Coffee and competition
I just read Charles M. Kelly’s article regarding opposition brewing against opening a Starbucks in the Regency Center (Sun Newspapers, Thursday, Aug. 1).
As a resident of Seal Beach, I too greatly enjoy the small town atmosphere of our beautiful city.
I am concerned however that in your article, business owner Rob Jahncke seems to be speaking for the residents of Seal Beach.
Your article identifies Mr. Jahncke as the owner of Javatinis Expresso, where I have purchased very good coffee for years.
However, I don’t believe he should speak on behalf of the “residents” of Seal Beach.
Especially, since he would be in direct competition with Starbucks. In fact, according to your article, he was trying to make an offer to do the same thing he is opposing.
Don’t you think that is a contradiction?
I would be interested in the opinions of the merchants in the Regency Center, who might see an increase in business from people driving through the Center to go to Starbucks.
I appreciate Mr. Jahncke’s opinion, but question his motives. Often, competition is a good thing.
Ed Hitchcock
Seal Beach
Cottage story memories
Great article and pix of the ole Swift’s beach house (“Sunset cottage’s 100th birthday celebrated,” Sun Newspapers, Thursday, Aug. 1).
I live across the street and have watched the little yellow house host lots of family. The “tall” people are back in town. I swear the men were all 6 feet 5 inches and above and the ladies 6 feet.
Claire Daschbach
Sunset Beach
Protecting Our Title
The pursuit of higher education takes time, will, dedication and patience. Specifically, earning a degree in social work requires additional practicum hours in various settings such as child protective services, hospitals, schools, and community agencies.
Therefore, extensive education and training are incorporated in social work curriculum at any university. As candidates for a master’s degree in social work we understand the honor that comes with earning this degree because we have put in over 1,000 field placement hours, completed over 15 courses and worked to complete a thesis; thus we proudly take the title social worker.
However, this title has now come into question as many paraprofessionals who do not have the proper degree have began to use the title “social worker.”
Dr. Janaki Santhiveeran, a social work professor at California State University, Long Beach argues, “Our social work program is unique because we provide intense training in all areas of social work regarding micro, mezzo, and macro levels in the classroom and require over 1000 hours of internship, thus students are trained to be more sensitive emotionally and culturally and in turn are more qualified to provide effective services to clients.”
Title protection for social workers is crucial in preserving the unique education, training, and experience that is achieved through an official degree. Agencies who use the term “social worker” for those who are unqualified contribute to the gross misinterpretation that these individuals are adequately trained to provide professional and specialized support that clients desperately need. Therefore, the importance of passing AB 252 will ensure that those who are categorized as social workers will actually have the proper training and expertise to hold this title.
Ashley Pipes, Joyce Witcher, Julie Le, Lisa Tri Vu
and Christine Le
CSULB Social Work Students
The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the Sun. The Sun welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 300 words maximum. Letters should be e-mailed, signed by the author and include the author’s address and phone number (the latter two are for verification, not publication). The Sun reserves the right to accept, edit, or reject letters for any reason. Unless otherwise indicated, all letters sent to the Sun are understood to be intended for publication. E-mail letters to: dennis@sunnews.org.
