The Ranger, March 30, 2015

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ranger Serving San Antonio College since 1926

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Volume 89 Issue 14 • March 30, 2015

210-486-1773 • Single copies free

S.A. ready for majors?

Page 8

Jazz performer’s life staged as monologue Page 5

Amy Kastely, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center volunteer and St. Mary’s School of Law professor, suggests the removal of Chancellor Bruce Leslie and hiring a chancellor for quality education. Cynthia M. Herrera

Students: Chancellor, change or face resignation Out of 28 speakers at meeting, one conveys support of chancellor.

By Katherine Garcia

kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu

Two hundred students, faculty and staff, many carrying signs with messages such as “Cut Bruce Loose,” attended the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the regular board meet-

ing Tuesday in Killen Center.

Twenty-seven speakers criticized Chancellor Bruce Leslie; one spoke in his favor.

Members of the Student Leadership Coalition, an unofficial group from Palo Alto College, invited students to attend the meeting.

Simon Sanchez, computer science sophomore at Palo Alto, said, “We are seeking the

removal of Dr. Leslie because of his reluctance to work with the colleges, the faculty and the students, and feel that his actions have been detrimental to the success of students at the Alamo Colleges.”

He said freshman students were notified of the removal of majors from degrees only after the fall semester began, and the change was not discussed

with students or faculty.

By law, the eight trustees at the meeting could not respond other than to enforce the 3or 5-minute time limits. The ninth trustee, District 4 trustee Albert Herrera, submitted his resignation March 15.

Melissa Esparza, PAC kinesiology sophomore, said student success is achieved through assisting students in identify-

ing and reaching their goals.

A student is supposed to attend a safe and warm environment, she said. “With the recent major change and the lack of communication to the students attending the institution, the trust is gone.”

She also said the 50-50 fullto part-time faculty ratio the chancellor pushed at each college is not helpful.

Esparza said students need faculty who are available and not afraid of losing their jobs.

She criticized the lack of a college nurse at Palo Alto.

“The district needs to focus on programs that would better the students and the community,” she said, suggesting a women’s empowerment center.

See CHANCELLOR, Page 7

New mosaic to be placed on McAllister District receives state transparency award High schoolers create glazed handmade ceramic tiles for mural.

The Alamo Colleges fulfilled all expectations in 23-point score sheet.

By Cynthia M. Herrera

cherrera@student.alamo.edu

This college will receive a $70,000 mosaic art piece as early as June in partnership with Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum’s MOSAIC youth program.

The idea originally came from local banker Tom Frost Jr. who presented it to Robert Zeigler, former president of this college, in spring 2012. Zeigler and the board of trustees approved the contract for the purchase of the mosaic on October 28, 2014.

Although the campus address will change from 1300 San Pedro Ave. to 1819 N. Main, the mosaic will be

By Katherine Garcia

kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu

A $70,000 mosaic will decorate McAllister. Courtesy installed on the wall facing San Pedro.

The McAllister Fine Arts Center is at San Pedro Avenue and West Courtland Place.

This was the only space available for the community to see it, said John Strybos, associate vice chancellor

See MOSAIC, Page 7

New college address to be 1819 N. Main Ave. City rejects proposed 1801 N. Main Ave. address.

By Kyle R. Cotton

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

This college is getting a new address, but not the one it requested.

John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, announced at a Feb. 11 SAC project update meeting the college would be changing from its historical address since the 1950s of 1300 San Pedro Ave. to 1801 N. Main Ave. However, instead of the proposed address change, this college’s address will be 1819 N. Main Ave. According to an email from Debbie Gaitan, development services specialist with the city’s development services department’s land development divi-

sion, to this college’s administration, their request to change to 1801 N. Main Ave. could not be fulfilled.

“Due to the city of San Antonio’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 29, we could not accommodate your request to address the property 1801 N. Main Ave.,” Gaitan said in the e-mail.

“Effective immediately the address for Alamo Colleges/San Antonio College is 1819 N. Main Ave.” As to why the proposed address wasn’t approved, David Mrizek, vice president of college services, said, “We guessed it would be 1801. … The official address is determined by the city.”

President Robert Vela said the proposed address of 1801 N. Main Ave. was too far south.

“1819 puts you right in the center of

San Antonio College, Moody (Learning Center), so it’s a very prominent place to know that you are right in the middle of SAC,” Vela said.

Now that the address change has been approved by the city, the next step for this college is to update its utility information with CPS energy, SAWS, U.S. Postal services, etc.

Other routine mail includes transcripts from high schools and other colleges, invoices from vendors, promotions from publishers and payment for various services, such as facility rental or donations in the KSYM pledge drive.

“Everyone will be updated. … We will probably have mail coming to the old 1300 address for a little while, but those will be forwarded to the new 1819 address,” Mrizek said.

The Alamo Community College District was recognized for winning the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle 2015 Platinum Award for transparency during the regular meeting of the board of trustees Tuesday in Killen Center.

