Category: Writing Samples

LUBBOCK, Texas — In one of the most poignant moments from the city’s last Charter Review Meeting, Rosa Saiz came forward to tell everyone about the poor living conditions she’s been enduring at the Spanish Oaks Apartments complex. 

Saiz told us that she thought the buildings needed to be condemned — and KAMC News took a look to see what was really going on. The owner said it was all a result of bad management. 

“We are asking already for a safe place to take my family. Enough is enough,” said Saiz. 

After hearing silence from her apartment complex following a number of work orders for dangerous living conditions, Saiz turned to her city leaders for help.

“It’s not okay to have your kids running through sewage,” said Saiz. “It’s not okay to have them through the winter with cardboard … It’s not okay that these leaks have turned into mold.

Those are just a few of the problems Saiz dealt with since moving into the Spanish Oaks Apartments over a year ago. She said that every work order she filed from gas leaks, backed up sewer lines and broken windows were ignored.

Read the full article on everythinglubbock.com, published April 14, 2021.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The recent mass shootings have put pressure on the Biden administration to take action against gun violence. On Thursday, President Biden announced a number of executive actions on gun reform. 

While many agree that these changes are necessary to keep us safe, many also feel that they infringe on our second amendment rights. 

“What he’s trying to pass, first off, it won’t have any bearing on safety at all,” said gun owner Jim Baxa. “And second off, they’re completely unconstitutional.”

Some of the actions include creating tighter regulations around ‘ghost guns’ — which are guns assembled from kits that don’t have serial numbers and can’t be tracked. 

“Ghost guns haven’t been used in a massive amount of crimes,” said Lonestar Shooting Sports owner Thomas Larson. “Honest people are going to do things, honestly anyway. People that want to circumvent the law, are always going to find ways to circumvent the law.”

However, some gun reform advocates like Jen Shelton with Moms Demand Action, disagree.

Read the full article on everythinglubbock.com, published April 8, 2021.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The excitement was contagious as Texas Tech fans gave Coach Mark Adams a warm welcome at Tuesday’s press conference at the United Supermarkets Arena.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tech basketball — and Red Raider Nation couldn’t be more excited to see what the new coach will bring to the table.

“I’m pumped I’m ecstatic, like couldn’t be happier with the decision,” said Tech fan David Mueller.

“This was the best choice they could’ve made and I think it’s home,” said fan Taylor Szymanski.

After losing Coach Chris Beard to one of their biggest rivals, a West Texas native like Coach Adams was just what the Red Raiders needed.

“I mean he’s a hometown guy,” said Raider Riot’s Vice President Mia Gibaszek. “We’ve had him all the time that I’ve been here, I think it’s great honestly.”

Fans said they’re also looking forward to having a Tech alum as their coach.

“I actually really love that he’s loyal to West Texas and Texas Tech. It means a lot to me being a fan and a student here,” said fan Dade Mumaw.

Other fans said they’re excited to see what this will mean for Tech’s defense.

“I think we got the best deal out of the two,” said fan Justin Thornhill. “I think Mark Adams is a defensive mastermind.”

Read the full article on everythinglubbock.com, published April 6, 2021.