The Ranger A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Single copies free
Vol. 84 Issue 5
Oct. 16, 2009
NATIONAL DAY ON WRITING 5 EMPLOYEE SELF-SERVICES 7 PARANORMAL BOX OFFICE 8
Tip Off Men’s basketball team wins first home game 79-64
People
2 • Oct. 16, 2009
The Ranger D.A. James
Destiny Mata
Flu prevention: Professional nurse consultant Samantha Thomas gives liberal arts sophomore Andrew Hubbard a flu shot Wednesday. The 100 doses available were gone by 1 p.m., and Thursday’s clinc was canceled. Flu shots were administered to students and employees for $18.
Rainy days: Heavy rain creates a cascading waterfall on a stairway between Moody and Chance at 6 a.m. Oct. 9.
Henriette Mutegwaraba
Jessica Garcia
Honor students: Radio-television-broadcasting sophomore Ximena Alvarez receives greetings from President Robert Zeigler at the annual honors ceremony Tuesday in McAllister. Leda Garcia
Job fair:
(above) Allyson Waters and Mary Dimond from Medtronic talk to nursing freshman Jennifer Monaco about qualifications at the medical and health job fair Wednesday sponsored by career services in Loftin.
Accordion Festival:
(left) Maria and Robert Muñoz listen to singer Gilberto Perez asking the crowd to pray for a friend in the hospital during the International Accordion Festival Saturday at La Villita.
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 5
Oct. 16, 2009 • 3
The Ranger
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 People
10 Calendar
4 News
11 Blotter
Privacy, policies, Leslie topics of choice for Faculty Senate By Vanessa M. Sanchez Photo by Destiny Mata
5 Senate agrees people write more now By Laura Garcia
6 Committee tables increasing child care costs By Jason B. Hogan Photo by Destiny Mata
7 Employee services salaries double in 5 years By Jason B. Hogan
8 Premiere
Haunting of ‘Bloody Ball’ By Mario Anguiano
8 Cheshyre Cheese Club reviews ‘Pygmy’ 9 Installation art on exhibit in visual arts gallery Photos by Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle and D. A. James
9 Low-tech, low-budget film new Hollywood wave By Laura Garcia
12 Editorials
Cartoon Send traveling trustees packing Follow soldier’s lead to success Letters and comments 14 Pulse Men’s basketball team hopes to capitalize on last year’s winning season By Emilio Davila Cover and contents photos by Leda Garcia
15 Women’s volleyball season opens with victories
Only online at theranger.org “There was water even in the stairwells; every window that we could see was leaking.” Val Calvert Business Chair
Windows leak in new building Samet awarded Counselor of the Year Palo Alto, St. Philip’s to rename buildings Committees consider text prices, CIP savings
By Emilio Davila
16 Backpage Actor Jesse Borrego speaks today By Henry A. Chavarria
ABC anchor John Quiñones to speak Wednesday By Steven L. Moya
Final bond draft report expected Nov. 16 People slideshow Men’s basketball, tailgate party slideshow Liberation theology’s history, politics defined Academic Council reviews reverse degree, computer agreement
www.theranger.org
The Ranger
4 • Oct. 16, 2009
Destiny Mata
Political science Professor Christy Woodward-Kaupert and history and humanities Chair Jonathan Lee respond to a discussion of FERPA during the Faculty Senate meeting Oct. 7.
