Morgan Burrell

A new ride-hailing service is starting up in San Marcos. Morgan Burrell (buh-RELL) tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
 
My Ride T-X, a company similar to Uber and Lyft, will begin offering transportation services to students and locals within a few weeks.
Co-managing partner Evan Wright says My Ride T-X is different from its competitors. Drivers for My Ride T-X are required to complete background checks, fingerprinting and drug screenings. Drivers will also keep a large portion of their nightly earnings, while customers should expect to pay less than other ride-hailing services.
[SB] – Evan Wright
Co-managing partner Steve Wright says the My Ride T-X business model is unique.
[SB] – Steve Wright   
Also, My Ride T-X won't have surge pricing during peak hours. Stonewall Warehouse General Manager Chris Rue says having the service might reduce the number of alcohol-related tickets in the city.
[SB] – Rue 
Stand Up

Tyler Dumas

They call themselves the Hardest Working Band in Texas Hill Country. The Shady Rest Band is keeping busy these days. Bobcat Update's Tyler Dumas has the story.

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It's a sunny Sunday afternoon in San Marcos…and The Shady Rest Band is playing its seventh show in as many days.  Having such a hectic schedule is normal for the Texas band.
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By virtue of its rigorous performing schedule, hilarious social media presence, and good old-fashioned quality song-writing and picking... the Shady Rest Band is one of the best known and most beloved in Central Texas. The band is based now in San Marcos, but its roots lie about one-thousand miles to the west.
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Core members Nate Guthrie and C-K Dangerbird share singing and songwriting duties in the band…which has seen multiple line-up changes since it was formed. The Shady Rest often features a rotating cast of guest musicians who dig the band's  loose and friendly approach.
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The band members are well-known for their between-songs comedic banter, but they also have a solid reputation for musicianship with elements of folk, bluegrass and Americana. They offer a rootsy soup of music that is uniquely Shady.
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Not long after arriving in San Marcos…the band picked up a weekly gig at the famous Cheatham Street Warehouse. Cheatham Street is where George Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Todd Snider all performed early in their careers.  The Shady Rest Band had only limited success in  
California's Sierra Mountains, but the reception has been quite different in Central Texas. The group has built a significant fan base…and its music keeps pouring out.
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Since 2012 the band has released three studio albums…as well as a solo project from Nate Guthrie.  In 2016 they released Shady Never Sleeps: Live Rest…a live album recorded at the now bulldozed…but once iconic  San Marcos music venue…The Triple Crown.
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When the band is not on the road…you can often catch them performing in San Marcos.
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San Marcos has been good to the band…and they do their best to return the favor. The Shady Rest has been known to perform at house or block parties…or even the Farmers Market.  They also support local causes by hosting  events in the city.
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And San Marcos certainly seems to love them.
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The Shady Rest boys don't plan to slow down anytime soon.  The group has well over 200 hundred shows slated for 2017, and possibly a new album in the works.  So, go check out a Shady Rest show and support local…live  music.  It's one of the things that makes our town truly special.  And San Marcos…always remember…..Keep Shady.  For Bobcat Update…I'm Tyler Dumas.
    

Jason Harris

College campuses across the United States are rich in history and tradition. Texas State is no different. Bobcat Update's Jason Harris  takes a look.
 
Traditions at Texas State come in a wide variety and can vary greatly depending on which Bobcat you talk to. One alumni may tell you that it's tradition to take steps two-at-a-time while on campus. A current student might tell you waiting for parking has become tradition. Both would tell you this(train/traffic shot) has become a San Marcos tradition and neither would be happy about it.
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In its 15th year, Bobcat Build has become one of the most recognized and beneficial traditions in Texas State history.
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Texas State's website lists 27 items on its traditions and landmarks' page; however, most students probably could name only two or three. With enrollment records being set every year, many students feel it's important to honor the university's traditions.
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Every year graduating Bobcats dunk their rings and take the plunge into the river  -- cap, gown and all.
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It will be up to students and the university alike to keep these traditions alive as new generations of Bobcats arrive on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jason Harris. 

Areli Cabildo

People from all over the United States came to San Marcos to attend the Texas Cobra Club meet this past weekend. Bobcat Update's Areli Cabildo has the story.
 
