3.7.17

BY ts UTSA studen R FO ts UTSA studen

Vol. 55 Issue 9 March 7 March 28, 2017 /PaisanoOnline

/ThePaisano

Are private prisons a public problem?

Opinion Pg.5

@PaisanoMedia

@ThePaisano

Bruising for besos & Xicana relationships

www.Paisano-Online.com

Men’s basketball season

Arts & Life Pg.8

Sports Pg.10

“I have been made aware that the manner in which I embraced women made them uncomfortable and was inappropriate.”

Romo retires amid sexual harrassment investigation Isaac Serna News Editor

@IsaacRSerna news@paisano-online.com Dr. Ricardo Romo has stepped down as president of UTSA, effective March 3, following an investigation related to his conduct.

Romo released a statement saying, “It is now my desire to step down as president and retire from UTSA effective immediately. This will

eliminate the possibility of any distraction or disruption of the great work going on at UTSA.” The University of Texas System Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steve Leslie announced the action in an email addressed to the UTSA community.

The UT System Chancellor William McRaven thanked Romo for UTSA’s accomplishments during

Romo’s 18 years of leadership.

Included in Leslie’s announcement was Romo’s response to allegations of improper behavior.

“I have been made aware that the manner in which I embraced women made them uncomfortable and was inappropriate,” Romo said in the statement. “I understand and respect Chancellor McRaven’s concerns about my behavior and I deeply

apologize for any conduct that offended anyone.”

In the statement Romo defended his actions as a misunderstanding of a cultural expression.

Following his initial statement, Romo released a second statement through his attorney Ricardo Cedillo.

“The reaction to the announcement of my retirement has been overwhelmingly positive, and Harriett and I are

-Dr. Ricardo Romo Former UTSA President forever grateful for these sentiments from people in all walks of life in this city, this state, and across America.

“Nonetheless, there may be accusations, rumors, and speculations about conduct other than the ‘abrazos’ that were considered offensive. That I had no improper intent giving or receiving ‘abrazos’ is of no consequence.

If they were thought improper and offensive

then they were, and but for a prohibition from contacting anyone involved I would have already directly apologized.

“The Chancellor is correct in establishing that there is no ‘abrazos exception’ for a 73-yearold retiring university president. I accept that this is the world we live in.

But he has taken no action

See ‘abrazos exception’ page 4

Community garden promotes sustainability and health Danielle Throneberry Staff writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com In virtue of the determination and diligence of several UTSA students and faculty and staff, the grand opening of the UTSA Community Garden took place on March 4 at 11:30 a.m.

Student group applications for plots were accepted up until March 1.

The UTSA Community Garden has a story that dates back to 2013, when two students devised the first formal “Green Fund” proposition for a university community garden.

According to Lindsay Ratcliffe, advisor to the Green Society and one of nine members on the garden’s steering committee, after a few modifications and revision

from two prominent staff members, the Green Society and the Department of Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) declaring their collective dedication to the project.

Ratcliffe said the steering committee submitted the new and improved proposal to the Green Fund Committee in February 2016 and that it was approved and signed off on just a month later.

According to Ratcliffe, the project truly began to advance when UTSA’s Director of Sustainability, Keith Muhlestein, agreed to take on the responsibility for managing the garden funds and finalizing negotiations with GCA Services, the contractor in charge of building the garden in Fall 2016.

Additionally, the support

of AVP of Facilities, Dave Riker, was of notable importance. Leah Wisner, president of the student organization 9 for 17—an organization for nutrition/ dietics/health majors—and a member of the garden steering committee believes the UTSA community can learn and grow from the garden.

“The combination of nutrition and agriculture gives our members the chance to learn about food systems while enhancing the well-being of college students,” Wisner said.

“We’ve collaborated with other organizations and local farmers to make sure the garden reaps a beautiful harvest and are so excited for our future farmers market!”

Rafaela Infante, member of both the Dietetic and Nutrition Student Association (DANSA)

and the garden steering committee, expressed on behalf of DANSA, “Taking responsibility in planning this garden, one of our future goals is to not only encourage students to come together and pick up a new hobby, but this garden will also be a source of produce for students battling food insecurity on campus. One of our future

goals is to either donate produce or create an opportunity of selling it at a UTSA farmers market.”

Among student groups who have applied for plots are 9 for 17, Black Lives Matter, Green Society and Top Scholars.

Ratcliffe said, “Their motivations are diverse: to promote environmental sustainability, to take

Seedlings began to sprout in the UTSA Community Garden.

charge of their personal health, to ensure food access and equity for underserved populations— but their common passion brings them together.”

The garden is located on the southwest corner of UTSA’s main campus near Brackenridge Ave. Lot 5.

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

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NEWS

HILLEL MEMBER

On Fri. (March 3) the Springfield Jewish Community Center in Massachusetts was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat written on a locker room wall inside the building. After a report in Feb. stated hate crimes against Jewish people have more than doubled in New York City, The Paisano asked the UTSA Jewish organization Hillel how have they responded following recent events. Hillel representative Natalie Steiner discussed possible threats and anti-Semitic views circulating around the United States.

Natalie Steiner (left), the Jewish Student Life Coordinator at Hillel San Antonio reaches out to Jewish college students in San Antonio in order to meaningfully connect them to their personal Jewish journey.

Texas Texan Senator Craig Estes filed a bill that could restrain protests against air quality permit applications for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The bill would limit public participation in environmental policy when Texan industrial facilities apply for permits to emit pollutants in the air.

U.S.

The Catholic and Marianist University

Q&A: NATALIE STEINER

UTSA Beginning in the fall of 2017, UTSA will offer three new graduate certificates in health, applied health research and community nutrition. The certificates require four courses that can be completed in two semesters. Each will be available online and all are geared towards working professionals interested in expanding their community and behavioral health skills.

President Trump has signed a new executive order subjecting citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen to a 90-day travel ban. A 120-day ban on all refugees is also part of the order.

This entire directive will be implemented March 16. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has stated more than 300 refugees are under investigation for possible terror offences, hence the 120-day ban.

“The best way to combat hate is education, most people hate something only because they are afraid of what they don’t know.”

Photo courtesy of Natalie Steiner

Q:

-Natalie Steiner

How has Hillel responded to the recent threats toward the American Jewish community?

Because UTSA does not have a Hillel building, or any physical space we fortunately have not been affected by bomb threats. Although, Hillel has taken initiative to educate its students on how to identify and combat antiSemitism. Last week Hillel participated in the Anti-Defamation Leagues’ Words to Action program, where they learned different methods on how to identify anti-Semitism, how to react and who their support system is on campus.

Q:

Why do you think anti-Semitism has reportedly been on the rise since Feb. 2016?

I think important leaders who hold a strong voice have not condemned the anti-Semitic acts that have been occurring throughout the country. Therefore I believe anti-Semitism will continue to rise until our leaders show us that those actions are not okay.

World

Parents and children crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. have been detained by ICE agents.

According to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, the U.S. may separate illegal immigrant children from their parents after crossing the border in an attempt to reduce further illegal crossings. The Department of Health and Human Services would care for the children until an American relative or state-vetted guardian can look after them.

Science

IBM’s quantum computing system has been updated with a new interface that allows programmers to use traditional programming language when instructing the machine. In May 2016, IBM made its quantum computer accessible through the Internet.

IBM hopes their quantum computer system and public’s use of it will lead to the creation of artificial intelligence and discovering new medicines and materials.

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March 7 - March 28, 2017

Courtesy of Natalie Steiner There are about 30 active student members at UTSA, with a student board of five containing a president, vice president, membership & communications chair, religious & cultural chair and programming chair.