Privacy, policies Chancellor topics of choice for Faculty Senate By Vanessa M. Sanchez It was apparent by the amount of conversation during the Oct. 7 Faculty Senate meeting that ways to handle “helicopter” and “bulldozer” parents of students wanting personal information is a common subject dealt with by faculty. But Martin Ortega, admissions and records director, a guest at the meeting, said it is a fairly easy one to handle professionally. Ortega said during the meeting, student records are to be “private and protected,” according to FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. “Every employee of the college is responsible in assisting students in that policy,” he said. Parents have the right to access student information during high school, Ortega said. “A student’s FERPA rights kick in once the student enrolls in an institution above high school,” he said. Those rights expire upon death. Though the majority of people wanting information about students are students’ parents, Ortega said, they are not the only ones who will question teachers for information. Ortega explained how to tell them “no” professionally. If anyone constantly requests or demands private information about any student, Ortega said, “Your best bet is to refer the parent to the admissions and records department.” If a student is a dependent of their parent, however, that parent has the right to those private records. Ortega said the parent or spouse of a student
may accompany them when asking about their progress, but it is always up to the student if they want to release that information to them. “The right way to begin that conversation is to address the student and ask if they feel comfortable with that person in the room,” Ortega said. “It’s not for us to decide if there’s malicious intent or not.” When someone questions the progress of a student’s work, the person must show the first page of an official IRS form with the student’s name and Social Security number proving that the student is a dependent of that person. Protected by FERPA is “any record maintained by the institution,” including everything from attendance, essays and assignments to counseling and police reports. In case of an emergency, those who need to find a student should go through campus police, and they will look up their schedule and go to their class to notify them of the necessary information. Still “information can be shared through institutions so long as there’s an educational interest.” For instance, if a teacher wants to reprint an essay, Ortega said, it is easy to receive an OK from the student to reprint it. The student can also choose to not have a name on it. Ortega said directory information, such as phone numbers and letting people know if a student is part time or full time, in something that is not protected under FERPA. English Chair Alex Bernal said he does not like to release that information either way, then questioned what work-study students should
know when giving out information. Work-study students should be receiving FERPA training, Ortega said. Faculty Senate member John Deosdade volunteered to put information of FERPA on the Web site, http://www.alamo.edu/sac/sacmain/ fasenate/default.htm. Other topics mentioned during the meeting were of policies and motions from Chancellor Bruce Leslie. The attendance policy was part of the discussion. According to the current policy, “absences are recorded from the official date of enrollment in the class,” but the wording of the updated policy states that absences are to be marked according to the first day of school. The changes were made by this college’s vice presidents but the Faculty Senate said it will send over its suggestions to change the wording to make it fair to students who may register late because of a class being dropped or canceled. Jeff Hunt, Faculty Senate president, said he met with Leslie and other Faculty Senate presidents to discuss ideas he has to better understand and work with them. Leslie said that there is a need for a facilitator to be present during the Super Senate meetings, where leaders of the Faculty Senate meet, but Hunt declined, saying it was too costly. Hunt also said that Leslie suggested the need to invite college presidents to the Super Senate meetings, but he declined again saying that some members may not want to speak because they may not feel comfortable with that one president present.
The Ranger
Oct. 16, 2009 • 5 Leda Garcia
English sophomore Sonya Gonzalez recites her original piece, “We’ve got a Winner,” during a poetry reading Tuesday in Koehler.
Senate agrees people write more now Campus celebrates the first official National Day on Writing.
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
By Laura Garcia College professors complain about text message writing, but according to the National Council of Teachers of English, this is still considered writing. The council’s Web site explains that people in every walk of life “write more than ever before for personal, professional and civic purposes.” On Oct. 8, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating Tuesday as the National Day on Writing. Senate Resolution 310 states that the day was established to encourage “all Americans to write, as well as to enjoy and learn from the writing of others.” The Writing Center will host this college’s celebration of the National Day on Writing from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday in the mall. Writing center Director Frances Crawford organized the campus celebration. Along with the writing center staff, the Cheshyre Cheese Club, Student Government Association and the student chapter of Society
Writing tutor Marisela Chavez helps criminal justice freshman Monica Hester write an essay at the writing center Wednesday in Gonzales. of Professional Journalists will be participating in Tuesday’s event. In an e-mail, Crawford wrote that booths will include how to get a degree in English and journalism, “Meet an Author,” “Build your avatar,” and poetry Another booth invites students to take part in a video about everyday writing to be posted online at theranger.org. Student life will provide outdoor booths for the groups and use of the craft room. The U.S. Senate “strongly affirms” the purposes of the day and encourages people to participate in the National Gallery of Writing at
www.galleryofwriting.org. The Senate states in the resolution that the online gallery “serves as an exemplary living archive of the centrality of writing in the lives of Americans.” The same day that Congress passed the resolution making the day official, Oct. 8, Crawford sent out e-vite invitations through e-mail for an Excellence in Writing Celebration and reception. Professors nominated students for the award to be given out during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 23 in Koehler Cultural Center. Crawford said students are encouraged to invite family and friends to the event. This month’s related events include Cheshyre Cheese Club’s poetry reading at 7 p.m. Thursday in Room 120 of the visual arts center and the writing celebration Oct. 23. The three events take place during National Freedom of Speech Week. Today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the mall, the staff of The Ranger invites students to celebrate free speech and National Newspaper Week with Chalk Day, which was postponed one week because of rain. Call Crawford for more information at 4861436.
