Vol. 66, Issue 1.

Football Star supported despite DWI charge

Joshua Cephus, a star wide receiver for UTSA

Football, was charged with a Class A misdemeanor last month for driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than twice the legal limit. The charge arose seven months after he was arrested for a suspected DWI after rolling his car over near the main campus while returning from a nightclub last December.

Following the accident, Cephus was promptly suspended from the UTSA football team. He did not attend the Roadrunners’ final game of the season — the Cure Bowl in Orlando, Fl. — though the exact reason for his absence

was undisclosed at the time.

Coach Traylor publicly supported Cephus in the months leading up to his charge. He commended him for his honesty and transparency and stated that he did not expect the player to receive any further punishment from the school.

According to police reports, the accident occurred at 3:25 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 on the corner of Babcock Road and UTSA Boulevard. Cephus told an officer he was coming from Privat Social Club, about three miles east of the crash site. He was traveling southbound on Babcock and tried to turn left at a green light when he “lost control of

his vehicle and proceeded to roll his vehicle over, coming to a rest at a nearby light.” Although cooperative, Cephus was reported to have glossy, bloodshot eyes, strongsmelling breath and slurred speech. He could not tell the responding officer what time it was.

Cephus rated his sobriety a “five or less” on a scale of zero to ten, with zero being sober and ten being “the drunkest he had ever been.” He was arrested at the scene, although technical difficulties with the breathalyzer test prompted his release upon providing a blood sample, taken approximately two hours after the accident.

San Antonio police obtained

a warrant for Cephus’ arrest in late June after receiving the results of his blood specimen. According to court records, the blood sample showed that Cephus’ BAC was 0.15 or higher. The legal limit for BAC in Texas is 0.08. Cephus was booked on July 10 but was released after posting his $1,500 bond. He has since hired two seasoned defense lawyers: Desi Martinez of Martinez & Associates and Marc LaHood of LaHood Law, who stated on his website that he has “successfully fought and won 4 DWI blood draw trials.”

UTSA issued a statement on July 11 addressing Cephus’ suspension:

New platform gives students 24/7 virtual mental health care

By Jessica McLaren News Editor

UTSA launched a partnership with TimelyCare to provide virtual mental health and well-being services at no cost to students. The platform can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S. through the TimelyCare app or website using any webenabled device.

Through TimelyCare, students can access a variety of virtual care services from licensed professionals, including on-demand mental and emotional support, scheduled counseling sessions, health coaching and a plethora of digital health-based resources. Students will also have access to a moderated support community, where they can connect with their peers for further support.

The funding for TimelyCare was approved by the UT System Board of Regents in June as part of a $16.5 million investment to expand and enhance student mental health and safety resources at all UT academic and health institutions.

“The [UT] System and the regents have recognized that student mental health is a priority for our institution,”

UTSA Associate Dean for Student Affairs Melissa Hernandez said. “It is a concern amongst our student population, and we wanted to make sure that care was accessible to students and provide supplemental services in addition to services that are provided on the campuses.”

The partnership with TimelyCare is intended to supplement, not replace, the mental health services currently available on campus. The

services currently available for students include the Wellness360 clinic and UTSA’s 24/7 Crisis Helpline, which can be reached at (210) 458-4140, option three.

TimelyCare’s “TalkNow” service,

can receive an evaluation and medication management for more severe mental health concerns. The app also provides students with a prescription savings card that can be used in place of health insurance.

In addition to licensed care providers, students can access health coaching and digital self-care content on a wide variety of topics, including nutrition and healthy eating, exercise, sleep improvement, substance use, stress management and more. If a student needs further support, the app can connect them with low or reducedcost community resources in their area.

“Joshua Cephus was suspended from team activities in December 2022 and did not participate in the Cure Bowl. He was allowed to rejoin team activities in January after fulfilling the terms of his suspension. Any further actions will be determined by a student conduct committee.”

In case you missed it: Summer News Recap

By Jessica McLaren News Editor

Do not let the summer break kill your flow. Between construction updates and new dining options, a lot has changed since The Paisano’s last print. Stay informed with our over-the-summer news updates, in case you missed them.

Student housing

which provides on-demand mental and emotional support, can be used during a crisis or a minor circumstance. It is available at any time via phone, video chat or text messaging.

The scheduled counseling, on the other hand, can be used to schedule regular visits — up to nine per year — with a licensed counselor of your choice. The platform allows you to view the profiles of different counselors and select one based on their specialty and expertise, availability and identity markers such as gender, language or ethnicity.

Furthermore, TimelyCare offers psychiatric services which can be accessed through the app once students have received a referral from a TimelyCare counselor or Wellness360. Through these psychiatric services, students

Hernandez urges students to download the TimelyCare app, even if they do not need to access the services immediately.

UTSA has announced plans for its seventh oncampus residence hall, Blanco Hall, which will house up to 594 freshman and sophomores in both single and double-bed units. The new community will function as a livinglearning community, with educational resources and shared learning spaces such as a 2,000 square foot teaching kitchen and a 1,000 square foot nutrition research and learning

center. Upon completion of the project, UTSA will have reached 95% of its goal to have 5,400 beds on the Main Campus by 2025. Construction is expected to begin this fall near Chisholm Hall on Resident Lot 3 and continue until June 2025. To reduce parking disruptions, over 200 parking spaces will be reallocated to the north end of the Barshop Lot.

