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by Ruby Elbogen
Quota, Lion’s, Rotary, Optimists, Kiwanis—the organizations we turn to for help during bad times and good, are all gearing up for a much more challenging new year. Many take a summer hiatus, and fall is just around the corner.
It’s almost impossible to count the many projects these groups tackle and solve. They bring sustenance and good deeds to people in need, and contribute to many causes that would go without if these groups of people did not jump in to help.
The most impressive event I attended was the
Service Day a couple of years ago. All the groups got together to tackle major projects at local sites. These projects included those requiring muscle-power, and all were completed in record time. They were also viewed as “no big deal” by the groups used to serving our community.
Next time you are asked to attend a fund raising event by one of our Cupertino Service Clubs, please go—your presence will equate to supporting the group’s commitment to making life better for others.
It’s a great way to raise needed income, and could be helping someone you know—but do not realize needs help. Many here have been negatively affected by the downturn in our economy and need a boost.
Show support for, and participate in projects and programs sponsored by our Cupertino Service Clubs. We need them, and they need you.
 by Ruby Elbogen
When I was the editor of a major travel magazine, I used to receive PR releases from many, many sources, heralding every manner of travel related places, products, notices, and facts—according to the senders, I could not possibly get through the day without.
Now that I am editor of The C Magazine, I get PR releases from a variety of businesses heralding everything our readers absolutely must hear about. While most of them contain ad copy that companies should place in publications, and not “story ideas,” I must admit this one really did catch my eye.
Everyone who reads this should stand up and cheer, because National Root Beer Float Day (yes, Virginia, apparently there really is one) is on Aug. 6th. Now that you’ve been properly noticed, get out and celebrate on that day.
Being a “California Girl”, my all time fave is still the Foster’s Freeze version, in a tall paper cup, however, there is a sophisticated version within our midst at BJ’s. They brew their own Root Beer, and serve it up in a proper mug with delicious ice cream.
What I failed to mention at the top, is that if you add vodka, the old fashioned All American version can also have a booze-kick. I’m sure B.J.’s would be happy to accommodate this added caveat, but am just as sure that Foster’s Freeze will not. Our feeling is that if you need a brain freeze, do it the old fashioned way by drinking your first long swing, sans vodka—very quickly. Same immediate result, no “morning after” head banger blues. Whichever way you embellish yours, don’t forget to pay homage to this wonderful treat.
By Ruby Elbogen
While some woman, who stood up to berate our former Dir. Of Public Works—because (if I heard correctly) he almost had her arrested, so she was “happy” he was retiring—we didn’t even know he’d been deputized. She went on (and on) and as I attempted to follow her muttering, I wondered what she had built in Cupertino that could possibly give more pleasure than The Ralph’s– Tah-Dah:
***BRIDGE*** –or as I usually refer to it, MY BRIDGE and Darcy Paul calls, THE BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE. He and Sharon love THE BRIDGE so much, it’s where they posed for their engagement photo, but that’s another story.
While people are allowed to criticize a public figure, it’s not fine to attempt to marginalize someone who also brought us places like Blackberry Farm, Our Library, and Community Hall to remember him by. What do you, Oh Name Caller-bring to the table besides anger?
While I realize that Ralph Qualls doesn’t give a rat’s ascot about what this woman was whining about; it’s yet another notch in a long line of nasty incidents in our collective public forum. Mean begets mean; and anger gives courage to others to get up and hurl their craziness around at will. It’s time to dial-down the rancor. All this rudeness and disrespect is tiring. Just because you can rant and rave at will, doesn’t mean you should. And, Ralph – Thanks for MY BRIDGE, it’s where I go for inspiration, whenever I am bereft of words to build a story. My Bridge Rocks (metaphorically) and so do you.
 by Ruby Elbogen
Not sure how many people caught the zinger by Former Mayor, Orrin Mahoney at the last City Council Meeting: “Yes, until you were elected we just gave away money to everyone who came before the City Council.”
High Five to Mahoney, and he said it with his usual good- natured style.
The discourse, or disgrace—depending upon one’s outlook on the reputation of the City Council honoring it’s obligations– came about as “You Know Who” made a big whoop about why he would not vote yes on a small detail regarding the previous Council’s vote to move the property line in an apartment complex deeding land TO the City for a park. In this particular vote, we were GETTING – NOT GIVING AWAY.
YKW, seemingly didn’t understand the subject and thought the City Council was giving away $400,000. What should have been a blip in the agenda taking 5 minutes, went on for the usual-Let’s drag it out to show everyone how smart I am, because I’m the “fiscal conservative” hour. Council Members—ALL 5 of you NEED to do your homework, or at the very least, ask the City Manager for a Cheat Sheet. We promise, if you let him, Dave Knapp can make you look really smart on the issues coming up before you.
We are all going through difficult times during this downturn. However, if Cupertino is ever going to attract developers of projects, our “Leaders” have to show knowledge and good faith, not kick developers and businesses to the curb. Some of us are really sick and tired of all the banal rhetoric droning on for no apparent reason except for playing to the peanut gallery. Or in this case, how about some reason over rhyme, and not the other way round.
By Ruby Elbogen
Whether or not member(s) of our City Council agree or disagree with the AQMD findings, or the statements by, and answers to questions by Lehigh representatives, they should be treated with respect—or at least good manners.
Being a sitting council member comes with an inherent ability to accuse and bully, whether it’s justified or not. So when a council member accuses,
And is just plain snarky, without explanation, the council seat becomes a bully pulpit.
Writers have a bully pulpit, of sorts-as well. So, using mine-I say listen and learn before you accuse and chastise. And, never trash a Former Mayor with innuendo and rumors. Especially when she’s not there to answer the behind her back rancor being freely dispensed. Who are you to dictate where she can and cannot work? When did that aspect of Cupertino life become the business of a city council member?
While there may be a few who agree with this nasty breach of civility, most of us do not. So, since you obviously did not listen to your Mama when she told you to be respectful, I echo your words to our sitting Mayor a few weeks ago when I say: Shut Up-and add:
Go To Your Room!!!!
By Ruby Elbogen
Cross Promotions Work. This past weekend, a bin to collect canned and packaged food was placed near the registration table at The ACS Cupertino Relay For Life. Although the Relay was all about cancer research, participants brought along cans and boxes of food as well as fresh produce for the hungry. In all, [...]
By Ruby Elbogen
The Cupertino ACS Relay For Life held Sat. & Sun. was a memorable event. The theme of Less Cancer makes More Birthdays was stressed as Lighted Luminarias spelled out the words across the visitor’s bleachers to light the way for team members walking their laps from dusk to dawn. It was a very [...]
By Ruby Elbogen
Could Meg Whitman be any more annoying than she was before the Primary? Uh, Yes-and it’s already blasting all over the TV. Save us, Please—from all the slashing and trashing.
She seemingly “campaigns” with her hit ‘em hard and make no sense style, because she doesn’t have a political record to stand on, so [...]
By Ruby Elbogen
While any change brings explosive bursts of opposition, this one-at least-deserves some consideration. Since every School District has high paid Execs. at the top, as well as school boards, which often keeps money from trickling down to students, teachers and programs, exploring the notion of combining with open minds, would be beneficial to [...]
By Ruby Elbogen
HOBBEE’S, on Stevens Creek near the 85, in The Oaks Shopping Center- A great place for a July 4th patriotic Red, White & Blue Smoothie. Delicious beyond belief; and Hobbee’s is the ONLY place we know of where turkey-bacon is served. Great choice for an
ABLT (avocado/bacon, lettuce & tomato sandwich) double yum; and [...]
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