Q:

Have you or other Jewish students experienced anti-Semitism on campus?

Fortunately, I have not experienced true anti-Semitism on campus.

Q:

It appears that the most common forms of anti-Semitism this month are bomb threats to JCC’s and cemetery vandalism, is that a form of anti-Semitism you’ve seen before?

The bomb threats I have not seen before, but unfortunately numerous synagogues around San Antonio were vandalized last year with graffiti of swastikas on them.

Q:

Do you think the threat of anti-Semitism is related to other hate charged crimes happening in the U.S.?

Yes, I think they’re all interconnected. I think it’s easy to clump minorities together and influence hate to those who are uninformed. The Muslim and Catholic communities have both been very supportive, but I am not surprised by it at all and would expect nonetheless. Because we all support each other.

Interview by Isaac Serna

Dreams & Soul Travel – A Spiritual Toolbox

Free Discussion Series – Includes booklet Weekly Thursday night meetings March 9, 23 & 30 7:00–8:30 p.m. , UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)

Discover how Dreams and Soul Travel can help you spiritually ● Get guidance from dreams ● ignite your creativity to solve problems ● shift your consciousness to experience heavenly realms

Info: Mitziani: rbo233@my.utsa.edu Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization

SGA candidates outline policy positions in debate Samuel De Leon

Assistant News Editor @therealsamdeleon news@paisano-online.com

Seven presidential and two vice presidential candidates faced off in the Student Government Association Presidential and Vice Presidential debate March 2. This debate informed the UTSA students on each candidates priority issues.

James Rivera spoke about improving the graduation and retention rate of the university; more specifically, Rivera wants to focus on first-generation college students. This goal was amplified through his thoughts on working with the university to promote a better environment for first-generation students.

Brandon Johnson wants to increase the transparency between the student government and the student body by publishing a newsletter and holding town hall meetings. Johnson would focus on budget cuts of different departments.

“If their scholarships are taken away, they no longer have the financial means of graduating,” Johnson said when addressing recent budget cuts of the arts department.

Terralyn Wilburn would aim to increase textbook accessibility and affordability, add more copies of textbooks to the course reserves and work towards making access codes “more affordable or free of charge.” Wilburn also would continue to phase out the CAP program because she sees the CAP students as syphoning university funds that could be used for students who intend to stay.

Marcus Thomas spoke about introducing students to the student organizations at UTSA during orientation, giving students the opportunity to become more involved. “It creates the home they need, opportunities for jobs, opportunities for study groups and opportunities for lifelong friends.”

Thomas also spoke about improving the opportunity for research and pushing for Tier One. Joshua Broniszewski’s priority for his administration would be to adjust the “passive teaching

going on at the university.

This has us relying on rogue learning. I want to focus more on team-based learning styles.” In addition, Broniszewski spoke about furthering the success of students after they graduate by advancing academics and graduate research programs.

Forrest Wilkinson’s top priority would be to boost the sustainability ratings at UTSA through more research by the environmental science department. Wilkinson also emphasized including kosher and vegan food options to the university’s food service. Wilkinson would push for the reinstitution of a green fund which prioritizes sustainability efforts of UTSA. Jeremy Cash spoke about giving students a stronger voice by connecting students directly with administrators. Cash wants to introduce legislation that will protect the student voice, streamlining studentbody-lead change. He would carefully examine the SGA budget, so he could promote the most beneficial fiscal actions for the student body.

Brittany Garcia would focus on the idea of student involvement with the Independent Student Events Board, and by focusing on school unity and pride. Garcia spoke about boosting attendance for athletic events, which, she says, will provide this needed school pride, leading to a huge push for student success in terms of retention and graduation rates.

Candidate Michael Moore plans to put a strong foot forward with clear goals to work with the new president of the university.

“From the beginning of the year to the end, we want everyone to know we have made progress.” Moore wants to provide support to minority students at UTSA, as he believes this is the most effective way to improve graduation rates.

Students can watch the debate on the UTSA Student Government Association Facebook page. Voting runs through March 7, and students can submit their vote at https:// utsa.collegiatelink.net/el ectionstep/2?Submission Id=9624785

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Roadrunner Pantry opens to help students facing food insecurity

UTSA anthropology professor recogized in National Geographic Carlos Hughes Staff writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com

Justice Lovin, The Paisano

A ribbon was cut in celebration of the Roadrunner Pantry opening.

Justice Lovin

Staff writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com A ribbon cutting ceremony on March 6 marked the opening of the Roadrunner Pantry, an on campus food bank providing food and other essentials to students with a valid UTSA ID at no charge. The pantry is located on the first floor of the UC next to the UPS store.

The primary hours of operation for the Roadrunner Pantry are Mon. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wed. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fri. from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; however, UC staff will be able to provide pre-stocked emergency bags to students 24 hours a day. These emergency bags should include basic food staples such as macaroni, canned tuna and the like.

In addition to food items, the pantry also offers toiletries such as soap, shampoo and toothbrushes kept in a metal cabinet on the left side of the room next to a digital scale—the first donation made to the pantry. Since then, hundreds of dollars and thousands of pounds of food have come in, filling the shelves throughout the

NEWS

March 7 - March 28, 2017

room.

The Roadrunner Pantry, though associated with the SA Food Bank and with UTSA itself, is in many ways the product of student efforts. Rebecca Conejo, senior English major and UC student manager, who spoke at the event, is one of the founders of the service. Conejo, along with Nikki Lee, UC senior

“The food bank was a way for the San Antonio community, and the UTSA community of course, to help students.”

-Taylor Cole sophomore

multidisciplinary major associate director of events management, organized the pantry after they learned of similar programs at other universities.

Plenty of other students are working with the pantry, both as volunteers and in more official

capacities as in the case of Taylor Cole, a sophomore multidisciplinary studies major, who designed the pantry’s logo and worked with marketing the program. Cole captured the ethos of the pantry, remarking “the food bank was a way for the San Antonio community, and the UTSA community of course, to help students with coming to school and being able to afford their textbooks and able to eat a decent meal, feel nourished and have the energy from proper foods rather than just ramen every day.”

Just before cutting the ribbon, Conejo spoke of her hopes for the pantry, calling on the spectators to support the cause. “Even if you just skip Starbucks for a day, and donate that five dollars,” she said “every donation helps.” Ending on a hopeful note, she said she “(couldn’t) wait to come back in five or ten years and see how the pantry has grown.”

For updates and information on how to donate or volunteer, check the Roadrunner Pantry page on the utsa.edu site or follow the pantry on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

UTSA anthropology professor Dr. Luca Pozzi was recently featured in a National Geographic article about the discovery of a new species of galago, more commonly referred to as bush babies.

“Recently this month we described a new genus, which was part of the study,” Pozzi said. “Some of my colleagues were involved in the discovery of a new species in Angola.”

Pozzi’s focus is biological anthropology, and his specific area of study deals with primates.

Pozzi received his PhD in biological anthropology from New York University in 2013.

“Biological anthropology is the study of humans and everything related to humans. Mainly dealing with primates,” Pozzi explained. “Most of the time we are working on things related to humans and trying to understand human evolution or adaptation in general.”

National Geographic got in touch with Pozzi because of his expertise on primates, lemurs and bush babies.

“Im proud of Dr. Pozzi, and it’s a blessing he was

featured,” said Malik Magonin, sophomore political science major, who is in Pozzi’s intro to biological anthropology class said. “He’s a great professor whose knowledge in anthropology and monkeys will take him far in life. Colleagues should appreciate him and what he does. I love him as a professor.”

Because of his field of research, Pozzi has been on expeditions to places around the globe such as Madagascar and the Amazon Rainforest.

