Sentinel Online - Letters to the Editor

May 14, 2001

April 30
Reality of Lyme disease
I read the article about Lyme disease with interest. I’m glad the word is out; I realize you need to downplay the fact of Lyme in order to not create a panic. People need to be aware that it exists, that early treatment is very important and that they need to pay attention when hiking and working in the yard.

I’ve had Lyme disease for 13 years and for the first 10 years received no treatment. My husband also tested positive for Lyme, but has no symptoms. I believe some people are carriers and that their immune system is strong enough to keep it in remission. When I contracted Lyme, I was also getting full-body cases of poison oak for which my doctor prescribed Prednisone. This is a steroid that suppresses your immune system and is probably why the Lyme attacked me so easily. Perhaps people who contract Lyme have a suppressed immune system for some other reason at the time they receive a bite. I was a healthy, athletic woman when I contracted Lyme, and now it’s difficult for me to walk more than two blocks. My marriage was ruined, and my whole life turned upside-down.

I’d also like to question George Gray about the health of his crew’s families. It’s a fact that live Lyme spirochetes have been found in semen. If some of the crew has Lyme disease with no symptoms, it’s possible for them to pass it on to their families. Has anyone asked them about the health of their families? Anyone with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia? These are often mis-diagnosed Lyme cases.

Please keep up on this disease; it’s very nasty. With public awareness and early treatment, there’s no need for other people’s lives to be ruined.

GAY MORRISETTE

APTOS

April 30
Don’t wait to test
Why doesn’t the SCWD go out, as I’ve suggested to them, and test the additional 11 gas stations in the district for MTBE leaks now, instead of waiting for the next groundwater contamination catastrophe to manifest itself? Hey, why didn’t they do it two years ago?

SCWD shares its water with the PVWMA. Why don’t long-term board members and staff who don’t understand and/or don’t agree with critical hydrological assumptions being made by PVWMA learn about and/or voice their objections to them? Why don’t they read the EIR comments? They’re on the Web.

I respectfully suggest that after a 20-plus-year reign, it is time for the leadership of the SCWD, based on their performance in this and many other matters, to follow the fine example of responsibility, character and integrity demonstrated by U.S. submarine Capt. Waddle, and act accordingly.

DOUGLAS DEITCH

APTOS

April 30
Elder abuse must be taken seriously
The article "State probes third area nursing home," on Friday, April 20, illustrates the need for the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Law. Though most long-term care facilities provide levels of care that meet the needs of their residents, none is exempt from the possibility of abusive incidents.

The Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Law was enacted to protect seniors and dependent adults from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, financial, verbal and emotional. This law mandates facilities report to the ombudsman or law enforcement and to the appropriate state licensing agency any alleged or suspected incidents of abuse. For abuse concerns in the community, reports are made to Adult Protective Services. Each of these agencies is mandated by the same law to investigate all abuse allegations.

All residents have the right to be free from abuse. If the facility does not respond appropriately to abuse reports, residents are potentially at risk for further abuse and left feeling frightened and more vulnerable.

Most facilities are concerned about their residents, troubled by even the perception of poor care and are diligent about following abuse-reporting procedures as mandated by law. Timely response and appropriate action are generally the rule rather than the exception when an alleged abuse is reported. The policy that abuse in any form is not tolerated and is taken seriously must come from the top. The enforcement of this policy protects residents, facilities and the community while following both the letter and spirit of the Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Law.

KATHLEEN JOHNSON

SANTA CRUZ

April 30
A win for developers
Re: "Ruling may gut Coastal Commission" (Sentinel, April 27). That slurping sound you hear is the developers drooling.

PATRICK WILKINSON

SANTA CRUZ

April 30
Nursing shortage critical
As a member of Dominican Hospital’s nursing team, I feel compelled to describe the current state of affairs. I work the night shift in the intensive care unit. We are struggling to adequately provide the number of registered nurses needed by the hospital. Despite extra and double shifts, we are frequently below our core staffing needs. This condition is not only limited to my unit. Currently, there are more than 50 staff and charge nurse vacancies posted on the job board outside the cafeteria.

Dominican Hospital is a vital element to Santa Cruz, and the nurses are proud to provide a high quality of care to the community. Unfortunately, this is getting more difficult. We are currently negotiating with the hospital for a new contract. I would like to see Dominican be able to attract and retain both new and experienced RNs. I am expressing a concern that unless a competitive package is offered, many nurses will continue to opt for employment elsewhere to meet the economic challenges of living here.

DANIEL WONNACOTT

SANTA CRUZ

April 30
Nothing like the Bargain Barn
I think of it as a unique institution. You may go bargain hunting at a variety of thrift shops in the area, but none compare to the Bargain Barn.

When I take out-of-town visitors on a tour of the area, I take them to the Bargain Barn.

I’m strongly opposed to having the Barn moved or put out of business.

LAWRENCE STERN

CAPITOLA

Praiseworthy

Buses are a blessing
I stopped driving about a year ago. Since that time I have used the local bus for my transportation.

First, it affords me time to relax and slow down, to really appreciate the beauty of the residential areas of Santa Cruz. There is so much to see that I often missed when I was driving.

What has impressed me most is the concern and care which the bus drivers extend to the physically handicapped who ride the bus. They show utmost kindness and never give the impression of being inconvenienced or rushed. Both the men and women drivers have been equally attentive. As I walk through life it seems to me the grace of God is in courtesy. Bus drivers, you are appreciated. Hats off for a job well done.

SISTER ROSEEN MAIER

SANTA CRUZ

Best fest in town
The best and most well-attended festival in Santa Cruz County (with the exception of the County Fair), was at its finest once again.

Fiestas Patrias de Watsonville Committee pulls off another festival like no other.

There were more than 15,000 people at the free festival celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Watsonville. There was the best Mexican food on the Central Coast available and just a lot of fun. The heat wave that hit the Central Coast was a breath of fresh air for the festival-goers and organizers.

If you ever want to enjoy a true Mexican Festival that is alcohol-free and with a positive community message, join Fiestas Patrias at their next event in September.

ALEJANDRO CHAVEZ

WATSONVILLE

Computer for the kids
Mid County Children’s Center would like to thank Dave Cooper and Cooper Technologies for the donation of a completely refurbished computer.

Dave contacted the center through one of our parents, Sally Frade. Cooper Technology, Sally and Santa Cruz Electronics made it possible for the children at the center to enjoy the preschool software that Dave installed.

It is Dave’s intention to get refurbished computers into nonprofits that would not be able to otherwise afford them.

For this we thank and praise Cooper Technologies, Dave, Santa Cruz Technologies and Sally Frade.

CATHY LUSK

MID COUNTY CHILDREN’S CENTER

Thank you to all
On Sunday, April 29, I was admitted to Dominican Hospital following a somewhat serious self-inflicted bicycle wreck at Wilder Ranch. I am writing to say thank you to all the people that my accident brought me in contact with, from my poor friends who could only stand there and watch me suck air trying to get my breath, to Gary, the park ranger at Wilder who came to retrieve me; the paramedics at the ranger station; Amita, who took the best care of me on the way to Dominican, and her partner, who kept checking in as he was driving to apologize for the rough ride; all the folks at Dominican Emergency Room who were up to their necks in emergencies; every one of the staff members who walked by me on the gurney and had only kind words and encouragement; Kathy with the cream for my brush burns; Judy with the pain medication — thank you, thank you; the very nice doctor with non-name tag who saw that even though I was being "mellow" I was really hurting and got the pain med to me; Gary, the X-ray tech who tried to keep me as comfortable as possible; and even the young man who got the lucky job of scrubbing my brush burns.

You folks were busy as heck, but took but took time for me. I appreciate it. Thumbs up and thanks. And last but not least, Dr. Christensen, who left me with the challenge, "When you can do two push ups, you can ride your bike again." Thank you.

Dawne Harman

Scotts Valley

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