Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
10.19.2010 Vol. 44 Issue 9
The
Paisano
Joseph Tidline/ The Paisano
Celebrating Thirty Years of Independent News with a Brand New Design
Over 1,300 alcohol-related arrests on Main Campus since 2007 UTSA is attempting to address alcohol-related issues with education and in more serious cases UTSAPD involvement.
Daniel Herrera
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net Since 2007, UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD) has been involved in over 1,300 alcohol-related arrests at the Main Campus. At the Downtown Campus, there is a considerably lower number of arrests five in 2007, two in 2008 and none in 2009. The university is attempting to address alcohol-related issues through educational programs. Sexual Health Alcohol and Drug Education for Students (SHADES) Student Peer Education Program is responsible for creating awareness among students on different life choices, such as sexual
health, and drugs and alcohol, as the name implies. Under the direction of Student Health Services, it offers many events and programs throughout the year, free of charge. Events such as Girl’s Night Out and Guy’s Night In, incorporates outreach about alcohol and drugs abuse to students in a laid back comfortable environment. “We want our students to be learning and living a smart educational life,” Bretton Gilmore, director of student health services, said. “Our purpose at UTSA is to teach students how to make good life choices.” Education and awareness is used, not only to bring out poten-
tial issues but to tackle present ones. Currently, alcohol is allowed at University Oaks for residents of legal age with strict discretion regulations. However, if an underage student is caught drinking, or alcohol is consumed publicly, UTSAPD officers have the authority to issue court appearance citation, make an arrest if necessary or issue Minor in Possession (MIP) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citations. “President Romo is taking an active role. He appointed committee members to look very closely [at the issue]”, states Gilmore. “The goal is to make UTSA a safe and minimal risk environment for all
students.” Alcohol sales on campus would increase campus revenue, yet several off-campus venues close to UTSA, such as Cantina and España Bar, have already been established as student “hot spots” to drink and socialize after hours. “I personally don’t see The Cantina, as a business, being greatly affected,” The Cantina head bartender Chris Mulkey, said. “Most of our crowd is college kids, who just want to get out of school, drink and hang out with their friends. I doubt they would do the same thing on campus. “They’re already in school all week, so they need somewhere else to go for the week-end.
That’s why around 50-70 percent of our clientele are students,” Mulkey said. However, the availability of alcohol on campus may have special appeal. While some students express concern over mixing academics with alcohol, others are in favor of drinking a few cold ones after a test. “I think it will give school more tradition; make it a less commuter campus,” Adrian De Leon, sophomore computer science major, said. “You can easily drink off-campus, but there is more of a social experience on-campus.” See ALCOHOL, Page 3
Fourth annual Family Fest held Downtown UTSA Jennifer Cisneros
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net Family Fest, a fall celebration connecting the downtown campus with a family-friendly educational and interactive program was sponsored by Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the UTSA Office of Student Activities on Saturday, Oct. 11. In the Bill Miller Plaza the UTSA community was offered free hot dogs, face painting, ring tosses, moon bounces and custom street signs. “Family Fest began four years ago to provide an involvement opportunity for
evening and graduate students who typically Robert and Jennie Trejo from ZooMagination educated children about exotic animals’ lifestyles and shared the importance to protect our natural environment with animals. Prickles the African hedgehog; Sienna, the two - toed sloth; Legend, the blue and gold macaw native to Central and South America and the most eye-opening was Salazar, the Hog Island Boa from Nicaragua. Four children held a live Boa constrictor. “It has been incredible with so many kids and their parents; we’ve had a good
time,” said Eric Arellano, coed career counselor, said, “We had a spider ring toss and it was a lot of fun to see the children excited about the animals.” The family fest would not be complete without handmade balloons. Children of all ages, even adults waited in line for their personal crafted concoctions. The inner childhood had adults wearing blue and orange inflated football hats, princess pink head toppers and monkey hugging hats. “My favorite part is the balloons,” said Zachary Bravo, 4, as he was wearing a balloon hat with eye balls bulging from all
Going the Distance
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sides. “I thought it was a lot of fun, it was a very good way to bring the whole community together,” Kristina Silveira, senior education major, said. “I liked the animals from ZooMagination, the magic show and the balloons.” The Family Fest also had a family magic show featuring Mike Bliss and his sons, The Incredible Bliss Brothers, Steven, 8 and Zachary, 9. They appeared on FOX’s 30 Seconds to Fame and ranked top 35 of 100,000 acts from NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Mike Bliss had a variety tricks
See FAMILY, Page 3
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Should you be a whore?
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