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Volume 89 Issue 6 • Oct. 27, 2014

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Transfer degree pros outweigh cons By Bleah B. Patterson

bpatterson13@student.alamo.edu

Diwali Dancer Ahagha Prasad, 13, performs a classical dance of South India called Bharatanatyam Wednesday between Gonzales and McCreless halls for Diwali, a festival of lights celebrating good over evil. Ahagha has been dancing for seven years. Neven Jones

Dental laboratory technology program closing Decline in enrollment, lack of exposure caused the closure. By Cynthia M. Herrera sac-ranger@alamo.edu

This college is closing the doors on its dental laboratory technology program, which is one of only two such programs at community colleges in Texas and among the most venerable in the United States. The closure mirrors a trend throughout the country, said Richard W. Valachovic, president and CEO of the American Dental Education Association. Mike Swain, program coordinator of dental laboratory technology, said the decision to close the program was made nine or 10 months ago because of a lack of students. “I am deeply disappointed, and so are laboratory owners that I have talked with in San Antonio,” he said. The program has nine students enrolled. That’s down from 17 who started in fall 2013, when the dean had to approve the class because enrollment was under the 25-student minimum. The program did not receive enough exposure, Swain said. Some students found out about it only by chance, he said, noting he is a one-person operation. “The National Association of

Dental Laboratories is saddened to see the program close,” said Bennett Napier, CAE, chief staff executive and publisher of the Journal of Dental Technology. Dental lab technicians make dentures, crown and bridges. Dentures are removable frames that hold artificial teeth. Crowns and bridges, unlike dentures, are permanent artificial teeth cemented together with existing teeth. The program began in 1970 at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Napier said. It remained there when this college acquired the program in 2005. Two years later, the program moved into the nursing complex, where a laboratory was built specifically for the program. The program is one of the oldest in the country and served as a model for other schools, Napier said. The only other community college program in Texas is at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. When the program started, it flourished with 26 students and two instructors at its peak, Swain said. He has been with the program since 1978. Safan Ali, a 2009 graduate of the dental laboratory technology program, said it is a “really good and strong foundation, and good starting point.” Ali owns Jim’s Orthodontics

Ryan Bloom, dental laboratory technician sophomore, practices putting caps on the casted teeth of an articulator in his Dental Laboratory Technology course Oct. 22 in the nursing complex. Ian Coleman Lab in Houston, which he opened about five years ago. Ali said he will provide internships for students if they are in good academic standing and receive Swain’s approval. Dental laboratory technology is a growing field, according to the Journal of Dental Technology from the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Ali attributes this to the increasing use of digital technology in the dental field. Wages for dental technicians have gone up 4 percent from last year, and the hiring percentage for new technicians went up 4.5 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite that, dental lab tech-

nology programs aren’t attracting as many students nationwide. First-year enrollment has declined from 908 in 1989-90 to 435 in 20112012, according to the American Dental Education Association. At this college, five of the program’s students will graduate in spring 2015 with a certificate and associate degree; the other four will receive a certificate and continue general education courses to complete their degree, Swain said. “The dental community at large and lab owners in particular have benefited greatly from the knowledge and skills of technicians who had their start in this program,” Swain said. “Lab businesses in San Antonio will have to settle for a lesser qualified employee.”

