2008 FILMOUT SAN DIEGO TICKETS AND FILM PASSES ON SALE

SAN DIEGO, March 24, 2008 – Tickets and film passes for FilmOut San Diego 2008 are now on sale at www.filmoutsandiego.com and Obelisk Bookstore.

For the first time since its inception, FilmOut San Diego has expanded to a full week. The organization will be screening over 70 films from all over the world beginning April 11, 2008 and will also include several genre nights and many short films. The event is a full week of films, parties, filmmaker and talent Q&As, and more.

Highlights of this year's festival include world-premiere films by current and former San Diego residents. "THE FIELD," a short film by Robert Mrazek, "BIRTHDAY BOY" by Dale Jeter, Closing Night film "READY? OK!" by James Vasquez, and horror film "THE GAY BED & BREAKFAST OF TERROR" by former San Diegan Jaymes Thompson.

Several other feature films, short films and documentaries, representing all genres of lesbian, gay, bi and transgender cinema (drama, comedy, foreign language, horror, cult) will also be screened during the full week of films, parties, and filmmaker/talent Q&As.

A complete schedule of films is currently posted on the FilmOut San Diego web site. Tickets are now available online at the FilmOut San Diego web site and will be available at Obelisk Bookstore on March 1, 2008. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Ken Cinema on the day of each event. For additional information, visit www.filmoutsandiego.com.

The mission of FilmOut San Diego is to enlighten, educate, and entertain the communities of San Diego County through the exhibition of LGBT-themed films. FilmOut San Diego seeks to recognize, promote, celebrate and support the important diverse artistic contributions LGBT filmmakers make to our community. FilmOut 2008 is made possible by generous grants from the California Institute of Contemporary Arts and Keith Kelley, as well as by sponsorships from Hawthorn's Restaurant, Flawles.com, fuelhaus, Interactive Male, Park Manor Suites, Obelisk Bookstore and Urban Mo's Bar & Grill.

Contact:
Matt Habecker
Festival Director
FilmOut San Diego
619/987-9982

Lavender Lens Magazine and Flawles.com partner, co-produce Pride Festival Stage

San Diego's news and lifestyle magazine, Lavender Lens, has partnered with the online lesbian resource, Flawles.com, to produce a high-end Pride festival stage geared towards women while promoting the principals and volunteer spirit of Pride weekend. The festival is scheduled for July 19 and 20 at Marston Point in Balboa Park.

The custom stage, dance, and lounge area will usher in a two-day menu of talent during the two-day festival while reflecting this year?s San Diego LGBT Pride theme: "Live, Love, Be."

"Pride is our single, largest community fundraiser of the year. We are committed to making this year memorable by raising the standards of entertainment and production, while also contributing to the original mission of the event: giving our time, talent and resources to raise money for local LGBT causes," says Bixi B. Craig, publisher of Lavender Lens.

Pride Executive Director Ron deHarte adds, "Artists who donated their performances to promote diversity, break down barriers, and promote equality in 2007 have enabled Pride to give over $150,000 to 80 organizations."

San Diego Pride is currently accepting requests from a wide range of musicians and performing artists interested in appearing at this year?s two-day Pride festival celebration and fundraiser. Performers of all genres and cultures are encouraged to contact San Diego Pride by submitting an application and updated biography to the Pride office. Applications are available online under "Entertainment" at www.SanDiegoPride.org. Requests can also be mailed to: San Diego LGBT Pride, c/o Entertainment, P.O. Box 34366, San Diego, CA, 92163, or e-mailed to entertainment@sdpride.org.

SAN DIEGO GROUP PLANTS HEALING SEEDS FOR
PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA
Urban Garden Demonstration, Fundraiser Scheduled March 15

