a heretofore unknown species of teosinte, Zea diploperennis, which is valued for its resistance to certain viruses.

Iltis warned that the practice of collecting plants in tropical countries without involving local botanists and without depositing duplicate specimens in local herbaria would eventually cause trouble. And indeed, in recent years Brazil and some Andean countries have enacted laws that severely restrict field studies. 

Iltis was an outspoken environmentalist and conservationist, championing the preservation of threatened habitats to protect biodiversity. Some species of teosinte are critically endangered, and all face a growing threat as agricultural land use expands in Mexico. He campaigned with colleagues at the University of Guadalajara to protect the natural environment of Zea diploperennis by creating the 345,000-acre Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve. He cofounded the Wisconsin chaptergranting the petition.
Meanwhile, on September 4, 2007, Franco filed a motion for reconsideration based on the Supreme Court's August 30, 2007 decision in Gentry, supra, 42 Cal.4th 443, which extended the rationale of Discover Bank to overtime compensation claims. Notwithstanding Athens's opposition, the trial court granted reconsideration and, by order dated October 22, 2007, instructed the parties to file supplemental papers, stating "the Gentry opinion establishes that a class action arbitration waiver in an employment agreement may be unconscionable."

1. Franco's Supplemental Memorandum

Franco worked for Athens from May 22, 2005, to May 10, 2006. He submitted evidence showing that, based on his hourly wage, his estimated damages for the alleged denial of meal and rest periods totaled $7,750; he would also be entitled to approximately $2,500 in civil penalties.