To the readers of 4FRONT Magazine and the deceived community, I would like to bring to your attention some things I have knowledge of. These things have not only been kept silent to the Federal government but to the Gay community that participates in Western Culture. The organization I'm speaking of is the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association's Greater Los Angeles Chapter. I am a former secretary and a 5-year member, though this will be my last year as a member. I can not remain a member of an organization that discriminates against its own members and has a board that is just a "clique."

However, that's more personal. The real issue is that they are not a 501C3 (non-profit organization) but are representing themselves as one illegally. Even their by-laws which just last year were updated reflect that, yet they, just a few months ago, announced that they were only a California non-profit. If you're saying "so what?" well ---

Here's more. Not our current, but past two treasurers embezzled thousands of dollars for their own personal gain. Records were even changed a few years ago to show a lower attendance at the Rodeo so it would look like not as much money was taken. This was kept quiet and the past treasurers were never prosecuted even though the people who are still on the board knew about it.

A few years ago, an audit committee was formed which I was not on but assisted with some filing. During the filing of paperwork (which was a disaster when we found it,) a document was found of our 501C3 filing which showed a number for the GSGRA - Greater Los Angeles Chapter. The only thing odd about it was that it was dated 1974. The organization wasn't formed until 1983! We are upon our 14th Rodeo. When the president at the time was notified of this he asked the auditor to destroy the paper.

Meanwhile the organization continues to take the Community's money although only last year they distributed "working grants" back at Rodeo time. It had been three years since they issued grants! Where was the community's money going? Only back into a general Rodeo fund to put next year's event on.

I suggest more members and people that have gone to the LA Rodeo take a look at where their money is going and think twice about supporting a board of people that can't be (pardon the expression) straight with its own members.

Independently, Vernon Brooks (soon-to-be ex-GSGRA member & proud)

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the opportunity to address the inaccuracies in Vern Brooks' comments about GSGRA's LA Chapter.

Our Chapter is a non-profit organization, but not a 501(c)3 charitable organization. We'd like to become one someday (they're tax exempt), so in the early 1990's a bylaw was written that permits us to only do things that a 501(c)3 organization can do. But we're not one now, and the Chapter has never claimed to be one.

Our financial records are in the best order they've been in years. Previous treasurers didn't always leave complete records; this is one of the unfortunate realities of a volunteer organization. There are places where figures are incomplete, and it's been impossible to tell if it's just bad record-keeping or something worse. If the facts ever do clearly point to anything unsavory, the chapter will surely pursue the culprits; we'd be fools not to.

With regard to community grants, each year we examine the results of the LA Rodeo and only then determine how much we can distribute. In 1995, for example, taxes ate deeply into our proceeds. The next year, membership decided we couldn't afford grants. We were moving to a new rodeo site and were unsure of what costs we'd face.

Under such circumstances, it would have been irresponsible to distribute grants.

But last year, we were able to give nearly $2,500 to community groups including Homestead Hospice, the Long Beach Pool League and the Golden State Peace Officers Association. And we hope to do even better this year.

Most importantly, though, is that these decisions all were made by the membership during meetings that are always open to the public. Not all of our 150 members attend these meetings, but those who do will attest to how happy we are to see new faces - and how much we encourage everyone to take part. And we'd love it if your readers would join us at our next meetings: 10am, April 4th at The Center in Long Beach (2017 E. Fourth St.), and 10am, May 2nd at The Center in Los Angeles (1625 N. Schrader Blvd.)

We take great pride in being an active part of our community, and I know I speak for all of our dedicated, active members and officers in inviting you to join us April 17 - 19 for the 14th annual LA Rodeo.

Sincerely, David Medzerian, President, GSGRA-LA Chapter

April 1, 1998 - 4FRONT Magazine