The Ranger
6 • Oct. 16, 2009
Committee tables increasing child care costs By Jason B. Hogan The Alamo Community College District board of trustees tabled discussions on raising child care rates in an Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting Tuesday. The increase will wait until James McLaughlin, associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, can examine any problems an increase might have on students and employees. In spring 2010, McLaughlin said, the increase per week for each child would be between $9-$19 per week. But trustees said McLaughlin’s estimates for the increased rates did not reflect differentials between students and employees, and community members. District 5 trustee Roberto Zárate questioned the benefits for students versus employees and community members. McLaughlin said students clearly receive the largest benefit. Ana “Cha” M. Guzman, Palo Alto College president, said, “At Palo Alto College, only four community children are in the program.”
For two months, McLaughlin has been working with the early childhood studies programs at this college, St. Philip’s and Palo Alto to devise a new methodology for child care rates, while not making it too challenging for students and employees who depend on the services. Chancellor Bruce Leslie said the goal was to have the rates recommended for approval in the committee meeting Tuesday, so they would be ready for board approval in December. But Dr. Gene Sprague, District 6 trustee, said before trustees can vote, McLaughlin needs to provide the board with a breakdown of students and employees in the program. “The mission is the students,” Sprague said. “Employees, I know, are always not making as much money as they would like. The vast majority have to go out on the market” because the programs do not have enough capacity. In a phone interview Wednesday, McLaughlin said his proposal to the trustees suggested a $9 per week increase in rates for preschoolers, $12 for toddlers and $19 for infants.
McLaughlin said the rates from all three colleges were averaged so they could be compared to 11 locally accredited child care centers in San Antonio after a survey was performed. The findings reflected a 50 percent gap between the local centers and the rates at the three colleges. “The average was substantially above ours,” McLaughlin said, so he proposed a rate that would help the district decrease that gap. Trustees last looked at child care rates in June 2000, McLaughlin said. “They put in place a methodology where the colleges could move up or down by 10 percent,” he said. The colleges were charging the same amount for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, McLaughlin said. McLaughlin said most of the revenues for the child care centers go toward the lights, heating and cooling. The original estimation that the district spent on the programs was $800,000 to $900,000, but Rindfuss said there cannot be a proper representation of the tax dollars spent without all of the costs taken into account.
The Ranger
Oct. 16, 2009 • 7
Employee services salaries double in 5 years Officials unavailable for comment on increased salaries in HR. By Jason B. Hogan Multiple employees in the employee services department received title changes and salary increases this year although the district budget was so tight no across-the-board raises were given. The department, which oversees human resources, has just about doubled the number of personnel and the budget for salaries in five years. In 2004-05, the department received $972,675.98 for salaries for 14 employees. Now, five years later, the budget for salaries has increased to $1,830,065.50 for
33 available positions, of which Chancellor James McLaughlin only 26 are filled, according to were also unsuccessful by deadthe 2009-10 personnel register of line. the Alamo Community College Mario Muùiz, district direcDistrict. tor of public relations, called The Fiscal Years 2005 Ranger Wednesday to and 2009 saw the answer questions for most modest increasBoyer-Owens and the es in the department’s employee services budgets for saladepartment but disries: $14,789.86 and covered only Boyer$32,804. Owens could provide www.theranger.org But in between the answers. Go online for more changes those years, the Some positions in salary and positions in employee services. department averaged over the past five an annual increase of years have been $269,931. revised or simply renamed, while Numerous attempts to contact others have been additions, such Linda Boyer-Owens, associate vice as adding a fourth benefits coorchancellor of employee services, dinator. by phone or in person have been In 2008, the district director of unsuccessful in the last two weeks. human resources became the assoAttempts to contact Vice ciate vice chancellor of employee
services. Celso Guzman was employed as the district director of human resources with a salary of $116,479.92 until the following year when the title was changed to associate vice chancellor of employee services with a pay raise of $11,701.92 to bring his salary to $128,199.84. In 2009, Guzman was named special projects coordinator with a salary of $82,114.56. Now, during 2009-10, Guzman has been named district director of workforce division records program development earning $104,916. In 2005, the HR director was scheduled to be paid $105,088.32 annually. Now, the associate vice chancellor of employee services is paid $145,000.08.
