Community Is Left Out

Re: “Eu Criticized for Attending Soka Event” (Jan. 22):

Soka spokeswoman Bernetta Reade is quoted as saying the Japanese language classes were a first for American students--”an offering to the community.”

If this is true, why were no community leaders invited to this little “tea party?” Perhaps they were not invited because community opposition to the planned Soka expansion is too strong, and local involvement has been found to generate unfavorable publicity. Much easier to sneak in an unsuspecting (possibly) dignitary for a quick endorsement and reap the rewards later.

Whether Ms. Eu thinks her attendance was an endorsement is inconsequential; it will most certainly be used as one by Soka.

DIANE BURGESS

Calabasas