University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ScholarWorks @ UTRGV
The Collegian Special Collections and Archives
Spring 1-17-2011
The Collegian (2011-01-17)
Christine Cavazos
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Recommended Citation The Collegian (BLIBR-0075). UTRGV Digital Library, The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and Archives at ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Collegian by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. The Student Voice of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College The
Volume 63 ollegianMonday www.utbcollegian.com CIssue 15 January 17, 2011
A new way More cuts to class to come? Page 8 Page 3 Back on Before the the diamond mortarboard Page 19
toss Page 7
Leslie Barrientos/Collegian Senior management major Laura Cavazos will be among hundreds of students looking for a job after graduation.
Viewpoint Page 4 Police reports Page 6 Noticias en Español Page 18 Page 2 • January 17, 2011 The Collegian The Collegian On Campus January 17, 2011 • Page 3 First in a series: The recession’s Repercussions UTB/TSC braces for Texas’ ‘drastic’ budget cuts By Rene Cardona Jr. of the tax exemptions, well how do you The Collegian fill in that hole? … Some people want to lop the head off government, shrink it Because Texas is facing a potential up, but they don’t realize the impact of $19 billion to $27 billion deficit, UTB/ budget cuts.” TSC administrators are bracing for what Pinching pennies could be an unprecedented budget cut To stay abreast of the financial of $20 million in the coming 2012-2013 strain, UTB/TSC Provost Alan Artibise biennium. informed administrators last semester The Texas Legislature may ask for about the coming austerity. A series yet another cut of 2.5 percent in Fiscal of meetings began the first week of Year 2011, which would be in addition January during which Artibise reviewed to the 5 percent, or about $4 million, the administrators’ budget plans with 15 university trimmed from its 2010-2011 percent to 20 percent less funds and budget that the state mandated on Jan. provided feedback. By the end of the 13, 2010. month, Artibise said he wanted to have If the state does not ask for the the first draft of a detailed plan to cut additional cut in FY 2011, Rosemary costs. Martinez, vice president for Business Cost containment initiatives, like Rene Cardona Jr./Collegian Affairs, said the Legislature may wait those implemented to meet the 5 percent It is likely the Texas Legislature will ask UTB/TSC to cut its 2012-2013 budget by 25 percent. and ask for a 25 percent cut, or $19.875 cuts, are continuing. Travel expenses majority of its budget is tied up in faculty million, instead of a 20 percent cut, and maintenance and operation costs Don’t fear the future; Viewpoint, Page 4 salaries, said Artibise, who is heading in the 2012-2013 biennium. But it all are being monitored. In fact, Martinez the division since Chip Dameron depends on Texas’ revenues. said $500,000 will be saved this year said. “… In the Learning Enrichment stepped down to focus on teaching and “Although the Texas economy is in utilities, in addition to $700,000 in office, which is our tutoring, we cut scholarly work. rebounding and … did not suffer the huge computer purchases because her division back. That is the biggest department that Faculty cuts in low-producing declines that we’ve seen in other states, “worked with the IT folks to develop has money for part-time wages because programs would be looked at if worse we have had reductions in revenues and a standard model so not everybody they hire a lot of tutors. We’re having comes to worse. There are about three so we’re going to have to make budget buys a computer with all the bells and to cut back about $30,000--between to four such programs, but Artibise cuts,” Martinez said. “The question is whistles.” $30,000 and $50,000, depending on was reluctant to disclose them because how much and how will we manage About $1.2 million will be saved with what the bottom line is going to be. So, “we’re still looking at them, still doing them. … The additional 2.5 [percent the 39 faculty and staff members who in order to minimize that, there’s a grant analysis,” he said. reduction] in the current year, I think, chose to participate in the Voluntary Academic Affairs has, called Title V, “What I’m also urging [administrators] that was just to make sure that if last- Separation Incentive Program, even