Our views: Open discussion is a good sign; Very different groups value the YWCA for different reasons

OFFICIALS of the YWCA announced recently that the organizationcannot afford to repair its old downtown building and is looking fora new site.

They also said they intend to end the YW's fitness programs andconcentrate instead on what they call the organization's core mission- eliminating racism and empowering women.

These announcements blindsided the people who like using both theYWCA's heated pool, and its fitness facility, which is operated undercontract by Nautilus.

Weeks of angry protest have followed.

Now the YWCA's large governing board has announced that it willhold an open forum from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday at St. John'sEpiscopal Church to …