Letters

Cartoon lacks taste, integrity

Once again, the Cupertino Courier demonstrates the depth to which a newspaper will sink to draw attention.

In your March 15 issue, you have a political cartoon depicting a most successful executive here in Silicon Valley as an individual who strives for wealth over all other returns in this life--this to the apparent detriment of her children.

I, personally, do not know this person. Neither do most of your readers. However, again like most of your readers, I have heard of her. From the inference given in your cartoon, most readers would probably will develop a most negative impression of this executive. If this was the purpose of the cartoon, I am sure you will be successful.

We can not fault DeCinzo, your cartoonist. Some time back, he demonstrated his complete lack of anything resembling journalistic ethics, morals or virtue. But where is our editor? You have no competition. Apparently, you have no conscience, integrity or sense of dignity--to yourself or others. Just why do you provide space for this journalistic garbage?

Isn't it a shame that a nice community like Cupertino is saddled with such a sorry newspaper.

Jack Birkholz
Cupertino

DeCinzo cartoon hits the mark

I chuckled when reading DeCinzo's [March 8] cartoon of the policeman pointing to the no parking sign as the Bay View robbers escaped to their getaway car. My guess is the reason the bank robbers were successful in their heist is because the Sheriff's Department was too busy patrolling quiet residential streets, ticketing otherwise law-abiding residents for parking in front their home on street cleaning day. Never mind that with children of driving age and insufficient off-street parking, I've paid enough fines to claim a slice of the city's revenue generation pie. I've often wondered why my taxes weren't being used in a more constructive manner than to police the curb appeal of residential real estate.

Ann Shirkey
Cupertino

Elder care management provided free of charge

I was pleased to see Rita Baum's article on Geriatric Case Management in the March 1 edition of The Courier.

Cupertino residents will be glad to know the City of Cupertino has a geriatric case manager to serve its elder population. Family members with questions, elders with concerns and interested residents can consult with me at the Cupertino Senior Center. I will visit the elder at home to assess what he/she needs to remain independent with us in our community. The services I recommend are individualized to the elder's situation. Some are free or at a very low cost, and some are available at the "going rate".

Usually, the senior or the family contacts the service provider to make the arrangements, although I will do this when necessary. I make follow up phone calls and visits to make certain the services are being provided properly, to be certain new problems are addressed quickly and to make sure the elder is safe and comfortable as possible. All contacts are confidential.

The goal of the geriatric case management program is to keep our older residents in their homes for as long as possible, to prevent or at least delay institutionalization and to help elders and their families plan care that keeps our older citizens independent while providing the supports they need for comfort and safety.

Because the work is funded by the city and Title III Case Management funds from the Council on Aging, there is no charge for the service. Donations are accepted. Contact me directly at the Cupertino Senior Center at the Quinlan Community Center, 408.777.3155, for an appointment.

Jacklyn Baddeley, MSW
Cupertino Senior Center

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