June/July 2014 by BOBCATFANS

JUNE/JULY | 2014

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SM TX | TIDBITS

Boom Town Once again, due to the high population flux in San Marcos, another surprising statistic has made its way into the public eye via recently published articles with Texas Monthly and the Austin AmericanStatesman.

when looking at the numbers a little more closely, it’s noticeable how Austin’s annual growth rate tops out at 2.8% while San Marcos marches on at a “staggering rate” of 8% per year, making it the fastest growing city nationwide.

Besides San Marcos, three more out of the ten fastest growing cities in the U.S. are also located in Texas, and the Austin metro area alone lays claim, in addition to San Marcos, to Cedar Park (#4) and Georgetown (#7).

Texas Monthly reports how most cities cataloged as some of the fastest-growing in the country usually consist of a population of 100,000 or more—the usual redeeming characteristic behind Austin consecutively topping the lists. But

No surprise, though, considering how both cities provide similar amenities, yet San Marcos on a smaller scale, the Statesman speculates. Real estate is cheaper, job markets are accessible, and a charming feel lingers throughout our city.

So, it goes without saying, the great state of Texas is only going to get bigger—population wise. And with that, even the small towns will eventually bulk up, as well.

PUT YOUR BUTTS OUT As of June 1, public places throughout San Marcos will officially opt to the no-smoking ordinance passed on Oct. 1, 2013. E-cigarettes and other inhaled vapor devices usage will not be allowed inside, as well. Properties that have obtained and posted permits to build outdoor smoking areas by June 1 will have until Jan. 1, 2015, to go fully smoke-free. Upon any establishment’s first offense, a $200 fine will be issued, followed by $500 for second offenses and up to $2,000 for third and subsequent.

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From Team USA To Team BOBCAT Last month, Texas State softball head coach Ricci Woodard announced that Cat Osterman, former three-time National Player of the Year, four-time All-American and two-time Olympic medalist, will leave her duties as an assistant coach with the St. Edwards University Hilltoppers (earning two Conference Pitcher of the Year awards, as well as twice named All-Region with her staff) in route for the Bobcats. As the only athlete to ever take home the honors of USA Softball’s National Player of the Year three times in a row, Osterman also pitched for the National Team from 2001-2010 (winning an Olympic gold medal in 2004 and silver in 2008), while earning an induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, as well.

Its Raining Savings The City of San Marcos Public Works Department is implementing a new program to help its customers conserve water. Through this program, water customers can get rebates for purchasing and installing rain barrels and large rainwater tank systems. The program is open to all City of San Marcos water customers. The rebate is applicable to rainwater harvesting system components such as rain barrels, rainwater tanks, screened gutters, primary filtration systems, tank foundations, and pumps. The rebate for non-pressurized systems, such as rain barrels or tanks without pumps, is $0.50 per gallon of storage capacity or 50% of the total system cost. For larger pressurized systems the rebate is $1 per gallon of storage capacity or 50% of total system cost. The maximum rebate amount for homes is $5,000. Commercial, institutional and multi-family customers may qualify for rebates up to $20,000.

Texas State Rising the stars

with NASA A multi-million dollar deal was struck between Texas State and Jacobs Engineering (otherwise known as the prime contractor on a $1.9 billion agreement regarding the JETS contract with NASA and the Johnson Space Center in Houston) when the university’s Board of Regents approved a $5 million contract to run through April 2018—allowing Texas State and the company to collaborate on advanced work and research for NASA in fields such as engineering and science. If the following years go accordingly, and if all options are exercised by the govern-

ment, then the contract could be extended through 2022 and increase in value to approximately $9 million. According to Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations Bill Covington, the university’s chess move with Jacobs will afford Texas State faculty the opportunity to engage themselves in “cutting edge, applied research.” Funding for Texas State to employ an on-site, fulltime engineering staff in Houston will be provided by the prime contractor.

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SM TX | INSIDE LO OK

2 0 14 Tahoe I nte rce ptor The Tahoe’s larger vehicle and interior compartment are a welcome sign for the Patrol Department. It allows them to carry equipment and transport people more efficiently. This SUV is definitely the way to go. Built to be versatile, the Tahoe is ideal for a range of tasks such as hazmat, K-9, medical first responders, and tactical operations. 1

With a top speed of 139 mph, the Interceptor can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.01 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 21.08 seconds. 1. Split Phantom Interior mounted LED Light Bar With an extremely thin profile, less than 1” high; are specifically designed to mount in the front windshield visor area. 2. Unity 100w Spotlight Rated at 245,000 candlepower, it will light up the night. 3. Rino Front Push Bar For the back roads and deer protection 5. Dual Antenna Laser Radar Speeders can’t outdo this radar. It ignores objects like trees, bushes, poles, and fences between it and the target vehicle. And its anti-jamming software detects and ignores jamming pulses. 4. Two 100W Siren and P.A. Speakers This speaker will blow your ears; 100W of real power will make all the traffic move. 6. Coban Computer & Dual Camera System (GPS) Record events both outside and inside the vehicle simultaneously. This system addresses every phase of digital evidence. 7. Harris 2-way Radio Controller Provides 2-way communication between dispatcher to officer 8. Star-signal lighting controller Controls 18 output lights and sirens that are used during service calls or chases. 9. Prisoner Transport Seats Help prevent any gaps and crevices where prisoners might otherwise hide contraband or evidence.

9 8 7

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| By Staff | Photos Eric Morales |

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“Woodworking takes a little knowledge and skill, but it’s really easy to learn.”

GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN WorthEffort Woodworking is located @ 122 S. Edward Gary.

Shawn Graham lays the bow saw down on the small work table he made from construction lumber and pushes his blackrimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose.

wortheffort.com Periodic symbols are painted in tan on a

wall like ancient cave drawings. WorthEffort Woodworking founder and sole employee, picks up the simple bow saw he constructed from a thin piece of wood and metal. It’s an example of the history of the woodworking trade and its connection to early prehistoric humans, a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between man and nature.

“An Evening With Shannon ‘The Renaissance Woodworker’ Rogers.” The free event begins at 7 p.m. on June 14.

The self-taught Arlington native spent seven years as a computer science teacher at Clear Lake and Spring high schools in Houston. It was there he saw the product of what he calls “A-type parents,” NASA engineers, rocket scientists, and the like, who had “white collar dreams” for their children, dreams that didn’t include teaching them how to swing a hammer. Glazy-eyed youth, the kind fluent in HTML and JavaScript, were part of the reason Graham retired from grade school teaching and invested his pension in teaching how to create the old fashion way. Whether it’s in the classroom or on the internet, Graham has been teaching woodworking, whether he knew it or not, for more than a decade. So, 10 months ago he opened the modest school that teaches teens and adults how to literally carve a niche for themselves.

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LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR TRADES TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE FOR THE ART OF WOODWORKING.

“Woodworking takes a little knowledge and skill,” he says. “But it’s really easy to learn.” The concrete floors of the one-room, 12-student schoolhouse in downtown San Marcos, which initially served as a grocery distribution center for Central Texas, are spotless now, as Graham carries a long, thin strip of pine wood to a workbench to prepare for an upcoming class. Today’s lesson, part of Graham’s free Friday class series, is an introduction to recess carving, or in layman terms, how to carve a letter into a block of wood using a half-inch chisel and a mallet, which may sound easy, but for those who spend their days at a keyboard, it may lead to blisters. Splinters are always a hazard of the job, and Graham said pine is the prickliest. That’s why Graham suggests going with the grain, a decision he made years ago that has led to his transition from computer science teacher to woodworker... and making sure the chisel used is sharper than a doctor’s scalpel. “The definition of sharp is you can’t see the edge,” says Graham, a sharp man himself, who hasn’t been able to see the edge of his woodworking career since he began as a student at the University of Arlington. He began his foray into hand tool woodworking by living in and restoring old “crack” homes in Arlington to help pay his 14-year way through college.

| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photo Eric Morales |

Now he’s on foot and online, giving demonstrations and selling his products at various farmer’s markets in Central Texas, including San Marcos and Austin. Woodworking items that are built by hand, Graham says, can last well past a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations. A stepstool with multiple shades of glossy, smooth tan stands on the cool cement floor of WorthEffort, waiting to be given as a gift by Graham to a woman who is pregnant. “(The stepstool) goes in the bathroom, [where] she can sit next to the tub, bathe the kid. Then it goes to the sink, and the kid can reach the sink. When he’s old enough, it goes in the kitchen so he can go in the top cupboards, maybe drill the kid’s name into the bottom or something like that…,” Graham says. The train whistles in the background as Graham ponders the thought of the woman growing old and gray and being able to use the stepstool with her grandchildren. So far Graham’s wager in San Marcos – that he could also attract students from Austin, San Antonio, and New Braunfels – hasn’t proven to be financial sustainable. He knows that the future is uncertain, like that of the stepstool, as WorthEffort Woodworking eyes a possible relocation to Austin. However wood is strong and perseveres. He adds,”Wood is the original zombie: it remains alive even after it’s cut down.”