The Texas Cobra Club meets once a year to give people a chance to show off their Shelby cobras. The Shelby Cobra gained recognition for its sporty style and speed.
Cobra Club Director Ken Walker says the meet is similar to a high school reunion.
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This year the Texas Cobra Club hosted more than 150 cars. Visitors were treated to food and entertainment for four days. The event helped raise money for a good cause
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All proceeds and donations go toward helping people with cystic fibrosis. Participants raise between two thousand and four thousand dollars each year.
The annual Texas Cobra Club meet takes place at the San Marcos Convention Center. For Bobcat Update I'm Areli Cabildo

Josh Kelley

Another market day on the quad is coming up soon. Josh Kelley tells us more on this Bobcat Update.

Students and vendors alike are planning for the next market day. It's scheduled for next Tuesday on the quad. Students will have a chance to take a look at new products and maybe  get something they missed the last time.
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Vendors use different techniques to lure busy students.
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The Market day on the quad happens once or twice a month.
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For more information about Market Days on the Quad, check out the events page at t-x State dot e-d-u. For Bobcat Update, I'm Josh Kelley.

Ke'Anna Bullard

During her recent visit to Texas State, world-renowned activist Angela Davis questioned relationships, environmental justice and praised communism. Ke'Anna Bullard tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

America is stolen land. That's how Dr. Angela Davis began her speech Friday at Texas State.
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Dr. Davis, a former member of the Communist Party U-S-A, is known for her political and social activism that led her to appearing on the F-B-I's Most Wanted Fugitives list in the 1970's. Many students admire her outspoken activism, especially  in today's political climate.
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During her speech, Davis urged attendees not to normalize the Trump Administration, a thought that many students apparently agree with.
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Davis also talked about how the American prison system is failing and how capitalism dominates the nation's socioeconomic climate. She said racism is rampant but ordinary people can change the world.
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If you're interested in learning more about the life and works of Dr. Angela Davis, you can check out her latest book, The Meaning of Freedom. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ke'Anna Bullard. 

Andrea Cordova

The Triathlon Club's annual fundraiser, though almost a washout, holds a special place in the heart of one Texas State alum. Bobcat Update's Andrea Cordova has more on the story.
 
Severe weather warnings forced a change of plans for the triathlon this past weekend, but it was a success in attracting competitors. Planners mapped out a perfect scenic route of the hills and trails in the San Marcos area, and Spring Lake, closed off to  the public except for two races, was an ideal setting for swimmers. The event attracted veterans and first-timers alike.
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Participating in a triathlon takes hard work and dedication, and, for one particular racer, it required so much more.
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Nicknamed Chey-tanium because of the metal in her bones, nothing could stop her.
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Though the storm stopped most participants from running across the finish line, results were still posted. And, despite her accident, Chey-tanium finished first in her age-group and second in women's overall.
Rain or shine, those who trained for the race were in it to finish. The Texas State Sprint Triathlon is an annual event. For more information, you can check out the organization's Facebook page. For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Cordova.
   

Sterling Pitchford

Keep San Marcos Beautiful is hosting an annual spring concert series called Live on the Lawn. Bobcat Update's Sterling Pitchford has more on the story.

Live on the Lawn is held at the San Marcos Plaza Park. It's a free month-long event featuring live music to bring the community together and promote sustainability. 
SB Matt 
Each week features a different theme related to protecting the environment. The themes include recycling, water conservation and transportation. The live music genres also change each week varying from country to classic rock to Latin jazz. 
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Live on the Lawn promotes local environmental organizations. One of them is called 72 Degrees, which focuses on keeping the San Marcos River clean.
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Stand Up: Live on the Lawn will feature two more shows on April 6th and April 13th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sterling Pitchford. 

Krys White

If you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, look no further than George's. Bobcat Update Krys White has more.

George's, located on the first floor of the L-B-J Student Center, hosts a variety of events throughout the semester. For example, last Friday it hosted a Table Tennis Tournament.  Players of all skill levels participated.
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The Texas State Table Tennis Association sponsored the event -- its third tournament at George's. The association wants to acquire more tables and have even bigger gatherings.
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((Standup)) The winners of the tournament will win a trophy in addition to other prizes and of course braggin rights. For Bobcat Update, I'm Krys White.

Lauren Crider

For many Bobcats, this semester is their last. They'll soon embark on the next chapter of their lives. Texas State has resources in place to make the transition seem like a breeze. Lauren Crider has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State Career Services has been helping Bobcats land their dream jobs for years. The Career Services team guides students in determining which career path is the most suitable. The goal is to match students with available jobs.
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Career advisers offer assistance to current students AND alumni.
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The advisers help create job-winning resumes, and they set up mock interviews to show applicants how to be more effective when  they're being asked questions. Career Services even has a closet full of interview-worthy clothes that can be rented for the big day. 
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(Stand up done in career closet)...For Bobcat Update, I'm Lauren Crider.

