Taxes, Charity and the Downtown YMCA

One’s first observation might cause agreement with the position of the owners of private clubs, but we should look at history and the present overall situation.

The downtown Los Angeles YMCA was first opened in 1908. The purpose then, as today, was to benefit, without financial profit, all persons who come through its doors. The benefits are offered without regard to religion, financial standing or race. (I do not know of any black youths receiving basketball or weightlifting training at the downtown Jonathan Club.)

Because of the not-for-profit policy of the communities’ YMCAs, many Ys located in lower-income areas are finding themselves offering valuable people-building services and operating at a deficit.

Should the wealthier persons near the downtown Y be denied Y services because they have more financial resources than persons near the other Ys? If the new downtown Y makes money, the Ys in lower-income areas will benefit.

The private clubs want to change rules established more than 77 years ago. The rules were on the books when the private clubs elected to start their businesses. If the rules are changed, will the private clubs put up a cash bond to continue services offered by all the Ys to the disadvantaged?

AARON M. EPSTEIN

N. Hollywood