02-06-2024

TUESDAY February 6, 2024 VOLUME 114 ISSUE 19 www.UniversityStar.com

Attorney General sues SMTX over marijuana policies

By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter The Office of the Attorney General of Texas (OAG) issued lawsuits to five Texas cities, including San Marcos on Jan. 31, after they decriminalized low-level possession of marijuana.

The lawsuits allege the cities violated their charters, which are essentially city level constitutions, by passing ordinances which violated state and federal law. The lawsuits not only named the five cities of Austin, San Marcos, Denton, Killeen and Elgin, but also city officials, such as city councilmembers.

"The five municipalities adopted ordinances or policies instructing police not to enforce Texas drug laws concerning possession and distribution of marijuana, an illicit substance psychologists have increasingly linked to psychosis and other negative consequences," the press release from OAG said.

Ballot measure Proposition A implemented decriminalization of low-level possession of marijuana in San Marcos.

It passed in November 2022 with nearly 82% of the vote.

Sam Benavides, the communications director with Mano Amiga, a political advocacy group that pushed for the passage of Proposition A, called for Paxton to end the lawsuits saying he was "undemocratically defying the will of Texas voters."

"As our state government continues to oppress us and undo the forward momentum of progress, which has resulted in an 85% decrease in needless marijuana criminalization in San Marcos, Mano Amiga remains resolute in our commitment to justice, compassion and positive change," Eric Martinez, the executive director for Mano Amiga, said.

In the OAG press release, Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, disagreed with the cities and city officials who allowed the decriminalization efforts to pass.

"I will not stand idly by as cities run by pro-crime extremists deliberately violate Texas law and promote the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities," Paxton said in the statement.

The city of San Marcos has not released a response at this time.

SMTX Black History Month: STAR SNAPS

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Entrance to the La Cima neighborhood, where construction for Hill Country Studios will take place, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.

Hill Country Studios brings environmental impacts

By Camryn Leal News Contributor As Hill Country Studios nears breaking ground on two sound stages and an office building, the environmental impacts the studio will have on San Marcos have been studied.

Hill Country Studios continues to talk with the city of San Marcos regarding construction development on the Edwards Aquifer, according to Chief Marketing Officer of Hill Country Studios Jacob Cowan.

"We're committed to working with our neighbors in the greater city of San Marcos, Edwards Aquifer and the recharge zone - that has been a priority since day one," Cowan said.

During the early development stages of Hill

SEE DEVELOPMENT PAGE 3

Healing Hearts brushes away addiction stigma PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

(Top) Men's basketball fifth year forward Chris Nix (Right) gets loose ahead of the Bobcats' matchup versus Southern Miss, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Strahan Arena.

(Middle) Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority perform during the women's basketball halftime show durimg the contest versus South Alabama, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Strahan Arena

Country Studios, the company considered areas like Austin and San Antonio for studio development ground. The green space location in La Cima, helped the company decide San Marcos as t he ideal destination.

"We took a trip out here, we fell in love with the area and the people," Cowan said. "It's in the heart of the innovation corridor along I-35, where all the creativity meets innovation and technology. It's growing like wildfire."

La Cima is a 2,400-acre housing community in San Marcos with 800 acres of open space. Hill Country Studios will reside on 200 acres in the area.

La Cima is also part of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, a 1,250 square-mile permeable area of where water infiltrates into the aquifer.

By Brianna Bordosky Life & Arts Contributor The second annual Healing Hearts Art Exhibition is open to the public at the San Marcos Art Center gallery for the full month of February.

Cenikor Foundation, a non-profit recovery and treatment center, operates locally to provide resources for those battling various addictions and substance abuse. The organization's community Awareness, Intervention and Mobilization team (Project AIM) looks forward to spreading awareness of through the power of creativity and therapeutic nature of art as a part of recovery from addiction and mental struggles.

PHOTO BY MEG BOLES

(Right) The Dunbar Heritage Association celebrates MLK Day outside the City Hall, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in downtown San Marcos.

SEE STAR SNAPS PAGE 7

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Art lovers browse the display at the Healing Arts Exhibition, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at the San Marcos Art Center in downtown San Marcos.

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

SEE ART PAGE 5

2 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

NEWS

Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Texas State continues financial planning for 2024 presidential debate

By Blake Leschber News Editor The first 2024 presidential debate coming to Texas State on Sept. 16 will cost an estimated $5 million for the university, according to Eric Algoe, executive vice president for operations and chief financial officer.

