The California State Assembly passed the ban on single-use plastic bags (AB 1998) on June 2. Hilex Poly, LLC, a manufacturer of plastic bags, has suggested that cutting plastic bags will cut jobs. Their defense, like others oppose to the ban, is that the ban is not doing much to conserve the environment. Plastic bags swirl around in the ocean for 500 years and harm wildlife. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has reported that there have been sea animals, including… Read more

It seems like just yesterday, I was in labor getting ready to meet my little boy for the first time. My thoughts were racing as I was about to experience something so amazing and life changing. There was no turning back — I was becoming a member of the Mommy Club. With so many thoughts flowing through my mind, I remember thinking that I was responsible for a new life and my choices would influence him for the rest of… Read more

Over the past weekend, my 7 year-old son learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. I did it mommy, he said. He rode his bike down the sidewalk and around the curve without the aid of my maternal arms holding the handlebars or his shirt.  With tears in my eyes I began to jump up and down because I was so proud of him for so many reasons. When I was married, I always had the vision that… Read more

It could happen any time, any day. The second floor of the Matador Bookstore Complex was quiet.  A few summer semester students were gathered, talking with friends.  Jennifer Jimenez, a freshman, psychology major, placed her lunch and book bag at a table.  She then walked away, across the room, to grab some paper towels from the bathroom. Her laptop sat on the table, unattended and unlocked. “Sometimes I worry about my possessions,” said Jimenez, 18.  “That’s why I ran back… Read more