, I want to sit down and learn more about why they enjoy that. Maybe I’ll become a fan! If I can stop complaining about football at bars, you can stop complaining about little things that bother you that really have no bearing in the world. Lots of love to you all this February! –Benny Cartwright is a longtime activist and community leader. Reach him at community@ lgbtqsd.news. Follow him on Instagram @BennyC80 ▼
community suggested to Tracie that we create a scholarship fund. So the Tracie Jada O’Brien Scholarships became a reality. The committee did fundraising and with help from our wonderful Sarafina, a fundraising whiz, the money came in and has continued to come to us from many wonderful supporters. This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary on Friday, April 5. Our theme this year is “Looking Forward, Honoring the Past.” We are so excited to hear from a true legend, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. A wonderful program is being planned and scholarships will be awarded. Please save the date! For any questions, contact Tracie Jada O’Brien at tracieo@fhc.org, 619-906-4521, or check out the webpage at sdpride.org/tdoe. And Volunteer. Be a Sponsor. Donate to the Event. Donate to the Scholarship Fund. –Connor Maddocks (he, him, his) is a Transgender activist, trainer, speaker, and advocate. You can reach him at neon411@gmail.com. ▼
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COMMUNITY VOICES / NEWS
FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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Black History Month: 2024 Bayard Rustin Honorees
On Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 6 pm, in the Council Chambers of San Diego City Hall, the annual presentation of the prestigious Bayard Rustin Honors will be held in celebration of our nation’s Black History Month. One of the most respected and acclaimed Hollywood film producers, Bruce Cohen, will be among the honorees receiving the coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award” and he will be flying in from New York to accept this well-deserved tribute. Among Cohen’s awardwinning films are “American Beauty,” as well as “Milk,” about the life of civil rights icon Harvey Milk, which starred Sean Penn.
California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber will also be flying in from Sacramento to present Cohen with the award. Dr. Weber herself is a 2015 Bayard Rustin Honors Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Decades ago, popular Latina activist Carolina Ramos first introduced me to the legacy and historic significance of Bayard Rustin. What is so unbelievable is that I was actually introduced to Rustin at the 1987 National LGBTQ March on Washington at the main stage, but did not know who he was until Carolina showed me the documentary film on his life, “Brother Outsider.” This film absolutely changed my life, as I was angry at myself and our community as I soon realized at that time that probably 95% of our LGBTQA+ community did not know who Bayard Rustin was. And likely 80% of the African-American community was not aware of him. Because of this, I vowed decades ago that I would make the legacy of Bayard Rustin one of my priorities and national projects. This is why I launched the ongoing Bayard Rustin Postage Stamp Campaign with honorary chairs like Bruce Cohen, Judy and Dennis Shepard, Mandy Carter, Cleve
Jones, Stuart Milk, David Mixner, Rev. Troy Perry, and Rustin’s lifelong partner, Walter Naegle, who I have been honored to become friends with over these last few decades. I was also proud to get Rustin placed on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City. Carolina Ramos and I are the proud founders of the now acclaimed Bayard Rustin Honors, which we are making future plans to make a state-wide, and possibly national recognition. Longtime LGBTQ and Black civil rights icon Mandy Carter was the first recipient of the Bayard Rustin Honors Lifetime Achievement Award. I will never forget and will always appreciate State Senator Scott Weiner (then chair of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus) and then State Assemblymember Shirley Weber (chair of the State Black Legislative Caucus) when they joined me in our efforts to get Gov. Gavin Newsom to pardon Bayard Rustin’s entrapment arrest record by the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1950s. That was a great day in our State Capital, as I joined Dr. Weber, Sen. Weiner, and members of the International Imperial Court to officially announce the governor’s pardon.
Joining us Feb. 28 at the Bayard Rustin Honors at San Diego City Hall, with not only Secretary of State Weber, but California State Senate President Pro Tem (and our next governor), Toni Aktins, along with Mayor Todd Gloria, District Attorney Summer Stephan, and other officials. The 6 pm event is open to the general public. See full list of honorees in the ad below.
