SAN DIEGO: GOP Mayor Celebrates Pride

Via the San Diego Gay & Lesbian News:

Kevin L. Faulconer today became the first mayor of San Diego to hoist rainbow flags over the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter. Faulconer, a moderate Republican who is one of the national chairs of the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, kicked off the 40th anniversary of San Diego Pride at noon today with a brief ceremony at the corner of Fifth Avenue and L Street in front of Nobu Restaurant. He presented a city proclamation recognizing the historic anniversary year to San Diego Pride executive director Stephen Whitburn. The mayor then climbed onto a scissor lift, which rose to the top of a street lamp where he hooked up a rainbow flag that symbolizes Gay Pride. Faulconer placed two of 124 rainbow flags that will wave high about Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter – a first for America’s Finest City. Traditionally, rainbow flags fly high along University Avenue in Hillcrest, the city's gayborhood, and at local college campuses.

San Diego Pride is next weekend.