Bush babies can be found throughout Africa anywhere below the Sahara desert. There are 18 known species of galagos. Their sizes vary as some species are six inches and others can grow to be the size of a house cat.

It is hard to differentiate between species of bush babies because of their similar appearances. The best way to distinguish a bush baby is by listening to the call it makes. Each bush baby has a species specific call they use for mating or to mark their territory.

Dr. Pozzi’s colleagues were excited when they were in the jungles of Angola and heard a new undiscovered species of galago.

Bush babies are very hard to study. They’re nocturnal and they sometimes

can be found live in some countries that are politically tumultuous.

“It’s a great discovery,” said Pozzi to National Geographic, “It just explains how much we still have to know about these animals.”

One of the ways scientists can differentiate between existing bush babies and possibly discovering a new one, is by studying their morphology.

Looking at both interior and exterior morphology, anthropologists can see if they’ve discovered a new species.

If students are interested in anthropology and research like Pozzi’s there are many different kinds of anthropology classes offered at UTSA. Dr. Pozzi recommends reading up onprimatologists like Alison Jolly and Jane Goodall for useful information on primatology.

UTSA has a noteworthy anthropology department and some courses even include class trips in their curriculum.

Students interested in reading the National Geographic article Dr. Pozzi was featured in can visit http://news. nationalgeographic. com/2017/03/bush-babynew-primate-speciesangola/.

Courtesy of Dr. Luca Pozzi The main goals of Pozzi’s work are to 1) document primate biodiversity, 2) explore the dynamics of diversification, such as the ecological and evolutionary driving factors that shape diversification in time and space, and 3) understand how primates respond to human-induced environmental and climatic change.

No ‘abrazos exception’ for former president Romo continued from page 1 giving any false rumor or accusation credence. This I would have fought without hesitation. My family was fully prepared to have me wage this battle, my legal team was confident of the outcome, and falsehoods did not drive my decision to retire now. I made it clear to the Chancellor that I was not afraid of the truth, and that I would not run from a lie.

“The only thing certain about my tenure as President is that it would end. The average for service as President of a University in America is about 6 to 8 years. I have been blessed with 18.”

The UT System Director of Media Relations and Communications Programming Karen Adwal said the UT System could not provide further information about the persons filing the

complaint, and the matter was cited as a privacy concern.

UT System spokeswoman Jenny LaCoste-Caputo said the Office of General Counsel has closed the investigation and she declined to discuss details.

Student reactions to the controversy vary.

Dylan Verdi, senior art history major, said she was disappointed by Romo’s statements.

“The statements made light of the sexual harassment allegations that forced Romo to resign— passing them off as simple ‘abrazos’ does a disservice to the magnitude of what happened,” Verdi said.

“I have heard and seen many people on social media defend Romo by saying his hugs are a side effect of Latino culture.

As a Latina with a big Mexican family and friend group, I can safely say that ‘inappropriate embraces’

are not a part of our culture; they are sexual harassment and sexual harassment is beyond inexcusable.”

Josév Moncada Jr., sophomore accounting major, said he would have liked to have heard the complainant’s side of the

“Passing them off as simple ‘abrazos’ does a disservice to the magnitude of what happened.”

-Dylan Verdi

senior art history major

story.

“I feel there has to be more than ‘abrazos’ involved. If it were that simple he could have simply apologized publicly,” Moncada Jr. said. “There

has to be more to the story.”

Sources previously told the Express-News that Romo’s chief of staff, Sonia Martinez, was placed on leave along with the president. They also said two staff members had been fired sometime earlier, possibly in retaliation for some unnamed action, but were subsequently rehired.

No information about Martinez’s situation or the other two staff members was available Monday.

“I feel like Romo’s actions are being dismissed because he was so beloved within UTSA and that is doing the biggest injustice to the women who were harassed,” Victoria Guajardo, senior communication major said. “No matter who is being accused, they should be held 100 percent accountable.

The fact that people are actually defending him just reinforces why women are so terrified of coming

forward after they are harassed.”

Mr. UTSA, JaCorey Patterson, believes Romo’s made the right decision in stepping down.

“It shows Romo’s character of always doing what’s right for the university,” Patterson said.

Ms. UTSA, Isabella Beltri, and SGA members Andrew Hubbard, Frankie Trynoski and Kelly Zoch declined to comment on Romo’s retirement.

Leslie affirmed the search process for a new president is proceeding as planned.

“We look forward to appointing a president in the fall, prior to the start of the next academic year,” Leslie said. “In the meantime, Dr. Pedro Reyes will serve as president ad interim.”

Before stepping into his role as interim president, Reyes was the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the UT System and at one time

was Romo’s boss.

Reyes issued his first statement as interim president to UTSA’s faculty and staff on March 3. He announced he will provide the support the university community needs to be successful and encouraged his colleagues to contact him if they have any thoughts on how to advance the university mission.

Subsequently, Reyes issued a similar statement to the UTSA community.

“Together, we will carry on our tradition of excellence and continue taking bold steps that will bring us ever closer to Tier One,” Reyes concluded. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to serve you.”

Reyes did not mention Romo’s alleged conduct in his statements, but did awknowledge the past few weeks have been uncertain times.

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March 7 - March 28, 2017

OPINION

About face: how makeup has changed though time commentary

Raquel Zuniga @SiriuslyRaquely According to the Oxford Dictionary, art is defined as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

The act of selfexpression and selfidentity has been used over the centuries. For example, the first records of makeup come from ancient Egypt dating as far back as 3500 B.C. Both men and women were known to wear copious

amounts of makeup, which they believed gave them the protection of the gods Horus and Ra. The Egyptians would grind ores like malachite and galena to create kohl and use that as eyeliner.

Since then, makeup has significantly improved and revolutionized.

In the last 100 years or so, makeup has been used strictly among women; but today it is becoming increasingly socially acceptable in Western society for everyone to wear makeup regardless of their gender identification.

CoverGirl made history by announcing their first CoverBoy, James Charles, last Oct. Charles and other male makeup gurus such as Manny Mua, Jeffree Star, PatrickStarrr and Gabriel Zamora have helped Western society accept and applaud men who are skilled at makeup application.

Believe it or not, makeup is a trained skill.

It took several attempts to finally give my eyeliner

a simple wing, and even then it is incomparable to Jaclyn Hill’s flawless winged eyeliner. If you want to learn how to get the winged eyeliner look, Jaclyn Hill has a YouTube video to help you. If you want to learn how to do a cut-crease eyeshadow look, head over to Manny Mua’s YouTube channel.

If you want to learn about transgender influence in the makeup industry, head over to Nikita Dragun’s YouTube channel. If you are struggling with anything such as how to change a flat tire, fix your garbage disposal or highlight and contour your face, there is a YouTube video for that.

Makeup can be used to accentuate your natural features and also help cover any blemishes. This is a step-by-step routine on how to apply makeup: first, moisturize the skin; second, prime the skin; third, make those brows fleeky and don’t forget to set them with brow gel; fourth, apply eyeshadow primer on the lid then

apply desired eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and any false lashes if you wish to use them; fifth, cover your face and neck with foundation; sixth, conceal under your eyes and then use concealer to highlight the highest parts of your face such as your nose and forehead; seventh, contour your forehead under your cheekbones and on your jawline; eighth, blend all the concealer and contour either with a beauty blender or the appropriate brush; ninth, use setting powder on the areas of your face that you concealed and highlighted and leave the setting powder there for about 5-15 minutes to “bake” the face; 10th, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks; 11th, apply bronzer to the middle of the cheeks and temples; 12th, apply highlight on the highest part of your cheekbone; 13th, line your lips and fill them in with matching shade of lipstick; and lastly set that face with setting spray! You can modify each step, that’s the beauty of

makeup! You can choose how to do your makeup and there are no set rules you have to follow.

