The Paisano Volume 48 Issue 8

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San Antonio celebrates a night of art at Luminaria pg 6

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

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Two members of a suspended UTSA fraternity have been charged with hazing in connection with partial nudity, drinking “questionable” liquids and skin burning that required medical treatment.

{Texas} A UT/Texas Tribune poll found that respondents would favor incumbent Rick Perry to hypothetical challenger Greg Abbott in a gubanatorial primary by a 3-1 margin.

{Nation}

Twelve former FAMU students now face manslaughter charges from the Novebmber 2011 hazing death of Drum Major Robert Chapman Jr.

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Fighting in Syria spilled into western Iraq, resulting in the death of 48 Syrians and 9 Iraqi soldiers.

{History} This week in 1996, UTSA’s softball team was ranked by USA Today as one of the top 25 teams in the country for the first time in program history.

{Science} Initial reports suggest that a Mississippi baby born with HIV may have been cured of the disease under the care of doctors at the University of Mississippi.

UTSA will take on Utah State on Saturday, March 7. The men play the Aggies at 6 p.m. in Logan at 8:05 p.m., while the women play in the Convocation Center with a 6:00 p.m. tipoff.

Issue 8

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Student Government Elections are March 5 and 6. See why candidates for the Executive Board think you should consider them when you vote on ASAP. Pages 2-3

‘Legalize marijuana,’ SGA says to Legislature Resolution asks that increased tax revenue be used to offset cuts to higher education Matthew Duarte News Editor

news@paisano-online.com On Feb. 21, UTSA Student Government Association (SGA) passed a resolution calling on the Texas Legislature to legalize marijuana and use the subsequent tax revenue to offset spending cuts made to higher education.

“Marijuana legalization is picking up a lot of steam,” said COLFA Senator Jacob Lostoski, who authored the bill. “Nineteen states and D.C. have legalized marijuana for medical use.

These are numbers that, 20 years ago, would be nonexistent,” Lostoki told The Paisano.

According to the Texas Tribune, the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML) contended that decriminalization of marijuana in Texas would save the state $750 million per year, while also saving 50,000 people from having an arrest on their criminal record.

Proposals in the Legislature to lessen the penalties for marijuana possession include a recent bill by Rep. Harold Dutton (DHouston), who introduced HB 184 on Feb. 6. The bill would reclassify possession of up to one ounce of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor, which would mean that individuals caught carrying small amounts of marijuana would no longer face up to 180 days in prison.

While six states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, Colorado and Washington became the first to legalize it for recreational use. Despite the legalization and decriminalization in many different states, it remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law—thus, it is still a federal crime to posses or sell the drug.

On Feb. 26, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Justice Department is review-

ing the federal response to state laws that legalize marijuana.

“We are, I think, in our last stages of that review and are trying to make a determination as to what the policy ramifications are going to be—what our international obligations are. There are a whole variety of things that go into this determination,” Holder said, according to Politico.

The SGA resolution stated that former Attorney General Jocelyn Elders has expressed support for marijuana legalization. SGA’s resolution also noted that, while 1,200 people in the U.S. die each year from tobacco use, there is no evidence to support the notion that marijuana use is fatal.

“People should have the right to use marijuana if they choose to because they’re not harming anyone else, and a lot of evidence suggests that they’re really not doing any major harm to themselves either,” Lostoski said.

The resolution does not solely focus on marijuana, as Lostoski noted. “We are also offering a solution to help fund our schools and get us closer to the funding that we need if we want to become Tier One,” Lostoski said.

From fiscal year 2010-2011 through fiscal year 2012-2013, Texas cut funding to UTSA from $281 million to $260 million, despite the increased student enrollment. SGA’s resolution anticipates funding for UTSA to drop by 10 percent in 2014.

Compounding the problem of decreased state funding, said Lostoski, is the Hazelwood Act, which “requires state universities and colleges to cover tuition and mandatory fees for up to 150 credit hours for qualified veterans,” according to the San Antonio Express-News. The program has gained popularity since it was expanded by the Legislature in 2009 to allow those who qual-

ify to transfer their credit hours to a dependent younger than 25. Since 2009, UTSA has gone from waiving $1.5 million in fees linked to the Hazelwood Act to $7.6 million, according to the Express-News. That number is expected to top $8 million next year, Lostoski stated.

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, more than $110 million in fees were waived by universities across the state in 2012 as a result of the Hazelwood Act. Because the Legislature does not provide relief to universities for fees waived under the Hazelwood Act, many lawmakers have begun to call it an “unfunded mandate,” according to the Express-News.

The SGA resolution contended that, according to a recent Gallup poll, 62 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds favor marijuana legalization. However, although the national numbers seem to indicate that the Legislature may eventually hear a marijuana bill—that same Gallup poll found that 50 percent of respondents favor legalization, an increase from 23 percent in 1985—gaining support in Texas could be an unlikely prospect.

According to a 2011 Texas Lyceum poll, just 33 percent of residents in the Lone Star State favored legalizing marijuana.

However, Lostoski is confident that the momentum in the national polls will continue to grow. “As the facts are getting out there, and as we’ve studied marijuana more, we’ve learned more about it. And as the public learns, as well, I think popular support will only increase,” Lostoski said.

Although it carries no legal weight, the resolution will be presented by SGA to members of the Texas Legislature in the coming weeks. All resolutions passed by SGA represent the stance of the entire student body.

President Barack Obama signs into law the Budget Control Act of 2011, which required Congress to cut $16 trillion over 10 years or face the automatic spending cuts known as the sequester.

Economy to suffer as Congress fails to prevent sequester David Glickman News Assistant

news@paisano-online.com On March 1, President Obama signed into law $85 billion dollars in federal budget cuts for the current fiscal year.

The cuts, known as the sequester, are part of a provision created in the 2011 debt ceiling deal.

Due to the inability of Congress to agree on how $16 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years would take shape, the sequester went into automatic effect, with half the cuts to the military and half to domestic programs.