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 11, 2008) – For the past year-and-a-half, Steve Bolinger and Sarah Koch have transformed barren lots into lush vegetable gardens in some of the most unlikely locations.  Their industrious urban gardens sprout from recycled trash materials, such as tires, water bottles, rice sacks and PVC pipes hung from garden walls, in courtyards, back lots and alleyways across Senegal, West Africa. 
As co-founders of San Diego-based Development In Gardening (DIG), Bolinger and Koch work to improve the physical and emotional health of HIV-affected individuals by teaching them how to take an active role in their treatment and care. DIG’s community gardens, located in crowded and impoverished urban areas, give people living with HIV/AIDS an opportunity to grow nutritious and affordable food, despite their extremely limited resources. 
Inspiring Community Support, Self-Reliance – DIG’s gardens inspire hope and confidence in a population that is too often neglected and marginalized in the developing world.  Every day dozens of outpatients gather to tend to their gardens, now established at three locations within hospitals and outpatient clinics in the region.  Their work directly impacts more than 6,000 patients every year by providing nutritional support and revenue used to help patients pay for medical expenses and antiretroviral drugs.  “But it’s not just about growing vegetables,” says Bolinger. “The gardens have created a safe haven where these once-silenced individuals, mostly women, can escape the stigma of their disease and share personal stories, struggles and ideas.”
With DIG’s help, one group of participants recently created a successful greeting card project, called FAB, which generates income outside of the gardens to support their families.  Prior to this project, most of the individuals were unemployed. They are now acquiring new skills in business, quality control, money management, and planning for future growth. 
Another program, called Home Urban Gardens (HUG), helps people with HIV/AIDS establish gardens in their homes.  They have become role-models for friends and neighbors who are learning to plant their own home gardens.  According to Koch, the DIG team has witnessed many similar transformations among these communities, once destitute and dependent on assistance programs.
“This is not a country where one can throw money at a problem and it goes away,” says Koch.   “DIG isn’t just solving a piece of the puzzle.  It’s connecting the pieces:  Malnutrition affects HIV; HIV affects the passing down of life skills; unlearned life skills compromise food security; unstable food security results in malnutrition.  It’s all woven together, and DIG’s thread offers hope.”
About Malnutrition in Africa – Bolinger and Koch developed DIG in 2006 after volunteering with the Peace Corps and realizing the need to create self-sustaining programs to support the nutritional needs of people with HIV/AIDS in Africa.    
Today, an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS across the globe, according to the World Health Organization.  In Africa, AIDS is the number one cause of death, accounting for over half of all AIDS-related deaths.  A recent study published in HIV Medicine said that people starting antiretroviral therapy while they are malnourished are six times more likely to die than those who are well nourished.  Still, the United Nations World Food Program cites nutritional support as the most overlooked and under funded element of essential care for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the world’s poorest nations. 
            “There is little debate that good nutrition is one of the most important treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS,” says Bolinger. “With only 17 percent of Africans receiving antiretroviral therapy, good nutrition is often the only treatment available.”
San Diego Fundraiser – Attend DIG’s fundraiser to learn about urban gardens and how you can help them continue to grow in Africa.

Equality for All Launches Campaign to Stop Ballot Measure
That Would Exclude LGBT Couples From Marriage for Generations

Equality California is working in partnership with the Equality for All campaign, and we need your help.

Well funded anti-LGBT organizations are paying people to gather signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the November 2008 ballot that would prohibit marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

In response to this very serious threat, the Equality for All campaign is launching a statewide effort to encourage Californians not to sign this discriminatory petition. We need everyone who cares about marriage and LGBT equality to help.
Here’s how:

Join Our Rapid Response Team

We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our “Rapid Response” team and help us talk to Californians in your area. Working with other Rapid Responders near you, our professional team leaders will call you and train you on how you can help. Join our Rapid Response team today.

Help Us Track the Petitions

In order to track their activities and assess the size and funding of the proponents of this discriminatory amendment, we need you to be on the lookout for people gathering signatures and report back to the Equality for All tips line.

Here is what you can do:

1. Please ask what petitions people have when you see them. In many instances, the signature gatherers will have more than one. It is OK to ask them, “What petitions do you have?”
2. Please ask them if they are paid or volunteer - that’s also OK to ask.
3. Take samples of any literature they are offering.
4. Do not engage in debate! If the conversation feels tense, move on. If the petitioner is being aggressive towards you, move on. This information is helpful, but it’s not worth your safety.
5. Please report back. When you encounter signature gatherers, please email the date, time, location and paid/volunteer information to tips@equalityforall.com

Since 2003, the Equality for All campaign committee has been leading a large and diverse coalition of groups in California, including communities of color, choice, faith and labor organizations to prepare for an anti-LGBT ballot measure. We are prepared to mount a vigorous, united campaign to defeat this effort, but we need your help.

Please visit www.equalityforall.com for more information and volunteer today.

The Gay Lesbian Straight Alliance Education Network (GLSEN) - San Diego and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) - San Diego is organizing a memorial and candlelight vigil in memory of Lawrence King, aged 15, a gay-identified middle school student who was fatally shot at his school on February 12 in Oxnard, California, in what has been identified as a hate crime. Join us as we show our support as co-sponsors for this event.