Pamela Ansboury, associate vice chancellor of finance and fiscal services, said the original goal was to win the Gold Award, but when District 5 trustee Roberto Zarate asked “Why not Platinum,” the application was revised to meet the higher qualifications.

Snyder made a presentation at the Feb. 17 regular board meeting titled “Going for Gold” in which the district would apply for the gold award.

Ansboury said the check register was added to the website and the score sheet was updated to when Chancellor Bruce Leslie

submitted it March 2.

Gathering the data for the submission was a collective effort of the district financial and fiscal services department, she said.

The district received notification of winning the award March 9, Cathy Obien, manager of fiscal services, said in a phone interview March 20.

Chris Bryan, spokesperson for the Texas comptroller’s office, said there are usually seven days scheduled for the review process.

According to the report, the comptroller’s office received it March 3.

The financial transparency report can be found at www. alamo.edu/district/fiscal-services/reports/.

Obien said that the district won the award because the district website included all the required information on the 23-point score sheet.

According to texastransparency.org, to win the Platinum Award, a community college district must meet all eight major criteria, all 11 minor criteria and

online now See TRANSPARENCY, Page 7

Early childhood studies to submit self-assessment for reaccreditation

Hot Potato speakers trace samesex marriage legal journey

SAConnected

2 • March 30, 2015

www.theranger.org/calendar

Mayoral race Candidates Tommy Adkisson, Ivy Taylor, Leticia Van de Putte and Mike Villarreal discuss issues March 23 at the 2015 Race For Mayor debate in the auditorium of McAllister. Cassi Armstrong

Pampered Above: Charlene Ward, certified feng shui teacher and reiki master, places a heated glove on the hand of early childhood studies sophomore Jennifer McAllen at Spa Day Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin.

This process is known as paraffin wax dipping and was one of the free services offered during the event sponsored by student life and the Psychology Club. Tress-Marie Landa

3-on-3 Left: Kinesiology sophomore Steven Escobedo jumps for a rebound over kinesiology sophomore Joey Palomo, center, and physics sophomore Alan Cendejas-Barona during a 3-on-3 coed basketball tournament sponsored by student life and coached by Marisa Martinez March 20 in Gym 2 of Candler. Escobedo’s team won 59-39. Cassi Armstrong

Dodging

Biology sophomore Jose Lopez carries his team, Fox Sea, against Dodge That, winners of the Northeast Lakeview dodgeball tournament Friday. Lopez and his team ultimately placed second after a long series of games. Watch the video at theranger.org. Jon Hernandez

today tues

SAC Event: Scholastic Book Fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in mall.

Continues through Thursday.

Call 210-486-0125.

PAC Event: Rural Texas Women at Work art exhibit 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Ozuna library.

Call 210-486-3555.

SAC Event: Blood drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in mall. Call 361557-7126 or email michelle. stout@southtexasblood.org to schedule appointment.

SAC Panel: The New Roles of Women in Church 9:25 a.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. 210486-0125.

SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126.

UTSA Lecture: National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths 5:15-9 p.m. in Room 0.106 of main building.

Call 210-458-6462.

Event: 23rd annual Jazz Meets Classical 7-9 p.m. at San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. $20. Call 210978-8100.

Event: Open writers workshop 6:30 p.m. at Gemini Ink, 1111 Navarro. Call 210-734-9673.

Event: Texas Community Futures forum 10 a.m.-noon at Cafe College, 131 El Paso. Call 210-207-4528.

PAC Event: Blood drive 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210-486-3125.

SAMA Event: Sketching in the Galleries 6-8 p.m. at San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. $5 with student ID. Call 210-978-8100.

wed

thur

fri

sat

PAC Event: Texas writers exhibit 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ozuna library. Call 210-486-3555.

UTSA Event: Male pageant 6-11 p.m. in Room 0.104 of main building. Call 281-9007794.

ACCD Closing: Alamo Colleges closed for Easter holiday.

Event: Fitness in the Park boot camp 9:30 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park east, 13203 Blanco. Call 210-207-3000.

SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin.

Call 210-486-0835.

Event: Easter egg hunt 5 p.m. at Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall. Call 210-4020565.

PAC Event: Financial Literacy: Repaying Student Loans 11 a.m.-noon in Room 130 of student center. Call 210-486-3125.

SAC Event: Stress Out Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-0125.

PAC Event: Rock the Vote 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in central courtyard. Call 210-486-3125.

PAC Event: Dress for Success fashion show and Q&A session noon-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-4863124.

Event: World War II in film “The Search” 2-3 p.m. at McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. $5 with student ID. Call 210-824-5368.

UTSA Lecture: Preventing Injuries to the Back 1-2:30 p.m. in Room 1.322 at Buena Vista building at downtown campus. Call 210-481-4881.

Event: Poetry night 7-9 p.m. at Barrio Barista, 3735 Culebra. Call 210-519-5403.

Event: Personal narrative writing workshop 4:30 p.m. at San Antonio Cultural Arts, 2120 El Paso. Call 210-299-7466.

Trinity Lecture: Astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium.

Call 210-999-8117.