Algoe said for Texas State to be selected as a site, the university had to go through a rigorous application

process with the Commission on Presidential Debates to look at the campus area and ensure it would be fit for renovations and temporary facilities.

"We've brought together a team of all the right people to look into the various aspects with regards to facilities, technology, logistics, hotels, food, parking, networking; all of these different pieces the Debate Commission asks you to be very detailed about," Algoe said.

According to Algoe, university reserve funds and alumni donations will fund the debate. The reserve fund includes leftover money the university saves year-to-year.

Algoe said as the debate gets closer, alumni events will occur around the state to raise funds.

Most of the estimated $5 million will be used for temporary facility changes, according to Algoe.

One of the changes will be for the university to accommodate media.

“I estimate as many as 3,000 members of media will be at the debate,” Algoe said. “They need facilities to put their technology... they will bring lots of satellite uplink trucks and other [equipment] that needs power.”

Algoe said there will be platforms built for media to use when reporting on the debate. The university will pay for these structures and they will be taken down after the debate.

Technology is also a large expense for the university. Texas State will have to provide strong internet connections to ensure all media and candidate interactions will be able to uphold throughout the debate.

“The more expensive part of it is the cybersecurity, making sure that all of those global media outlets have secure connections and the actual candidates themselves and their groups have reliable connections,” Algoe said.

These internet connections may be temporary renovations for the university or changes that are permanently implemented on campus.

"As we get further into the details of how to provide secure network infrastructure, there's a possibility it could mean upgrading [the university's] network infrastructure," Algoe said. "Wi-Fi, physical networks, switches could all be permanently improved, but it's also a possibility that we just bring in AT&T or T-Mobile and they just bring in a temporary network."

Some of the money will also go into renovating the University Events Center, where the debate will be held. According to Algoe, power will need to be strong and the inside of the arena will be carpeted and draped.

According to Algoe, while the university will be providing a majority of the money for the debate, Texas State is working with other entities such as the Governor's Office to try to decrease the costs, as well as charging the media.

"We're applying for some support from the state government to help us offset some of the costs," Algoe said. "Some of the things we do, like satellite uplink trucks, we have to bring for power, we're allowed to charge [the media] to recoup the cost it took us to build them."

Algoe said if a candidate were to not participate, any money the university did not spend will be given back but changes already made may not be paid back.

"Essentially any money that hasn't been spent we can get back," Algoe said. "The later that date gets though, the more costs are gone."

INFOGRAPHIC BY MEAGAN WALTERS

Federal proposal could decrease bank overdraft fees for consumers, students

By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a proposal to cap the overdraft fees banks are allowed to charge its clients.

The proposal was made public on Jan. 17 and comes as part of the Biden Administration's crackdown on fees.

It would rework how overdraft fees are handled, possibly capping them as low as $3.

"The proposal would close an outdated loophole that exempts overdraft lending services from longstanding provisions of the Truth in Lending Act and other consumer financial protection laws," the CFPB statement said. "For decades, large financial institutions have been able to issue highly profitable overdraft loans, which have garnered them billions of dollars in revenue annually."

Banks charge overdraft fees when someone spends more money than available in their account, resulting in a negative balance. According to the CFPB statement, most banks currently charge a $35 overdraft fee and approximately 23 million households pay overdraft fees at least once a year.

According to the proposal, any ruling would apply to financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, that manage more than $10 billion in assets. The CFPB said this would cover the 175 largest banks and credit unions in the country.

While the CFPB said overdraft fees are junk fees, Dr. William Chittenden, an associate professor of finance at Texas State and the president and CEO of the Southwestern School of Banking, doesn't agree with this statement.

"A junk fee is a fee that's not disclosed upfront," Chittenden said. "So you go to a hotel and they tell you the room rate is $40 a night, but there's a $100 resort fee that's mandatory, so a room is really $140 a night. That's a junk fee. Overdraft fees aren't hidden."

In 2022 Wells Fargo, which has a branch in the LBJ Student Center, was fined $3.7 billion by the CFPB for charging overdraft fees even when an account had the funds to cover the transaction that triggered the fee.

According the CFPB, Wells Fargo made over $1.2 billion from charging overdraft fees in 2022, which was the highest of any bank in America.