President Obama, in a press conference on March 1, referred to the cuts as “dumb” and “arbitrary.” He blamed Republicans for the sequester, saying, “They’ve allowed these cuts to happen, because they refused to budge on closing a single wasteful loophole to help reduce the deficit.”

On “Meet the Press” on Sunday, March 3, Speaker of the House John Boehner countered this argument saying “Over the last 10 months, House Republicans have acted twice to replace the sequester… we’ve known about this for 16 months. And yet even today, there’s no plan from Senate Democrats or the White House to replace the sequester.”

For months, economists have been warning of the negative effects the sequester would bring should it go into effect. While they do not think it will trigger a second recession, there are concerns that it will slow the econ-

omy further. As Henry Aaron, senior fellow of economic studies at the Brookings Institution, said, “[The sequester is] pushing policy in exactly the wrong direction. At a time when the economy still needs a stimulus to promote recovery rather than restrictive policies to prevent overheating.”

Jared Bernstein, senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said, “If the sequester takes affect and stays in effect for the year, I suspect it will lower real GDP growth by .5 percent points and lead to the loss of between 500,000 and 700,000 jobs. No, I don’t think it will lead to a recession, I just think it will lead to slower growth than would otherwise be.”

Texas and San Antonio are expected to be affected by the sequester due to the large military presence. As the San Antonio Express-News reported, at least 5,000 military personnel will lose their jobs, and furlough days for those at Joint Base San Antonio already being cut. KENS 5 reported that Texas’ military could lose as much as $1.7 billion dollars by October, and the 80,000 unemployed Texans could see their benefits drop in the coming months as well.

Currently, no new bills have been proposed to manage or change the effects of the sequester. The cuts are expected to affect the national parks, social security, jobs in both the military and public sector and in several other areas, according to the New York Times.

Immigration reform has significant impact on Texas economy, students Beth Marshall Contributing Writer

news@paisano-online.com

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March 5, 2013

Pete Souza/The White House

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Volume 48

In the debate over the issue of undocumented immigration in Texas, state legislators are exploring solutions such as increasing border patrol and delaying the amnesty process for illegal applicants.

San Antonio Congressman Pete Gallego said, “Most people don’t really care where the idea comes from. They want action, they want something to happen, and they’re tired of the prolonged conversation,” according to the Houston Chronicle.

Federal immigration poli-

cies have already been debated and adjusted several times. The most recent “fix” was the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. The act’s purpose was to provide undocumented immigrants with the opportunity to apply for citizenship. To obtain this status, the applicant required a clean criminal record, knowledge of American history and the English language and proof of U.S. residency since Jan. 1, 1982.

Economic concerns are always present when debating illegal immigration. The San Antonio Express-News asserted, based on data compiled by the Center for Migration Studies

of New York, that “the number of undocumented immigrants entering Texas has plummeted to its lowest point in more than two decades thanks to the nation’s wounded economy and beefed-up border security.”

As of 2010, illegal immigrants make up about 6.7 percent of the population of Texas, according to the Pew Hispanic Research Center. This number not only affects the economy, but also public education.

Paying tuition to go to a public college is a standard, and students who are Texas residents pay ‘in-state’ tuition prices.

While students coming from other states or countries can

pay double this price or more, tuition and fees for an in-state UTSA student is about $8,400 for 2012-2013. Out-of-state and international students are expected to pay approximately $16,500 in tuition and fees.

As tuition for a college education increases, financial aid increases in importance as well.

According to the Dallas News, “Nearly 2,500 students who are in the country illegally received more than $9.5 million in-state higher education grants in fiscal year 2010.” The Dallas News also noted that “there were 16,476 illegal immigrant students paying resident tuition rates, meaning more than one in seven get state

financial aid as well.” This affects the aid that in-state residents receive, as well as how much aid other U.S. citizens can receive.

State Rep. Bill Zedler (R-Arlington) said that “for every dollar we give to someone who is here illegally, that’s a dollar less that we’re giving to someone who’s here legally.”

Currently, the House of Representatives is working on a bipartisan bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. as long as they have a clean criminal record. In addition, undocumented immigrants must pay certain tax penalties to gain full citizenship.

NEWS

2 March 5, 2013

To help students vote for Student Government, the Paisano contacted each student who had registered to run for a position on SGA’s Executive Board, and each willing candidate answered an identical questionnaire.

The questionnaire read as follows: -After you are elected to your position, what do you plan on doing to improve SGA next year?

-What would you do to improve the experience of the typical UTSA student?

-Is there a person, famous or not, who you look up to or whose leadership style you seek to emulate?

-What personal characteristics would make you an excellent student representative?

more of an entity that interacts with the community. As we move towards a Tier 1 University I believe that it’s important for our students to continue to push UTSA to that next level as well. Whether it’s through our Athletics, Greek Life, Student Activities, or Orientation Programs, I believe that as students we must take up the mantle to get our name out there with the community, alumni and potential students. UTSA is truly becoming a campus meant for the future of top scholars and achievers in the city of San Antonio and the state of Texas. And I plan on making sure SGA is a part of that transformation.

I would like the experience of the typical UTSA student to be inclusive and engaged. Once students get involved and become a part of the university, I see a huge change in how they approach their affairs on campus. Getting involved gives students an opportunity to get out of their comfort shell and experience new things they would have otherwise never have been exposed to.

President

My father, Patrick Dunn, is the person I look up to the most in the world. He is someone who continually strives for the best in every aspect in his life, and that is something I greatly admire.

He is also a man of integrity and courage and that is admirable for any leader to possess. He is someone whom I can look to for advice in any situation and he always pushes me to perform to the best of my ability.

I on ing

I believe my passion for the organization and this university is something that will help me

-What experience makes you qualified to represent UTSA students?

Below are the responses of the SGA candidates.

Zack Dunn

plan makSGA

serve as a representative to any constituent. I want to see this university achieve Tier 1 status alongside student development and involvement, which will require lots of time and dedication. I look forward to pursuing this initiative and believe that my passion for improvement and excellence will be instrumental to achieving my goals.

