2013 Opinion Archive Stories

Decision by Disney to modify character doesn't make senseStep back, Disney.That was the message from parents after the children's entertainment powerhouse decided to revamp the image of Merida, the animated princess from “Brave.”Merida's makeover included a slimmer figure, fuller bust, more exposed

“Working mother” is a concept with which I've always struggled.Because let's face it – parenting is tricky, period. I'm very fortunate in that I have a lot of help and support when it comes to raising my daughter. I have a very supportive husband who is very active in our daughter's life, and splits the

The fate of major immigration reform legislation in the U.S. Congress remains uncertain, partly because critics of the policy are doubtful that there will be sufficient effort to prevent future illegal immigration.Much of the focus of these opponents continues to be on border control and enforcement, but there is more to this issue t

I went to Fry's on a Sunday morning in 2004. I saw people walking out of the store with flowers and balloons.“What's going on?” I asked myself.As I approached the entrance, I saw a huge Mother's Day display. The occasion was not on mind because my mom had died earlier that year.“What do I car

Working in a newsroom, it's easy – in fact, one could say it's necessary – to grow a thick skin.We report the news, whatever it may be. Some days, it's light, easy and fun, such as when we report on kids getting scholarships. Sometimes, it's exciting – say, when someone tries to rob a store, and is quickly apprehend

There was an amazing piece in USA Today on Friday about Ronny Porta, a Marine who was badly burned and disfigured while serving in Iraq.In 2007, Porta was driving in a convoy when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded beneath his truck. Two friends were killed instantly. Porta managed to get out of the truck, but his face and

It is hard to deny that the immigration system in America is broken. For Arizona specifically, the current federal immigration laws place an undue burden on our local business owners. Small business owners are the backbone of Arizona's economy and until we have more modern immigration policies, our small business will continue to suffer.

A recent news report naming the Colorado River the most endangered in the country left me feeling unsettled, to say the least.The article by the Cronkite News Service noted that increased demands on the water supply have put the river at a breaking point.The Colorado serves a variety of functions in Yuma. It's our primary

There has been no small amount of political drama these past three months as I've traveled the state – including to Yuma – advocating for my Medicaid Restoration Plan. Some media have chosen to focus on a perceived clash on this issue between myself and some members of my party. I get it.But no one should lose sight of th

Last week an astute reader pointed out that we ran a photo of a gopher snake with a story about rattlers.He was right — and as a native Arizonan and proud desert rat, I should have known better. After all, I have seen a rattlesnake up close — not by choice.One summer a friend and I were hiking up a steep hill

While watching coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing Monday, a security expert commented on something that I too have been wondering about for some time. He said those tasked with thwarting terror attacks have been questioning for years why terrorists were not making more use of small-scale bomb attacks here in the United States.

A wave of shock ran through the United States again Monday after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The race was dedicated to the 26 killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. More senseless killings and horrible maimings of more innocent people. We stare at the gruesome photos

The annual Arizona Special Olympics torch run used to begin at the 4th Avenue Bridge, on the Arizona-California border, then pass through Yuma on its way to the Phoenix area, where the games would then begin.This year, the torch will be handed off from the Mexican side of the border to runners in San Luis, Ariz., who will then carry

A new study was released this week that contains a bit of disturbing news.Apparently, more than one-quarter of people who have had melanoma say they never use sunscreen. Even worse? Two percent said they had used a tanning bed in the last year, according to U.S. News and World Report.Melanoma accounts for less than 5 perc

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the nation was devastated. But the impact was felt strongest in New York City, where the skyline – and thousands of lives – were irrevocably changed that day.One of the icons in the wake of the attacks was a cross-shaped steel beam that was found two days later as resc

As soon as I read the headline, I suspected it was an April's Fool joke. As a cat lover, I chuckled at the thought: A new program that uses felines to work with military police.The KPBS.org story noted the advantages of using cats over dogs: superior smell and hearing, razor sharp claws and the ability to jump eight feet in a single

What's your favorite part of the fair, Yuma?I personally enjoy the variety of food – I'll take a yummy cinnamon roll any day of the week. Really, for that reason alone, it's a good thing that fair week only comes once a year.As a parent, my perspective has changed somewhat.It's really cool to take my dau

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg seems to be on a crusade these days.First, he targeted large, sugary beverages, by banning them for sale. The proposal was rejected by a judge.Next on his radar? Cigarettes.Bloomberg proposed legislation recently that would ban all stores from publically displaying any tobacco

The month of March is National Kidney Month. Before you turn the page in a big yawn, think of what these organs do for you and where you'd be if they stopped.• Using millions of filters called nephrons they clean wastes from your body.• Balance electrolytes• Regulate blood pressure&b

Turnout in Somerton's recent primary election was better than in previous years, but still not good: 22 percent.It's been said voter participation in Yuma County is better when a U.S. presidential race is part of the ballot. I think that statement is accurate, but the logic behind those kinds of voting patterns is flawed.

Tuberculosis has plagued man for thousands of years. In fact, human remains dating from the Neolithic era, over 9,000 years ago, have evidence of the disease.Today, it's often thought of as an intangible threat, the stuff of movies. But the reality is, even in 2013, it's still a very real danger.An estimated 9 million peo

For many of us, Facebook has permeated into many corners of our lives. In my case, I use it for staying in touch with friends and family scattered across the country. But I also use it for work, as the Yuma Sun has a Facebook page that we use to share what's going on, both at the newspaper and across Yuma.In fact, several of us share

There are many reasons why it's terrific to live in Yuma.We have mild winters (without snow!), an abundance of sunshine and fresh produce, and we have a variety of outdoor options to explore and visit.But one of my favorite reasons? Arizona doesn't do the Daylight Saving Time change.That's right. This morning

Yahoo's new CEO, Marissa Mayer, knows how to stir up a storm.She announced the other day that she would be ending her company's policy of allowing employees to work from home and instead would require them to be physically in the office to do their work.As an online company, the response was like a bomb going off, not onl

When you own a business, be it small or large, customer service can make or break you.So I am continually amazed when I go to a restaurant or store and receive bad service. It's the little things, but I think those moments speak loudly about a business, its management and its employees.Recent case in point? I went to a dr