04/23/2024

Earth Day celebration highlights resources and sustainability

By Blake Leschber News Editor

The Meadows Center hosted the 11th Annual Earth Day Festival to honor the unique environment of San Marcos and to bring awareness to sustainable practices in residents' daily lives.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Spring Lake, the festival housed over 40 vendors and served as a way to connect students and residents to the local environment, according to Miranda Wait, deputy director of Spring Lake at The Meadows Center.

Wait said the event was in the works since last year and was planned with one common goal: to connect both city residents and Texas State students with the environment they live in.

“There’s not a lot of community events in San Marcos that include the university and the city,” Wait said. “When you think of the San Marcos River, it doesn’t just go through the university or just through the city; we’re all responsible for it.”

At the beginning of the festival, the Indigenous Cultures Institute blessed the river. According to Bobbie GarzaHernandez, member of the MiakanGarza Band of the Coahuiltecan and community pilam for the Indigenous Cultures Institute, the river is a sign of life for the tribe and treating it with respect is crucial for their culture.

“We are the stewards of the river, without water humanity cannot exist,” Garza-Hernandez said. “So we believe that it is our responsibility to be good stewards of not only the land but especially the river because it’s our water and making sure our generations down the line can continue to exist.”

According to Garza-Hernandez, the Indigenous Cultures Institute is working on building a community building right by The Meadows Center and wants residents and students to be aware of the Indigenous community that occupies San Marcos. Garza-Hernandez said the institute’s goal of the event was to bring awareness to the community about the sacred nature of the river.

Courtney Lyons-Garcia, parks & trails specialist for the Great Springs Project said the purpose of Earth Day is to connect the community with the environment they live in.

“[The goal is] making sure the community understands the big gifts that they have and to create an environment in the community that wants to protect them,” Lyons-Garcia said. “Getting all of these amazing organizations out that do different things to help and showing the community how they can be a part is critical to move forward.”

San Marcos is situated in a unique area of Hays County, adding to the importance of Earth Day for residents and students, Wait said.

City parking fines increase in SMTX

By Eleanor Munoz News Contributor

Effective April 19, San Marcos parking fines more than doubled for the first time since 2003.

According to City Marshal's Parking Coordinator Samantha Deyo, parking fines increased due to city-wide problems, such as non-compliance with downtown parking rules.

Deyo said level one violations increased from $20 to $50, level two violations increased from $30 to $100 and level three violations increased from $50 to $250. Level four violations comply with the state standard, so the fine fee remains $500, according to Deyo.

Deyo said the Parking Advisory Board studied parking fines from nearby cities compared to San Marcos, and San Marcos' parking violation rates were the lowest of surrounding cities such as New Braunfels, Fredericksburg and Austin.

"There's generally over-utilization of downtown street parking that's in excess of posted time limits," Deyo said.

According to the resolution the Parking Advisory Board presented to the city council on June 6, 2023, the board "expects the increase in realized consequences for violating the city's parking regulations to result in increased compliance and orderly management of the city's limited public parking resources."

San Marcos to develop new park

The largest regional park in the city will take place of Quail Creek Golf Course.

By Candace Taggart News Reporter

The city of San Marcos is planning to build its largest regional park on the site of the former Quail Creek Golf Course, following the property's annexation.

At its April 2 meeting, San Marcos City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2024-13, a proposal to annex approximately 176 acres of the city-owned, east-side Quail Creek land to turn into a park with amenities.

Director of Parks and Recre-

ation Jamie Lee Case said the city's current largest parkland is the riverfront parks along the San Marcos River, totaling about 120 acres. However, these parks are spread out, while the Quail Creek park will be a single property that will offer amenities to people who live in East San Marcos.

McCloud gets comfortable, profitable with first NIL deal

The reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Jordan McCloud, transferred to Texas State on Tuesday, March 26th. McCloud said this past Saturday’s spring game went well, even after facing adversity early in the day.

“I thought it was a good day, we started kind of slow but we bounced back," McCloud said. "We had a few scoring drives in a row.

That’s a part of football and you can’t let it hold you back for the rest of the game.”

According to McCloud, the community and team at Texas State are loveable factors that coincide well and make a good football team.

“I love the town, I love the people and the team,” McCloud said. “We are gelling together and the offense is very explosive and fast. We are gonna score a lot of points.”

After previous rumors of transferring to Auburn for his final year, McCloud said he’s unsure of why the Auburn rumors arose.

PHOTO BY NATHALIE YANEZ Senior transfer quarterback Jordan McCloud signs autographs for fans following the Texas State football spring game, Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Bobcat Stadium.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DJ ROSS

City council approves McLain Project

By Jacquelyn Burrer News Contributor

Mariah Price, an English graduate student, learned she would potentially lose her housing at Lindsey Oaks on April 14 from a note left on her door by the Tenant Advocacy Group (TAG) due to a city council vote taking place two days later.

