10/30/15

Angelica Buitron

A Texas State organization is promoting what it calls Banning the Bottle. The idea behind the campaign is to reduce water bottle usage. Angelica Buitron has more in this Bobcat Update.

SU
Water bottles made of plastic are not biodegradable, and, if they're discarded improperly, they cause pollution. Plastic essentially lasts forever.
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Recycling is helpful, but a group called HEAT is urging people not to use plastic water bottles at all. Its members say plastic bottles cause more harm than good. Plastics CAN be recycled, but valuable resources -- especially water -- are required to make it so. According to HEAT, more water is used in recycling a plastic bottle than the amount of liquid the bottle can hold
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Banning the Bottle means making a pledge to transition to some form of recyclable bottle. The HEAT organization also encourages people to drink more tap water because, in most cases, it is as healthy for you as bottled water. Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Buitron.

Jolina Okazaki

Skateboarding is a popular sport in San Marcos, but the city has skating restrictions to keep the wheels off of public streets. Jolina Okazaki tells us more, in this Bobcat Update.

SB "It's inconvenient for me because it limits where I can go on my board"
Despite the regulations, San Marcos still offers skate parks to accommodate the skateboarding community.
SB "I love skateboarding because..."
The Skatepark of San Marcos, located on East Hopkins Street, is the city's largest skate park and has the most skaters.
SB "I love this park because it has this, this, and this..."
The Comeback Kid Skatepark Project is another skate park in San Marcos. It's located on Mariposa and McKie Street. The park opened in late August and is funded by songwriter Kip Moore, which he named after his song, "Comeback Kid."
SB "SOMETHING HERE"
Skaters say skateboarding is a tough sport, it requires one thing.
SB "It's all about self-motivation."
SU: Although San Marcos' ordinance states skateboarding is illegal on sidewalks and parking areas, these skate parks will always have a place for you to ride it out. Just don't forget your helmet. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jolina Okazaki.

Brooke Shoemaker

Dick's Classic Garage is a non-profit museum that highlights the achievements of the automobile industry. Brooke Shoemaker has toured the museum and files this report:

You can find Dick's Classic Garage at Stagecoach and Hunter in San Marcos. The public is invited to tour the museum any day of the week, and it has special events, called Cruise-Ins, every third Saturday of the month.
At Cruise-Ins, you can gain entry at no cost, enjoy a burger and listen to live music. The museum's owner is Dick Burdick who's been collecting cars for decades, and for the past six years he's been sharing his vintage cars at a museum that he built at 120 Stagecoach Trail. The facility also serves as a gathering place for a wide of variety of activities, like weddings and fashion shows.
SB:
The museum also help local schools by offering personalized tours based on what students are learning in the classroom.
SB:
Two recent guests from Norway were very impressed:
SB:
The car museum is home to several unique vehicles. Museum Coordinator Thom Fortney says it's one of the best collections in the state. Fortney says the most valuable car is worth around two-and-a-half million dollars!
SB:
Stand up

Kendra Brown

Texas State has a tuition rebate program that could help students see green after graduation. That is, if they know about it. Bobcat Update's Kendra Brown tells us more.

According to a Texas Education Code Statue, undergraduate students who finish their bachelor degrees within four years from their first semester can receive a one-thousand dollar rebate upon graduation. There's one problem with the program, though -- few students seem to know about it.
Senior Cassie Flores says the university should publicize the rebate program more to encourage students to make better choices.
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The rebate program serves as a benefit to those who take their coursework seriously.
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Those who know about the program say having a pay off is a great good idea.
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SU

Dianne Zarate

San Marcos is getting ready to be invaded by Quidditch players from across the nation. Texas State's Quidditch team will host one of the biggest tournaments this semester. Bobcat Update's Dianne Zarate has the pitch.

The Texas State Quidditch team is gearing up to host 20 teams in the Diamond Cup tournament, which allows players to compete against teams they don't often face.
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Texas State's varsity team has won five games so far and lost one, while the J-V team, the Sharknados, has won two games and lost three. Both teams are confident that the tournament will bring them more wins.
Sharknado Assistant Captain Michael Comer says the competition will be tough.
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The annual Diamond Cup Tournament will be played on the West Campus fields next Saturday. A good showing could put Texas State in the running to host the Quidditch World Cup. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dianne Zarate.

