September 24, 2019

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BOBCATS KNOCK OFF PANTHERS IN 3OT THRILLER

AQUA SPORTS CENTER TO BE REPURPOSED TO BLEEDING-EDGE FILM PRODUCTION SPACE FOR GROWING PROGRAM

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SEE PAGE 3 CELEBRATING THE BENEFITS OF YOGA DURING NATIONAL YOGA MONTH

www.UniversityStar.com

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 VOLUME 109 ISSUE 07

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

EVACUATION

162 residents evacuated at Vie Lofts

SAFETY

By Jakob Rodriguez and Sonia Garcia Editor-in-Chief & News Editor Editor’s note: the following article was originally posted online Sept. 20, this version of the article has been edited to reflect current information regarding Vie Lofts. San Marcos Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner issued a mandatory evacuation for residents of Vie Lofts, located at 817 Chestnut St. City officials on the scene stated that concern for building safety began to arise after concerns of cracking walls in the parking garage and stairwells. Fire Chief Les Stephens said the evacuation was done out of an abundance of caution. “We were called here earlier today,” Stephens said. “We were made aware of an issue with one of the stairwells that has some issues, basically (the stairwell) rendered it unable to be used as a means of emergency egress (exit) for the occupants. While investigating that, we found that a second stairwell was also unable to be used as a means of emergency egress. Out of an abundance of caution we have worked with the owners here to coordinate an orderly evacuation and withdraw of the building. The owners have secured other lodging for the residents and we’ll work with them over the weekend to get them the support that they need.” Stephens said he anticipates residents will be able to return back to their homes to retrieve other belongings and personal items early next week. Stephens said the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, as well as other departments within the city, have helped in the evacuation. “We’re instructing them ahead of time to take things, such as the stuff they need for school, (any) medication. All pets are being removed from the building, if they need help taking care of those our animal shelter here in San Marcos is going to take care of them,” Stephens said. “A lot of different agencies have worked together to do this. We do understand that this places a significant burden on the resident to have to withdraw from their residence, but again, out of abundance of caution we think this is what is best because we are not able to take care of and protect those stairwells with the building in the condition that it is in currently.” Stephens said for a stairwell to function properly, it has to be a place of safe refuge for the occupants who are fleeing the building from a fire. “The structural integrity of those stairwells has been compromised because of cracks in the (concrete masonry unit) breaks in the CMU, some of them have even collapsed and fallen away,” Stephens said. SEE EVACUATION PAGE 2

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MOLLY GONZALES

San Marcos law enforcement stresses community safety By Ziek Sanchez News Reporter New safety initiatives have been implemented following a series of violent crimes that surpass last years numbers in San Marcos. The San Marcos Police Department launched the “Your Safety Starts With You” campaign in an effort to spread safety awareness in a city with a growing crime rate. Alongside the initiative, the University Police Department is actively pushing for safety on campus to prevent students from falling victim to crime. During SMPD's campaign, officers will hold events and presentations, engaging with the community and promoting ways citizens can remain safe. More events, like the recent “Coffee with a Cop” are being coordinated. SMPD plans to visit local student housing apartments to hold presentations explaining the ways students can stay safe. The department plans to work alongside UPD to promote the campaign. SMPD Corporal Laray Taylor said after multiple break-ins and assaults in San Marcos, the police department wanted to start off the school year with safety tips. “We want people to be thinking of safety, not paranoia, but safety,” Taylor said. “As a police department, we’re here to serve and protect but we can’t be everywhere. With a combined effort between the community and the

department, we can promote a safer community.” So far in 2019, San Marcos has experienced two murder-suicides, six homicides and a string of serial sexual assaults. Crime in San Marcos has been increasing year-by-year with the growing population. This year only, it is estimated the population has jumped from about 64,589 to 65,234 people according to . According to SMPD, the amount of violent crime is at about 294 offenses as of September 2019. This increase is compared to the 2018 total of violent crimes, which was about 277. Compared to neighbor city New Braunfels, San Marcos has notably high crime. New Braunfels is at 156 violent crimes for 2019 compared to the 218 violent crimes committed in 2018. These numbers include violent crimes like assault, homicide and physical fights. Marina Ramirez, psychology freshman, said the amount of times she has heard of crime occurrences in San Marcos is alarming. “Although campus seems generally safe, hearing about people getting raped in their own apartments makes me want to be more cautious,” Ramirez said. SMPD is not the sole law enforcement agency stressing the value of safety. In an effort to make campus a safer place, UPD is working on implementing a new on-campus after-dark transportation system.

The system means a campus safety walk weeding out any spots that pose as safety concerns and an initiative to upgrade lighting quality around campus. As apart of the agency's daily procedure, UPD has implemented “high visibility patrol," which maintains a strong police presence on campus in utilizing bike patrol, vehicle patrol and on-foot officers. Otto Glenewinkel, UPD certified crime prevention specialist, said having a strong relationship with the Texas State community is the department’s goal in keeping students safe. “Along with officers present on campus, all of our members sit on different committees around the university to increase our outreach to student organizations and the students directly,” Glenewinkel said. “We work with the students and we work for the students. That’s who we try to be accountable to.” With time and effort put into campaigns and initiatives, both agencies hope to combat the rise in crime in which San Marcos has fallen victim. SMPD officers urge students to be aware of their surroundings, lock their doors and windows at night, travel in well-lit areas, avoid traveling alone and tell someone whenever they see potential criminal activity. For more information on the “Your Safety Starts With You” campaign, visit the San Marcos Police Department Facebook page.

CLERY REPORT TIMELINE AUGUST 12-15 THE IACLEA PEER-REVIEW TEAM WAS ON CAMPUS

2018 NOVEMBER 18 THE UNIVERSITY RECIEVED THE DRAFT OF THE REPORT FROM IACLEA

FEBRUARY 4 FOLLOWING A NATIONAL SEARCH UPD CHIEF CLOUSE WAS HIRED

MAY 14 DOE OFFERS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

SEPTEMBER 10 TEXAS STATE INTERNAL NEWSROOM PUBLISHES A STATEMENT ON THE ISSUE ON THEIR WEBSITE

2019 FEBRUARY 7 FINAL DRAFT OF IACLEA REPORT ISSUED TO DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORS

AUGUST 21 DOE INDICATED CONCERN FOR 2016 AND 2017 NUMBERS


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