Follow the Leader

Assembly candidate Tonia Reyes Uranga proves an inclusive political agenda really works

BY JAMES MILLS

The on-going fight for gay rights would likely not have gotten as far as it has without the help of the straight allies. While gay activists have long been pushing for equality, it often takes the support of straight allies to help legitimize those concerns and signal to the mainstream world that these are valid issues.

But in today's volatile political world, how do straight elected officials push a political agenda that includes gay concerns? “It's about civil rights and human rights,” says Long Beach City Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga, a straight alley who ardently supports gay causes. “You have to keep in mind that it is not about just men or women, blacks or whites or even Latinos. But about human beings.”

Actively pushing an inclusive agenda while representing Long Beach's very diverse 7th district (which covers West Long Beach), Reyes Uranga feels supporting gay issues is merely part of any elected official's job. “These are constituency issues. A politician who's responsive to their constituents but ignores another whole segment of those constituents is not an effective politician, nor an effective leader. You can't say, 'I represent all of these folks, but not those.' Especially in Long Beach and in Southern California.”

Crafting legislation and getting it passed often involves a lot of compromising and bargaining, but Reyes Uranga tries to keep focuse on the bigger prize—insuring her constituents benefit. “It's a lot of horse trading, but you try to make sure the communities in your district are getting something.”

The two time Lambda Award winner is hoping to move on to Sacramento, currently running for the 54th Assembly district. If elected, how will she represent gay concerns on a new playing field?

“I'll work with my allies at the assembly level who are openly gay, but also those that are allies. Part of it too is that Long Beach is in a pivotal location when it comes to legislation. We have the Port of Long Beach and the Port of LA. These are the largest economic engines in the nation. So we have a lot of stuff people want. We are in a great position as an assembly district to play a leadership role.”

But ultimately she believes carrying out an inclusive agenda involves recognizing that people care about the same basic things—happy families, getting educated, having jobs, and being able to afford their mortgage.

“There's no kind of lavender agenda here,” she laughs. “It's just an agenda for people to be able to live with respect and dignity, to make a living and pay their mortgage, and take care of the people they love. That is so universal.”

SCENE

High Rollers

The Long Beach AIDS Foundation hosts a night of gaming and a day of cruising

Come spring, the Long Beach AIDS Foundation is hosting two fundraisers for “high-rollers,” with a night of gaming and a day of cruising.

First up on April 20, the 10th Annual Motorcycle AIDS Charity Ride—one of the nation's most unique AIDS charity events. LifeRide 10 aims to draw several hundred motorcyclists, classic car enthusiasts, and custom bike fans alike to raise $75,000 for SoCal HIV/AIDS programs. A lofty goal as last year's event raised $5,000. “We're taking it to a whole new level,” says Garry Bowie, executive director of the Long Beach AIDS Foundation. “It's never been done before—it's for the whole Southern California motorcycle community, gay and straight.”

The all-day event starts and ends at Dodgers Stadium with a ride up to Angela's Crest in between, and includes live music, a pancake breakfast, and a raffle with a chance to drive home a Harley Davidson. “This event allows motorcyclists to do good for the community,” says Bowie. “Yes, it's a biking event and, yes, let's have fun, but let's also give back.”

Next up on April 26, the foundation will host its increasingly popular, Casino Night at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach for the third year in a row. “People talk about Casino Night for months afterward,” says Bowie. “Each year, it gets harder to top yourself.”

While last year's event boasted a Latin theme, complete with samba dancers in feathered headdresses, this year the foundation opted for a Cirque du Soleil approach.

“We'll really dress up the facility to have a circus kind of feel,” says Bowie, adding that he doesn't want to reveal too much. “I want that 'wow' factor, so I don't want to let the cat out of the bag.” A $75 ticket gets guests access to a silent auction, dancing, prizes, a museum tour, as well as “lots of food and plenty to drink,” says Bowie.

While Bowie hopes to raise $50,000 for another worthy cause, the foundation keeps the focus on fun. “It's just one wild event, not a heavy message night,” says Bowie. “Everyone knows we're raising money to put on the AIDS Walk Long Beach, but the purpose is to put on one heck of a party.” A word to the wise, says Bowie, it's best to book your tickets online. “Last year, we had to turn away 250 people at the door,” he adds. “We're building quite a rep for throwing fabulous events.”

For more information, visit www.lbaidsfoundation.org.