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Emergency Services

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“You gotta handle the situation. They make it as realistic as possible.”

ALERRT

Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training

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he ammunition pellets, made from colored soap balls, are hard and, when launched from a gun, produce a stinging sensation similar to fingers flicking the skin. This is how Officer Sue Taylor of the Texas State University Police Department remembers portions of the simulation she participated in.

“We are probably among the best customers of McCoy Building Supply because we break windows.”

This ever changing, high-tech facility provided opportunities for Wooten and close to 40 others from around the country to learn how to mentally and physically prepare for active shooter situations in both a classroom and real world settings.

At the time, the City of Austin, like many other U.S. cities, didn’t have a specialized unit to deploy in response to active shooters. The weapons APD officers had been issued were ineffective against a sniper, and so was the sparse technology used.

“(T)here’s a technical way to how you do it, but they show you how to do it,” Wooten said.

Following the shootings, some law enforcement agencies from around the nation agreed there was a need for special teams and tactics to prevent and confront active shooters. The shootings spurred some U.S. police departments to form SWAT teams or similar groups.

These simulations were conducted in the on-campus Hines Academic Center during a two-day basic active shooter response course sponsored by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University (ALERRT).

At any given time, the rooms in ALERRT’s specially-designed simulation building can change, much like the actions of an active shooter.

A police issued bullet proof vest, belt and a (dismantled) gun in its holster: that’s what Taylor and other ALERRT program participants wore throughout the simulations to create a more realistic feel.

“We are probably among the best customers of McCoy Building Supply because we teach them how to break windows,” says Diana Hendricks, ALERRT’s communication director.

Taylor said she participated in the various 20-minute scenarios that played out in Hines, sometimes as an officer, other times acting as a wounded victim, hostage, civilian – even a suspect. Throughout the multiple active shooter simulations, there could be numerous hostages in a room. The shooter could be posing as a civilian, or they could seemingly appear out of nowhere. The scenarios and techniques used during the training range in number and severity - law enforcement never knows what they’re going to get into, Taylor said. “You gotta handle the situation,” she said. “…They make it as realistic as possible.” To make the simulations even more realistic, colored soap is used. Taylor said she and the other participants had to clean up the colored soap mess they had made in Hines after the training. Clad in uniform, earpiece and all, Texas State UPD Officer Christopher Wooten completed two of ALERRT’s active shooter trainings in April on the program’s property near the San Marcos-based Gary Job Corps.

Areas of the building can even prevent bullets from piercing through.

Taylor said the training builds on what law enforcement officers already know. And what these officers have learned since ALERRT’s founding in 2002 was that although this kind of training was reserved for SWAT, those members aren’t always the first people on the scene. There aren’t many signs alerting the public to the program’s multi-million dollar training facility. ALERRT’s office off Wonder World stays hidden as well. A small stuffed bear in a police uniform greets office visitors from inside a Texas State mug on a desk, symbolizing the program’s partnership between the university, San Marcos Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff ’s Office. ALERRT was established to address the need for active shooter response training for first responders, says Hendricks. Hendricks says coordinated efforts began in 1966 with the clock tower shootings on the University of Texas at Austin grounds. Two Austin Police Department officers, Houston McCoy and Ramiro Martinez, climbed to the top of the tower to stop the shooter.

Flash forward to 1999. Two high school students murdered 12 of their fellow students and one teacher and injured numerous others at Columbine High School. A week after the Columbine shootings, Hendricks says a boy took a gun to school in Wimberley. Hendricks says ALERRT helps law enforcement learn from history and not to second guess. “Our dream was we were gonna give this training to people who didn’t have full-time SWAT teams and couldn’t otherwise afford good training…,” she says. ALERRT has used more than $30 million of state and federal funds to train about 50,000 officers to date at no cost to participants, and its curriculum has grown from a basic shooter response course to include seven courses. Last year ALERRT partnered with the FBI, and the White House named its response to active shooters program the FBI’s national standard. Cities like New York, Houston, and San Antonio, among others, have also made this program their standard. The two-story simulation house, which sits on ALERRT’s 96 acres of land donated by the U.S. Department of Labor, is expected to see 30,000 officers in fiscal year 2015, Hendricks says. “(W)e’re really lucky, because really at the end of the day, we know we’ve done something that made a difference in someone’s life,” she says.

Secure parameter. No one in. No one out! | By Jordan Gass-Poore |

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“If you call the fire department, there’s a reason… It’s somebody’s worst day every time our pager goes off.” 14 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

o start, the fact that Jordan Hutto, Firefighter of the Year in the San Marcos Fire Department, is even being featured in this issue is going to cost money out of his own pocket. But every job has its weird quirks. And the SMFD is no different. Because it’s a tradition that any member who has his or her name and picture posted in a newspaper, magazine, etc., he or she has to buy ice cream for the entire station. But that only goes to show the station’s pride in both their reputation and modesty, as well as the occupation’s mission statement: Service with Dignity. As Hutto admits, firefighters are some of the most trusted and respected individuals in the eyes of the public. They are the men and women who almost anyone will let them in their home or personal lives at anytime, no questions asked. It’s true. And you can’t break people’s trust, he says. Still though, the civil respect for Hutto and his fellow firemen’s well being and good nature comes with a price. In that, as he explains, “If you call the fire department, there’s a reason… It’s somebody’s worst day every time our pager goes off.” Asking the 28-year-old five-year veteran of the SMFD about the tragic aspects of his job is similar to asking somebody to “relive their worst nightmare.” For the most part, they have to block out those experiences fairly quickly. “I can’t sit there and rehash that stuff or I’ll go crazy,” he says. And although Hutto’s fair share of blood, gore and guts has already been seen, he still maintains the mindset that it’s all part of the job and lives with it. Regardless, the SMFD’s responsibilities go much beyond fighting fires or tending to accidents alone. Every year, the fire department sponsors charity work with organizations, such as Sunshine Kids, which enables children who are terminally ill to spend the week with the firemen. Or other philanthropical events like reading to children at the public library and Fill the Boot to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At times, their work goes further outside of each member’s career—to the point where even the department does not condone their efforts. “Some people may not be living in the best conditions, maybe they don’t have any food that week,” Hutto says. “We’ve been known to dig money out of our pockets and get them something to eat, to make sure they have something.” “It’s one of those deals where you see somebody in need, you feel bad and you want to do something to help them,” he | By Xander Peters | Photos Eric Morales |

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Deputy Sheriff Daniel Duggins Hays County Motor Division

”We’ve been known to dig money out of our pockets and get them something to eat, to make sure they have something.”

continues. “And we try to do our part wherever we can.” Never missing a beat, Hutto, and what he calls his “family,” constantly seek to make a good impression on the public. So, when defining a “hero,” something as simple as changing a flat tire on the side of the highway or helping check a diabetic’s blood pressure whenever their meter may not be working must first be considered. Whether it be a firefighter, police officer or EMT, if that person goes out to help another on their worst day, then perhaps the goal behind that particular definition has already been achieved. Hutto, as well as the rest of the SMFD, are as modest as they come. They are a family who spends a third of the year together working 24 hours on shift and 48 hours off. He has worked with the same three guys on a team and the same 17-20 individuals for years on end. Anytime there is something wrong with a fellow firefighter, they are always there to lend a helping hand. As far as these men and women are concerned, it’s a family event.

Starting out, Espinoza and Duggins were issued Harley Davidson motorcycles to use while on patrol.

And like any family, they pick on each other. “Usually there will be 30-40 firemen all over the station. But if a photographer (or writer) shows up, then you couldn’t find a firefighter to save your life,” Hutto laughs. “We’re like cockroaches in the light. It gets pretty pricey being on magazines and being on the news.”

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The crime rate has increased dramatically over the past several years, according to Espinoza.

“If I catch you going 13-14 miles over the speed limit, then I’m thinking tickets are going to be written.”

Deputy Sheriff “Ponch” Espinoza Hays County Motor Division

ost people only see a badge and uniform when Officer Marty “Ponch” Espinoza pulls up behind their vehicle and swings a leg over the side of his bike, unsaddling the police motorcycle unit. Like any law enforcement member, Espinoza, a Deputy Sheriff in the Hays County Traffic/Motor Division, is there “To Protect and Serve.” Still, after 18 years of what he describes as being “on the streets,” (12 of which have been spent in the motor division), the lifelong Kyle resident claims the mindset pertaining to his career has never pinpointed towards throwing people in jail, necessarily. Instead, it has always been about trying to make a difference if possible. “If I catch (the violator) going 13-14 miles over the speed limit, then I’m thinking tickets are going to be written,” Espinoza explains. For an officer who has “only” been hit twice while on his bike, he realizes how the real difference is made by maintaining the safety of our roadways. Yet, he also understands how their career is more than just about having a badge and gun. “It’s about communication,” Espinoza says. “I listen to (the violator) first, I hear where they’re at, and I try to deal with that.” After deciding to hang up his cleats in semi-professional baseball, Espinoza sought to follow in the

footsteps of his oldest brother who was working in a correctional facility at the time.

more via the wind on his cheeks as one of the five officers on motorcycles approximately nine years ago.