8 • The Ranger
Prem
Low-tech, low-budget film the ne By Laura Garcia
Book Review By far the most interesting, funny and disappointing book I have read this year is “Fight Club” author Chuck Palahniuk’s latest, “Pygmy.” I highly recommend it with the caveat that it includes one scene that requires an extremely strong stomach. The book chronicles the story of a 13-year-old exchange student/sleeper cell terrorist, self-identified only as “Agent Me,” his brutal training and brainwashing in an over-the-top manner reminiscent of Hong Kong action films. The book is stylistically a huge departure from the Palahniuk of “Fight Club”; as the interactions of “Me” and his comrades with their American host families and communities is farcically fantastic rather than believably satirical. (Think “Team America.”) This is where the book starts to annoy me. The premise is believable. The ideas are there. Is America ready for an assault from child terrorists? Does the way we live our lives make the rest of the world hate us? Palahniuk asks these questions, and then is content to put on a silly puppet show rather than answer them. Is this book entertaining? Absolutely. Is it interesting? In many ways, particularly for the odd, broken dialect it is written in. Is it important? Unfortunately, no. Palahniuk is one of the most innovative and thoughtful writers of this generation, but this book does nothing to add to his résumé. If you care more about a book being fast-paced, strange, violent or hilarious than about it making you think, read this now. Dustin Wiblitzhouser Cheshyre Cheese Club President
The film’s Web site calls it “the first-ever major film release decided by you.” Paramount Pictures boasts an abnormal marketing approach for the low-budget horror film currently selling out in theaters. More than 1 million people around the country demanded “Paranormal Activity” play in their city by logging on to www.paranormalmovie.com, according to an Oct. 9 news release. “From the very beginning, we put this film in the hands of the fans, and we trusted them to tell us where and when it should be seen,” said Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount, in the news release. Today will mark its official nationwide release. At press time, this movie was ranked No. 4 for the weekend box-office summary with a gross of $9.11 million. Sure, it doesn’t look like a lot when compared to the No. 1 movie “Couples Retreat” which grossed $34.3 million this weekend. But this horror flick opened in only a fraction of the theaters the Vince Vaughn vehicle, “Couples Retreat,” did. The movie was originally released at the 2007 Screamfest earning an honorable mention for director Oren Peli. Nearly two years later on Sept. 25, the
film was released to about a dozen “college tow Oct. 1, it was expanded to about 33 theaters. On “Paranormal Activity” opened in 160 theaters wide earning the film its No. 4 ranking. Radio-television-film Instructor Mark Watson Paramount’s limited release a “guerilla approach “You are trying to generate a buzz that rea there. That’s a pretty cool idea,” he said. Electrical engineering sophomore Elliott Zap the movie at 12:35 a.m. Oct. 10 at the Palladium. Zapata said he thought the film was really go commented on the visual approach. The mo filmed as if it was through a handheld personal c “not a Hollywood camera.” He said the low-quali nique “gave it a more believable feel.” This style is similar to 1999’s “Blair Witch P
D. A. James
Above, David Meyer, assistant professor of art at the University of Delaware, discusses his site-specific installations Tuesday in visual arts. Meyer’s installation, “Air Into Breath,” opened Tuesday in the visual arts gallery. The sculpture consists of 87 feet of quarter-inch aluminum tubing with black vinyl ribbon supported by a number of carbon fiber strings. Right, Meyer works on his installation Monday. The exhibit, which took five days to assemble on site, continues through Dec. 12 in the visual arts gallery.
miere
Oct. 16, 2009 • 9 Original artwork by Michael Muenchow
ew Hollywood wave
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and “Cloverfield,” which was released last year. So would other movies be able to pull off this marketing ploy? Zapata said probably not. “I’m not sure they would have the same response.” Critics are raving. Roger Ebert for the Chicago SunTimes calls the movie “an ingenious horror film. It’s so well made, it’s truly scary.” Social work sophomore Anette Cavazos agrees with Ebert and called the movie “I-couldn’t-go-to-sleep scary.” Cavazos saw the movie when it was first released and recommends people see the movie really late at night. The movie is playing this weekend at the Regal Alamo Quarry, Regal Cielo Vista, Regal Live Oak and Alamo Drafthouse theaters.