–Nicole Murray Ramirez is a lifelong Latino and LGBT activist and advocate, a longtime city commissioner, and is the Queen Mother of the International Imperial Court of the Americas. He can be reached at nicolemrsd1@gmail.com. ▼
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San Ysidro, and as far north as
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Oceanside, with many saying they care about the neighborhood even though they don’t reside there. During the cleanup, a dozen of the volunteers headed over to Florence Elementary School to assist the kindergarten teachers clean out two sheds and prepare a weeded-over garden for use by the students to create a community garden. The Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive recently formed a partnership with Florence and will continue to provide cleanup support at future events, and is also developing a program to provide needed supplies and books for the school. The Hillcrest Business Association provided use of their utility truck and dumpsters, as over 50 bags of trash and recyclables were collected by volunteers. Following the cleanup, all volunteers were invited to Urban MO’s for light bites and the first round of drinks provided by the bar. Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails events will be hosted each quarter of this year, with the next one scheduled for Saturday, April 20. The April cleanup will be in conjunction with I Love A Clean San Diego’s Creek to Bay Cleanup scheduled for the same day. Volunteers will gather at the Hillcrest sign starting at 9 a.m. Urban MO’s has agreed to sponsor the “cocktails” portion of the event throughout the year. Additional cleanups will be scheduled for August and December. More information can be found on Instagram at @ HillcrestSanDiego or the “Clean Up Hillcrest” group on Facebook. DRAG YOUR VALENTINE OUT Bring your loved one to an independent drag show this Valentine’s season, when the San Diego Golden Girls perform at The Merrow on Saturday, Feb. 10. Seating begins at 5:30 pm and the performance starts at 6:30 pm. The San Diego Golden Girls is a group of drag entertainers featuring cast members over the age of 50. The main cast includes Jade, Ajax, Norma, Stephanie, Amber and Aiesha. “Our mission is to keep the golden age of drag alive,” Jade told LGBTQ San Diego County News. “Our ‘old school’ type of show has caught on with the community and we are in the middle of our eighth year.”
Jade said the group also welcomes younger performers to take part and they enjoy putting the spotlight on newcomers, which helps give them a leg up and the chance to make a name for themselves. The group also supports various San Diego charities. Their last fundraising effort was a food drive for Special Delivery. Golden Girls Jade Melrose, Norma Braxton and Ajax are scheduled to participate in the Valentine’s show and will welcome guest performers Hypnotica, Evelyn Rose and Victoria Elvatto. If you can’t make it for Valentine’s week, the San Diego Golden Girls have a residency at The Merrow on the second Saturday of every month. To keep up with their monthly performances and other activities, follow their Facebook page bit.ly/3OraOq6. NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY VALENTINE POP-UP EXHIBIT SD Art Advisory in Mission Hills is hosting several lovethemed pop-up exhibits to help the community celebrate Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 6-9 pm. One exhibit features the “Love Parade” pop-up, featuring the work of artist and SD Art Advisory gallery owner, Alexander Salazar. “Come join us for a fun and heart-filled art pop-up with captivating original artworks, music, drinks and good vibes,” the promo said. “This show will set the mood.” Also featured is the works of the legendary local artist Joe Phillips. “Join us for some saucy and fun gay comic art, illustrated by local artist Joe Phillips, where you get to explore his original drawings.” In addition, attendees 18 and over can explore the fine art nude photography of Nolan Dean. “Get captivated by beautiful photographic works of the male body at SD Art Advisory by local gay San Diego photographer, Nolan Dean,” stated a promotion about the event. Gallerist Salazar encourages couples, friends and singles to attend, mingle, enjoy music and refreshments while taking in all the exhibits in, and “get ready to fall in love with art” this Valentine’s Day. Admission to the pop-ups and love-themed atmosphere are free, but general admission tickets via Eventbrite are recommended. SD Art Advisory is located at 3977 Falcon St. in Mission Hills. For
