The Cupertino Courier recently changed distribution companies, and as usually happens during such a transition, there have been some problems. I assure you that we are printing and delivering the same number of papers and we expect that the bumps will be smoothed out soon. It usually takes a month or so for distribution patterns to settle down.

We want you to get your paper, and there is a way you can help us correct the problems we've been experiencing. In any given week, if you do not receive your paper or the paper is not placed on your porch, we would greatly appreciate it if you would email our circulation manager and let him know the address where the problem is occurring. This will greatly aid us in working with the distribution company to pinpoint where the problems are.

Please send email to sduguay@svcn.com. Please include the address, a brief description of the problem and your phone number.

Please be our eyes and ears in facilitating delivery of your weekly community newspaper. Thank you, and thank you for reading the Courier.

—David Cohen, Publisher

Big-buck boondoggle is neighborhood's headache

We're told over and over again that all our government agencies are broke. Right?

Does that include the city of Cupertino?

My neighbors and I have witnessed a million-dollar boondoggle on Foothill Boulevard between Santa Lucia Road and San Juan Road that would lead one to believe the city of Cupertino has no idea that we're in a recession and flirting with a depression.

One year ago plans were made to expand Foothill about 18 inches in width to accommodate a wider bike path. Work on this project began last October.

As work progressed—slowly is the best word to describe it—water lines were punctured and traffic delayed. But to this date the project is not complete. In some areas there is some indication there might even be a slide if the rains get too serious in the future.

Some $1.3 million is the cost estimate to date heard by the folks who live along this unfinished work of art.

Perhaps our governor should ask our mayor for some financial tips.

—Warren Dunn, Cupertino


Postal Annex contributes more than friendliness

Postal Annex owners Rita and Balwant Ramakabir in addition to being terrific and friendly business people, contribute every year to the Cupertino Community Services BBQ & Auction. They are always very happy to contribute.

A relative of mine is a business owner and when he was ill last year, the Ramakabirs were concerned enough to call and see what was wrong with him. That is just another nice story of these people.

We should have more business people who are so friendly and community-oriented.

Cupertino is blessed to have them in our community, and we should all continue to support their business. Businesses like the Postal Annex and people like Rita and Balwant make Cupertino a friendlier place. Thank you, Rita and Balwant, for being a part of Cupertino!

—Kareen and Mark Lambert, Willi and Heidi Hagenlocher, Cupertino


Monta Vista minority not speaking at graduation

In this day of political correctness, diversity and "let's not hurt anyone's feelings or leave anyone out," I feel there is a group being left out. You can see it if you go to Monta Vista's baccalaureate and graduation next week. All six speakers are Asian.

I say good for them for trying out and being selected, and I know the process of picking the speakers is a fair and honest one, but I find it sad that only two Caucasian students even tried out for a chance to speak. Why is that? In all the effort to include everyone, someone forgot to include the minority at Monta Vista. Their voice is just as meaningful and insightful as the next student, yet why didn't more students try for the chance to speak?

I am also curious where all those who cry for diversity and equal representation are. Why aren't they as concerned as I am that the minority voice at Monta Vista will be silent during graduation this year?

Graduations are a time to reflect on your school years and take pride in what you have learned. I hope all the students at Monta Vista have learned that there is a big world out there that includes everyone but in order to be included you first have to take chances.

Congratulations to all those who took a chance and tried out to speak at graduation. I am proud of you, and I hope more students next year will take a chance and try to have their voice heard, too.

—Cathy Gatley, Cupertino


Billboard with cut-off nose is unacceptable

I must complain about the disgusting billboard ad facing the northbound traffic on Stevens Creek Boulevard just past the Tantau cross street.

The Benihana restaurant ad depicts an Asian cook that has apparently cut off his nose, exposing a 'raw and open' space. This type of self-mutilation may go over well in Asia, but it is unacceptable in America.

We must have this eyesore removed.

—The Rev. Bradley S. Tice, Cupertino