Opera Story Was Off-Key

Your article “Changing Their Tune” concerning the L. A. Music Center Opera production at Pacific Lodge Boys Home was blatantly sensationalized.

Rather than dwell on the boys, you emphasized the offense. It could have been an exceptional opportunity to acknowledge the constructive actions of our boys. These youthful offenders, who have been thrown away by society, could have pointed with pride to your article and felt good about their accomplishment. Instead, you dwelled on labels.

The Pacific Lodge has been helping young boys for more than 60 years turn their lives around and re-enter society as productive contributors. In this age when gang activity is ruining our neighborhoods, we need to reach out and show them there is a better way. The L. A. Music Center Opera did that.

If our youth are to succeed, they need positive role models and reinforcement. They need support from the community. They need support from the media. Our mission at Pacific Lodge continues to be to “Build Productive Lives.” We need help, not sensationalism.

EVELYN GREENE. Greene is president of the board of directors of Pacific Lodge .