On-campus dining

In the meantime, Roadrunners have several new options for dining on the Main Campus this fall.

Prime Grill, now located in the Student Union Food Court, serves smash burgers, chicken tender baskets, grilled cheese, french fries and more.

See ICYMI on pg. 2

To get connected with a virtual licensed mental health professional, visit www.timelycare.com/utsa or download the TimelyCare app.

“I would love to see every student have the app on their phone, so that when the need arises, it is easily accessible. Or if they encounter a friend who has the need, they can get them connected right away.”

By Jessica McLaren News Editor

Dustin Vickers//The Paisano

Stephen Saenz/The Paisano

Cephus’ pre-trial confrence is scheduled for Sept. 12.

Federal loan repayment plan could save students billions

By Andrew Dotson Contributor

After a highly publicized Supreme Court ruling struck down the original student loan forgiveness program instituted by the Biden Administration, a new income repayment system is set to replace the current forms of income-driven repayment plans (IDR’s) for federal loan holders. The new plan could potentially save borrowers thousands in payments. According to the White House announcement for the program, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan is a new form of IDR that “calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size — not their loan balance — and forgives remaining balances after a certain number of years.”

To qualify for the program, borrowers must make less than $32,800 in individual income as

of August 2023. The income limits are dependent on your status and your household or family size.

If you recently applied or are already on the existing Revised Pay As You Earn plan, then you will be automatically enrolled in the new SAVE plan. Most federal loan borrowers qualify for this new program. Borrowers now have the option to avoid loan payments and receive forgiveness, in some cases, ahead of schedule. Furthermore, the government has introduced a new policy under the SAVE plan where borrowers are not charged monthly interest on outstanding balances, resulting in significant cost savings for borrowers.

The Department of Education has estimated that the new SAVE plan will see Hispanic borrowers have their total lifetime payments per dollar borrowed cut in half, while typical four-year college graduates are estimated to save over $2,000 a year.

Continued ICYMI

Prime Grill is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. Students can order and enjoy a quick snack in between classes using Prime Grill’s selfordering kiosks or by placing an order online through the Grubhub mobile app.

The Business Building RowdyMart now includes a Pizza Hut in addition to its usual grabn-go selections and flavored soda machines. Students can order hand crafted personal pan pizzas, wings, pasta or even desserts from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Students will also be able to experience an array of food truck favorites from the newest truck to join the Sombrilla Plaza, the Mr. Maximum Food Truck. The truck is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, serving quesadillas, burritos, tacos and more.

including updated machinery and expanded prep space, while the Roadrunner Café patio has been revamped to include custom patio covers with fans and a variety of new seating options. According to UTSA Today, UTSA Dining will utilize the renovated patio to hold special events, starting with the Roadrunner Days Welcome Back Bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 1.

Research and funding

Earlier this month, UTSA met the State of Texas’ eligibility criteria to participate in the National Research University Fund (NRUF), which provides funding to emerging research universities in Texas to achieve national prominence. This achievement further confirms UTSA’s ability to confront local, state and national challenges head-on.

Jessica McLaren/The Paisano

When applying for financial aid, don’t forget about UTSA’s One Stop Enrollment Center. One Stop can help you with applying for aid, understanding the types of aid available and receiving your offered funds. Not sure when your aid will be applied to your bill or what options you have? One Stop has got your back. Students can visit studentaid.gov/save for more information or to apply for the plan.

Six new academic programs added to course catalog

By Jessica McLaren News Editor

UTSA has launched six new degree programs this fall semester, including three bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree and two Ph.D. programs. Students also have the option to obtain a graduate certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy.

The College for Health, Community and Policy is offering three new degrees — a B.S. in Nutrition and Health, a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) and a master’s program.

The bachelor’s program in nutrition and health trains students to address a variety of nutrition and sustainability issues, including food security, nutrition and the basics of cooking and food safety. Students of this program can specialize in either Maternal Child Health and Nutrition or Sustainable Nutrition and Food Systems.

The B.S.W. provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively address challenges at the individual, family, community and policy levels. The program, which prepares students for UTSA’s master’s program, aims at developing professionals who respect different cultures and styles of communication while promoting equity, social justice and well-being.

The interdisciplinary M.S. in Health, Community and Policy prepares students for jobs in the healthcare industry in local, state and federal health agencies and community-based organizations.

Offered by the UTSA Department of Public Health, the graduate degree is ideal for students who want to serve the community through programs that emphasize health at the individual level, by promoting nutrition and physical activity, and at the community and population level, with advocacy for policies that address healthcare access and health equity.

Students also have the opportunity to pursue

a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Human Resource Management. Offered by the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, the B.B.A. provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage human capital within organizations.

According to UTSA Today, students in the program will acquire the skills necessary to recruit, develop and retain employees effectively and to contribute to the overall success of an organization’s workforce. Topics covered in the program include performance management, employee and labor relations, staffing organizations, compensating employees and employee training and development.