COMMUNITY

Tasting For Charity

The Center Long Beach’s upcoming wine tasting event takes a “sideways” approach to fundraising

BY KEN KNOX

For one of its upcoming fundraising events, The Center Long Beach is doing something a little different. “We haven’t done anything like this before,” says Executive Director Kim Woods of next month’s wine tasting event. “We’re always looking for events we can do that people will enjoy, but that will also help us raise money [for the Center]. A lot of people really like wine, and so, as I talked to other people about the idea, somebody said, ‘I have someone who will donate wine to you,’ and so we came up with this event.”

The Center then solicited longtime supporter Todd Turley—a former member of the Center’s board of directors—to host the event at his regal home, which overlooks the ocean.

Food will be paired with the wine, which is being donated by several boutique wineries from all the way up the coast. “These are smaller vineyards, so it’s unique,” she adds. “It’s not typically something you’re going to find everywhere on the shelves.” Additionally, there will be a silent auction on various wines, as well as some exclusive “wine accessories,” and two wine experts will be on hand to discuss the uniqueness of the wines for those aficionados in attendance.

Woods says the event will likely appeal to those in their mid-30s and beyond—“people who typically like to go out to dinner and have the money to spend on nicer wine”—though she says all are welcome to come. “The event is all about atmosphere, friends, great wine and great food,” she stresses.

The event is part of the Center’s mission to contribute in four key areas, including social and cultural activities. The proceeds typically go toward running workshops and funding the youth program. Woods says the money could also go toward paying for a new counselor at the Center.

Tickets for the event are limited—only 120 will be sold, which will lend the event an air of exclusivity. “It’s going to be very elegant,” Woods says of the event. “The food and wine together will be extraordinary, people will have a chance to meet each other, network and make new friends, and they will learn a lot about wine and have a chance to buy other wines and accessories. I think they are going to be very pleased.”

The event will take place April 5 at the home of Todd Turley, 2515 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. For more information, contact the Center at 562/434-4455.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Come to the cabaret, old chum

It's doubtful Sally Bowles will make it, but plenty other fans will likely come to the cabaret as Ripples launches a weekly “New York Cabaret” night. “It'll be the traditional style cabaret. Standards, jazz, show tunes,” says headliner Julian Miranda who is also organizing the shows. They'll also have an open-mike time for prospective singers, plus professional comedians interspersed throughout the evening. “Remember the cabarets at the old Rose Tattoo in West Hollywood? That's the kind of show we're striving to do,” Miranda assures. The cabaret debuts Mar. 19 and continues each Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. Club Ripples, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd. For information or to sign up for the cabaret, e-mail alltheraveent@yahoo.com

Show off your basket for Easter

'Tis the season for bunny rabbits, decorating eggs and showing off Easter baskets. Mr. Long Beach Leather, Don Sir, hosts an Easter Basket Contest giving people a chance to adorn Easter baskets of the non-traditional variety; baskets as in one's manhood, one's crotch. “People can 'embellish' their basket, decorate it anyway they like. Leather, underwear, sports wear, fetish wear, anything goes as long as it's legal,” chuckles Garry Bowie, executive director of Long Beach AIDS Foundation which is co-sponsoring the event. Prizes for the best decorated baskets will be awarded. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Life Emergency Fund. Festivities start at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Pistons Bar, 2020 Artesia Blvd. For more information, call 562/422-1928.

Easter goes to the dogs

Forget bunnies and ducklings, Easter is a holiday for dogs, as least in Long Beach. What started as a group of gay men walking their dogs in an impromptu parade has evolved into a much anticipated doggie dress-up affair. The 8th annual Haute Dog Easter Parade on Sunday, Mar. 23 will feature 500+ canines in costumes parading down the sidewalk of 2nd Street in Belmont Shores. “The costumes get more elaborate and flamboyant every year,” reports organizer Justin Rudd. The parade starts at 2:30 p.m. with prizes awarded in many categories. Meanwhile, a pet adoption fair and vendor booths will be set up in nearby Livingston Park. For more information, call 562/439-3316, or visit www.hautedogs.org.

Disney and diversity

Take a look at the “business behind the magic,” as in the Walt Disney magic, when the Disney Keys to Excellence business seminar comes to town. A branch of the renowned 22-year-old Disney Institute, the Keys program offers Walt Disney World resort insiders sharing their business philosophies and practices. “They'll be talking specifically about dealing with cultural and diversity issues in the workplace,” says Michael Hernandez of the Long Beach Community Business Network, an LGBT business networking organization which is promoting the day-long seminar. The program is Tuesday, Mar. 25 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at California State University, Long Beach's Pointe Conference Center. For more information, contact 877/544-2384, or visit www.keyslosangeles.com