This is in response to the Dec. 11 E-R article, "Fundraising letter claims unconfirmed incidents".

   The letter referred to can be seen at the Paradise Center for Tolerance and Nonviolence Web site at www.pctn.org, under PCTN 2009 Membership Drive. It cites six examples of bias-related actions that occurred recently on the ridge. All those related to hate incidences/graffiti were reported to the Paradise Police Department by either local residents or PCTN.

   The letter also briefly lists nine active cases from PCTN's victim support and advocacy. The article states that "police and school officials have little to no documentation of several of the alleged incidents". In fact, five of the nine cases are school-related but not all involve the Paradise School District. Only two of the nine cases relate to criminal issues and did not occur in Paradise. When warranted and we are able, we assist clients outside of the Paradise-Magalia area.

   As indicated in PCTN's brochure and on the Web site at www.pctn.org, our role in the victim support and advocacy program includes providing attentive and compassionate listening in a confidential and safe place. We do not make public any details about victims' cases. Our promise of confidentiality was clearly explained to the reporter.

   Finally, the PCTN board and staff are composed of upstanding community members who all take their roles very seriously and who strive to be careful stewards of the resources that have been entrusted to them.