In 2001, the sheriff asked him to join the motor division. At the time, Espinoza was hesitant about the offer, having previously lost an uncle in a motorcycle accident, as well as another uncle who had been badly injured in a separate one.

According to Duggins, the most blatant rule of thumb gathered through his experience is how “speed kills,” a lesson that any traffic enforcer will agree on.

“So I told him,” he recalls. “Hey, I work for you, so I’ll do it.” Up until that point, Espinoza had never owned or even ridden a motorcycle in his entire life. The Sheriff’s Department would go on to send their latest Motor Division recruit to earn his Class M endorsement, followed by a two-week intensive school with the Austin Police Department, which he describes as, “mentally,” one of the hardest classes he has ever taken. In fact, every member of the Hays County Motor Division has participated in the same programs before beginning their duty on two wheels, including fellow Deputy Sheriff Daniel Duggins. Similar to Espinoza, Duggins took a path in law enforcement that had already been laid out by his two older brothers almost 15 years before. However, his experience riding dirt bikes while growing up became a catalyst to enjoy his career even

“Even if I asked you to stop just to write you a ticket and slow you down,” Duggins adds, “then I might have saved your life that day.” These men—who have children of their own at home—put their lives at risk for the general public’s safety not once, but twice every shift, as soon as they hear the engine between their legs turn over and purr. Do either of them consider themselves a hero? Quite the opposite, actually. “I consider myself as somebody who’s doing their job that makes a difference in their community,” Duggins says. “To me, those guys overseas who are fighting for my freedoms—those are my heros.” Espinoza empathizes with Duggins, “To give my life knowing that I have kids and family and so forth, to get on that motorcycle like I do, why do I do it? Because that’s what I want to do.”

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as she became more and more involved, the job amounted to a part of Skrocki’s life that is still incredibly important today. For her, playing a part in ensuring children’s safety was—and still is—a feeling comparable to “walking on air.” The resiliency and positive effects she noticed were more than enough to convince Skrocki, now a mother of twins, of how she is one of the “real, true blood officers” in their line of work. “You listen to (the kids). You can get a hug. Or you can get one of those responses of ‘thank you for making me feel safe,’” she says. “It’s just astronomical; there’s nothing like it.”

Lieutenant Jeri Skrocki Support Services Bureau

“You listen to (the kids). You can get a hug. Or you can get one of those responses of ‘thank you for making me feel safe.’”

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ver the course of her career, Lieutenant Jeri Skrocki of the Support Services Bureau says she has seen the best and worst that we, as a society, have to offer.

As a staff member of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office since 1989, Skrocki coincidentally fell into Law Enforcement upon landing her first job at the jail, due to a low job market, after graduating from college. But as serendipity would have it, working with fellow officers had an influence on Skrocki. Or, as she remembers the onset of her career, “It kind of found me.” Nine years later, her life took a turn when she decided to go into child abuse investigations after realizing the shortage of officers who could concentrate on such cases. A niche was there, an emptiness, because of people’s lack of willingness to work with children and these types of horrific crimes. And

However, with this sort of job comes the awareness of mankind’s unfortunately true depravity—which is where Skrocki’s strong support system of family and friends come into play. You have to compartmentalize, she says, like you would with stress from any job. A career of this manner is very easy to immerse yourself in, according to the 16-year veteran. “You have to really maintain perspective and turn it off at times,” she explains. “It’s very easy to stay at work for eight, nine, 10, 12, 15 hours. And then, before you know it, that’s all your life is.” Today, Skrocki has discontinued her job in the field for a more administrative position, overseeing the command of several units involved in the Support Services Bureau. One of her department’s “pet projects” at the moment is the Standard Response Program, a successful initiative to institute a county-wide program with every school district to use the same emergency services protocol, which, as far as she is aware, it is the only type of program like it with every school involved throughout the country.

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THEY ARE EVERY WHERE There has most likely been a point where you may have heard the phrase, “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.” They come as our friends, our neighbors, our relatives and, most of all, our relief. | By Xander Peters | Photos Eric Morales |

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“That’s just the way some people are. Some people are bad, some people are good, some people are kind of in-between.”

hen SWAT Team takes action, it all boils down to what is called a “threat matrix,” a system that plugs in numbers according to the suspect’s criminal history, involvement, the offense itself, location, surveillance, as well as other various elements of the situation.

Lieutenant Joe Faulkner SWAT Team Commander

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Executing Narcotics Warrants

WEAPONS VARY FROM UNIT TO UNIT. SWAT WEAPONS

Often fitted with tactical accessories such as flash lights

laser pointers foregrips various optics

STORY

AR-15 CQBR

COLT COMMANDO SIG SAUGER

Yet, even after the next initiative had been set, there was still no word from the suspect, Faulkner remembers.

AR-15 M4a1

551 / 552 HK G36K / G36C

SUB MACHINE GUNS

GEARED UP 9mm HK MP5 10mm MP510 .40 / .45 HK UMP 5.7mm FN P90

SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOLS

Glock Sig Sauer 9mm .45acp pistols.

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“That’s a whole other world— drug people—they live different, they sleep different,” he says. “They’re very, very, very unpredictable. Just when you think they’re going to do this, they pull the total opposite, and it throws your plan down the drain.” While carrying out a drug bust... The perimeter around their suspect’s home had already been cleared, and the negotiator had given up due to lack of response. Their procedure’s next step was to then launch CS gas, (commonly known as tear gas), into the structure in order to smoke him out.

ASSAULT RIFLE CARBINES

In 1981, Congress passed the Military Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials Act, which allows the U.S. military to provide equipment and facilities for civilian police in the war on drugs. As a result, SWAT teams could be armed with military-style, hightech arms and other equipment to carry out their functions.

According to Lieutenant Joe Faulkner, SWAT Team Commander and 17-year Law Enforcement veteran.

The SWAT members donned their gas masks clearing every inch of the house—except the attic, which they shortly after popped the door off and sent more gas in to see if their suspect was ready to come out. Still, no sign.... Due to the fire department’s involvement in this particular bust, SWAT had access to a thermal imaging camera, which picks up signs of heat. “Come to find out,” Faulkner laughs. “He had crawled behind the AC in the attic—so he was basically laying on sheetrock and was breathing through the insulation to keep the gas from affecting him… He didn’t squeal once. And to me, that’s some dedication.” SWAT TEAMS ARE DESIGNED TO WORK ONLY IN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS THOSE INVOLVING HOSTAGES, HIJACKERS, AND SUSPECTS WHO HAVE BARRICADED THEMSELVES

SWAT CLOTHING INCLUDES

“You have to have the A,B,C,D,E,F,G, plans ready— it’s just constant.”

Body armor

SWAT Strategy Adaptive Planning

Helmets

Aspects of a SWAT operation are always changing, and so is the plan. If a plan falls short and the team’s safety is in question, the entire operations are called off and reworked.

Eye wear

Assault webbing for holding magazines

Knee pads & gloves

TACTICAL GEAR CARRIED BY SWAT TEAMS INCLUDES

Twice per month, the SWAT team meets to train over the course of 10 hour days.

Flashbang stun grenades

Battering rams

Haligan tools

Rappelling Harnesses

BALLISTIC Shields

Advanced night vision optics

Faulkner originally attended Texas State as an accounting major before making the switch to criminal justice. Tactical radios

Thermal imaging camera

Flexi-cuffs

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Chewed & Brewed | HOW COLD? ICE COLD! |

Sean Patrick’s Apple Bread Pudding with Blue Bell Ice Cream Topped with Irish Whiskey Cream Sauce This bread pudding is quite simply put, insane...it’s just THAT good! It’s made with whiskey soaked raisins, spiced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and cream mixed with fresh baked bread and butter, then baked. It comes topped with a scoop of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream & drizzled with an Irish whiskey cream sauce. One bite in, and you’ll be hooked. There’s no turning back. It’s sinful in all of the best ways. Texturally, it’s exciting, and the flavor is magnificent-goose-bump-all-over-your-body magnificent. Each of the elements pairs with the rest with precision, and that hefty scoop of the creamy Blue Bell ice cream really sets it off. It is perfection in a dessert. 202 E San Antonio St. San Marcos (512) 392-7310

The Good Grub Guide highlights the dishes and neighborhood favorites in the area’s food scene. They are reviewed and selected by the editorial staff.

