Archive for the ‘Local News’ Category

TWENTYNINE PALMS – In an effort to draw attention to the urgency of repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy against gays and lesbians serving openly, Richard Noble marched nearly 60 miles from Palm Springs reaching the Marine Air Ground Combat Center on Dec. 6.

The six day trek garnered front page coverage in newspapers here and across the county; however, it failed to win demonstrable support from LGBT communities in the Morongo Basin.

Fewer than five LGBT locals came forward to offer the 45-year-old gay activist a meal or place to lay his head. Fortunately a handful of straight allies stepped in to pick up the slack.

Unhampered by local apathy, Noble forged ahead to the main entrance to the base where he was joined by former Marine Corporal Evelyn Thomas who was discharged under DADT and now runs The Sanctuary Project which advocates for an end to the policy. Also joining Noble for the end of the march was 80-year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Mel Tips, Army/Navy retired and founder of American Veterans for Equal Rights.

The three laid a wreath as a gesture of reconciliation and reparation for the deep wounds suffered by enlisted personnel under the policy which forces LGBT service members to conceal their sexual orientation and family relationships or face discharge. They were joined by a half dozen LGBT veterans who gathered to support efforts of the triumvirate.

Earlier hopes that a representative from the base would be on hand to exchange a flag with the LGBT contingent never came to pass despite promising talks earlier in the week.

Lack of community support no doubt emboldened the decisions makers at Community Relations to shrug off plans for a symbolic exchange, opting instead to ignore the small group of assembled veterans.

MORONGO BASIN – Suffering a leadership vacuum, the Out & About men’s social group is effectively disbanded.

While the group has traditionally characterized itself as “loosely organized,” it has run successfully with a minimum of governance from a Steering Committee. The unraveling follows a year of high turnover in the Committee which led to three or four members carrying the burden of planning and arranging the last few events.

Most recently, these few found themselves burdened with putting on the annual Holiday Party. Although a very few volunteered to assist with the event, there was no shortage of members eager to criticize. Demoralized and holding only a few RSVPs for the dinner committee members requested a cancellation notice go out in this newsletter. Plans for the remaining treasury have yet to be determined.

VICTORVILLE – San Bernardino County’s oldest continuously run gay bar, Westside 15, closed its doors last month after a 30-year run.

Owners Ed and Jim, both generous and gracious supporters of the LGBT communities, say that recent declines in business left them no other choice but to close.

They say do what you Love, so here I am with my 2 cents worth.  I’ve always wanted to say what I really think, so YOU dear readers are the lucky firsts to reap my sometimes funny, and always unique musings, ramblings really.

Hello LADIES!  Hello…Hello….  Are you out there?  Anywhere?  Starbucks?  The Library?  The Mojave Preserve?  Chish!  Now that I have your attention, I thought I’d throw out a few ideas in an effort to establish some COMMUNITY!  Remember? A PLACE we all used to go, such as a local women’s bookstore?  Current information was posted on a bulletin board and we could sip coffee, read the latest lesbian mystery novel, or our own local newsletter telling us what the haps were for the month?

The idea was tossed around a few months ago then literally disappeared.  Someone thought there might be some interest in forming a group just for the ladies, for the sheer enjoyment of getting together and doing what we all do so well, talk, bake, make plans, build dreams and CAVORT.  There, I said it!

I’d like to give it another try, something along the lines of a monthly mixer, get together,

Howdy Doody, or old fashioned Coffee Clutch.  Is anyone else interested in forming a group of local lesbians to take on the challenges of living in a rural area?

Why don’t YOU send YOUR ideas for our local desert denizens and see if we can reinvent the wheel for a ladies meet and greet?

I’d really like to hear your thoughts, especially since we may not have this newsletter to keep us up to date.

Contact me, Lez N. Dez , at rt.renishe@yahoo.com.

Pioneer Days Grand Marshal Jeff Hafler (left), his husband Mikal Winn, and their son Cash will be front and center in the parade which steps off at 10 a.m. from Bucklin Park going to City Hall via Highway 62 & Adobe Road.

