February 10, 2006

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Do you feel that Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized?(Asked at Evergreen Valley Plaza)


“No, not for those that are lovey dovey and everything. I think it’s a very nice holiday.”

Margie Maloney
Evergreen
Retired teacher


“No, not as much as the other holidays. I’ll be going out to dinner with my husband and kids.”

Ellen Ramos, 43
Everygreen
Nurse


“Yes, I do. Everybody is into material things like jewelry now. It’s become a more competitive thing; who’s going to get the most expensive gift. It used to be a more simple holiday, your partner giving you something sweet like flowers and candy.”

Patty Carbajal, 33
Evergreen
Manages a day spa


“My birthday is on Valentine’s Day. It’s always been too commercialized ever since I was born. But I enjoy it anyway. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet. I have tickets to a concert on Feb. 12 for Dwight Yokum at the Saddlerack.”

Max Bair, 60
Evergreen
Repairman


“Yes, I think it is too commercialized. There’s so much pressure to have to buy something, send a card or send flowers instead of someone doing something because they want to do something. My husband says it’s a good excuse. But people don’t have to go all out and purchase something. The thought alone is wonderful, just remembering family members or someone you care about. It doesn’t have to be romantic.”

Claudette Perry
Evergreen
Church secretary


“Yes it is too commercialized, but I love it and I always participate and buy something for my loved ones. My husband and I will go out to dinner. I’ll make my husband his favorite cherry pie and buy my daughter a gift and some candy.”

Barbara Osborne, 58
Everygreen
U.S. history and keyboard teacher at Leyva Middle School


“Yes, I do. I just think having Valentines out weeks before the holiday and having to remember people with gifts is too much. It’s a holiday to show that you’re loving and caring.”

Lisa Noriega, 30
Evergreen
Administrative specialist


“Yes, I think so, but you need some of that commercialized. It tends to remind couples [those who’ve been married awhile] that the holiday is coming. Newlyweds and engaged couples or couples who are dating don’t need to be reminded. But people who are married with kids forget how to celebrate, so all the commercialized reminds them to give each other presents and celebrate.”

Jessica Wang
Evergreen
Cicso Systems program manager