To Our Supporters, Friends, Allies & Familia
Above all else, we want to let you know that we are very grateful to all of you for standing by La Casa during the good times and the challenging times.
On behalf of La Casa, we take this moment to update you on the property tax issue and the local media coverage. The board and staff members of La Casa de la Raza, the Cesar E. Chavez Center have demanded that the SB News Press retract their front-page story which appeared in the SB News Press on March 25, 2012. In addition we demanded that the original article published by Santa Barbara Latino, published on February 15th also be retracted. It appears that both publications unfairly target La Casa, its leadership and constituency. Put succinctly: a) La Casa de la Raza is not being sold or auctioned; b) La Casa de la Raza has not lost its 501-C3 non profit status; and c) La Casa and its attorneys have been working closely with the County long before both articles appeared in print.
La Casa continues to work closely with the County to address the issue of property taxes. As we’ve explained in the past, we are in the midst of reconciling a complex property tax assessment issue. Unlike what was reported, we are not evading our tax responsibility. It is evident, however, that the inaccurate reporting by both the News Press, and SB Latino, actually accuse us of being tax evaders. It is also evident that there was a failure, prior to publication, to even attempt verification of the facts and conduct their due diligence.
· We find it unconscionable that the SB News Press would publish a month old story and not verify its accuracy;
· The information contained therein is entirely inaccurate as it appears to be a mere reprint of a transcribed and outdated story. Individuals quoted in the paper were NOT interviewed for the March 25th story and therefore it is entirely inaccurate;
· The News-Press’ method of “news reporting “ is at its core duplicitous and in this case intentionally injurious. It seeks to lead the reader to believe that what is printed is in fact researched.
· “The rest of the article is unrelated to the caption, and was included only for salacious, scandalous purpose. What is clear from the irresponsibly written and published article is that a 'pissing match' is occurring between some founding members, and bystanders are caught in the public cross-fire.” Quote from La Casa’s attorney
· The management history of this organization has been poorly represented by the media and certain individuals and does not capture La Casa’s full and rich history and accomplishments.
· Most important, it does not honor and hold sacred the trust of thousands of individuals who have given whole heartedly to this organization and its mission. That is unacceptable to this current board and staff and we ask that you continue to support this amazing institution.
Lastly, our doors will remain open and La Casa continues to engage in fundraising activities during this celebratory year. We are looking forward to our 40th Anniversary Dinner/Auction/Dance celebration this coming Saturday, March 31, starting at 6pm.
Tickets may be purchased Online: Click Here
or you can reserve a ticket at Info/Reservations: Dinner@lacasadelaraza.org
Mission Statement of La Casa de La Raza.
La Casa de la Raza, the Cesar Chavez Center was founded in 1971 to provide a non-profit community center on the Eastside of Santa Barbara.
The mission of La Casa de la Raza is to develop and empower the Latino community by affirming and preserving the Latino cultural heritage, providing an umbrella for services and by advocating for participation in the larger community.