TWENTYNINE PALMS – Basin gays were surprised and elated last month when Z107.7 revealed local entrepreneur Jeff Hafler would be one of two grand marshals in the Pioneer Days Parade Oct. 16. Hafler, who is openly gay, will share the spotlight with retired Marine Colonel M.J. ‘Mac’ Dube.

Sponsored by the 29 Palms Chamber of Commerce this year’s theme is Pioneers of the Future. Hafler, who is active in the Chamber, owns and operates the Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum and, with lawful husband Mikal Winn, operates their Moon Way Lodge B&B.

The Chamber selected Hafler as a Grand Marshal representing Pioneers of the Future. As such, he is to be among the parade leads with family riding beside him. It’s a giant leap forward for LGBT visibility in 29 Palms and an opportunity for local LGBTs and allies to support them by coming out to wave them on along the parade route. Supporters may also commend the Chamber for honoring Hafler by emailing 29chamber@29chamber.org.

Hafler and Winn moved from L.A. to Wonder Valley in 2002. Several of their extended family members, including Jeff’s brother Jamie, also relocated there. Billed as The Hafler Duo, Jeff and Jamie regularly entertain guests at The 29 Palms Inn with their folksy lyrics and acoustic guitars.

“There’s been a lot of magic in my life here in the desert,” said Jeff, who was unaware he was being considered for the honor. “This has made me look around and try to put things in perspective. It’s been humbling.”

Handsome, popular, talented and successful, the 38-year-old gay father and husband would seem a natural choice to be passed over for the honor considering the area’s conservative demographics. However, sexual orientation and family composition were not considered in the selection process. To its credit, the Chamber followed the same criteria they would for anyone in making the selection.

The result is that locals who line the parade route will have the good fortune to witness an honest representation of a proud local family who loves and supports the community. Folks here are lucky to have a Chamber that embraces such pioneering spirit.

Now, if we can just elect Jay Corbin to the 29 Palms City Council!

Victor Valley is in danger of losing both gay clubs! The economy has been tough for business, but it’s tougher when customers travel out of the area for entertainment.

Our community has come very close to losing Westside 15, the County’s oldest gay bar. Ricky’s may go straight due to weak business. If these things come to pass, we’ll have to travel for entertainment. Let’s keep our money here where we live and support these establishments which generously support our community.

Victorville is blessed to have two very different venues where we can be ourselves. I know for a fact the owners of both will do whatever it takes to keep patrons happy even in good times. But now they must do it in order to survive. Jim & Ed at Westside 15 and Mike & Ricky at Ricky’s are eager to hear what you want. Offer them your suggestions.

That’s my opinion; if you have one, let me hear from you so that I can share it with the community.

Pepper Blakeley
Victor Valley Bureau

GOTV Social & Precinct by Precinct Updates

Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 1 – 4PM

Everyone Welcome

Broadview Estate
73452 Sunnyslope Dr.,
29 Palms

Optional Items to Bring:

Potluck Dish, Swimsuit & Towel

More Info. at 760-449-4048

VOTE FOR:

U.S. SENATOR:

• BARBARA BOXER

U.S. CONGRESSMAN – Vote for the one appearing on your ballot:

• PAT MEAGHER
• STEVE POUGNET
• BILL HEDRICK

GOVERNOR:

• JERRY BROWN

LT. GOVERNOR:

• GAVIN NEWSOM

SEC. OF STATE:

• DEBRA BOWEN

ATTY. GENERAL:

• KAMALA HARRIS

CONTROLLER:

• JOHN CHIANG

TREASURER:

• BILL LOCKYER

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER:

• DAVE JONES

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION:

• TOM TORLAKSON

STATE ASSEMBLY – Vote for the one appearing on your ballot:

• CARL WOOD
• DARCEL WOODS
• RENEA WICKMAN

Prop 19: YES – Tax & Control Cannabis

Prop 20: NO – Redistricting

Prop 21: YES – Save State Parks

Prop 22: NO – Local Government Funds

Prop 23: NO – Dirty Energy

Prop 24: YES – Close Corp Tax Loopholes

Prop 25: YES – Majority Vote Budget

Prop 26: NO – Polluter Protection

Prop 27: YES – Redistricting Commission

Determinations based on recommendations of Equality California & Courage Campaign

NOTICE:

Newsletter staff will be devoting all resources to pro-Equality candidates and campaigns until Nov. 2nd. Next issue will publish beginning of December.

YUCCA  VALLEY—When activist and photojournalist Fritz Koenig and his partner Tom bought almost 9 acres in the bucolic hills above Yucca Valley they hoped to develop a place where imaginative people could create the future.

They imagined Yucca Valley as a place where they could peacefully coexist alongside sophisticated neighbors who would share their live and let live approach to community.

After seven years, Koenig describes a persistent hidden vein of hostility coursing through Yucca Valley that parallels Anita Byrant’s Florida in which baseless charges of pedophilia, predatory voyeurism and public indecency play out in courts of law and public opinion.

Anyone spending time in and around Yucca Valley will pretty quickly sense that right wing attitudes dominate.  Fritz and Tom noticed it, but they had no reason to suspect things would soon after come crashing down.

Koenig took an interest in local politics and became a familiar presence at town council, planning commission and other local meetings. When there was a discussion or action of local importance, the camera-toting Koenig was there to document it. He regularly spoke on issues of interest and was not shy about referring to his “same-sex spouse” and their 30 years together.

His voice extended beyond town meeting rooms and into local living rooms via public cable television rebroadcasts. Then in the days  before and after the 2008 election, the self-described photo-activist spearheaded several local public protests against Prop 8. His visibility increased exponentially.

Dozens of locals attended rallies at the corner of highways 247 and 62, the Mormon church, and St. Mary’s Catholic church.  The actions became lead stories  in the Hi-Desert Star and  Z107.7 News.

Around this time, things began to unravel. Perhaps by chance, perhaps not, an early legal attack against Fritz and his spouse came in the form of a subpoena that was served on the street in front of St. Mary’s Catholic church as Fritz participated in a protest he had organized.

It was the opening shot in a two-year fight that would fill volumes and overwhelm the efforts of several reporters, including the editor of this newsletter, to carve away digestible slices for readers.

Last month, however, Desert Local News reporter Leslie Andrews, broke the story in a three-part series that set out to untangle the mess of allegations and exaggerations. It partially succeeds, though many elements seem to defy explanation.

What is most unfortunate is that for some, the image of Yucca Valley will forever remain that of a xenophobic backwater blip on the map where ignorance is rampant and those in charge aim to keep it that way.

You can read Leslie Andrew’s series for yourself in the September Issues of Desert Local News online, or follow these links:
Part 1,  Part 2,  Part 3

Some call The Imperial Court System (ICS) a ‘camp Court”, not REAL. When there’s controversy, a voice whispers “it isn’t REAL!” It’s a point of view. I’ve met heads of state with royal titles; most are figureheads. Their lineage endows them with certain powers and respect because people want pomp and circumstance.

I’ve stayed with the ICS from my original title of Queen of the Desert to Imperial Crown Princess (under the Imperial Long Beach Court) because I’ve seen REAL. The ICS has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. That’s REAL.

It has changed the lives of many lonely and closeted young people. A few years ago Tsar Drue and I went to a club after a Portland Coronation. There was a mile long queue of kids, but when the doormen saw our glittering court finery, we were swept in and surrounded by young admirers. It made us aware we must be regal, friendly and always in character. To those kids, we were REAL!

ICS protocol is real. Drag has gone main stream due to personas like RuPaul and others. A lot of kids are making up and going out to raves and clubs. We must embrace their self-expression. That’s REAL.

Without focus on community potential, many Courts are shrinking. Others, like The Imperial Court of New York, are run like businesses and flourish. They attract talented celebrities rather than just put any member put on a gown for laughs. People donate to see such events—That is REAL.

We proved this at the Czarina’s Palm Springs Diversity Ball in August. There were glitches, but we showed that the up and coming could work with older stars, lesbians, transgenders, straights and impersonators to benefit the underfunded Harvey Milk Foundation. That is REAL!

Queen Elizabeth has ailments and bad days like anyone, yet she is always kind, regal and royal! She has no more government power than Nicole Murray Ramirez, ICS Queen Mother of the America’s. But her presentation is constant and has little to do with the private person. That is REAL.

So as “camp” as the titles may be—we owe it to those who respect us and do good works under our banner to be as real as any Monarch ever was. That influence all those we touch is REAL!

Because October is Harvey Milk Month the Emerald Kingdom is sending a DVD of the Inaugural Czarina’s Diversity Ball with any donation of $20 or more to the Harvey Milk Foundation. Donate online at www.emeraldkingdom.org.

Oct. 10 Ricky’s Bartender Paul Peterson, aka Dior, exchanges vows with Caleb Noble at 10:10 pm. That’s right, they tie the knot on 10/10/10 at 10:10 in the evening. Following a ceremony for close friends and family, there’s a private reception at Ricky’s.

We wish Caleb & Paul an eternity of happiness.

Oct. 10 HDE General Meeting at One of Life’s Perks, 18375 US Hwy 18, Apple Valley.

Pat Meagher, candidate for US Congress, will briefly speak. Meagher has a message on Equality. He opposes 17-term incumbent Jerry Lewis who is no friend of the LGBT community. Attendees will also hear a short statement from Assembly Candidate Darcel Woods, who opposes anti-LGBT Tim Donnelly to represent Victor Valley.

Equality California endorses Pat Meagher & Darcel Woods.

Marijuana Legalization is also up for vote this election, but you can only vote if you’re registered. If you’ve moved or aren’t registered, do it at this meeting. Voter files aren’t used to select for jury duty; driver’s licenses are!

Oct. 23 HDE joins the Happy Trails Chili Cook-off with Pepper’s Award Winning Chili from 10am to 4pm at Lenny Brewster Sports Center. Come out and support our first time presence at this High Desert tradition.

Wear your HDE or other ‘pride’ T-shirt in solidarity, or help HDE distribute information about us and our community to the expected 3,000 attendees. Look for our banner and rainbow flag waving high above the Cook-off, car show, bounce house, horseshoe tournament and more.

Send your Victor Valley news to:
PEPPER BLAKELEY
HIGH DESERT EQUALITY
onetrupep@hotmail.com

YUCCA VALLEY- Students and young adults here who are gay, or think they may be, finally have options to turn to for judgment-free advice, information, peer support or counseling.  Long awaited option one is the newly formed, peer led Gay-Straight Alliance at Yucca Valley High School. The second option is a program at the drop-in and support facility operated by the non-profit counseling, assistance and mental health provider, Pacific Clinics.

True Colors is the name given the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. It was formed last Spring following the suggestion of a substitute teacher who was fired shortly thereafter (see related story). Krista Blevins, a junior, started True Colors with help from her girlfriend Hailey Citrine, now graduated.

The existence of such a group represents a milestone for the school which, like many schools, has had past incidents of callous neglect for the welfare of LGBT students or those perceived to be. (See Hi Desert LGBT News – Sept. ‘09).

True Colors met several times before summer break. And while their promotional fliers routinely disappeared, meetings were drawing one to two dozen students. True Colors Facebook group page boasts almost 70 members. Many are alumni; several have left messages of support. Another chunk of those on the group’s Facebook page are students from other Morongo Basin schools, none of which have similar organizations.

This summer True Colors received some notoriety following a feature on the group in the Hi-Desert Star. Blevins wrote of local reaction to the story in an email,

“Hailey got a hug from a random old guy in the store saying, ‘That took a lotta guts to do and I’m really proud of you guys!’”

Plans for the 2010-11 academic year include organizing a Pride Week coinciding with Greater Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 & 7. Other plans include educational outreach to the town’s Youth Advisory Commission and possibly a guest appearance from school principal turned political candidate, Pat Meagher.

The Morongo Basin lags behind Victor Valley where five of the six high schools have GSA groups.

A few miles east of Yucca Valley High School, inside a rather nondescript store front in an industrial park, there’s a safe space where anyone age 16 to 25 can get professional or peer counseling and other assistance without fear of rejection or discrimination..They can also shower, study, shoot pool, wash their clothes or watch TV, go online, or munch.

The drop-in facility is operated by Pacific Clinics Transitional Age Youth Center, a non-profit funded through the Mental Health Services Act and the County Dept. of Behavioral Health. The funding comes with a mandate that it go to programs for underserved youth populations such as African-Americans, Latinos, homeless, and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are questioning their sexuality.

The services “TAY Center” provides are as wide ranging as the issues such young adults face.

Assistance is offered based on need and availability. TAY has provided a bus ticket to a runaway ready to return home a thousand miles away; and they have covered emergency dental work for a teen in pain.

For LGBTs here, the TAY Center offers services appropriate to their unique issues and concerns. Creating awareness of the drop-in center among potential LGBTQ clients presents an unusual challenge to Claire Karp, Pacific Clinics’ Associate Divisional Director. Karp has been looking at unconventional ways to create awareness among young people who may be struggling to understand and conceal their sexuality. Use of social networks, student publication advertisements, regular socials or discussion groups, and outreach to area clergy and guidance counselors all remain options under consideration.

There are no applications or membership requirements; everyone within the age group is welcome. All the services are free. Clients arrive by invitation or referral, or they may simply show up.

Located in the Monterey Business Center, Pacific Clinics is in the middle building, Suite D. The staff, including case managers, mental health providers, and peer and substance abuse counselors, operate the facility from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, and 9 to 7 Thursdays. The phone number is 760-228-9657.

While at TAY researching this story, a young man recognized me as a new face and without hesitation stuckout his hand, “Hi, I’m Ryan Ness. Welcome.” We shook and I, in turn, introduced myself.

Ness, a peer counselor at the facility, was eager to share about it. As he did, I imagined how any young person coming through their door would be made to feel that they’d come to a place where they could belong regardless of skin color, or sexual orientation.

VICTORVILLE – In Victor Valley another TAY Center provides a safe space where LGBTQ people ages 16 to 25 can turn for counseling, camaraderie and support.

Now in its second year, the TAY Center here is administered by Victor Community Support Services. It operates slightly differently than the one in Yucca Valley. The drop-in center is available once potential clients have been evaluated and enrolled.

The centerpiece of the program’s queer outreach is a regular discussion group facilitated by Nathan Trujillo; his title is Family Partner. For many LGBTQ youth and their families here, Trujillo is the face of the program.

Every Tuesday, Trujillo facilitates a discussion. The topic may cover any number of LGBTQ subjects like history, current events, health and safety, coming out or dating.

Young people newly aware they are homosexual, transgender, or questioning if they may be, are often on their own as they try to understand who and what they are.

Most come out in a vacuum, unable to turn to parents or teachers for guidance.

For those secure enough to turn to family for insight and understanding, few parents are equipped or prepared to affirm and assist a child coming to grips with his or her own homosexuality or gender identity. These are the conditions that make the services provided by the TAY Center a lifeline to LGBTQ youth.

Find them at 14360 Saint Andrews Drive, Ste.11, Victorville 92395. 760-243-5417.

MORONGO BASIN – Equality California PAC, the state’s most powerful LGBT lobby, endorsed two candidates who may well be this area’s next representatives.

The action comes as a major boon for Pat Meagher who aims to beat Jerry Lewis for his seat in Washington. Meagher has been criss-crossing the district with his message on jobs, banking reform and equality. Lewis, who has held the office for 35 years, is rarely seen here.

Equally energized by the EQCA endorsement, Carl Wood’s campaign to replace Paul Cook in the state assembly continues to gain steam. In 2008 the Wood campaign got off to a late start and still defeated Cook in Riverside County.

This time his entire organization is focused on taking both counties, and polls suggest that is a very real possibility.

Meet Pat Meagher & Carl Wood

Saturday, Sept. 25 from 3 to Saturday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 5:PM when they return to when they return to Bruce’s Coyote Kitchen at CMC for a Candidates Forum.

Call 760-449-4048.

TWENTYNINE PALMS – When 54-year-old Empress Lonnie (Gamache), once the reigning monarch of the Imperial Court of Los Angeles, moved to the Hi Desert in 1990 he thought he had retired from gay philanthropy.

“I gave everything away, my crowns, my gowns and my eyelashes,” said Gamache.  “It’s not cheap being an empress.”

Nowadays he works for a non-profit as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, and recently he became active again with the Imperial Court as an advisor for the Czarina’s Ball, an elite fund raiser held at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort. The nation’s oldest gay philanthropic organization, last year the Imperial Courts handed over more than $100,000 to the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

“I thought the plan was to slow down, but now I don’t know. I enjoy helping our community and other people, “ he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“When people know you everywhere you go, it says something about what you’ve done with your life.”

This year Lonnie received the Queen s Mother’s Double Edged Award for his years of service which began in LA in the early 1970s.

“That was a long time ago,” he said. “Now I’m here to stay. My whole family lives in the Hi Desert now.”

YUCCA VALLEY – When YVHS substitute teacher Gordon Larson received a dismissal notice, some believed it was the district’s response to the openly gay educator’s efforts to help students form a Gay-Straight Alliance. The district denies the suggestion stating that such discrimination is not tolerated.

The reason for the firing may never be known outside the school board since personnel matters such as this are considered confidential and protected from disclosure under the Brown Act.

1. Hi Desert homosexuals didn’t all fly down from San Francisco.  We’re from everywhere including families here in the  Morongo  Basin.
2. Clara True lived as an out lesbian in 29 Palms over 100 years ago.
3. Gay Vietnam War hero Leonard Matlovich often stayed with a gay couple here. His tombstone in the US Congressional Cemetery reads: “When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one”.
4. Photographs and/or reference to anyone in this publication are not an indication of their political or sexual positions or orientation.
5. The Basin has been represented in the State Senate by a gay man since 2003. Roy Ashburn championed Prop 8 in part to hide his homosexuality.
6. The absence of photos and/or references to everyone not in this publication is no indication of their sexual or political positions or orientation.
7. LGBTs work in every hi desert industry from the grocers to the CHP.
8. A gay social group has been active in the Basin for almost 20 years.
9. County voter records indicate the Basin’s state assemblyman resides in Yucca Valley with his wife and a gay staffer.
10. Approximately 500 local households identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Sept. 11 – Food Giveaway at Ricky’s from 3 to 4:30 pm.

Sept. 10 – General Meeting of High Desert Equality 7:pm.  One of Life’s Perks, 18375 Hwy 18, Ste.3, Apple Valley.

Sept. 18 – Pepper & Cookie Blakeley celebrate 10 Years at Ricky’s. Huge Party. Live Entertainment, Potluck, Slumber Parties by Amber; service by Royalty Limousines. They have 3 sons, a police officer, an actor & the youngest, is a student. Their commitment ceremony was in June, 2003. In 2008 they legally married on the same June date and time. Their secret to a successful marriage? Communication & Laughter.

People ask why we celebrate in September if we got married in June,” says Pepper. “It’s because we met in September. Cookie didn’t make me marry her until June.

Sept. 19 – Clash for the Cause Wrestling Benefit — Mike Chatman vs. 2 Lumps O’ Sugar! Check out the flier below!

Sept. 25 – Fall Festa at the Wynn Family Home. Starts at 4:pm. Bring a potluck dish & enjoy swimming, horseshoes, volleyball, balloon contest, poker & more. More info. on Facebook & HDE.

Sept. 26-  Final Food Giveaway at Westside 15. Owners Ed & Jim have cake for all who show up from 1 to 3:pm.

Oct. 2 – Victor Valley Community College Walk With Your Dog fundraiser for the High Desert Domestic Violence Program & PAL Humane Society. Entry is $20; each entrant gets a T-shirt. Time TBA.

Thank you Michael Salazar for serving as HDE Chairperson; best of luck on your move overseas.

Thank you Pastor Randy of Phelan’s Desert Lighthouse Church for rescuing us when we needed a truck.

Thank you Sprint Cell com which closed after 14 years of community service and support. Good luck Wendy & staff.

Send your Victor Valley news to:  onetrupep@hotmail.com

- PEPPER BLAKELEY, HIGH DESERT EQUALITY

Partners Debra Miller & Stephanie Prado (far left) and organizer Pepper Blakeley with son, Jerry (far right). Between them are some of those who benefited from the food distribution program.

Thanks to all who helped HDE, High Desert Domestic Violence Program and the Cap Program assist 100 families at the Food Giveaway Aug. 28. The program has been extended thru September.