The memorial event will be held at The Center, 3909 Centre Street, on Thursday, February 28 from 6-8 pm, and will include speakers and a candlelight walk from The Center to San Diego Unified School District's Eugene Brucker Educational Center, 4100 Normal Street.

Lawrence King was shot twice in the back of the head by a 14-year-old fellow student in a school classroom. Lawrence had recently identified as gay and was reportedly harassed by his alleged assailant and others in days prior to the shooting.

"It's absolutely crucial that we name the problem of anti- LGBT bullying and harassment and address it directly to find a solution to the everyday fear that keeps countless youth from feeling safe in school," said Kevin Jennings, executive director of GLSEN.

The State of California has recently passed safe-schools legislation in the form of SB777, which contains very specific language that addresses discrimination and bullying against LGBT students. While GLSEN is making every effort to make the execution of SB777 effective, there are still districts that refute the necessity of this bill. We are hopeful that the tragedy involving Lawrence King will make it clear to all how crucial it is to implement safe-schools measures.

"This terrible incident underscores the fact that we cannot let hate go unchecked in our schools and communities," said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. "Our young people need our direction and guidance to prevent this type of crime from happening. I urge all parents and teachers to educate their children and students about acceptance, understanding and compassion."

CULINARY CRITIC TED ALLEN OF ‘QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY’ JOINS DINING OUT FOR LIFE®

San Diego’s Event Set for April 24

Feb. 21, 2008 – SAN DIEGO – Dining Out for Life® has announced that Emmy Award winning television personality Ted Allen will be the spokesperson for the 2008 event. In San Diego, the event will take place on Thurs., April 24.

Everyone can participate in Dining Out for Life® simply by going out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and/or cocktails at select establishments on April 24. Local businesses will donate a minimum of 25 percent of their food and liquor sales on that day to benefit HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs at The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

Allen, the food and wine connoisseur on Bravo’s hit TV series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” is also a judge for Bravo's “Top Chef” and Food Network's “Iron Chef America.” He is the host of the PBS series “Uncorked: Wine Made Simple.”

“I’m really privileged to be involved with Dining Out for Life®, especially at a time when too many people wrongly believe the HIV/AIDS crisis no longer is a crisis. New HIV infections are on the rise in a generation of young gay men who weren’t around the first time AIDS ravaged our country; meanwhile, heterosexual women of color continue to be the fastest growing population of people with HIV,” Allen said. “Dining Out makes it possible for virtually everyone to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against AIDS, while at the same time having fun and supporting restaurants in their community – it’s a win-win-win!”

Last year, with the support of Dining Out for Life® Host Sponsor Subaru, an estimated 250,000 diners in more than 40 cities helped raise more than $3.5 million for their local HIV/AIDS service organizations.

In San Diego, 50 local establishments have already committed serve as Dining Out For Life® participants. Local participants include Bacchus House, Baja Betty’s, Bamboo Lounge, Bambu Bistro, Bite – Modern California Bistro, Blue Lotus, The Boardwalk Mission Beach, Boathouse Restaurant, Bread & Cie, Brians’ American Eatery, Busalacchi’s Ristorante, Café 2121, Café Eleven, Cafe on Park, California Cuisine, The Caliph Piano Lounge, Claire de Lune, Crest Cafe, DiMille’s Italian Restaurant, Dish Hillcrest, Flicks, Gulf Coast Grill, Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, Indigo Café & Catering, Indigo Grill, Inn at the Park Restaurant, JSix Restaurant, Kemo Sabe, Kous Kous Moroccan Bistro, Lei Back Café, Lei Lounge, Lucky Buck’s Patio Bar & Grill, Martinis Above Fourth, The Mission – East Village, The Mission – Mission Beach, The Mission – North Park, Numbers, Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro, The Other Side Coffee House, Pampas Argentine Grill, Parkhouse Eatery, PECS, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Redwing Bar, Rice Restaurant at W San Diego, Rich’s, Santos Coffee House, Taste of Italy – Hillcrest, TDeli, Tiolis Crazee Burger, The Tractor Room and Urban Mo’s. The Other Side Coffee House has committed to donating 50 percent of all sales from that day, and Bacchus House will contribute 40 percent.