I believe my involvement in Student Government, the Investment Society and the Green Society has helped me to grow as a student in my collegiate career. I have also been blessed to be a part of many programs in the Student Leadership Center in addition to my organizational involvement. I believe all of these experiences, both organizations and programs have provided me with the insight to understand the issues affecting our campus and how to communicate with students about the changes they want to see.

Adel Alshehri President

Adel Mohammed Alshehri was unavailable to comment after attempts by The Paisano to reach him.

Rosalyn Huff Vice President

Implementing easier parliamentar y procedures is important, because, as Vice President, it will be my responsibility to lead others.

Sometimes it is hard to under-

stand the flow of the meeting, but if procedures are clear, the senators and students will not be hesitant to participate.

oped new cultural aspects of my high school, such as a community fundraising event for cancer patients.

I was involved on my debate team, FCCLA and my drill/ dance team.

In all of these roles, I had to lead and make decisions, which impacted my high school.

Another aspect will be to reach out to students that are not involved in organizations.

With this, SGA can form better skills to communicate news to students.

We are all diverse and that’s what makes up UTSA. Typical equates to a student who is reaching to obtain a degree. By reaching out and being available to all students, only then can we, as SGA, improve student experiences.

Andie Watson Vice President The administration this year did an amazing job building up our organization but I would love to help further it in my term as Vice President; I would like to have our administration reach out to organizations on campus to gather their concerns so we can help to see them accomplished.

I look up to my sister for everything that I do. I look up to my father with his leadership style.

I am very creative, visionary and bold. By not sticking to the norm, I know that by being myself, I can represent various people.

I would like to bring a Farmer’s Market to our main campus; this should help make us a destination in San Antonio. It would help promote sustainability, increase healthier food options on campus and help us build a better relationship with our surrounding community.

Besides being the current Academic Affairs chair of SGA, COLFA Senator and have held positions as an Ambassador, most of my experience started before and during high school.

There are several people whose leadership style I try to emulate. Our advisor for SGA, John Montoya, whose passion for the organization and people skills are extremely admirable; and the first lady of the United States Michelle Obama who has been amazing in her support of military children around the nation.

I was a member of FFA for 5 years where I was trained in parliamentary procedure. I was elected as an officer to represent 4 high schools, and also I was elected Vice President for 2 high schools. During this time, I helped develop and lead many programs such as a Halloween community event for children.

I was also Vice President of my class for 3 straight years.

UTSA Ad_5.75x10.125.pdf During this time, I helped devel-

1

I love working with other stu1/30/13 AM dents and 9:12 organizations.

I feel I

have strong communication skills that will help in gathering the concerns of students and working with administration to help facilitate those concerns and effectively represent the voice of the students. I have passion for our organization and I am so incredibly proud of the work our members have done.

I was elected as a College of Liberal and Fine Arts senator my sophomore year and Secretary for this past administration. Throughout the past two years in Student Government I have learned and grown with the organization and I feel that I am very qualified to represent the students at UTSA.

Christian UmeEzeoke Treasurer

As Treasurer, I will look at the SGA budget and identify strategic ways to make sure those monetary policies are best benefiting UTSA students. I am interested in supporting the growth of all programs and organizations in whatever ways possible through SGA. As your SGA treasurer candidate, I want to ensure that the student voice will be heard.

Every college student needs a support network to provide encouragement, guidance and accountability on his or her journey. To improve the experience of the typical UTSA student I want

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NEWS

3 March 5, 2013

to stress the significance of joining student organization or being involved with the UTSA community. I would enlighten them about the resources that are available to UTSA student such as the Student Leadership Center, Career Services and Volunteer Services, and how to access them. I will also help cultivate the typical UTSA student on the importance of managing time, setting goals and studying effectively.

George Washington was a model of self-restraint. He rarely acted immediately but took the time to weigh his options. When comfortable that he had gathered all the information and ideas and thought it through, he acted decisively.

And then defended his decision and did not back down.

Washington’s life shows the importance of clarity of vision, of tenacity of purpose and character and how much can be accomplished in life if you keep your sights on your ultimate goals. These are all the characteristics that I try to emulate in my day to day life as a student leader.

I believe that the characteristics that makes me an excellent student representative include trustworthiness, respect, integrity, honesty, clarity, care, enthusiasm, confidence, compassion, humility, self-awareness, the ability to think analytically, finally ambition and passion. Every leader or student representative should possess a willingness to lead collaboratively whenever possible. I believe that decisions that are made collaboratively usually come from a vision that is shared

and accepted by the leaders’ constituents.

I have gained the leadership experience that makes me qualified to represent UTSA students. I am the current President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society here at UTSA, a founding member and public relations officer of Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Honor Society, College of Education and Human Development within SGA, a member of Honors Alliance, a member of VOICES (Volunteer, Organization, Involving, Community, Education and Service).

I am the current Roadrunner of the Month for December 2012 and January 2013 at UTSA. I accredit that these leadership skills and positions will make me an effective representative of the UTSA student body.

Boyd Garriott Treasurer

As UTSA climbs to ever greater heights, I would like to make sure our Student Government Association has a solid financial base in order to fulfill its basic function: serving the students. With an efficient budget, SGA will be able to run smoother, get more student concerns to the appropriate faculty and staff and continue to grow its signature events like University Life Awards and Golf Cart Parade.

I would like to increase the transparency and accessibility of Leaderfund, an opportunity for student organizations to procure funds for events and trips that help the university’s profes-

sional and leadership development. Also, as stated above, a more financially efficient SGA is tremendously beneficial to all students.

I definitely look up to my dad’s leadership style. His leadership philosophy has always been to work hard, leading by example in close collaboration with a team.

As an economics major and the president of the university’s only economics organization, I am very passionate about economics and finance, and as the SGA treasurer’s main two jobs are to plan out the budget for the year and run the finance committee, I believe I, not only meet, but exceed these two requirements. If someone isn’t passionate about their office, there is no point in electing them.