Two doctoral programs have also been added to the course catalog for this fall. The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, offered by the Klesse College of Engineering and Design, trains graduates to solve current engineering grand challenges and become leaders in their field.

On the other hand, the Ph.D. in Developmental and Regenerative Services (DRS), offered by the College of Sciences, covers topics such as regenerative medicine, brain health, stem cells and biotechnology.

These six programs are joining three others that launched during the Spring 2023 semester — multidisciplinary degrees in Spanish and Community Health (B.A.) and in Healthcare Management (B.S.), as well as an M.S. in Engineering Education offered by Klesse College. The option to receive a graduate certificate in Medical Device Commercialization was also added last semester.

For more information regarding these programs or to begin an application, visit the UTSA Admissions website.

To complement the new dining options on campus, a couple existing spots have been refreshed for the fall semester. The Starbucks in the John Peace Library underwent a full renovation,

However, due to the outcomes of the 88th Texas Legislative Session, the NRUF will be eliminated in the fiscal year 2024 to create the Texas University Fund (TUF), which UTSA is not currently eligible to participate in. Nevertheless, UTSA is set to receive $5 million from the fiscal 2023 NRUF fund.

State of the City

Week of 8/29/23

By Riley Carroll Arts & Life Editor

Not subscribed to local news, but still want to stay upto-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from the super blue moon to an arrest made in an officer shooting.

Rain, rain, don’t go away

Due to Tropical Storm Harold, San Antonio received a little over three-quarters of an inch of rainfall last Tuesday. Reaching a high of 91 degrees compared to the prior triple-digit temperatures had San Antonians dancing in the rain – literally. On Wednesday, KSAT shared footage of Reporter John Paul Barajas dancing in the rain to “Come Clean” by Hillary Duff alongside images of children playing in the soaked street sourced from the KSAT Connection portal.

‘Way to go, WaterSaver!’

In efforts to conserve water, San Antonio Water System customers are now receiving monthly emails ranking their gallon-per-day water consumption against other homes of similar occupancy in the same area. The report scores each household’s usage and the amount of water that is most efficient for them alongside a comparison with how much the average household uses. Customers are ranked based on the score to see how their water usage compares to other customers.

Once in a blue moon

For the second time this month, there will be a full moon, but this time, it’s a super blue moon. Just past midnight, at 12:56 a.m. on August 30, the moon will be the closest it has been to Earth all year, making it appear much larger and brighter than normal. According to KSAT, this rare occasion will not happen again until November 2025.

Euthanasia backlash warranted change

Last Monday, San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS) was met with criticism as they announced that the organization will no longer spare animals under sedation due to overcapacity. In response to the decision’s backlash, ACS revoked its previous statement and urged San Antonians to adopt, noting that they take in over 25,000 animals annually and depend on community support.

ERCOT energy conservation

ERCOT put an end to its days-long conservation request as of Aug. 26, but reinstated their previous 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. request on Aug. 27. A weather watch remains in effect as they combat high demand and temperatures paired with lower resources.

Arrest made in SAPD officer shooting

Last Thursday, two SAPD officers were shot while apprehending a 28-year-old man. After being barricaded for three hours in a west-side apartment, Jesse Garcia was taken into custody on Thursday evening. Garcia was wanted on multiple felony warrants.

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

Editorial

2x legal limit, 1 rolled car, 0 consequences

Star UTSA wide receiver charged with DWI, still allowed to play

In December of 2022, UTSA wide receiver Joshua Cephus was involved in a car wreck that ultimately led to his facing an elevated DWI charge. Cephus — a senior and core member of the UTSA offense — was arrested for rolling his car at the intersection of UTSA Boulevard and Babcock Road while having a blood alcohol concentration “of more than twice the legal limit,” as reported by The Paisano.

Cephus was immediately suspended from play — missing the Cure Bowl. However, at the time, coach Traylor declined to comment on the nature of his suspension. Cephus was charged nearly seven months after the wreck occurred, leading many to question why there was a delay in the proceedings.

UTSA athletes are held to very clear and high standards, both ethically and academically. According to the UTSA Student Athlete Handbook, “Studentathletes are expected to conduct themselves according

Commentary

By Andrew Dotson

Contributor

to the highest levels of ethical behavior, both on and off campus, and follow all applicable policies, rules, procedures and regulations to the extent applicable.”

Is the heatwave killing our ecosystem?

Recently, Texas has undergone an unprecedented heatwave that has slashed records and established a firm drought over densely populated parts of the state. The number of heat-related deaths has been increasing at a faster rate than ever.

Most recently, Eugene Gates, a postal worker out of Dallas, collapsed and died from the heatwave. On the day of his death, the heat index rose to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Just a month prior, another postal carrier in Texas had collapsed and died due to the triple-digit temperatures, leading the USPS to allow mail carriers to begin their work day earlier than usual. It is clear how the heatwave affects us as a civilization, but how is it affecting our ecosystem?

Looking at studies of heat wave effects globally, there is a correlation between the increase in global temperatures and the increase in heat-related deaths.

An example of this would be the Mojave Desert, one of the hottest places in the world. A study published by Yale University in 2020 showed that the Mojave Desert increased in temperature by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. It was determined that “nearly a third of the 135 bird species present a century ago are far less common today and not nearly as widespread.

The ‘heat stress associated with climate change’ is the culprit, the study concluded, because desert

Commentary

By Abraham Ramon Contributor

As a part of Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, a program implemented to deter immigration, buoys have been placed on the Rio Grande to the dismay of many, including the Department of Justice (DOJ). Since their installation in July, the buoys have brought nothing but trouble to Texas’ political climate.

Shortly after the buoys were implemented, the DOJ sued the State of Texas over their legality citing them as a violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act due to their obstruction of navigable waters. The case is ongoing,

birds need more water to keep cool, but it is not available.”

Fire risks are another major problem with this heatwave. Data reported by the Texas A&M Forest Service shows that as of Aug.

16, 77% of Texas counties are under a burn ban of some kind. In addition, water conservation rules are being instated at a rapid pace throughout the state, with a few of them mandating such rules be followed. This year already, over

2,800 acres of land have burned due to wildfires in Central Texas, only heightening the need to limit our effects on the climate.

It is found that this heatwave is more dangerous than usual, even for Texas. Forecasters have warned that overnight temperatures have consistently not cooled, “offering little reprieve from the oppressive heat.” The heatwave has led to at least 13 deaths in Texas alone.

As of July, 15-20% of emergency department patients in Hidalgo

County have had heat-related health complications. This heat wave could even end up harming Texas cattle, as it was found in a study by the University of Kentucky that “extended heat wave[s] will put stress on Kentucky livestock producers and corn growers,” which one can reasonably determine to be true irrespective of the area. Our ecosystem consists of many things: land, air, sea and animals. We are already seeing the effects of climate change here in the present, but what does this all spell out for the future of our Lone Star State? Will Texas re-enter a years-long drought? Will the elderly have to migrate to northern states? Climate change is such a major facet of our lives that it cannot be ignored. Talk to your congressmen, talk to your state representatives and help everybody live a better life on an ever-aging planet.

Despite these clearly outlined standards of ethical conduct, coach Traylor has since expressed support for the athlete and offers his “110 percent full support.” Cephus was allowed to resume his position during the 2023 spring training session and now dons the No. 2 jersey — one of the highest honors of the UTSA football program. As an emerging football powerhouse, UTSA is in a unique period in the history of the program where it gets to decide how it wants to be defined. Athletes, regardless of position or circumstance, should be held to the highest standards because of the nature in which they represent their universities.

While his openness and honesty about the situation is admirable, the fact of the matter is Cephus is being charged with a very serious offense. Until a verdict is reached in his case, Cephus should not be allowed to play for UTSA.

Paradise lost due to inaction

Commentary

By Naydine De La Fuente Staff Writer

On Aug. 8, 2023, tragedy struck Maui, Hawaii, as one of the most devastating wildfires in the country ignited across the archipelago. This catastrophic event forced thousands to evacuate, caused multiple casualties and destroyed various communities. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and the affected people of Maui grapple with the devastating losses as Green describes this unfortunate incident as the “largest natural disaster in Hawaii’s state history.”

One of the many affected areas within the island is none other than the historic town of Lahaina. According to CBS, Lahaina has had more than 2,700 structures destroyed by the engulfing flames, leaving a majority of the town burnt to ashes. What was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina is home to many historic buildings and monuments, such as the Lahaina Courthouse and the 60-foot banyan tree that has been standing for approximately 150 years. Both have been severely damaged due to the ongoing fire alongside other important buildings and structures. Residents

The bloody border buoy battle

with the final statements having been submitted last Friday and the judge’s verdict currently on the way.

Eagle Pass residents have also been spotted protesting the buoys and other barbaric measures Abbott is taking against immigrants, including the use of concertina wires and shipping container barricades.

According to the Texas Tribune, “Eagle Pass residents and city leaders have become uncomfortable with the state’s tactics or have dropped their support of Abbott’s efforts, saying there must be a better way.” In addition to Eagle Pass residents, Mexico is another

party that has been vocally against the buoys, stating in a letter to the U.S. that they found the buoys to violate the Mexican Water Treaty of 1944.

Worst of all, the buoys and other obstructions have proven to be lethal. Bodies have already been found near the buoys and several people have been hospitalized from gashes caused by the razor wire. The Wall Street Journal reported that the 2022 fiscal year was the deadliest for immigrants, stating that over 890 bodies were recovered by U.S. authorities.

This reality brings up two key conversations, one about the inhumane view that the

U.S. holds toward immigrants, and another about how the next gubernatorial race will go. With Gov. Abbott only growing increasingly more

of Lahaina have suffered immensely as their homes and possessions have been lost within the flames.

Reports state that approximately 115 casualties have been confirmed, while Gov. Green says that 8001,200 people have been unaccounted for. During these challenging times, search crews continue to look for the unaccounted residents as officials begin to discuss relief and recovery plans.