Jennifer Galvan

Dance is an art form that can bring people together. Bobcat Update's Jennifer Galvan tells us in this report how the performing arts at Texas State promote diversity.

The university recently hosted an event showcasing dance:
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Dance is appreciated across cultures. It provides opportunities for campus organizations to show off their talent.
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Grupo Folklorico Octochtli, a traditional Mexican dance group, performed at the event with the hope of making more people aware of Mexico's diversity within.
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SU: For more information to join organizations, check out the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jennifer Galvan.

Jonathan Szedeli

The Texas House and Senate are discussing a new bill that could affect how taxes are appropriated to public education.  Jonathan Szedeli (Zitley) has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas Senate Bill 3, more commonly referred to as the voucher or school choice bill, is making its way through the House where there has been much debate.  Opponents claim that the bill will further take away public tax dollars from an already underfunded  public school system.  Numerous organizations, such as the Texas State Teachers Association, have denounced the bill.
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Many proponents of the bill believe their tax dollars should follow their children. They want to be allowed to choose where the money is spent.  Under the bill's provisions, students would have access to an educational savings  account that could cover 75 percent of the state's operating costs.  This appeals to those who prefer a private, religious or home school education.
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Hundreds of students, teachers, parents and politicians converged on the state capital this past weekend to voice their opinions on the matter.
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The Senate Committee on Education voted to send the bill to the full Texas Senate after hearing 14 hours of testimony.  Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick back the measure and are expected to send it  to the Senate floor for a full vote as early as this week. 
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Sarah Jenkins

Upward and out is the goal behind Texas State's Upward Bound program, which is designed to catapult high school students to college. Sarah Jenkins tells us more, in this Bobcat Update.

(standup) Upward Bound dates back to President Johnson's 1964 War on Poverty, and director of the program Ray Cordero says many of the students picked are economically disadvantaged or first-generation-to-college students.
SB: Ray Cordero
The federally funded program begins with high school freshmen and lasts ten years, following them through their undergraduate degree, and includes a six-week summer program at Texas State, where the participants live on campus and attend classes. Upward Bound staff and Texas State faculty and students assist the participants with tutoring, SAT prep and college applications. For Bobcat Update I'm Sarah Jenkins.

Jayci Hess

Many seniors are camera ready and posing for their graduation pictures. However, adding glitz to the photos can cause harm. Bobcat Update's Jayci Hess explains.

Many seniors like to use confetti in their snapshots, but the practice can be hazardous to fish and other aquatic animals. Once the glitter is thrown, much of it goes down the drain and into the San Marcos River.
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There is a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative that seniors could use instead of plastics.
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The group makes the confetti out of rice and color it organically with beet juice and turmeric to show the Texas State maroon and gold. The confetti is occasionally sold on the quad, or you can contact the HEAT organization to buy some.
su- "When celebrating graduation, think about our river before throwing confetti and think about the alternative options. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jayci Hess."
       

Jasmine Clark

It's known for style -- an annual gala at Texas State where formal attire is expected. Bobcat Update's Jasmine Clark has more.

SACA recently hosted a gala for students to pull out their best attire and party like celebrities. SACA Member Malik Mingo says the purpose of the met gala is to give students a unique, more upscale event to enjoy.
SB: Malik Mingo (what is the gala)
SB: Ama Laura (loves dressing up)
The affair was also a way for Bobcats to de-stress and get back into the swing of school after transitioning from spring break.
SB: Ama Laura, (stress reliever)
The gala featured an oxygen bar, "mock"-tails, and a red carpet.
SB: Malik Mingo(amenities)
SACA's gala also had celebrity impersonators, including a thriller performance from Michael Jackson. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jasmine Clark.

Kathryn Macchia

There's a place in San Marcos where local hip-hop and rap artists are showcased. As Bobcat Update's Kathryn Macchia tells us, the artists have a chance to perform in front of an audience.

Wake the Dead Coffeehouse is usually a quiet place to study while sipping brew and eating pastries, but once a month it becomes a music venue:
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The student-run radio station K-T-S-W hosts what it calls Underground Excellence to give emerging artists a platform to be heard.
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The next Underground Excellence program will be this Saturday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Macchia.

