Unfair Assumption

I am writing in response to “A Universal Effort Helps East L.A. Kids” (by Itabari Njeri and Dave Larsen, July 10).

As a concerned parent of a student who participated in this worthwhile program, I was appalled and deeply saddened to see the students portrayed in such a negative light. I can assure you that the vast majority of students were not “. . .gang kids, underprivileged kids, kids who normally spend their summer on the street corner,” (as described by a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Regional Occupational Program).

Most of the students, including my daughter, are hard-working, industrious young adults who viewed this job as a unique summer experience. These young adults take various career-oriented classes which will be of assistance when they are in the job market. Therefore, to blatantly characterize these students as incapable and unworthy of employment prior to the intervention of the county’s ROP program is a grievous mistake.

MARY HOLBROOK

Bell Gardens