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more information and access to tickets, visit sdartadvisory.com. ‘TREES’ SURPASSES PREVIOUS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS The 2023 Festival of Trees, held Nov. 19, 2023, at insideOUT in Hillcrest, raised $46,000 for its benefactor, Being Alive San Diego, a local HIV/AIDS service provider. It was the third year of the festive event, which has filled the community’s holiday void after the popular annual wreath auction at the former Martinis Above Fourth ended its long run. Hosted by Big Gay California (BGCA), the Festival of Trees fundraiser auctions off Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes, which have been conceptualized, built and then donated by local and regional philanthropists, businesses, and other nonprofits. They also have a popular silent auction. Each year, 100% of the proceeds have gone to HIV/AIDS services. In 2021, its inaugural year, the “Trees” fundraiser brought in $27,500, and in 2022, the festival raised $40,000 for Being Alive. This year bested that by $6,000. Also announced was the big winner of the night’s silent auction travel raffle: Bill Bleker will soon be taking a trip to Hawaii, courtesy of Festival of Trees sponsor Southwest Airlines. BGCA will host their fourth annual Festival of Trees on Nov. 24, 2024, and they are moving it to Rich’s Nightclub, also in Hillcrest. “InsideOUT has been an amazing partner, sponsor and venue, and we wouldn’t have had the successful impact on our local community without their generosity these past three years,” said BGCA Board Chair Bobby Gordon in a press release. The release explained that due to Festival of Trees selling out the past two years and the “growth and expansion” of insideOUT’s annual Holiday Oasis experience, it only made sense to seek out another venue in the community for their next holiday shindig. “We’re changing things up to allow for more trees, an expanded VIP experience, a larger silent auction, and more space for people to attend.” To learn more about this event, and consider participating or being a sponsor in 2024, visit festivaloftreessd.org or email festivaloftreessd@gmail.com. To volunteer or donate to Being Alive, visit beingalive.com.
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DOWN
1 Its monitors show Windy City
1 URL ending 2 Time for Frida 3 Middle name of “Viva, Las Vegas” singer 4 Together again 5 Hans Christian Andersen’s naked marcher 6 Castro, in S.F. 7 “What does she see ___?” 8 Strap-on for a diver 9 One that comes quickly 10 Neighbor of Brazil 11 Caspian Sea land 12 “___! Went the Strings of My Heart” 13 Hrs. in P-town 21 Graceful seabird 22 Edvard Grieg’s land (abbr.) 25 Curt refusal 26 Conductor Boulanger 27 Get to second base, perhaps 28 Gave the once-over in a gay bar 30 African language 31 Put one on top of the other 32 What a drag queen may use on her nails 34 1,101 to 47 Down 35 Hart Crane work 41 2007 movie of Elliot Page 42 Failed to mention 43 Peat areas 44 Broadway Annie, and others 45 It takes balls 47 Many a senator stuck it in him 50 Last stop before home 51 Allstate rival 53 Cop flirting in a tearoom 54 “Hi” to Lorca 55 O’Donnell homophone 56 Holy union or commitment ceremony, e.g. 57 “Frozen” queen 58 Mag. leafs 61 Hard top
times 6 Frisbee, for one 10 They say it matters 14 “Air Music” composer Ned 15 “Hedwig and the Angry ___” 16 Novelist Leon 17 Type of sex 18 Andrew of “Melrose Place” 19 Give a lot of mouth 20 She played Diana Nyad in the movie “Nyad” 23 Land of O. Wilde 24 Be a snitch 25 About to happen 29 Fit for sowing one’s seed 33 The meaning of “nyad” in Greek 36 Way to address a dominatrix 37 Had too many M&M’s, e.g. 38 “The Name of the Rose” writer 39 Dec. 31 (abbr.) 40 Long in the field of acting 41 She played Nyad’s trainer in the movie “Nyad” 46 Powder for bottoms 48 Freddie of Queen 49 “West Side Story” girl 52 David Sedaris’ home on the air 53 2013 documentary about Nyad 58 Pam Parsons and Patty Sheehan 59 Brother of Jermaine 60 Not erect 62 The Oscars, e.g. 63 Sea eagles 64 Crackers or bananas 65 Hit boxers 66 “Saving Private Ryan” event 67 Compare gays to
A $46,000 check was presented to Being Alive during a special reception for sponsors and volunteers held on Jan. 10, at Barrel & Board. Pictured left to right are Bobby Gordon (Big Gay CA board chair and Festival of Trees founder), Jim Cassidy and Shannon Wagner of Being Alive, Joshua Simmons and Nick Duckro (BGCA board members), and Moe Girton, owner of Barrel & Board and a host of the 2023 Festival of Trees. (Courtesy BGCA)
pedophiles, e.g.
