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Letters
Local teen notices problems faced by older residents
I am a freshman at Los Gatos High School this year and am doing my first service-learning project there. Before I started I didn't really notice the elderly in our society, but now that I have done some research and begun to look around, I realize that the elderly of the 21st century face many problems, among which are that of financial support, lack of respect, love, attention, defined purpose and proper care. The latter is the one which I would like to address in this letter.
While researching for the project I came across an article that said that the elderly are being treated with abuse and neglect in nursing homes throughout the United States, but particularly in this and several other states. I was surprised by this article and wonder why there hasn't been an outcry of protest against the suffered injustices. I wonder if Americans just don't care anymore, or if they just don't know about the conditions in nursing homes.
I believe we don't have the time to care or to find out how other people are doing. We work solely for money to satisfy our consumer desires. "Rush, rush, rush, no time to spare" has become our motto. We don't care anymore about the wisest of our citizens and have come to make them feel useless, a burden upon society.
It seems sad that we Californians can't set aside time or spare money to care for our elderly. In Silicon Valley, the home of the world's most profitable industry (computers and technology), we can't support the maintenance of nursing homes. Even right here in Los Gatos we have shut down elderly care homes, in order to bring in other, more profitable, businesses. How do we find a solution that will allow the elderly social and healthcare benefits, while still allowing them to maintain the purpose and respect that they deserve?
Support in retirement is a big problem for the elderly. Why not start there? We should at least provide our elderly with the basic things that the population of the Silicon Valley often takes for granted, things such as the right to medical attention, and the right to continue living where you have always lived, so that you can visit your family whenever you wish. Programs such as Social Security and healthcare were created to help those in need. The elderly of all social groups need and benefit the most from these institutions. So why deny them these most basic rights, the right to life and the right to good life?
Some people feel that they are being cheated by programs, such as Social Security, since they are supported by the taxpayers' dollar, but they never look far enough ahead to ask themselves who is going to support them in their old age. The system is ongoing and beneficial to all as long as everyone does their part.
The elderly of the United States and of the world have always faced the problems that come with aging, but, now, in the rapidly developing commercial world, they need our respect and support more than ever, so that they are not simply trampled over by the stampede of modern society.
Every person who does something kind for an elderly person to let them know that society does care and that they are an important part of the community, takes a step towards the ideal of the human world and helps prevent our drowning in the overwhelming tide of the cold, money-oriented lifestyle.
Catlin Powers
Los Gatos
Trail in rail corridor is great opportunity
Regarding your article [in the March 7 Los Gatos Weekly Times] about building a recreation trail along the Union Pacific tracks, I find this a captivating idea; a lot of study is needed to accomplish it safely.
I have known some bicyclists who have gone from the Winchester area while contractors were building Route 85 to the De Anza area in a surprisingly short time of about 30 minutes.
With a little planning a commuter's bicycle trip to the Mountain View-Palo Alto area could be accomplished within about 40-50 minutes, a competitive time with automobiles. This is a very important right-of-way, too valuable to leave to a few functioning industries alone. Couldn't some time of use arrangement be worked out where shipping is done at night and commute or recreation during the day? I hope our cities and Union Pacific can come up with some workable arrangement.
A tip of the hat to Kara Chalmers for the great story. I hope you follow up with stories in the future.
J.M. Berry
Campbell
Group's president lauds staff for 'Tour of the Town'
Town Manager Debra Figone and her staff rolled out the red carpet for the "Tour of the Town," sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
Because of our expressed interest in Los Gatos' affordable housing status, we particularly appreciated Bud Lortz's presentation on the policies and procedures he uses to help provide more affordable housing. Los Gatos is to be congratulated on the way they are moving to create more affordable housing for those who work in Los Gatos.
We were glad to hear of Los Gatos' library expansion plans, which will be a part of the town offices' expanding complex. Peggy Conaway was enthusiastic about the new computerized reference system and distributed some good material to us. Regina Falkner made an outstanding presentation about the community services Los Gatos provides. The list of programs was most impressive, and the idea, for example, of the community garage sale, is really clever. Many on our tour were surprised at the delightful little park behind the town offices, where Larry Perlin made his presentation on parks and public works, which are a very visible part of the town's efforts to make the community more livable.
Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Larry Todd was most impressive. His calling attention to the statement of the philosophy and values of the department reflected high aims for its extensive activity and variety of programs. The unique use of so many volunteers by the department is very special and admirable. It shows we have a good number of concerned citizens. We were so interested to hear from Mayor Joe Pirzynski and speak with Council Member Sandy Decker. We appreciated their taking time to be with us along with all the busy staff members.
This was an outstanding "Tour of the Town" according to our League members and the public who attended. We hope to have this as a regular activity sponsored by the League in the future.
Marjory Bunyard
President, League of Women Voters
Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno
Correction
In the March 14 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, there was no credit given to the Los Gatos High School student who painted the picture that accompanied an article on the current Art in the Council Chambers exhibition. The artist is LGHS senior Jenn Talesfore.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