“I don’t think any of [the tenants] knew until [the April 16 San Marcos City Council meeting],” Price said. “Any kind of notice would have been useful.”

San Marcos City Council voted 6-1 on April 16 to approve amendments regarding the McLain Project, a proposed high-rise apartment complex set to be built across the street from campus on the south corners of Lindsey and North Street.

"I hate that we're losing this affordable housing," Mayor Jane Hughson said at the April 16 meeting. "I truly do, but it is what it is."

The two main amendments included changing the zoning from an existing neighborhood to a high-intensity downtown classification and approving a conditional use permit to allow purposebuilt student housing.

To build the McLain, the Lindsey Oaks and The Elms apartments will both be demolished, and current residents will have until April 16, 2025 to vacate the apartments, according to the city council amendments.

The McLain Project was organized by Shannon Mattingly, a director of land use and entitlements at the Drenner Group, a real estate law firm that concentrates on land-use projects, and developer Matthew Kenyon.

The housing project will consist of two parts: a seven-story complex with a parking garage on the east side and a three-story complex on the west side.

“There’s a ton of positive things,” Kenyon said. “We talked to tons of business owners in the downtown area that were super excited about [the complex] because they now have a large number

of students within walking distance to support their business.”

The McLain Project will move forward with concessions, such as prohibiting the developer from selling to a non-taxpaying entity, including Texas State, for the next seven years.

Another concession is holding spots for current residents from Lindsey Oaks and The Elms at McLain once it is built in three to four years. Additionally, residents over 57 and 10 families can pay a similar rent to their current rate if they choose to move into McLain when it is built.

Chair of the Hays County Historical Commission Linda Coker said she was initially opposed to the project but she now supports it moving forward.

“We have been kicked in the teeth [by developers] so many times that people automatically distrust,” Coker said. “I totally understand because I have the same reaction. I have fought a lot of properties, but this one, I just don’t see the fight.”

Kenyon said there is a demand among

students for an additional housing complex, citing a petition organized last fall by students Austin Groeschel and Andrew Salem with over 1,200 signatures in favor of the complex, predominantly from students.

“I believe allowing developments in close proximity to downtown San Marcos and to the university campus would not only be the best and safest option in regard to students but would also allow businesses downtown to flourish,” Salem said at the April 16 meeting.

Leah Gonsalves, a PR sophomore, said she signed the petition last fall but was told it was in support of increasing parking on campus. However, Kenyon and the Drenner Group used her and her friends' signatures to show support for the McLain Project at city council meetings.

"I didn’t know about the project to begin with,” Gonsalves said. “I thought it was about parking. He didn’t say where it was going or anything like that.”

Some community members have raised concerns throughout the process,

often citing the city does not need more student housing and the proposed project would displace current residents and disrupt the neighborhood.

“[Families] are here because they can’t afford more rooms,” Price said. “No family wants to live five people in a one-bedroom, but that’s what they can realistically afford. It just sucks that the entire city is against the people who live in [Lindsey Oaks and The Elms]."

Jared Chumsae, TAG volunteer and San Marcos resident, said when doing outreach the weekend prior to the April 16 vote, only five of the 20 residents he spoke with at the two apartment complexes knew about the vote.

“These residents are really going to be out of luck [and] out of housing,” Chumsae said. “They’re going to be displaced from the area, maybe even the city, and I think that when we were knocking on doors, they had that realization themselves as well.”

The University Star reached out to Andrew Salem and Austin Groeschel for comment but received no response.

Texas State, OAG launch cold case internship program

By James Phillips News Contributor

Texas State, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), launched a new criminal justice internship where students will work on cases.

Texas State anounced the Texas State Cold Case Team on April 1 and said it will consist of four students working on real cases in the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit (CCMPU) for a one-year period. Additionally, students selected for the program should have an interest in working professionally in crime scene investigations, forensic science, digital forensics and must pass a background check by the OAG, according to Texas State's announcement.

Applications for the program closed on April 12 and the internship is set to begin in mid-May, according to Jaymi Elsass, internship coordinator in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

According to a press release from the OAG, Attorney General Ken Paxton believes the program will allow students to gain hands-on experience in investigations.

"This partnership will connect Texas State students with amazing opportunities to work alongside my office’s Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit," Paxton said in the press release.

Elsass explained how students will

gain hands-on experience on real cases.

"Texas has about 20,000 cold cases," Elsass said. "The hope is [students] make progress in these cases that have been cold for a long time."

According to the Texas State press release, cold cases are defined as "[cases] in which all credible investigative leads known to the investigating agency have been exhausted."