SOLUTION on page 15
LGBTQSD.NEWS
DINING
Indulging in the company of cats Nicole Smith and husband Christopher (Courtesy Whiskers & Wine)
Since making its introduction to the LGBTQ community at the San Diego Pride parade last year, the stylish two-level Whiskers & Wine in North Park is still landing on the radar of cat lovers throughout the county. Owner Nicole Smith runs the business with her husband Christopher. She said it’s the only cafe in California with a full liquor license where “you can order a ‘meowtini’ and pet a cat.” With a fresh slate of seasonal cocktails in the offing, it’s also a place where you can sip wine while munching on things like “charCATerie” boards; “pawsitively French” and “catprese” flatbreads; and ovenbaked “kitten tots” served with Himalayan salt and “CATsup.” The cafe’s wine inventory is currently changing. Until recently, Smith sourced her vino exclusively from Tricia Record- Swartz of Record Family Wines, which had a tasting room in Hillcrest until Record-Swartz moved back to Paso Robles, where her family’s winery is headquartered. (That space is now a wine and flower shop called Cork & Stem, 1035 University Ave.) “We try to work with local women-owned vendors. So we’re slowing shifting to new wine partners.” Whiskers & Wine has been around since 2022. More than 170 cat adoptions have been made through the business. At any given time, the number of resident cats range from 12 to 17. They live cage-free inside the cafe, and all of them are available for adoption. Visitors are charged $30 for 75-minute visits. The cost includes full access to the downstairs lounge and upstairs patio—and of course mingling time with the cats. Smith points out that visitors must be at least 12 years old. Reservations are recommended. “The aesthetic of our elegant lounge is more adult-oriented. We’re catering to adults who want to come in and have a cocktail or glass of wine.” 2856 Adams Ave., 619-837-2325, whiskersandwinebar.com
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Duck fat fries at The Smoking Goat (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)
‘The best fries in California’ are in North Park? It’s a tall order when food media call out certain restaurant dishes as being “the best” you’ll find in various cities, states or countries. Hence the popular website, lovefood.com, which points directly to The Smoking Goat as having “the best french fries in all of California.” The recent survey gave top honors to The Smoking Goat’s fries because they’re deep-fried in precious duck fat, a technique that chefowner Fred Piehl has been using since he opened the French-inspired restaurant in 2010. Cooking anything in duck fat back then was a novelty — and to many, it still is. “They are really something special,” the writers at LoveFood concurred while praising the fact that the perfectly crispy fries take on a drizzle of truffle oil and a dusting of pecorino Romano cheese. Served with a side of mustard aioli, we’ve experienced these spuds firsthand and have to agree they are pretty stellar. 3408 30th St., 619-955-5295, thesmokinggoatrestaurant.com
Mini review: The new cookie at Costco Food Courts
Mission Mission Valley Va lley newcomers newc omers Two palate-grabbing establishments have arrived in Mission Valley: A fastcasual Israeli eatery called Hamitbach Street Food, and a third location of the The chicken schnitzel sandwich at Hamitbach Street Food (Facebook) Chula Vista-based Novo Brazil Brewing. The former specializes in kosher dishes found commonly on the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They include arais (grilled pita stuffed with ground beef, onions and parsley); chicken schnitzel in challah bread; merguez (spicy beef sausage); cauliflower shawarma, and more. 5664 Mission Center Road in the Friars-Mission Center plaza, 619-272-0182, hamitbachstreetfood.com Novo has taken over the 11,500-square-foot space left vacant by Tilted Kilt in Mission Valley Mall. It is the company’s first location in metro San Diego, featuring more than 60 taps pouring beers from Novo’s hefty portfolio. The food menu offers a mix of Brazilian and American fare such as chicken croquettes, grilled steaks and fish, California burritos, and more. 1640 Camino del Rio North, 619-310-5387, novobrew.com.