Jessica Vasquez

Many veterans attend Texas State, and one student organization is trying to make the transition from combat to classroom a little easier. Jessica Vasquez has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State University has been recognized by Military Times magazine as one of the top veteran-friendly schools in America. Part of that friendly attitude comes from the university's student organizations. For example, the Veterans Alliance at Texas State, or VATS, helps veterans pursue their education and career choices.
(SB)
Some transfer students who are veterans say they didn't have an organization, like VATS, at their previous campus.
(SB)
The Student Foundation of Texas State has asked for input from VATS on how to conduct upcoming Veteran's Day ceremonies.
(SB)
Texas State has provided services and eliminated barriers for the more than three-thousand veterans on campus. For Bobcat Update I'm Jessica Vasquez.

10/26/15

Lea Del Bosque

Some in the medical community disagree with recommendations issued last week by the American Cancer Society. Suggesting that women have their first mammogram at a later age raises concern. Lea Del Bosque has more in this Bobcat Update.

The American Cancer Society says one in eight women each year is diagnosed with breast cancer, and breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women. To detect cancer early and have a better chance of fighting it, the medical community has for many years recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40. But now, as of last week, the American Cancer Society says waiting five years -- until age 45 -- is better for all concerned. At Texas State, reaction is mixed.
(SB- student)
(SB- student)
(SB- doctor)
(Stand UP)

10/25/15

Eryka Villarreal

As the population of San Marcos continues to grow, the city is becoming a desirable market for startup businesses. Eryka Villarreal has more in this Bobcat Update.

For the third consecutive year, the federal census bureau ranks San Marcos as the fastest growing city in the nation. Business owners, who have been around for a while, have seen many changes since they opened.
SB:
But some businesses, like LeoSquare, were forced to shut down recently because they lacked clientele.
SB:
The President of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Brian Bond, says some local businesses offer job opportunities for students.
Standup-
The Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Marcos Partnership want to create opportunities for Texas State students to stay after they graduate.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Eryka Villarreal.

10/24/15

Taylor Hair

The San Marcos Police Department and Texas State University Police are recruiting new officers for the coming year. Taylor Hair has more in this Bobcat Update.

The local police departments are looking for men and women ready to answer the call of service. Most students appreciate the police presence on campus.
(SB)
The demands on the local police departments have increased as the population has gone up. Texas State has record enrollment, and the Census Bureau says San Marcos has been the fastest growing city in the Untied States for three years in a row. The departments recognize the need for more officers to help keep the community safe.
(SB)
Security is a concern. No one wants Texas State to be in the headlines because of a mass shooting.
(SB)
Standup

Molly Dodge

Halloween is this weekend, which means a lot of people in San Marcos are getting into the holiday spirit. Molly Dodge has more in this Bobcat Update.

October is a time for pumpkin carving, haunted houses and a good scream, but maybe the most important thing is choosing which costume to wear:
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Stores, like Spirit Halloween, have thousands of costumes and props to choose from. The choices range from scary to sweet.
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For some people, Halloween is a time to let loose and be someone else for the night. For others, it's a time for family.
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SU

Ricardo Vargas

At Texas State, students are on-the-go. They need a lot of energy to get through the day. Having a good breakfast helps, but students need it fast and they need it simple. In this Bobcat Update, Ricardo Vargas tells us about a menu choice that many students enjoy:

Traffic backs up on Aquarena Springs Drive -- even more so now that a new overpass is being built. But having long lines of waiting cars is nothing new at Lolita's Cafe. Owner Marta Carillo says she's used to seeing heavy traffic as customers anticipate her breakfast tacos:
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Breakfast tacos are a Tex-Mex creation that central Texans have enjoyed for many years. Breakfast tacos include ingredients such as eggs, bacon, and potatoes. Restaurants allow customers to customize their taco with as many ingredients as they want.
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Breakfast tacos can be found at drive-thrus, gas stations and fast food chains, and they bring in a lot of money from hungry students. Breakfast tacos are in demand 24 hours a day in San Marcos.
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With so many taco restaurants in town, students have a difficult time choosing a favorite.
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Like many businesses in town, Marta says her business declines over the summer when students are gone. She estimates 60 percent of her customers are college students and credits them for her cafe's success. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ricardo Vargas.

10/22/15

Jeffrey Westgate

The Texas State rugby team is hoping to build on its success. Bobcat Update's Jeff Westgate reports that the team's hard work and dedication are paying off.

The Renegades have been a powerhouse. They won three consecutive division titles a few years ago, and they're always striving for another. In order to do that, the team agreed that it needed a plan to stay motivated.
SB "...better rugby players." (12 seconds… Team President: Derek Watson)
The Renegades also brought in a new head coach this season hoping his approach would help the team accomplish its mission.
SB "...within that team." (6 seconds… Head Coach: Tane Jericevich)
Players are buying into the emphasis on teamwork and having fun while doing so. When they're on the field they say they don't see teammates, they see family.
SB "...it's a good time." (6 seconds… Team Vice President: Michael Meyer)
Students and local residents offer the support the rugby team needs. Texas State Alum and Owner of Bobcat Nation said it was a no brainer when deciding to become a sponsor for the club.
SB "... to their endeavor." (10 secs…Owner Bobcat Nation: William Luna)
The sports bar and grill provides a safe environment, exclusively for players, to relax after home games and celebrate in true rugby fashion.
SB "...before the game" (6 Secs… Former Tx State Rugby Player Eric Lesson)
The Renegades are in first place and remain undefeated in conference play with wins over Texas A-and-M and Houston.
STAND UP
"With a recipe for success that tastes this good, the competition better watch out, because these Bobcats are about to Eat Um' Up. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jeff Westgate.
(8 seconds)

Spencer Spilman

According to the New York Times, a restaurant owner will soon be doing away with tipping at his 13 New York locations. This is a radical departure from the norms in the restaurant industry and has implications for many Texas State students if it becomes a nationwide trend. Bobcat Update's Spencer Spilman tells us what some locals think of the idea.

It sounds like a perfect business plan.
Eliminate the hassle of tipping. Raise menu prices. And pay the staff a set hourly rate.
The elimination of tipping is slowly catching on in larger cities around the country, but for San Marcos, the plan doesn't seem plausible.
SB (Patrick Trujillo, GM at Louis)
While it would eliminate the worry of expecting a tip, some think it could lower the level of customer service.
SB (Monte Sheffield, Owner of Palmers)
Wait staff also enjoy leaving every shift with money already in their pocket.
SB (Waitress from BJ's Brewhouse or another from Sheffield)
A bar owner who asked to remain anonymous says there is absolutely no way to make it happen in San Marcos. Menu prices would need to be severely raised, and even then he would not be able to pay his staff a decent hourly wage.
STAND UP

10/17/15

Ryan Marcus

Pet owners in San Marcos will find that some businesses are more welcoming than others. In this Bobcat Update, Ryan Marcus tells us about some dog-friendly places.

Stand up
A few businesses in downtown San Marcos are dog friendly. If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can always go to the Root Cellar Cafe on L-B-J or the Railyard just a few blocks over. Both restaurants have outdoor seating areas that can accommodate dogs. Railyard manager Brian (something, it's on the tape) says the dog-friendly policy brings in more customers.
SB
Tantra Coffeehouse on Hopkins is dog-friendly, too. Another place to go is Zelick's Icehouse. It has a lot of shady areas for your pet to relax and escape the Texas heat. Zelick's bartender Ashton (something again) says certain dogs are regulars.
SB
By the way, all of the establishments that welcome your favorite pets expect you to use a leash. Texas State sophomore Gabby (something) is new to San Marcos. She says the city seems more dog friendly than College Station.
SB
Stand up

Jolina Okazaki

San Marcos is making it harder for those who want to light up. Jolina Okazaki tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

The city has for some time had strict smoking regulations, but now the rules have been broadened to include parklets and sidewalk cafes. Some smokers say the harsher restrictions will affect them.
SB
In San Marcos, smoking is prohibited in parks, workplaces and within ten feet of city buildings. Vaping is included in the restrictions. The regulations are one way to keep the streets and sidewalks cleaner.
SB
Some smokers will just throw their cigarettes on the floor when they're done and that can be bad for the environment.
SU
According to the city of San Marcos' website, a first-offender may be fined 200 dollars for violating the smoking ordinance. The fine goes up to 500 dollars for a second offense, and it could be as high as two-thousand dollars for any subsequent offense. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jolina Okazaki.

Marvin Parker Jr.

Many of us have a sense of hometown pride. We have a connection to a special place. Marvin Parker Junior has more in this Bobcat Update.

Is there city rivalry or state unity among the students at Texas State? We began with the simple question, where are you from?
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What makes you the proudest of your hometown?
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Of course, sports ended up splitting some people's opinions.
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Luckily, sports don't necessarily make or break overall perceptions.
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Stand up

James Atkins

At Texas State, there's a student organization that you might describe as non-traditional. Bobcat Update's Jimmy Preston has the story:

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Students have plenty of places to hang out on campus, but those who are non-traditional may at times feel they don't fit in. They sometimes prefer to hang out with those who face the same kinds of challenges that they do. That's where the N-T-S-O can help. You can find it on the fourth floor of the L-B-J Student Center.
VO
For some Texas State students, it may be hard to find a place to feel at home. They are returning to school after a long break. Some are veterans. Some work full-time. Some have kids. The non-traditional student has a lot to juggle:
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The Non-Traditional Student Organization wants to be a home-away-from-home for students who may have taken a longer path toward completing their college education.
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By joining the N-T-S-O, students share many benefits -- a private computer lab, a relaxing environment that includes a lounge, family friendly events, scholarship and networking opportunities, and, most of all, a sense of community. Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2016 semester.
SB
SU
Community, friendship and a place to print out your papers… The N-T-S-O is a welcoming organization for non-traditional students -- a place where they can have their cake, and eat it too. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jimmy Preston.

Kimberly Benson

Registration has begun for the spring semester, and for many students it brings stress and complications. Kimberly Benson tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

October brings the stress of midterms and, on top of that, the stress of signing up for classes. Some students say registering for their required courses can be difficult.
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Another issue for students is not fully understanding the process.
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Freshmen especially find the process daunting since they usually are not familiar with how to navigate the website. Upperclassmen have more experience and can provide a few tips:
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One way students can avoid problems is by scheduling an advising appointment before registration to learn about prerequisites and how to use Catsweb. Registration is now open and will remain so until December 22. For Bobcat Update I'm Kimberly Benson.

Tara Pohlmeyer

The San Marcos Public Library on Hopkins Street is a valuable resource to city residents. Its services, though, extend farther than the city limits. In this Bobcat Update, Tara Pohlmeyer tells us that Hays County residents are encouraged to use the library as well.

San Marcos is continuing its partnership with Hays County to offer residents access to the library.
SB: Diane Insley at 9:54 - "I think for people having a library that's close, within like a 15 minute drive, is really important."
SU: "At 70 hours per week, the library is open the most hours per week compared to any same-size library in the state of Texas. They currently have 65-thousand card holders, and that number is growing."
SB: Diane Insley at 6:55 - "Our single biggest growth here has been in program attendance. Not only just the storytimes and puppet shows that people associate with public libraries, but we have a very strong life long learning programs..."
About 70 percent of library visitors are San Marcos residents, 25 percent are from within the county and five percent come from the school district. Insley says the library offers a lot of its services online, but users still appreciate going to the library.
SB: Library visitor
The San Marcos Public Library is 22 years old, and some people would like to see some upgrades and possibly expansion. Such a project would have to be approved by the City Council, then go to a bond election. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tara Pohlmeyer.

Dianne Zarate

The spring admissions applications deadline is coming up soon and that means a new students will soon be on their way and needing help. Bobcat Update's Dianne Zarate tells us about a couple of student organizations who help students get oriented to campus life.

New Student Orientation or N-S-O is required when a student is first admitted into Texas State. The orientation helps guide the incoming student to the school's resources and to register for classes. The students who assist with the transition are orientation leaders. These leaders provide a sneak peek into Texas State. They help with registration and campus tours. Elizabeth Clementi says the leaders were a huge help when she was a freshman.
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Cat Camp is another organization designed to help students. Three-day camps during the summer provide a jump start into life as a Bobcat. Cat Camp Counselor Laura Tenney says it's a rewarding experience.
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If you want to help future Bobcats get acquainted with campus life, the first training session will be held next Monday at Falls and Sayers Common Room. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dianne Zarate.