Perceptions of Canoga Park

* Re “In the Shadow of Affluence,” June 10.

Your article concerning the poor in Canoga Park helped to highlight that the West Valley is not a monolithic, affluent white enclave. This is no surprise to members of the Canoga Park / West Hills Chamber of Commerce. We live and work here and are well aware of the problems that exist. We are working to solve them.

However, the images of Canoga Park imposed by The Times do not match the truth, either. In another recent article, you dismissed our area as a “working class enclave, mired in . . . recession.” In another piece, you recently permitted residents of our community to be labeled “white trash.” (A direct quote!) These references are not aberrational--when The Times talks about Canoga Park, these are the types of terms generally used. With the burden of media influence should come the realization that public perceptions of an area are generally molded by media comment . . . whether or not those comments accurately reflect the true state of affairs of the place described.

The Times consistently ignores or underplays positive developments in our community which would run as major stories if they occurred anywhere else.

In short, in the guise of neutral reporting, you are doing harm. By all means, don’t hide the bad news. But don’t hide the good stuff, either.

RONALD CLARY

Canoga Park

Clary is president of the Canoga Park / West Hills Chamber of Commerce.