For more information about Dining Out for Life®, please contact Donnie Luehring at (619) 692-2077, ext. 246 or dluehring@thecentersd.org.

CLUB SKIRTS AND PLANETOUT ANNOUNCE
Dinah Shore Weekend 2008
Rock and Roll legend Pat Benatar, Platinum recording artist Colbie Caillat, plus Leisha Hailey and her band Uh Huh-Her performing live, Comic Suzanne Westenhoefer, Dante’s Cove Stars, Exes and Ohs and Tila Tequila on the
fashion runway plus many more surprise guests

LOS ANGELES -- Mariah Hanson, the founder of the modern day Dinah Shore Weekend has announced the star-studded line-up for the upcoming Dinah Shore Weekend taking place in Palm Springs April 2-6, 2008.

Last year's sold out events filled every sponsored hotel and quickly became the most talked about Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend in history attracting press from around the world as well as the most beautiful women on the planet.

“The 2007 Dinah was by far our largest,” says Mariah Hanson. “Our `08 talent roster is cutting edge. Booking Colbie was a coup. Her debut CD continues to break records. The high profile network talent from Showtime, Inc, LOGO and Here TV is returning in `08.  Ticket sales are 40% higher to date than last year and last year we were up by 50%. Club Skirts continues to dominate the weekend through our exceptional talent and wide spread recognition as the original Dinah producer.”

Joining the stellar line-up this year is rock and roll legend and four time Grammy winner Pat Benatar as well as multi award winning Colbie Caillat who makes her first ever Dinah appearance headlining in concert on Saturday, April 5. Caillat became the number one unsigned artist on MySpace for four successive months, garnering an unbelievable 12 million plays of her hit song “Bubbly”.Also performing is “L Word” superstar Leisha Hailey and her acclaimed band “Uh huh-her” performing for the first time ever at Dinah on Friday, April 4 at the Doral.
Returning this year is the hysterical comedy of Suzanne Westenhoefer on Thursday, April 3 and the exclusive L Word Pool Party featuring a very special performance on Sunday, April 6 and due to popular demand the L Word Be-Scene returns with the shows stars on stage with their fans performing scenes from the popular series.

This year’s Dinah will also bring back the successful full scale fashion show which last year featured some of the hottest girl stars around. This year promises even more surprises on the runway when fashion rocks on with the trendy peeler Wear line. Our fashion show features scheduled appearances by Tila Tequila who will reunite with her co-star Dani Campbell for the first time along with Jane Lynch, Thea Gill, Curl Girls, Project Runway models, and many other special guests.  Dozens of celebrity hosts and presenters will also join in the fun throughout the weekend including stars from popular the TV series “Dantes Cove,” “Exes and Ohs” and many more.

The entire Desert is quickly selling out. “The Doral is already sold out 2 months ahead of schedule. The Hilton is quickly following suit. We have secured an extra hotel to keep up with the demand. I am personally amazed at the response this year. We are gearing up for another blockbuster Dinah Shore Weekend,” Mariah states.

THE CENTER ANNOUNCES ITS SECOND ANNUAL DINING OUT FOR LIFE® EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE APRIL 24

San Diego Businesses Generously Sign Up to Raise Funds for HIV/AIDS Services and Prevention Programs

Jan. 7, 2008 – SAN DIEGO – The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) will again be the local collaborating organization for Dining Out For Life®. The event, which will raise funds for The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and programs, will take place on Thurs., April 24.

“Last year’s event was so successful because of the incredible generosity of our local businesses and all those people who made a commitment to dine out in support of this important fundraiser,” said Donnie Luehring, The Center’s Dining Out For Life® event manager. “This year, we already have a record number of businesses signed up to participate. We believe this event will grow and further strengthen The Center’s critical HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. With more and more people living with HIV, this event will make a difference in the lives of many San Diegans.”

Establishments who have already committed serve as Dining Out For Life® participants include Baja Betty’s, Bamboo Lounge, Bambu Bistro, Bite – Modern California Bistro, Boathouse Restaurant, The Brass Rail Nightclub & Lounge, Brians’ American Eatery, Café 2121, Café Eleven, Cafe on Park, California Cuisine, The Caliph Piano Lounge, Crest Cafe, DiMille’s Italian Restaurant, Dish, Gulf Coast Grill, Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, Kemo Sabe, Lei Back Cafe, Lei Lounge, Lucky Buck’s Patio Bar & Grill, Martinis Above Fourth, The Mission – East Village, The Mission – Mission Beach, The Mission – North Park, Olé Madrid, Parkhouse Eatery, Pecs, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Redwing Bar, Santos Coffee House, Taste of Italy – Hillcrest, TDeli and Urban Mo’s. Additional participants will be announced in the coming weeks.