Get ‘toasted’ in La Mesa A cool, new brunch spot called Toasted La Mesa is being compared by some to popular Hillcrest kitchens such as Snooze and Great Maple. The stylish restaurant has two locations in Las Vegas and one in Oceanside. The menu in La Mesa follows suit with daily bottomless mimosas and an all-day “gastrobrunch” menu of top-selling dishes such as classic French omelets, red velvet pancakes and peanut butter and bacon French toast that pays tribute to Elvis Presley. Toasted was founded several years ago by restaurateur Sami Ladeki of the well-established Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza chain. 8555 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 104, La Mesa, 619-460-8555, toastedgastrobrunch.com
The latest menu item at Costco food courts (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)
Consumers are still mourning the recent loss of Costco’s popular churros that were available for a couple of decades at the store’s outdoor food courts. They’ve been replaced with a chubby double-chocolate chunk cookie, which sells for $2.49. And we’re not complaining. Served warm, the cookie is bi-textural. It sports delightfully crunchy edges and a soothing, soft interior. The all-butter crumb is unmistakable as it blends blissfully with bittersweet and semi-sweet globs of chocolate. For this writer, who isn’t a huge fan of cookies, it was love at first bite. Keep in mind that you’ll need to ignore your diet because one of these beauties will set you back 750 calories. costco.com
–Frank Sabatini Jr. has been writing about food in San Diego for over 35 years. He launched his own food blog during the pandemic, called, “The Hash Star,” which you can follow at thehashstar.com. He can be reached at frank. sabatini92108@gmail.com
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San Diego’s first annual ‘Fetish Gras’ by Benny Cartwright Mardi Gras season is coming up, and to celebrate, a group of event producers are organizing the first-ever San Diego Fetish Gras, scheduled for Feb. 9-11 at venues throughout Hillcrest. Produced by Mr. City Entertainment, Raul Noel Productions, and Alberto Bernal, the weekend will include three fun dance parties with a kinky twist. According to event organizers, the events are dedicated to the leather/fetish community, and will be the first Mardi Gras-themed fetish weekend in the United States. University Heights resident Joshua Simmons, owner of Mr. City Entertainment, was the visionary behind the weekend of events and has been hard at work for several months to produce an experience like no other for San Diegans. “I love our leather/fetish community and have argued that in the years I’ve been here [in San Diego], this community has grown significantly to the point that a lot of new events have had some kind of leather/fetish element inserted into them,” Simmons told LGBTQ San Diego County News. “My travels to multiple fetish street fairs and events throughout California has led me to the conclusion that one of [San Diego’s] key missing elements is a fetish weekend. Many have told me
that the powers that be may not be ready for it – but I know the community is.” And ready Simmons and his team are to show San Diego what a fetish weekend can look like. Party-goers will be able enjoy two distinct events at The Rail, and a third event at Rich’s San Diego. The weekend opens with “a detour down the seedy alley” to Kink Street, taking place at The Rail, on Friday, Feb. 9, from 9 pm to 2 am. Simmons said that the Kink Street party was inspired by many of the leather bars he has visited over the years. “It will have darker music and a more gritty vibe, but still encapsulates the over the top, whimsy feel Mardi Gras is known for,” Simmons continued. The event will include a BDSM demonstration by Alpha Rob of Detoxxx Leather, and Sir Francis, along with interactive kinks throughout the night that will give guests the chance to earn their beads. DJ Alex Ferberye from Miami will spin. On Saturday, Feb. 10, guests are invited back to The Rail for an after hours party from 9 pm to 4 am, called Revolution Decadence, presented by Alberto Bernal. “Alberto’s love of circuit and production elements will bring us a kinky, seductive masquerade,” Simmons shared. The Saturday event will be headlined by DJ Arno Diem from France, with opener DJ Venturo. There will also be drag performances and other surprises that Simmons said he has to keep secret for now! Those who are still up for partying on Sunday, Feb. 11, are invited to a special tea-dance
LGBTQSD.NEWS
EVENTS style event from 5-10 pm, at Rich’s San Diego called Krewez Tea-Dance. “Krewez takes inspiration from Southern Decadence, Carnaval and Bourbon Street in New Orleans,” Simmons said. “Rich’s will be transformed into Bourbon Street style with leather/fetish vendors, street performances, tarot card readers, and much more.” Along with performances by saxophonist Nightshade Navarro and Scarlett of Scarlett Fever, DJ Shane Marcus from Atlanta will spin during the tea-dance. And there’s more! Simmons has partnered with other venues and events like PECS, AWOL, the San Diego Eagle, Humanity! San Diego, the San Diego Leather Boot Black Competition, and Scarlett Fever, to bring a weekend of events throughout the city. More information on these additional events will soon be posted at mrcityentertainment.com. “It is so important to us to be able to work with as many people as possible to create something exciting for the entire community,” Simmons said. For those who may feel shy about attending a leather or fetish event, Simmons wants to assuage those fears. “Fetish Gras Weekend is all about anyone and everyone accepting their uniqueness, and exploring their kinks and fetishes,” he explained. “I see Fetish Gras as an entry event into the leather fetish community and a way for people to explore without it seeming dark and foreboding.