Students should worry less about losing a concentration specification on diplomas and more about losing credit hours during the transfer process to a four-year university, Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success said. Fabianke and Chancellor Bruce Leslie talked with trustees at the Oct. 21 Student Success Committee meeting about new transfer degrees that students who entered the Alamo Colleges this semester will get. The decision to remove concentrations, or major specifications, from diplomas was made by the Presidents and Vice Chancellors Committee, or PVC, in April when degree plans in the 2013-14 and 201415 catalog were changed from Associate of Art or Associate of Science degrees with “concentrations,” to “advising guides.” District administrators have faced backlash from the media, students and faculty as the process has progressed. “Students need to know that there’s a lot going on and also a lot of confusion,” Fabianke said. “And this isn’t something that’s happened all of a sudden, out of the blue. This has been a slow process that began three years ago.” According to her slideshow, in the online Oct. 21 board agenda, students transferring to UTSA with an Associate of Arts in English will only be able to transfer 12 of the 18 hours required above the core. The same student transferring to TAMU-SA can transfer none of the 18 hours. Fabianke compared psychology, biology, math and business administration degrees and found similar results. “When we asked the department leads to make this work, the feedback we received was that it’s virtually impossible to align the courses so that they would transfer to all three,” she said. District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery said, “My biggest concern is how it’s been rolled out. We need to communicate better.” He said students and faculty feel they have been caught off guard because they have not been a part of the discussion. “Why didn’t we do forums at all of the colleges, go out and talk to people? If there had been those discussions, it wouldn’t be the big dilemma it’s become,” he said. Fabianke never directly answered the question but District 6 trustee Gene Sprague said students do not need to be outraged. “They need to understand that the degree is a stepping stone,” Sprague said. “Sure, universities will like that you’ve gotten that degree, but other than that someone who just gets an A.A. or A.S. and tries to enter the work force is essentially in the same category as the drop out. And if you don’t like how that sounds, I’m sorry, but that’s the real world. The concentration is really just to make students feel better and carries no real value.” The board of trustees will vote in Tuesday’s meeting on transfer degrees. For the board agenda, log on to Alamo. edu and click on About us and then Board of Trustees. For the full story, log on to theranger.org.

SAConnected

2 • Oct. 27, 2014

www.theranger.org/calendar

Defense Communications sophomore Shannon Villenueva loses the ball in an attempt to score a basket after battling the defense of UIW center Joelisse Galarza. The Lady Rangers lost to the Lady Cardinals 44-40 Wednesday night in Candler. See stories and more photos online. R.T. Gonzalez

New language

Kim Powers, deaf and blind, demonstrates a new form of communication on John Cage, American Sign Language professor, while support service provider Suzanne Cage watches. Pro-Tactile allows communication through signing on a person’s back. American Sign Language sponsored “Deaf and Blind, Her Life” Wednesday in Nail. Javier Hernandez

Steady Architecture freshman Jessica Zoll practices walking in heels Oct. 22 outside of Loftin to prepare for the fashion show Nov. 19 noon-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Ian Coleman

TODAY TUES WED THUR PAC Event: Census date for fall Flex 2 session 8-11:30 a.m. Visit h t t p : / / w w w. a l a m o . edu/pac/events.

SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.noon at transfer center. Call 210-486-0342.

SAC & NVC Event: Employee development day. Day classes canceled; classes after 5 p.m. meet as usual.

SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio and University of Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. TAMUSA continues Thursday; Our Lady of the Lake University 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer; Texas A&M University-College Station 1-4 p.m. at transfer center. Call 210-486-0342.

SAC Lecture: Cyber crime trends 9:4510:45 a.m. and child safe 11 a.m.-noon in Rooms 218 and 219 of nursing complex; copyright compliance webinar 1-2 p.m. in Room 712 of Moody. Call 210-486-0782.

SAC Event: Lunch and Bible study 1 p.m. at United Methodist Campus Ministry Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 210-733-1441.

PAC Event: Blood drive 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in student center annex. Continues Tuesday. Visit http://www.alamo.edu/ pac/events. SAC Event: Security careers booth 11 a.m.1 p.m. on first floor of Loftin. Call 210-4860782. NLC Event: “Rhythm and Hue” live broadcast with David Garibaldi, motivational speaker and artist 5:45 p.m. in theater of student commons. Call 210485-0200.

PAC Lecture: “History of the Tap Pilam Coahualitecan Nation & American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions” with Jesús José Reyes Jr. and Ramón Juan Vásquez noon-1:30 in student center annex. Call 210486-3125. SAC Event: “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat” food drive 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center, 312 Courtland. Costumes encouraged. Call 210-736-3752. NLC Film: Nighthawk Outdoor Movie Night “22 Jump Street” 6:30 p.m. on campus green. Call 210-486-5404.

SAC Workshop: Cyber security awareness workshop 4-4:45 p.m. in Room 712 of Moody. Call 210-4860782. NVC Basketball: Lackland AFB at NVC women 6:30 p.m. in Huisache Gym. Call 210-486-4004. NLC Basketball: Victoria College at NLC Nighthawks 7 p.m. in wellness gym. Call 210-486-5404. SAC Basketball: Women at UIW 6 p.m.; men start at 8 p.m. Call 210-486-0126.

NLC Event: Student forum 9-11 a.m. in performing arts. Submit questions to alamo. edu/nlc/studentforum2014 or call 210486-5009. PAC Event: Día de los Muertos Community Altar and Open Mic noon-1 p.m. in student annex center. Call 210486-3125. SAC Event: Pizza with the President noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0835. SAC Event: Mass and meal 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center, 312 Courtland. Call 210-736-3752. SAC Tournament: Glow in the dark basketball 3 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Email jguillen24@student.alamo. edu. NVC Volleyball: Trinity University at NVC women 7 p.m. in Huisache Gym. Call 210486-4612.

FRI SAT MON UPCOMING NVC Volunteer: San Antonio Food Bank 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Haven for Hope, 1 Haven for Hope Way. For NVC students. Sign up at office of student life or email NVC-Activities@alamo. edu. SPC Event: Second annual “Monster Tech Programs” 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Southwest Campus. Call 210486-7026. SAC Event: Personal computer clinic 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on second floor of Moody. Call 210-486-0782. PAC Event: Free Friday Film Series 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in theater of performing arts. For a full listing of films, visit http://alamo. edu/pac/NAHHM/ or call 210-486-3125. Event: Harvest Fest Halloween Alternative 6-9 p.m. at Bethesda Christian Church, 2210 Basse. Sports-themed costumes encouraged, no spooky costumes. Call 210-341-2425.

SAC Event: Scobee Education Center Open House 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Star Party 7:3010 p.m. at Scobee Education Center. Call 210-486-0100.

SAC Deadline: El Exito Adjunct Award nominations. Open to students, faculty and staff. Call 210-4860756 or email cprice@ alamo.edu.

Concert: Lucas Jack 8 p.m. at Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets $7-$30. Call 210-223-2830.

SAC Event: Transfer Fair 9 a.m.-noon in Fiesta Room of Loftin. More than 30 universities on site. Call 210486-0342.

NVC Basketball: NVC at Southwest Texas Junior College 8 p.m. in Huisache Gym. Call 210-486-4004.

PAC Event: “La Flor de la Canela: A OneWoman Show” with Alison Vásquez noon1:30 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210486-3142.

SUN Time Change: Fall back 2 a.m. Set clocks back one hour. NVC Volunteer: Morgan’s Wonderland 7-11 a.m., 5223 David Edwards. Sign up in office of student life or email NVC-Activities@ alamo.edu.

NVC Volunteer: Kid’s Cafe 1-4 p.m. at San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 OId Highway 90 West. Sign up in office of student life or email NVC-Activities@alamo. edu. Concert: “Olmos Ensemble goes Baroque!” 7:30-8:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7150 IH-10 at Gill. Call 210384-0929.

Nov. 4 SAC Event: TED Talk “Tales of IceBoundWonderlands” 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0158. SPC Event: Transfer Fair 9 a.m.-noon in Heritage Room. More than 30 universities on site. Call 210-486-7107. Nov. 5 PAC Event: Poetry and Rap Slam with Anthony “The Poet” and Amanda Flores noon1:30 p.m. in student annex center. Call 210486-3125. Nov. 14 SPC Play: “Macbeth” directed by Vincent Hardy 8 p.m. in theater of Watson Fine Arts. Continues through Nov. 23. Times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. General admission $10; Alamo College students and employees, seniors and San Antonio Theater Commission $5; high school students free. Call 210-486-2205. Nov. 18 SAC Musical: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” directed by Paula Rodriguez 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Continues through Nov. 23. Times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-21 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22-23. General admission $10; senior citizens and other students $8; Alamo College students and employees $5. 210-486-0255.

