Publisher Of Defunct San Diego LGBT Newspaper Dead Of Apparent Suicide

[Newsjock]

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/12/san-diego-publisher-of-defunct-lgbt.html

The body of Michael Portantino, the publisher of San Diego's recently defunct Gay & Lesbian Times, has been found outside a local mid-rise hotel. The San Diego County coroner is calling it an apparent suicide.

The decedent was a 52 year old single White male who resided in a home in San Diego. On 12/08/10, he apparently jumped from a building and landed on the cement walkway before his body was discovered by passersby. 9-1-1 was called and medics arrived and confirmed the death without intervention due to the obvious signs of trauma. The examination is being conducted today 12/09/10.

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Lots more context here:
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/financial-crime-politics/2010/dec/09/ex-gay-publisher-portantino-takes-own-life/

A battle in the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender media ended tragically last night when Michael Portantino, owner of the now-defunct Gay and Lesbian Times, committed suicide by jumping off the Park Manor Suites. His death was confirmed to me by someone very close to him. Portantino was under investigation by the district attorney, who was supposedly looking into the possible bloating of circulation figures, among other things. I have from an excellent source that Portantino had been told through his lawyer that the D.A. would be indicting him. I put into a call to the D.A.'s office, and as this is written, have not heard back. I will report the office's response if I get one.

[FreeState]

1. Sad News, and your second link it to an anti-gay publication

that refuses to run ads for Pride or any other gay event in town - claiming the publisher is a conservative catholic - but somehow is full of ads for medical marijuana and hetro only hook up sites. Contrary to its unfortunate title Mr. Portantino was not an ex-gay ("Ex-Gay Community Publisher Portantino Takes Own Life" WTF?!?!).

[OnlinePoker]

2. Ex-Gay Community Publisher Portantino Takes Own Life

I think it's a poorly written headline. I think they meant "Former publisher for gay community", but botched it.

[FreeState]

3. Probably - its par for the course with the Reader though :) n/t

[slackmaster]

4. This is very sad indeed. Mr. Portantino was a kind, generous, and rational man.

I had a professional interaction with him related to a controversy during the 2008 political campaign season. His response to the situation was more than reasonable. I was left with a very positive impression of him and of the Gay and Lesbian Times.

:-(