“A lot of people tell me they don’t have any kinks, but once I talk to them for a bit, I am able to point out their kinks to them,” he continued. “It doesn’t have to be big and scary. It could be simple and sweet.” Since moving to San Diego in 2019, Simmons has produced several events around town and said that he loves creating immersive, interactive experiences that transport guests to a new destination. “It is important to me that all your senses are activated when you come to my events,” Simmons said. “Production and set design have always been something I have loved ever since I was a young kid growing up watching Pee Wee Herman and the WWE. I personally don’t feel enough events use props and sets in their shows. When you come to one of my events it should feel like you’re getting a sneak peak into my wild and imaginative mind.” When he is producing events, Simmons said his favorite part is seeing the entire picture he envisions come to life. “Producing events teaches me new capabilities that I can achieve,” Simmons continued. “I never want to be comfortable when I do events. I want to constantly push my boundaries and take risks, because when the dust settles, I get to look back and see how much experience just one event gave me.” Outside of his work on Fetish Gras, Simmons is an active board member of Big Gay California (BGCA), the nonprofit organization that produces the annual Festival of Trees San
Diego. He is also a lead organizer of the The Big Gay Picnic, a monthly potluck held in Balboa Park during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, which focuses on creating activities outside of the bars. The next Big Gay Picnic actually returns after a break for the holiday season on Fetish Gras weekend, Sunday, Feb. 11, from 11 am to 3 pm. Once this year’s Fetish Gras weekend passes, Simmons is looking forward to getting some rest. “It has been a long, arduous journey to finally get to the finish line, so for a moment I’m going take some time to step back,” whe said. But he said that doesn’t mean he’s done. Simmons said he is really excited to share what his team has been working on for months to make Fetish Gras a reality, but also noted that in this first year of the event, they may not be able to do it the justice it deserves. “We are putting down the building blocks for something that, I hope, can outlast me,” he explained. “Maybe we can even build this into San Diego’s own fetish street fair down the road!” Those interested in attending Fetish Gras can buy a weekend pass for $75, which includes admission to all three events, or can purchase tickets for individual events, ranging from $15-$30. Tickets and more information can be found at mrcityentertainment.com. –Benny Cartwright can be reached at community@ lgbtqsd.▼
LGBTQSD.NEWS
NEWS
FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33
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FROM PAGE 1
Toni Atkins Atkins has been working for San Diegans as long as most can remember. But her humble beginnings in the Appalachian region of western Virginia are just as well known; her father was a lead miner and her family was very poor. They lacked running water, and had to carry buckets from the nearby stream to the outhouse and for use in their small home. She told the crowd that she didn’t do well in school until she received a donated pair of glasses from the local Lion’s Club. That stayed with her, she said, and years later, guided her to write legislation to remove obstacles to education for school children in California. She shared with her supporters that she first heard about California from her dad who had visited the state while serving in WWII. Her twin sister later moved here with her husband, who was also in the service. In 1985, Atkins said she came out to help her sister with her young nephew when her brother-in-law deployed, and she never left. In fact, she and her wife, Jennifer LeSar, live in South Park and have for years. Her first job in San Diego was with the WomenCare Clinic - A Feminist Women’s Health Center, at age 27. There, she helped women advocate for themselves when it came to their own healthcare and she comforted them when they had to navigate what she called a “wall of extremists” just to get inside. Her childhood and these early adult experiences, she said, impacted her greatly as a legislator. She then worked for City Councilmember Christine Kehoe, who was the first LGBT councilmember in San Diego, and then followed behind her into the District 3 seat in 2000, when Kehoe moved on to the state legislature. “That experience taught me how to build bridges and solve problems,” she said, pointing out her mentor Kehoe in the audience, adding that she has “deep gratitude” for San Diego