For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Illustrations by Alexandra Nelipa

News

www.theranger.org/news

Oct. 27, 2014 • 3

You have the right to know your rights File with internal affairs if police misconduct occurs.

Guillen said a probable cause could be almost anything that looks suspicious. By Adriana Ruiz “If you walk into a parking lot at aruiz168@student.alamo.edu Wal-Mart and you are looking inside You have the right to remain cars and we come to find out you are silent, the right to refuse or consent not driving, well then, why are you to a search, the right to calmly leave if looking into cars?” you are not under arrest and the right He said an officer stops someto a lawyer. one because of reasonGetting stopped by able suspicion, and, Read the a police officer can be through questioning, can viewpoint intimidating, whether gain probable cause for “Know your you are doing something rights; it pays detention. wrong or not. “That’s how we off” online. If you are pulled over detain you — and we are in a car or stopped on just detaining you; you the street, it is because you look susare not under arrest, but we are going picious or there is probable cause to to do a background (check) on you, question you, said San Antonio Police we are going to check and see what Officer Carlos Guillen. you’re doing, what your story is and Guillen said an officer can only check your history to make sure you detain you for 15 to 20 minutes withare not wanted,” Guillen said. out cause, “I have to have some form If someone is pulled over, of probable cause to hold you. I can’t they do not have to consent to a just hold you to hold you.” search, Guillen said. The Fourth

Amendment, search and seizure, states peoples’ personal property will not be searched or violated unless there is probable cause. Guillen said an officer can inventory a vehicle only when someone is under arrest. He said an officer will not dig through your stuff, but they will do a general search in the trunk or back seat of the car. The officer can obtain a search warrant once you are under arrest. “Officers may or may not succeed in getting a warrant if they follow through and ask the court for one, but once you give your consent, they do not need to try to get the court’s permission to do the search,” ACLU’s “Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement” states. Although suspects do not need to agree to a search and have the right to remain silent, Guillen said if someone is stopped or pulled over in a vehicle, police cars always record the event. “If I pull you over, our camer-

Photo Illustration by Neven Jones as and our mics will (turn on) and they’ll show almost 45 seconds prior to me turning on my light switch and will pretty much catch everything and will pretty much catch the violation,” Guillen said. If a suspect locks the doors and rolls up the windows, Guillen said an officer can call a sergeant for how to handle the situation. Guillen said anyone who feels

their civil rights were violated or there was police misconduct, can file a complaint against the officer. Criminal justice Chair Lloyd Marshall said internal affairs will interview the officer and the complainant. “Most likely, they will ask you for something in writing, they will conduct an interview and then they will go forward, go ask the officer and … try to resolve,” Marshall said.

Ebook pilot begins here in January with developmental math By Bleah B. Patterson

bpatterson13@student.alamo.edu

An instructional-material pilot is slated for this college in January, requiring ebooks in all five developmental math courses. The cost will be included in students’ fees and tuition. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success, announced the pilot program to trustees during the Oct. 21 Student Success Committee meeting.

In the spring, trustees approved instructional materials requiring at least 12 courses to adopt ebooks with the cost incorporated into student fees, effective in the spring semester. District faced so much student and faculty resistance Chancellor Bruce Leslie backed down, choosing not to force it. However, in the board of trustees charge to Leslie, upon renewing his contract, trustees

asked him to pursue instructional material again. “You can’t expect a student to have access,” board Chair Anna Bustamante said. “What are they supposed to do if they don’t have a computer?” “Yeah,” District 1 trustee Joe Alderete Jr. said. “What do I do if I can’t access the computer at home?” “Well, we have labs,” Renita D. Mitchell, chair of math at St. Philip’s College, said. “They’re

welcome to use those.” “But that’s just not convenient,” Bustamante said. “The students I have right now at St. Philip’s make it work,” Mitchell said. “They know it’s their responsibility and 20 percent of the class is online.” Student trustee Jacob Wong interjected, saying he is taking a math class right now that incorporates online resources and it is not working for him.

