Seth Walsh died Monday afternoon after eight days on life support. The 13-year-old from Tehachapi in Kern County, California, hung himself from a tree in his family’s back yard on Sept. 19 in a suicide attempt.

"He was different. He knew he was different," Seth's mother, Judy Walsh, told the Tehachapi News. "He was a very loving boy, very kind. He had a beautiful smile. He liked fashion, his friends, talking on the phone. He was artistic and very bright."

SANTA BARBARA -- Today, the Palm Center released a statement following the Sept. 24 ruling in favor of Air Force Major Margaret Witt in the U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Wash.

Witt was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in 2004 and must be reinstated, according to the ruling by Judge Ronald B. Leighton. However, the Department of Justice is expected to appeal this decision.

"Major Witt's victory shows us a future beyond 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said Christopher Neff, deputy director of the Palm Center.

America’s commitment to helping tens of thousands of people suffering from HIV/AIDs obtain access to the medications they need to survive has failed. Instead, the White House, members of Congress, governors and state legislators have created a new, life-threatening epidemic – functional malaise.

Why is there a problem when we have ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Programs) - a system of federally funded, state-run programs to supply low-income, uninsured individuals with access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS medications?

Many states today face massive budget shortfalls and must cut services.

Editor’s note: Candidates for political office are permitted two opinion pieces per month on SDGLN. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of SDGLN.

As a candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, I enjoy talking with voters and answering questions.

Typically, our discussions are about creating jobs, improving fire services, and saving our community grants from abuse as political slush funds.