Bank of America charges $5 monthly fee

Starting in 2012, Bank of America will charge a monthly fee of $5 for debit card transactions, resulting in $60 a year - just to use your debit card, a service that has always been promoted as free.

Cal State Long Beach currently has a Bank of America ATM at the University Student Union, as well as a Wells Fargo and Chase, who are also testing out debit card fees in certain states.

"The service of the debit card costs the bank money," says Amgad, personal BofA banker. "In a time where the economy is rough, we have to find a way to keep providing service to our customers and in order to do that, we need to find ways to make profit to ensure our business stays afloat."

Bank of America risks losing many customers over this decision, especially during a time of economic recession. People have many other financial responsibilities to have concern over, and this additional fee is not sitting well for many BofA customers.

"It just adds frustration to their already frustrating service," says 3rd year Kinesiology major Mireille Sine. "Did they even think about what $5 could do for a college student? I would definitely consider switching over to another bank."

Taco Bell replaced by new Pete's Fresco Grill

Dashing in between classes to buy a crunchwrap supreme from Taco Bell will no longer be possible because the new Pete's Fresco Grill, an authentic Mexican eatery, has opened in its place.

The Daily 49er says  that Don Penrod, general manager of the 49er shops, states, "The Taco Bell license came up for renewal and we personally thought that we can open up a more authentic Mexican restaurant."

Pete's Fresco Grill is a brand new, CSULB-owned eatery, similar to the Beach Walk, The Nugget, and The Outpost. Its menu consists of burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and salads. Items can be ordered a la carte or in combos. In addition to the authenticity, Pete's is also a healthier alternative.

"There's a limited number of places you can eat on our campus. The customer base remains the same," says 6th year Civil Engineering major Jhon Manalese. "People will be willing to try Pete's at least once. If the food tastes good, then it shouldn't be a problem since the demand is just the same as when Taco Bell was there."

The average combo at Pete's is $7 compared to the $5 combo at Taco Bell.

For more information, check out the full article on the Daily 49er

Alcohol to be served at the Outpost Grill this Spring semester

Photo by Stefan Agregado, Daily 49er

Tired from a long day of rigorous classes but don't want to walk all the way to upper campus to the Nugget to buy a beer? Well, wait no longer because the Outpost Grill will begin to sell certain alcoholic beverages no later than the start of spring semester.

The Outpost Grill applied for a beer and wine license in late August. This will make it the second vendor on campus where students can purchase alcoholic beverages. The 49er shops, which operate the Nuggest and the Outpost, have a catering license to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits like whiskey and vodka.

"I think it’s based on convenience," says 4th year biology major Shanli Khani. "The Outpost will become the Nugget for lower campus and cater to the students there. The students will appreciate that they don’t have to walk all the way to upper campus just to buy a beer."

Don Penrod, chief executive officer of the 49er shops, "cited a possible increase in revenue, recent renovations to the restaurant and service to the student community as reasons for the idea." (Daily 49er) The Outpost has paid $650 to apply and will have to pay a $350 renewal fee a year after licensing.

 "I believe this is a good business move because there will be an influx of money to help our campus for its desperately needed classes, professors, and even lower costs on tuition," says 4th year accounting major Will Chung.  
However not every student feels comfortable with the idea of a second vendor selling alcohol on campus.
"I feel like the Nugget is more than enough alcohol for a college campus. It’s already sad that we have one and it’s understandable since its legal, but having two bars that are less than a mile away from each other is a little to much. I start to feel like the campus is encouraging us to drink before class. I feel like it’s a bad move just because its a public school and since this is higher education we should be above the norms of society. I think they would definitely make money, but I would call it "dirty money," says 3rd year business major Izzy Powe.

Although this makes buying alcohol more convenient for students, the student reaction to this new business venture is controversial. Penrod states that the 49er shops will limit the promotion of alcohol sales outside of its restaurants.