Everyone can participate in this event simply by dining out for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at select local restaurants on Thurs., April 24. Local businesses will donate a minimum of 25 percent of their food and liquor sales on that day to benefit HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. All funds raised locally will stay in San Diego, benefiting The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs.

Each year, more than 2,500 restaurants in over 40 cities throughout the United States and Canada donate a portion of their proceeds from this one designated day to the licensed agencies in their respective cities. More than $3 million dollars are raised each year through Dining Out For Life® internationally. This year marks the second time San Diego has participated in this event.

Dining Out for Life® will rely on the generous participation of San Diego County restaurants. If you are a restaurateur and would like to participate, please contact Donnie Luehring at (619) 692-2077, ext. 246 or dluehring@thecentersd.org by Fri., Feb. 15.

The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, Inc., (d.b.a., The Center) is the nation's second oldest and third largest LGBT community center. Functioning as the LGBT community's leadership organization, The Center is led by a 20-member board of directors, employs over 40 paid staff and utilizes more than 300 community volunteers. Incorporated in 1973 as a community-based, non-profit, 501(c) (3) agency, The Center has more than thirty years of experience as a health and human services agency. In 2006, The Center provided direct services to more than 25,000 community members and through its events, activities and advocacy, touched the lives of thousands more.

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER PAULA COLE JOINS OLIVIA’S WOMEN IN SPORTS CRUISE

Billie Jean King to Receive the First Olivia Ovation Award Recognizing Champions of Women’s Causes

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 28, 2007) – Incredible entertainment, celebrity athletes, luxurious surroundings, fine foods and picturesque vistas, are all part of the line up for Olivia’s Mexican Riviera- Sports themed cruise. In 2008, Olivia commemorates its 35th Anniversary while celebrating three women’s sports historical events, including Billie Jean King’s monumental win in the “The Battle of the Sexes” and the passing of Title IX into law. This first-of-its-kind experience will include Grammy Award Winner singer and songwriter Paula Cole; other Olivia favorites include Vickie Shaw, Suede, Rene Hicks, Poppy Champlin, Julie Wolf, and more soon to be announced performers.

“This trip is for athletes and non-athletes alike,” said Lisa Henderson, GM of Olivia. “It is a celebration for anyone who appreciates the contribution that women’s sports have made in changing gender perceptions.”

Olivia guests depart San Diego to the beautiful beaches of the Mexican Rivera on October 4, 2008 and return to the states on October 11 aboard the super luxurious Holland America 's ms Oosterdam. Travel in luxury and style. This cruise has something for everyone; curl up with a good book in the Erasmus Library; try your lady luck in the stunning casino; savor fine cuisine and vintage wines in the decadent vista dining room; release the stresses in your life while getting a salt scrub in its full-service Greenhouse Spa; or take high tea in the stately Explores Lounge.

“During our historical 35th year, we are excited to offer a trip that celebrates the role of athletes in women’s history,” said Judy Dlugacz, Founder and President of Olivia. “I cannot think of a better way to show Olivia’s support of champions of women’s causes than to honor Billy Jean King our first Olivia Ovation Award.”

The “Women in Sports Cruise” will also include an All-Star basketball game featuring popular WNBA players and other iconic women sports figures. Additionally, Olivia will host “Breakfast of Women Champions” onboard, a fundraiser benefiting the Women’s Sports Foundation.

“This cruise is a unique opportunity for women who enjoy sports or those who just want to enjoy the incredible beaches. It is all about having fun,” added Henderson . “2008 marks the first time that Olivia has delivered a complete fusion of travel and entertainment designed to create a unique travel experiences that compliment amazing destinations. Grammy Award Winner- Paula Cole and Social Pioneer- Billie Jean King on the same trip ensures everyone will enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.”

For information on Paula Cole visit: www.paulacole.com

About Olivia
Olivia is focused exclusively on lesbians and delivering premium products and services that connect and celebrate their lives. Originally founded as a record label in 1973, the San Francisco-based company has evolved into the leader in creating extraordinary experiences for lesbians. It is proud to sponsor top out athletes Sheryl Swoopes and Rosie Jones and support a number of Women's and Lesbian and Gay organizations, donating more than $450,000 to groups working to empower and transform the lives of women and lesbians.