Elsass said the chosen students split into teams of two, with each team assigned a different cold case and supervised by a member of the CCMPU.

"[The students] will get experiences they can't get anywhere else," Elsass said. "[This program] is different [than regular internships]... students are going to work side-by-side with homicide investigators and crime analysts for an entire year."

Elsass said the program will be beneficial to the prestige of the school of Criminal Justice at Texas State.

"This will be the very first time a program of this type [has been offered in] the state of Texas," Elsass said. "This really will be a shining light for Texas State... putting students with [the CCMPU] at the state level."

Elsass said the school received 100 applications since its announcement.

Tru Brown, a criminal justice junior, said the internship could address some of the struggles criminal justice

students face when trying to land an internship.

"It's just finding those connections," Brown said. "[Students] really have to have connections to be able to get into [internships]... but it's really hard to look [for internships]."

However, according to Elsass, one of the program's biggest

hopes is it will help unearth more details about long-dead cases.

"Success [for the program] can look like many different things," Elsass said. "When we think of cold cases, the ultimate success is solving a case... another measure of success is eliminating someone who has been a suspect and giving [the suspect] their life back."

INFOGRAPHIC BY MADELINE CARPENTER

MAP BY JARELL CARR

FROM FRONT SAN MARCOS

According to the San Marcos City Code of Ordinances, level one violations include parking overtime, parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, parking on the wrong side of the street or parking a nonelectrical vehicle in an electric vehicle space without any charging.

Level two violations include double parking, parking across striped stall lines, parking in intersections, parking in a lane in traffic or backing into a designated pull-in spot.

Level three violations include parking in a fire zone, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or in a bicycle lane.

Level four violations concern disabled parking and fall under state jurisdiction.

Deyo said residents with three or more unpaid parking citations could receive a notice on their windshield to contact the municipal court or pay their fines. Their car could be booted if the fine is not paid or the resident does not contact the court within 10 days.

"If you get a citation, don't ignore it, get with the court and they can find a way to help out most of the time," Deyo said.

According to Deyo, the city also implemented changes to help residents pay their fines. Level one fines will be reduced by 50% if it's the first fine in twelve months and paid within 14 days. Late fees will be applied after 30 days compared to the previous 15-day timeframe.

easy-to-access parking would make a greater difference in complying with violations compared to raising parking fines.

"A lot of people let [parking fines] build up and never [pay] them back," Ecoff said. "The only thing that will make a difference is adding better parking."

FROM FRONT DEVELOPMENT

"These are self-inflicted wounds. You can avoid this raise by not getting a parking ticket," Hughson said at the meeting. "This isn't a tax that people have to pay."

San Marcos City Council approved the increase in a 7-1 vote with Councilmember Alyssa Garza voting against it at the Jan. 30, 2024 meeting.

Nicolette Ecoff, an English junior and San Marcos resident said adding more

At its June 6, 2023 meeting, San Marcos City Council discussed increasing parking fines after a recommendation from the Parking Advisory Board the previous year. Mayor Jane Hughson supported the idea, citing the inflation of the cost of living since the last increase in parking fines in 2003.

In a statement sent via email to The University Star, Associate Director of Parking Services at Texas State Stephen Prentice wrote the university's parking fees will not increase due to the increase in the city and the Transportation Services Department was not aware of a rate change.

"Texas State has no plans to change permit or ticket fees because of any action the city may take," Prentice wrote.

Scan the QR code to get more information on San Marcos parking fines.

“Parks just bring joy to people's lives,” Case said. “We’re hoping this project [will] just bring some additional joy to our community and allow people to ‘park and rec.’”

According to Case, the city purchased Quail Creek in October 2022 for $8.5 million, with the Hays County Parks and Open Space bond providing $6.6 million. “Annexing city-owned property into the city limits just makes sense,” Mayor Jane Hughson said at the April 2 city council meeting.

According to Case and the city of San Marcos' press release, the park will “generally be located north of the intersection of State Highway 21 and the railroad and south of the Blanco River.”

Park amenities will be determined when the master plan process starts in January 2025, according to Case. The plan could take six to 12 months to develop before being adopted by the city council. City council is also discussing a 2028 bond election, and Case said funding for the Quail Creek park will likely require voter approval at that time.

Director of Operations for the San Marcos River Foundation Rachel Sanborn said Quail Creek is prone to flooding from the Blanco River and she is relieved it will become parkland, as any housing or business development on that much acreage would wincrease flooding risks.

“Having that kind of green space there to absorb some water and slow some of the runoff down is beneficial for the whole community and the river communities downstream as well,” Sanborn said.

According to Case, there are approximately 12 acres of Quail Creek outside of the Blanco River’s floodplain and if Parks and Recreation decide to add a community gathering building it would have to be on those 12 acres. Case said her department does not plan on adding structures that water cannot absorb or flow through aside from parking lots and tennis courts.