Texas State students can use their BobcatCard as a debit card by connecting it to a Wells Fargo checking account. According to Wells Fargo, currently students will not be charged a fee for one overdraft and every instance after will cost $35 each. With the federal proposal, that charge could drop to $3 for students.

Overdraft protection is a service banks offer where instead of denying charges leading to a negative account balance, banks allow the balance to go negative, while charging a fee for each additional transaction.

According to the CFPB release, the proposed rule could save consumers $3.5

billion a year, but Chittenden said the change could cause banks to stop offering overdraft protection.

"If there's not enough potential profit in those overdraft fees then [banks] are not going to offer [overdraft protection]," Chittenden said. "Instead of the bank, in essence giving you a short-term loan, and the cost of that loan is your overdraft fee, you simply won't be able to to spend negative balances."

Chittenden's concerns about banks withholding overdraft protection were backed by a statement from the American Bankers Association (ABA), a trade association for banks.

"In an effort to score political points, the CFPB is seeking to eliminate a valuable service and push consumers who need overdraft protection into the hands of less-regulated, more-costly alternatives," the ABA's statement said.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows weekly income is lowest at ages 16-24, and data from the National Center for Educational Statistics shows the majority of full-time college students do not work full time jobs. This means that on average, college students are lower income earners.

History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,500. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Visit The Star at universitystar.com

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Blake Leschber starnews@txstate.edu

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"Students often fall into that demographic that's more likely to need overdraft protection," Chittenden said.

The proposal is still in its early stages and is open for comment to the CFPB until April 1.

Publication Info

Editorial Staff Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

INFOGRAPHIC BY ITZIE PULIDO

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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, February 6, 2024. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

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NEWS

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 | 3

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT DEVELOPMENT Construction on the recharge zone can have negative impacts on the Edwards Aquifer. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), building on the recharge zone can increase pollutants in the aquifer.

"Ongoing residential and commercial development... on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone has the potential to increase the variety and concentration in stormwater runoff and thereby in water recharging the Edwards Aquifer," an August 2020 USGS study said.

Building on the recharge zone can also possibly increase the potential of severe flooding in San Marcos according to Brittiny Moore, an environmental educator and hydrogeologist in a September 2023 University Star article.

“The more recharge zone that we destroy, the more severe flooding we’re going to see,” Moore said in the article.

“When water doesn’t have enough space to get underground or soak into the soil, then it has to stay at the surface and it’s going to rush off into downstream neighborhoods causing massive flooding events.”

While there are negative potential environmental impacts, Hill Country Studios will possibly bring some positive changes.

Juliette Barrilleaux, conservationist with the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP), said the area of Hill Country Studios was always slated to be commercial property, meaning the recharge zone would have most likely been built on anyway.

"In 2013, that area of land of La Cima had been zoned as commercial property. The owner of the property had plans to sell it regardless of who they're selling it to," Barrilleaux said. "The question isn't who is developing on this land. It is what is the best business, company, etc. for San Marcos and that specific ecological environment?"

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), for companies to build on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, they must submit an Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan.

Barrilleaux said Hill Country Studios is building on 50% of their land and is using more permeable materials.

MAP BY MEAGAN WALTERS

"If you're familiar with the term 'impervious coverage,' that is the amount of concrete covering the ground. The water can't get through in the recharge zone which is where the concern upon locals came from," Barrilleaux said. "Instead of pavemented driveways on studio grounds, it's going to be made of rocks. So you're looking at less than 50% of what's allowed."

According to Barrilleaux, La Cima

will work with Hill Country Studios to preserve the recharge zone by managing rainfall on the property. In addition, wildlife may be preserved by La Cima through providing plants and animals with food and water.

"Overall, I've been really pleased to hear the ways that they care for the recharge zone, " Barrilleaux said.

SMTX businesses close despite growing population

By Lucciana Choueiry Assistant News Editor Despite the growing population in San Marcos, local business owners are facing issues with maintaining their companies in the current economic landscape, leading to several closures of city's staples in recent years.

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a San Marcos population of 67,553. In 2023, the city grew to a record population of 87,111, an approximate 28% increase, according to Josh Daspit, an associate professor of management at Texas State.

However, Daspit said a population increase does not always mean businesses will continue to thrive like they once did.

“If population increases, [a business’s] lease may also increase in cost, their taxes, overtime supply and raw materials could increase,” Daspit said. “But if a business’s customer base isn’t increasing proportionally, then that creates a challenge.”

