Plus letters to the Editor
Most of us would agree: Being a police officer is not easy work. The time and effort it takes to become an officer is one thing. Stepping into those shoes and serving the local community—and keeping it safe— on an ongoing basis is quite another. It’s just one of the reasons why our reporter wanted to go behind the scenes and explore what life was like for Santa Cruz Police. In a revealing cover story, Tom Honig unravels a tale that found him riding along with local police, sitting in on meetings and learning more about the inner workings of the department and the people that make it up. He also asks: Is Santa Cruz being well served by its police?
In News, this week, you’ll be interested in discovering the motivation behind several people in a local nonprofit who are heading to Haiti. There’s also news on the area’s Historian of the Year. Who is it?
If you haven’t already parked your eyes in front of the computer—or read the cover story in print—log onto goodtimessantacruz.com today and get an update on the four nonprofits highlighted in this year’s Community Fund. Consider donating. You’ll be thanked. And thanks is a good thing. While you’re online, take note of an online-only story about other organizations you can give to this season.
Speaking of … who’s frustrated? If extra events and full calendars are stretching your limits—if not your patience—remember my three favorite words: Don’t Freak Out. Take time for you this time of year—even if it’s just a 15-minute sanity check with a friend. If you’re not intact, your experiences tend to feel less intact. Or so I’ve been told. (Or so I’ve experienced.) Have fun with that.
Calendar note: Snow Night is Thursday, Dec. 9. See page 51.
In the meantime, 2010 is nearly over. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about yourself this year? Tell me at le*****@gt******.com . More soon …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Fun On Facebook? Nope.
I Immensely enjoyed Lisa Jensen’s column on Facebook (GT 11/24). The allusion to the Borg seems spot on. I joined FB only to check the feed of a retailer I’m interested in. I was surprised at the many “you may also know,” invites from actual friends, and number of invites from porn sites. Ah, the joys of the delete key.
I laughed at the comment about the friends astonishment you weren’t on FB. I often get the same response when asked my cell phone number. I don’t have one. I’m not a luddite. I’m bilingual in MAC and PC. Just a person who prefers real life in 4-D. Happy trails to you.
Henry Cleveland
Aptos
Rethinking Facebook
Oh, I am so relieved to read Lisa Jensen’s article. I am not alone—you are not alone. I was immediately creeped out by Facebook. Still, people were (like you say) sending me invitations. The final and biggest creep-out was an invitation that had, at the bottom of the page, suggestions for “others that I might want to ‘friend'” Yow, there were two people from my way, way-back past. These people know me only by my first name; my last name has changed twice since I knew them. How the fudge did facebook connect us?
Creepy—way creepy.
I am beginning to feel a little ostracised. I belong to several clubs and they are all using Facebook to communicate with each other, abandoning the online yahoo and google group sites. Still, I am not tempted to join a site where it seems people just spend time bragging about themselves. How much more self-absorbed can Americans get?
By the way, I used to work in an unnamed large company, in their spy satellite division. I know just how technology can be turned against us. Haven’t any of these people read “1984”? Still, I was pleased to read that they had caught several criminals using Facebook. Of course, they had to brag about it, so that ruins that good angle. I still don’t have a cell phone either. I do have a computer and it saved my life, finding a doctor who was willing to treat late-stage Lyme disease. All the other technology does not tempt me—yet.
G.A. Morrisette
Aptos
Holiday Deadlines
GT offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Dec. 31 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s.
Deadlines for Dec 22 issue: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.15 for Display, Class Display, Bulletin Board and Classified ads. Noon Friday, Dec. 10 for Calendar.
Deadlines for Dec. 29 issue: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 for Display, Class Display, Bulletin Board and Classified ads. Noon Wednesday, Dec. 15 for Calendar.
Deadlines for Jan 6 issue: 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 for Display, Class Display, Bulletin Board and Classified ads. Noon Thursday, Dec. 16 for Calendar.
Best of The Online Comments
On Joseph Melsha and ‘The Journey East’ …
I used to see you trekking your way up Branciforte … This is a much bigger deal! That is awesome that you are walking. And raising awareness about something that has affected you and that affects so many other people. Rad Joe! Rad.
R. Carlisle
Joe and his older brother stayed with us for a while around 1978 when we still lived in Federal Way, Wa. He doesnt look that much different than he did when he was a kid. We wish him success in his endeavor.
Becky and Jeff T.
St. Paul, Minn.
My little brother is my hero and as soon as I can, I’m going to try to join him. I cant walk far because I had back surgery and I just got surgery on my arm but I’m trying to get things going to make his trip easier. I would like to have hotels and restrants help him out as much as possible and I’m making up T-shirts to raise money to help him meet his goals. People should not have to loose half a family or even a member of the family to HEPc. It a slow, painful way to go no one should have to endure that. And thank you for seeing a good cause and helping my little bro.
Judyann Hukill
On Kyle Thiermann …
Great work Kyle! The simplicity, clarity, and actionability of your message is truly refreshing.
Ray Gale