In addition to the above qualifications, I am also an SI leader for macroeconomics–I was an SI for microeconomics last semester. I am also currently one of the most active and vocal senators in SGA as a representative for the College of Business.

Nicole Ney Secretary

An issue I want to tackle that falls specifically into the lap of the SGA Secretary is the UTSA Giving Tree.

Every year the SGA hosts the Giving Tree, and a large holiday tree (UTSA themed of course) is decorated on the main campus.

This allows organizations and clubs to have a central point of collection, as well as gain attention for their respective charities. Years ago, the UTSA Giving

Tree was the talk of the campus, however, as of late it has been pushed to the back burner. It is my goal to fully restore this wonderful SGA signature event beyond what it once was.

I plan to continue my work on the Academic Affairs committee and address the many concerns that students have revolving around academic advising. The road map that advisors can help students create is a key tool in being successful and graduating on time.

Bella Abzug is a huge role model of mine. She coauthored the Freedom of Information Act, cosponsored the first world conference on breast cancer and moved the women’s rights movement into the mainstream.

“If we get a government that reflects more of what this country is really about, we can turn the century–and the economy– around.”

All of the roles I have been a part of in organizations revolve around my strong organizational skills, notable communication skills and abilities to multitask not only efficiently but accurately. I have kept a consistent attendance record throughout my time as senator, only missing a single general assembly and I have demonstrated my commitment to the organization by volunteering for tasks and putting forth substantial effort. I will help enforce accountability and build on to the strong traditions of those before me, as well as form new ones to better our organization.

My leadership roles in organizations on campus have equipped me with strong set of organizational, leadership and

multitasking skills that I think would prove to be an asset to our Student Government and the student body of UTSA as a whole. Some of these leadership roles include: COEHD Senator, Historian of Omicron Delta Kappa (a leadership honor society), Kappa Delta Pi (an honors society of Educators) and Historian of the International Reading Association and LeaderShape 2012 alumni.

Jerome Scott Secretary

If I am elected as Secretary, I plan on improve the quality of our representation from the Senators. I would like the Senators to attend the meetings of our academic, profession and social organizations in order to better represent their constituents. I would also like to have the College Senators gain table for concerns and spread news of what is currently happening in SGA once a month.

The great thing I love about UTSA is that it is a very diverse campus ranging in different ages and backgrounds. It would be difficult to define the “typical” student and so I would rather focus on the concerns of students on an individual basis. As a representative of the student body, I would focus on how I can improve upon the experience for all students and not just the “typical” students.

I have no one particular person whose leadership style I seek to emulate, but instead, I believe in having a leadership style of any coach. I enjoy motivating others to be the best

that they can be so that they can do their part in building a stronger community.

I believe that I am a persistent person and that would make me an excellent student representative. When a concern is brought to me from a student, I will work with the administrators to ensure that the concern is resolved in a timely manner. Being persistent would also benefit me as Secretary because many times, I would have to hold the Senators accountable for their duties.

Experience for this position includes my involvement in over 15 organizations, including President of the Student Organization Council, SGA Student Affairs Chair and UTSA Ambassador. My involvement has allowed me to come in contact with many administrators and so I am able to effectively communicate concerns from students.

I am also familiar with organizational structures and I understand the importance of the Secretary position and ensuring that all members of an organization are knowledgeable of what is happening in the organization.

Editors note: although some grammar mistakes were corrected by members of The Paisano staff the original intent of the writer has been left intact.

All photos are credit of Will Tallent, The Paisano.

OPINION

4 March 5, 2013

{The Paisano} Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Katy Schmader

Assistant to Editor: Erin Boren

Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker

News Editor:

Matthew Duarte

News Assistants: Corey Franco David Glickman

Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens

Arts Editor:

Jennifer Alejos

Arts Assistants: Wilfredo Flores Janae Rice

Sports Editor: Sheldon Baker

Sports Assistants: Delaney Marlowe Mario Nava

Photo Editor: Will Tallent

Photo Assistant: Vince Cardenas

Web Editor: Natalie Frels

Web Assistant: Amanda Dansby

Business Manager: Jenelle Duff

Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres

{Staff Writers} Bridget Gaskill, Christina Coyne, Randy Lopez, Alex Camacho, Shelby Hodges, Stephanie Barbosa, Council Royal, Julia Brouilette

{Staff Photographers} Ruth Olivares, Alyssa Gonzales

{Contributing Writers} Julian Montez, Philip Taele, Eric Mondragon, Jasmine Rodriguez, Beth Marshall, Pete Torres, Renee Rendon, Paulina Rivero-Borrell, Mary Caithn Scott, Chance McDevitt, Chris Rodriguez, Mark Zavala, Gabriela Reynosa

{Contributing Photographers} Scott Cochran, Katherine Kish, Craig Garrison

{Interns} Amanda Dansby, Janae Rice, Erin Boren, Sheldon Baker, Marcia Perales {Ads Manager} Kevyn Kirven

{Advisor}

Diane Abdo

Students need to vote in order to be represented Every semester, a portion of student fees are allotted to fund the UTSA Student Government Association (SGA), an organization that serves as the official advocate and voice of the student body. In the 201112 school year, this allotment of student fees culminated in an SGA budget of over $47,000 in order to support and advocate for the student voice.

Last year, the SGA elections saw a student voter turnout of

only 1,302 students. Considering the university’s overall population, over 30,000, only 4.47 percent of the student body is actually represented through SGA. When the system works, and students actually vote for their representative, the SGA has the power to voice students’ complaints.

But with so many students passionate about their experience at UTSA, why are we not

seeing a larger voting turnout?

According to the SGA’s 20122016 Strategic Plans, the SGA’s top priorities are to improve Blackboard and Air Rowdy, to launch an on-campus farmer’s market, to expand the shuttle system, as well as to provide more dining options on campus.