Earth Burger, a plant-based fast-food chain that offers a menu of vegan and vegetarian alternatives to

traditional fast-food items, opened in San Marcos in August 2018 and closed on Jan. 26.

Ellen Evans, Earth Burger’s co-founder, said the location closed because they wanted to open the market for future franchisees, and the evolving San Marcos dynamics also influenced that decision.

“For any local restaurant, the local economy is a challenge… There is inflation and some people are a little bit more careful where they spend their dollars and local restaurants really do feel a struggle with that,” Evans said. “Especially when those restaurants can’t compete with the chains when it comes to buying the food cost and supplies at the same rate.”

Stellar Coffee Co. was a coffee shop that opened its doors in April 2013 and closed on Sept. 9, 2023.

According to Hope Tate, Stellar's former owner who took over the business in March 2022, the financing was not healthy long-term and upkeep negatively impacted her family financially.

“I didn’t know enough about business at the time to know I was getting into a bad deal,” Tate said in a written interview with The University Star. “My family is still dealing with the consequences.”

Daspit said while not all businesses cater to

students, it still creates a set of challenges because students are a constantly changing demographic to have as consumers.

Half Price Books opened its San Marcos location in 2002 and closed in June 2022. The company experienced a decline in customers due to the changing demographics of students.

“Rent costs and a decline in customer traffic were the main factors [that led to closure],” Monica Schultz, Half Price Books’ Texas regional manager, said in a written interview with The University Star.

“We struggled to grow our customer base in one of our smaller markets.”

Grins, a restaurant that has been open since 1975, is also for sale in San Marcos and has been on the market since May 11, 2023. However, according to a Jan. 8 Grins Facebook post, the restaurant is on the market but will not be closing.

Daspit said the best way for a business to navigate challenges and avoid closures is to have a plan in place for anything ranging from suppliers to pandemics.

“It’s hard sometimes to stop and take that time to plan but that is what needs to happen for a business to have long-term success,” Daspit said.

4 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

OPINIONS

Rhian Davis | Opinions Editor | staropinion@txstate.edu

Tuesday, February 6, 2023

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.

Fees are necessary for chartered organizations

By Aili Ortega Opinions Contributor At Texas State, chartered organizations, which are organizations that are funded through student fees and run by student workers with a common goal of raising student involvement, play a crucial role in the vibrant campus environment.

ILLUSTRATION BY DEVON CREW

Examples of these organizations are Bobcat Build, one of the largest community service projects in the state, the Black Student Alliance, which serves as an ally to underrepresented voices and the Student Association for Campus Activities (SACA). Students often have to pay fees to join these groups, which has raised discussions about their importance.

Chartered organizations like SACA are crucial for shaping the Texas State experience, especially for firstyear students. They serve as guides, helping students navigate campus life and foster a sense of belonging beyond individual backgrounds.

Hope Smith, management sophomore and member of SACA, said the organization helps connect students across different majors.

"I met people in various majors and discovered common interests with those in the business college through the club," Smith said.

Undergraduate expenses at Texas State are approximately $29,400, encompassing 15 credit hours and on-campus living. A significant portion, $12,220, is allocated to tuition and fees. Within these fees, support for chartered organizations is evident, typically ranging from $60 to $100.

When juxtaposed with other fees, like the recreation fee at $94, the relatively modest allocation to chartered organizations becomes a focal point of discussion. While some students may question the mandatory fees for these organizations, understanding their budgetary share within the broader context of attendance costs underscores their significance in shaping the campus experience and fostering a sense of community among students.

Some students may question the mandatory

fees for organizations like SACA, dismissing them as unnecessary. Those skeptical of chartered organizations may not notice their broader contribution to university culture, providing valuable opportunities for shared experiences and connections. These experiences can unite people, allow them to explore shared interests and engage in unexpected adventures. "[SACA] provides students, especially freshmen, with a sense of belonging," Gabby Gaubet, SACA Event Coordinator and psychology junior, said.

"During my Halloween event, many attendees mentioned they had no plans, but because of the event, they were able to have fun even on a weekday."

Beyond routine events, chartered organizations like SACA distinguish themselves by adding an extra layer to the tapestry of community building. Unconventional experiences, such as petting zoos and collaborative paint-by-number events, showcase SACA's commitment to fostering unique moments that linger in the memory of the Texas State community.