Atkins greets supporters after her speech at the Air & Space Museum (Photo by Big Mike Phillips) Toni Atkins (in pink) and her wife, Jennifer LeSar, engage with the crowd after her gubernatorial announcement. (Photo by Big Mike Phillips)
and the many “friends and mentors” she has here. While serving as city council president, she became acting mayor of San Diego for five months when Dick Murphy resigned. Then she ran for state assembly, and two years later, she became Majority Leader. Two years after that, she became Speaker of the Assembly. When she termed out, she ran for state senator, and two years later, she became State Senate President pro Tempore. These three scenarios are quite remarkable. Rarely does a city councilmember become acting mayor. Rarely does a state assemblymember (there are 80 of them) become leader of their chamber. Rarely does a state senator (there are 40) become leader of the senate. And she has actually signed bills as acting governor when the existing governor was on travel, on more than one occasion. Thus, Toni Atkins has risen to the top rank of leadership in all three offices she has held. In each case, she was elected to these positions by her peers – meaning she has always garnered respect across the aisle. In addition, as she explained to the crowd assembled at the Air & Space Museum, she is the only woman, and the first person in 150 years, to have become leader of both chambers in the California state legislature.
Q-Puzzle solution from page 12
In each of these leadership positions, she represented her colleagues negotiating legislation with not only the other chamber, but with the governors (Brown and Newsom) and their staffs, and she said that while being governor wasn’t her job title, “I had similar work in my job description.” By 2026, Atkins’ path to the highest office in California will have taken 26 years, and will have included increasingly more responsibility with every step. Like Hillary Clinton and her resume when she ran for president, Toni Atkins appears to be the most qualified candidate to ever run for governor, and she will tell you that herself. (The pantsuit – whether deliberately or not – even pays homage to Hillary.) “Many have said in 2026 it is time for California to finally elect a woman governor,” she told the cheering crowd on Jan. 19. “As the most qualified candidate running for governor who also happens to be a woman, I agree. I am ready to be governor.” She currently has three contenders: Lt Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; State Superintendent of Schools, Tony Thurmond; and former State Controller Betty Yee. That makes it a very diverse field: a lesbian, an African-American; a Greek-American, and a ChineseAmerican. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has also been considering a run, but is currently undecided. “It’s never been my ambition to be governor,” she told the crowd, “but it is my intention to serve as governor of California.”
(l to r) Atkins’ staffer Christoper Vallejo, local businesswoman Marci Bair, and Atkins staffer Toni Duran, and Nick Hardemanm, Atkins chief of staff (Photo by Big Mike Phillips)
Next month, Atkins will step down from her role as leader of the senate, but will remain a senator representing San Diego’s 39th district until her term ends in December. By launching her campaign now, it gives her just two years to connect with the 27 million eligible voters residing in California. Assessing the crowd at her announcement, she seems to be off to a good start in San Diego, with a carpenters union, labor unions and united domestic workers all represented; a large contingent of LGBT supporters; and dozens of men and women of all backgrounds in the audience. “I have an obligation to tell people who I am and who I am not,” she said. “And I am exactly who I am.” She made several references to her wife and her wedding day and she didn’t shy away from kissing her wife on stage after her speech. The two then clasped their hands and raised them in unison as any straight couple on the campaign stage would do.