Investigations are still underway to determine the leading cause of the wildfire. However, many have speculated that a mixture of the dry August weather, dangerously high winds from Hurricane Dora and faulty electrical work were the leading causes of this devastating disaster. In recent news, reports have shown that 90% of the Lahaina fire has been contained, and the people of Maui can soon start working towards rebuilding their beautiful homes. If you would like to contribute and help those affected by the fires, please visit redcross. org or hawaiicommunity foundation.org.

hostile regarding border policy, the outcome of the legal battle between him and the DOJ will set a precedent for how he will

handle policy in the future. If Abbott is continually allowed free reign of the border, his barbarity will only grow, and so too will the record of immigrant deaths. On the other hand, if Abbott continues to act against the wishes of his constituents, it opens the possibility of a potential loss in a future gubernatorial race. While Abbott has had a stalwart hold on the office for three terms, his win percentages have been steadily declining since his first win in 2014. These haphazard actions paired with others found unpopular with constituents hold the capability to finally run him out of office.

“If Abbott is continually allowed free reign of the border, his barbarity will only grow, and so too will the record of migrant deaths.”

Calli Recore/The Paisano

Allana Llabres/The Paisano

OPINION

The

Paisano

Editorial Board

Laynie Clark | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com

Chloe Williams | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com

Jessica McLaren | News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Jake Mireles | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com

Riley Carroll | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com

Luke Lawhorn | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com

Commentary

By Marissa Silva Contributor

On Aug. 21, the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) voted to be exempt from House Bill 3 (HB 3) in the Texas Legislature, a safety bill that states all campuses should have at least one armed security guard. HB 3 was signed by Governor Abbott earlier this summer and went into effect on Sept. 1. This bill was created in response to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which took the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The school board voted unanimously for an exemption to HB 3. SAISD’s

Commentary

By Laynie Clark Editor-in-Chief

On Aug. 3, the Florida Education Department and College Board effectively banned Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology courses from its curriculum. This decision, while disheartening, was not surprising.

Since the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill that placed limitations on what can be taught regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, there have been speculations about what’s going to be targeted next. An NPR article

police chief, Johnny Reyes, formally requested the exemption.

“I’m very frustrated. I don’t understand how this is a tool for us as a government body … it really served no purpose for us,” Reyes said. Reyes included that the district’s police department is understaffed. As of now, 23 campuses have armed personnel.

There are currently 58 officers staffed, with 10 open positions. Even if all positions were filled, there still would not be enough officers to staff over 90 SAISD campuses because, according to the bill, some schools require more

than one officer.

HB 3 states that any school district to claim an exemption must develop an alternative performance standard that the district will be able to abide by. An exemption would only last two years until the next legislative session; this is only a temporary way around the law. SAISD should not be held responsible for not being able to have officers covered and spread across 90 campuses. Over-policing schools can also come into the discussion of having officers plastered everywhere. However, SAISD should re-evaluate resources and funding to have

Florida falls to fanaticism

states that “Studies have shown that LGBTQ youth already face higher health and suicide risks than their cisgender or straight peers. When those kids are given access to spaces that affirm their gender identity, they report lower rates of suicide attempts.”

Now, with yet another attack on the state’s education, people are starting to get vocal. The College Board released a statement detailing their feelings regarding the AP Psych development. “We have heard from teachers across Florida who are heartbroken that they are being forced to

drop AP and instead teach alternatives that have been deemed legal because the courses exclude these topics,” the statement said. It continued by saying the state’s late ban on this course sets kids back and derails their college readiness.

As the start of the school year rapidly approached, the College Board announced their decision to not remove any content from the AP Psych course and, instead, told the state’s school districts to not teach the course until Florida reversed the ban. This led to accusations spewing from Florida Education, saying that

better security across the district. What other resources or training can be brought in to better prepare the police staff that is currently there? Although there are understaffing issues and overpolicing schools may not be the solution, better training for the department overall would be a start to moving in a better direction.

Malaki Lingg | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com

Dustin Vickers | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com Kara

Marcela

the College Board is “hurting Florida students.”

Florida Education mentions that the course is still available to students, but teachers will not dare teach something that has so much political heat around it. Not to mention teaching a course that has over half of its content removed would be useless.

Until Florida’s Department of Education gets their heads on straight and removes the ban, there is no reason to even offer the course.

AP Psych is one of the most popular AP courses that the College Board offers, according to their previous statement. In every state, this ban is going to affect students a lot more than officials realize. Students have a right to learn the curriculum in its entirety, and Florida Education is doing its students a disservice by removing it. If the state continues to target minority groups like people of color and the LGBTQ community, they are going to see a major rise in mental health problems.

What does this mean for Texas? It means we need to be alert and ready; if Florida Education officials were able to put this into action, there is a good chance that Texas officials will follow, seeing how they bode similarly in this political climate. Limiting what is taught at schools does not mean that children will just be ignorant, they will know that they are being deceived and lied to. Education departments are supposed to have the students’ best interests at heart, but it feels like no one is even considering them.

The Editorial is the official opinion of The Paisano editorial board. Commentaries are the opinion of the individual writer.

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“SAISD should re-evaluate resources and funding to have a better security across the district”

Kara Lee/The Paisano

Caroline Puckett/The Paisano

SAISD needs less guns, more training

arts & life

Centro de Artes exhibit brings South American culture to San Antonio

10 solo dates to take yourself on this Wellness Month

Spare Change

By Chloe Williams Managing Editor

Each August, National Wellness Month is celebrated and acts of self-care are encouraged. When focusing on self-care and overall wellness, it is important to prioritize alone time. Keep reading as we highlight 10 inexpensive solo date ideas to take yourself on this Wellness Month and each month after.