Project” Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
Haunting of ‘Bloody Ball’ By Mario Anguiano “The Bloody Ball at Dewey Mansion” is the theme of this year’s Halloween haunted house in Loftin Student Center. The office of student life and Onstage Drama Club will present the haunted house from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 23-25. Theater and radio-television-film sophomore John Perez said he hopes to “go all out” this year with the addition of more light and sound effects than used in previous years. Aristocratic characters and greenhouse monsters are to be expected in the Fiesta Room and spilling into the rest of Loftin. During the seven-minute walkthrough, more than 27 actors will perform, and a variety of rooms resembling a mansion will be filled with spooks, fright and unexpected scares. “Other haunted houses just want to scare you, and that’s cool; people will pay for that,” said theater sophomore Lupe Zapata. But because the haunted house is presented by the drama club, the students involved like to treat the event like a production, hoping to get visitors involved. Zapata said guests will be treated like audience members, and organizers plan to offer “production values” in the Bloody Ball, complete with scene and theme changes.
“They’re going to get a totally different experience here,” Zapata said, “than if they were going to other haunted houses.” Perez and Zapata said that although there isn’t any competition with other Halloween events around the city, they do expect more of a reaction from people visiting, wanting them to understand and be involved with what’s going on. Escape routes will be plentiful if there are children, or adults, too scared to continue, they said. There also will be intense noise effects from speakers that will be scattered about Loftin and lighting effects that some people may find too much too handle. Perez and Zapata stressed that anyone having second thoughts about entering should trust their first judgment. Though planning for the haunted house began in the summer, earlier than in past years, Zapata said the new semester made for a slow start but that new members have “all been really good” with showing up to make a good production. “The Bloody Ball at Dewey Mansion” will be open to the public; admission is $5 per person. Students at this college are admitted free with ID, and no one under 6 will be admitted. For more information, call 486-0125 or 486-0494.
10 • Oct. 16, 2009 Today SAC Event: “Life and Works of Vincent Valdez” 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0125.
SAC Worship: Methodist Student Movement worship services 11 a.m.-noon in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 733-1441.
SAC Movie: “Up” 7:20 p.m.-10 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125.
Call 486-0255. Wednesday
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
Monday SAC Transfer: University of Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. SAC Event: Flag football 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at San Pedro Springs Park. Continues Tuesday. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 4860125.
SAC Transfer: Texas Lutheran University 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
p.m. in Room 101 of nursing education. Call 486-0063.
SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
Tuesday SAC Event: Video games 1 p.m.-4 p.m. in the Cyber Café of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
The Ranger
Calendar
www.theranger.org
SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on the first floor of Chance. 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. in the transfer center of Moody. Call 486-0864.
Complete calendar online
SAC Event: Hot Potato lecture “Illegal Christianity” 12:15 p.m. in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 7331441. SAC Concert: String Faculty Recital at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
SAC Contest: Pumpkin pick-up for student life carving contest 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125. SAC Event: Octoberfest 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club noon-1
SAC Meeting: Teaching Academy Program Peers 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in Room 128 of Gonzales. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 606 of Moody. Call 4860125. SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Rooms 612-613 of Moody. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: SACNAS 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 4860125. SAC Meeting: American Institute of Architecture Students 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in Room 251 of Chance. Call 486-0125.
The Ranger
Blotter SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE Sept. 28 - An individual reported a suspect intoxicated while sitting in a vehicle in Lot 26.
Oct. 16, 2009 • 11 Oct. 4 - An officer reported power outage to entire SAC campus. Facilities and CPS notified. Oct. 7 – An individual reported an assault. Suspect identified.
An individual reported theft of personal property in the bookstore in Loftin.
Oct. 9 – An individual reported the theft of a laptop.
An individual reported a suspicious person at academic instruction center.
Oct. 10 – An individual reported the theft of books from campus bookstore.
Sept. 30 – An individual reported two disabled students needing assistance down stairs due to an elevator breakdown in Chance. Maintenance department was able to get elevators operating.
An individual reported four males removing a trash container from a residence. Males located, no further incident.
An individual reported a suspicious person in Lot 27 looking into vehicles. Suspect located and issued a criminal trespass warning.
Oct. 1 – An individual reported injury in Room 214 of the advanced technology building.
An officer reported graffiti on wall on Evergreen. Oct. 1 – An individual reported a suspicious person. An individual reported the burglary of a vehicle.
PALO ALTO COLLEGE
An individual reported having a verbal altercation with another person. Oct. 5 – An individual reported illness in the science building. EMS arrived. Oct. 8 – An individual reported damage to a personal vehicle while in a parking lot.
An individual reported the burglary of a vehicle. Oct. 2. – An officer assisted SAPD with a vehicle accident. An individual reported missing personal property in Moody.
www.theranger.org An individual reported someone striking his vehicle parked in Lot 26. Oct. 3 – An officer reported suspicious people in parking garage Level 3. An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with no registration and expired inspection sticker.
Complete blotter online
CONTACT INFO Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
12 • Oct. 16, 2009
Editorial
The Ranger Laura Garcia
The Ranger
Editor Jason B. Hogan Managing Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Henry A. Chavarria Photo Editor Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Photographers Leda Garcia and Destiny Mata Photo Team Andrea N. Branch, Jessica Garcia, D.A. James, Henriette Mutegwaraba, Zachary Sutherland Production Manager Laura Garcia Production Assistant Alena Ramirez Newsroom Assistant Zahra Farah Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Mario Anguiano, Emilio Davila, Steven L. Moya, Trey Randolph Web Editor/Circulation Regis L. Roberts
The Ranger, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request (486-1765). The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press. 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.
©2009 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.
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 doublespaced, 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, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 486-1789. Letters must be signed and must include the writer’s printed name, classification, major, Social Security number and telephone number. For more information, call 486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Because of high production costs, members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue. 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.
Opinion
The Ranger
Oct. 16, 2009 • 13
Follow soldier’s lead to success
Send traveling trustees packing Six of the nine trustees and a board liaison traveled to San Francisco Oct.7 for a leadership conference. The fourday trip cost an estimated $7,646.10. Really? Our tuition has been hiked up dramatically in the past few years and this is how they spend our money? The conference, “Achieving Success in a Global Economy: Navigating the Educational Landscape During Turbulent Times,” is almost comical. Except then we remember that it’s the student, taxpayer and state funding that pays for this lavish vacation. Perhaps it should be called, “Navigating the American Landscape during Turbulent Times.” Trustees apparently do not realize that more than 90 percent of the faculty that voted last month is not happy with their choices. Faculty voted no confidence in Chancellor Bruce Leslie, and the trustees simply ignored them. Not to mention student services are suffering from budget cuts. This frivolous spending, as the Student Government Association calls it, is far from over. According to Policy B.3.5, Board Members: Conventions, Conferences and Workshops, the congress could take eight more trips this year without board approval — like they would turn themselves down. This is ridiculous. The trustees stay
in single rooms at the Hilton for this one of possibly nine annual jaunts while the Student Art Guild for example crams into hostels for their annual trips that they worked hard to afford. The guild was awarded Student Activity Fee money — students were charged for at a rate of $1 per credit hour — along with its own fundraising activities. The trustees are enjoying themselves on our dime. Students and employees need to let the board know how they feel. Maybe trustees will continue to ignore them like when they approved a $1 million, three-year contract for Leslie in the same meeting that faculty from four colleges expressed no confidence and one college even asked for Leslie’s immediate resignation. Trustees defended their vote for Leslie by saying that no one likes change and that we all know what’s going on. Trustees would do well to remember they were voted into office and three could be ousted in May. Employees and students hold the power in this particular battle. When you head out to the polls, encourage neighbors to come along to vote for someone who will listen. Let’s get rid of those who are comfortable going on taxpayer-supported vacations — oops, conferences — while ignoring the turbulent times back home.
Comments Let’s all become one voice Wed Oct 14 2009 14:08 If the community was concerned where their monies are going, maybe we could get rid of this chancellor before he gets rid of good hard working people in all www.theranger.org departments. And the board has This is a comment on got to go as well. (John) Strybos is former language instructor Len McClure’s open letter another person. All seems too fishy to the chancellor. and doesn’t add up, but the truth will prevail at some point. Voice your concerns and let’s get on the right track. As it has been said many times, let start cutting some of these administrators, that in itself is a lot of money saved.
Many people will go out of their way circling the garage for that perfect spot just to avoid having to park too far away because they do not want to walk. We are spoiled by elevators, escalators and technology that tends to make us lazy. On the other end of the spectrum is Nathan Hunt, who can’t walk courtesy of his last tour of Iraq, but Hunt doesn’t complain. Even when the elevator he depends on to get to class isn’t working, Hunt simply gets busy dragging himself up and down stairwells to get where he needs to go. Hunt is a role model for all of us; he is someone who does not complain about the obstacles he encounters and instead focuses on how to overcome those obstacles. What choice has he? And what choices do each of us have every day that we waste? Let’s follow Hunt’s lead and focus our efforts on endeavors that will lead to success instead of allowing ourselves to become discouraged and stall in our progress. Thank you, Nathan, for reminding us of the tenacity we all have in reserve and perhaps too seldom call on.
Letters Editor: Regarding “Art students forced into minimalism” and “Como se dice ‘budget cuts?’” in the Oct. 9 issue of The Ranger, I was astounded with the story about budget cuts in the foreign languages department as well as in the art department at San Antonio College. There is an average of 22,028 students per semester, so where is all our tuition money going? As a community college, San Antonio College should concentrate on the learning experience for its students and less on
building innovations that students really don’t take advantage of. Many professors and other staff members are already leaving because of budget cuts, and the art department is suffering for the lack of lab technicians working overtime to suit students’ busy schedules. Students pay tuition to have all the learning resources to succeed in life; that includes having the best staff available. Something should be done before we lose more of our professors. Saulo Saenz Liberal Arts Sophomore
14 • Oct. 16, 2009
Pulse
The Ranger
Rangers hope for another winning season Coach expects returning players to give team an edge. By Emilio Davila About 200 people tried out this fall for spots on the 15-person Ranger men’s basketball roster – evidence of the team’s popularity following its winning season last year, men’s basketball coach Aaron Tavitas said Tuesday. “Before, we were the hunter, and now this year, we’re going to be the hunted,” Tavitas said. Five players are returning from last year’s team. This year’s team has three captains, all guards, and each one is returning from last season’s titlewinning squad, he said. This is Tavitas’ second season as head coach of the Ranger men’s basketball team. During his first season, the team finished 24-4 and won the conference championship. The biggest injury suffered so far this season has been to guard-co-captain Mark Green, a
sophomore English major, who strained a calf during practice. Green is expected to recover by late November, the coach said. Besides maintaining personal goals for his players along with team goals, Tavitas is looking to help the team “move forward as a program.” The first home non-conference game was Wednesday against the Universal City Warriors, which the Rangers won 79-64. Last year’s title banner was unfurled Wednesday before the game in Candler Physical Education Center. Tavitas said preparing for opponents is similar to taking a test. “The more you study, the better opportunity you have to come out and pass the test,” he said. The Rangers will compete in an eight-team tournament Saturday and begin the regular season Wednesday against Lone Star College-CyFair. The first home game of the regular season will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 in Candler against Southwest Texas Junior College of Uvalde.
Upcoming games Men’s Basketball 8 p.m. Oct. 21 Lonestar-CyFair College at Lonestar 8 p.m. Oct. 28 Southwest Texas Junior College at SAC 8 p.m. Nov. 4 Northwest Vista College at PAC 8 p.m. Nov. 11 Palo Alto College at PAC 8 p.m. Nov. 18 St. Philip’s College at SAC
Women’s Basketball 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 TBA at SAC 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Southwest Texas Junior College at SAC
The Ranger
Pulse
Oct. 16, 2009 • 15
Women’s volleyball season opens with victories Women’s Basketball 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 Northwest Vista College at PAC 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 Palo Alto College at PAC 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18 St. Philip’s College at SPC Women’s Volleyball 7 p.m. Oct. 22 St. Philip’s College at SAC 7 p.m. Oct. 29 Northwest Vista College at NVC 7 p.m. Nov. 5 Palo Alto College at PAC 7 p.m. Nov. 12 Trinity University at SAC 7 p.m. Nov. 19 Victoria College at Victoria
Martinez described her squad of 15 members as “well-rounded players” on a team with Coach plans to work a lot of new faces. Nichole Plata is this season’s with players on team captain and is one of four players returnstronger hits, defense. ing from last year’s squad. Improvements new players are expected to By Emilio Davila bring to this year’s Lady Rangers will be height and blocking, Martinez said. She will be workThe Lady Rangers began their ing with her players on stronger regular volleyball season with a hits as well as defense. victory at Trinity University Oct. 8, The team gained valuable defeating their opponent in three experience when they played in out of five games. a preseason tournament Oct. 3-4 Kasandra Larios led the team in Victoria, where they won the in kills, and Stephanie Muñoz prochampionship round. This allowed www.theranger.org vided one of the highlight plays of good scouting opportunities in Full game schedule online the game when she recovered a determining who their opponents’ ball that was shanked almost out of bounds and big hitters are, Martinez said. served it just barely over the net to score against Cindy Lopez suffered a sprained knee in the the Tigers. tournament but could be back in three weeks, Four-year veteran volleyball Coach Marisa the coach said. Martinez credited the win to “great communi“We want to win this whole season … and cation” and the fact that “they played as a whole have our own trophy case, just like the men’s team.” basketball team,” Martinez said.