“My experiences define me and on this campaign, and as governor, I will stay true to the values I was raised on and the people and causes I’ve spent a lifetime fighting for and fighting with.” For a young girl from Appalachia, the far away state called California was a fantasylike place she’d only heard about from family members, but all these years later, it has become so much more. “In this land of dreams, I found my passion, working in the service of people,” she said during her announcement. “How fortunate am I that my little slice of California dream could come from helping others find their dreams?” To learn more about or to follow Toni’s campaign, visit toniatkins.org. —Morgan M. Hurley is the editor-in-chief of this newspaper. You can reach her at editor@ lgbtqsd.news. ▼
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LGBTQSD.NEWS
VOTE BY
MARCH 5
FEDERAL OFFICES
PROPOSITIONS & MEASURES
U.S. President: Joe Biden U.S. Senate: Barbara Lee U.S. House, District 48: Stephen Houlahan U.S. House, District 49: Mike Levin U.S. House, District 50: Scott Peters U.S. House, District 51: Sara Jacobs U.S. House, District 52: Juan Vargas
Proposition 1 (Statewide): YES Measure A (City of San Diego): YES
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS District 1: Nora Vargas District 2: Gina Jacobs District 3: Terra Lawson-Remer
STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICES
CITY OF SAN DIEGO
Senate District 39: Akilah Weber Assembly District 74: Chris Duncan Assembly District 75: Kevin Juza Assembly District 76: Tasha Boerner Assembly District 77: Darshana Patel Assembly District 78: Chris Ward Assembly District 79: Colin Parent Assembly District 80: David Alvarez
Mayor: Todd Gloria City Attorney: Brian Maienschein Council District 1: Joe LaCava Council District 3: Stephen Whitburn Council District 4 (special): Henry Foster III Council District 5: Marni von Wilpert Council District 7: Raul Campillo Council District 9: Sean Elo-Rivera
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
Office 41: Jodi Cleesattle Office 43: Koryn Sheppard
Council District 3: Leticia Munguia Council District 4: Cesar Fernandez
EDUCATIONAL OFFICES San Diego Community College District District B: Marichu Magaña District D: Mariah Jameson
County Board of Education District 1: Gregg Robinson District 2: Guadalupe Gonzalez District 4: Sarah Song
San Diego Unified School District District A: Sabrina Bazzo District D: Richard Barerra District E: Sharon Whitehurst-Payne
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Seat 3: Julie Schorr Seat 4: Elena Adams
COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE NOTE: Vote up to six (6) candidates by Assembly District. Candidates listed in order by which they appear on the ballot. Assembly District 74 Omar Hashimi Rob Howard Luke Tesluk Eric Joyce Cipriano Vargas Esther Sanchez
Assembly District 75 (only vote for these 5) Ami Admire Ryan Darsey Ross Pike Julie Diaz Martinez Andi McNew
Assembly District 79 Lauren Cazares Kelvin Barrios Rickie Brown
Assembly District 80 Brenda Aguirre Rick Bates Kate Bishop Cesar Fernandez Sara Ochoa Shane Parmely
Andrea Beth Damsky
Alyce Pipkin-Allen Cheryl Robertson
th
Assembly District 76 Marisa Allen Lauren Bier Melinda Vasquez Smith Sirisikorn Val Macedo Paul Mendoza
Assembly District 77 Todd Gloria Becca Taylor Stephen Whitburn Nick Serrano Gregg Robinson Val Macedo Jr.
Assembly District 78 Ryan Trabuco Raul Campillo Nicole Crosby Indroneal Banerjee Nadia Farjood Brian Polejes
More information about our endorsements can be found on our website: democratsforequality.org Follow us on social media @dems4equality (We still call it Twitter) Progress Pride Flag symbol appears next to LGBTQ+ candidates
DESIGNED IN-HOUSE. LABOR DONATED.
Paid for by San Diego Democratic Club - Federal. FEC ID #C00428516 Ad paid for by San Diego Democratic Club - State. FPPC ID #861405 3288 Adams Avenue, No. 16713, San Diego, CA 92176 Not authorized by a candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate.