San Diego's First LGBT-Affirming Senior Housing Community Opens

From San Diego's KPBS:

The North Park Senior Apartments were created in partnership with the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Inside, they have an office to help connect residents with nearby resources.

"You’re always represented by the center as well as our apartment complex," said Paul Stewart who lives in one of the new units. "To make sure that both sides of whatever is happening or needs to be addressed is heard."

Developers said this is the first affordable senior housing community designed to support LGBT seniors.

The complex has 75 total units. Rents range from $740 for a studio to $1,150 for a two-bedroom apartment. Stewart moved to the complex from another apartment in North Park.

West Side Story Rumble In San Diego

Click pic for larger view

As I've shared earlier, I'm currently in San Diego rehearsing a new production of the classic Broadway musical West Side Story for San Diego Musical Theatre.

We move into the theatre today for tech rehearsals, but as we left the rehearsal hall last night things turned into a fun little photoshoot as the gangs faced off one last time on our "rehearsal turf."

Director James Vasquez and I were pulled into the center of the action as the "Jets" and "Sharks" posed for one more "rumble" pic.

Loving the uber-talented cast and team on this production. Every day they blow me away with their commitment and talent.

Performances begin a week from today at the Spreckels Theatre in San Diego.

First "Stumble-Through" Of West Side Story At SDMT

As many Randy Report readers know, my life is split between writing here (a serious passion for me), and my forty year career in the theater.

I'm currently choreographing a new production of West Side Story at San Diego Music Theatre. I was here two years ago doing similar duties with Chicago The Musical (which, btw, resulted in not only a gorgeous production but my first nomination for Best Choreography by the Theatre Critics Association - how cool is that?).

In less than two weeks, we scheduled a "stumble-through" of Act One for today. The good news being that we never really stopped at all. Generally, these things are the first step in running the show, but with stops and starts to figure out details not yet addressed.

But today the cast pretty much went right through with no stops. And, for many, it was a chance to see the material some actors may not be in.

All in all, a terrific day for both cast and creative team.

We were then invited to the producers home for a great evening of relaxing and camaraderie - my favorite part of the arts. Just celebrating this "thing" we are all doing together.

I have a strong feeling that the show, in this cast's hands, will be really great. Not based on my contributions, but the flavors and spice of the entire cast. As we all know, I love diversity and character and individuality. And this cast has all that.

Carl DeMaio, San Diego Congressional Candidate, Accused Of Another Sexual Harassment Scandal

With only two days before this year's elections, San Diego's Carl DeMaio has yet another scandal facing him as a second staffer has come forward accusing him of sexual harassment:

Twenty-five year old Justin Harper, a Navy veteran,  began interning with DeMaio’s campaign in February. A month later he was hired as a regional political director whose job was to make phone calls and knock on doors to ask voters for their support.

From KPBS:

On Thursday, July 10, Harper said, he returned to DeMaio’s Miramar campaign office in the afternoon following a day of walking neighborhoods and knocking on doors for the campaign. He said there had been a news conference at the headquarters, so DeMaio and other staffers were still in the office.

According to a campaign press release, DeMaio had a news conference at noon that day to "blast sweeping Medicare cuts."

Harper said he went to the restroom and didn't know anyone was in there.

"I was at the urinal, and (DeMaio) came from the stall that was closest to the urinal and was kind of just standing there hovering," Harper said. "I turned around and realized that it was Carl. He had his pants up, but his fly was undone, and he had his hand grasping his genitals."

Harper said DeMaio didn't say anything to him, and he didn't say anything to DeMaio.

"I just walked out. I didn't say anything to him, I just left," Harper said.

As was the case in the other scandals, DeMaio's campaign has denied the allegation.

National Organization For Marriage's Brian Brown Robocalls Against GOP Candidate Carl DeMaio

Some voters in San Diego this weekend received robocalls from the president of anti-gay National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, urging them to NOT vote for Republican Carl DeMaio and instead vote for the Democratic candidate Scott Peters. Not because Brown supports Peters - in the call he says Peters is "wrong on the issues but at least we can defeat him in two years. If DeMaio is elected, he may hold office and do damage for decades! Please vote against Carl DeMaio on November 4th."

Brown opposes DeMaio basically because "gay."

I'm no fan of DeMaio myself, but interesting that Brown is willing to turn on Republicans if they happen to be gay.

But remember, he says NOM doesn't get involved in political races...



(via JMG)

San Diego: GOP Candidate Carl DeMaio Struggles On Many Campaign Fronts

Openly gay GOP Congressional candidate Carl DeMaio

Gay Republican candidate Carl DeMaio is having troubles with his campaign on more than one front.

First of all, the LGBT community is not fond of him. There has been no "rallying around the gay candidate" in this case. Apparently, he's very unlikeable and his policies don't jive with the community.

Second, there's the current scandal going on right now as he has been accused of sexual harassment of a former staffer. Not the news you want in the headlines just weeks before an election.

And then there's the issue of a comment he made at a fundraising event where he said if elected he would owe "everything" to the Tea Party.

Three strikes, you're out Mr. DeMaio.

See the report by NPR below.

Very nice way to start the year

Last year in late January, I was fortunate to be asked to choreograph Chicago the Musical for San Diego Musical Theater.  You can read a bit about the adventure here and here.

And there was a very special moment for me that happened during the rehearsal period that I'll always remember.  You can read about that here.

Anyway....

Today, I received word that The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle has announced their 2013 Craig Noel Award Nominations, and the production of Chicago I choreographed received four nominations (with a special something in there for me):

• Outstanding Resident Musical Chicago
• Outstanding Choreography – Randy Slovacek  (me?  wow!)  Chicago
• Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical, Female – Emma Radwick as "Roxie Hart" Chicago
• Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, Male – Alonzo Saunders as "Mary Sunshine" Chicago

I'm thrilled that the production was acknowledged, and very honored to see my name included for choreography.  San Diego has a very vibrant, rich theatre community, so to be included is honor enough.

Very, very snazzy.  Thank you San Diego Theatre Critics!

The awards are in February, so Michael and I will be taking a field trip down to SD to enjoy the reunion with cast and creative team, and celebrate with all the nominees.

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Congratulations to everyone!  Very cool was to start 2014!

San Diego gets it's Pride on!

Gay Pride in San Diego today!  Lots of shiny, happy people share in LGBT community spirit.

Click on a pic to enlarge view.

Uniformed servicemembers march in San Diego Gay Pride Parade

The fabulous George Takei waves to the crowd

The big parade marches by

Shiny happy people

Inspire, Hope, Change

Celebrate!

Dancers on the Dr. Bronner's Soap float
covered in suds during the San Diego Pride Parade.

Watching the big parade go by

All photos by Hayne Palmour IV

(source)

Christian love at San Diego Pride

Gay Pride in San Diego today. Pride in who we are; love for our community; good vibes all around.

Well, not ALL around.

As a gay Catholic group passes, a good Christian man on his PA system: "Shame on you. You will go to hell with those child-molesting freaks. No wonder you want to be a Catholic. Shame on you."

Is that what Christ would do?

(h/t JMG)

Marines authorized to wear uniforms in San Diego Pride Parade

In addition to the Navy, the Marines have authorized LGBT servicemembers to wear their uniforms at San Diego's Pride Parade this weekend.

Via press release from San Diego Pride:

As the city gears up for this weekend’s annual San Diego LGBT Pride festivities, Marines and sailors with I (First) Marine Expeditionary Force have received authorization to wear approved uniforms in the 39th annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13 at 11 am.

This follows authorization by the Department of Navy, Navy Region Southwest, authorizing active duty Navy servicemembers under its command to wear their uniforms in the parade.

Life after DADT - where our military service members can be proud of all that they are.

Feels good, doesn't it?

Uniformed sailors granted permission to march in San Diego Pride Parade

San Diego will again see active duty sailors in uniform celebrate Gay Pride - and what's more inspiring than that?

Via press release:

Following a historic week of marriage equality victories, the United States Navy, Region Southwest has authorized active duty Navy servicemembers under its command to wear their uniforms in the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13 at 11 am.

For the third year, servicemembers are invited to participate in the Military Contingent which leads the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade.

Over 300 servicemembers are expected to participate, either in uniform or in a branch specific T-shirt.

"San Diego has a strong military presence and a large LGBT community, and it is important to our LGBT servicemembers that we honor their full identity and service to our country. We are grateful to the Navy Region Southwest command for extending their support to our event and to these courageous servicemembers," said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego LGBT Pride General Manager.

Active servicemembers march in San Diego Pride parade in uniform

For the first time since the repeal of DADT, today in San Diego members of the military marched in a gay pride parade in full uniform. Earlier this week the Pentagon, which typically does not allow uniformed personnel to march in civilian events, said that it was making a one-time exception for San Diego Pride.

The loudest cheers from the parade crowd of nearly 200,000 were reserved for them. The U.S. military contingent included about 40 members — some active, some retired. As they assembled in the staging area, countless spectators took pictures of and with them. Most of the active-duty personnel said they were under orders not to give interviews although photos were fine. Sean Sala, 27, who left the Navy last year but helped organize the military group, said the significance of this year’s active-duty uniformed participants is bolstered by government approval for the first time. “I think everybody wants to make it a gay thing, but it’s just an American thing,” he said. “These are people that have laid down their lives for their country, you know, and they deserve recognition for their service regardless of their sexuality.”

San Diego Pride 2012

With so many fun Pride celebrations clustered at the end of June, it's great that San Diego LGBT Pride - one of the nation's most vibrant, colorful, and friendliest such events - is scheduled for mid-July. It's also a great place to beat the heat! While most of the country is steaming in summer's intolerable temperature and humidity, San Diego is relatively cool, especially in the evening, much to the surprise of many visitors.

This year's theme for the 38th annual celebration is "America’s Pride" and also honors the 40th anniversary of Stonewall with the Spirit of Stonewall Rally to be held on Friday, July 20. Check below for main highlights of the 2012 San Diego LGBT Pride event.

San Diego LGBT Pride Festival
 
Balboa Park
6th Ave and Laurel St
San Diego, CA  92103

WHEN

Saturday, Noon - 10 PM
Sunday, 11 AM - 8 PM

TICKETS

One day ticket $20
Two day ticket $30
Buy tickets online here.

PARKING

Parking lots in Balboa Park are free, but fill up fast during Pride weekend. A free shuttle is offered to the parade and festival when parking at the Old Naval Hospital parking lot. Pickup/drop off at 6th Ave. and Juniper St.

ENTERTAINMENT

San Diego LGBT Pride sure knows how to throw a party! Once again there will be three entertainment stages packed with amazing talent. Gay favorite and iconic comedian Sandra Bernhard headlines Saturday, along with Randy Report favorite and Billboard dance chart artist Matt Zarley, and  UK pop diva Natasha Bedingfield on Sunday. Other notable performers Erika Jayne, Frankie Negron, Wynter Gordon and Chris Cox. Festival amenities this year include a Farmers Market, hiNrg dance floor, Beer Gardens, Wine Grotto, Cool Zone for those 55+, Leather Realm, Interfaith Pavilion, Art of Pride (LGBT local artists), Youth Zone, Children's Garden, and over 300 vendors. Click here or click the banner below for the entire weekend line-up.

Via Gay.net

San Diego may have first Harvey Milk Street

Via press release: Today, the San Diego City Planning Commission approved a proposal to rename a street after LGBT civil rights leader Harvey Milk. The proposal will now be sent to the full city council for approval. If approved, San Diego will become the first city in the nation to have a street named for the LGBT rights pioneer.

The proposal is particularly significant as Harvey Milk was stationed in San Diego while he served in the US Navy as a diving instructor.

If successful, Blaine Avenue, the street leading up to The San Diego LGBT Community Center will be renamed Harvey Milk Street in time for the anniversary of his birthday; May 22.

To make a donation supporting the Harvey Milk Street renaming project go to sdpride.org/harveymilk