For more info go to: www.olivia.com

OLIVIA FOUNDER AND GM ENSURES SMOOTH SAILING AHEAD

Lesbian Business Visionary and Pioneer Judy Dlugacz Stays on Course with initial legal victory

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 29, 2007) – In response to a recent lawsuit filed by Olivia's former CEO and three other executives claiming that Olivia had wrongfully fired them, Olivia’s Founder and President Judy Dlugacz addresses the company’s unwavering commitment to consumers worldwide.

“Olivia continues its course as a viable, vibrant enterprise, fully engaged in its 35-year mission to provide unparalleled travel and entertainment services to the lesbian community,” said Dlugacz, Founder and President of Olivia. "We remain committed to providing the best in travel and entertainment services to the lesbian community and we are confident that Olivia will thrive for many years to come."

The lawsuit had sought, among other things, the extreme remedy of an involuntary dissolution of Olivia. Olivia promptly moved to dismiss that claim, which was clearly intended to disrupt its operations. On October 18, 2007, the San Francisco Superior Court granted Olivia's motion to dismiss the dissolution claim and the Court rejected the former employees request to give them "leave to amend" this part of their case. That claim is thus no longer part of the lawsuit.

Olivia also has filed a cross complaint against its former CEO for breach of her fiduciary duties and to collect sums due on a substantial loan Olivia made to her.
"At a time when lesbians were forced to hide their lives from the rest of the world, Judy courageously built this company from scratch," said Lisa Henderson, GM of Olivia. "As we head into our 35th year, Olivia continues to create unparalleled traveltainment experiences, which include ‘Cruise for Our Cause,' featuring Heart; 'Women in Sports,' honoring Billie Jean King; 'Celebrate 35!,' featuring k.d.lang and Margaret Cho; and '35th Birthday Bash' our biggest event of the year."

About Olivia
Olivia is focused exclusively on lesbians and delivering premium products and services that connect and celebrate their lives. Originally founded as a record label in 1973, the San Francisco-based company has evolved into the leader in creating extraordinary experiences for lesbians. It is proud to sponsor top out athletes Sheryl Swoopes and Rosie Jones and support a number of Women's and Lesbian and Gay organizations, donating more than $450,000 to groups working to empower and transform the lives of women and lesbians.

For more info go to: www.olivia.com

Good news for Good Vibrations - it's being sold

Good Vibrations, the pioneering San Francisco sex toy retailer that had stumbled recently due to Internet competition, is being sold to a nationwide distributor of adult products, a move that will save the store and help it expand in other cities.
Officials with GVA-TWN - a Cleveland firm that operates its own adult stores in the Midwest and has been distributing adult products since the 1960s - said Thursday that they are acquiring Good Vibrations for an undisclosed sum.
The San Francisco firm said the pending deal with GVA-TWN will allow it to restock its shelves for the holiday season. "The stores are getting restocked even as we speak," Good Vibrations board member Carol Queen said Thursday afternoon.
GVA-TWN plans to use its financial muscle to open Good Vibrations stores in other cities. "In the long term or medium term, this will allow Good Vibrations to do something we've wanted to do for quite a while, which is look at expansion into other parts of California and the U.S.," Queen said.
Officials from the two companies said there are no plans to lay off any of Good Vibrations' 60 workers or to change its management. Good Vibrations once was a worker-owned cooperative but converted to a traditional corporate structure in 2006. Many of its employees own shares of the company, and officials said those workers will receive some of the proceeds of the sale.
Good Vibrations got its start in the 1970s as one of the first companies to sell vibrators and other sexual products in a setting that was welcoming to women and that conveyed an educational, positive view of sexuality. Over the years, it added stores in Berkeley and Massachusetts, a second store in San Francisco, and an Internet sales operation.
GVA-TWN hopes to benefit from Good Vibrations' experience with marketing to women and couples.
Good Vibrations, for its part, had been seeking an infusion of capital to help it overcome recent losses related to a drop in its Internet sales.
"The merger is going to stabilize Good Vibrations financially immediately," Queen said.
"It's a good fit for both businesses," said Joel Kaminsky, chief operating officer of GVA-TWN. "Our strengths are infrastructure, inventory and financial strength. And they have a lot to bring to the table in helping us reach out to women and couples of all genders, and in training our staff."
The company initially viewed the Internet as fertile ground for sales. At one point, it was generating two-thirds of its revenue from catalogs and the Internet.
But Good Vibrations' online sales suffered as giant Web retailers like Amazon and Drugstore.com started selling sensual items. The company also was hit by competition from a growing number of individuals running adult e-commerce sites from their home computers with virtually no overhead.
Earlier this month, Good Vibrations posted an open letter on its Web site seeking investors to help it survive.
With more than 50 retail stores in the Midwest and revenue in the "high eight figures," GVA-TWN is much larger than Good Vibrations, which saw sales of $11.9 million last year.
Its retail culture also has been very different from that of Good Vibrations. "They are generally the kind of stores that Good Vibrations says it is not ... more porn-heavy, oriented to male shoppers," Queen said.
Despite its traditional male orientation, GVA-TWN has followed the rest of the adult products industry in recent years in eyeing the market potential of female customers.
And Good Vibrations has been an acknowledged leader is reaching that market.
"When the Rabbit Vibrator got onto 'Sex and the City,' the writing was on the wall," Queen said. "It became clear it wasn't just guys in raincoats going into sex stores. I see this relationship (with GVA-TWN) in that light."

