Richard Alatorre

I read with great pride “Councilman Alatorre to Retire When Term Ends” (Jan. 16), on Richard Alatorre, after having been a personal witness the day before, when many friends and family of the Eastside Latino leader gathered at City Council chambers in tears as he made his announcement that he was not seeking reelection in the 14th District.

To many who were the beneficiaries of this man’s 28 years of service, which speak for themselves, it was a disappointment to see the Jan. 17 news analysis from Rich Connell and Robert J. Lopez, as they blatantly attacked Alatorre once again. The Times has done enough damage, not just to Alatorre, his family and friends, but to the many residents of his district who have rallied behind him during the last 28 years. Shame on you!

RUBY B. DE VERA, Los Angeles