San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom was clearly a big hit with celebrants at this morning's Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade. The event's political grand marshal spent the minutes before the parade posing for photographs with supporters. Many shouted words of thanks, as Newsom briefly legalized same-sex marriage in his town. Newsom is now running for governor. You can read my recent interview with him at http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_12381455?source=rss_viewed.
Newsom was not the only politician on hand. I spotted state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, Vice Mayor Val Lerch and Council members Dee Andrews, Suja Lowenthal, Gerrie Schipske and Robert Garcia.
Several notables were there, including Smooth's restaurant owner John Morris, community activist Justin Rudd, gay-rights pioneer Lee Glaze, and Ripples owner John Garcia.
Only a small number of protesters were within view in the area of Ocean and Temple.
The parade seemed to get off to a late start, just before 11 a.m. instead of the scheduled 10:30 a.m. There was also a long stall about 30 to 40 minutes in but I am not sure of the cause. Check out reporter Kelly Puente's coverage and staff photographer Jeff Gritchen's pictures at Presstelegram.com later in the day.