16 • Oct. 16, 2009
The Ranger ABC News
ABC anchor here Wednesday By Steven L. Moya San Antonio native and ABC news anchor John Quiñones returns to this college, which he attended, to discuss leadership, personal empowerment and Latino issues Wednesday. The accomplished journalist released a book earlier this year titled, “Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices,” which captures people’s generosity and good deeds. His presentation is sponsored by the college’s Fine Arts and Cultural Events Series in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. The six-time Emmy Award-winner will speak in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. Quiñones will speak at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. The free event is open to the public. As an added bonus, an extra session has been added for students, especially those pursuing a career in media. The question-andanswer session will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Room 101 of Longwith Radio, Television and Film Building. “Whenever we have a speaker, we always ask if they would do something a little extra,” said Dr. Alice Johnson, dean of learning resources. “Mr. Quiñones was nice enough to accept.”
Former student and ABC news anchor John Quiñones will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday in McAllister auditorium. Quiñones, who was born and raised in San Antonio, became a migrant worker at age 14, picking fruit and vegetables in Ohio with his family. He graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended this college from 1972-74. He graduated from St. Mary’s University and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia School of Journalism in New York. Quiñones joined ABC in 1982. He has served as a correspondent for ABC’s “Downtown,”
“Primetime,” “20/20” and is currently the host for the occasional series “What Would You Do?” He was awarded an Emmy and the Ark Trust Wildlife Award for his coverage of the Congo’s virgin rain forest, and honored with a World Hunger Media Award and a citation from the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards for “To Save the Children,” his 1990 report on the homeless children of Bogota. For more information, call 486-0901.
Borrego’s formula: Learn from those around you Actor visits at 12:15 p.m. today in visual arts. By Henry A. Chavarria San Antonio actor Jesse Borrego will talk about recurring roles in “24,” “Dexter” and “ER” as part of the college’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration today. He speaks at 12:15 p.m. in Room 120 of the visual arts center. Borrego said he will begin with a history of his roots, inspirations and education and how he was able to build a career with those elements. The 47-year-old studied theater and dance at the University of the Incarnate Word and acting at the
California Institute of Arts. “You have to know your story is your culture,” Borrego said, “When you go to higher places, such as a bigger university, you have to be able to communicate your story well.” In other words, “Know yourself and be who you are,” he said. Media communications sophomore Maxwell “Xwel” Salazar looks forward to hearing Borrego speak about his success in the film industry. Salazar grew up in the same neighborhood as Borrego on the South Side of San Antonio, claiming that “Blood In, Blood Out” was an instant classic. The 1972 film focuses on halfbrothers Cruz, played by Borrego,
his half-brother Paco and their bira- is to “take advantage of the knowlcial cousin Miklo, who are mem- edge of people around you. bers of an East L.A. gang known “We recently lost Fred Weiss as the “Vatos Locos” and (radio-television-film the influence of violent professor) who has crime and narcotics in been like a brother to altering their lives. Cruz me and influenced me becomes an exceptionthrough my career,” he al artist, but a heroin said. “Once you have addiction overtakes him that knowledge, take it with tragic results. beyond San Antonio and “It’s cool to see somespread it to the world.” one from the neighborOther familiar proJesse Borrego hood who chased his ductions Borrego has dreams, became sucstarred in are “Fame,” cessful on a national level and still “Married with Children,” “CSI” and does not forget about his commu- “Chappelle’s Show.” nity back home,” Salazar said. For more information, call 486Borrego’s formula for success 0673.