“Right now, our class is two weeks behind because the software failed,” he said. “Relying on electronics puts us in jeopardy. If I drop my book, I just pick it up and move on.” Mitchell said, “My faculty is always willing to push back the dates. I’m sure SAC’s would be too.” Wong laughed. “That’s my point, though. Then everyone gets behind. That’s not fair to anyone. We need to be tech-

nology friendly, not technology dependent.” Trustees decided to allow the pilot at this college to see if it is feasible at large. “Pilots are how we work out kinks,” Leslie said. “Let’s give it a chance. Remember, we were almost there last semester and then we got pushed back. Let’s try again.” If the test is successful, officials will present a districtwide plan for fall 2015.

Prem

4 • www.theranger.org/premiere

This town is haunted San Antonio is home to many legends and haunted places.

Menger Hotel. Klinge said it is thought to be one of the most haunted hotels in the world. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a legend because I have By Anthony B. Botello experienced many things here … even on ‘Larry King sac-ranger@alamo.edu Live’ … ” Klinge said. San Antonio is haunted, said Brad Klinge, San Klinge was featured on “Larry King Live” in a 2009 Antonio native and star of the Discovery Channel’s Halloween special. During a live feed from the Menger “Ghost Lab” who has been doing paranormal research Hotel, the producer of the King show was on site with the for about 20 years. paranormal team, but he was skeptical until a recording From Freeman Coliseum to the Alamodome, ghosts picked up the voice of a ghost saying “get your horse.” can be found all over the city, Klinge said. “From stories from the staff who work there, physiOne of the city’s most popular urban legends involves cal evidence captured, to regular guests checking out in train tracks on the corner of Shane and Villamain in the middle of the night because of the hauntings … the South San Antonio near San Juan Mission. Menger has it all,” Klinge said. The legend says a train killed a busload of children Built in the 1850s as an inn for a local brewery owned stalled on the tracks, and their ghosts push cars parked by the Menger family, it sits directly next to the Alamo on the tracks to safety. hosting dignitaries and celebrities from around the Locals sprinkle baby powder on the bumper of their world. vehicles in hopes of seeing the hand“Teddy Roosevelt recruited the prints of the dead children, but Klinge famous Rough Riders in the Menger Apparitions have said, “The road leading to the tracks is been seen walking Bar, and yes, his ghost has been reportan optical illusion, and the fingerprints ed there,” Klinge said. through the park of the ghost kids on your bumper are Another favorite local haunted all the time. nothing but your own fingerprints.” spot was the Midget Mansion, where Brad Klinge the owner killed his family and then He explained, “When you touch your “Ghost Lab” trunk or bumper, you leave your body himself. Today, apartments sit near oil. … That’s what the print is made of.” Callahan at Loop 410 where the manAnother story is of the Donkey Lady. sion once was. Kendrah Holland, a paranormal investigator, particiThe “Red” Berry Mansion on the East Side was the pates with the “Russell Rush Haunted Tour,” including home of V.E. “Red” Berry, a politician indicted for three an online show at http://www.therussellrushhauntedmurders but then acquitted. It was known for its undertour.com/main.html. ground gambling, and today is reportedly haunted by Holland shared her familiarity with this local legend Berry and others. since childhood. “When I was younger, I was told to Roosevelt trained the Rough Riders on the grounds of behave or the Donkey Lady will get you,” Holland said. The Freeman Coliseum. The barns held Nazi prisoners Klinge describes the Donkey Lady as the ghost of a of war during World War II, and the building has also had horribly disfigured Mexican woman who looked halfaccidental deaths during rodeos, circuses and concerts. human and half-donkey. She is said to haunt a remote The Alamodome is thought to be haunted by a bridge on the South Side off Old Applewhite Road over woman who was raped and murdered on that location the Medina River. before the facility replaced a neighborhood. The staff She is supposed to appear to drivers who honk their there can share stories of this “woman in black” many horn three times. claim to have seen. Klinge, who grew up in the Universal City area, said Milam Park, downtown at 500 W. Commerce St., was he always heard she “lived in the Cibolo Creek area, that a city cemetery from the 1700s through the mid-1800s. you could call out and she would either appear from the The city had the headstones removed but left the graves. woods or rise from the water.” “Apparitions have been seen walking through the Some people relate La Llorona, Mexican folklore banpark all the time, and some reported by the patients shee and harbinger of bad things, to Woman Hollering looking out the window from Santa Rosa Hospital right Creek. But the actual story behind Woman Hollering across the street,” Klinge said. Creek is “specific to an Apache Indian raid back when Klinge also shared Mexican folklore of Lechuza, or they killed women and children in the camp while the the owl witch, a woman who takes the form of an owl to men were away, and the hollering is supposed to be the seek revenge on people. screams of the people being slaughtered,” Klinge said. Legend goes, if people whistle three times at mid“So there is no connection on that one.” night and then hear a screech, Lechuza is nearby. Holland said her favorite local haunted spot is the “You wouldn’t believe how many people Black Swan Inn. Built in 1846, the Black Swan Inn was believe in her,” Klinge said. a small farmhouse on Salado Creek near Rittiman Road built by the Mahler family, who added wings to make it the inn it is today. Holland said she named her daughter after Sophia Mahler, a spinster who lived in the house until she was 82, but haunts the inn as an 8-year-old girl singing and laughing and known for playing tricks on people. Other ghosts at the inn include debutante Jolene, the wife of Park Street, a prohibition-era lawyer who was known for getting criminals out of trouble. Street’s wife, Jolene, has been seen in a lavish white gown walking through the area where some accounts say she fell from the stairs and suffered a fatal head injury. Another Black Swan ghost is a bit of a rogue. “Sabastian is a macho, angry farmer who haunts the milking barn at the Black Swan Inn, known to pinch girls on the butt and push guys to the ground,” Holland says. Originally a dairy farm, the Black Swan Inn would deliver milk to Klinge’s local favorite, the legendary

’’

Day of the Dead orig illuminate culture Cemeteries will be busy this weekend with observations. By R. Eguia

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

This year’s Halloween is on a Friday, followed by All Saints’ Day on Saturday and the Day of the Dead celebration on Sunday; a complete weekend observing the dead. According to the beliefs of the Nahua people, including Aztecas, Chichimecas, Tlaxcaltecas and Toltecas, life was seen as a dream. Only in dying did a human truly awake. For them, the distinction between life and death was not so absolute. This belief is the foundation of the celebration of Día de los Muertos, a time when the worlds of the living and the dead are more receptive to each other. The celebration of the Mexican Day of the Dead is the best example of the blending of traditions, which many organizations in the city are doing, such as the Esperanza Center at 922 San Pedro Ave. The center will be hosting events all weekend, including a free fresh flower preparation workshop noon-4 p.m. on Halloween to prepare marigolds for the weekend festivities. Marigolds, water, incense, photographs of loved ones, candles, traditional Mexican food, like mole and tamales, are staples of the Day of the Dead altar. Frank Peralez, trilingual certification student, said mole is his favorite part of the celebration. He said his family always looked forward to the holiday when he lived in the Valley, but since he moved alone to San Antonio, he does not participate as much. He added, “The traditional Day of the Dead form is up for interpretation,” a trend observed across the city. Although the Day of the Dead has a public aspect at the community level, it is essentially a private or

Illustration by Ansley Lewis

family feast. The core of the celebr the family home. Jose Martinez, a real estate stud his family’s past on Día de Los Mu the celebration is for the memory. “It’s not fun, but you remember people were and still are, how m them, and how important they still said. “Our focus is to pay tribute to an honest and authentic way,” It the center said. “We decided to h munity celebration on Saturday, s would not have to choose between Día de los Muertos.” The Saturday celebration wi p.m. with a tour of San Fernando 1. It continues until 9 p.m. at Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado, with painting, a dance procession by troupe Urban 15, calaveras readin by several local groups. For more information, call the 228-0201.

miere

Oct. 27, 2014 • 5

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By Pam Paz

ppaz2@student.alamo.edu

Halloween often reminds people of spooky creatures, such as goblins, zombies and ghosts. Vampires represent another Halloween staple. They made a reemergence in Hollywood with “Twilight” and “True Blood,” which feed on the idea that vampires are not legends, but living among us. Even in Texas. The Vampire Court of Austin, whose core members identify as vampires, is an organization whose mission is “to provide a safe haven and family environment for all of Austin’s vampire community as well as give back and support the city that has supported us,” the group’s website states. Logan South and his girlfriend, Daley Catherine, are the vampire king and queen of the court. In March, they were featured on the MTV show “True Life” in an episode titled, “I Want Respect for My Sect.” South, a fangsmith, is also the owner of Nocturnity, a vampire-friendly nightclub. A fangsmith is someone who creates professional, dental-acrylic fangs for people to “slip on and off.” He said he colors them to match the teeth of the people who wear them. South said through years of research, he has become comfortable calling himself a vampire. He said he uses the word “vampire” because “it’s the best way for me to describe who I am, what I am and what I feel.” Michelle Balenger, a psychic vampire and author of “Psychic

Vampire Index,” offers the most philosophically poignant explanation for a vampire awakening, South said. “There’s no particular way in which anyone discovers it; most of us have what we call an awakening,” he said. South said there are three types of vampires: sanguinary, energy and sexual. A sanguinary vampire is one who drinks blood to nourish physical needs. An energy, or aura vampire, as South and Catherine identify themselves, is one who feeds off the energy of others. South said this is the most common way to feed. The third type of vampire South described is a sexual vampire. These types of vampires feed off the energy sexual arousal produces. South said these vampires possess charismatic personalities and can “charm the pants right off of you.” South and Catherine organized the Vampire Court of Austin, starting with 10-15 vampires in 2011. They have grown to almost 65 members, not including extended members. Extended members are the non-vampire human companions, South said. Acceptance into the court is contingent on an application and screening process. Prospective vampires need appropriate knowledge of the court’s mission, and the court council needs to ensure the prospects are who they say they are, South said. Many vampire communities have failed because of the need for one person to be in power, he said. The Vampire

Court of Austin does not operate in this manner. “We are essentially a vampire town hall; we’re not a coven or a house,” South said. South and Catherine were elected as king and queen of the court. He said they wanted to honor the traditions of vampire communities but run the court democratically. Although only vampires are allowed to be in the court, South said the court is accepting of all facets of life. “We don’t discriminate.” The court has monthly meetings in which they discuss upcoming events and any important topics the members and council bring up. The biggest event is the Austin Vampire Ball. This year was the third and largest. Last year’s ball attracted almost 600 vampires and non-vampires. This year’s ball was Oct. 23-25 with more than 700 tickets sold. South said the Vampire Carnival is an event organized for the spring. The court also hosts other events through South’s companies, Dead South and Nocturnity. In addition to this, the court is also involved in giving back to the community. South said they have volunteered at the Austin Food Bank, preparing almost 2,000 meals, at the Dell Children’s Hospital, Austin’s Gay Pride parade and the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas. Members dress in goth fashion and wear fangs at such events. South stressed the Vampire Court of Austin is an accepting court and he wants people who identify as vampires to feel they can be themselves. He also said the city of Austin has been supportive of them, which is the reason why they give back to the community. “It’s our duty and responsibility to give back,” he said. He said the downtown nightlife and warehouse district have been very supportive of the court and their goals. The local gay community has also accepted the group. South said the court has received a good response from the community since its appearance on MTV and the local news. He said the mentality of the Austin community has allowed the court to be open about their group. South said he does not react to people who are small-minded and bigoted. “I don’t have time for people who are hateful,” he said. For more information about the Vampire Court of Austin, visit its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/VampireCourtofAustin.