If you are looking for quality yet inexpensive makeup brands, I recommend: Elf, NYX, ColourPop and Morphe.

If you are not budgeting, check out ULTA and Sephora retailers. P.S. you

can ask for free samples of products at Sephora before you commit!

Some are better than others at makeup and some are more imaginative than others, but at the end of the day makeup is a tool to selfexpress as well as to help your self-confidence. this is why makeup is an art.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? • We're taking a short break. Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at 14526 Roadrunner Way (Directly behind the Block) • We're looking for writers, photographers, graphic designers, copy editors and social media gurus to join our team!

• No previous journalism experience required.

The hypocrite oath: SB 25 Private prisons are the public's problem commentary

Justice Lovin @ThePaisano On Feb. 23, Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent a memo to the Bureau of Prisons reversing the policy of former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates that would have phased out federal use of private prisons. Though relatively new—dating back only to August of last year—the policy represented a positive change for an unjust criminal justice system.

This reversal represents a step backwards and must be met with opposition.

As Texans, we are well positioned to influence this contemporary civil rights struggle; nearly 10,000 out of the the approximately 22,000 federal inmates in private prisons are incarcerated in Texas according to a Texas Tribune article cited in the Yates memo. As such, we can direct political energy towards local policies and legislation, where changes require (relatively) less social and monetary capital.

Under Yates, the Department of Justice opted to discontinue the use of private prisons because of poor management. Private prisons provide fewer services at a lower level of security for an unsubstantial reduction

of cost. Specifically, a number of riots within Texas prisons preceded the decision.

Besides financial and security objections, there are also ideological and moral objections to private prisons as well.

The primary function of any enterprise operating within a capitalist system is to generate revenue that exceeds its costs.

The primary function of a criminal justice system is to reduce the rate of crime within a society. These goals are fundamentally incompatible for two reasons: first, because the profit motive incentivizes private prisons to incarcerate as many people as possible for the longest time, and second, because private prisons do nothing to address the social and economic factors that determine how, why and where crime happens.

The profit motive is an innate feature of private prisons that ensures they will act against the interests of their inmates and the society the justice system is supposed to serve. Rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into mainstream society leads to a decline in profitability and goes against the long term interests of the industry.

This is why private prisons such as the GEO Group and CoreCivic donated $250,000 each to the Trump campaign and (according to The Washington Post) the private prison lobby has spent nearly $25 million since 1989.

Prisons of any sort are ineffective because they are reactionary, treating symptoms rather

than causes. Understood historically, crime is primarily the result of social and economic inequalities. This is not to say wealthy people do not also commit crime (they just don’t go to jail for it) but rather prison populations are disproportionately poor and that there are structural causes of that.

The affordability of legal counsel and misuse of plea bargaining, for example, and the racialization of the prisonindustrial complex (documented in Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow”) both contribute to mass incarceration.

This conflict of interest is further suggested by other policy changes; including a crackdown on states that have legalized marijuana consumption.

This, combined with renewed use of private prisons, promises incredible gains for the industry which donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Trump campaign. Moreover, private prisons stand to benefit from recent ICE raids as undocumented immigrants are also often detained in private facilities.

It is therefore necessary that political movements demand criminal justice reform and strive to preserve advancements made in the recent past.

As constituents, we should write our state and federal representatives demanding policies that serve the common good rather than private financial interests of a select few.

commentary

Samantha Jones @ThePaisano There is no rest for women in Texas.

Just months after finalizing a mandate that would require medical facilities to provide burials or interments for embryonic material and remains from abortions or miscarriages (it has since been blocked by a Federal Judge in Austin), the Texas Senate Committee of State Affairs has drafted another controversial bill with the potential to undermine a woman’s bodily autonomy.

Texas Senate Bill 25 stipulates that “damages may not be awarded, on behalf of any person, based on the claim that but for the act or omission of another, a person would not have been permitted to have been born alive but would have been aborted.” It aims to prevent

“Wrongful Birth” litigation by providing doctors special protection from parents whose children are born with a disability.

The legislation masquerades as a means of defending innocent doctors who fail to detect Down syndrome and other abnormalities.

While it is true many birth abnormalities go undetected, and some parents who are suffering may look for a scapegoat, abortion rights activists have argued SB 25 would legally permit physicians with moral agendas to lie to patients.

It would not be the first time pregnant women were lied to by a proselytizing individual.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers, institutions intended to be a place of information for pregnant women, have been infiltrated by pro-life extremists who spread medically unsound lies such as abortion causes breast cancer; condoms do not work; birth control and the morning after pill cause abortions, etc.

“It shouldn’t be the policy for the state of Texas,” Blake Rocap, policy adviser for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas said to the Austin Chronicle, “to

excuse doctors from lying to their patients, but that’s what this bill does.”

In fact, during a line of questioning regarding SB 25, Rachel Tiddle (a woman who unknowingly carried a fetus with severe abnormalities to term, resulting in a stillborn) asked the committee, “Don’t you think this creates a climate where doctors feel they have the right to impose their own moral beliefs?”

And she was met with silence.

Their silence does not ease the heartbreak of the parents who learn their newborn will suffer.

Their silence does not alleviate the egregious costs of caring for a disabled or special needs child, which could force low-income families further into poverty.

Their silence does not care for the disabled or special needs children who may be abandoned in foster care due to the parents’ inability to meet their needs.

As it currently exists, SB 25 poses a potential threat to pro-life and prochoice men and women.

March 7 - March 28, 2017 OPINION The Paisano Odd man out Editor in Chief: Caroline Traylor

Managing Editor: Ethan Pham News Editor: Isaac Serna Arts & Life Editor: Raquel Alonzo Sports Editor: Frankie Leal Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez Photography Editor: Tristan Ipock Magazine Editor: Jade Cuevas Multimedia Editor: Kat Joseph Editor in Chief Assistant: Ryan Thompson Managing Assistant: Raquel Zuniga News Assistant: Samuel De Leon Arts & Life Assistant: Enrique Bonilla Sports Assistant: Wylie Kuykendall Photography Assistant: Chase Otero Magazine Assistant: Sam Ceballos

Multimedia Assistant: Oscar Torres Senior Copy Editor: Jessica Salinas Business Manager: Will Stransky Marketing Director: Valery Assad Social Media Coordinator: Kristy Olson Advertising Marketing Liaison: Jenelle Duff

Romo steps down, questions still linger Editorial

Since Chancellor McRaven’s cryptic email announcing President Romo was being placed on administrative leave due to allegations regarding his conduct, the series of subsequent events can only be described as odd.

Each morsel of information passed along to UTSA students, faculty and staff came via the UT System, not representatives or administrators from the university.

This was frustrating and odd.

On Friday, Dr. Leslie — UT System Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs — announced Dr. Romo was stepping down as president and retiring from UTSA effective immediately.

“The search process for

a new president is proceeding as planned, and we look forward to appointing a president in the fall, prior to the start of the next academic year. In the meantime, Dr. Pedro Reyes will serve as president ad interim,” Leslie stated.

The System’s assurance that the presidential search is proceeding undeterred feels like they’d like students to be just as unbothered. Move along, nothing to see here.

Odd. The email included McRaven’s statement saying he was grateful for Romo’s service and his dedication to steering UTSA toward Tier One status.

In this moment, who among us is concerned about Tier One status? Tone deaf and odd.

Romo’s statement was also included in the email.

“I have been made aware

that the manner in which I embraced women made them uncomfortable and was inappropriate. I understand and respect Chancellor McRaven’s concerns about my behavior and I deeply apologize for any conduct that offended anyone.”

