LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Sometime during the first half of the coming century, there will be an important turning point for Ventura County: Latinos will become the county’s single biggest ethnic group.

As their numbers increase, the signs of Latino progress already can be seen in a growing middle class and increased political clout. At the same time, however, nagging social problems have persisted.

But what about the future?

Beginning Sunday, The Times will present a four-part series on these pages that will examine the impact that this new Latino majority will likely have on Ventura County.

“Challenges of the Latino Century” will look at hopes as well as fears. From Sunday through Wednesday, we will explore the many reasons for optimism as well as those warning signs that should be telling county leaders to start preparing now for this historic population shift.

In addition to our own reports throughout the week on what this means for our schools, our politics and our economy, we have asked some current and future Latino leaders to add their own voices to the story on our Sunday opinion pages.

We hope you will find the series a thought-provoking glimpse into a future that promises much. Please call me at 653-7522 and tell me what you think of it.

BILL OVEREND

Ventura County Edition Editor