People, Opinions & Politics: Whitburn & Kehoe News, Rocha’s Playboy Debut
Stephen Whitburn
Stephen Whitburn to run for County Supervisor
Word is that community & neighborhood activist Stephen Whitburn will announce today that he is a candidate for the County Board of Supervisors in District 4. Whitburn is best known as the candidate who ran against Councilman Todd Gloria. He also serves on the city’s Compassionate Marijuana Task Force and other community organization boards. The openly gay Whitburn is also a past president of the San Diego Democratic Club.
Popular Supervisor Ron Roberts is running for re-election and has already raised more than $100K. San Diego School Board member Shelia Jackson who dropped out of the race last week, dropped back in. Councilwoman Donna Frye announced she isn’t running. So, two Democrats, Whitburn and Jackson, will face Republican Roberts in this non-partisan race.
Many, including me, believe that Roberts is the clear front-runner and will be very hard to beat. The big question is, will Whitburn put in his own “big bucks” for this race like he did in his losing City Council bid ($200K+?)
Kehoe will not ‘rule out’ Mayoral candidacy
CA State Senator Christine Kehoe
Recently, I had a conversation with CA State Senator Christine Kehoe and asked her about speculation that she plans to run for San Diego Mayor in 2012. Kehoe told me that she will not rule out such a campaign (she will be termed out of Senate.) She also seemed not too eager to re-run for State Assembly when her Senate term is up.
Among others being mentioned as possible mayoral candidates are: District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Congressman Bob Filner, City Councilman Carl DeMaio and Steve Francis.
Joseph Rocha honored at Playboy mansion
USD student, GLTNewsNow contributor and Middle East war veteran Joseph Rocha was honored at the Playboy mansion this week where he was presented with the 9th Annual Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award of Los Angeles County during the WeHo Awards. About 200 people attended the awards ceremony including NFL players, reality show stars, television stars, fashion designers, Playboy centerfolds and more. Tickets ranged in price from $500 to $1,500. This was the first-ever gay event held at the Playboy mansion and the gala was a benefit for The Life Group L.A.
Rocha has become a national spokesperson for lifting the ban on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He was profiled on CNN and his commentary written for the Washington Post was reprinted in over 600 news publications across the US.
Pennsylvania State Commissioner Michael Weiss and I had the honor of presenting Rocha with his award. This young, bright, articulate 23-year-old Latino is a proud veteran and certainly a role model for all generations. Congratulations Joseph!