www.goodvibes.com

The Mayor's Office just released this statement from Mayor Jerry Sanders:

Earlier this afternoon, I announced that I will sign the resolution that the City Council passed yesterday directing the City Attorney to file a brief in support of gay marriage. My plan, as has been reported publicly, was to veto that resolution, so I feel like I owe all San Diegans an explanation for this change of heart.

During the campaign two years ago, I announced that I did not support gay marriage and instead supported civil unions and domestic partnerships. I have personally wrestled with that position ever since. My opinion on this issue has evolved significantly - as I think have the opinions of millions of Americans from all walks of life. In order to be consistent with the position I took during the mayoral election, I intended to veto the Council resolution. As late as yesterday afternoon, that was my position.

The arrival of the resolution - to sign or veto -- in my office late last night forced me to reflect and search my soul for the right thing to do. I have decided to lead with my heart - to do what I think is right - and to take a stand on behalf of equality and social justice. The right thing for me to do is to sign this resolution.

For three decades, I have worked to bring enlightenment, justice and equality to all parts of our community. As I reflected on the choices that I had before me last night, I just could not bring myself to tell an entire group of people in our community that they were less important, less worthy and less deserving of the rights and responsibilities of marriage -- than anyone else -- simply because of their sexual orientation. A decision to veto this resolution would have been inconsistent with the values I have embraced over the past 30 years.

I do believe that times have changed. And with changing time, and new life experiences, come different opinions. I think that's natural, and certainly it is true in my case. Two years ago, I believed that civil unions were a fair alternative. Those beliefs, in my case, have since changed.

The concept of a "separate but equal" institution is not something that I can support.

I acknowledge that not all members of our community will agree or perhaps even understand my decision today. All I can offer them is that I am trying to do what I believe is right.

I have close family members and friends who are members of the gay and lesbian community. These folks include my daughter Lisa and her partner, as well as members of my personal staff. I want for them the same thing that we all want for our loved ones -- for each of them to find a mate whom they love deeply and who loves them back; someone with whom they can grow old together and share life's wondrous adventures.

And I want their relationships to be protected equally under the law. In the end, I could not look any of them in the face and tell them that their relationships - their very lives - were any less meaningful than the marriage that I share with my wife Rana.

Thank you.

City Council Vote Split on Marriage Case,
Item Will Be Heard Again on Sept. 18

Advocates for marriage equality -- we need you!

Yesterday, the San Diego City Council voted on whether to sign on to a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief in the marriage equality case currently before the California Supreme Court. In a 4-4 vote, two council members especially stunned our community by voting no on the issue and as a result, the City of San Diego failed to join other major California cities in supporting the marriage equality court case.

“We were deeply disappointed that Councilmembers Donna Frye and Kevin Faulconer failed to support this important step in the effort to end marriage discrimination,” said Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, chief executive officer of The San Diego LGBT Community Center. “We believe that Councilmember Frye and Councilmember Falconer do understand that marriage equality for LGBT people is essential to our basic humanity and dignity and we urge them to reconsider their votes. On Sept. 18, they will have a second chance to be on the right side of civil rights history.”

We urge you to join us in this mobilization effort before the Sept. 18 Council meeting. Please call or e-mail those four Councilmembers who opposed the measure and strongly urge them to reconsider their vote on this issue of fundamental equality and human rights.