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KEY

Delivery Happy Hour Outdoor Seating

$$$ Most Entrees over $20 $$ Most Entrees $10 - $20 $ Most Entrees under $10

| Dish Reviews By Katie Ogletree |

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SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE Japan Latino Those choosing not to judge a book by its cover enjoy some of the best tasting sushi Hays County has to offer. Don’t know what to order? May we suggest the off-menu Sunshine Roll. YUMMY! 1328 N IH35, San Marcos (512) 878-1455 $ Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Prik Nam Pla has quickly become known for their traditional and mouth-watering curry dishes and lip-smacking fish cakes. The service is consistently accommodating and ultra friendly. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 1917 Dutton Drive, Ste 104 San Marcos (512) 396-9919 $ BYOB

BARBECUE

Strawberry Basil Smoothie @ Mambo Freeze

The Strawberry Basil smoothie at Mambo Freeze is award winning, and after one sip, you’ll know why. In one word: refreshing. The sweet and peppery basil is the ideal complement to the tart strawberries. The smoothie is ultra light, cool and deliciously invigorating. After a day floating the river, there’s really nothing better than this interesting and mouth-watering concoction.

The Hitch 312 E Hopkins St., San Marcos

AMERICAN Cool Mint Café Just off campus is a slightly hidden 1920’s Arts and Crafts Bungalow style café. With fine dining in mind, Cool Mint chef serves only the freshest ingredients. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sat. 415 Burleson St, San Marcos (512) 396-2665 $$ Gill’s Fried Chicken A San Marcos original, Gill’s serves up crisp, golden, and super juicy fried chicken. While you’re there, sink your teeth into the southern staple, fried okra. It truly is something to rave about. Lunch and dinner daily. 2550 Hunter Rd, #1112, San Marcos (512) 353-3113 $ 26 B OB CAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

Grins Grins is a true San Marcos icon that continues to be enjoyed by several generations of students and locals. Head on over and order a juicy burger or mouth-watering chicken fried steak. Don’t forget to grab a frosty margarita and dine on their outdoor patio. Lunch and dinner daily. 802 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-4746 $ Gristmill Located along the Guadalupe River in historic Gruene, this massive restaurant is perfect for a family outing. It has a cheerful and warm atmosphere, and as for the food--it’s just plain delicious. Be prepared though, there is usually a wait, but it’s well worth it. 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels

(830) 625-0684 $$

ASIAN A-Tan Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar Simply put, the best darn sushi in New Braunfels. The food at A-Tan is consistent, fresh and inspired. Their most popular roll, the Guadalupe, is not only huge, but ultra delicious. Their egg drop is certainly one-of-a-kind. 1528 Common Street, New Braunfels (830) 620-1888 $$$

Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ Want to talk about amazing dryrub barbeque? The best time to go is during the weekend, where you can order their ever so succulent, off-the-bone pork chop. This chop is SO flavorful you wouldn’t even want the sauce. 1125 Texas 337 Loop, New Braunfels (830) 627-0627 $$ Hays County BBQ & Catering With excellent reviews across the board, and a TEXAS MONTHLY TOP 50 pick, this is pit BBQ done with true central Texas tradition. The house made cheddar & jalapeno sausage is simply amazing. Their slow smoked brisket, turkey, ribs and chops satisfy every time. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 1612 S. IH35, San Marcos (512) 392-6000 $ Milt’s Pit BBQ Located in the downtown district, it’s barbeque Kyle residents visit over and over again. They’re the ones with the finest sauce you never saw coming. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. cash only. 208 W Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-4734 $ BYOB

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SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE B R E A K FA S T & TA C O S Lolita’s Café This taco stand is arguably the Mecca of San Marcos breakfast tacos. With their two drive-thru windows, and a walk up service area, it’s always easy to grab and go. All of the ingredients are prepared fresh daily, bright and early every morning. You’ll never be disappointed. If you’re SUPER hungry, try their Burrito California, packed full of rice, beans, pico, lettuce and your choice of meat, but don’t forget to ask for extra napkins! 1501 Aquarena Springs, San Marcos (512) 392-3441 $ Pike Restaurant & Antiques Formerly an old Ford dealership, the atmosphere is both vintage and exciting. This place is fantastic for brunch. Their omelets are especially delicious. Breakfast and lunch daily. 386 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels (830) 387-4594 $$

GLOBAL Euro Café & Market Now here’s a local joint where you actually want to try something new every time you go back. The menu features authentic Mediterranean-style entrees, including Gyros, kebabs and delicious inspired specials. 350 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos (512) 392-6044 $ Vodka Street Conveniently located on The Square, this classic bistro and bar serves up amazing tapas, burgers, and Sunday brunch. The food is beautifully presented and along side the more elevated and inventive dishes, they serve up oldfashioned favorites. Dinner daily. Sunday brunch. 202 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 396-4260 $

I TA L I A N ilario’s This quaint little trip to Italy is great for any occasion. The menu features old style pizzas and an array of popular Italian dishes with

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Jungle Juice @ Smoothie Warrior

Since the start of the year, Smoothie Warriors, formerly known as Smoothie Factory, has been serving San Marcans with super healthy smoothies, soups, juices, teas, oatmeal and of course, wheatgrass. So if something that’s good for your body and is absolutely delicious is what you’re after, then Smoothie Warrior has what you need. Their Jungle Juice, the Thursday smoothie of the day, is sensational. Packed with fresh strawberries, orange, mango, pineapple, banana, a squeeze of honey and some turbinado sugar, it’s exactly what you need. Cold, refreshing and full of nutritional goodness, these smoothies will satisfy your hunger, thirst and are great for this Texas heat you’ll be sure to feel this summer.

330 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-7388 delicious garlic bread at a reasonable price. They’re also serving up some local TX wine. Lunch and dinner daily. 5401 S. FM 1626, Kyle (512) 268-3300 $ Italian Garden With just a short walk from campus, this little restaurant has become a local staple. They’re serving up consistently delicious dishes that are easy on the pocketbook. Lunch and dinner daily. 415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-8730 $

MEXICAN Chimy’s Cerveceria This is what you get when you blend a fun college bar with a mouth-watering Mexican food joint. Chimy’s is perfect for a quick bite or relaxing with a stiff margarita after a long day on the river. Come on by to watch the game while scarfing down ridiculously delicious fajita nachos. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 217 E. Hopkins, San Marcos (512) 216-6175 $ Garcia’s Mexican Food Restaurant Garcia’s is Tex-Mex at its finest. Now with two locations in San

Marcos, it’s easy for you to try their terrific chips and flavorful salsa. Dive into their terrific fajitas and cheesy enchiladas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily 1917 Dutton Drive, San Marcos (512) 353-0099 $ Zookas Ultimate Burrito Can you guess what the most common response to hearing the word ‘Zookas’ is? “Obsessed!” Zookas puts other burrito chains to shame. Serving up endless combinations with unusual sauces and wrap flavors, this is truly the ultimate burrito shop. Lunch and dinner daily 312 University Drive Ste A San Marcos (512) 353-3913 $

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| SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE

Chocolate Malt

@ Centerpoint Station When asked where you can find the best darn shakes in the area, the automatic answer should be, “Centerpoint Station.” This burger joint/gift shop/boutique/museum has a fun “old school” vibe. Now, they’re not playing any games when it comes to their shakes and malts. They’re made with hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream and only premium ingredients. There’s a ton of flavors to choose from, but with chocolate malts like theirs, there really is no reason to get anything else. Ever. It’s thick, creamy, and just straight up malty perfection. While you’re there, grab one of their stunning cheeseburgers with buns that are scratch-made daily from the same dough that makes their delicious kolaches and mouth-watering cinnamon rolls.

3946 IH South San Marcos (512) 392-1103

PIZZA

Same Day Medical Care M-F 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat/Sun 8 a.m. - Noon 1941 North IH35 Wonder World frontage road

512.353.6425

Brewster’s Pizza Take a drive through the Hill Country and stop for an amazing pizza and inventive house-brewed craft beer. The Omnivore Pie, complete with spinach, is a favorite. You can customize your pie with a wheat crust for a slight flavor twist. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley (512) 847-3299 $$ Gumby’s Pizza & Buffet Gumby’s is a typical college pizza joint, but with a hot lunch buffet and a beautifully fresh salad bar. There are daily specials and who can forget the famous Stoner Pie. Gumby’s is perfect to soak up the booze after a night out on the town. Lunch buffet daily. 403 North Guadalupe Street San Marcos (512) 754-8629 $

PUB/SPORTS BAR Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill This sports bar is both warm and inviting with its delicious array of spicy wings and juicy burgers. Watch out though, their huge por30 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

tions of French fries are extremely addicting! You’ll have plenty to sit through an entire game. Lunch and dinner daily. 200 West Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-1400 $ Mozie’s Bar & Grill You’ll always find yourself standing in some true history when you’re in the cozy town of Gruene. Mozie’s Bar & Grill is part of that history. The space, while narrow and long, is a perfect setting to eat delicious food. You can’t go to Mozie’s and not get the amazing Shiner beerbattered onion rings and famous fish tacos! Lunch and dinner daily. 1601-A Hunter Road, New Braunfels (830) 515-1281 $$ Sean Patrick’s Located on The Square, this beautiful Tex-Irish pub features the largest tap beer selection in all of Hays County. From their delicious Guinness Burger to the more traditional Bangers & Mash, Sean Patrick’s has something for everyone to enjoy. Lunch and dinner daily. 202 East San Antonio Street, San Marcos (512) 392-7310 $

