As the slightly dilapidated Greyhound bus began its slow and bumpy ride along Interstate 5, the low hum of its air conditioning units not only filled the interior of the bus with cool, refreshing air, but also gave a sense of comfort to those weary and experienced passengers. Most of the passengers were keenly aware that the eight hour drive north towards Bakersfield would be blanketed by the harsh, summer sun throughout the duration of the trip. They gladly welcomed its relief. Inexperienced travelers like the Mendoza family were unexpectedly cold and cautiously leery of the nearly full bus. The brown pleather seats were tattered in places, but were still supple enough to allow for a respectable and comfortable ride. This Greyhound bus was unlike the various RTD buses ridden by the Mendoz