1. Explore a local museum

San Antonio has tons of local museums ready to be explored. At the San Antonio Museum of Art, admission is free for Bexar County residents from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays. The Witte Museum is free from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Other galleries, including Artpace and the Contemporary at Blue Star, are free every day.

2. Try a new fitness class

Campus Recreation is a good option for free fitness classes, but other places also offer your first class for free. Some nearby businesses that offer free classes include Orangetheory, Pure Barre and the City of San Antonio sponsored Fitness in the Park.

3. Go on a picnic

San Antonio is home to over 240 parks, and with this many options, there is no shortage of places to spend your afternoon. Bring a book, your homework or just your thoughts, and spend the day alone enjoying nature. Recommendations include Brackenridge, Pearsall and Denman Estates.

4. Paint a canvas

Painting can definitely be therapeutic and help release stress or energy. For less than $10, you can pick up some paint supplies and a canvas from Walmart. Just look for inspiration on Pinterest and get painting.

5. Try a new coffee shop

Trying a new coffee shop is a personal favorite way to spend time alone. Current recommendations include Archies Coffee Lounge, Vice Versa Coffee and Music and Commonwealth Coffee. If coffee is not your thing, boba or a new restaurant work

perfectly too.

6. Go on a walk or run

With the number of parks and outdoor opportunities in San Antonio and the weather hopefully cooling down soon, it is the perfect time to go on a walk or run. Remember to practice safety precautions and be careful on secluded trails or walks.

7. Go see a movie

The movie industry is back and better than ever after the pandemic. Head to the nearest theater and watch a movie you have been interested in. Be sure to check different dates and times to ensure the cheapest price. Current movies out include “Talk to Me,” “Gran Turismo,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

8. Go for a drive

A long drive with the windows down and music blaring does wonders for your well-being. The best route for a long drive is definitely Babcock to Scenic Loop Rd. The winding road and beautiful scenery are perfect for spending time alone.

9. Try a new hobby

Trying a new hobby can teach you more about yourself and interests you did not know you had. Hobbies to try could include knitting, sewing, painting, pottery, journaling or scrapbooking.

10. Attend a local market San Antonio is not short on farmers, art or local markets. Notable markets include The Pearl Farmers Market, Beauty Haus Night Market and Blue Star’s various artisan markets and nights.

Whatever you end up doing, stay safe and remember the importance of prioritizing alone time. Have a happy National Wellness Month.

By Kaitlyn Grace Staff Writer

Centro de Artes’ newest exhibit, titled “From SA to SA: From South America to San Antonio,” takes visitors on a tour of South American history, culture and heritage to shed light on women’s rights, immigration, the impact of COVID-19 and more through photography.

Guillermina Zabala, curator of the exhibit and professor of practice of film and media studies at UTSA, hopes those who visit the exhibit will leave with a new sense of understanding and perspective regarding the history and culture of South America. Zabala gave a peek behind the scenes of the exhibit.

The exhibit includes works from 20 photographers, all finally on display after being halted when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Each photograph tells a story of South American heritage and tradition, from the fight for women’s rights throughout history to the impact COVID-19 had on the people of South America.

“This is documentary work,” Zabala said, referring to the exhibit. “But [it] also has a specific sensitivity to it.”

The gallery features various types of photographs, including depictions of protests, art, people and religious images. While some of the photographs are shown in color, others are presented in black and white. Each image shows the photographers’ dedication to their work and their desire to share life experiences. The photographs work together to bring pieces of South America to San Antonio and provide the opportunity for visitors to catch a glimpse of a culture they might not have explored before. Zabala hopes others will feel a sense of connection to the exhibit, just as she does.

When asked what visitors should take away from the exhibit, Zabala said, “I would like for people to be immersed in the photographs, because they’re very powerful, because you will learn a lot about people’s stories. You’ll learn about a lot of different places, very far away from San Antonio and most importantly, you’re aware of all the multiple issues happening in other places in the world.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public through Dec. 30 at Centro de Artes, with artist talks set to take place on Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, see Centro de Artes’ exhibit page.

In a club called Kooky

A creative writing piece

By Nicholas Kingman Staff Writer

We were somewhere outside of Gallup about 12 miles from the Arizona state line crossing into the Painted Desert. The blistering summer sun dried our faces into leather masks and by the end of the day I wasn’t sure I wanted to look in the mirror.

I prayed for a big monsoon to appear out of nowhere to give my partner and I some much needed refreshments. “It’s monsoon season in these parts,” I thought to myself, but our luck was being saved for our end destination down the highway.

Hell, where my partner and I were going, we were going to need all the luck we could get. I was going to make sure we didn’t waste any ounce of luck. Between the two of us, it’s our only ticket to the good country. The attitude in the car was getting sour, the wind burned our eyes and the heat from the desert was starting to get to us. I turned over to look at my partner in the passenger seat. His squinted eyes were glued to the brown dusted asphalt and his hair was blowing in all directions. Our shirt collars were drenched with sweat, but with the convertible top down, the wind and our sweat gave us some natural air conditioning.

I needed to pull off the highway to find myself one of the many options of high fructose corn syrup drinks to keep me going for another 300 miles or so; at least to keep me from losing it. We still had another 250 miles until our next stop. We crossed into the Arizona border around three in the afternoon. Crossing into the Grand Canyon State sitting west bound, there’s a massive building carved into the side of a mountain with huge advertisements of “Native American Artifacts,” “Native souvenirs” and “clean toilets” in red letters on a yellow billboard. “Perfect,” I thought to myself. “This place should have what I’m looking for.”

It wouldn’t be a proper American rest stop if it didn’t have the classic artificial space food packed with the best preservatives that this grand nation has to offer. We’d been driving close to three hours at the time and we deserved a much needed stretch.

“I would like for people to be immersed in the exhibit, because they’re very powerful, because, you will learn a lot about people’s stories.”

Arte de San Antonio

Hernandez/The Paisano

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

Guillermina Zabala at Centro de Artes’ newest exhibit.

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

A piece featured in the exhibit.

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

Chloe Williams/The Paisano

Arts & Life

Romeo & Juliet

Paisano pups

By Amber Serio Staff Writer

Every August designates the start of National Dog Month, where dog owners everywhere are given the opportunity to celebrate their pets and their companionship. To dog owners, their dogs are so much more than pets. Dogs can serve a deeper purpose in their owner’s lives, whether it is being a service dog, providing emotional support for an owner with anxiety or just keeping their owner company. Happy National Dog Month from The Paisano.

Augie

Augie, a pit bull, Rottweiler and Australian cattle dog mix, is one and a half years old. He was taken in by his owner, sophomore accounting major Lauren Mahnke, when he was

Celebrate National Dog Month with readers’

brought into the vet hospital where she previously worked.

Augie was brought in because his mother was hit by a car, leaving him and the rest of his litter to fend for themselves.

At six weeks old, Mahnke took Augie home because she did not want him to sleep alone at the vet hospital. “He was the smallest one and I took him home for a night so he didn’t have to stay alone in the kennels, but in the morning, I just couldn’t give him back,” said Mahnke. As a result, she has had Augie ever since.

Mahnke describes Augie as a goofy dog who is extremely curious about the world around him. She loves Augie’s fun and goofy personality, but also his ability to cuddle after a long day of fun.

Augie loves people, going on walks, playing fetch and

Skye Coco

watching TV. His favorite things to watch are infant sensory videos and bird feed cams. Additionally, she loves the coloring around his eyes, saying she calls it his “eyeliner.”

If Mahnke could pick one famous person to be the voice of Augie, it would be Zach Galifianakis because she feels Augie resembles the actor and how he sounds.

Bella Bella is a four-year-old chihuahua and Yorkie mix. She was adopted as a puppy by her owner, sophomore biology major Chris Olvera, three years ago when his father’s friend’s dog delivered a litter of puppies.

Olvera describes Bella as being a very playful dog that loves people, attention and belly rubs. She also loves to play fetch with a variety of different toys,

Bella Juan Augie Oscar

her favorite being water bottles. Olvera loves Bella’s friendliness, especially with his friends and family. He stated, “She always shows curiosity in my friends that she meets and easily warms up to them after some play time.”

If Olvera could pick one famous person to be the voice of Bella, it would be Elizabeth Olsen because he thinks they both encompass the same playful energy.

Skye Coco Skye Coco is a seven-monthold Shih Tzu who was given to her owner, Ortiz, as a gift from her grandpa before his passing.

Junior criminal justice major Angela Ortiz described Skye Coco’s personality as energetic and sassy. Skye Coco’s favorite activities include sleeping, eating and going for walks around campus. Ortiz added,

furry friends

“The things I love the most about my dog are that she’s very funloving, but also very active and is always ready to watch Netflix.”

If Ortiz could pick one famous person to be the voice of Skye Coco it would be Margot Robbie because she has similar qualities to the actress such as being very girly, sassy and independent.

Gibby

Jake Kobe

Gibby is a four-year-old pug who has been with his owner, sophomore kinesiology major Mia Gonzales, since the day he was born. Gonzales says that Gibby tends to be shy at first but he is affectionate and bubbly once he gets to know someone. His favorite activity is going to the events on campus and meeting new people.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

Lana Gibby

Top-5 returning players this football season

By Logan Martinez Staff Writer

With the 2023 UTSA football season set to kick off next Saturday against the Houston Cougars, the Roadrunners find themselves favored to finish second in the AAC conference. Although it is not the number one spot, it is still a respectable ranking for this year’s football team. The ‘Runners have been picked to finish second in large part due to the stellar talent that is returning for another year. While a plethora of players find themselves returning, there are a select few that fans should definitely watch out for. Whether it be having a breakout year or leading the team to new heights, these five players are certainly some of the most valuable returners to watch out for this 2023 season.

De’Corian Clark

Returning for his final year, wide receiver De’Corian Clark is projected to have an alltime season at UTSA. Named to the Comeback Player of the Year watchlist, Clark posted a formidable stat line last season before missing the last four games with an ACL injury. Despite missing time, the stud receiver still managed to make second-team all-conference while hauling in 51 passes for 741 yards and eight touchdowns. Clark even managed to break the university’s single-game receiving record with 217 yards along with three touchdowns, which tied his own personal record in a game against Texas Southern. Though there are some doubts about Clark’s productivity coming off of an injury, he is still a formidable threat to look out for during the 2023 football season.

Joshua Cephus

Lining up directly opposite Clark is fifthyear receiver Joshua Cephus. The consensus number one option for the UTSA offense, Cephus is a 6-foot-3 inside receiver equipped with incredible speed and impeccable hands. Although only posting six touchdowns in 13 games last year, Cephus still managed to rack up 985 yards on 87 receptions. Assuming former UTSA receiver Zakhari Franklin does not return, Cephus has been touted by many as the new best receiver in the AAC conference. Placed on the Paul Hornung Award watch list for the upcoming year, Cephus is certainly one of UTSA’s biggest names to watch out for this football season.

Brandon Brown

Coming off of a first-team all-conference USA selection, Brandon Brown is set to be an intimidating force on the defensive line. Starting all 14 games last year, Brown recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. His elite defensive presence in key moments is what

By Alec Marquez Contributor

makes him such a dominant player and valuable asset to the 2023 Roadrunners. His presence, along with the others on this list, is one of the reasons why UTSA is favored to finish high in their conference. With Brown being healthier than ever and determined to make an impact, he finds himself as one of the key returning players to look out for.

Trey Moore

There are very few defensive talents that are as skilled and elite as returning redshirt sophomore Trey Moore. Standing at 6-foot-3, the dominant outside linebacker is truly a force to be reckoned with. Coming off of a stellar Freshman All-American campaign, Moore will only improve as he heads into his sophomore season. Despite being a freshman last year, Moore still found himself with 59 total tackles, two forced fumbles as well as eight sacks. Using this past offseason to better his mentality, skill and ability, Moore is certainly on pace to have a record-breaking 2023-2024 football season.

Placed on the preseason watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Moore certainly possesses the capability to be the best defensive player and leader for this year’s Roadrunners.

Frank Harris

Of course, a top-five returning players list would not be complete without superstar quarterback Frank Harris. Placed on multiple award watchlists for the upcoming season, Harris is simply a game-changer for the Roadrunners. Despite not being the tallest quarterback in the conference, Harris certainly makes the case for being the best. Coming off of a season throwing for 4,063 yards and 32 passing touchdowns, the return of Harris will do wonders for the UTSA offense.

By returning for another season, the quarterback-receiver chemistry will be at an all-time high for all 12 games this year. While the past couple of years have been nothing but great for UTSA, the return of Harris will take the roster to never-before-seen heights. His presence as both a player and leader certainly makes him the number-one player returning for the 2023 football season.

Roadrunners go 3-0 in UTSA Invitational

SAN ANTONIO - The UTSA Volleyball program caps off its double-header with a 3-0 win (25-21, 25-12, 25-19) over Missouri State in Friday night’s Orange Out Contest in the Convocation Center.

UTSA took time to honor former All-American and Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year Mckenzie Adams, who was named to the institution’s inaugural Hall of Fame class prior to Friday’s game.

The Roadrunners looked dominant throughout all three matches and continued to show improvement from last year’s squad. Sophomore transfer Mia Soerensen led UTSA with 11 kills and junior Faye Wilbricht followed with eight.

Soerensen’s expectations for the home-opener were all about being consistent, as well as applying pressure as a team for their opponents.

The first set was the closest of the three, with UTSA edging out the Bears 25-21. After trailing 6-4, the Roadrunners new transfers showed great poise and teammate chemistry as they regained the lead at 8-6 and held on to win the set by four points.

The Roadrunners continued to display excellence by taking a commanding win in the second set. Willbricht took over and accomplished eight kills, four digs and two aces in the set, bringing UTSA to an early 14-4 lead. The ‘Runners pushed the momentum all the way to the end, winning 25-12 and a 2-0 match lead.

UTSA closed out Missouri State in the third set,

25-19, to clinch its second sweep of the day. Soerensen, Wilbricht and freshman Makenna Wiepert displayed great chemistry as they built up an 18-5 lead.

The Bears cut the deficit to just five points late in the set, though it was not enough as UTSA showed its star power Wiepert setting an assist to Willbricht to end the game and complete the sweep.

“It is the best feeling to play with this team and we have a great culture,” Soerensen said.

Friday’s game showed that UTSA volleyball is planning on exceeding expectations for this year, after a below average 2022 campaign where the ‘Runners finished 8-18.

Head coach Carol Price-Torok, who led her team to a 3-0 start on the season after Saturday’s win over Texas A&M Commerce, is liking what she sees from her new team.

“It’s nice to always have success early,” PriceTorok said. “The work in practice is starting to show, which is a key to all our young players and transfers.”

After going undefeated in the UTSA Invitational, the ‘Runners will try to match their success in the team’s second hosted tournament, The Roadrunner Classic. UTSA’s first match will be against Lamar at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, at the Convocation Center.

Stephen Saenz/The Paisano

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

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