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Volume 88 Issue 11 • Feb. 7, 2014
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
PENNY WISE Save before spending Before concentrating on saving money with a certificate of deposit, bonds or a trust, college students must know how much money they have spent from checking accounts. “A lot of members don’t look at pending transactions,” said Aaron Martinez, customer service representative for River City Federal Credit Union. He said it’s important to check your ledger, which keeps a permanent summary of all amounts taken and deposited into the account. They can be found on the bottom of a bank statement for those with a debit or credit card or by looking up an online bank statement. “It’s about making sure they keep track of their transactions,” he said. “Some people think a credit card is more like a debit card.” There are multiple ways to save money and keep track of spending. A certificate of deposit is an account in which you deposit a certain amount of money and don’t touch it for a specified period of time. At River City Federal Credit Union, a one-year term with a balance of $1,000-$99,999.99 earns 0.45 percent per year and a balance with $100,000 or above earns 0.50 percent. The longer the term is, the more interest is earned. Funds in CDs receive more interest than in a savings account because the bank can use that principle until the due date. There is a penalty for taking out the money before the specified time frame. Banks commonly offer CDs of one, two and three years. CD rates have been historically low for the past few years, but they offer more interest than a savings account. For example, a River City Federal Credit Union CD of $2,000 with a 0.75 percent interest rate and a term of 24 months will earn $30.22 interest. Although it may not seem like much, the CD earns more than a regular 0.15 percent per month interest on savings. Full-time students enrolled in a community college can open a twoyear CD before they start classes, and the bond will mature about the time they graduate. The money can either be kept in the same account for another term or it can be moved to a different CD. Bonds are another option. Up to $250,000 is insured in a CD, but bonds are uninsured and yield a higher interest rate because of that. The River City Federal Credit Union is at 610 Augusta St. Call 210225-6866.
Katherine Garcia
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Outstanding Former Student, icon of community to be celebrated Friday By Neven Jones and Kathya Anguiano
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District leaves transfer center understaffed By Marina Garcia
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Community leader and social activist William “Bill” Rashall Sinkin died Monday at the age of 100. He attended this college in 1930-32, when it was less than a decade old and called San Antonio Junior College at the German-English School campus on south Alamo Street. Sinkin was proud of being a former student of this college and became a very supportive friend, not only to the staff but to the college as well, President Robert Zeigler said Tuesday. “I would just like to say that I and everyone at SAC appreciate his contributions to the campus and how he cared enough to support us with his presence and showed value to the college,” Zeigler said. For 1993-94, the banker was named Outstanding Former Student and as part of the college’s 75th anniversary celebration, he was honored by the Alumni Association as one of 75 Outstanding Alumni. Sinkin was president of many student organizations and a charter member and president of Phi Theta Kappa-Beta Nu Chapter, a two-year international honor society. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1934 from University of Texas in Austin. Despite resistance from his white customers, Sinkin employed African-Americans at Texas Bank on W.W. White Road on the city’s far
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William “Bill” Rashall Sinkin enjoying the Lory Landing exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo in spring 2012. Sinkin also enjoyed his time as a student at this college in 193032, participating in sports, student government and clubs. Courtesy Josh Huskins East Side and providing small loans that launched or encouraged growth in black-owned businesses. “Bill was a leader in the business world,” ex-Mayor Lila Cockrell said. Sinkin, along with this college’s
first Outstanding Former Student, Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez, was one of the founders and the first president of the city’s world fair, HemisFair ’68, developed on downtown land across
See SINKIN, Page 8
For lack of a clerk, calls to the transfer center are met with a voicemail message that the mailbox is full, Rosa Maria Gonzalez, transfer center coordinator and counselor, said. As a result, the phone is not always the best way to contact the transfer center, Gonzalez said. Cesar Kiguelman, a student at this college, was a part-time clerk for about six months but resigned for personal reasons. The clerk is responsible for answering phone calls and keeping track of voicemail. The last time the transfer center had a full-time clerk was more than a year ago. Requests to fill the position have been turned down because of budget constraints. The department has only been authorized to hire a part-time clerk, but Gonzalez anticipates a long wait. The college website provides information about counseling and advising and scheduling an appointment. The transfer center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Tuesdays until 7 p.m. Every first Saturday of the month the center is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Gonzalez at 210-486-0342 or the main transfer number, 210486-0868. Those numbers should be answered.
Faculty question ‘7 Habits’ addition to core See an earlier story at theranger.org.
about the district’s decision not to include faculty in the decision-making and what will happen next. By Bleah B. Patterson “Faculty from across the independently accredbpatterson13@student.alamo.edu ited colleges worked hard to develop a crossA course being added to the core has caused college curriculum review process,” he said. “We quite a stir among the Alamo Colleges. are disappointed to see this process completely EDUC 1300, Learning Framework, is scheduled ignored during the current attempt by district to be added to the core in fall 2014 if the Texas administration to revise the core.” Higher Education Board approves Dr. Thomas E. Billimek, psythe change. chology and sociology chair, said Town hall meeting Faculty have pushed back at on core curriculum he fears that this blatant breach the district’s implementation of the of procedure will endanger this change 4 p.m. course at the direction of Chancellor college’s upcoming reaffirmation Monday Bruce Leslie. of accreditation. in NAHC 218. The Northwest Vista College EDUC 1300, Learning Faculty Senate sent a letter dated Framework, researches psychoJan. 29 to the THECB petitioning the agency to reject logical learning theory and ways to improve motithe change. vation and cognition in students, according to the To make room for the course in the 42-hour eCatalog course description. core curriculum, the additional humanities The course will focus on “factors that impact requirement will be eliminated. learning, and application of learning strategies” “The current six-hour humanities requirement but is also planned as the venue for adding trainis one of the few areas of the core curriculum ing in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” where a diversity of choices still exists for stuThe district has so far spent $700,000 on traindents,” Craig Coroneos, NVC humanities profes- ing and materials. sor, said. “Whether it is a Mexican-American literFaculty and staff are being trained first in the ature course or a course in world civilizations, we self-help book published in 1989 that has become feel that preserving a strong humanities compo- a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 25 milnent in the core helps enable students to become lion copies sold. better critical thinkers, citizens of the world and to This program is intended to train participants lead more fulfilling lives,” he said. for seven weeks, however, it is now being taught to Coroneos said he feels slighted and is worrying faculty in a much shorter period.
In 1999, grade schools around the country began picking up Covey’s book to train their educators, beginning in North Carolina. Today Northside Independent School District uses Covey’s fundamental ideas to build these habits in their students. Coroneos worries that this could be another step in dumbing down the educational system in what he calls “synergy.” “When I heard of the proposal to replace three of the humanities core credits with a course emphasizing Covey’s ‘7 Habits,’ I instantly thought about how my grade school children might react should they ever attend one of the Alamo Colleges after having 13 years of Covey,” Coroneos said. “I’m not sure if the adopting of the values by both NISD and Alamo Colleges is a planned ‘synergy’ or the result of a lack of communication in the so-called ‘K-16’ pipeline.” Though the brainchild of NVC President Jacqueline Claunch, Coroneos said she never intended for the course to be forced on faculty and students this way. The integral purpose of EDUC 1300 was to give students the option to take a course that would enhance their leadership skills. The intent was never to require students to take the course, but to provide it apart from a degree plan. The office of the president of Northwest Vista College said Claunch, who tendered her resignation Jan. 29, is out of town until Saturday and unavailable for comment.
SAConnected
2 • Feb. 7, 2014
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Belly dancer Paloma Sifuentes teaches students to dance Wednesday in the Fiesta Room in Loftin. The lessons were sponsored by student life and funded by the student activity fee. Riley Stephens
Music break
Science fair
Music sophomore Giovanni Medrano is playing an original untitled composition on guitar Wednesday on the south side of Loftin. Medrano says he has been interested in guitar for about seven years and often plays between classes. Daniel Carde
Nursing sophomore Riley Lloyd enrolls in the Society for the Advancement of Sciences during the Student Organization Rush Fair Tuesday at Northeast Lakeview College commons cafeteria. Next to Lloyd is an Erlenmeyer flask emitting CO2 gas. The club meets at noon the first Friday of each month in Room 112 of the science building. Daniel Carde
Piano man Engineering freshman Sirlance Nolasco plays a piano cover of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Nolasco has been playing by ear since the age of 11 after taking two years of piano classes. Daniel Carde
TODAY SAT MON TUES WED THUR NLC Event: Free Donut Fridays 8:30 a.m.-noon in Room 131 of student commons. Call 210-486-5404. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Loftin. 210-4860864. Event: MujerArtes Corazones de Esperanza Valentine’s Day Sale 10 a.m.5 p.m. at Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro. Call 210-228-0201. SAC Performance: Live in Loftin music series featuring Tom Cat Trio 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. SAMA Event: Thomas Sully’s Painted Performances 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Preview for museum members only. Open to public 10 a.m-9 p.m. Saturday. Call 210-978-8100. Event: River City wrestling 8 p.m. at Sideliners Grill, 15630 Henderson Pass. $10. Call 210-842-8398 or visit www.rivercitywrestling.net.
Event: Chupachanga community workshop, local artist festival and block party 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at San Anto Cultural Arts, 2120 El Paso. Call 210-226-7466. Concert: Chile Canta al Mundo 8 p.m. at Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro. $8. Call 210228-0201.
SUN UTSA Event: Los Angeles Guitar Quartet benefit concert sponsored by the department of music 3 p.m. in arts building recital hall at the Loop 1604 campus. $20. Call 210-4585685 or visit music.utsa. edu.
SAC Event: Karaoke sponsored by office of student life 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860125. SAC Event: “Girl Talk” sponsored by Methodist Student Center 12:15 pm at 102 Belknap. Continues Mondays. Call 210-733-1441 or visit www.saumcm.org. UIW Event: 11th annual Red Dress Event and Health Fair 11 a.m.-1 p.m in Marian Hall ballroom. Call 210-829-6000 or visit www.uiw.edu/ada.
Event: ‘Venus in Fur’ at the Playhouse 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. 800 W. Ashby. $10 to $25. Call 210-7337258 or visit www. theplayhousesa.org.
PAC Event: Student organization rush fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. in mall of student commons. Continues Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 486-5404. ACCD Meeting: Committee meetings of the board of trustees at 5:30 p.m. in Room 101 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. Call 210485-0000 or visit www. alamo.edu/district/ board. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the mall. Call 210486-0864. SAC Transfer: University of Texas at Austin 10 a.m.noon on first floor of Chance. Call 210486-0864. SAC Transfer: St. Mar y’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the third floor of Oppenheimer. Call 210-4860864.
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SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Event: National Condom Awareness Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Free STD screening. Call 210-486-0158.
SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 210-4860864.
SAC Event: HIV testing 10 a.m.-1 p.m in Room 150 of Loftin. Continues Thursday. Call 210-207-9210.
SPC Lecture: Daymond John of Shark Tank 11 a.m. in auditorium of Watson Fine Arts Center. Call 210486-2670.
Event: Romance on the River 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. Wine and beer samples for those 21 and over. Double feature of Patrick Swayze movies. Food trucks available. La Villita Arneson River Theater 418 Villita St. Call 210-207-8614.
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-4860864. SAC Event: Wild West Rodeo Roundup 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Event: Threepoint shootout basketball competition noon1 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0126. SAC Event: Line dancing lessons taught by Dance Club 12:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-4861021.
OLLU Event: Journey to Equality sponsored by the University Programming Council from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the PWSR/Blue Room 411 S.W. 24th. Call 210-431-3931. UIW Event: Fulltime Job Fair 1 p.m.4 p.m. at McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room, 4301 Broadway. Register ahead. Call 210-829-3931. Event: The Groucho Show Valentine’s Day Special 6 p.m. at Blue Star Brewing Company, 1414 S Alamo. $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Call 800-8383006.
Woodlawn Performance: “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. the Woodlawn Theatre. $10-$23. Call 210267-8388 or visit www. woodlawntheatre.org. Event: Taco Friday sponsored by Artpace 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 445 N. Main. Cash only. Call 210-212-4900 or visit www.artpace.org. SAC Event: Balloon bouquet sale 9 a.m.2 p.m. by the stairs on the first floor of Loftin. Half dozen $4. Call 210-486-0125.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Wednesday SAC Event: Buffalo Soldiers 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Feb. 14 SAC Event: Eighth annual “Dating Game” 11 a.m.-noon on first floor of Loftin. Feb. 18 SAC Event: Fourth annual “A Taste of Soul” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Loftin. Feb. 20 SAC Festival: African Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Feb. 25 SAC Event: 25th annual Read-in 11 a.m.12:05 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Feb. 27 SAC Performance: Michael Jackson impersonator 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126.
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Feb. 7, 2014 • 3
Reaccreditation plan in motion Quality Enhancement Plan, 79 standards under review for reaffirmation effort. By Bleah B. Patterson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
On Jan. 27, members of this college’s reaccreditation committee attended an accreditation orientation in Atlanta, Ga., hosted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The SACS/COC is a regional body that serves as an accrediting institution for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Latin America and other international locations. The association “serves as a common denominator of shared values and practices among the diverse institutions. It is responsible for ensuring that institutions “meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students,” as stated in the SACS Commission on Colleges handbook, The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement. An accreditation is considered a public statement for an institution’s ability to “provide effective programs … based on agreed upon requirements,” according to the handbook. This college’s reaccreditation committee began a precompliance audit in January 2013 and continued through the fall semester to assess compliance with 79 standards required by the association. The standards are mandated and monitored in part by the federal government as well as the accreditation agency, Dr. David Wood, dean of performance and excellence, said. Wood has been heading the accreditation process since July and has been shadowing Dr. Johnnie Rosenauer, who led the
STUDY
News Be your college’s sweetheart
last two reaccreditation efforts. The audit compliance discrepancies consisted of minor changes in standards since the last accreditation in 2006. “We just had to modify certain policies to ensure we were being explicit,” Wood said. “In 10 years, there are so many details, audits and minor slip-ups to repair,” Wood said. “We took last year to get those straightened out. “We feel that we are in perfect compliance with 70 to 75 of the 79 standards,” Wood said. “The remaining standards we are in borderline compliance with, and I am confident we’ll be in 100 percent compliance soon.” Faculty training, student learning outcomes and the Quality Enhancement Plan are among areas the college needs to improve, Wood said. “These are three of the toughest areas to improve upon, due to complexity and the extent of behind-the-scenes work they require,” Wood said. The college will be sending a compliance certification report to the SACS/COC in early March 2015. In 2016, the college will receive one of three responses; “the ideal response is to have no recommendations and no follow ups,” Wood said, “but almost no one ever gets that response.” The second possible response includes a few recommendations and some scheduled follow-ups. The least desirable response, Wood said, is a reaccreditation reliant upon scheduled monitoring and a report from the association. “We are not worried about losing our accreditation,” Wood said. “We’ve been working hard to ensure that everything is as it should be.”
Campus accreditation committee seeks opinions via email survey.
think the college is lacking. Once the survey data is received and calculated, the college will choose the theme students think needs the By Bleah B. Patterson most attention. It will then be investigated extensively and sac-ranger@alamo.edu improved upon between now and March 2015 when the Valentine’s Day is approaching and while college submits its application for you’re running around buying reaccreditation. overpriced roses and chocoPotential themes include late hearts, don’t forget to technology; foundations show your school some of excellence and efforts to love, too. improve the transfer process; In January, emails were campus science, technolsent to all students, facogy, engineering and math ulty and staff urging them facilities; writing across the to fill out a simple surcurriculum; faculty leadervey regarding the Quality ship training; and equity and Enhancement Plan. engagement. The survey is only availThose taking the survey able through ACES email and should be candid and straightthe deadline is Thursday. Illustration by Alexandra Nelipa forward because only one theme In preparation for the upcoming reacwill be addressed and given extencreditation, the college is looking to improve the experisive attention. ences of those who use the campus most. “Once we have a theme, we will go look at data that The survey presents the participant with a statement relates to student learning and how to lead those affected to and asks them to answer it on a seven-step scale from “not greater success,” said Dr. David Wood, dean of performance very important” to “very important” in an effort to discover and excellence. Results will be revealed on Valentine’s Day, what students, faculty and staff value most and what they so show some love by taking the survey.
Breaking Ad honors local advertising Four graduates win five Addy Awards; places will be announced Feb. 15. By Ian Coleman
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Four communication design graduates of this college have won American Advertising awards, informally known as the “Addys,” from the San Antonio Advertising Federation. Jeremy Hoders, chair of the 2014 Breaking Ads awards, notified Brook Rosser, professor of communication design, that December graduates of this college, will receive awards. The winning graduates, Erin Yurk, Beth Sturzbecher, Rachel McCalpin and Orlando Canto, will learn if they won gold, silver or bronze at a gala, hosted by the federation at 6 p.m.10:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. Canto’s and McCalpin’s submissions are from works completed in Rosser’s
Recording cannot be prohibited
Recording lectures helps students reinforce material. By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Some students use digital voice recorders and phone applications to track lectures. This helps them avoid missing important notes, and they can refer to the material outside of class. Recording lectures serves an educational purpose for students who use them to reinforce the material outside of class. Recording lectures helps kinesiology freshman Bobby Galarpe understand lectures and refreshes his way of thinking. “I understand it better the second time than the first,” Galarpe said. But what if teachers object? “The professor cannot refuse to allow a student to record a lecture,” conduct officer Tracy Floyd said. A student with a professor who will not allow recording should try working it out with them and then go to the department chair if the situation continues. “The student has the right to record the lecture,” Floyd said, and the chair will help clarify to the professor this policy.
“I would recommend it’s something they discuss with their professor,” Floyd said. Students should let the professor know they want to record lectures as a courtesy especially if they will be using their phone. Texas law allows recording of conversations as long as one of the parties knows they are being recorded. This college requires students to remove electronic devices from sight during class to not interfere with instruction and learning, according to the student handbook. This policy refers to texting, social media, listening to music and uses disruptive to class. “It would be a courtesy to let the professor know ‘Hey, my cell phone is out on my desk recording the lecture so I can play it later,” Floyd said. Students who require more than audio and need further assistance with video recording should go through disability support services. “A student can have a lecture recorded regardless through disability support services,” Floyd said about using video to record lectures instead of audio. “But there has to be a need for it.”
ARTC 2447, Design Communication 2, in the fall. “I think the reason they are able to compete is not only because the final product is comprised of good conceptual thinking, but also a beneficial understanding of industry standard software, hand skills, attention to craft and excellent presentation skills,” Rosser said. According to aaf.org, the AAF is “one of the nation’s oldest national advertising trade associations” representing all facets of the industry. The competition was established to honor individuals and agencies who have showed expertise in advertising. According to the San Antonio America Advertising Federation website, the award recognizes “work that is outstanding when judged against the standards of the local market.” San Antonio is one of the largest districts in the country for the organization, with the most advertising competition in the country. There are
IN THEORY
about 40,000 entries and around 200 clubs nationwide. The contest is divided into a threetier competition starting at the local level. Local finalists proceed to the district and then to the national level. “We had 50 student entries this year,” Hoders, first vice president of the local chapter, said in a phone interview Jan. 29, “which may not sound like a lot, but it’s the most participation we’ve ever had.” Rosser requested a grant of $1,000, $500 for entry fees and $500 for gala tickets, in December from the Student Activity Fee Committee. Before winter break, she received approval. The students are now able to attend at no cost. Student tickets are $50 and member and nonmember tickets range from $75 to $95. The event is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at http:// www.aafsanantonio.org/addys/tickets through Sunday.
Tap contaminated but safe
By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
All drinking water, including bottled water, contains some level of contaminants: bacteria, metals, chemicals, motor oil or pesticides. “Contaminants means anything other than H2O,” Anne Hayden, San Antonio Water System’s communications manager, said. Water collects these contaminants as it travels over land, through the ground and from urban storm water runoff. Edwards Aquifer is the primary source of water for San Antonio. This city’s water becomes polluted with household and manmade products when they aren’t safely discarded. Pollution caused by people can come from anywhere, the SAWS website says. Point source is pollution traceable to its source, such as dumping wastes illegally. Nonpoint source pollution is harder to trace because it’s caused by a variety of hazardous chemicals. Storm drains also collect hazardous residue from products and the ground making its way to the water cycle. SAWS stenciled warnings on storm drains identifying that they lead to waterways. Water quality is determined by testing samples and meeting federal government
standards. San Antonio Water system’s 2013 quality report identifies the levels of contaminates found in the water. Traces of lead and copper are caused by corrosion of household plumbing systems. Potential causes for asbestos traced in the water supply are from decaying asbestos cement water mains. Asbestos traces were low enough to not meet the detection requirement. The quality report states that levels of contaminates traced in this city’s water supply don’t pose a dangerous health risk. SAWS is required to have this year’s report in June. Unwanted oils, paints, batteries, cleaners, pesticides and anti-freeze can be disposed of safely at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center at 1800 E. Bitters Road. Disposal is free for residents who bring photo ID and a CPS bill. The center is open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 210-207-6400. Do not flush medications or throw them in the trash. MedDropSA will collect unwanted medications 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 1. at St. Benedict Church at 4535 Lord Road. For more information, visit www.saws.org or call 210-704-7297.
Prem
4 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Valentine X blends horror and romance Romantic evening becomes a terrifying experience. By Adriana Ruiz
aruiz168@student.alamo.edu
Stray away from the ordinary Valentine’s Day celebrations and treat your date to an evening of fright that will make hearts race and legs tremble. But don’t stray too far, for the Bear Butcher preys on straggling couples for revenge not romance. The 13th Floor Haunted House downtown offers an evening with a horrendous experience unlike any other at Valentine X, a Candlelit Night of Horror, Feb. 14 and 15. Kaitlyn Ja f f k e, marketing coordina-
tor for 13th Floor Haunted House, said the Valentine’s Day haunted house takes guests through a terrifying 35-minute tour of the torturous massacres conceived by the Bear Butcher, a vengeful blade-carrying, serialkiller bear, who preys on couples for bloody vengeance. The Bear Butcher looks like a fuzzy, sinister version of a stuffed teddy bear that has been stitched up after being mutilated with a pair of jagged scissors. Jaffke said the story-driven haunted house was created for guests to become immersed in the idea of the Bear Butcher. Jaffke said she doesn’t want to reveal too much of the story plot, but guests are in for a thrilling surprise. “You don’t always know what you’re going to get. Guests will walk into the world of the Bear Butcher,” Jaffke said. “He seeks lustful revenge on his victims’ souls.” This is the first year 13th Floor has introduced Valentine X to San Antonio, but the company has previously conducted the event in Denver and Phoenix. In mid-November, 13th Floor tested holiday boundaries when they held Pitch Black, a blacked-out terror house tour where groups were given one glow stick and had to find their own way out. In December, they introduced a Christmas-themed version of the Pitch Black horror house where Santa Claus was transformed into a sinister version named Santa Claws. Groups were given one candy-cane shaped glow stick to find their way out. Jaffke said the decision to create
events such as Pitch Black and Valentine X came from the idea that horror can be mixed into any time of the year. “Horror and romance just go so well together,” Jaffke said. “We feel Halloween should not just be once a year.” Jaffke said although the terror house is a candlelit Valentine’s Day-themed event, guests should not expect to have dinner. “No dinner unless customers want to become dinner,” Jaffke said. Valentine X will be open 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at 1203 E. Commerce St. General admission is $26.89, and VIP fast passes that allow guests to avoid the wait are $34.46. For more information and tickets, visit www.13thfloorsanantonio.com/ValentineX.
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Feb. 7, 2014 • 5
Characters in Vietnam-era play overcome insecurities Fine arts department production opens Thursday in McCreless. By Pam Paz
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Imagine being held hostage in a diner by a drug-smuggling Vietnam veteran and his hippie girlfriend. It sounds like a scene from the film “Pulp Fiction.” These are the circumstances in the department of fine art’s dramatization of “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” written by Mark Medoff in 1974. The play premieres 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the theater in McCreless Hall. Additional showings are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 22 . During rehearsal Tuesday, director Ronnie Watson, drama instructor, challenged the cast when he said, “Let’s see if we can make Act 2 better than Act 1 was yesterday.” “Red Ryder” takes place post Vietnam in a smalltown New Mexico diner where employees Stephen, “Red” and Angel tend to their daily tasks and patrons. Trouble brews when Vietnam vet Teddy and his girlfriend, Cheryl, stir things up. The film version of this play is hailed as a notable work concerning the Vietnam War, according to
Teddy, played by theater freshman Eric Alvarado, terrorizes hostage Stephen, played by theater freshman Esau Perez, Tuesday in McCreless theater during rehearsal of “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” Roberto Villarreal “The Vietnam Experience: A Concise Encyclopedia of American Literature, Songs and Films” by Kevin
and Laurie Collier Hillstrom. The play was written to illustrate the damage done to the soldiers of the Vietnam War and is a testament to veterans who were not prepared for the horrible events, Watson said. Watson also noted that today’s veterans are celebrated and applauded as opposed to the veterans of the Vietnam War, who were treated unjustly and not as war heroes. The cast consists of eight characters. The two main characters are Stephen “Red” Ryder, played by drama freshman Esau Perez, and Teddy, played by drama freshman Eric Alvarado. The students have been rehearsing since the end of November, and their chemistry is unmistakable. Teddy, the antagonist, holds everyone in the diner hostage. He is able to identify his victims’ insecurities and pushes them to their breaking points. The second act portrays Teddy’s violence against the other characters. Drama sophomore Nancy Yanez, who plays Angel the waitress, said her character is naïve and childlike and has never had to deal with anyone like Teddy. “He makes her very uncomfortable,” Yanez said. “She changes; she becomes a grown-up because of Teddy.” Clarisse, played by drama sophomore Briana
Palazzo, is an upper-class out-of-towner who stops at the diner with her husband. Palazzo said she wasn’t sure if she wanted to play Clarisse because the character seemed “a little callous” but was surprised at how much her character opens up during the second act. Drama sophomore Nathan Mesa, who portrays Lyle, the gas station owner, said Teddy forces all the characters to face their fears as he torments them. “He damages them; he makes their insecurities worse than they were before,” Mesa said. Drama sophomore Brian Hill portrays diner manager Tommy Clark. Arika Escamilla, stage manager and drama sophomore, said she enjoys the technical side of theater. A stage manager’s job is to be the actor wrangler — the one who gets the cast together and keeps everyone informed of anything that deals with the play, Escamilla said. At the end of rehearsal, Watson praised the cast. “When I ask y’all to do better than yesterday, you sure come through,” he told them. This play contains strong language and adult situations and is not suitable for children. Tickets are $2 with an Alamo College ID; $8 for other students; $10 general admission. For information, call 210-486-0454.
Valentine’s Day spooks at the Menger Wine and dine with unsettling apparitions. By Adriana Ruiz
aruiz168@student.alamo.edu
Spend an evening mingling with paranormal apparitions while savoring a romantic meal by candlelight. Sisters Grimm invites everyone to join them for their Valentine’s Dinner and Ghost Tour Thursday Feb. 14 and 15 at the historic Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza. Sisters Grimm is the brainchild of Lauren Swartz, who offers ghost tours of the Menger and downtown sites. The event will offer guests a three-course meal at the
LIVING
Colonial Restaurant in the hotel, a 35- to 45-minute tour of the hotel and a 90-minute, 1½ mile tour of downtown. Locations noted on the tour include Alamo Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral and Holiday Inn Express, which in the 1870s was the county jail and later became a Comfort Inn. Swartz said the nighttime tour takes guests through the 155-year-old historic building and recalls gruesome tales that have led some to believe the hotel is haunted. Swartz said although ghost sightings are rare during the tour, there have been some instances where guests have seen something unusual. “Seeing a ghost is rare, but people should take cameras because they might pick up something that your eyes
don’t see,” Swartz said. The apparition most often sighted is Sallie White, an African-American chambermaid who often argued with her common-law husband until one night he shot her three times in the back. She died two days later at her home three blocks away. Swartz said Sallie was such a valued employee that the hotel paid for her funeral. The original funeral receipt is framed on the hotel wall. Swartz said guests can expect to learn about history and enjoy a nice meal for $61.95 per adult. Children are not allowed and reservations close at 3 p.m. Thursday. For more information and reservations visit: www.sistersgrimmghosttour.com or call Swartz at 210-638-1338.
Save pennies with free fun
By Adriana Ruiz
aruiz168@student.alamo.edu
Looking for a midweek homework distraction, but don’t have the funds? Save your money and get involved in some free activities around the city. Start the week off right by burning extra calories with Fitness in the Park, a free program that offers workout classes with professional fitness instructors at various locations. A list of February fitness classes can be found at www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/fitness_ in_the_parks. Boot camp classes are offered 7:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. every Monday at Garza Community Center at 1450 Mira Vista. Dimitri Lavalais, recreational specialist at Garza Community Center, said he recommends everyone attend the boot camp classes because they are fun and beneficial. He said there are usually about 15 people per class, and fitness routines include jump roping, running and weights. If working out just isn’t your thing, then maybe an evening art stroll may be better. Admission is free at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Avenue, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. every Tuesday.
Exhibits on display now are, “Andy Warhol; The Athletes”; “Diego Rivera in San Antonio”; “Eldzier Cortor: Master Printmaker”; and “Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus: Patron Saint of Texas”. If you’re looking to relax and listen to live acts, Wednesday nights at Luna Music Bar and Lounge, 6704 San Pedro Ave., are for you. The laid-back lounge offers live musical performances at 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday night. Take a night off and enjoy a free movie on Thursdays at Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro, 4522 Fredericksburg Road. Political science sophomore, Eza Cardenas said he enjoyed his experience at the theater. “I like the adult atmosphere because there are no teens,” Cardenas said. “I like the artwork. I’ve never been to a theater where there is artwork on the walls.” Upcoming movies for the month of February are “Tombstone,” “Unforgiven,” “Shane,” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Enjoy the scenery on a tour of the San Antonio Missions National Park, 2202 Roosevelt Ave. The missions are along the San Antonio River, south of downtown. The park offers nature trails and guided tours of the Spanish missions with free admission.
Theater freshman Lia Treviño is participating in an open audition for “Romeo and Juliet” Monday in McAllister. Treviño recites a monologue as Julia from William Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” She said she is looking forward to getting back into acting. Daniel Carde
College to perform timeless romance By Bleah B. Patterson
bpatterson13@student.alamo.edu
Performed for the first time in 1562, “Romeo and Juliet” has been setting a romantic precedent for about 450 years. The number of adaptations is impossible to count and, over the years audiences have become well-acquainted with the tragic story of love that beats odds and sacrifices everything. The fine arts department has decided to tell the story the way they believe Shakespeare intended for it to be told. For this well-known tale, this college has brought in one of only three dance choreographers in the city, Joseph Urick, who received an Associate of Arts from this college in 2008. “My job is to make the writing look real but keep it safe,” Urick said, “I promote the idea that fighting onstage is a dance.” Director Paula Rodriguez, drama instructor, is proud to be working with students with so much enthusiasm and heart. Auditions for this production were open to students of all majors; however, most of the students who auditioned were drama majors. “Every few years we’re bombarded with adaptations of this classic, yet people still come see it and they love it. It’s timeless,” Rodriguez said. Ryan Coronado is a drama freshman who is excited to audition. “It’s the first nonmusical I’ve ever auditioned for,” he said, “I think I did OK.” Drama freshman
Melena Mejia auditioned for her first play and is hoping to land the role of Juliet. “I have single friends who like to say it’s cliché and that they think it’s overdone. I’m in a relationship, though, so I enjoy the love story.” “Of course, people are going to call it cliché,” Coronado said. “Every other movie is based off of it. But that doesn’t take away from the beauty of it.” “I don’t think it’s been overdone, I think that nobody gets it right,” drama sophomore Mason Ortiz said, “But we’re going to get it as right as we can.” Drama sophomore Andy Silva is hoping to be Romeo and thinks holding auditions in February, so close to Valentine’s Day, is clever. “People who worry that it will be the same story they’ve heard a hundred times should come see it before they make judgment,” Silva said, adding that “everyone interprets it differently.” While everyone is vying for the roles of Romeo or Juliet, drama sophomore Jerry Martinez hopes to play Tybalt or Mercutio. “They’re funnier and have really great fighting scenes. I think that would be more fun,” he said. “Last spring, I wanted to do Shakespeare, and I decided that this would be the most relevant to our students,” Rodriguez said. “Romeo and Juliet” will be the final play for the season. It will be performed at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center April 17-19 and 24-26 with a matinee April 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $2 with a student ID, $8 military ID, and $10 general admission. Students will find out today what roles they have been chosen to portray.
www.theranger.org/editorial
Feb. 7, 2014 • 6
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Editorial
Editor Mandy Derfler Managing Editor Katherine Garcia News Editor Cassandra Rodriguez Premiere Editor Adriana Ruiz Opinion Editor Bleah B. Patterson Social Media Editor T.L. Hupfer Web Editor Carlos Ferrand Web News Editor Neven Jones Staff Writers Kathya Anguiano, Manuel Bautista-Macias, Brandon Borrego, Brenda Carielo, Casey Coggins, Ian Coleman, Maria Duran, Mandi Flores, John D. French, Marina Garcia, Imani Gayden, R.T. Gonzalez, Marco Horta, Ty-Eshia Johnson, Ansley Lewis, Pam Paz, Jay Regalado, Juan A. Rodriguez, Marie Sullins, J’son Tillmon, Patrick Turick Jr., Adrian Yancelson Photographers Daniel Carde, Riley Stephens Photo Team Nathan J. Fox, David Guel, Belinda Hernandez, Siobhan O’Donnell, Melissa Perreault, Paula Christine Schuler, Addison Simmons, Catharine Trevino, Eric M. Valdez, Roberto Villarreal Video Team Daniel Arguelles, Robbin Cresswell, Steven C. Price Illustrators Alexandra Nelipa, Franchesca Ruiz Production Assistant M.J. Callahan Franchesca Ruiz
Advertising Manager Patricia McGlamory ©2014 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210-486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
METAMEDIA
Plagiarism cheats readers, ruins careers In the 2005 movie, “Man of the House,” directed by Stephen Herek, the character of Texas Ranger Roland Sharp said, “Plagiarism is an academic crime. It is punishable by academic death.” But stealing someone else’s words is not just an academic crime — it’s even more serious for journalists. The Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics puts it plan and simple: “Never plagiarize.” Jayson Blair, 27, former journalist for The New York Times, is the classic example of blatant plagiarism and the consequences. According to The New York Times, in 2003, “he fabricated sources, plagiarized material from other publications, and pretended to be places he never went.” In 2003, the San Antonio ExpressNews questioned Blair’s story concerning the Texas family of Army Specialist Edward Anguiano, who was missing in Iraq.
Blair plagiarized a story by Macarena Hernandez, a reporter of the Express-News who had interned with Blair at The New York Times. Blair lost credibility when a Times investigation found plagiarism in 36 of 73 stories written for the national desk. It is unknown how many of 600 stories he wrote at The Times may have contained plagiarism. When discovered, Blair’s career and those of two senior editors ended. Howell Raines, his executive editor wrote in the Atlantic, “I think of Jayson Blair as an accident that ended my newspaper career in the same unpredictable way that a heart attack or a plane crash might have.” The Times calls Blair’s career a “profound betrayal of trust and a low point in the 152-year history of the paper,” CNN reported. Journalists know that if they use information from others in their stories, they attribute the information to the proper source.
One text ignores diversity Moving to one textbook per course for all the Alamo Colleges will dumb down our education and ignore our cultural differences. The five Alamo Colleges are located in different parts of the county. Each has its own “micro-culture.” The district is doing students a disservice by ignoring our differences. If one college typically has a higher percentage of enrollment in need of developmental classes than another, it means that college is working with a population struggling to catch up while others may have few in developmental classes. How are all the students supposed to learn from the same textbook? For some, the material will be dumbed down. Others will still struggle. Developmental classes do not even the playing field magically. Why not let the instructor choose the right books for their students? Faculty members are the ones who know them best. How can district officials be so sure the learning material chosen will be the best for students? They don’t even interact with students on a regular basis. When was the last time an administrator from Sheridan Street spoke to a student who wasn’t on The Ranger staff? Instead of encouraging students to read more, this is destined to actually keep students from learning to love reading. They will read even less than they do now
and their worlds will shrink to ever smaller spheres. This policy will restrict students to one textbook and censor faculty. When did it become OK for district officials to interfere with academic freedom? The Ranger polled 165 random students and 68 percent said they prefer real books to a digital file. Students may be forced to get their books in a format they don’t want. It’s peculiar that the district would want to go into the bookselling business. Everyone else seems to be getting out of it. Instead of engineering a monopoly on textbook sales, the district should focus its resources on efforts that will actually help students learn more and foster a higher level chievement among all students. Throwing more buzzwords at students already struggling between their own learning styles and the teaching styles they encounter in the classroom is not going to help. What we need are tutors, longer lab and library hours, more librarians, and transfer center staff. These are what we value. The district administration can’t offer anything but the resources its burgeoning workforce is sucking up. “We do not want to turn out students from SAC who are culturally illiterate,” President Robert Zeigler said at convocation Jan. 14. Amen.
Main parking unsafe, rude Parking is not allowed anywhere along North Main Avenue, but that hasn’t stopped people from blocking traffic at the front door of Tobin Lofts. Some seem to think it’s OK to park there despite the hazard it creates for two lanes of southbound traffic that have to swerve around them or come to a screeching halt. Vehicles in the inside lane often have to contend with a car door swinging open as a driver pops in or out of parked vehicles. It is OK to park on Evergreen Street alongside the complex, just not on Main. Those who park there are encouraging others to think it’s acceptable. That’s how a culture forms. Though police are ticketing illegally parked vehicles, many have reported escaping a violation for parking on Main in front of Tobin Lofts.
Although there is no sign on the west side of the block, cars are parked nowhere else on the street. So why should it be OK in that one block? Apparently, a sign is needed to discourage people from choosing convenience over safety. Management of the lofts needs to paint the curb red so only emergency officials can park there. Please don’t wait until a student, pedestrian or anyone else is hit and injured in the confusion or killed. The college is a partner in Tobin Lofts so it also bears responsibility — read liability — for ensuring safety around Tobin Lofts. It’s human nature; people will always do what they can get away with. That’s why the college and Tobin Lofts management need to take immediate action.
Opinion
www.theranger.org/opinion
Feb. 7, 2014 • 7
Veterans object to Memorial Day cancellation, mistaken ID By Brandon Borrego sac-ranger@alamo.edu Although United Staff Council recently convinced the Alamo Colleges board of trustees to give staff the entire spring break off in exchange for eliminating Memorial Day as a holiday, not everyone is happy about it. “Crazy,” sophomore Steven Alvarado said. “It just takes away from Memorial Day’s purpose.” Alvarado was in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army, which specializes in paratrooping, and is now seeking a degree in network infrastructure.
Letters Teaching high tech subjects constantly in flux, speeding up Editor: First, Keats and the American Revolution don’t change much; computer technology is the fastest changing discipline in the history of the planet. Staying current leaves little time for refining pedagogy or schmoozing in faculty offices. Second, technology classes have a greater variance in student background; that makes them harder to teach. How many of our students are out there right now reading about the Renaissance or looking over some Wordsworth quite apart from any college assignment? How many are texting or surfing the Web? When I do an accounting
This will make honoring fallen veterans graveside more difficult because this college’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. while one of San Antonio’s most honored burial grounds, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Other burial grounds follow similar hours. Memorial Day is observed the last Monday in May. The elimination of the holiday also affects students and faculty during Maymester, a three-week session between spring and summer. Alamo Colleges trustees voted Jan. 21 to give staff off the first three days of spring break
course, everybody starts in about the same place; when I teach our computer course (BCIS), student experience is all over the map. It’s far more challenging. Now there’s a third reason: Learning outcomes, detailed e-syllabuses and other items in the growing stack of overhead that is being imposed by the educationists are much friendlier to some disciplines than others. The history faculty can set up learning outcomes, which will require only modest revision as time goes by. CIS will have to cancel classes to keep up with the constantly changing learning outcomes of 100 high tech courses. Teaching technology is, as they say, a whole new ballgame. College administrators have yet to accept that and deal with it effectively.
Thomas Friday Business Administration Professor, Retired
in exchange for staff, faculty and students forfeiting a day off for Memorial Day. District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz suggested organizing a memorial service for fallen soldiers at the board meeting Jan. 21. Chancellor Bruce Leslie responded, “We will be here and not at the mall celebrating the commitment and dedication of our servicemen.” José Ramirez, a prenursing sophomore who is a work-study in the veterans affairs office, said Memorial Day is not about honoring all service personnel. “Most people think that Memorial Day and
Veterans Day have the same purpose,” he said, noting Memorial Day is for honoring “those who have died for our country.” He suggested there be some sort of pictorial or visual observation posted at the college. Ramirez said he and other veterans understand many students are more concerned about celebrating a day off. Ramirez’s grandfather was a MexicanAmerican who fought in the Navy in World War II. “It is a passing of generations, and we are responsible for honoring those actions.” Being an educational institution in a military city, we ought to get it right.
Find way to inform students Let’s start from the beginning, I graduated from Highlands High School in June 2011 and started college majoring in journalGuest ism that fall. Viewpoint by When you first Christopher register for college, A. Hernandez all students must provide a record of immunizations. At the time, I was up to date with my records until 2015. It has been two years, and, like most students I regularly check my account in ACES, which made registration seem easy. In December, I began to plan classes for the spring. Before I began registering, I checked ACES for holds. There were no holds on my record, so I began searching for classes. After figuring out my schedule, I entered one course number and was
notified there was an issue. Apparently, there are holds and requirements that must be checked and cleared. I was told a requirement message was sent to my ACES account that stated I needed an immunization before enrolling for the spring semester. The message was sent after Thanksgiving. I argued during my first semester I was told no immunization was needed until 2015. When I found I needed an immunization, it was close to Christmas vacation and I was unable to be seen by a doctor until January. The deadline for registration was Jan. 12, and I registered for only one class. ACES is the only way I have to communicate with the college and my instructors. Students can receive information about happenings around the college and updates regarding registration though ACES, but it is not reliable. On ACES, there are tabs where students can check for holds and require-
ment messages. If both can prevent a student from registering, then shouldn’t both alerts be under the same tab? When ACES is receiving maintenance, students can’t log in to check emails or register for classes. During the semester, there are times the ACES server is shutdown because of the mass of students attempting to use ACES at the same time. If personal information is required for registration, students need to be personally informed by phone, mail and ACES. I understand that we, as students, have a responsibility to keep checking ACES for holds and requirement messages, but I would prefer to be informed personally by mail or phone if the issue involves me not being able to register. Perhaps, Qless can also be used as an alert system to send important messages accounts or to turn in personal documents before important deadlines. Maybe it’s time for an ACES update.
Pulse
8 • Feb. 7, 2014
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GYM SHORTS
The Lady Rangers defeat the Southwest Texas Junior College Cowgirls 49-37 Wednesday. Go online for stories and photos. David Guel
Final Scores Wednesday Men’s basketball Southwest Texas 103 San Antonio 98 Women’s basketball San Antonio 49 Southwest Texas 37
Upcoming games Wednesday Men’s basketball San Antonio at Northwest Vista at 8 p.m. at Huisache Hall Incarnate Word at St. Philip’s at 8 p.m. at the health and fitness center. Women’s basketball San Antonio at Northwest Vista 6 p.m. at Huisache Hall Incarnate Word at St. Philip’s 6 p.m. at the health and fitness center.
SINKIN from Page 1
Kinesiology Adjunct Randi Myers Wayland’s aquatic conditioning class watches the instructional movie “American Red Cross Front Crawl” instead of swimming because the pool in Candler contained too much chlorine Wednesday. Last week’s maintenance installation of solar panels on Candler’s roof created issues with the pool’s self-regulating system that controls temperature, pH levels, filtration and chlorine levels. The high levels of chlorine caused some skin irritation Monday and can adversely affect the respiratory system, eyes and ears. The pool was expected to be fixed Thursday. Daniel Carde
Alamo Street from the campus he attended. The John H. Wood Jr. Federal Courthouse was built as the U.S. pavilion. The Institute of Texan Cultures was developed to showcase the state of Texas for the world’s fair. “He was a great guy to work with,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said. “I will most definitely miss seeing him. He was a great person, in particular to the environment.” Sinkin, known for his signature bow tie, focused the last 30 years of his life on energy. He hosted one of San
Antonio’s first major solar installations on the rooftop of Texas Bank in the 1980s. He founded Solar San Antonio in 1999 and launched the Metropolitan Partnership for Energy in 2003, which became Build San Antonio Green in 2008. “San Antonio has lost a very dedicated civic leader and one who will always be remembered,” Cockrell said. A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today at Temple Bethel, 211 Belknap Place. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Solar San Antonio, 118 Broadway, Suite 621, San Antonio TX 78205.
Enrollment assistance as deadline approaches Penalty fee increases yearly if not enrolled. By Ty-Eshia Johnson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
With only one month left to enroll for health insurance before the deadline, people are still confused about the Affordable Care Act. Help in understanding and choosing options from the online marketplace is available on this campus 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in Candler Physical Education Center. Those who do not enroll in health care by the end of March will face a penalty.
President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law March 23, 2010, and enrollment began Oct. 1 in the midst of a government shutdown over the program. Though approved by Congress in 2010, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives tried to force Congress to revisit the law on the eve of its launch. The federally mandated healthcare program is principally for those who do not have health insurance, but also for those who would like to see if they qualify for lower cost coverage. With the help of the website, people are able to compare prices based
on their adjusted gross income, family size and other factors. Certified enrollment counselors are available to assist 24/7 by phone or live chat. Counselors are available to take applications in person at several locations in the city, such as libraries, clinics and hospitals. Go to healthcare.gov to search for nearby locations. To receive information on the Affordable Care Act and enrollment assistance, Bexar County residents are encouraged to attend a workshop sponsored by Univision, called EnrollSA. Students up to 26 years old will
be able to stay under their parents insurance plan as long as they are claimed as a dependent on their parents taxes. To have coverage in effect by March 1, applications must be in by Feb. 15. Those not enrolled by March 31 will be charged a penalty of 1 percent of yearly income or $95 per person, whichever is greater. Fees per family can climb to $285, and penalties will continue to increase yearly. For more information, call the Metropolitan Health District at 2078780.