SANDWICHES Mochas and Javas A local favorite for studying, web surfing, or catching up with friends, this coffee shop serves a variety of heavenly panini sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch daily. 700 N LBJ Drive #103, San Marcos (512) 396-5282 $ Pedestrian Café Located in the Tanger Outlets food trailer park, this food truck combines an array of robust and fresh flavors to form an epic meal. Each dish is hearty with various sides to accompany whatever your heart desires. Lunch and dinner daily. 4015 IH 35, San Marcos (512) 618-5411 $ Which Wich Sure, here’s one of your typical sub sandwich food chains, but they really do have a crispy style and distinct zest of their own. Which Wich is quick, close to campus and, of course, affordable on any budget. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 302 University, San Marcos (512) 396-4924 $ The Leaning Pear Venture out into the beautiful hill country and make sure to stop at The Leaning Pear. The chef has the gift of fusing flavors that will surpass your imagination. There isn’t a dish that will disappoint. Lunch Tues-Sun, Dinner Tues-Sat. Closed Monday. 111 River Rd, Wimberley (512) 847-7327 $ Naturally Featuring outstanding homemade quiche and yummy sandwiches, this place is great to take the edge off during your lunch break. The salads and smoothies are a great alternative for a healthy

meal as well. Lunch Mon-Sat. 1102 N. Walnut, New Braunfels (830) 214-6300 $

STEAKS & SEAFOOD KOBE Steakhouse Hibachi grill for Steaks & Seafood, terrific sushi, happy hour and Asian cuisine all in one! KOBE serves up any combination you’re craving. Lunch and dinner daily. 515 Springtown Way, San Marcos (512) 396-7200 $$ Louie’s Oyster House Serving up oysters on a half shell and fresh seafood with sides that are just as scrumptious. The street tacos satisfy diners who like the taste of beef as well as fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 119 E. Hutchison Street, San Marcos (512) 878-8862 $ McAdoo’s Seafood Company This Cajun style seafood restaurant and bar has wonderful food and impeccable service to go along with it. Have a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated, then enjoy fresh oysters, fish, or crawfish. Overall, it’s a great fine dining experience for a night out on the town. Lunch and dinner daily. 196 Castell, New Braunfels (830) 629-3474 $$$ Myron’s Prime Steak House Sophisticated and upscale, yet relaxed, this prime steakhouse offers succulent steaks and seafood. The menu is a-la-carte, so everyone can experience a little bit of everything. Dinner daily. 136 North Castell Avenue, New Braunfels. (830) 624-1024 $$$

THE TODDY COLD BREW Cold brew coffee is not to be confused with iced coffee, which generally refers to coffee that is brewed hot and then chilled by pouring over ice. The Toddy cold brew method involves steeping coffee grounds in room temperature water for an extended period of time, and has a devoted following of coffee aficionados. Cold brew coffee naturally seems sweeter due to its lower acidity, because the beans never come into contact with heated water. This exclusive method extracts the natural flavors of coffee while leaving behind undesirable bitter acids and oils.

Cold Brewed. Simply Better. At Stellar Café we have chosen a Sumatran dark roast for our cold brew, known for its smoothness and complexity. The result is a robust, ultra-smooth coffee with an unforgettably pure taste. Just one more reason why... It’s not just coffee, it’s Stellar!

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FINER POINTS The Picnic

When it comes to picnicking in Texas, you have to factor in both the temperature and environment. If the heat is unbearable, you may want to reconsider that cheese plate— unless of course you plan to provide a refrigeration unit. But even in the event that you do have the proper container on hand to keep the food cool, you should still proceed with caution when the mercury is high.

Checklist: • • • • • • • •

Picnic Basket Ice Chest Eating Utensils Picnic Blanket(s) Sunscreen Insect Repellent Food Covers Trash Bags

Sit On

Don’t forget a large tablecloth or sheet to use as your “table,” as well as napkins, (cloth if possible).

No Plastic or Paper Location

Choose a scenic spot for your outdoor meal: nearby parks, rooftops, beaches, riverside, etc. Rule of Thumb: Somewhere flat with an unobstructed view to enjoy.

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Parchment and tinfoil, lightweight serving bowls, and dishes and tins are environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic wrap and throw-away containers. They look nicer, too!

| Photo By Eric Morales |

Reminder:

Do not feed animals.

TIP:

Do not strain yourself by overdoing it. Picnics are supposed to be fun, so don’t stress, packing wine helps.

Prep...Prep...Prep

It’s the best tip for an easy going picnic. Anything you can do at home, such as cutting or chopping, it will make the experience that much better.

Classic Picnic Foods

Sandwiches, fruits, salads, chips, cookies, hot dogs, pies, vegetables, fruit punch, lemonade, soda, bottled water and…beer. Finger foods are the most comfortable to eat and serve. Try to be creative and make your picnic memorable with exotic foods, such as tapas (bread and dips), olives and cheeses.

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JUNE/JULY | 2014

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Contents | JUNE / JULY 2014 |

BOBCATFANS

SMTX

10. HAPPENINGS

06. TIDBITS

12. WOMENS RUGBY

08. INSIDE LOOK

14. DRUNK TANK

10. WOODWORKING

17. SHOPPING

12. ALERRT

20. FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

14. SMTX FINEST

26. RIO BOARD CO

20. SWAT

30. HAPPY HOUR

24. ICE COLD 32. PICNIC

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/smtxmagazine

COVERS

SMTX photography by Eric Morales BOBCATFANS photography by Cecil Stoughton courtesy LBJ Library

PUBLISHER Rick Koch

ART DIRECTOR Will Bowling

PHOTO EDITOR Eric Morales

COPY EDITOR Pam Bowen

FOOD EDITOR Katie Ogletree

DEVELOPMENT Steve Huskey

LEAD WRITER Xander Peters

CONTRIBUTORS Ed Mihalkanin Tiffany Matthews Jordan Gass-Poore Heather Nicole Brodie Corinth

ADVERTISING 361.236.5624 marketing@bobcatfans.com

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Copyright 2014, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. SMTX | BOBCATFANS Magazine is a private company and is not affiliated with Texas State University.

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| Photo Eric Morales | Story by: Katie Ogletree |

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06.14 | SMTX | BOBCATFA NS

Events & Happenings | JUNE / JULY 2014 |

Datsik

“I think dubstep has become so huge because it’s a complete bastardization of electronic music,” exclaims rapidly emerging young producer and artist DATSIK. “There’s a little bit of everything thrown in the mix and dirtied up. There are pieces of hip-hop, the bass from electronic dance tracks and the roots of U.K. garage and drum & bass…Dubstep is totally the punk rock of electronic music.” If DATSIK (born Troy Beetles) sounds more like a young rapper than one of the world’s preeminent young dubstep stars, it’s for good reason. The Kelowna, British Columbia, native grew up a hardcore rap fan that still pledges allegiance to classic Wu-Tang Clan, and it permeates his dark, aggressive music. June 14, 9pm @ The MARC 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos

First Friday at Three Dudes Winery Established in 2005, Three Dudes Winery seems to be one of our best kept secrets here in SMTX. On the first Friday of every month, you can enjoy a view of the crystal clear waters of the San Marcos River from the deck overlooking the river, free live music and sample an array of locally made wines. First Friday in July falls on the 4th of July, so starting your celebration by enjoying great wine, company, and music before sauntering over to the park for fireworks is a great way to spend the day and beat the traffic. First Friday Once a Month, 6-9pm @ Three Dudes Winery 125 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos

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Salsa Fest

Summer Shootout

June 14, 2pm / Entries due by 4pm @ Eye of the Dog Art Center 405 Valley View West Rd., San Marcos

C3 Landscapes presents an extreme sideby-side all day racing event complete with food vendors, beach volleyball, horseshoes, and live music, providing a fun experience for all ages. With an array of designated areas like the Car Bar and Block Party, there are several options for passes, general admission being the most basic. The pit pass is worth considering, as it includes an incredible up close experience of the race from right in the pit. Live music will be performed on a 98.1 KVET sponsored stage, as the event is broadcast live on the hit country station. June 14, 3-11:30 pm @ Central Texas Speedway 24801 Interstate 35, Kyle

Eye of the Dog Art Center is hosting their sixth annual Salsa Fest, an afternoon filled with live music, free hot dogs, beverages, and plenty of salsa in a family friendly environment complete with a kid’s clay play area, where they can experiment with wet clay in a free form type of discovery learning experience. Salsa categories include Best Traditional, Best Non-Traditional, Blow-Yer-Face-Off, Best Presentation, Most Unique and the highly coveted people’s choice award: The Top Dog. The event serves as the yearly fundraiser; entry fees for competitors are $10, and additional donations are gladly accepted.