Recently, SGA passed a resolution to decriminalize marijuana. In a true representative democracy, this would mean

Remember the veterans during Texas Independence week Happy Texas Independence Day y’all!

L a s t S atu rd ay, the state celebrated the 177th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836.

Wednesday, March 6 will mark the 177th anniversary of the final assault on the Alamo when the Mexican Army finally scaled the walls and killed the entire garrison of Texans and Tejanos.

These men who fought against insurmountable odds were the first Texans to answer the call to arms and fight for

their army but they weren’t the last.

Everyone knows what happened. The Texans won and after 10 years of going it alone on the world stage, agreed to be annexed by the United States.

It didn’t take long for Texans to give their services to the military. Ever since the first Texans fought alongside their fellow Americans in the Mexican War and in every war since, Texans have been ready, willing and able to take up arms for their country.

Speaking of arms, this weekend State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano filed a bill entitled the “Texas Gun Ownership Reinforcement Act.” This bill would create a new tax-free holiday where consumers won’t be charged taxes on guns, ammunition or

hunting supplies on March 2, Texas Independence Day. This could be a good idea for the state economically but is it really what we want our day of Independence to be remembered for? Our image nationally is already having a tough time and this bill, coming at a time when gun control is the topic of discussion nationwide, does not help that image. Or do we want to use Independence Day as a time to honor the service and sacrifice of Texans to their nation since 1836?

The week of Texas Independence is not just a celebration of the men of 1835-36 who took up arms but also of the ones who have come since and served their country so that its people would remain free to have things like a possible tax-

free day on guns and ammo.

We are a great state with a grand tradition, and each year the first week of March becomes first a celebration of that heritage and then a remembrance of the price of it. We roll Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day into one week like a bar-b-que plate with brisket, sausage and turkey.

As another year of independence comes and goes, it is important to continue to remember the contributions our state has made to the country.

It may not seem like it sometimes, but we still live in the best country in the world. I am a little biased but we also live in the best state in that country.

We must be thankful that there are people willing to defend the freedoms we enjoy. As we re-

member the Texans of 1836, we should also remember all the Texans who have come since and served their country, some falling in that service.

They are just as much heroes as the soldiers who fought at Gonzales, San Antonio, The Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto.

Let us remember all veterans as we celebrate another year of independence in the Lone Star State.

It would be a better way to commemorate their sacrifice than by making it a day to buy guns without taxes.

Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor

Commentary

The depersonalization of people in everyday life I walked into a business the other day and asked the customer service representative for help with some minor task.

I was directed to a website.

“Well, I’m here already.” I said, “Let’s just take care of it now.”

He replied, “It’s easier on the website.” I answered, “What sort of customer services do you provide?” He paused for a full minute.

There is a noticeable trend toward depersonalization in today’s world. Whether it is a local bank, a receptionist in a nearby business, a government agency or even campus offices, more and more people who patronize these agencies are pushed away from the agencies themselves into the cold, unintuitive charge of Internet websites.

This transition results in a system that seems, on the surface, to work despite itself.

However, anyone who has ever experienced this trend firsthand in what could be compared to the “sell your stuff on ebay store” from a comedic film, can understand that apparent ease of use does not equate to efficiency. That is an illusion.

The truth is that the depersonalization of our business world results in workers with less and less responsibility. This is ironic because people are so much more valuable to a workforce than their supporting technology. Be they websites or simple computer programs serving a hospital or small business, technologies must always be limited to support, and we

mere humans must always be able to perform at least the same kinds of tasks as the machines that serve us.

Granted, the advocates of technology will argue that there are a myriad of tasks that computers or websites can do faster than a simple human. There is truth to this argument, as data storage and processing is done faster, and with less error, than if a person were charged with the task. This is evident in the field of medicine, where electrocardiograms, blood pressure machines and computer websites serve to record, calculate, and then retrieve the data of multiple patients faster than any human could.

However, machines do not actually think and are not instinctive or intuitive like peo-

Comics

Vulpes Vulpes by: Christopher Garcia

Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:

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SGA cannot be expected to accurately represent the voice of the student body. Participation is paramount in any functional democratic system, and as concerned UTSA students, our most effective tool in that participation lies firmly in the votes that we cast.

How can students expect their voice to be heard, if they are not asserting their influence in the voting booth?

Commentary

{Advisory Board}

E-mail: editor@paisanoonline.com

that the majority of UTSA students are in agreement about all of the previous issues. However, the voice of only those who voted, 4.47 percent, can be accounted for in this decision.

But what about the other 95.5 percent? The SGA represents them too, and fees to pay the SGA come from those students’ tuition as well. When such a small fraction of student support is accounted for in UTSA’s student government elections,

{Send letters to} editor@paisano-online.com Letters must be less than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number.

The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.

ple. There is a saying in that ‘the problem with computers is that they do exactly what you tell them to’. Also, it is much easier to correct the errors of a person than an entire computer program, which requires constant checking, rechecking and reprogramming, all while the system’s functions are halted for maintenance, and all the while require human supervision.

And there are always errors.

The truth is that the user is more important than the technology. Because of this truth we must also face the fact that addressing the needs of the user, and doing so as quickly and efficiently as possible, is more important.

Secondary to this are all the perceived benefits of the Information Age, which the ad-

vocates of today’s technological advances can no doubt list verbatim et literatim. Ease of use, as well as staying current with a technology that is always changing, constantly reinventing itself and even the migration to paperless systems to address environmental concerns of the last two decades, are all secondary.

All of us mere humans must remember how valuable we are to our world, and seek to make it a better place for people, not the machines supporting us. I expect that I am in the minority when it comes to my beliefs, so for any and all disagreements, I will direct you to my website.

Richard Martinez Contributing Writer

PASEO

5 March 5, 2013

The new San Antonio River:

changing a historical landscape Contributing Writer

paseo@paisano-online.com The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is one of the many organizations in Texas that focuses on the protection, preservation and sustainability of the San Antonio River.

Since 1937, SARA has been active in maintaining San Antonio’s beautiful river and keeping it safe and enjoyable for everyone. The organization was created after severe floods in 1913 and 1914, when Texans realized it was a necessity to supervise and protect the river. SARA covers all of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties.

A new initiative by the SARA, The San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP), aims to increase the natural habitats of the San Antonio River and to make the river even more enjoyable and appealing to San Antonio residents and tourists alike.

“I see this as an opportunity for the area to grow through this effort.”

Chad Sundol

UTSA Green Society President

The project focuses on flood control and ecosystem restoration elements. The San Antonio River Improvements Project is improving nearly 13 miles of the San Antonio River, which includes the original River Walk.

The project will create 15 miles of continuous trails along the river so that San Antonio residents and tourists are able to enjoy hiking and bike rides.

The goal is to create bike trails from Brackenridge Park to Mission Espada.

“One of the main goals of the restoration is to allow those eight miles south of downtown to be used for recreation where it is currently not being used,” says Chad Sundol, president of the Green Society at UTSA. “I see this as an opportunity for the area to grow through this effort.”

Although these trails are for biking and hiking, for safety reasons, biking will still be prohibited along the River Walk, more precisely, between Lexington Avenue and Nueva Street.

The project is transforming the San Antonio River into “a quality riparian woodland ecosystem,” according to the SARA website. Regarding the ecosystem, SARA is focusing on restoring the river’s natural features, including plants and its aquatic habitat. “It will allow added filtration of run-off to ensure a cleaner San Antonio river,” Sundol says.

The project is focusing precisely on restoring two types of habitats: riparian woodland and aquatic.

According to the Mission Reach’s website, the ecosystem restoration process will be accomplished over many years by construction on the river to reconfigure the channel and to create an improved aquatic habitat.

It will also re-establish hundreds of acres of native grasses and wildflowers while planting and cultivating native trees and shrubs. It will take approximately 50 years for the entire ecosystem restoration process to be completed.

The non-profit organization is dedicated to maintaining the river at its best. Therefore, this project would not have been possible if it were not for the help of the city of San Antonio.

The city contributed approximately $78.7 million for the life of the project. The money was derived from the city’s capital improvements fund for recreation elements.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has also contributed about $51.9 million to support the ecosystem restoration and recreation and another $2.6 million toward the construction on the southern edge of downtown San Antonio.

SARA is responsible for many operations and activities on the river, as well as for the improvements project.

The San Antonio River Improvements Project will benefit not only the river, but will also provide plenty of benefits for the city. The river will be more eco- friendly and preserved more naturally, making it cleaner and safer for the aquatic habitat.

Improving the river’s natural habitat will “manage the rain water runoff and filter some pollutants before getting to the river stream, and it will include native and drought tolerant landscaping,” says Juan Manuel Fernandez, owner of CVF homes, a company that builds houses using eco-friendly materials to save water and incorporate the latest technology in promoting indoor air quality. The river has always been clean, but with SARIP it will be cleaner and healthier for the ecosystem.

SARIP will also improve San Antonio’s tourism and economy. Most people distinguish San Antonio by its exquisite downtown area and its marvelous River Walk. With its natural plants and flowers, the river will be more inviting for tourists once the trails for biking and hiking are improved.

“It will draw more attention to tourism and local residents and will position San Antonio as a more desirable destination,” Fernandez shares.

“It will give San Antonio an image of a leader in improving the quality of life of local residents and interest for tourism.”

In addition to that, it will improve San Antonio’s economy by generating employment for the construction and maintenance, as well as increased tourism once the project is fulfilled.

The San Antonio River Authority has partnered with UTSA to house its archive at the Special Collections section in the John Peace Library. UTSA proudly holds the archive in order to help commemorate the agency’s 75th anniversary and to make the archive materials more accessible for the public.

SARA’s archive includes photographs and documentation of past floods, reports, project materials, maps, newspaper clippings, SARA newsletters, magazines and brochures.

The archive also includes SARA’s oral history collection, made up of over 30 recordings by the authority board and staff, documenting their experience and knowledge about different topics regarding SARA. The archive is updated every six months.

Will Tallent / The Paisano

Paulina Rivero-Borrell

Campus Gardens coming to UTSA Sarah Gibbens Paseo Editor

Will Tallent/ The Paisano

paseo@paisano-online.com

The gardens will be located in a green space near the Tobin Biology Laboratories.

UTSA has a multitude of eco-friendly projects to improve student life around campus, one of which involves fresh produce from the comfort of the UTSA Main Campus.

The Student Government Go Green Committee, in collaboration with the Student Leadership Center, is working towards constructing a campus garden at UTSA. Merced Carbajal, a senior multi-disciplinary studies major and chair of the Go Green Committee has been instrumental in bringing gardens to campus.

Carbajal believes the garden could potentially offer “the

benefit of a learning experience with harvesting your own food.”

The garden also, “stands as a representation of sustainable progress as an institution.”

Plots of land would be available to registered student organizations and other student/ faculty groups to check out and manage per harvest season.

The Go Green Committee and the Student Leadership Center will manage garden food production so that “funds from the profit are able to go back into the garden to keep it selfsustaining,” Carbajal said. It is currently in the organization process.

Details of how it will be constructed and how volunteers will be managed are being finalized. Carbajal hopes that UTSA will one day have a farmer’s

market at which the produce could be sold.

Green Spaces Alliance, a local non-profit organization, works in the community to support sustainability and conservation in overlooked urban spaces. The alliance has expressed interest in providing a garden-mentoring aid service for participating groups.

According to the Go Green Committee, students have expressed enthusiasm for campus gardens and volunteer opportunities. Members of the Student Government Association (SGA) hope that the gardens will be funded in part by the Green Fund, a portion of tuition and fees specifically allocated for environmental initiatives. It will also be necessary to look to outside orga-

nizations for matching funds.

Carbajal hopes this initiative will become “a highly active and productive garden that will help gauge community interest in UTSA’s progress to a more sustainable institution.”

