EDITORIAL

Without a doubt, she will be missed.

The firing of Maria Alvarez from the Shalimar Learning Center -- and

the possible permanent closure of the program -- is a great loss to the

community. Whatever the reason behind her termination -- whether it was

philosophical differences or a clash of egos -- Alvarez has taken with

her a special inclusiveness that was a part of Shalimar.

The students, who strongly connected with Alvarez, have lost a

champion.

The parents who often depended upon Alvarez have lost a voice.

There are few as connected to the families in the area as Alvarez. She

had become a member of that family.

When people thought of Shalimar, Alvarez always came to mind.

Even her critics say she is a light, perhaps shining too brightly,

drawing too much attention to herself.

Undoubtedly, Alvarez cares about the students at the after-school

tutoring program. She wanted to keep the door open to all children at all

times.

However, with 300 students and limited space, a set schedule was

practical and efficient -- and quite possibly a strict necessity to keep

the learning center operational.

In the six years since the Shalimar Learning Center opened, it has

become an invaluable resource. It has kept children off the streets and

focused on education. It has given parents the security of knowing that

their kids are in good hands. And it has been a boon to a city that is

fighting to edge out a gang problem.

The staff and volunteers at Shalimar have created an educational

fortress and a safe haven for the students.

With Alvarez out and a big question mark looming above the closed

doors of the Shalimar Learning Center, where will those students go?

The loss of Alvarez is a huge one, but if Shalimar shuts down for

good, it could be catastrophic.

The community should not be focusing its attention on Alvarez alone.

Residents who value Shalimar should be doing all they can to find a way

to keep the program alive.