Event: Disney on Ice: “Frozen” 7:30 p.m. at Alamodome, 100 Montana. $32. Call 210-2073663.

UTSA Event: Fashion show 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Richard Liu Auditorium. Call 210-7713558.

Concert: Islands & Tigers, The Sour Notes, Tides, Ants, and Harvey McLaughlin & The BottomFeeders 8 p.m. at the Ten Eleven, 1011 Ave. B. $7.

Call 210-320-2830.

Concert: Mewithoutyou, Native Lights and Lonely Horse 7 p.m. at The Korova, 107 E. Martin. $14. Call 210-2265070.

mon

UTSA Concert: Student soprano concert 5 p.m. at music recital hall. Call 210458-5329.

Event: Cocktails for Cinema 7-10 p.m. in ballroom at Holiday Inn, 5535 University Heights and Silicon Road.

Call 210-549-2434

sun

Holiday: Easter Sunday.

Event: Brick Marketplace shopping noon at Blue Star Arts Complex, 108 Blue Star.

Call 210-262-8253.

Play: “Mary Poppins” 4:30 p.m. at Cameo Theatre, 1123 E. Commerce. $20 with student ID. Call 210-212-5454.

Alexandra Nelipa

!

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

Visit theranger.org for more upcoming events.

News

www.theranger.org/news

March 30, 2015 • 3

President Vela wants pilot test for a smokers’ area Keeping pilot area clean key to permanence.

By Kyle R. Cotton

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Smokers’ corner has been an issue for the United Methodist Student Center at Belknap and Dewey places since this college adopted its smoking policy in 2005.

Recently President Robert Vela has expressed interest in trying to make a designated smokers area happen.

Vela wants to bring it up to Chancellor Bruce Leslie but said that he has gotten a mixed reception here from students and faculty members, stating some feel like they should stick with the smoking policy while others want to find a resolution.

“We have a policy, and I can’t do anything about that other than asking permission to do some type of pilot to see if it will work for SAC,” Vela said. “Simply ignoring it and hoping it gets better: It’s not going to get better.”

Vela said there isn’t much this college’s police department can do because the corner is not within its jurisdiction.

“I would like to try a pilot for some type of designated area to see if it would work,” Vela said, adding he didn’t know if it would work because it’s “a direct conflict with our policy.”

“I also understand the issues that our neighbors are having and students that walk by there,” he said. “I’m trying to explore options to make it a win-win for everybody.”

A recent survey by the Student Government Association showed of 280 students polled 59 percent supported a designated smokers area.

Survey respondents selfreported as 88 percent nonsmokers.

“I’m so glad SGA did this because it is compelling,” Vela said. “This is a yes for a smokers’ area from non-smokers.

Fifty percent said yes, 38 percent said no.”

“This is only a sample of 200-plus students, and I realize that, but it’s something for us to at least get a conversation started,” he said.

Vela said he is compelled

to try to get special permission for a pilot, feeling that the current ‘well, that’s not our area, good luck’ response from this college isn’t a way to treat its neighbors.

In November, Vela walked with smokers to look at potential areas.

Vela said they looked along Dewey, noting the lack of traffic in the area and the fact the street is part of this college.

“I don’t think it would be to hard to put together with a canopy, picnic tables and the appropriate disposal containers to try and see if that will work,” Vela said. “What’s going to be key … is that they keep it clean and they are respectful to the people around them.

“This is just speculation on my part because I don’t know if I can get a special reprieve on the policy because we don’t want to simply change the nosmoking policy, but maybe at SAC, we need one or two designated areas to keep everybody happy.”

The 2010 master plan for this college shows a green space and an amphitheater planned along that street in its 25-year-long building plan

for this college, but a smoker’s area won’t be discussed as a possible addition until after the potential pilot.

“If it works and students show the college that they can be responsible, then we can create something more permanent,” Vela said. “If we want to go permanent, we are going to have to consider all the future master plan ideas so not to interfere with that.”

As for cleanup, the Human Services Club has been helping keep smokers’ corner clean with members of the United Methodist Student Organization calling their efforts a good compromise.

“No doubt and I would love for them to work with our office of civic engagement, so that they can get credit for their volunteerism,” Vela said.

“That’s important that they’re volunteering their time and we want to continue that partnership.”

“I also want students in that designated area to be responsible,” he said.

“If they aren’t able to show that they can be responsible and respect their place, I’m not inclined to really move

SGA to contribute to resolution opposing handguns on campus Officer applications due on April 6.

Liberal arts freshman Arthur Chibisov smokes a cigarette in October at Dewey and Belknap. File forward with any kind of permanent type solution,” Vela said.

Vela said anytime this issue has been discussed it has focused on respecting all students and making sure at this college that they aren’t deterred from coming or having their learning environment interfered with.

“These are our students and I’m just trying to find some common ground so that

amartinez1628@alamo.edu

The Student Government Association decided Monday to oppose a bill passed by the Texas Senate March 20 that would allow students with concealed Italli Liberatore, Student Government Association secretary, President handgun licenses to bring guns Karen Elliot and Vice President Harley Williams discuss issues concerning on college campuses. the senate-approved bill allowing licensed concealed handguns on Texas On April 11, the SGA will take public college campuses Monday in Loftin. Eddie Chozet the input to the Texas Junior College Student Government cants must be at least 21 years old 260A of Loftin Student Center.