Romo goes onto to say he’s proud of the work he and his staff achieved, and wishes students the best in their future endeavors. He signs off, “GO ROADRUNNERS!” This is flippant and odd.

This bizarre display of school spirit in a memo addressing sexual harassment seems inappropriate. This isn’t a football game, this is a serious and confusing moment for our community.

We deserve sincerity, not breeziness.

Later that Friday afternoon, Romo released another statement through his attorney Ricardo Cedillo’s

office.

He describes the allegations against him as “‘abrazos’ that were considered offensive”.

“The Chancellor is correct in establishing that there is no ‘abrazos exception’ for a 73-year-old retiring university president. I accept this is the world we live in,” he stated.

President Romo was known for his student-oriented style of leadership and was considered by many to be the heart of this university.

His statement frames himself as a victim to a changing professional culture while referencing his Latino culture.

But even in San Antonio, ‘abrazos’ in the workplace seem odd.

Interim President Reyes addressed the UTSA community in an email later

6

that Friday afternoon. The acting president’s statement echoed the familiar jargon of continuing “the bold steps that will take us ever closer to Tier One.” But what have we learned from the former UTSA president? What will the next UTSA president inherit? As it stands right now, he or she will inherit a community still left wondering what happened.

Dr. Reyes was the only administrator to acknowledge in his statement that these past few weeks have been times of uncertainty. In these times of uncertainty, we must remember this: We have only heard Dr. Romo’s narrative. We only have one side of the story.

It’s likely that we’ll never hear the women’s stories on the other side of this — and that is odd.

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The difference in sounding and being presidential commentary

STAFF

Chris Herbert, Aidan WatsonMorris, Anelia GomezCordova, Benjamin Shirani, Danielle Throneberry, Abby Sharp, Justice Lovin, Jesus Nieves, Alex Birnel, Taiwo Adepoju, Jeremiah Hobbs, Diego Montoya

PHOTO TEAM David Guel, Emi Ferrer, Ethan Pham

MARKETING TEAM

Ethan Pham, Will Stransky, Jenelle Duff, Ray Hagimoto, Mikayla Cooper, Kat Joseph, Wiley Kuykendall

CONTRIBUTORS

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ADVISOR Diane Abdo

ADVISORY BOARD

Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus.

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Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

Jeremiah Hobbs @ThePaisano President Trump gave his Joint Address to Congress last Tues., Feb. 28.

He said a lot of patriotic phrases, repeated his campaign promises, reminded America why he thought President Obama was bad for the country and bad for business, all without the vitriolic rhetoric that characterized his campaign speeches.

After this speech, pundits praised and applauded Trump's oratory style.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan told NBC’s “Today” his expectations about the speech: He’s “not looking to the president for granular details about how things are going to get done, because that’s not President Trump’s style.” In other words, President Trump is more about expressing his passion and itemizing policy issues rather than specifying details of his proposed policies soon to be implemented.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Fox News that the media and public’s “focus should be on a president’s actions rather than a president’s words.”

President Trump is not the first person to deliver an address after a month in office. But even so, President Trump’s address to Congress was important because it had to accomplish several tasks: unite GOP allies behind a common agenda to replace the Affordable Care Act and reform the tax system, sum up a month’s work as president and set the tone for his presidency.

Yet, President Trump chose style over substance.

His oratory style danced around his own ego. His speech was sprinkled with humble brags, like masking his self-praise by insinuating big corporations invested “billions and billions of dollars” because he was elected, taking credit for the stock market gain that happened around election-time, satisfying American pleas for immigration enforcement and border security with his executive order, having dozens of Harley Davidson motorcycles on the White House lawn and–my personal favorite–implying that arrests of criminals across the country were happening because he was president when he said “bad ones (gangs) are going out as I speak and as I promised throughout the campaign.”

His rhetoric was spritzed with authoritative words and phrases like “directed,” “imposing,” “finally enforcing,” “calling on,” “billions and billions of dollars” and “I have further ordered.” Even long-time critics, noted

that his speech, as well as his manner, was quite presidential. CNN pundit Van Jones stated after President Trump’s address to Congress that “in this moment, he became presidential.”

That being the case, he offered no policy instructions.

Each policy had been compartmentalized to another department.

Their job was to figure out precisely how to actualize every proposed, vague action. For example, he “directed” the Department of Justice to form a taskforce dedicated to aggressively reducing violent crime. What does “aggressively” mean? And hasn’t the Department of Justice always been trying to reduce violent crime, anyways?

I’m not arguing I want a step-by-step discussion in his speech for each mandate, but vague solutions handed to departments that are already working on them is not policy. If this type of implementation of policies is what President Trump intends in order to “make America great again,” I

question the outcome.

President Trump cannot allow our nation to become a sanctuary for extremists, so, he says, “for that reason we will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border.” For those as perplexed by the immediacy of this idea over other pressing societal and political concerns as I am, I wouldn’t worry.

When this bewildering and somewhat vague mandate is handed over to whatever department to engineer, it will get lost in governmental bureaucracy, like fighting the war on drugs, on poverty, on terror. Yes, President Trump’s oratory style is different and definitely improved–unarguably presidential. But President Trump is still Donald Trump; days after his address and pundits’ praise of his presidential style, President Trump went on a Twitter-tirade with four intemperate tweets in twenty-seven minutes alleging President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower before the election.

Still, what are we to make of his content?

The substance his style overshadowed?

He informed America during his address of his plans to create an office entitled VOICE, Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement. The office is under the Department of Homeland Security and will weekly list the crimes of undocumented immigrants.

VOICE will give voice to prejudice and intolerance to entice fear and anxiety toward immigrants.

President Trump needs to follow his own words spoken during the address: “We must build bridges of cooperation and trust, not drive the wedge of disunity and–really what it is, it’s division. Pure, unadulterated division. We have to unify.”

Stripping President Trump’s address to Congress from his oratory style and presidential manner, we are left with vague constructions of his mandates and divisive policies. I would like to repeat President Trump’s own words as a reminder to President Trump: We have to unify.

ARTS & LIFE

7

March 7 - March 28, 2017

Events this week in San Antonio Tuesday 7th

Wednesday 8th

Haggus & Fentanyl Surprise: Mince Grind Punx

Time: 8 p.m.

Place: The Land in between DIY Price: $5

Thursday 9th

Learn about Plant Medicine w/ Luna the Herban Curandera

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Roots of Change Urban Garden Price: $10-20 for supplies

Community Platica: Int. Woman’s Day Dance Party Organizing in our Political Climate Time: 9 p.m.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Galería de Moviemento Price: Free

Place: The Bang Bang Bar Price: $3

Saturday 11th ` Burger Revolution 5

Friday 10th

Warship Issue 2 Zine Release

Scary Stories to tell in the Art

Time: 9 p.m.

Place: Brick at Blue Star Price: Free

Time: 3 p.m.

Place: Brick at Blue Star Price: Free

New Exhibit: “Into The Void”

Mr. Pidge EP Release Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Ventura SATX Price: $7

Time: 5 p.m.

Place: Anarte Gallery Price: Free

Sunday 12th

Monday 13th

Pearl Farmers Market

Time: 12 p.m.

Place: Friends of Sound Price: Free

Time: 10 a.m.

Place: Historic Pearl Price: Free

2nd Annual Sister Solidarity Art Show

Time: 5 p.m.

Place: Galería de Movimiento Price: Free

Imagine Fest

Did You Ever See Such a Thing as A Drawing of a Muchness

Time: 8 p.m.

Place: Imagine Books and Records Price: $7

Time: 12 a.m.

Place: Artpace Price: Free

Graphic courtesy of Imagine Books and Records

Spring 2017 BFA exhibition: Showcasing UTSA’s artists Leah Feneley Staff Writer

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com At the end of each semester, the Department of Art and Art History at UTSA host an art exhibition to showcase the artworks of the soonto-be graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students. The Spring 2017 BFA Exhibition will be held on UTSA’s Main Campus inside the Main Art Gallery located in room 2.03.04 of the Arts Building. The exhibition will be free and open to the public, in fact, all art exhibitions hosted within this gallery year round are free and open to the public. The Spring 2017 BFA Exhibition will open on May 3 until May 12 from 2-4 p.m.

The closing reception is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their artworks in an intimate setting.

The emerging artists spend the duration of the Spring semester preparing their artist statements and final artworks to be showcased within

this exhaustively sought after final exhibition. All of the artists focus on different art mediums, techniques and subject matters; these different approaches to art will be evident within this exhibition, so every attendee is sure to find an artist/ artwork they will truly admire. The artists work their entire college career to perfect their craft and to eventually showcase their final work at this exhibition.

Portrait of artist Morgan Weber.

Morgan Weber is a fine arts major whose focus in painting and drawing, but she recently has become enamored with sculpting. Weber primarily uses the

realistic subject matter of nature and animals as a metaphor for human figures and ideas. She draws inspiration from the natural world, but instead of simply illustrating animals in their natural state, she places the figures in unnatural and human-like poses.

When asked which work she was most proud of, Morgan instantly referred to a painting she created for her father.

This watercolor painting and ink drawing is inspired by her father’s favorite activity (which she shares with him): hunting.

“As a farm child of rural Texas I owe everything in my life to nature and the earth itself. I was born from it, raised on it, and will one day return to it in the end,” Weber said. Her childhood and upbringing has influenced her work, and she has used her skills to bring joy to the person she feels the closest to: her father.

Weber’s piece for the BFA Exhibition will be a sculpture. Her final sculpture will be a seated throne entirely com-

posed of hunting trophies: animal bones and antlers.

“I wish to bridge the gap between life and death while bringing beauty to the grotesque decay of the materials used from the natural world, which will Illustration of lions basking. engage the viewers while blurring the lines between alive and dead,” said Webe.

More images of her work can be viewed on her website at morganweber. squarespace.com.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Weber

Illustration of animals in the wild.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Weber

Student submissions “Run”

by Jeremy DeGarmo

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

I can’t ever seem to get the stench of pig slop out of my hair. I guess this is what happens when you choose to take the money and Run. My father’s wealth squandered, girls on each arm, and lines of white powder, I guess you could say that I had a nice Run. But the friends and the girls and the snow dust all leave me to my frantic thoughts when the money begins to Run Out. I used to think I knew what was best for me, but now the dinner bell rings for these pigs and I Run To try to beat them to the filth that they devour. I wish I could eat as rich as a hog, but it’s at that moment that the thoughts start to Run Through my mind. I realize that I never should have Run Away from my father’s embrace. So I drop all I have and I Run Towards his house, because I know that I could at least get a good meal if he would just let me work for him. His employees never seem to Run Out of food. I could sleep on the ground outside his door. I wish only to Run One of his stables, or tend to his crops. My ankles start to pop like the tops of soda cans until I can Run No longer. But off in the distance I can see someone begin to Run To me. I am pig slop, I am the picture of a race half-run, but my father, he Runs To me. He comes to me and tells me that he loves me. He smells the smoke on my breath and the dirt on my skin, but he hugs me. He tells me he forgives me for ever Running Away. He told me that my return was all that ever Ran Through his mind – that day and night he would look for his Run Away son. That he would tell his servants until their eyes rolled that I would return -- that I would Run Home to my Abba. And I have, and I embrace him. And he holds me like I had never even Run.

8

ARTS & LIFE

March 7 - March 28, 2017

Bruising for Besos depicts spectrum of Xicana relationships Raquel Zuniga

Managing Editor Assistant @SiriuslyRaquely arts@paisano-online.com

screening of her newest film “Bruising for Besos.”

Anthony is the screenwriter, co-producer, director and one of the

Art for the screening of the film. Graphic courtesy of Bruising for Besos Facebook page.

On March 2, Adelina Anthony made an appearance at UTSA for a

starring actors in the feature film. Anthony left the film industry at 26 years old, but decided

to return to the industry as early as 2010. The reason? “Film is the medium of the day. The gift of film is that it can have a longevity and a reach that is so much longer and wider. The gift of teatro is you being there, your presence, your energía.”

The film follows the main character Yoli, a charismatic Xicana lesbian, making familia within the queer/trans people of color scene in Los Angeles. As the story of Yoli unfolds, she seduces a Puerto Rican woman named Daña, but finds herself in an abusive relationship. As Yoli and Daña struggle in their relationship, the audience sees flashbacks of Yoli’s childhood when

her father abused her mother. The flashbacks give a true insight into domestic abuse within Mexican-American families. Anthony said when she was creating ideas for this film she knew she wanted a raw film that all audience members could relate to.

Anyone can empathize with the couple or family depicted.

Not only does this film give insight to domestic abuse, Anthony also shows the wide spectrum of Xicanas. “It was also important for me to show different kinds of Chicanas and Latinas because it was about opening up the spectrum as much as possible. It was critical to have an actor play Rani who is trans in

real life.”

D’Lo plays Rani and is queer and transgender as well as a Sri LankanAmerican actor, writer and comedian.

After the screening, there was a Q&A with the screenwriter and director. Anthony was asked for her thoughts on the rise of film recently, “I think that what’s exciting about the digital revolution right now, in particular with what happened with the Internet, there is a way that your generation can destabilize what we consider the strongholds of film making. I think it is exciting what this generation will do with the tools. They are tools, so use them.”

Anthony went on to

discuss how the equipment necessary to produce film is readily available anywhere. Even though the epicenters for film are Los Angeles and New York, “that’s not to say that now there can’t be some kickass Xicana person coming out of San Antonio, because you can get equipment now and you can stay home where you are supported.”

If you missed the chance to see this film on campus, don’t fret; “Bruising for Besos” will be published online in October 2017. To stay up-to-date with Anthony and her many works, follow her Facebook page at facebook.com/twospiritxicanajota.

ARTS & LIFE

March 7 - March 28, 2017

9

Art students ‘WOW!’ SA Raquel E. Alonzo Arts & Life Editor

@raquel_alonzo94 arts@paisano-online.com On Thursday Mar. 2, CAM WOW! stunned artgoers at Brick with their installations just in time for Contemporary Art Month. UTSA assistant professor Mark McCoin’s class of advanced new media art program students put together the show and WOWed audience members.

The class showed off their interdisciplinary performances and installations with technology.

The students have been working on the installations since the beginning of the semester. “It hasn’t been very long. They’ve done really great work,” said McCoin.

There was never a dull moment during the event. Every inch of the

venue was used to its full advantage and every few minutes a new piece was performed.

Some students used projectors to display their videos and photos in the background while also performing their pieces in front of the screens. Other students used their bodies alone to convey a story and reel in the audience.

For example, twins Jasmine and Amanda Barillos performed a mimicry performance piece titled “Leo.” One twin would move a body part and the other would seamlessly follow the movement.

“The idea was that we’re all made in the same image,” said Jasmine. “We’re all supposed to live in unity and as one, so we’re acting as one as well.”

The twins have a touching story behind their installation; the piece is centered around

their faith in God. Their grandmother was born under the zodiac sign Leo as well as the twins, which is coincidental because their grandmother was also a Christian. Their grandmother was a source of faith for them since their parents chose not to practice religion. “(Christianity) skipped a generation,” said Jasmine.