District Two – Kevin Faulconer
(619) 236-6622 – kevinfaulconer@sandiego.gov

District Four -- Tony Young
(619) 236-6644 -- anthonyyoung@sandiego.gov

District Five -- Brian Maienschein
(619) 236-6655 -- bmaienschein@sandiego.gov

District Six -- Donna Frye
(619) 236-6616 -- donnafrye@sandiego.gov

Also, please call or e-mail those Councilmembers who voted in yes on this item to thank them for their support.

District Three -- Toni Atkins
(619) 236-6633 -- toniatkins@sandiego.gov

District One – Scott Peters
(619) 236-6611 – scottpeters@sandiego.gov

District Seven -- Jim Madaffer
(619) 236-6677 -- jmadaffer@sandiego.gov

District Eight -- Ben Hueso
(619) 236-6688 -- benhueso@sandiego.gov

The Center’s Public Policy Department and our Marriage Equality and Education Project want to thank all those who attended the Council meeting and signed in and spoke out in support of the item. We hope you will continue to call and write your Councilmember, and attend the meeting on Sept. 18. More information on The Center’s Marriage Equality and Education Project is available at http://www.thecentersd.org/marriageproject.php.

The mission of The Center's Public Policy Department is to advocate for full civil and human rights for the LGBT community. We accomplish this by educating, organizing and mobilizing our community on a range of public policy issues. Our work depends on private contributions.

San Diego City Council To Vote on California Marriage Equality Case

Advocates for marriage equality -- we need you!

The San Diego City Council will vote on Tues., Sept. 4 on whether to sign a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief in the marriage equality case currently before the California Supreme Court. Most major cities in California have already signed on, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach, San Jose and Oakland.

San Diego is the state’s second largest city, and as we know, has a reputation for being moderate to conservative. Having the City of San Diego sign on in favor of marriage equality in this case will not only further bolster the case, but will likely help persuade other cities to sign on to the amicus brief as well.

The Center’s Public Policy Department and our Marriage Equality and Education Project are already hard at work to organize for this important vote. A favorable vote on this issue cannot be taken for granted. This is likely to be a very close vote, and we need your help.

We need you to do three things to encourage the San Diego City Council to sign the amicus briefs in support of marriage equality.

1. If you are part of a couple/family that supports marriage equality, please contact Dale Kelly Bankhead at (619) 236-6166 or dkbankhead@yahoo.com. You could be part of an organized presentation of couples/families who will talk to the City Council about what marriage means to you. We are particularly looking for families with children, long-term couples or anyone who married their partner in San Francisco, Massachusetts or Canada.

2. Anyone – couples, individuals, families -- who won’t be speaking as part of the presentation can still be part of the effort by attending the City Council meeting to sign in to show support for the item. At this time, it is most likely that the item will come up either just before or after the lunch break – between 11am-2pm.

3. If you cannot attend the meeting or even if you will attend, please contact your own City Councilmember and urge them to support marriage equality by signing on to the amicus brief. A listing of the City Councilmembers is included below, along with phone and e-mail contact information.

District One – Scott Peters
(619) 236-6611 – scottpeters@sandiego.gov

District Two – Kevin Faulconer
(619) 236-6622 – kevinfaulconer@sandiego.gov

District Three -- Toni Atkins
(619) 236-6633 -- toniatkins@sandiego.gov

District Four -- Tony Young
(619) 236-6644 -- anthonyyoung@sandiego.gov

District Five -- Brian Maienschein
(619) 236-6655 -- bmaienschein@sandiego.gov

District Six -- Donna Frye
(619) 236-6616 -- donnafrye@sandiego.gov

District Seven -- Jim Madaffer
(619) 236-6677 -- jmadaffer@sandiego.gov

District Eight -- Ben Hueso
(619) 236-6688 -- benhueso@sandiego.gov

Thank you in advance for your efforts to secure marriage equality in California. You can be part of history – please join us in this effort today!

For information about the case currently before the California Supreme Court, or about marriage equality, please visit the following websites:

The San Diego LGBT Center’s Marriage Equality and Education Project
http://www.thecentersd.org/marriageproject.php

National Center for Lesbian Rights
http://www.nclrights.org/cases/woo.htm

Equality California Institute http://www.kintera.org/site/c.mvI0IhN0JwE/b.2821427/k.BE69/HOME.htm