Jacey Yarbrough

Two San Marcos historic districts could be expanding in coming months. Bobcat Update's Jacey Yarbrough has more.

The Historic Preservation Commission wants the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council to expand the Hopkins and Lindsey-Rodgers historic districts. The expansions would include residential neighborhoods just south of the downtown square. San Marcos City Planner Allison Brake says it's all part of an effort to preserve the city's unique history.
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One particular structure in the expansion zone, originally built in 1886, is the vacant Lamar School located off Blanco and Hutchison Street. With deteriorating walls, no-trespass signs, and empty hallways that haven't had students in years, the building is in dire straits.
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Some residents are hoping they can preserve as many historic structures as possible. San Marcos home owner, Clarke Hammond, who serves on the preservation commission, says having these districts allows the city to honor its cultural heritage.
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What determines which structures are historical has changed.
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Stand-up

Cristian Perez

Texas State students are giving back to the community. Bobcat Update's Cristian Perez tells us about this weekend's big event.
 
(Standup)
Bobcat Build is a one-day affair involving several thousand people who volunteer their services  to work on projects in the San Marcos area -- all in the hopes of improving the community. Volunteers  work on such things as landscaping, picking up trash and even painting houses. Outreach Co-Chair Marissa Trevino says it's a great way to give back.
(SB Trevino- Exciting)
When Bobcat Build started in 2002, it had approximately 700 volunteers at 50 job sites. Since then, the numbers have skyrocketed. Last year about 45-hundred people volunteered to work at more than 300 job sites. Organizers say they're hoping this year's Bobcat Build will be even bigger.
(SB Trevino)
The volunteers show up at the Strahan Coliseum parking lot around 7:30 in the morning and soon go to work. This year will mark Bobcat Build's 15th  anniversary, which goes to show how dedicated the students are to their adopted home.
(SB West)
The dedication that many of the workers show to get Bobcat Build going each year is something that everyone in the community can all be thankful for. For Bobcat Update, I'm Cristian Perez.

Jason Harris

As the population of San Marcos continues to grow, so does the number of our four-legged, furry friends. The places in the city where Fido can run and play are limited, which makes the San Marcos dog park a popular place for master and pet. But, in this Bobcat Update, Jason Harris tells us the dog park needs some work.

It's spring time -- time to take our pets outside and enjoy the warm, Texas rays. The San Marcos dog park offers a wide-open space for our best  friends to run in the sun and hang out with its friends. The dog park is ideal for city dwellers who rent apartments. It provides a fenced-in area for dogs to stretch their legs and really run.
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The park provides two separate areas for dogs of different sizes as well as two covered areas with seating for parents to sit and watch their adopted children play. Water fountains are also available for Scooby to grab a cool drink on a  hot day. Almost always busy, the park has developed into a small community of dog lovers. However a few months back, patrons voiced their concerns over a few problems they thought were plaguing the park. The first was drainage. Water and mud would linger for weeks after a storm passed through the area. The second was the old water fountain, which rarely worked and was covered in grime and dirt from years of use.
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The city responded by shutting down the park, removing the old water fountain and installing a drainage ditch. Patrons of the park were appreciative of the changes but feel more work needs to be done.
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A canopy providing shade to humans and dogs alike was also removed leaving only one side of the park with a covered area to escape the sun. A new water fountain was installed but it's the only one in working condition, and it's located on  the opposite side of the park from the covered area. Residents know that keeping the park in tip-top shape is a two-way street but also feel the city left a few problems unsolved.
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Despite the issues still facing the dog park, residents of San Marcos still flock to it for a chance to let their dogs run wild and socialize with friends. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jason Harris. 

Brittany Hill

Many San Marcos drivers are relieved that back-in parking will soon end downtown. In this Bobcat Update, Brittany Hill tells us why back-in parking is being discontinued.

The main reason is that motorists didn't like backing into parking spaces. It's not common and sometimes awkward. Transportation planners implemented the system as a safety measure for bicyclists downtown. However, the parking method caused several problems on North L-B-J.
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Some drivers say they avoided parking on streets where backing-in was required.
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 A lot of residents are excited about the change.
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Some drivers believe more should be done to alleviate the traffic problems in San Marcos. 
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The San Marcos City Council in January voted unanimously to return to more traditional parking. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brittany Hill.