My two cents on bicycle lanes

Well I think that in San Diego we let in Bicycles and scooters Way Too early as hardly anyone uses them and a lot of people who do need eyeglasses and operation lessons. They are also thrown and left everywhere. And sadly, many homeless people have their way with them. Maybe in the future many people like in Seattle, Portland will use them but not now in San Diego as only the beach areas are more active with users. They took so much space for few users and many ride around like crazy blind hot messes!

I Stand With Lorena Gonzalez

Yes, politics can be dirty and nasty but the attacks on State Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez recently have absolutely crossed the line. Negative, nasty and false TV ads attacking her and internet posts that are outrageous, false, racist and sexist should be called out by the Democratic leadership. Lorena has been a champion for the poor, women, homeless, mothers, workers, people of color, LGBT Equality — the list is endless. Yes, she can be rough and loud and so are men … and she works in a man’s world of politics. Do I agree with her on all her stands? No, but most of them I do. Interestingly that most of these attacks are from men but if you know Lorena Gonzalez you know she is one tough cookie and Will Not back away from her principles….VIVA Lorena!!!!

Barbara Dry’s Negative Campaign

Yes, you read right I called mayoral candidate Barbara Bry, ‘Barbara Dry’ as she is as exciting as watching paint dry in one of those always empty “Christian Science reading rooms” Ms. Dry is sinking in the polls — no endorsements — fewer campaign donations from average citizens, so what does this millionaire candidate do? Go negative of course, and put out lies against Todd Gloria. What have you done Ms. Dry when it comes to the homeless issue? People who live in millionaire glass houses shouldn’t throw bricks. The homeless issue is a national epidemic and everyone from Mayor Kevin Faulconer, State Senator Toni Atkins, Council President Georgette Gomez, Councilmember Chris Ward, Assembly member Brian Maienschein — everyone is doing their best. What are you doing other than attacking Todd Gloria?

The Center

Many of you have been asking me about your shared concerns about some issues at our LGBT Community Center like the homeless encampment outside, security, major staff changes, etc., etc.! This past Tuesday, I had a private meeting with Lisa Sanders, president of the Center’s Board of Directors (yes daughter of our former Mayor and now a wife and mother) and Carolina Dessert the executive director of the Center. I would say it was a productive meeting and soon will be giving you my thoughts and opinions. As for me and all of us, the No. 1 priority should be the clients and programs of our Center which do change and save lives every day.

Nicky Awards to Honor Police Chief Nisleit

The Board of Governors of the 2019 Nicky Awards announced that San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit will be the recipient of the annual Mayor George Moscone Equality Award on Dec. 8. The Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk Awards were established in 1979. Police Chief Nisleit has gone out of his way to improve and reach out to San Diego’s people of color communities and the LGBT community. He established the most diverse LGBT Advisory Board in the history of San Diego and has a ZERO tolerance with HATE CRIMES against any citizen. His police Department now includes openly transgender police officers and recently named Lt. David Meyers to a leadership position. Chief Nisleit’s father and son have been police officers and he is one of the best police chiefs in the nation and San Diego is lucky to have him.

Turkeys! Turkeys! Turkeys!

For over three decades the Imperial Court de San Diego has every year had a Thanksgiving Project that feeds the homeless, families, seniors, etc., including the annual Scott Carlson/Dan Ferbal Thanksgiving Community dinner at our LGBT Community Center where all are welcomed. For the last 7 years Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Katherine Stuart Faulconer (the 1st Lady of San Diego) and many times their children come by and serve. And every year the need grows. Yes, if it wasn’t for the continuing support of Todd Gloria, Toni Atkins, Lorena Gonzalez, Chris Ward, the Rob Benzon Foundation, bars and businesses, and you the community, we would never pull it off. Please donate and help. Information contact Steven Blocker at 619-921-3775 or Robert Rodriguez at 619-817-9926.

Meet Brian Maienschein

State Assembly member Brian Maienschein was a moderate pro LGBT equality Republican on the San Diego City Council and State Assembly. I said that because now he is a proud Democrat as he rightly felt the Republican Party left him out. So this coming Monday will be a private Invitation Only reception for LGBTQ organizations presidents, executive directors and LGBTQ leaders to meet him. If you didn’t get your invite please call me at 619-241-5672. (This is not a fundraiser).

Support Stepping Stone!

The growing drug/alcohol problem within our LGBTQ community has continued for decades to be swept under the rug by many of our community leaders. For decades, Stepping Stone has saved lives and helped countless of our brothers and sisters. I come from the 1960’s and 70’s, lived in Hollywood and lived, “Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll.” To this day, like everyone who has suffered drug addiction, I live one day at a time.

Please join me this Friday night at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park for their annual benefit. This year fun theme — PINK!

—Nicole Murray Ramirez has been writing a column since 1973. He has been a Latino/gay activist for almost half a century and has advised and served the last seven mayors of San Diego. Named the “Honorary Mayor of Hillcrest” by a city proclamation, he has received many media awards including from the prestigious San Diego Press Club. Reach Nicole at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @Nmrsd2.