“[Parks and Recreation] is focused on sustainability and mitigation as an organization, so as we make plans to develop this park, those are definitely at the forefront of our mind,” Case said. “There are flood mitigation measures that could benefit neighboring neighborhoods with the development of this park.”

Case said a few amenities likely to be in the new park include permanent pickleball facilities for the growing pickleball community and a multi-use sports field.

Parks just bring joy to people's lives. We’re hoping this project [will] just bring some additional joy to our community and allow people to ‘park and rec,’”

Jamie Lee Case Director of Parks and Recreation

“We have some adult softball fields, but [we want to be] able to provide additional adult fields because that is something we've heard over the years as being desirable

from folks interested in adult baseball, kickball, lacrosse or rugby,” Case said.

Sanborn said more park space is essential for the San Marcos community, especially with the city’s population growth of approximately 13,500 in the last decade. "We need to take into account that more people having access to more green spaces is good for our mental health, our physical health,” Sanborn said.

MAP BY MELANIE CAMARA

INFOGRAPHIC BY SHREYANI PULIGAL

Permanently closed Quail Creek Country Club waits for park transformation on April 19, 2024, in San Marcos.

PHOTO BY MAYA CONTRERAS

Being pro-Palestine isn’t antisemitic; neither is being anti-Israeli policy

By Zayna Abdel-Rahim Opinions Contributor

Free speech is under attack across Texas college campuses due to the ulterior motives of Gov. Greg Abbott.

On March 27, Abbott issued Executive Order GA-44, “Relating to addressing acts of antisemitism in institutions of higher education” with the supposed intention to “fight the increase in acts of antisemitism at colleges… and ensure a safe learning environment for Jewish students and all Texans.”

The stated intentions of the order are entirely reasonable, especially following the surge in actual antisemitic activity seen across the nation since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel.

However, when analyzing the executive order, it becomes apparent Abbott has little intention of fighting actual antisemitism, but rather, silencing pro-Palestinian sentiments on college campuses.

This is most apparent when analyzing exactly what the executive order classifies as antisemitic rhetoric. The order directly condemns the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” saying it has “long been used by Hamas supporters to call for the violent dismantling of the State of Israel and the destruction of the Jewish people who live there."

The phrase, which existed far before Hamas, has meaning and history beyond the shortsighted knowledge of the governor’s office. The chant has been used by Muslim and Jewish groups alike to call for the end of Israel’s occupation.

Jewish Voice for Peace Austin (JVP Austin) said in an email to The University Star, the chant is rather a “call for freedom and justice which includes the end of Israeli apartheid."

“It's not antisemitic to call for Palestinian liberation from occupation and settler colonialism in your homeland, which geographically stretches from the river to the sea," JVP Austin said in an email.

The unsubstantiated exaggerations in the executive order do not stop at chants. The largest issue with the executive order is it broadly conflates being pro-Palestinian liberation with being antisemitic. This conflation is absurd. There is nothing anti-Jewish about being against the onslaught of Palestinian people.

According to Al Jazeera, as of April 19, at least 34,012 people have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, including nearly 14,000 children. That number does not account for the 76,000 injured and the 1.1 million facing food insecurity. What is antisemitic about saying this is unacceptable?

JVP Austin also said it rejects the conflation of pro-Palestinianism and antisemitism.

“Not only does the weaponization of antisemitism disproportionately impact Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and other people of color, it also distracts us from real antisemitism that is largely perpetuated by white supremacists," JVP Austin said in an email.

White supremacism, antisemitism and Islamophobia are all prevalent in recent Texas history. It’s an unfortunate reality that it was a Texas State student who set fire to the Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) synagogue in Austin in 2021.

In Victoria, Texas, the mosque where my own parents were married was set ablaze in 2017. Both of these acts of hatred and ignorance speak volumes about the actual problems that need addressing in Texas.

The fact of the matter is Jewish, Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities are all incredibly vulnerable right now. Abbott failed to address this fact.

He failed to address it in February when Zacharia Doar, a Palestinian American, was stabbed after attending a pro-Palestinian protest in Austin. He again failed to address it in April when two Muslim students at the University of Texas were physically and verbally assaulted near campus.

To address the vulnerabilities of these communities, it is the responsibility of the Texas State community to affirm its solidarity with both Palestinian and Jewish communities while making opposition to Israeli policy loud and clear.

"The only way to dismantle antisemitism is through solidarity with other oppressed communities, including Palestinians,” JVP Austin said in an email.

After Oct. 7, in the Multicultural Lounge inside the Honors College, the Palestinian flag that had long hung was taken down by a member

of the administration. The studentled Pan African Action Committee (PAAC) created the multicultural center in 2016 in an attempt to designate a space for minority and underrepresented communities on campus.

Through communication with the administration, the decision to remove the flag was revoked and it hangs again. However, due to complaints, its time may be limited. Students can stand against this decision and the Abbott-style illogic behind it by signing a petition or contacting the college with their concerns.

Some in the administration have argued if the Palestinian flag remains up, the Israeli flag must go up as well.

Justification for this is that doing so stands as a symbol of unity when discussing the days following the war. While this may be an appropriate symbol in the future, given the current context, hanging the flag of the oppressor next to the oppressed would only feel like a slap in the face to marginalized communities on campus.

Luckily for San Marcos residents and Texas State students, finding places to learn and take action is becoming easier and more accessible every day.

The Palestine Solidarity Committee on campus started in February but is already filled with students eager to teach and learn. Palestine Solidarity SMTX, a San Marcos-based group, is constantly advocating and speaking at the city council’s citizen comment forum for a ceasefire resolution.

In the wake of Abbott's attempted assault on free speech, we must refuse to allow political agendas to muzzle voices advocating for justice. Let’s transform this campus into a beacon of genuine dialogue and equity. It's incumbent upon our community to stand in unwavering solidarity with all marginalized communities while fiercely opposing policies that perpetuate oppression. The time to act is now.

- Zayna Abdel-Rahim is an international relations senior

TXST students must fight drinking and driving statistic

By Emma Hall Opinions Columnist

Although many college students are told their entire lives to never drink and drive, the statistics in the U.S. regarding alcohol-related crashes are terrifying.

San Marcos has the fourth highest DWI fatality rate according to statistics from TxDOT. San Marcos is notably the smallest town among the top 10 DWI fatality rates in Texas, but most people are not aware of it until they are directly impacted by it.

As residents of San Marcos, Texas State students must realize the severity of this issue and become more aware of the lifelong damage that comes from driving under the influence.

Texas State sets strict alcohol policies such as zero tolerance for alcohol in dorms and careful protocols for Texas State events. However, it is well known that students associate the “college experience" with drinking. In addition, Texas State is ranked as the sixth highest party school in Texas.

While most students attending parties plan on having a designated driver or taking an Uber, the plans are not always followed after students begin to drink and their judgement becomes clouded.

Most people understand the effects alcohol can have on the body and mind. One obvious consequence of drinking is the inability to make rational decisions. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol can cause a person to lose control of their judgement and affect

their memory. Someone who has been drinking is not always going to remember a plan they made with friends before they started drinking.

In 2016, a Texas State student made the decision to drink and drive and killed a man. According to Barrus Injury Lawyers, the student "left [the man's] five‐months‐pregnant wife in critical condition." The student was sentenced to 14 years in prison and charged with two counts of manslaughter for the man and his unborn child.

This student now has a criminal record and took someone's life because of the decision to drink and drive.

Across the U.S., about 30 people lose their lives at the hands of a drunk driver every day. On a nationwide level, alcohol impairment was responsible for 32% of all U.S. fatal car crashes in 2022. In Texas alone, there are about 75 drunk driving accidents each day. While not all crashes result in fatalities, about 56% result in injury. This is equivalent to "three people dying every day of the year."

Drinking and driving is one of the deadliest aspects of American life. To bring awareness to alcohol abuse, April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) uses this month to recognize those who have died due to drinking and driving and prevent more people from suffering this loss.

“This month serves as an important reminder to engage in conversations about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and to encourage

safe and responsible behavior,” ABC Director Joseph McCullough said.

College students need to become more aware of the weight deciding to get behind the wheel while drunk holds, and the risk it places on their lives and others'. Texas State offers many recovery options such as the Student Recovery Alliance that holds meetings each Wednesday and different alcohol‐free ways to have fun such as activities at the Recreation Center. Don't become another statistic.

-Emma Hall is a journalism sophomore

“We’re on top of the Edwards Aquifer which provides drinking water to over 2 million people,” Wait said. “We are on a body of water that has species that are endemic to it and rely on it that are found nowhere else in the world.”

Wait said some students can feel disconnected from the natural resources San Marcos houses, making it harder to be aware of the environment and the impacts humans can make.

She said the event was successful in building that connection for residents and students alike.

“You can’t beat a place like this,” Wait said. “I hope that having events like this increase accessibility to people who think that there’s barriers to getting out here.”

According to Wait, the clothing swap is a new addition to the festival that’s in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability. From April 1, the Office of Sustainability collected clothing donations and brought them to

the festival where attendees could swap clothes instead of buying new ones.

Dillon Gee, a biology sophomore, volunteered at the festival and worked with the clothing swap. Gee said the swap saw success and achieved the goal of promoting sustainability in the clothing industry.

“Fast fashion has been something that’s been growing in the past few years,” Gee said. “Anything that promotes sustainability in the clothing industry is always good.”

Art exhibition to showcase perspectives of identity

By Megan Weise Life and Arts Contributor

Synecdoche: Identity Through _____

Exhibition was created by ten Texas State students and will open from 6-9 p.m. on April 27 at the Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels.

The artists created the collaborative exhibition as an assignment for their professional practice and portfolio class and have worked on this project since the beginning of the spring semester. According to Rachel Miller, a ceramics senior, the art students worked together to find a general theme, and they individually created art based on each students' interpretation of the theme.

"We all thought about it together and just figured out how we could make this exhibition the best we could," Miller said. "It's definitely been a big group accomplishment."

Each member of the exhibition chose to represent their theme of identity through different lenses, such as community, "queerness" and intimacy. The exhibition will showcase these themes through various mediums including ceramics, sculptures, metal, painting, photography and drawing.

"The whole purpose of our exhibition is not for each of us to show our own work but for us to come together and show an overarching theme," Halle Dillard, a sculpture senior, said.

Dillard chose intimacy as her theme. She centers her work around femininity, introspection and nostalgia and draws inspiration from journaling and prose.

"I rely on and I'm inspired by self and queer love," Dillard said. "I also like to lean into female power and embracing femininity. I like to express a lot of myself in my work so that has helped me unravel aspects of my own heart."

Kerian Greer, a drawing senior, is a multidisciplinary artist who creates conceptual artwork to express the properties of the mind, body and soul through drawings and biomorphic sculptures for her neurology theme. According to Greer, biomorphic art pertains to the natural things within the world.

"Each piece begins under a neurological or psychological concept," Greer said. "I remember to illustrate the relation-

ship between the visual experience and the mental interpretation manifested, depicting the synchronistic interplay of the two."

The group is responsible for choosing the venue and funding the event. Greer organized a fundraiser to contribute to the supplies needed for the exhibition, live music and refreshments. The students are close to their goal of $775.

Growing up in a small town, Avery Michel, a painting senior, did not feel like they had many ways to express their identity, so they found art as an outlet. At the exhibition, Michel will showcase paintings on their perception of identity through an LGBTQ+ lens. According to

Michel's artist statement, their art alludes to graphic novels, LGBTQ+ culture, religion and mythology.

"I like discussing the ever-changing sense of self and the culmination of how I view myself through queerness," Michel said. "I've [always been] really creatively inclined. [Art] definitely was an escape for me."

Asia Estelle, a photography senior, chose Blackness as her theme because it is a large part of her identity. Estelle's journey as an artist began when she took a photography class in high school, and she later decided to pursue photography as her future career. In the past, Estelle centered her work on her journey in wearing her natural hair.

"Now my practice is shifting into ... Blackness and Black experience and everything that entails," Estelle said.

Now, Estelle is the president of the Middle Grey Photography Association at Texas State, which is open to any student regardless of their major or experience. Through this association, Estelle curated two other art exhibitions for her members.

"The want to put your work out there and have a platform and to showcase yourself and all your hard work on something [is] something I really, really wanted to do for my members," Estelle said.

Some of the art displayed at the exhibition will be available for purchase. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge. To read the artists’ statements and for updates on the exhibition, see their Instagram account @ identitythrough______.

New cafe unveils gothic scenery

By Adriana Villanueva Life and Arts Contributor

Triple Six Social's gothic cafe portion of the store weaves itself into the fabric of San Marcos after its grand opening on April 19, beckoning locals to explore the macabre findings located in the cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Andrea Hernandez, the owner of Triple Six Social, hopes the cafe portion of the shop gives locals a second home to sit and relax as they indulge in the gothic atmosphere created in the shop.

"For students, getting to experience something outside of their comfort zone would open them to more social experiences," Hernandez said. "They can come get a coffee and watch horror movies even if they are not well versed in the gothic and occult scene."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 19, sparked a weekend of ghoulish fun as vendors Pallbearer Press, Alchemy Records and many more set up shop. Live music from Kitchen Knives, a New Braunfels native band, played as customers explored what Triple Six Social and vendors had to offer.

Relocating from Austin, Triple Six Social opened in San Marcos on January 9, settling down on 329 Cheatham St. Henandez brought her close friends and business partners from the previous store to share the horror-loving and occult experience for all ages to experience.

Aside from coffee, the shop sells true crime and horror novels as well as stickers and mugs curated by Hernandez. Customers can also buy occult items and visit the haunted museum called Parapeculiar, where cursed items and a human skull are on display.

Sterling Sauer, The Black Throne Shop owner, hopes the shop brings customers outside of the gothic scene

to learn more about what the many subgenres of the occult and gothic communities do.

