Marian Bergeson

Re “Panel OKs Bergeson for State Board of Education,” Aug. 26: Marian Bergeson an “enemy” of kids? Of “minorities”? Of anyone? Those who know her can only be incredulous. State Sen. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) and the activists who have targeted Bergeson’s appointment to the state Board of Education have seriously miscalibrated their verbal weaponry. I can’t count the times I overheard her politely but firmly defend her belief that all Californians in need of prenatal care, WIC benefits and public education deserve these services--all this to audiences of hard-core, anti-immigrant activists who literally jeered at her.

Baca should reconsider this attempt to manipulate the Latino community for his personal gain. Political character assassination might be OK when it’s truth based--but when it’s not, it’s plain old slander.

DAVID KIFF

Laguna Beach