Organizations like SACA are integral to Texas State's campus life. Despite debates about mandatory fees, these chartered organizations, exemplified

by SACA's role in connecting students and fostering a sense of belonging, significantly contribute to the university culture.

Their impact extends beyond event planning, providing valuable shared experiences and connections that enhance the overall Texas State experience, particularly for first-year students. It becomes evident that these mandatory fees are utilized to make a brighter mark on Texas State’s students.

– Aili Ortega is a marketing senior

Expanding I-35 is environmentally detrimental

By Faith Fabian Opinions Columnist Despite major protests taking place in Austin last year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced it will continue its efforts toward expanding Interstate 35 (I-35) throughout Central Texas in 2024.

The project is anticipated to cost $4.5 billion, and its scope includes additional lanes, bridge reconstruction and lowering the highway as it follows a “cap and stitch” plan.

Rethink35, along with many other environmental organizations and community members, have officially filed a lawsuit against TxDOT for failing to properly evaluate the environmental effects of the project as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

TxDOT must make the proper e f f o r t s t o p ro t e c t t h e e n v i ro n ment and consider NEPA requirem e n t s t h ro u g h o u t t h e h i g h w a y expansion project.

Among the organizations suing TxDOT is the Save Our Springs Alliance, a conservation group working to protect the Edwards Aquifer region. The Edwards Aquifer is the natural source that provides drinking water to over four million people in Central Texas, and is responsible for the San Marcos springs system that charges the San Marcos River.

Bobby Levinski, an attorney for the Save Our Springs Alliance, said TxDOT ’s environmental evaluation of the project was not thorough enough and did not adequately consider the possible effects the project will have on air quality, water quality and pollution rates.

ILLUSTRATION BY QUINN FANTA

Some studies support Levinski’s assertion, including observations from activist Micheal Moritz, who found that between 2015-22, 130 TxDOT projects were found to have “no environmental impact” after an initial review, but only six projects had received full environmental evaluations.

One major counterargument to the goals of Rethink35 is the issue of traffic and the idea that expanding I-35 will lessen it. However, highway expansion in Texas has been proven to do little when it comes to alleviating traffic congestion, as seen in Houston when the expansion of the Katy Freeway caused commute times to increase by 55%. The Rocky Mountain Institute, a sustainability non-profit, also published calculations revealing the I-35 project will result in 1.2 to 3.6 million emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050.

Jessie Powell, a Texas State graduate

student pursuing an M.S. in Population and Conservation Biology, said the environmental impact the project could pose will be significant.

“Generally speaking, any highway expansion brings a lot of environmental issues: the destruction of wildlife habitat, increased impervious cover, increased carbon emissions and exacerbation of urban heat islands,” Powell said in an email to The University Star.

All of these grievances are why community members in both Austin and San Marcos participated in protests last year with Rethink35. These grievances are also why Central Texas residents must continue to advocate for environmental protection.

Powell attended one of these protests last November, and said the atmosphere of the protest was inspiring.

“There was a strong feeling of community at the rally; it wasn’t the biggest

demonstration I have been to, but the Rethink35 movement is still in its early days and is gaining momentum,” Powell said in an email to The Star. “I also appreciated that the speakers, and even just the other attendees, at the rally offered different perspectives on the expansion; while some approached it as strictly an environmental issue, others spoke of its racist roots and its contribution to gentrification.”

Rethink35’s protest efforts have been extremely revealing of the broad number of people from different age groups, cultural backgrounds and perspectives who are all interested in a common goal: making Texas a more sustainable state.

Powell also gave some insight regarding I-35’s expansion as it pertains to larger discussions around climate change.

“The proposal to expand I-35 instead of investing in alternative public transit shows a total denial of the climate crisis,” Powell said in an email to The Star. “We need to see massive climate action now, and the proposed expansion would take us in the complete opposite direction we need.”

Despite the lawsuit being filed on behalf of Rethink35, TxDOT said it wants to continue with the project, expressing the belief that the lawsuit holds no merit.

Texas citizens and Texas State students expect more. TxDOT’s plan to expand I-35 will be detrimental to not only the environment but to our progression toward a more sustainable society.

- Faith Fabian is an English sophomore

Students shouldn't feel bad about losing friends

By Madison Green Opinions Cotributor "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver; the other is gold.”

This old adage has been taught to us since we were children. Although the message is positive, it is not true all the time, especially during the college years.

It's necessary to have a support system during college, and students should try to find people they can relate to and grow close with. According to Goodwin University, “having valuable college friendships during your undergraduate or graduate career can also result in improved social life, a successful, satisfying education and sought-after career opportunities.”

In fact, some people might even meet their closest friends during their years at university. However, the atmosphere presented in college allows for many superficial and faulty friendships.

Chelsey Gonzalez, an English and philosophy

senior, believed the fast-paced environment of college makes it difficult to create meaningful friendships.

“It is extremely hard to make friends, especially genuine friends in college,” Gonzalez said. “It is hard to get to know someone when you don’t see them that often.”

This means students should not feel too disappointed if they eventually have to let some of their friends go. It might be a hard process, but students shouldn’t blame themselves for it because there are many reasons that friendships fade away. Sometimes, there might not even be a concrete reason as to why the friendship ended.

-Madison Green is a psychology and advertising senior The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor in Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

Scan the QR code to continue reading this column.

ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE CARPENTER

LIFE & ARTS

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 | 5

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

PHOTO BY LESDY HERNANDEZ

(From left to right) Music studies junior Tomas Hinojosa and sophomores Jaime Fernandez, Miles Avelar and Emma Hallett pose with their instruments, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the School of Music Building.

TXST saxophone quartet to perform at TMEA

By Lesdy Hernandez Life and Arts Contributor From Feb. 7-10, San Antonio will host one of the biggest conventions in the music education world. The Texas Music Education Association (TMEA) will host its annual convention where music educators from all grade and college levels come together to enjoy performances, master classes, exhibits and more.

This year, Texas State saxophone group “Apollo Quartet" has been selected to showcase its music on the second day of the convention.

Music studies sophomores Miles Avelar, Jaime Fernandez, Emma Hallett and music studies junior, Tomas Hinojosa, recalled the day they found out they would perform at TMEA during a preseason marching band rehearsal last fall.

“We’re in the blazing heat and I hear Miles and Jaime yell at me from across the field saying we got accepted to TMEA,” Hallett said.

“I thought they were joking, but I opened my email and I finally believed them. We were excited.”

Todd Oxford, a professor of saxophone and chamber music for the School of Music, said student groups must send in performance videos to be considered and possibly invited to perform at TMEA. “It's a proud moment when one of our student groups is invited,” Oxford said. “They worked very hard at preparing music that they felt would be interesting to the audience that comes to listen.”

Last fall, the quartet would rehearse together four days a week and individually the remaining days to prepare for the showcase. The hour long rehearsals were used to strengthen the quartet musically and as a whole through talking, sharing jokes and having fun together.

Oxford compared the quartet’s hard work these past months to “building a bridge from the middle.”He said it is a very special thing to find four individuals who have the same drive, inspiration and work ethic.

“It's like you have this glob of clay or whatever material you're going to end up becoming into this beautiful work of art,” Oxford said. “It takes a lot of intense work. It should look very easy and sound very easy at the final performance, but it takes months and months of preparation for it to sound polished and for it to sound like a beautiful piece of music.”

Avelar recalls the quartet being eager to submit its performance video to TMEA since freshman year. He said it is because of Oxford’s continued support and push that they were able to accomplish this goal. “[Oxford] pushed us farther than we thought we were ever going to be able to,” Avelar said. “He took his time and would show up. He didn’t have to do this.”

With people flying all around the U.S. to attend this convention, Hinojosa said the opportunity to perform at TMEA signifies an exciting moment for the quartet.“You start out as a musician, like in sixth grade, and you have this vision in mind of, 'All I want to do

is this,' and for me I want to play for a lot of people,” Hinojosa said. “This is one of those moments when you get to step up on a stage after all these years of work.”

During the 25 minute showcase, the Apollo Quartet will also be debuting the first movement of a piece entitled “Loose Ends” by Californian composer Ray Klein. Oxford recalled being approached by Klein about a year ago with the piece and after starting a conversation decided the best way to decide on the piece was to give it a go.

As the date gets closer, the quartet said they are excited to represent themselves and Texas State.

“We set a good example, a good standard of how we do things here,” Fernandez said. “I think it's good that we accomplished this big goal, especially with people like friends. We are doing this together.”

T h e Ap o l l o Q u a r t e t w i l l b e performing at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 8 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

FROM FRONT ART

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Art fans observe the displayed artwork for sale at The Healing Arts Exhibition, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in the San Marcos Art Center.