Their piece is also centered around a quote from an English Christian evangelist Leonard Ravenhill.

“It’s also called Leo because of him,” said Amanda. “there are only two types of people in the world: those who are dead in sin or those who are dead to sin,” the quote reads.

For more information on the art and art history department and their upcoming exhibits visit art. utsa.edu.

“Leo” by Jasmine & Amanda Barillos.

Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano

“Meep the rapper, but I’m not a rapper” by Vianney Lopez.

Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano

SXSW 2017: A survival guide Raquel E. Alonzo Arts & Life Editor @raquel_alonzo94

Ryan Thompson

Editor-in-Chief Assistant @Ryantaughtyou arts@paisano-online.com

Border by Enrique Bonilla, The Paisano

It’s that time of the year again! South by Southwest—better known as SXSW—is upon us.

Whether you’re a firsttime goer or a returning fan, here’s a list of local artists trekking to Austin, artists of interest that will be attending, where to find free shows and tips on how to get the most of your SXSW experience.

Survival tips for SXSW: ParkWhiz is a helpful app that will help you find the best parking spots available in Austin. Prices typically range from $5$20 and go by hourly or daily rates. Some parking spots offer self-parking or valet service. Users are able to reserve their parking spots a few days before attending the festival to ensure they get the parking they want. ParkWhiz has a website and an an app available for download.

Bringing a backpack to any festival is essential, especially one that is hard for pick-pockets to get into. Pockets are not big enough to carry what you need and handbags will get annoying when you’re jumping around at shows.

Most ATM’s charge a fee to withdraw money, so bring cash prior to setting out on your road trip. Also, don’t bring your entire wallet - an I.D., card

Chase Otero, The Paisano

and cash will be all you need.

Generally, the weather is sunny and hot during spring break. Bring sunscreen to avoid getting awkward tan lines and a refillable water bottle— CamelBak if you have it— to prevent you from passing out from heatstroke.

Everyone knows your phone is going to die before you even leave your first show. Pack a reliable portable charger for your Snapchatting needs.

Remember to feed yourself—stopping at Voodoo Doughnut does not equal a meal. SouthBites Trailer Park offers a variety of food trucks that provide quality food at a decent price. Food trucks that will be at this year’s SXSW can be found at sxsw.com/ exhibitions/southbites.

Pack a few snacks that won’t melt in your backpack such as granola bars, fruit snacks and trail mix to keep you energized and help you avoid pricey fast food.

If you end up partying a little too hard and decide you’d rather stay in Austin for the night, have no fear.

Hotels want to fill as many rooms as they can—that includes knocking down prices dramatically after hours. A room that would have cost $150 could have its price slashed to $70 by the time 9 p.m. rolls around. If worse comes to worse, you can always Uber to the neighboring cities’ hotels if there’s nothing available in Austin. It’s better than driving drunk, and risk getting a DWI or worse.

I cannot stress this

enough: dress comfortably. Wearing the right shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty makes all the difference in your SXSW experience. There’s going to be plenty of walking involved and the last thing you want are sore feet. You can be a baddie, but be a comfortable baddie.

People pushing flyers onto every passersby can get annoying, but grab every piece of paper you can.

Half of the flyers are ads, but the other half are filled with information about which free shows will be put on by popular artists.

Pack a light blanket.

This is a weird piece of advice, but you might find yourself camping out on a grassy area for a couple hours to see a headliner play. Lay out the blanket on the spot you want in the crowd so you can sit and wait out the terrible opener that’s currently on stage.

Take advantage of the Capital Metro Transit.

SXSW is spread out across Austin, so you will feel as if you are walking 1,000 miles. Purchasing a ticket for the day will save you from dragging your feet from one side of the city to the other. Download the CapMetro App available for Android, Apple and Windows. This app allows you to purchase and manage your passes and lets you know what time the bus will be arriving.

Go with the right people, budget and stay hydrated. May your SXSW experience be one to remember.

“Trash-Glam” by Rosemarie Pesina & Thomas Chessman.

Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano

“Gary and the Studs” by Eden Collins.

Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano

“Domestic Prism” by Nathan Talamantez

Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano

Chase Otero, The Paisano

Chase Otero, The Paisano

SPORTS Men's basketball finishes regular season with win 10

Bryan Gallardo Contributing Writer @gallar710

sports@paisano-online.com

March 7 - March 28, 2017

The UTSA Roadrunners ended their basketball season (13-19, 8-11 C-USA) this past Saturday. Jeff Beverly and Lucas O’Brien made a clear point in the

De Nicolao goes up hard for a contested layup.

final game that the Roadrunners can defeat anyone.

Senior center Lucas O’Brien had his final home game March 4 which resulted in one last win for

him and his team. His enthusiastic words explained the team’s motivation going into the conference tournament with a win against Old Dominion, a top team in their conference.

“If we can beat teams like this, there is no telling how far we can make it in the conference tournament. We have knocked out three of the top teams in our conference and we feel motivated to make something happen.”

O’Brien said after his 17 point, eight rebound performance. Although he did foul out late in the second half, O'Brien still contributed everything he could in his final home game with the Roadrunners.

Beverly led the team with his explosive offense finishing the game with 24 points, going 9-17 from the field and going 100 percent from the free throw line.

O’Brien and senior J.R. Harris were both honored on senior night with a pregame ceremony. Harris, who missed the last 24 games this season due to injury, got to start for the Runners one last time.

At the open-

David Guel, The Paisano

ing tip, Old Dominion let UTSA win and Harris grabbed the ball and was immediately fouled. Harris checked out of the game and he was given a standing ovation.

To begin the first half, both teams began shooting lights out from outside.

UTSA hit three of their first five attempts from downtown to take a 13-6 advantage early in the first half.

The quick offense of Gino Littles also gave a spark to the Roadrunners as he hit multiple threes to give the Roadrunners their lead.

UTSA ended the game with nine turnovers, but what saved them was their hot shooting from outside the arc and the free throw line.

As the second half began, UTSA went on a whopping 8-0 run, which resulted in a 58-43 lead. Defense was picking up in the second half for both teams, but not good enough as Beverly quickly squashed any hopes for a comeback, leading the Roadrunners past Old Dominion 73-55.

Things were not as pretty for the Roadrunners prior to this game as they lost Thursday, March 2 to Charlotte (13-15, 7-10 C-USA).

What defeated the Roadrunners this game was giving away too many fast break points. Charlotte ended the night with 16 fast break points while UTSA ended with just two.

Starting the first half, Charlotte came out to perform the pick and roll to perfection. UTSA did not seem to have an answer for

this and could not respond offensively as Charlotte quickly ran away with a 1420 lead over the Roadrunners. As time went by, Gino seemed to find his touch as he hit back to back threes to bring his team within one point going into the second half.

During the second half, both teams would not give up as shots were traded back and forth causing the lead to switch multiple times.

Beverly hit two crucial free throws to give UTSA the lead with four seconds left. Charlotte quickly inbounded the ball to Jon Davis. As he broke the press of the Roadrunners, he threw up a prayer at the buzzer.

The shot dropped, and the life was sucked out of the Convocation Center as Charlotte got the win over UTSA 76-75 in a thrilling last second victory.

“Stuff like this happens, and all we can do is learn from it and move on. We can’t sit here and mourn from this forever, we just have to focus on the next game and also the tournament.” Giovanni De Nicolao said after finishing with 12 points and three assists.

“I’m proud of our guys tonight, I think we played a great game, even though we didn’t come out with the win; things like this happen and it can’t affect us too much.”