"We do not judge people based on what they look," Sauer said. "We want to provide a welcoming atmosphere for anyone, even if they just come in for a cup of coffee or are interested in seeing what we have to offer. We enjoy talking to everyone of all generations and aesthetics and all religions and beliefs."

Kitae Albrecht-Mitchell, Triple Six Social managing barista and a close friend of Hernandez, hopes the shop creates a welcoming atmosphere for students to come and socialize with one another, study or distress from work.

"Some of my friends go to college in Austin, and they go to this cafe at odd hours of the day, like at 3 a.m. to study and that's what I hope Triple Six Social can offer for students, they can just come in at odd hours of the day." Albrecht-Mitchell said.

Albrecht-Mitchell said the best thing about working at the shop is that it does not feel like a corporate job. It has a relaxing atmosphere where workers there can sit and chat amongst themselves and with customers about their interests and lives.

With her new shop, Hernandez plans to host various events like Horror Movie Wednesdays, where customers will watch foreign horror movies and Cereal Killer Saturdays, where the shop will provide various cereals for a serial killer movie watch party.

As an art cafe filled with various curated stores from local businesses, Hernandez hopes to support local artists by showcasing their artwork free of charge at the shop. As an artist herself, she wants local and student artists to sit and draw in the shop as they enjoy coffee.

Triple Six Social is open Monday - Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pranesha Dangol, a civil engineering freshman and festival volunteer, folds clothes at the clothing swap, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Meadows Center in San Marcos.

PHOTO BY BLAKE LESCHBER Natalie Romo, an advertising sophomore and volunteer at the festival, hands out free plants to festival attendees, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spring Lake in San Marcos.

Triple Six Social owner Andrea Hernandez cuts the ribbon during its grand opening, Friday, April 19, 2024, at 329 Cheatham St. in San Marcos.

PHOTO BY LUCAS KRAFT

(Back: Left to Right) Keiran Greer, Mariela Lopez, Asia Estelle, Avery Michel, Gretchen Garlitos, Lauren Morales (Front: Left to Right) Halle Dillard, Mae Peacock, Lena Wilson-Martinez and Rachel Miller pose, Friday, April 12, 2024, at Texas State.

PHOTO BY BLAKE LESCHBER

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIAYA RAMIREZ

“That situation was a little funny," McCloud said. "It was never really like I was going to Auburn. I don’t know how it even got leaked out that that happened, but it wasn’t like that.”

McCloud said having a chance to win games and make the college football playoffs was important in choosing his next team after entering the transfer portal in December.

“I wanted to go to a place where I knew I could win," McCloud said. "Getting to the college football playoff was [also] big for me.”

When it came to Texas State having a shot to make the postseason, McCloud said the Bobcats would “definitely, 100%,” make an appearance.

Head Coach G.J. Kinne said Texas State’s compliance team was a vital factor for McCloud’s signing.

“Shoutout to our compliance for being on top of it and navigating that whole deal,” Kinne said. “There was a hiccup early on but we got that figured out because of our compliance figuring out the rules.”

the receiver room.”

Brand deals, the San Marcos River and the booming student population at Texas State are a handful of benefits attracting McCloud and other potential recruits to the Bobcats, Kinne said.

“Being in Texas with 40,000 students, we have a river here, so there’s a lot to sell to a quarterback here," Kinne said. "We have NIL going and there’s a lot of things going for him."

With spring practice and the annual spring game in the rearview, returning senior safety Kaleb Culp said McCloud is a good fit for the Bobcats.

“I see why he’s player of the year. He makes really good, sound throws. He’s got a nice touch on it,” Culp said.

Culp also said the speed and early chemistry of the Bobcats offense improves the defense, making for a wellrounded roster.

“The offense in general sells itself," Kinne said. "We got a lot of good coaches on offense. [With] the production you [saw] last year with T.J. [Finley], you are going to [need to] produce in this conference.”

Kinne said McCloud can fill those

Due to previous success from former quarterbacks at Texas State, Kinne said the system speaks for itself and why any quarterback would be interested in Bobcat football.

highly productive shoes and having him on the roster makes Texas State football stand out.

“He knows this conference and there was a lot that goes into it,” Kinne said. “We have a veteran team around him. When you’re looking at weapons as a quarterback you look at your offensive line, running backs [and]

“The offense’s tempo really helps the defense," Culp said. "We’ve built up a great endurance for it throughout spring, but there’s not many offenses you see going this fast this early.”

Texas State is set to kick off its 2024 season on August 31st, hosting the University of Lamar at Bobcat Stadium.

Mullins plans ahead, reminisces on career at TXST

By Brendan Fielding Assistant Sports Editor

While senior pitcher Jessica Mullins’ resume would likely help her land many softball players’ dream gig, the national leader in Division I Softball wins said she would rather leave her future up to the almighty.