Attendees browse the paintings on display during The Healing Arts Exhibition, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in the San Marcos Art Center.

“At the art show last year, it was heartwarming to see people connecting over these hard moments," Peyton Siler, Project AIM program manager, said. "It felt very tangible. I think sometimes the conversations can be hard to have and so art is a very universal language and way to paint emotions. [The gallery] also provided that platform. Even if someone wasn't able to get up and share their story, it was there.”

Project AIM is a non-profit program local to Hays County that advocates for open and conflict-free solutions for young adults who may seek to improve behavioral health and resiliency. To start a conversation and foster community around healing, Project AIM’s team of three decided a space like the exhibit would encourage comfort and positivity.

This year Carla Merritt, Siler’s supervisor and the director of prevention and youth recovery, is hoping with the familiarity they have, the exhibit allows for a greater chance of visibility.

Project AIM wishes to make it clear that when it comes to personal struggle, the struggle at hand does not need to be a detriment to one's life. “[We hope that] they don't see us as something that's rigid but people that are truly there to help them," Merritt said. "They would know that there are

people out there that truly want to help them and that we're those people... It's another way to bring people together and just say, ‘You know what, we can talk about this and there's help out there and we don't have to be ashamed.’”

The exhibit accomplishes the team’s goal of awareness for addiction treatment and much more. Showcasing artists who have personally struggled with sobriety provides a venue for community members to explore different methods that may help in their recovery journey. Karen Ramsey, an exhibit artist and art league affiliate, emphasizes how important an outlet for creativity was for her healing process.

“I was enthralled with alcohol inking, and so I would practice, four, five, six hours a day, and that really helped with the cravings and the triggers,” Ramsey said. “I spent my time immersed in trying to learn the medium of alcohol ink. I had no clue how therapeutic art could be. You just get caught up in the art that you're creating and it was a blessing. If I hadn't had that, I don't know if I'd be somewhere today.”

Because of Healing Hearts, there is proof the sharing of creative works has inspired artists and exhibit goers alike to be more candid about their experiences.

“It was my art that helped me,” Ramsey said. “I wasn't home, I wasn't driving and I just didn't have the confidence, and now I do. It's been a couple of years since I've been really candid about my sobriety because I feel like I have a little traction now.”

The Project AIM team and Cenikor collectively hope the effort put toward creating this space begins conversations and introduces opportunities for personal wellness. For them, bringing artists and viewers together for one event will hopefully push for tackling issues that may often be difficult to address.

“The show and Project AIM will kind of prompt intentional reflection about health behaviors,” Siler said. “I think it's always important no matter where you are in your life to be internally doing some reflection about the behaviors we engage in.”

The Healing Hearts Art Exhibit will hold its opening reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at the San Marcos Art Center.

If you or someone you know may need help, Project AIM is available at projectaim@cenikor.org and by text/ call at 281-728-4908

6 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

SPORTS

David Cuevas | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu

Tuesday, February 6 , 2024

Vanderford's values: Teammates over everything

By McKenna Ladson Sports Contributor Entering her fifth and final season as a bobcat, graduate infielder Sara Vanderford seeks to enjoy her last moments as she continues to break Texas State batting records. Vanderford’s hitting is some of the best in Texas State history with 139 career RBI and a .330 career batting average.

Vanderford’s early commitment at 15 years old was far from unsighted.

Her freshman year wasn’t her first time in San Marcos. She was already very familiar with the city, as her older

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

Texas State graduate student infielder Sara Vanderford (26) watches the pitch, Saturday, April 11, 2023, at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

brother was an alumnus, and according to Vanderford, Texas State was always the place for her.

“I had spent every summer here. I love the area,” Vanderford said. “It literally was my home away from home.”

Va n d e r f o rd f i r s t e n te re d the program as a freshman in 2020, just in time for COVID-19. Dealing with a pandemic and all of the struggles of being a new student-athlete, Vanderford said she continued to persevere.

“Some of the girls on that team didn’t come back,” Vanderford said.

“As much as I hate COVID, I am a little thankful for it because it made me realize there’s always something bigger than striking out or missing a ball.”

Even with such adversity, Vanderford was strong her freshman season, collecting 16 RBI and the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year award.

In her following seasons, Vanderford only continued to flourish. As her skillset grew, so did her accolades, landing her on the Sun Belt All-Tournament team for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons. Now, heading into the 2024 season, she has found herself in a leadership position that comes naturally with her dominance at the plate.

Head Coach Ricci Woodard said Vanderford uses this to motivate her teammates to get better.

“She figured out that she can make everyone around her better,” Woodard said. “That just comes with maturity.

She’s done a really good job of figuring out how to drive her teammates.”

Vanderford uses her leadership position to help her teammates on and off the field. She said she uses her experience to help guide her fellow teammates through obstacles she’s experienced firsthand.

“If they have questions or concerns they can take it from someone who, five

Sports Section Super Bowl Predictions Adrian Ramirez Sports Contributor 27-20 49ers MVP Christian McCaffery "Expect the Niners to lean heavy on McCaffery and dominate upfront exploiting the Chiefs the way the Ravens should have."

McKenna Ladson Sports Contributor 31-21 Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes "Patrick Mahomes' improvisational skills will carry the Chiefs past the 49ers defense."

Kobe Arriaga Sports Reporter 27-20 Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes "The Chiefs will be led by the experience of Mahomes and I anticipate a diverse mix between the pass and run that prevails them to victory."

Jude Botello Sports Contributor 31-21 49ers MVP Christian McCaffery "The Chiefs defense is unable to carry the team against such a dynamic offense."

Carter Bordwell Sports Reporter 28-24 49ers MVP Christian McCaffery "Chiefs streaky offense won't be enough against Christian McCaffery and company."

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

Texas State graduate student infielder Sara Vanderford (26) runs to third base, Saturday, April 11, 2023, at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

years later, I’ve heard it all,” Vanderford said. “Most importantly, I just want to be a good person and a good teammate that everyone can count on.”

This kind of position, however, does not come without its challenges.

Vanderford said she’s grateful for her position, but it takes a certain kind of person to deal with the pressure.

“Pressure is a privilege. It means you’ve done something right,” Vanderford said. “If you take it the wrong way, it can eat you alive.”

Woodard said Vanderford’s leadership and ability to take on responsibilities goes beyond being beneficial for this year’s roster.

“Her leadership skills she’s developed over the last five years have been just phenomenal for the program,” Woodard said. “Kobe Bryant said it right when he said, ‘Leadership is lonely.’”

A f t e r Va n d e r f o rd’s t i m e a n d impact on Texas State, she hopes to

leave a strong legacy within the softball program far beyond her statistics.

“I want my teammates' parents to know they’re in a safe place,” Vanderford said. “[And] that they’re always going to have someone.”

As the 2024 season approaches, Vanderford and Woodard agree they want to remain expectation-free, focusing solely on their performance and getting the job done. “ We talked about not setting ourselves up for expectations, but execution. I think we expected to be better last year than we were,” Woodard said. “So now, it’s more about executing better this year, not just expecting to.”

Though there are high expectations on the diamond for Vanderford this season, she said she’s more focused on enjoying her final season as a Bobcat.

“The numbers will come, the stats will come,” Vanderford says. “I really just want to go out there and have fun, do the best that I can do.”

STAR SNAPS & GAMES

7 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

Tuesday, January 30, 2023

Kobe Arriaga | Multimedia Editor | starmultimedia@txstate.edu Jen Nguyen | Creative Services Director | starcreative@txstate.edu

This Week at Texas State (Right) Texas State senior pitcher Jessica Mullins (right) speaks alongside fellow softball teammates at the Pep Rally Kickoff during Bobcat Nation Week, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at the LBJ Mall.

(Bottom) Men's basketball seniors Chris Nix (right) and Dylan Dawson (left) encourage students to come out to the game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at the LBJ Mall.

(Center) Boko eases the crowd with his antics at the men's basketball game, Thursday Feb 1, 2024, in Strahan Arena.

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

Texas State students gather in front of the LBJ Student Center for the Pep Rally Kick-Off during Bobcat Nation Week, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.

LIX

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Jazz musicians perform a free concert in part of the Eddie Durham Celebration, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in Evans Auditorium.

Y FE TO B O H P

KE

MEN

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH

Members of the women's basketball squad celebrate a score during the game versus Old Dominion University, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at Strahan Arena.

Student volunteer Trinity Sutherland (right) analyzes a flyer with State Representative candidate Chevo Pastrano, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, on The Quad.

8 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

Tuesday, February 6 , 2024

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