Plaza de la Raza

In response to Morning Report’s “Plaza to Lose Leader” (March 26) about Gema Sandoval leaving her post as executive director at Plaza de la Raza, The Times states that she leaves “during a period of turmoil.” The Board of Directors of Plaza de la Raza takes exception to that statement.

Plaza de la Raza has never been more prolific in its programming, more active in its community and more visible in the arts and culture area. We service more than 600 children a week through our after-school program. We are in the midst of the second annual Nuevo LA Chicano MusicWorks Competition, which had brought in more than 100 entries in four musical categories. We are putting the finishing touches to a stellar summer season, our third annual “Con Sabor Latino” presenting series. We are beginning a thorough, much needed, upgrade of the whole facility. And we have just recruited four very capable and respected board members who would not have lent their names and reputations to the organization if they had felt that we were “in turmoil.”

We are grateful for Sandoval’s years of service, and we recognize the tenacity of her vision, which has helped to poise Plaza as a national leader in community arts programming. And, although she will no longer be an employee of Plaza, because she is a Chicana artist of this community, her relationship with us will continue throughout the years.

Our employees are pursuing the issue of organizing themselves through a union. The board of directors has recognized their union and is going through careful negotiations with their representative. We hardly consider that turmoil. What we are worried about, however, is the erroneous perception that The Times has given with its inaccurate reporting and the repercussions that will have on the credibility of Plaza de la Raza.

I, as chairperson of the board, must always ensure that I maintain an unbiased view toward the organization, one that serves the needs of the organization as well as protects the rights of the employees. I know that you, too, seek that level of impartiality. I, therefore, ask that you print this letter so that we are allowed to write our own history and dispel any doubts about the future of our organization.

LYDIA LOPEZ, Chairperson

Board of Directors

Plaza de la Raza

Los Angeles