Mullins led Texas State softball to its current 37-12 record this year and accumulated 25 wins in doing so. After guiding Texas State softball under Head Coach Ricci Woodard’s wing to one of its best seasons this century, Mullins’ time closes in as a Bobcat as she anticipates her exit.

“Right now, I just have all my faith in [God] and that’s pretty much it,” Mullins said. “I’m just wanting [God] to be able to give me the answers I know I need. He’s been doing that this whole year and so I’m just continuing to trust in Him."

Mullins, a native of Tarkington, Texas, first grazed the field as a Bobcat on Feb. 22, 2021. In her career, Mullins' accolades included being named a three-time All-Sun Belt First Team player and the Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year in 2022.

Though the professional softball landscape may call for pitchers of her caliber, Mullins is realistic in envisioning her accolade-fueled future.

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be able to go play pro,” Mullins said. “I mean, if that opportunity does fall into my hands, I would love to take it; But, I do have a backup plan.”

According to Mullins, career options that pique her interest include nursing, but she will always love and make time for softball whether she coaches, spectates or shows love for the maroon and gold.

Though she doesn’t plan on following a strict path into the professional world, Mullins said she isn’t just taking a back seat to the big decisions; she makes every moment count as she approaches her exit from Texas State University.

“The biggest thing is being able to wake up every single day and live every single moment of my life intentionally,” Mullins said. “I feel like if a lot more people lived by that they would be so much happier with their lives.”

According to Texas State Softball pitching Coach Josh Trevino, Mullins’ conviction will translate well when she starts operating off the field where her competitiveness turns into thoughtfulness.

“She’s not as intense as she is when she’s pitching,” Trevino said. “I think that’s something that, when she steps onto the field, she dials up a little bit.

"When you're

[But] she’s very insightful off the field.”

According to Mullins, the impact of the softball team’s faith led her to the realization she could leave a positive influence in other professional areas aside from playing softball.

“Pretty much every single person on this team I believe has a strong relationship with God, or some type of relationship with God,” Mullins said. “I feel like that’s a really good way of knowing that you have success because you already have success with the relationship you have with God.”

playing

Regardless of where she ends up, Trevino said he believes Mullins’ good qualities will flourish in her days as a Bobcat alumni and guide her into a position where she will thrive.

“I would say [she has] a lot of maturity and grace,” Trevino said. “I think she’s learned when [to recognize that] something is worth fighting for, and when something just is what it is, [and to say] ‘I’m going to accept it and move on.’”

bad it's contagious": Baseball plagued by inconsistency in 2024

By Jackson Kruse Sports Reporter

When Texas State junior third baseman Aaron Lugo hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning against the University of Texas at Minute Maid Park on March 2, optimism for the future of Bobcat baseball in 2024 was at an all-time high.

However, since then, the Bobcats have struggled, going 13-16 and 7-9 in conference play.

"It's just baseball," Head Coach Steven Trout said. "When you're playing well, you're playing well.When you're playing bad, it's contagious."

Various factors have contributed to Texas State's inconsistencies in 2024. Here are the reasons the Bobcats' have struggled thus far:

Slumping Stars

In 2023, senior infielder Davis Powell led Texas State in batting average with .337, followed by Chase Mora with .316.

On April 19 against South Alabama, Mora and Davis hit eighth and ninth, respectively, in the lineup.

This season, Mora is hitting a .230/.307/.351 slash line (batting average/on-base/slugging percentage), and Powell is hitting .232/.380/.304. Other players have stepped up their game to compensate for the slumping middle-infield duo, but winning is challenging when the most counted-on players become holes in the lineup.

Both players have shown glimpses of their 2023 selves, with Powell still reaching base at a high rate and Mora being named the 2024 Astros Foundation College Classic Most Outstanding Player.

If Texas State wants to make a deep run in the Sun Belt Championship, it will likely depend on Mora and Powell returning to form.

Inconsistent Pitching

Pitching was the central concern for Texas State entering the 2024 season after the Baltimore Orioles selected Texas State’s main inning-eater of 2023, Levi Wells, in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB draft.

The Bobcats' less-than-ideal ERA is 5.57. It's not a pretty number, but it's fifth-best in the Sun Belt Conference.

Many Texas State pitchers performed well this season so far, but the staff's lack of consistency contributed to the teams' struggles. Redshirt junior Austin Eaton, senior Drayton Brown and sophomore Sam Hall have started most conference games on the mound.

Texas State graduate student quarterback Jordan McCloud prepares to throw a pass during the annual maroon and gold spring game, Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Bobcat Stadium.

Texas State senior pitcher Jessica Mullins (4) pitches the ball during the game against #21 Baylor, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN