The State - News from Aug. 24, 1989

After months of grieving for his dead companion, Laguna Beach Mayor Robert Gentry conquered his worst fears and picked up the phone to get the results of his AIDS blood test. He tested negative for the virus that causes the incurable disease. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome took the life of Gentry’s 15-year companion, Gary Burdick, on Jan. 23. “I don’t know if anyone knows what it’s like to even consider testing after you’ve just buried someone who you have cared for and nurtured for 15 years,” Gentry said. Gentry is the only openly homosexual public official to be elected in Orange County.