UTSA will head to Birmingham, Alabama next week as the No. 9 seed for the Conference-USA Tournament.

SPORTS

11

March 7 - March 28, 2017

The club triathalon team poses for a group photo.

Photo coutesy of Ivan Cisneros/club triathlon

UTSA club triathlon continues their success

Nicole Rowse Staff Writer @ThePaisano

sports@paisano-online.com From winning the last three years of the diploma dash; ranking 3rd in region against rival schools incuding A&M, UT, and UNT; and ranking 28th out of 100+ teams across the U.S in Nationals, it makes sense why UTSA’s Triathlon Club has received so much attention lately.

A standard race for these

Roadrunners consists of a one mile swim, a 24 mile bike ride and a six mile run.

“It’s not easy, but anything that’s worth it never is,” said Evan Landez, the Triathlon Clubs team leader.

Directed by Mark Saronithe #1 ranked triathlete in the South Midwest Region in 2011–the team is in good hands. “(Saroni’s) guidance helps us in training,” said Landez.

The Triathlon Club’s motto is “the pursuit of excellence,” which these

'Runners strive for everyday, both on the playing field and in the classroom.

“We’re UTSA students first, athletes second,” explained Landez, “We’re a diverse team, and that diversity helps us to adapt to obstacles that arise whether it be goggles breaking at nationals, or a flat tire on a 25 mile ride.”

The Triathlon Club members train twice a day everyday except for Fridays; however, most of the team members still train even

on their rest day. Since the clubs creation in 2012, the team has been to nationals three times and has had multiple members qualify this year to go as well, including one qualifying for the world championship.

This year’s season has been a success for the team. Last year there were no women in the top 100 of the USAT Collegiate Nationals, but this year two women did just that.

Alli Koch in 24th and Leah Taylor in 86th. Similarly,

nobody from the men’s division placed in the top 300 last year, but two placed in the top 200 this year.

The team left the USAT Collegiate Nationals 2016 as a Top 30 Team. Part of the team’s key to success is time management. Many members juggle three different sports, school and jobs.

Even in their success, the team has faced some challenges, like being mistaken for a swim team. “There’s a stigma about club sports,”

says Landez. “People say our sport is not a real sport, but we deserve to be as equally regarded as every team and treated with the same validation. No one does what we do."

“We’re fortunate enough to be able to do what we do.

We’re all very grateful to have the opportunities that we have, like our professional coach as well as a place to train,” said Landez.

“It’s a good day to be a Roadrunner!”

Roadrunners face off against nationally ranked Utah Diego Lopez Staff Writer @__diegolopez

sports@paisano-online.com After sweeping Stephen F. Austin last weekend and beating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last Tuesday, the Roadrunner baseball team hosted the 24th ranked Utah Utes over the weekend. UTSA finished the series with one win, but fell to Utah twice.

The series began with a doubleheader on Friday.

Utah piled on six runs in both the second and third innings, two runs in the fifth inning and three runs in the seventh inning.

UTSA earned one run in the first inning and two in the sixth inning. Due to the 10 run-rule, the game was called after seven innings.

Senior center fielder Kevin Markham went 2-for-3 at the plate while Jesse Baker went 2-for-2.

Markham leads the team with a batting average of .487. Sophomore second baseman Bryan Arias also contributed at the plate by going 2-for-3 and hitting UTSA’s only homerun.

Sophomore Karan Patel got the start on the mound, but only pitched for two innings. Sophomore Derek Craft, freshman Ben Ostrominski, freshman Cade Bullinger and sophomore

Jake Harrison came in for relief. Patel received the loss (0-1). The final score was a lopsided 17-3, but Utah would face a different Roadrunner team later that day.

The Roadrunners did better on the mound as well as at the plate during Game 2 of Friday’s doubleheader.

Once again, Markham contributed at the plate, going 2-for-4. Left fielder Skyler Valentine also did good work for the ‘Runners, driving home two RBI’s. UTSA came out strong, scoring one run in the first inning and seven runs in the second inning.

The high scoring second inning began when Arias

Athlete of the week: Rylee Rodriguez spring.

Rodriguez is a kinesiology major who wants to focus her future career in the physical therapy field. Her career aspirations include working with people wih disabilities and army veterans.

One of the reasons she chose to play for UTSA was because of their great physical therapy Rodriguez locks in on the pitch. Jeff Huehn/UTSA athletics program.

Rylee Rodriguez hails from Pearland, Carlos Hughes Tex. outside of the Houston Staff Writer metropolitan area.

She @ThePaisano attended Dawson High sports@paisano-online.com School and committed to UTSA when she was a UTSA freshman softball sophomore in high school. player Rylee Rodriguez has Rodriguez credits softball been on a tear this season. for many things in her life.

She recently earned her first She appreciates the expeConference-USA player of riences it affords her off the week nod in Feb. and the field. Throughout her had a batting average of softball career she has been .383. She lead the team in able to travel and visit new Home runs recording five places. so far, and also leads in “I’ve had the chance to RBI’s with 20 for the season meet new people and make so far. The third baseman a lot of friends,” Rodriguez is tied for the most RBI’s in said. “Softball is a learning the entire conference for the experience also, I’ve learned

many things because of the game.” Being a freshman and having the level of success that she's had can be traced back to her work ethic. “I had to get adjusted from the high school game to college level,” Rodriguez said. During the off-season she put in the work by getting extra hitting reps in her practices.

Rodriguez’s favorite baseball player is Derek Jeter, and her favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. She is a Houston Astros fan as well (being from the Houston Area it would be a crime not to be).

The softball team has an 8-10 overall record with Conference USA play picking up March 11 against the Marshall Rams in Huntington West, Virginia.

Rodriguez is excited for Conference play to start; her statistics reflect her eagerness and her work ethic. “My passion for the game drives me the most.

My teammates motivate and drive me to play the hardest that I can.”

UTSA’s softball team's next home game is on March 17 against University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Freshman Hunter Mason gets ready to deliver the pitch.

hit a double to right field.

He eventually advanced to third base and scored off two wild pitches. Four consecutive walks gave UTSA another run, followed by several big hits from Markham, Valentine and third baseman Chris Estrada. The scoring continued and by the end of the inning, UTSA led 8-0.

Utah put up one run in the third inning, and one run in both the seventh and eighth innings.

Senior Nolan Trabanino got the start for Game 2. Trabanino struck out five Utah batters and allowed five hits and three runs during his time on the mound. Junior Tyler Giovanni came in during the eighth inning and secured the lead. Giovanni finished the game with five strike outs, allowing one hit and no runs.

The final score of Game 2 was 8-3. Trabanino was awarded the win (3-0).

Saturday’s game was cancelled due to the weather.

On Sunday, the Roadrunners met the Utes for the last game of the series.

Utah came out deter-

mined to finish this series with a win, scoring four runs in the second inning, one run in the seventh inning, and two more runs in the eighth inning. UTSA’s sole run came in the fifth inning after senior C.J. Pickering got on base by hitting a single to left field.

He then advanced to third base when junior catcher Tony Beam doubled to center field. Beam had the only multiple-hit game, going 2-for-3 at the plate. The run came in when freshman shortstop Aldo Buendia

Tristan Ipock, The Paisano

hit a ground ball to second base, advancing Pickering past home plate. Junior Steven Dressler started the game and pitched for 4.2 innings. Junior Chris Muller, senior Karl Craigie, and junior Chance Kirby came in as relief. Dressler received his first loss of the season (0-1). The final score of the Sunday game was 7-1.

The Roadrunners are now 6-5 overall. On Tuesday, UTSA will head to San Marcos to face I-35 rivals, the Texas State Bobcats.

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