"I use them, I love them,” said Maxine Perkins. “I think it's a stupid idea."

Others have an open mind.

“I think it would be very convenient for the environment,” said Edgar Medina. “Maybe you can buy a permanent bag."

With that kind of mixed feed back, the city says the discussion is moving toward a middle ground.

"The discussion has moved away from completely eliminating them,” said city council representative Steve Ortega. "We're trying to do all we can to reduce plastic bag litter in our community."

The city is looking into various ideas for reducing plastic bag usage. One idea is to encourage people to reuse the bags that they have or start using cloth reusable bags. Some grocery stores around town like Albertsons and Sun Harvest are giving customers a nickel for every bag that they bring in to reuse.

The city is also looking at an express check-out lane for customers who bring their own bags as well as public education about reducing them.

Officials admit it may still be a challenge for some consumers to change their behavior, especially when they use the plastic bags for more than groceries.

"They're so handy to reuse, said Jack Matney. “To put your trash and stufF in"

The city is also talking to grocery store operators. After exploring many ideas, the Environmental Services Department is expected to present a proposal to city council.

The public is invited to give their opinion about plastic bags at the following meetings, which start at 6 p.m.:

Aug. 27: Judge Edward S. Marquez Mission Library, 610 N. Yarbrough Drive Sept. 2: Carolina Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive Sept 3: Father Martinez Senior Center, 9311 Alameda Avenue Sept 9: Pebble Hills Regional Command Center, 10780 Pebble Hills Boulevard.