Chamber Apologizes to Sunland Care Home : Criticisms of Facility Changed to Praise

Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce President Michael J. Horn issued a formal apology Friday to the owners of the Sunshine Manor in Sunland, a state-licensed home for former mental patients that was investigated for alleged abuses at the chamber’s request.

The chamber’s apology was prompted by a state finding that there was no substance to allegations included in a letter written by the chamber in December to the state Department of Social Services, area newspapers and several public officials. Sunshine Manor officials had threatened to bring a defamation suit against the chamber if the apology was not issued.

The chamber’s December letter said the organization had received “repeated reports” about abuses at Sunshine Manor, including swapping of medication by residents, Satan worship, “voodoo practices” and harassment of residents by the management.

“The chamber wishes to apologize to the Sunshine Manor and its owners, and specifically Mr. David Lovi, for any misunderstandings which have arisen due to the chamber’s investigation into complaints about Sunshine Manor,” Horn said, reading from a prepared statement during a press conference in Tujunga. The statement said the chamber “is grateful that such a professional, gentlemanly person is running a complex and socially important business such as Sunshine Manor.”

The statement acknowledged that the chamber “has not uncovered any evidence to support allegations and charges” included in the letter.

The statement was part of a settlement reached between attorneys for the chamber and the Sunshine Manor.

Zoltan (David) Lovi, part owner of the facility, said adverse publicity surrounding the allegations has nearly put him out of business. The Sunshine Manor first came under attack last fall when 200 Sunland residents and merchants signed a petition complaining about alleged lack of supervision at the home.