Downtown’s Hotel Indigo asked me to help judge the San Diego installment of a national search for ultimate insiders in their “Locals Know Best” contest. Tuesday evening, contestants showed up from all over, exhibiting knowledge of our city’s secret spots and best insider stuff.

I figured nobody would stump or surprise me—I’m something of an insider, too, especially when it comes to downtown dish. And then, in walks Jen Guerin, who shows up with a story about a transvestite bar in Banker’s Hill that’s five blocks from my house…that I never knew existed. No one will question my flaming hetero-sartoriality, I suppose. But there goes a little of my insider street cred.

Hotel Indigo and pop singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield teamed up to host this series of auditions. Four winners from around the country will be flown to New York City for a party (where Bedingfield will perform) and a two-night stay in the Hotel Indigo NYC Chelsea. They’ll also be featured in the chain’s magazine advertisement that’ll run in People.

Scores of contestants brought us the secrets of their ‘hoods—we got the skinny on Che Bella, an eclectic florist shop in East Village; a trendy vintage clothes shop in North Park called Hunt and Gather; Rubicon Deli, the best new lunch spot in Pacific Beach; delicious organic Farmer’s Market popsicles called Viva Pops…and the friendliest tranny bar that’s walking distance from my home.

Guerin is a local designer, color consultant and former reality show contestant on HGTV’s Design Star. She and all the contestants did video auditions and were automatically entered into the contest.

If you couldn’t make it out, there’s still a way to enter. Click on this link: Locals Know Best, and submit your ultimate insider information. Contest ends August 15.