Sean Sullivan, who once ran for Oakland City Council, is one of the leaders of a movement to block the reappointment of Lorenzo Hoopes as a member of the Paramount Theater Board of Directors.

"I think it's outrageous that we would appoint anyone who calls for discrimination and works hard to see discrimination written into California's constitution representing all of Oakland on the Paramount board," said Sullivan, a West Oakland resident and a founding board member of Oakland's Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.

Hoopes was the leader of Oakland's "Yes on Prop 8" effort. He also was Oakland's largest donor and fundraiser to this discriminatory proposition. It is unfortunate that Hoopes' nomination is moving forward as the Prop 8 trial is happening across the bay in San Francisco.

Tonight: Tell City Council what you think! Sullivan is asking Oaklanders to attend the Jan 19 Oakland City Council to ask that Council only approve board members who don't discriminate against any of our citizens. (Sullivan's Facebook event listing says the meeting is 7 pm, but the City Council web site says 6 pm.)

To follow this issue, join Sullivan's Facebook group: The Paramount -- No Place for Homophobia.

After moved to Oakland earlier this year, I made a stunning discovery.

Finally, I can embrace my inner zombie.

Zombies are more popular than ever -- and this isn't just a Halloween thing. Sure, there's the hot feature film Zombieland, and many zombie events in and around the Bay Area (and elsewhere). And a slew of popular books (like Breathers).

But it's more than that. Being a zombie is a whole different way to be free. Even better, it doesn't need to cost anything.

Maybe it's the recession. Maybe it's a pop culture virus. Maybe the mouth of hell has yawned open and vomited a social meme. Or maybe it's just easier or more fun to be undead.

Whatever the reason, I find myself shuffling inevitably toward the siren groan of zombie life. (Or unlife. Or post-life. Geez, we need a whole new PC lexicon for zombies...) And you're welcome to shamble along with me.