The PARADISE CENTER for Tolerance and non-violence has had its moments of rockiness in its existence.

     It had one recently when it sent out a fund raising letter that informed its recipients of its role, its programs and incidents ranging from racism to homophobia.

     So when we came in contact with the letter, we decided to verify the stories and we had good reasons. Chief among those was if, in fact, these incidents were happening, then we had several questions for local police departments and the school districts.

     The organization claimed nine active cases in their "Victim Support and Advocacy Program", including saying, "Two teens (were) severely beaten in an apparently racially motivated incident".

     Several high school students chanting, "white power" and giving the Nazi salute, repeated bullying of an African-American child, a bi-racial child and a Hispanic child, and as well as three children of lesbian parents experiencing harassment at school and on the bus.

     These things caught our eye and we felt that if they were in Paradise - and could be independently verified - then we had a ton of questions for our town's leaders.

     But if not, then those receiving the letter needed to know what was verifiable because it was an attempt to raise money. We completely understand the reasons behind the confidentiality the PCTN gives those who report such incidents and the aid they give them. However, we're in the business of covering such crimes and we believe that independent verification of such acts is important when alleged.

     By bringing them to the public's attention, they can be dealt with and it better informs readers of their surroundings. However, without verification, then such acts are just unsubstantiated allegations that live off of the Ridge's old reputation.

     We just don't think that's fair to today's residents. But we learned something in the process. The PCTN's services aren't just confined to the Ridge, but are more regional in scope.

     Which explains why some of the incidents are not on the Ridge, but some folks who received the letter may not have known.

     It might be better for the PCTN to shy from using individual incidents - especially since they may be precluded from sharing all the information - and focus on pointing to such issues in a more general fashion.

     While its fundraising letter may not have been executed as well as it should have been, the PCTN's value is still clear. It has been a great asset to the community and with its bullying program may be one of its better endeavors.

     That program alone is worth those receiving such letters to donate, regardless of what else it is.