so I proposed that maybe they redirect to do, because the other side of budget quarter revenues did not look like what though about half of the retiring faculty some of the Title V monies into Learning reductions is revenue growth, is to work were expected, then we would have to will be replaced because their roles are Enrichment to make up the shortfall of closely with the deans and the chairs have the additional budget reductions.” critical to the institution, Artibise said. tutoring money.” if we can get increased enrollment, be Things are still up in the air, though, Leaving vacant positions unfilled is A question-and-answer Webpage more efficient in terms of class size because the Legislature hasn’t informed another place for savings. Vice President about the budget cuts, utb.edu/ so we’re getting more revenue from public institutions exactly when and for Student Affairs Hilda Silva said there budgetinformation, will be launched the investments we’ve already made,” how much will be cut, and Martinez said are seven vacancies in her division that concurrently with the new UTB/TSC Artibise said. it probably won’t be for a while. could remain unfilled if need be. website Jan. 24. One such revenue generator is the The Texas House of Representatives “As much as I want to fill the position Among the questions listed in an winter semester, which Artibise called a will lay out a budget Tuesday that for the assistant [vice president for advance copy of the page provided to “modest success.” will assume no new revenue from Student Affairs], I won’t if it means I The Collegian is, “Will there be layoffs “We need to be more strategic in terms possibilities like elimination of tax have to cut more support services,” Silva or salary reductions in the current fiscal of which classes we are offering and exemptions and spending Texas’ Rainy said. “Come next year, if I have to give year? If so, how will they be handled?” tying that into classes that students need Day Fund, estimated at $9 billion, said up more money … then I’m giving up The answer provided states: “Although to keep moving forward at the pace they Tony Gray, legislative director for state the new positions I created. … I made a UTB/TSC is reviewing all options to want to move forward, so we are going Rep. Rene Oliveira (D-Brownsville). case to create the positions because I felt meet targeted budget reductions, we to revisit it later this month with the Until the bill is passed, officials won’t they were important, but it’s better to cut cannot guarantee that layoffs or salary deans and chairs and learn the lessons know the size of the reductions, but there than to cut in programming, which reductions will not occur. All budget that need to be learned and try to do it Gray says “huge cuts, shocking cuts” is where we don’t want to try to touch.” units have been asked to develop unit better next year,” he added. are expected, with “drastic cuts to higher Although Student Affairs runs on a plans that will allow us to continue The profits for the semester have yet education.” budget of $10.5 million, a 20 percent to provide mission-critical services to be calculated, Martinez said. “We have a new Republican cut of more than $800,000 could have to students while managing budget Asked if tuition and fees will increase, supermajority in the Texas House and an impact on student services, but the reductions. Each unit will be responsible Artibise replied although educational many of those members have signed division’s directors are continuing to for determining what areas of budget institutions across the state will be no-new-tax pledges, but we have a $27 evaluate impacts and other strategies. will be reduced.” thinking about it, UTB/TSC has not had billion deficit,” Gray said. “Assuming “It’s not a done deal because we’re still Generating revenue there is no new revenue, no spending talking, but what I’ve submitted shows a Academic Affairs is having some • See ‘Cuts,’ Page 9 of the Rainy Day Fund, no elimination cut of positions in Student Success, Silva trouble with the cuts because a vast
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LD3916-08/09 Page 4 • January 17, 2011 Viewpoint The Collegian What’s Your Beef?
“One of the complaints that I have is that we’re [in the] winter session. We have to print some papers too and none of the labs are open, so that’s my main thing. We need these labs and then when we go, somebody opens it real quick and the printer doesn’t work.”
