The true key to understanding this whole case is really wrapped around a small number of separate issues that the prosecution keeps pushing the envelope on. Unfortunately, the jury could not keep up with the testimony like we can with it all being on paper. We have reviewed this trial over 20 times. Some facts you need to know are that the PHCA had less than a $100,000 annual budget not including the festival. $42,000 of that money alone was Stephanie Serda’s salary. Anita made over $4000 to plan the festival. The accusation of Jason stealing $238,000 over 4 months is insane in and of itself. The PHCA could not raise that in years. How would Anita not believe something was wrong if a quarter of a million just disappeared? Pay close attention to the meeting minutes. They show a lot.

For additional disclosure, The Serda family long controlled the PHCA. Her sons, James and JR, both previously ran the community center; James through a separate group. Stephanie ran the community center and then went to the YMCA where she was paid to run the community center. She worked for Adelante another organization where she was placed to work at the community center. Then she worked directly for the community center when it had a large grant. Coincidentally, an organization that Stephanie or the Serda kids worked for was contracted to be the operator of the community center. It seemed to many to be a family ATM rather than a passion. When the money left, they left.

Who did not leave? Everyone else. Steve Kramer, Jesse Spier, Kristie Koester, Mike Croce, Mary Ruiz, Chico Martinez and his wife, Jason, and many others. Many people who did not require a single penny to help the PHCA. They rebuilt relationships that had been damaged and built new ones. Eventually bringing in former members who were also about the growth of a community. The PHCA has and still does make mistakes but they are a growing organization. We hope that the PHCA will begin supporting the effort to do the right thing. It is unfortunate that the people who brought the charges against Jason have put the PHCA in this position. No one wants to see the past of this organization ruin its future.