Aaron Stephens

Big Fest

An acoustic performance by local musician Aaron Stephens as a part of his album release tour. Aaron Stephens is a local artist to definitely keep an eye on, as his fresh new album boasts an impressive set of new tracks. Between his captivating voice, soulfully expressive lyrics, skillful guitar playing and high energy on stage, this will not be a show to miss. For a preview of what you’ll see at the show, check out his album, out June 14, titled Hard Times, Straight Lines. June 18, 5pm @ Superfly’s Lone Star Music Emporium 202C University Dr., San Marcos

Check out this weekend long music festival at the Cheatham Street Warehouse where the name “Big Fest” says it all. Performances will be in the venue that artists like George Strait and Randy Rogers got their start, and provides a cool laid-back vibe that encapsulates country music and expands your knowledge of local musicians. June 27 - June 29 @ Cheatham Street Warehouse 119 Cheatham Street, San Marcos

Texas Bull Run

Looking for something to satisfy your inner daredevil? Look no further than Cool River Ranch as they host their annual Bull Run. The traditional run, modeled after the Spanish “El Encierro,” is a quarter mile sprint in front of a herd of 1,500 pound bulls, complete with rage and horns. These run once an hour. In addition, there’s a “Run with the Girls” for females only, with a chance to win one of several cash prizes. If you’re not much of a daredevil, don’t worry, There’s much more to the day than that. Featuring a live DJ, food and drinks for purchase, and floats down the river, it ends up being a massive all-day festival for thrill seekers and spectators alike. June 21, 11:30am @ Cool River Ranch 601 Dupuy Ranch Road, Martindale

Summer Fest A free admission event complete with food, drinks, activity booths, and allAmerican spirit. The schedule includes a children’s parade and costume contest, several musical performances, and a fireworks display. Hundreds of SMTX friends and neighbors are expected to gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, and this is a great way to get out there and meet them. July 4, 6-10pm @ San Marcos Plaza Park 204 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos

Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen “Hold My Beer and Watch This” Tour

In search of a more intimate concert setting that feels more like hanging out with friends than a performance, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen created the “Hold My Beer and Watch This” acoustic tour. With an old school, organic feel, the “livingroom” style concert features the two musicians swapping songs, telling stories and embraces spontaneity, providing a laid back yet exciting vibe. June 9, 8pm @ Cheatham Street Warehouse 119 Cheatham St, San Marcos

Texas Water Safari An annual boat race, billed as the world’s toughest, that begins right here at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, to the Guadalupe, and ends in the small shrimping village of Seadrift on the coastline of Texas. Competitors have 4 days and 4 hours to travel the total distance of 260 miles, while spectators are welcomed to participate in one of the other events which include an information seminar and two short races. June 14, 9am @ The Meadows Center 951 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

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SM TX | ATHLETES

Profiles

ELLEN MUS G RAV E This Women’s Rugby Player Will Punish You!

Blood ran down Ellen Musgrave’s face, the red liquid still warm and Musgrave could taste it on her lips. As a freshman at Texas State University, this was her first experience getting tackled while playing for the women’s rugby team, and the opposition was fierce. Looking back, Musgrave, now an electrical engineering senior and the team’s president and captain, says she probably broke her nose that day after being hit by a player from a team she can no longer remember. The injury may have caused her to sit out for the remainder of the game, but it didn’t break her spirit. “We tend to get pretty tough girls; they tend to bounce back …,” Musgrave says of those past and current Texas State Women’s Rugby players. This includes herself. The former Taekwondo martial artist, who says her body’s smaller than the average female rugby player, has intimidating biceps (she calls them “chicken arms”) and a toughness that stems from her outward appearance: a sleeveless T-shirt, black bandana, and nose ring. Then there are her cat-shaped metal knuckles that hang off her key ring…

“ W E TEND TO GE T P R ET TY TO UGH GIRLS. ” 12 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

Musgrave says she has seen some “pretty horrific injuries” on the field from players being tackled wrong and from just pure exhaustion: a broken elbow and fibula (calf bone), a shattered tibia (shinbone), her roommate’s torn ACL, and a possible mild concussion of her own. This incident “freaked” out Musgrave’s parents who, accustomed to her feminine sisters’ ways, are admittedly not the biggest fans of the Texas State Women’s Rugby team. “My dad actually just told me that he’ll be excited the day I stop playing rugby,” the now fly-half says, a rugby position that involves more brain than brawn. “I’m like, ‘Dad, it might be a while, so get used to it.’” The sentiments Musgrave’s parents have about the sport are also shared by the parents of some of the other team members. It’s this parental fear of their daughter getting injured that lends itself to “closeted rugby players,” those members of the Texas State team who haven’t told their parents they play the sport. “If you play safe rugby, you’re not gonna get hurt,” Musgrave says, adding that players’ nails are even checked before each game to prevent accidental (or ruthless) scratches. Still, the sport comes with caveats.

All of that aside, the Tulsa native is quick to offer a friendly hug and freely admits her weaknesses, which included rugby, a sport that was tough for her to learn how to play. She says her team members, her best friends, have continuously helped her succeed in the sport and that she has done the same for them.

Back-to-back games, playing the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, among other large rugby teams, and a drop in the number of players last year may have attributed to many of the injuries Musgrave has seen in the four years she’s been a member of the Texas State team.

“The rugby community’s probably the best: they are the funniest people, the most trustworthy people. Honestly, like you know, you can freely leave your stuff out and know that no one’s gonna mess with it if you’re at a rugby thing. That’s just not gonna happen. And if someone else sees something, they would totally say something,” she says.

So, the team decided to move from division one to the Lonestar Women’s Collegiate Conference last fall in an effort to grow its membership and become more competitive. “We’re such a disaster as a club, but we have such a great time, we do,” says Musgrave.

Love may mean you never have to say you’re sorry, but when it’s your team’s opponent, there’s rarely a reason to apologize, even when you’ve injured someone.

| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photo Eric Morales |

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SM TX | DRUNK TANK

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County Fees: Although fines vary by county, it’s safe to say your wallet will take a hit somewhere in the range of $400 to $1,000.

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THE DOOR:

Having this 200lb door slammed on you is a eerie sound.

FACT:

Court-Ordered Classes: Alcohol education classes aren’t free, and DWI offenders are often required to take them. Get ready to pay tuition and class time.

$300

Vehicle Insurance: Plan to pay more for auto insurance up to five years after a DWI

$246

Texas leads the nation in drunk driving crashes and fatalities.

Toilet and sink Stainless steel toilet/sink combination.

License Fees: $1,950 A DWI can cause you to lose your driver’s license for up to one year. Then you’ll have to pay a license fee to have it reinstated. Other Expenses: $4,849 DWI Surcharge With a first conviction, you could end up paying $1,000 surcharge every year for three years just to keep your driver’s license after you’ve had it reinstated. Towing: If can easily cost over $100 when you car is towed and impounded.

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TOTAL COST:UP TO $17000 14 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

Sleeping it off. If you are sent to jail for more than one day, this is where you will be eating, sleeping, and doing your business with up to 15 other people. It gets very dark when they shut the door and turn off the lights.

| By Staff | Photos Eric Morales |

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Limited time only. Fees, amenities & utilities subject to change. See office for details. While supplies last.

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Summertime shopping in San Marcos is in full swing. And with the seasonal change comes a nearly tripled population, with guests flocking from both North and South to enjoy the lush nature, vibrant university, and world class shopping that makes our town so distinct. Tax-Free Savings During Tax-free Weekend (August 8-10) the 80,000 to 100,000 shoppers expected at the San Marcos outlet malls each day will temporarily triple the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population.

| By Heather Nicole | Photo Eric Morales |

Pro Tip: Come Prepared Remember that the outlets are an outdoor shopping venue, so dress accordingly! Wear comfortable shoes, clothes that are easy to get in and out of for trying things on, and no one ever regrets sunscreen.

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RETRO

EXCHANGE

314 N LBJ (Buy, sell, trade vintage shop)

For the more eco-conscious shoppers, definitely pay a visit to Retro Exchange, a vintage clothing buy, sell, and trade store. Packed with attractive clothes that never lose flare or go out of style, you can stumble upon some sweet gems at extraordinary prices. You can also take pride in the fact that you’re doing your part to save the planet…by preserving the cute clothes of yesterday’s past. Heads will turn at the stunning condition of your vintage patterned strapless one-piece.

PAPER BEAR,

218 N LBJ (Novelty, toy, gift shop) Speaking of unique, Paper Bear is a one-of-a-kind shop that can supply the frame for your picture-perfect day in San Marcos. As a longstanding local business, which has been voted Best Specialty Shop on multiple occasions, the store supplies a sizable selection of both novelty gifts and toys. At Paper Bear, time can sometimes simply become oblivious, because it is one of those stores where everything seems to be intriguing. And when you’re finally ready to check out, don’t be surprised if you are wearing a pilgrim hat and have been carrying around a plastic turkey. They have most likely seen much worse.

Knowing When to Shop Big holiday sales like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day offer great savings, but expect large crowds, as well as on weekends. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings offer the least hectic shopping experience during summer.