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Editor Bleah B. Patterson News Editor M.J. Callahan Sections Editor Adriana Ruiz Calendar Editor Pam Paz Staff Writers Jose Arredondo, Anthony B. Botello, Dorothy P. Braziel, Ana Victoria Cano, Ian Coleman, Kyle Cotton, R. Eguia, S.T. Fegins, Marina Garcia, Tim Hernandez, Cynthia M. Herrera, M. A. Horta, R.T. Gonzalez, Shawntell Johnson, Deven Malone, Richard Montemayor, Nathalie Mora, Landon Penn, Cassandra M. Rodriguez, Juan Anthony Rodriguez, Lily Teran, Amanda K. Tetens, Jennifer M. Ytuarte Photo Editor Daniel Carde Photographers E. David Guel, Neven Jones Photo Team Milena Arias, Manuel Bautista, Anthony Carrizales, Christopher Hernandez, Javier Hernandez, Ayesa Hinojosa, Reynaldo Ruiz, Taylor Tribbey Illustrators Ansley Lewis, Alexandra Nelipa Production Manager Mandy Derfler Promotions Manager Katherine Garcia ©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 Mondays 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.

VIEWPOINTS ONLINE Apathy toward Ebola breeds contempt Viewpoint by Ansley Lewis

Christopher A. Hernandez

Take health seriously Avoid spreading disease by taking the necessary precautions. Flu season has started. Ebola is in Dallas. Health has become a top concern for many this month. No one has time to be miserable and bedridden for days or longer. To avoid this, people must take precautions to stay healthy. • Regularly wash hands with soap. The number of people who walk out of restrooms with unwashed or just rinsed hands is staggering and disgusting. Ebola is passed through bodily fluids and can survive on surfaces for hours. Now, think about toilets. Don’t overdo the washing, though. Too much exposure to water can lead to dry, cracked skin, a prime way for bacteria and viruses to enter your system. • Cover your mouth, but not with your hands. Sneeze or cough into your sleeve and turn away from those in the crossfire. Spraying saliva all over the people around

you is the best way to spread airborne diseases, such as the flu. Using your hands as a cover takes us back a step. • Avoid touching people, especially their hands. You do not know if they wash their hands after using the restroom, sneeze into them or play with the gum under tables. • Stay hydrated. If you get sick, you are losing a lot of fluids, which you need to replace or risk dehydration. At the first sign of illness, drink plenty of fluids and avoid sugar-rich beverages. • Get plenty of rest. Your body recuperates while catching Zs. Medical professionals are saying Ebola eventually will reach San Antonio, and the flu has run rampant year after year. If people don’t start taking health seriously — their own and everyone else’s — infectious diseases are bound to spread. When an epidemic starts, we’ll have no ground to stand on, and we shouldn’t be surprised because we had it coming. Prevention starts with you.

Whistles, honks, leers an everyday occurrence

Vote with knowledge

Viewpoint by Mandy Derfler

Can you imagine a world of uneducated voters? In May 2014, 18.9 million Texans became eligible to vote; however, there were only 13.6 million registered voters, the Texas secretary of state says. There are 25,457 students at this college alone, and 62,377 students in the district and 1.4 million people living in San Antonio, according to the estimated 2013 census. Students have a large amount of power, and San Antonio has an even greater one. If voters do not educate themselves on the issues and the candidates before going to the polls, they are doing the state and their fellow Americans a disservice. San Antonio makes voting convenient, bringing voting booths to colleges. Students can vote at Sinkin EcoCentro on North Main Avenue at East Locust Street. Candidates have placed their campaign posters all over the streets around this college.

Know your rights; it pays off Viewpoint by Daniel Carde