As with any public institution project, red tape has slowed the process of bringing the gardens to campus. “Getting anything done requires a lot of processing by different departments for approval and measure of feasibility,” explained Carbajal. Gaining access to adequate funding has also been difficult, as the gardens would call for various architects and contractors to construct the plots.

The Go Green Committee has tentatively projected the completion of the Campus Garden project by Spring 2014.

ARTS&LIFE

6 March 5, 2013

{CAM Events} Tuesday, March 5 5 p.m. UTSA College of Architecture Presents: “One City” Pasa Studio (400 N. Saint Mary’s) presents work from the graduate students of the UTSA College of Architecture design studio. The event, which is curated by Dr. Antonio Petrov, assistant professor of architecture at UTSA, looks at the project “Public Space, Public Transit, Public Art.”

Katy Schmader / The Paisano

Wednesday, March 6 6:30 p.m. Exhibit: “The Olvidate del Alamo ‘Untold Stories’”

The sixth annual Luminaria festival will be expanding to various venues in San Antonio.

Luminaria 2013: Art lights up San Antonio Robert Giurgea Jennifer Alejos Contributing Writer/ Arts Editor arts@paisano-online.com

Set in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Luminaria aims to illuminate the city with art installations and projects set along the backdrop of the city’s lively nightlife.

Luminaria is a free, annual event showcasing music, theatre, performance, literature, media, dance and visual arts throughout the center of the city—indoors and out.

For one night only, San Antonio is transformed into a giant canvas for over 100 artists to paint into spectacular mas-

terpieces. Expect inventive, edgy, astonishing and interactive contemporary artwork from every artistic discipline.

The festival gets its name from “White Nights,” a similar festival that originated in Paris in 2002. The event has spread across the globe to other cities in Europe as well as in North America, bringing a night of art and creativity to local venues.

Expect to see numerous musical performances—from symphonic to reggae. Multiple styles of dance are also on display throughout the night as well. In fact, last year Luminaria started with a large flash mob breaking out into a dance sequence.

Luminaria will feature over

100 artists with new projects in multimedia, visual arts, music and theatre.

This year, Luminaria is expanding to different parts of the city including all of HemisFair Park, Alamo Street and several theatres around San Antonio.

Kathy Armstrong, assistant director of Luminaria, says, “The exhibition will continue to go into other parts of the city. Unused buildings will also be part of the action as well.”

Luminaria will be divided into four different zones— “White zone,” “Red Zone, “Green Zone” and the “Blue Zone”—to accommodate all of the participating artists.

Some of the featured artists

for this year’s lineup include UTSA alumna Bianca Pitman, a professional photographer living and operating within San Antonio; Pop Pistol, a popular local band who has recently released their second full-length album, “Animal Prisms”; Michael Garfield, an eccentric musician known for using all four of his limbs to perform; and Anna De Luna, a local performance artist who has performed for UTSA and other organizations.

“Visitors can expect to see people performing in parks and theatres as well as interactive projects for families such as the San Anto Cultural Arts printing press,” says Armstrong.

Guests can also purchase food and refreshments from three different food stations including food trucks.

“The entire city will be energized with the arts,” says Armstrong.

Luminaria will be held on March 9, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. at HemisFair Park and the downtown area. Limited parking is available to guests at HemisFair plaza as well as downtown parking venues with fees up to $20.

For a full schedule of artists and events, visit LuminariaSA. org.

Saturday, March 9 7 p.m. “Luminaria” The sixth annual Luminaria will feature work in all mediums including visual, theatre, music and dance.

The event will be held at HemisFair Park with free admission.

Do you like musicals?

Mark Zavala/ The Paisano

On Thursday Feb. 28., Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum launched Contemporary Art Month with the CAM Kick-off.

The event began with a ribbon-cutting that opened the newest installment at the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum to the public. The gallery boasted the works of Gary Sweeny, Lloyd Walsh and Scott Martin.

The event continued through the evening with live music, compliments of Cryin’ DT Buffkin and The Bad Breath playing blues-inspired music.

Sponsors, Blue Moon and Pura Vida Tequila served complimentary drinks of sangria and beer on tap to patrons.

Blue Moon also had a beer tasting for a new flavor. Choices included Cranberry Tart Ale, Gingerbread Ale and Chocolate Mint Ale. Delicious food from local food trucks Chili Queen and Say.She.Ate. served red velvet waffles, tacos, duck fat fries and beef sliders.

Also part of the event selection was the crowning of the 2013 Miss Contemporary Art Month Miranda Fermi, artist

The Historic La Villita Arts Village presents numerous exhibit openings as part of its “Experience the Arts in La Villita” event. The openings feature work from Karen Baize, Tom Hicks, Barbra Riley and others. For more information on openings and events, visit lavillita.com.

paisano-online.com

Guests wait outside of Blue Star Contemporary Museum for the ribbon cutting of three new exhibits.

Mark Zavala/ The Paisano

arts@paisano-online.com

PLAZMO Contemporary (1101 West Woodlawn) presents “Future of the Future,” an exhibit from Louie Chavez that focuses on the theme of fashion trends throughout the decades.

For the week’s full calendar, visit:

off with art, drinks and music and blogger. Artist Matt Kubo, whose work is internationally recognized, crowned the new winner in a flamboyant display with confetti.

Gary Sweeney, a local San Antonio artist, explores the use of language with signs and postcards that he has sent to friends over the years. His work takes on new meanings, creating visually striking artwork with humor.

Lloyd Walsh’s “Solo Exhibition” and Scott Martin’s “Brake” are equally as striking visually.

Martin’s work explores a railroad crossing, waiting for a train to pass. Still shots of the railroad crossing are pieced together into a time-lapse film and enlarged to be hung on the wall. Walsh’s thought-provoking paintings are crafted with painstaking detail.

The exhibit at the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum will be open to the public until Saturday, May 11.

Throughout the entire month, galleries all over San Antonio will be showing local contemporary art. Visit www.contemporaryartmonth. com for a full list of upcoming events.

Thursday, March 7 7 p.m. Exhibit: “Future of the Future”

Friday, March 8 6 p.m. “Experience the Arts in La Villita”

Contemporary Art Month kicks

Mark Zavala Contributing Writer

Salud: The Ultimate Coffee and Tequila Bar (8123 Broadway) presents work from artists Raul Servin, Robert Wilkens, Oscar Galvan and others on the history of the Alamo through the eyes of Mexico’s residents.

Miranda Fermin is crowned Miss CAM San Antonio 2013.

ARTS & LIFE wants to know what your favorite musical is and why.

Win tickets for you and a friend to see Avenue Q at the Cameo Theatre.

Send your submissions to arts@ paisano-online.com

SPORTS

7 March 5, 2013

The Silver and Black spur the Pistons Sports Editor Zach Derbala / The Paisano

sports@paisano-online.com

The UTSA Roadrunners are gearing up for the Western Athletic Conference tournmament in Las Vegas March 12 - 16.-

‘Runners split season series against the Idaho Vandals Mario Nava

Assistant Sports Editor sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA Roadrunners, on Feb. 28, 2013, battled and then ran away from the Idaho Vandals in a home victory at the Convocation Center, 7456. The win splits the season series between the ‘Runners and Vandals after UTSA lost a close game back on Jan. 26 in Moscow, Idaho. UTSA, after some poor play earlier in the season, is now playing better.

The Roadrunners secured their third consecutive win.

“I had forgotten about it [winning],” Thompson said. “It’s been a long one…they [UTSA basketball team] have never, ever quit. They’ve got such great character and always just bounced back every day and came to work.”

Down 40-38 at the half, it was UTSA guard Michael Hale III who helped to push a two point deficit into an 18 point victory.

Hale scored 16 of his 26 points in the second half while playing all 40 minutes of the game.

The Vandals fell flat shooting 24 percent (6-of-25) in the second and scored just 16 points to match, Hale’s entire second half

output.

In his final season with UTSA, Hale has been one of Thompson’s trusted leaders and scorers. “He’s [Hale] a competitor and a warrior…the guy likes winning,” Thompson said.

In the final moments of the game with a win in hand, UTSA fans started chanting for Hale as he buried one last three. Hale, is appreciative of the fans support all season.

“I love our crowd,” Hale said.

“I saw one poster that had my name on it and said ‘Hale yeah,’ so I like that. It shows the fans appreciation and I appreciate them.”

UTSA and Idaho exchanged leads 11 times in the first half.

The Vandals took advantage early with seven 3-pointers and center Kyle Barone’s 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Right out of halftime UTSA went on a 13-2 run giving them their first double digit lead at 5342 with 12:14 left in the game.

The ‘Runners pushed the lead to 15 on a Jeromie Hill dunk, but the Vandals answered with a 7-2 run capped by a Connor Hill 3-pointer that cut the lead to 10. It was UTSA that put a final stamp on the game with a to a 12-2 run.

The Vandals finished with only one 3-pointer in the second half and Barone scored just one more bucket to finish with 13 points and 15 rebounds for the game, a stark contrast to the previous half.

UTSA’s Kannon Burrage had 16 points and Hill added 12 as part of the Roadrunners trio of scorers. Idaho guard Mike McChristian led his team with 19 points.

With the Western Athletic Conference tournament in Las Vegas around the corner, UTSA is building confidence for a successful finish. “Hopefully we can be hot going into Vegas and leave Vegas going hot,” Thompson said.

UTSA fell flat in the home finale against the Seattle University Redhawks, losing 5337. The Roadrunners, who had a victory over them this year when they went to Key Arena and won 78-75 behind Hale’s career high of 35 points, could only manage a school-recordlow 11 points in the first half. { For continuting coverage of the men’s basketball team visit www.paisano-online.com }

Two nights after Tony Parker went down with a grade-two ankle sprain, the San Antonio Spurs steam-rolled over the Detroit Pistons 114 – 75. How were the Spurs able to win without Parker, who is average 21 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds per game? Spreading the court, passing to the open shooters. They did it by playing tough defense and most importantly – focusing.

“Tonight, I thought that we played defense the way we have played it most of the season. We had good focus,” said Head Coach Gregg Popovich.

“I thought we lost our focus for a while for about a week-anda-half when Timmy and Manu were out and coming back into the flow.”

In place of an injured Parker, Cory Joseph scored eight points, dished out four assists and had only 1 turnover.

“I thought he did a fine job.

He played a good floor game. I like his defense,” said Popovich of his young point guard. “He’s gotten his opportunity and he seems to be taking advantage of it.”

Manu Ginobili scored 17 points while Tim Duncan scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Also, the Spurs recorded 35 team assists and Stephen Jackson and Duncan both had 6 assists piece, season highs for both players.

“We moved the ball really well. We have to with the lack of Tony’s (Parker) penetration, the way he does almost every play,” said Duncan. “We’re going to move the ball and use a

lot of pick-and-rolls.”

The Spurs not only performed well on the offensive end, but they played well on the defensive end as well, something the Silver and Black are known for.

Three weeks ago, the Pistons scored 65 points in the first half en route to a 119 – 109 victory over the Spurs.

“Three weeks ago doesn’t really matter today,” said Pistons’ guard Will Bynum. “It’s a whole different ballgame, a different story. Today they were the better team.”

The better team indeed. The Spurs held the Pistons to an op-

ponent low, 32.6 percent from the field, this season and forced 19 turnovers.

“It’s not surprising. I mean, San Antonio is a great team.

They were the better team tonight,” said Bynum.

On March. 6, the San Antonio Spurs will put their twogame winning streak on the line against the defensive minded Chicago Bulls. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the AT&T Center. {For continuing coverage of the San Antonio Spurs visit

Alyssa Gonzales / The Paisano

Sheldon Baker

Tony Parker will be out for four weeks with a grade 2 left-ankle sprain.

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8 March 5, 2013