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LANGFORD MARKET

214 N LBJ (Fashion, clothing, shoes)

Originally based in Houston, Langford Market carries a lovely variety of Bohemian-style clothing for girls that is relaxed, yet stylish. What makes this particular boutique so distinct is how it combines the vibrancy of current fashion trends with a small town charm. With an assortment of carefully selected items sure to suit most occasions—from flowery sundresses to long-suede boots— Langford Market understands the trends. So, if you see something you just love, don’t hesitate because the boutique keeps their product inventory as minimal as possible in order to ensure that their styles are fresh.

WhatShopping is an outlet? in San Marcos

There are three kinds of outlets. The first kind carries merchandise that was Heather originally on retail racksYzaguirre but is now at the outlet store. The second carries merchandise made specifically for the outlet stores. The third isn’t actually an outlet store; it just happens to be located in an outlet mall. Knowing which ones are Once the summer sun has come into full swing San which can be the difference between saving $10 or saving $100.

Marcos finds its population effectively tripled, with guests flocking from the North and the South, to enjoy the lush nature and quaint ambiance that’s distinct to our town. The center of town provides a square of options to fulfill your every need while visiting San Marcos. Here’s our guide to navigating them.

SAN

Tip:

Get Organized Shopping at the biggest outlet center in America can become an overwhelming experience.

EMERALDS,

300 N LBJ (Fashion, clothing, shoes)

If you came up a little shorthanded at the previous boutique, your search for cute duds isn’t entirely doomed just yet. Emerald’s, a short pop across the Square, is another option to dig through and find a delightful fusion of clothing, shoes and accessories. Also, seeing as to how the boutique is locally run and owned, you will be doing your part in supporting local businesses as well. For those who are feeling a little more sophisticated in their style, the boutique offers a vast collection of accessories and jewelry to dress up any outfit that may be, say, a tad bit less Bohemian. Expect to see fashion and trends ranging from vintage to the more flashy side, but always unique.

Make sure to stop by the shopper services offices for both outlets, where you can purchase coupon books and learn about current promotions. The list of stores can help you sketch out a plan of action, so you spend less time wandering.

MARCOS

OUTLETS

(Premium and Tanger)

For those who are visiting for one thing—and one thing only—there’s only one place to be: the Outlets, a maze of more than 250 stores all packed to the brim with fantastic sales and low, low prices. First off, there are two sides to explore: Premium and Tanger, both equality great. The Tanger side, where you will find the true outlet stores and prices, has everything from shoes, to swimsuits, to luggage and even kitchenware specific shops. Yes, there is a store specifically for kitchenware, nothing else. But for the best experience, we recommend picking up a directory from both sides of the Outlets, which lists all of the stores that they have to offer. While prices are still significantly lower than typical in-store retail rates, the Premium side tends to be a little more upscale, but still offers sales quite frequently. To get the best deals, you can check the Tanger website for upcoming sales in all stores. There are also additional savings available if you purchase a coupon book in the Tanger and Premium Outlet offices. (Free for AARP, AAA, and military members)

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Cabinet Room, White House, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto

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50 YEARS SINCE A BOBCAT LAID DOWN THE LAW

For Too Long, his pivotal role was eclipsed by the interpretations of historians and former aides of John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy who have written incorrectly of how the man from Central Texas merely brought to fruition what the Kennedys had all but accomplished. Yet, it is no accident that a renewed appreciation for Lyndon Baines Johnson is emerging given the fiftieth anniversary year of the first full year of his presidency and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Even his harshest critics, such as Robert Caro, observed that LBJ’s passion for civil rights was the driving force for his greatest presidential accomplishments, writing:

“Johnson was the greatest champion that black Americans and Mexican Americans and indeed all Americans of color had in the White House, the greatest champion they had in all the halls of government….He was to become the Lawmaker for the poor and the down trodden and the oppressed. He was to be the bearer of at least a measure of social justice to those to whom social justice had been so long denied, the restorer of at least a measure of dignity to those who so desperately needed to be given some dignity, the redeemer of the promises made to them by America.”

Ed Mihalkanin Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos

Signing of the Higher Education Act at Texas State University LBJ Library photo by Frank Wolfe

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512.392.9066 • 350 North Street Limited time only. Fees & amenities subject to change. See office for details.

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LBJ

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U.S. Senatorial candidate Lyndon B. Johnson (at microphone) addresses crowd during 1941 campaign. His mother, Rebekah, and wife, Lady Bird, are seated behind him.

President Lyndon B. Johnson visits a government class in Evans Academic Center, at Texas State University.

University President Cecil Evans was the dominant force in Johnson’s life. Evans had been born in Alabama where his father was a judge, while his brother, was the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

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SAN MARCOS: THE COLLEGE YEARS When talking about Johnson and civil rights, the inevitable question is where did Johnson’s passion for civil rights come from? What were the origins of his deep desire to remove the legal, economic and educational shackles and social stigma from African-Americans and Mexican-Americans? At Texas State, then Southwest Texas State Teachers College, the two most important influences on Johnson were Professor Howard M. Greene and Cecil Eugene Evans, the longest serving president in the university’s history. Prof. Greene, as he was referred to by everyone, was a populist who shared his beliefs with his students that the government needed to protect the poor from the rich and challenged them to debate the dominant issues of the day. Dean Nolle remembered Lyndon being a “carbon copy of Mr. Greene. Lyndon and he had a rapport there that was just remarkable.” Johnson himself, years later when visiting his alma mater and Greene, told his students, “I didn’t go to Harvard

or Yale. But I believe Prof. Greene knows more about government than any professor up there.” As vice president, Johnson introduced Greene to President John F. Kennedy saying, “Here is the man who started the fire under me. He gave me my first course in government and my last.” President Evans was the dominant force in Johnson’s life during his college years. Evans had been born in Alabama where his father was a judge, while his brother, Hiram Wesley, was the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan from 1922 to 1939. Evans told Hiram that he had no sympathy for the Klan and would not let him stay at his home when Hiram was in San Marcos on Klan business. Lyndon spent hundreds of hours with Evans working as his assistant and traveling with the president to Austin multiple times in order to speak to state government officials on behalf of the state colleges and universities.

“MEXICAN” WORK Johnson’s experience as principal and teacher at Welhausen Elementary School in Cotulla,

Texas, had a profound effect on him and deepened his concern for the less fortunate. Johnson taught at Welhausen to earn enough money to finish his education in San Marcos. Welhausen was a segregated “Mexican” school, and Johnson recalled years later how his students were “lashed by prejudice” and “buried half alive in illiteracy.” They came to school without having had breakfast and were hungry most times. Lyndon tore into his responsibilities with his customary energy, determined to make his students’ lives better. Johnson said years later, “I was determined to help those poor kids…I was determined to give them what they needed to make it in this world.” One of his fellow teachers recalled that Johnson had a “passion to see that everything was done that should be done - and that it was done right.” One of his students, Dan Garcia, remembered that, “This may sound strange but a lot of us felt he was too good for us. We wanted to take advantage of his being here. It was like a blessing

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from the clear sky.” Johnson remembered how the Anglos of Cotulla treated the Mexican-Americans, “just worse than you’d treat a dog” and how disgusted he was by it. Johnson said, “I swore then and there that if I ever had a chance to help those underprivileged kids I was going to do it.” Johnson recalled that it was when he was teaching at Cotulla “that my dream began of an America… where race, religion, language and color didn’t count against you.”

BORN TO FIGHT RACISM Evans, Greene, and Cotulla seem to have reinforced the attitudes of his parents. It is difficult to know with any certainty what his parents said and did not say on racial matters since as adults many of the effects of our childhood lie beyond the reaches of memory and below the level of speech. Johnson himself said, “I never had any bigotry in me. My daddy wouldn’t let me.” That memory may be too rose-

colored to be totally accurate. Yet, it was true that Johnson never showed the visceral revulsion against minorities that racial bigots did, according to Caro. Parents can have a profound effect on their children by how they say what they think and feel and also by not saying things that others may find commonplace. Johnson’s parents were not typical Texans of their time and place. Johnson’s father, Sam, was a Democrat of the Populist Party strain that was known for its lack of racial posturing and at times even had bi-racial political rallies. Sam Johnson was very principled and defended unpopular causes. He regularly fought for taxes on and regulation of major corporate sectors and tried to act to benefit the working men and women of Texas. The support that Sam Johnson gave to the down trodden flowed naturally into Lyndon’s concern for poor people of all races, but especially the most down trodden groups of all, African-Americans and Mexican-

Childhood LBJ near Johnson City, Texas

Americans, and to see government as a force for good. Lyndon’s mother, Rebekah, was a college graduate and loved poetry and literature.She had a strong influence on Lyndon’s decision to go to college. Rebekah wrote him encouraging letters when he was discouraged and thinking of quitting college. And when Lyndon wrote his mother from Cotulla, asking her to send him toothpaste and toothbrushes for his students, Rebekah did so, promptly and gladly and without complaint. Still, there seems to be something embedded in Johnson from his earliest childhood years that rebelled against racism and prejudice against minorities and the poor. Looking at photographs of Lyndon as a child, one is struck at how often it seems that one is not looking at the face of a child, but rather looking at the face of an adult who somehow is atop a child’s body. The seriousness and sadness in the expression of the young

Lyndon seems to betray an emotional and psychological understanding of the potential viciousness of people that reflected a wisdom far beyond his years. Many of his relatives repeated that so many of Lyndon’s characteristics were simply “born in him.” It seems that Texas State, Cotulla, his parents and some innate sense that he was born with all forged Johnson’s drive to help those less fortunate than himself, especially for those burdened by racism and poverty. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public. The landmark legislation celebrates its 50th anniversary on July 2 and was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Lyndon’s mother, Rebekah

Raymond Cavness, Ed Cape , Lyndon Johnson & Texas State President Cecil Evans - Oct 1941

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“We’re just a company that likes to have fun, make boards, and enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings.”