Association conference in Dallas or at least 18 years old if they are Students can apply for presiwhere the SGA will present it as a member or former member of dent, vice president, secretary, part of a resolution. the U.S. armed forces. treasurer, commissioner, histo“Because it’s (the bill) not speAn applicant must have no rian and parliamentarian. cific, I would say no for guns on criminal or felony history, not Officers receive a voucher campus,” said Jami Keeton, SGA be chemically dependent, not to buy textbooks from this colpublic relations officer. The bill is be under protective order, not lege’s bookstore. Commissioners expected to pass the Texas House be unsound of mind and not be receive a $250 gift card; vice presof Representatives. delinquent in paying fines. ident, secretary, treasurer, histo“They (leg“People rian and parliamentarian, $300; islators) make know the law and president $400. it seem like it about drinking “If you know you’re going to Pizza with the will be easy to and driving, be here for another year and you President is noonregulate, but but do they love SAC, that’s all that’s really 1:30 p.m. April 8 in how can it be follow it?” his- needed to apply,” SGA President the Fiesta Room. when our camtorian Ashton Karen Elliot said.

Questions for the president can be submitted to the pus isn’t inside Va n ro oye n Campaigning rules will be SGA’s Twitter @SGA_PR one building said.

“Even discussed during an election oriby using #pizzawprez, or …. If it’s conthough the law entation noon-1 p.m. April 6 in questions can be submitted cealed, how is made, some the craft room of Loftin. to SGA’S Facebook at facebook.com/SACSGA1. can the officers people still Campaigning will be April know?” aren’t going to 6-May 1 with an open forum The students at the meeting, follow it.” noon-1 p.m. April 16 in the Fiesta including seven SGA members Trustees passed a resolution Room of Loftin. SGA advisers will and two students in the audiin May 2013 prohibiting con- ask questions they believe stuence, were against the bill, saying cealed carry in this college dis- dents would want to know. they would not feel comfortable trict.

Online voting via ACES is on campus knowing a student In other news, student gov- April 20-May 1, and election can have a gun. They said they ernment officer applications are results will be announced May 4. are comfortable with police offiavailable until April 3 and are The next meeting will be cers carrying. due 9 a.m. April 6. Applications noon-1 p.m. April 6 in the craft To qualify for a concealed are in the SGA office in 260B or room of Loftin. handgun license in Texas, applithe office of student life in Room Call SGA at 210-486-0133.

!

See SMOKERS, Page 8

Hacking blooms this spring Threats include phishing, spam, ransomware and other ‘social engineering’ scams.

By R.Eguia

reguia1@alamo.edu

By Aaron Martinez

we can help support all our students.”

Faculty members and campus police are commonly seen smoking with the students.

Using those members of campus faculty and police who do smoke to help deter some of the littering has already been tried.

Vela said, “We’ve tried that approach several years ago and they’ll listen, but for whatever

Students, faculty and staff should watch out for “social engineering” scams that attempt to steal identities or even hold computers as virtual hostages for ransom, say technology administrators at Alamo Community College District.

Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance and information technology services, said he received a warning letter at the beginning of the semester from the FBI and Homeland Security regarding the increase of such scams, which are getting more sophisticated during this tax season.

Social engineering is “just trickery,” Cleary said. “And it is the No. 1 threat to our IT environment.”

Hackers use social engineering as a non-technical method of intrusion. It relies heavily on human interaction and often tricks people into breaking normal security procedures, he said.

Phishing is social engineering where a malicious party sends a fraudulent email disguised as a legitimate email, often purporting to be from a trusted source. The message is meant to trick recipients into installing malware on their computer or device, or sharing personal or financial information.

Spam and quid pro quo, when an attacker requests personal information from a party in exchange for something desirable like gifts, are other examples of social engineering.

The district has installed firewalls and other protective measures to protect hardware, software, equipment, data, security and personal data, because it all gets attacked, Cleary said.

Last year, 180 million malicious emails were received within the district.

Cleary said IT will never request a password from users.

“If we want to go into your account, we are going to go in: we don’t need passwords,” he said. “If anyone ever asks for a password, it’s trickery.”

Nestor Rivera, of this college’s technical support services, said the most common cyber attacks are from fake anti-virus software.

These include pop-up alerts that warn users a computer is infected and at risk of system failure. The message then urges downloading software to fix the issue.

These fake alerts commonly appear after opening an email attachment, downloading files, visiting websites programmed to download malicious software or clicking on a pop-up advertisement.

“Never click on pop-up anti-virus alerts,” Rivera said.

The pop-up advertisements aim to mimic genuine warning alerts generated by computer security software. The software or “free scan” offered in pop-up alerts often does not work or actually infects computers with the dangerous programs it is supposed to protect against.

Other attacks include the FBI lock and Homeland Security attack, which were popularized last year. Both ask for identity information and money. The scam will lock the device being used, including laptops, tablets and cell phones, and warn the user that the FBI has locked the device because of illegal downloading. If the victim has illegally downloaded something, the threat may seem very real, but Rivera says no one should ever pay hackers.

“When in doubt, just say no,” he said.

“Don’t ever pay them. Remember (internet meme) Grumpy Cat: How about ‘no?’

There are no guarantees.”

Three students at this college have fallen victim to similar cyber attacks called ransomware, Rivera said.

Ransomware received its name because hackers encrypt files on a device and will not decrypt until the owner pays a ransom.

“It’s just like getting your computer

See HACKING, Page 8

Prem

4 • www.theranger.org/premiere

Romance flirts with humor

North by Northwest Vista spring music festival A music festival to commemorate music students and faculty.

‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ debuts April 9.

By Nathalie Mora

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

By Christina M. Briseno sac-ranger@alamo.edu

This college’s theater program will perform “Cyrano de Bergerac,” a romantic comedy based on the original play by Edmond Rostand, at 7:30 p.m.

April 9-11 and April 16-18 and at 2:30 p.m. April 12 and 19 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Director Jim Mammarella lauded cast and crew for their hard work during rehearsals.

“All publicity should go to my actors and stage managers,” Mammarella said. “They are the ones putting on the show.”

Stage manager Deresha Nollan, theater sophomore, said she is excited to manage her first play this season.

“Being one of the stage managers is crazy but fun,” Nollan said. “I enjoy being around the energetic actors.”

Eric Alvarado, who plays the lead role of Cyrano, said this will be his last performance at this college. After this semester, he will transfer to the University of Northern Colorado to pursue a bachelor’s degree in drama.

The 19-year-old drama sophomore said he finds himself in every character he plays.

Theater adjunct Joseph Urick and Brian Hill, drama sophomore and president of Drama Club, rehearse sword fight choreography for “Cyrano de Bergerac” before callbacks Feb. 5 at Bennett Music Hall. The play premieres 7:30 p.m. April 9 in McAllister. File “A beautifully scripted play with such a wonderful director,” Alvarado said of this college’s production of “Cyrano de Bergerac.” “Working with Mammarella would be invaluable, and I refused to pass up on such a great opportunity.”

He credited Mammarella with a “wonderful imagination.”

After being a part of five productions at this college, Alvarado said he will be sad when it’s all over. His previous roles include vice principal Panch in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Johann Friedrich Fasch in “Bach at Leipzig,” Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet” and Teddy

in “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder.”

Drama freshman Ailyn Duran performs in her second show on campus. Duran plays the lead role of Roxane in “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Duran landed the part in callbacks by reading a scene from Act 2 of the play.

“So far it’s been fun and interesting,” Duran said. “The difficulty of it all is learning lines, but it’s the effort and dedication you put in that makes the emotion fall into place.”

Admission is $5 with an Alamo Colleges ID or high school ID, $8 for other colleges, military and senior citizens, and $10 for the general public.

North by Northwest Vista is a spring music festival hosted by the music department at Northwest Vista to celebrate all the music students and faculty, music Professor Katharine Cartwright said.

The first event “Vista Faculty Jazz Ensemble” will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 13 in the recital hall in Palmetto Center for the Arts.

The ensemble is composed of faculty members from all over the district.

This is a great way for students to see their teachers outside of the classroom and doing what they love most, Cartwright said.

Proceeds from all these events will help to send a student to a meeting of the prestigious International Association of Schools of Jazz in June. These meetings are at different host schools all over the world.

“This gives students an opportunity to see and experience different places of the world,” Cartwright said.

Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 for seniors and veterans, and $3 for students.

Estefania B. Alonso

Alexandra Nelipa The second event “Jack Stone Award for New Music concert” will be at 7:30 p.m. April 14 in the recital hall.

This event will have first-call New York musicians performing winning compositions by community college students.

This event is free.

A third event Student Chamber Ensemble and Concert Choir will be at 7:30 p.m. April 15 in the recital hall.

In this event, Northwest Vista’s concert choir and chamber ensemble and student soloist will be performing. Faculty members Minkyung Lee and Aaron Prado will direct the orchestra respectively.

Tickets are $4 for the public and students.

The last event Student Jazz Big Band and Small Combos is at 7:30 p.m.

April 16 in the recital hall.

Cartwright will be directing the jazz ensemble in a program celebrating Black History and Women’s History Month.

Student-led jazz combos also will be part of this concert.

For more information, visit /Alamo.edu/nvc/academics/pca or call 210-4864527.

miere

March 30, 2015 • 5

Louis Valdez, St. Philip’s drama graduate, and Michelle Burnett, district continuing education coordinator of workforce education, rehearse a scene for “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” Wednesday in Watson theater.

Jazz performer’s life staged as monologue St. Philip’s College’s spring production opens April 10.

Story and photos by Pam Paz ppaz2@student.alamo.edu

Billie Holiday, or Lady Day as she was known, is a legendary jazz singer whose fastpaced life of drug and alcohol abuse caught up to her at the age of 44.

