Homeboys

I was very moved by the article by Frank del Olmo. He is absolutely right about the reason for the backward mentality of some of the members of the barrios . It is due to poverty and unemployment fed by racism and discrimination, and I need to add lack of education.

I wonder if role models such as Del Olmo or myself (a teacher) can really do much to help these individuals get out of this rut when programs such as the ones just cut by Gov. George Deukmejian are no longer in existence (bilingual education), and schools continue to fail these students. Unfortunately, money is needed to provide educational programs. As long as we have political leaders like him that are so removed from the issues facing these communities, I don’t think Del Olmo or I can make much change! It really hurts me to say this.

NATALIA VARGAS

Montebello