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The idea for Rio Board Co. was sparked years ago when Dane Adamson broke his long board and decided instead of buying a new one, he would learn how to build one. The process begins with careful selection of only the finest pieces of wood.

Thus began his schooling on the intricacies of woodworking, and since, his passion for it has developed into a skill in which he is clearly gifted. His ability to visualize a product and be able to make it with his own two hands started the long road ahead that has become Rio Board Co. A few years later and countless requests from friends, he got two of his brothers on board, and they are now open for business. They make unique skateboards that provide a smooth ride that turns heads. But the uniqueness isn’t only rooted in their style but also their philosophy. They offer a wide range of cuts and custom art, and they’re handcrafted right here in San Marcos. Each deck is pressed, shaped, sanded and finished by one of the brothers in an open-air workspace they built of short walls made from recycled pallets and beautiful maple boards holding up a rustic tin roof. The space neatly holds an array of saws, sanders, and other machinery but retains a welcoming vibe, with string lights hanging loosely and some wood works on display. A sign painted “The Board Shack” hangs in the entryway and sawdust lines the walkways, retaining the sweet fragrance of freshly cut wood in the area. A few tables made from large spools that were once spindled with copper or cables are sprinkled

about the yard, which is engulfed with the lush wild greenery that’s characteristic of San Marcos. On any given day, visiting the board shack means finding the brothers working the wood along a saw, sending dust flying into the air until it settles onto the ground where it accompanies the large piles of sawdust lining the floor already. Or you might find friends gathered, enjoying an evening in the fresh air recounting the day’s events. Each board is skillfully crafted from a blend of high quality woods, a lighter maple making up a majority and the maple and mahogany used as their signature stringer accents. Perhaps one of the most striking things upon looking at one of their boards is the absence of grip tape. They found that it just wasn’t complementing their high quality, minimalist style, so they came up with their own poly/tread grip that is not only much more visually appealing on the naturally remarkable wood but also carries a significantly lower count of volatile organic compounds (otherwise known as VOCs) that can cause significant harm to the environment. The major appeal of the boards is their all-around uniqueness. They’re much more petite than an average skateboard, and the hard wood feels sturdy under your feet. The wheels are a bit wider and softer than typical

| By Heather Nicole | Photo Eric Morales |

Since starting Rio Board Co., they’ve adopted parts of the river and organized volunteers to help keep those parts of the river sparkling clean.

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THE MAPLE AND MAHOGANY BOARDS ARE PACKED IN BOXES OF ITS OWN SAWDUST INSTEAD OF BUBBLE WRAP, ELIMATING EXCESS WASTE. Rio Online rioboardco.com @rioboardco skateboard wheels, making them ideal for any paved surface, even if it’s rough. It doesn’t take any kind of skill to ride one, either; it’s just a solid board that you can jump on to cruise down to the river, shred some steep hills, or coast through the park. As a young startup company, one of their primary concerns is striving for maximum sustainability. At the heart of their work, they are a company that makes a simple product from simple materials. The laid-back feel of the boards pays credit to that, and they strive to make as little footprint as possible doing it. They are extremely focused on staying true to this, and every aspect of their business has been considered to emphasize it. Sustainability is currently a fundamental concern amongst all businesses these days, but being a company that has such a passion for an immersion into our natural environment is special, because becoming more sustainable isn’t just about spending a few extra dollars for the “more eco-friendly 28 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

option.” They realized that shipping boards with bubble wrap was creating a significant amount of excess waste, so they’ve recently taken to bagging up sawdust from their shop instead of using bubble wrap, which not only saves money but creates a much more ecological solution. It’s this kind of inventive thoughtfulness that can revolutionize an industry. They also recently eliminated decals in lieu of branding their logo straight onto the boards, adding to the chic style and also reinforcing their goal of really making a positive impact on our environment and community. Although the name Rio Board Co. was inspired by the Rio Grande River, their passion for the outdoors amplified when they moved from North Dallas down to San Marcos to attend Texas State University, as they discovered the beauty of the San Marcos River. The impact of a river on a town is unlike any other natural source; its constant moving making it like

a throbbing heartbeat, bringing life and inspiration, and providing an adventurous lifestyle. A well-maintained river is a valuable asset to a community, but one that should be appreciated. It can be easy to forget that. Since starting Rio Board Co., they’ve adopted parts of the river and organized volunteers to help keep those parts of the river sparkling clean. The condition of the river is a major concern in the area, especially in the summer, when the San Marcos area becomes flooded with visitors who are anxious for a dip in one of the state’s largest and most remarkable water sources. The adopt-a-spot program, sponsored by the City of San Marcos, is a program that strives to raise public awareness, inform residents about the sources of debris, and generate community involvement. It’s indispensible to have a company such as Rio Board Co. as a sponsor to spread the activism amongst one of the largest groups of San Marcos residents, its youth.

The city of San Marcos has initiated the beautification project, aimed to promote programs like the adopt-a-spot, to encourage residents to love the natural beauty of San Marcos and to protect it. There are several cleanups throughout the year where citizens have the opportunity to give back by volunteering time to keep the river clean and the ecosystem protected. The next clean up date is scheduled to be June 14. “We’re just a company that likes to have fun, make boards, and enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings.” The products that Rio Board Co. make are classic but extraordinary. Their goals are inspiring and will make the San Marcos community better and keep the environment lush. They’re made for people who are looking for simple adventure, made by people who choose to ride free and live unbound and want you to do the same.

| Words & Photos Eric Morales |

Happy Hour Specials | JUNE / JULY 2014 |

CHIMY’S CERVECERIA Did you know that you could get a margarita worthy of the Texas Monthly Top 10

right here in San Marcos?

Don’t forget to get your glass with a salt rim, and indulge in one of the best drinks in the State! The Cadillac is one of the six top shelf margaritas featured on the Texas Monthly list, and it has kick!

217 E Hopkins SMTX 78666

(512) 216-6175 chimys.com 30 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 06.14

| Photo By Eric Morales |

RESTAURANTS BOBCAT NATION $1 Frozen ‘Ritas (Tue) $2 U Call It (Wed 6pm) Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393 CHIMYS CERVECERIA $.99 Crispy Tacos Wells & Margarita Specials Mon–Fri @ 4pm – 7pm 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175 GRIN’S Food Specials $.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm - 10pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746 GUMBY’S $1.50 Ziegenbock (All Day) $4.20 Ziegenbock Pitchers Mon-Wed @ 9pm-11pm 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629

LOUIE’S BEER GARDEN $3.99 Street Tacos $1.50 Ritas (All Day) $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Liquors Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862

SEAN PATRICK’S Half Price Appetizers 50¢ Wings $1 Off ALL 100 Drafts $1 Off Specialty Drinks $3 Off All Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 E. San Antonio St. (512) 392-7310

LOS CUCOS $1.99 Margaritas 99¢ Domestic Pints Mon-Tues all day Wed-Fri ‘til 7pm 1617 Aquarena Springs Dr. (512) 805-2444

TRES HERMANAS $2 Drafts, $2.50 Wells $7.50 Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 4pm - 7pm 2550 Hunter Rd. (512) 878-2405

PALMER’S $3 and $5 specials Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 6pm 218 Moore St. (512) 353-3500

VODKA ST. Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260

BARS BLACK RABBIT SALOON $2.50 Pints Every Monday 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313 BARFISH LOUNGE $2 U Call It’s Every Tuesday 141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399 BAR ONE 41 $2.50 Wells $2.50 Dom Bottles Thur-Sat @ 10pm - Midnight 141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399 HARPER’S PUB $2.50 Wells $2.50 Dom Bottles Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448

SHADE ROOFTOP PATIO BAR $1 Off All Liquor $2 Off Craft Cocktails Daily @ 5pm – 9pm 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313 TAXI’S PIANO BAR $1 Jello Shots $2 Wells

Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm

202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031

TRIPLE CROWN $1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm

206 N. Edward Gary St. (512) 396-2236

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