Famous for songs such as “Strange Fruit” and “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone?” her style continues to influence today’s artists.

Details of her life will be dramatized in St. Philip’s theater presentation of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” written by Lanie Robertson and directed by theater Instructor Vincent Hardy.

The play opens at 8 p.m.

April 10 in the theater in Watson Fine Arts Center at St. Philip’s College. It runs at 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday through April 19.

In the play, set in a 1959 Philadelphia bar shortly before her death, Holiday portrays her life through her music: her success, her dark times and everything in between.

Hardy said he chose this play because he missed Tony Award-winning actress Audra McDonald’s Broadway performance of 2014. Her portrayal of Holiday won her a sixth Tony Award, according to www.ladydayonbroadway.com.

Stage manager Erin Polewski and Michelle Burnett, district continuing education coordinator of workforce education, listen to the feedback from Vincent Hardy, St. Philip’s College theater instructor and director, during rehearsal for “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” Wednesday.

“I couldn’t get to New York to see it, so I decided to do it,” he said.

Hardy described Holiday as a misunderstood, but fascinating individual who had to hustle to survive.

Holiday was recruited to a brothel in New York and was subsequently arrested for prostitution, according to www.pbs. org.

“She’s called Lady Day and considered very elegant with her beautiful gowns, but could fight like a man, and would fight men if they offended her,” he said.

Holiday lived a tumultuous life that included exploitation and abuse, Hardy said.

“One thing about her is that she would never call herself a victim,” he said. “She would say that she chose it.”

Michelle Burnett, continuing education coordinator of workforce education for Alamo Colleges, will play the part of Holiday.

Hardy said he didn’t think there was a student who could pull off the role, and he made the decision to approach Burnett for the role last summer.

“She’s an incredible actor and vocalist,” he said.

Hardy said Burnett is a local actor and starred in “Hairspray.”

The cast includes Burnett, SPC drama graduate Louis Valdez and musical director David Lopez.

Prior to rehearsal Wednesday, Hardy met with the play’s production crew and discussed lighting, sound and stage production.

Miriah Borden, Texas

Vincent Hardy, St. Philip’s College theater instructor and director, and Michelle Burnett, district continuing education coordinator of workforce education, discuss a scene during rehearsal for “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” Wednesday in Watson theater.

Jazz singer Billie Holiday performing in New York in 1947. Courtesy State University graduate, is the play’s lighting director.

During the production meeting, Borden discussed ways the light would create a halo effect around Burnett.

Russell Calder, technical director and senior designer, said he’s been involved in the production since November but has spent about a month working on the set.

A unique element of this production is that Hardy is opening the stage to those who are interested in participating as fans of Holiday “The way the set is, I have tables on stage so if couples want to sit on stage and be a part of Emerson’s and act as fans of Billie Holiday, they can call or email me,” Hardy said.

The tables can accommodate four couples for each showing, except opening night, he said.

Hardy can be reached at 210-486-2838 or at vhardy@ alamo.edu.

The play contains themes such as drug use and adult language. It is most suitable for people over 14, but is open to all, Hardy said.

Admission to the general public is $10; Alamo Colleges students and employees, seniors and San Antonio Theater Coalition members $5; high school students pay no admission. Call 210-486-2205.

6 •March 30, 2015

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Editor Katherine Garcia

Managing Editor Mandy Derfler Assistant Managing Editor – News Cynthia M. Herrera Assistant Managing Editor – Features Richard Montemayor Calendar Editor Aaron Martinez Staff Writers Jose Arredondo, Tyrin Bradley, Christina M. Briseno, Eddie Chozet, Kyle R. Cotton, Travis Doyle, Priscilla M. Galarza, Sabrina Griffith, M.A. Horta, Te Keyshia Johnson, Derek Landis, Melissa Luna, Edith Moctezuma, Nathalie Mora, Janelle Polcyn, Karenna J. Reyna, Matthew Reyna, V.L. Roberson, Johann Spiess, Alyssa Zapata Photo Editor E. David Guel Photographer Gwen Garcia Photo Team Cassi Armstrong, Anthony B. Botello, Vanessa Frausto, Jon Hernandez, Jack Jackson, Tress-Marie Landa Multimedia Editor Daniel Carde Video Team Neven Jones, Rey Ruiz, Taylor Tribbey Illustrators Estefania B. Alonso, Alexandra Nelipa Production Assistant Pam Paz Promotions Manager R. Eguia Distribution Manager Shelly Delgado

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©2015 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 782124299. 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).

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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 emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299 or faxed to (210) 486-9292.

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Alexandra Nelipa

Transparency award ironic District bares all on website, but financial record is not pretty.

The Alamo Colleges may have received kudos for financial transparency, but they still come in last for spending decisions.

The district’s website won an award from the state for financial transparency March 16, but the next day, District 6 trustee Joe Alderete disagreed about the district’s worthiness at a Student Success Committee meeting.

And he wasn’t the only one.

Students and employees have faulted the Alamo Colleges for failing to explain how money is spent and leaving students out of the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the biggest complaint is for not investing in students and student services.

The district’s web page for financial transparency scored a 23 out of a 23-point score card to win the platinum award from the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle for 2015.

The platinum award, which requires at least 21 out of 23 success points, is the highest level awarded.

The web page — which includes operating budgets, annual financial reports and check registers — was just created last year, yet already won an award.

The district updated the page spe-

cifically to win the award, Associate Vice Chancellor Pamela K. Ansboury said at the board’s March 24 regular meeting.

But has anyone seen what’s on the actual reports? Just because we know how much is budgeted doesn’t mean it’s all going to the benefit of students and their education.

For example, $31,300 was spent on new ID badges for all employees.

Other costs at this college alone include $70,000 earmarked for a mosaic on an outside wall of McAllister Fine Arts Center, as well as almost $150 for SAC Data Day agendas that were mostly thrown away.

And then, of course, there are the likely to be exorbitant future costs for this college’s address change.

District officials are quick to say those are college decisions, but questionable decisions abound at the district level as well.

Meanwhile, what about Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s salary? It’s $369,229, a nearly 18 percent increase over the course of six years.

No other employee has seen anything close to that.

The chancellor, whose current salary represents a $56,459 raise since 2009, boasted about the award earlier this month.

“This new award builds off of the achievements of our dedicated employ-

ees to ensure that the Alamo Colleges fully meets the needs of the students and communities we serve,” Leslie said in a March 17 press release available on the district web page.

Leslie may be happy the college won the award, but everyone else would be a lot more proud of saving students money or increased spending on student success and services?

The Alamo Colleges, particularly Leslie, haven’t met the needs of many students, employee or community members.

The student-led protests at board meetings are proof.

Sure, the district should be applauded for revealing all of its purchases on the website.

However, that doesn’t excuse the district from spending the money unwisely. If the district just included students in its spending decisions, imagine how transparent the transparency would actually be.

Not only would most students and faculty be happy because we would have input on spending decisions, but the district would actually be achieving four of its six values — “Students First,” “Respect for all,” “CommunityEngaged,” and “Collaboration.”

By doing so, we wouldn’t even have to visit a website to know what the district is up to because we would be involved in the decisions.

Title 9 class useful to students Sexual harassment should not be allowed to happen.

Alamo Colleges is providing a 45-minute online course on awareness and prevention of violence and sexual assault that will be required of all students beginning July 1 to comply with federal Title 9 requirements.

Title 9 protects students from discrimination based on sexual harassment, gender and relationship violence.

The training, Haven, is needed because everything it goes over is important information on which students are not adequately informed.

The training discusses

relationship violence and ways to speak up to stop it or report it.

A healthy relationship is good for a student already burdened with the pressures of school, work and home life.

When experiencing an abusive relationship, Haven teaches students to speak up to that person or inform a person of authority.

The course also covers consensual and non-consensual sex.

The training uses an example of a man getting a woman drunk to have sex and explains that anyone aware of that should report

it. The reverse is also a reportable offense that happens more often than you might think.

Hostile environment harassment is making verbal or written comments, making gestures, displaying photos, sending text messages and using social media to harass someone, according to the course.

Slurs such as “slut” and “whore” are used commonly — sometimes vindictively, sometimes jokingly — but using those words is a form of sexual harassment.

All of which can interfere with a student’s ability to participate successfully in school.

Stalking in person or

through social media also is discussed in the course.

The course gives examples and signs of when a student can be stalked, valuable information for students.

If a person tells you they have been sexually assaulted, the course says to listen to them, believe them and support their decision.

Whether it’s teaching students about the wrongfulness of this crime or reaffirming the fact, this class will help many people.

Students already enrolled in classes should still take the class to be informed on sexual assault.

Alamo Colleges is taking sexual assault seriously, and so should students.

Agr a phi cwa s r e mo v e dbe c a us e i tdi dno ta dhe r et o Ra nge rpo l i c y .

Pulse

8 • March 30, 2015

www.theranger.org/pulse

Above: Francisco Javier “Frankie J” Bautista, Grammy-nominated singer and former Kumbia King, performs his hit song “Suga Suga.” Photos by E. David Guel Left: Josh Garza, 12, receives an autograph from Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus before an exhibition game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the H-E-B Big League Weekend March 21 in the Alamodome. More than 24,000 fans were in attendance.

S.A. ready for majors?

Fans speculate as city hosts its third annual Big League weekend March 20-21 in the Alamodome.

By Jose Arredondo sac-ranger@alamo.edu

As 24,534 fans watched, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 11-3 in an exhibition Saturday at the Alamodome.

Although it was a lopsided game, the fans were engaged throughout its entirety, and several said it proved San Antonio can support a Major League Baseball team.

They sang an ear-piercing version of “Take Me out to The Ball Game” with power and conviction.

Big League Weekend drew fans from outside of the city.

Washington, D.C., native Rachel McClung has attended several of MLB’s regular season games and applauded Big League Weekend.

“It was very fun,” McClung said. “I’ve been to a ton of baseball games and this was pretty close to a Major League game.”

Rangers fans of San Antonio Hollie Hamilton and Robert Valadez said that Big League Weekend — which filled more than a third of the 60,000-capacity Alamodome — said San Antonio deserves a Major League Baseball team.

“We have had a AA baseball team since the

SMOKERS from Page 3 reason that’s been designated the unofficial smoking corner, and it’s very difficult to change that mindset.”

“We don’t want to come across with our police department simply citing everybody. … Our police force isn’t here to do that,” Vela said. “They need to enforce the policy and the laws, but they use a lot of discretion, understanding that these are students.”

Noting his walk with the smokers, Vela said they were very respectful and just want an area of their own, while noting that vaping is another issue.

Vaping was included in the non-smoking ban

late 1800s,” Valadez said. “San Antonio deserves a professional baseball team.”

Hamilton said this city’s size is enough evidence.

“San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the U.S. in population, and we still don’t have a pro baseball or NFL team,” she said.

According to Quickfacts.census.gov, the population of San Antonio in 2013 was 1.4 million.

This city has five professional sports franchises, the Spurs, men’s basketball; Silver Stars, women’s basketball; Missions baseball, a AA farm team for the San Diego Padres; Rampage, ice hockey; and Scorpions, men’s soccer.

However, the Spurs, an NBA franchise since 1972, is the only major team in town.

According to NBA.com, the Spurs average 18,611 fans at each game this season.

Even though basketball dominates San Antonio, this city also attends the Missions baseball games.

Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, where the Missions play, averaged 4,269 in attendance per game in an 82-game season last year.

This city has supported UTSA football since the team made its debut in 2011.

According to UTSAToday.edu, when the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners played their first football game Sept. 3, 2011, it shattered an NCAA record for inaugural game

’’ We don’t want to come across with our police department simply citing everybody … our police force isn’t here to do that.

Robert Vela, President

last year despite no widely known side effects.

“I think vaping is too new. There are not a lot of research and studies out there,” Vela said.

Vela is set to bring the concern to Leslie at the weekly presidents, vice chancellors and chancellor meeting March 30.

Buck Britton, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder, swings and hits in the top of the ninth inning of an exhibition game against the Texas Rangers as part of the H-E-B Big League Weekend March 21 in the Alamodome. The Dodgers defeated the Rangers 11-3. attendance with 56,743 fans.

“UTSA broke two NCAA records for attendance,” Valadez said. “ If we can have a large following for a college team, then we can definitely get a large following to support a Major League Baseball team.”

Fans are not the only people who believe so.

Francisco Javier Bautista, a San Diego native and Grammy-nominated singer better known as Frankie J, said, “I think San Antonio definitely deserves a baseball team; it’s very diverse, and the fans are passionate.”

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, a 2009 Cy

President job demanding

By Kyle R. Cotton

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

President Robert Vela has been busy as the college president, juggling multiple issues and appointments that have caused him to miss his scheduled Thursday time slot on KYSM 90.1’s morning show.

“Things happen. … Yes the radio show is important, but there are commitments that I have that I cannot get around,” Vela said. “Sometimes, they do fall on Thursdays, I try not to, but there are commitments that I have that I can’t always make that Thursday show.”

He noted three instances in which he was unable to make his scheduled on-air appearance: once his daughter was sick, once he was out of town at a conference and once for Title 9 training the week of March 16.

Young winner, had four shut-out innings and three strikeouts.

Greinke said he relished the atmosphere.

“It had the feeling of a big league stadium, and that was the best part about it,” Grienke said. “It felt like the big leagues out there.”

Two-time MLB All-Star and Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus enjoyed the city’s hospitality for his third Big League Weekend.

“We’ve been coming here for the past three years and it’s always a lot of fun,” Andrus said.

“I love the energy, the passion, and they always support us in the right way.”

HACKING from Page 3 kidnapped and then never sent back,” Rivera said.

Most ransomware encryptions are impossible to break, so people end up losing their device, Rivera said.

Last year, the scams became so sophisticated, Homeland Security and the FBI got involved, Cleary said.

“We get warning letters if they see a trend,” he said. “Especially in education, they let us all know. When we catch something coming in, we let the campus know about the latest scam and what to look out for.”

Last year, hackers were able to infiltrate the district’s online IT directory, Cleary said.

The hackers impersonated Alamo College’s IT Director Roger Castro and sent numerous emails to students and staff signed “From Roger,” to make each email appear more authentic.

The district’s logo and letterhead were

included.

Despite hacking the IT directory, no personal data was affected. Hackers only used information to impersonate people listed on the directory.

The district has never suffered a data breach, because there are enough systems and controls in place, Cleary said.

“A layered defense is the best defense,” Rivera said.

He recommends that all students keep anti-virus software and maintain it.

Despite frequent warnings from the IT department, a clever scam will fool 12-20 students or faculty each attempt, Cleary said.

“The No. 1 defense for malicious attacks and hacks and social engineering is education,” he said.

“Educate the users.”

For cyber security tips, visit www. alamo.edu/sac/security/.