After making controversial remarks last Wednesday on a website about Michael Karagozian, an owner of the Culver City Ice Arena, Steve Weinberg, a board member of the Culver Ice Foundation, was asked to resign. He did so on Saturday morning, Bill White, CEO and president of the Foundation, told the newspaper.
“Our foundation is only interested in a win-win-win in the outcome of the ice rink, treating all with dignity and respect,” Mr. White said.
“This is an unfortunate situation. Our response reflects how seriously we take Mr. Karagozian's rightful comments and concerns.
“We continue to be hopeful for a positive outcome for all for the ice arena. There are answers.”
The controversy was ignited when Mr. Weinberg, after describing a face-to-face meeting in unflattering terms, asserted (http://www.saveculverice.org/significance-of-history/) that Mr. Karagozian “doesn’t want the rink to stay. He never did.
“Well now he’s stuck. Deeper. He’s saddled with a huge cleanup bill. Ongoing utilities. Put his son in there as guardian of the mess. It’s hot, moldy smelling and deteriorating.”
Below is the exchange of emails between Seno Karagozian, brother and co-owner of the Culver City Ice Arena, and Mr. White.
Dear Culver Ice Foundation,
My name is Seno Karagozian. I am writing this letter as one of the co-owners of 4545 Sepulveda Boulevard, and on behalf of my family. This letter concerns comments made by one of your board members, Mr. Steve Weinberg, about my brother, Mike Karagozian. The comments are contained in an article written by Mr. Weinberg on April 23, posted on www.saveculverice.org and the “Home Ice: Save Culver City Ice Rink” facebook page.
My family finds it extremely disappointing that Mr. Weinberg would choose to involve race and physical disability in the ongoing discussion of the Culver City Ice Arena. Regardless of any disagreement between any parties about the appearance of the building or the use of the property, we find it absolutely uncalled for, most especially on the eve of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, that Mr. Weinberg would make a statement referring to my brother as a “cane-wielding Armenian.” This statement contains both racial and physical disability implications. We see no reason, nor do we appreciate, our family's ethnicity and my brother's physical disability being brought up in the ice rink discussion. Furthermore, we find it even more appalling that Mr. Weinberg would make such a statement when my nephew, my brother's son, has been nothing but courteous and respectful to Mr. Weinberg when he has come on to our property.
It is our understanding that Mr. Weinberg is the founder of the “Home Ice: Save Culver City Ice Rink” Facebook page, along with being on your board. Since Mr. Weinberg is one of the leaders of the Save the Ice Rink movement, we would hope that his comments do not reflect the sentiment of your foundation or any of the members of the movement. We would hope your foundation takes responsible action to resolve this matter and to ensure that regardless of any future disagreements, neither a person's race nor physical disability will become involved in the ice rink discussion.
Bill White replies Saturday:
Dear Mr. Karagozian,
Thank you again for your email. Mr. Weinberg resigned from the Culver Cce Foundation board this morning (Saturday).
We apologize that this situation arose, and we do not agree with the personal statements made by Mr. Weinberg.
We look forward to positive dialogue in regard to the future of the ice rink.
Bill White’s earlier reply:
Dear Mr. Karagozian,
Thank you for your email. The comments by Mr. Weinberg do not reflect in any way the belief or sentiment of CIF. We agree with you that the comments are extremely disappointing, insensitive and uncalled for. Mr. Weinberg has been asked to resign immediately from the Foundation board. We will keep you informed about this request.
This news is unfortunate, because, I am sure that your nephew Michael will tell you the meeting that our foundation held with him at the rink was totally positive. Your nephew is a gentleman. He represents your family in a professional and courteous manner.
As I have said to your nephew, the community owes a great deal of appreciation to your family for the 52 years of commitment that it has given to the Culver City Ice Arena community. Unfortunately, little has been mentioned about the dedication and sacrifice your family has made in having the rink located on your property. The Culver Ice Foundation is thankful to your family for the legacy you have provided the community through the ice rink.
Frankly, there has been too much insensitive talk, comments, speculation and negative actions in the discussion about the fate and future of the ice rink. Our Foundation's board is only interested in positive action and dialogue concerning moving forward. We believe we offer one alternative, a solid non-profit model, to work with your family on the future of the rink. We presented this proposal to your nephew, and we hope we can discuss it further with your family.
I really appreciate that you wrote the email and addressed your valid concern. The comments are unacceptable.
Mr. White may be contacted at culvericefoundation@aol.com
