The Cupertino Courier

At left: Itsuo Uenaka, a resident since 1948, is well-known for his community service work. David Voss (pictured on the right), a second-generation resident, is an avid volunteer for disabled people.

Two of a Kind

Chamber honors longtime residents Itsuo Uenaka and David Voss

By Dwana Bain

When De Anza Boulevard was a lonely stretch of highway with no stop sign, when Cupertino's post office was a hole-in-the-wall, when Cupertino was an unincorporated farming community, Itsuo Uenaka and David Voss were trying to make the city a better place.

For their commitment to the community, the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce will honor Uenaka and Voss as Citizens of the Year at an awards banquet Nov. 15.

Uenaka has lived in Cupertino since 1948 and is well-known for his community service work.

"I have a long-held belief that those who can give back should, recognizing the fact that not every person is fortunate enough to able to do so," said Uenaka, known by his friends as "Its."

His parents were florists in Cupertino until World War II, when they were taken to a Japanese internment camp in Utah. After the war, they returned to Cupertino and opened a flower shop, which prospered.

In spite of Cupertino's urbanization, the city still retains its small-town feel, Uenaka said. "As Cupertino has grown, it has kept its integrity," he said. "One of the things that hasn't changed about Cupertino is community support. There is a sense of community that all people seem to share. I think that is unique to Cupertino."

As a longstanding member of Cupertino Rotary, Uenaka participates in much of the club's charity work.

Uenaka also contributes to Cupertino Community Services, an organization that provides emergency assistance to homeless and hungry residents.

"Its is a class act," said Mary Ann Chell, executive director of Cupertino Community Services. "He is a man of integrity, passion and dedication. He cares about people. He has been an ongoing supporter. ... We can always count on Its." For example, he golfs in the CCS fundraising tournaments and gives flowers to CCS volunteers.

Uenaka is also a member of the Cupertino Historical Society. He said he wants future generations of Cupertino residents to remember the city's agricultural roots.

He was "surprised, honored, happy and elated" to be chosen citizen of the year. Uenaka is known throughout the community for his understated style and admits he's never been one to "get up in front of people."

Ironically, Uenaka started as an engineering major in college because he didn't want to work face to face with people. Now, he says, his favorite thing about being a nurseryman is working with people. Uenaka has three grown children.

David Voss

David Voss is a second-generation Cupertino resident and volunteer. He was born and raised within two blocks of his current home. "We've had our roots here for a day or two," Voss joked.

Voss' father was a volunteer in the community and encouraged his son to do the same. "I'm following in my father's footsteps," Voss said of his love of volunteering. "I enjoy seeing people have a good time. ... Whatever volunteering takes, it's fine. I've been blessed with resources; I like to share what I've got."

Voss, owner of Stevens Creek Quarry, said if someone needs help, he'll do what he can to help them. He provides water, materials and expertise to Camp Costanoan, a camp for children with disabilities.

In Voss' office hangs a felt poster--his "Individual Volunteer of the Year" award from the Crippled Children's Society, now known as VIA Rehabilitation. Every year, Voss holds a "fish-a-thon" on his land. All wheelchair users, regardless of their age, get to catch a trout from Voss' pond, which he stocks for the event. Whatever fish he can't get donated by the state, Voss buys out of pocket.

Voss, an avid hunter and fisherman, created a duck blind for disabled people who like to hunt. He gives the hunters a room to sleep in, as well as breakfast and lunch.

"They all want to pay for it. Someone wanted to buy it, but it's not for sale," Voss said, "Just to talk to them for five minutes is worth more than any dollar could ever replace."

One reason that Voss said he enjoys helping the disabled is that he is partially disabled.

In 1965 Voss's left arm was severed and his collarbone crushed in a construction accident. He spent three months in the hospital. Even today, though his arm was reattached, its movement is limited.

As a member of the Host Lions club, he lends the use of his walk-in freezers and giant barbecue pits to local charities for fundraisers.

Voss also assists the Stevens Creek Volunteer Fire Department by replacing parts on engines and allowing the use of his equipment. He even lets them make emergency helicopter landings on his property.

He also does charitable work for the Marianists, a religious order of the Catholic Church. "He is an extremely supportive person; he has a real concern for people in difficult situations," Brother Robert Juenemann said of Voss.

Voss has three children and six grandchildren.

Although touched by the recognition, both Uenaka and Voss acknowledged that there are many community members deserving of the honor.

The criteria for nomination include contributions to educational organizations, religious organizations, local charities and city government.

Frank Jelinch, chairman of this year's selection committee, said citizens of the year are chosen primarily for their community involvement. "Anybody can have a title. ... We're looking for people with a commitment to volunteerism."

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