Yessica Castillo Senior criminal justice major
“I turned in all my financial aid The best of times, the worst of times papers in December, and when I By Christine Cavazos assured you a spot in the job market. Graduation series, Page 7 was in orientation, Collegian Editor My parents told me that if I went to they said I was college, if I studied hard and received and succeeded. It’s time I do so again for still missing stuff John F. Kennedy good grades, I was sure to get the dream what’s after graduation. and that we only once said, “Change job. And that’s the simplicity I’ve Prepare so you can face the good and had ’til [Jan. is the law of life. dreamed of. I had a vision of graduating the bad. Volunteer, get involved, or take 6] to finish it. And those who and quickly getting a job in the an internship. Don’t be afraid to try it So that’s what look only to the communication field, but that’s harder to all. Be open to taking jobs that perhaps I’m trying to fix past or present are achieve in this new decade, considering weren’t in your original plans. Keep on right now, and certain to miss the college graduates can take more than six learning. I’m having a lot of future.” months to land a job and the national trouble. … But I believe Yes, things could be better, but they Change is all unemployment rate is at 9.8 percent. could be worse, too. I already turned in everything I around us, now more than ever. It’s in I hope you are having a good time needed, so I’m doing it again.” From my short experience in the the bad economy, a job market filled while in college because soon it will semi-adult world I can say one thing: Marco Vazquez with uncertainties and conflicting data, be over. I hope you take with you class Everything is hard work, everything Freshman respiratory therapy major like Wall Street profits rising while the discussions, homework assignments, is a task to overcome, but if you have number of jobs seeing meager growth. nerve-wracking tests and careless party perseverance, you will achieve. Spring semester is the typical time days. Those days will be over, never to To those of you graduating: students graduate and that means change, come back. The adult world is coming Congratulations, Class of 2011. I will see but, again, in more ways than one. nearer and nearer. “Before it used to be easier for me you at Commencement and will receive We are living during a time like none My college experience has been the to come and take two classes or three my Bachelor of Arts in Communication before. Our time is different from that best; I strategically planned what I classes. It was good with great pride. of our parents, when having a degree wanted to do these four years of my life because the price was not that high but now I can Lame-duck session not so lame barely take two classes because By Francisco Garza the successor’s term begins. unanimously, giving first responders the the amount of The Collegian Political analysts and experts had much-needed medical coverage. m o n e y - - y o u predicted that the lame-duck session The new Strategic Arms Reduction cannot get it If you were would be uneventful; if the Democrats Treaty (START) passed, reducing the together--and with wondering what managed to bring any bill to a vote, the number of strategic nuclear missile financial aid, actually, happened in the Republicans would vote against it. But, launchers by half. I just started applying. … Now, it’s world of politics this is where our story takes a turn. Of course, not all is sunshine on really, really expensive and that’s since we finished First, it would seem that the president Capitol Hill. The Development, Relief why I’m really pushing for the finals, allow me to had lost his purpose by extending the tax and Education for Alien Minors (or financial aid.” tell you the story. cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of the DREAM) Act, which would have Well as you population created by former President allowed certain minors not born in the Juana Leibee remember, in George W. Bush. But, in the same United States the opportunity to receive Junior nursing major 2010, President bill, Obama extended unemployment permanent residency status, did not Obama and the Democrats took a big benefits for 13 months. have enough votes to pass in the Senate. hit in the midterm elections, losing nine The president justified the extension So, with victories and losses, the governors, six senators and 64 seats in of the tax cuts as a compromise, saying second half of Obama’s presidency --Compiled by Rene Cardona Jr. the House. it would help pass the upcoming Don’t starts and a new Congress takes office. --Photos by Leslie Barrientos It seemed like all hope was gone, Ask Don’t Tell repeal, the 9/11 first The Republicans say they will repeal and Chris Peña the rest of Obama’s term would be responders health bill and the new health care reform, Wall Street reform, uneventful and there would be no Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and make sure that Obama is a one-term Do you have beef? If so, call Collegian chance of him being re-elected. (START). president. reporter Rene Cardona Jr. at 882-5143 or Then the duck quacked. And then, they did. But this lame-duck Congress seems send him an e-mail at [email protected]. The lame-duck session of Congress The DADT repeal passed, allowing to have given the president the boost took place. Lame-duck sessions happen gay members of the military to serve of confidence and the results that he when one Congress meets after its without hiding their sexual preference. needed to prove he is not giving up successor has been elected but before The 9/11 health care bill was approved without a fight. The Collegian Viewpoint January 17, 2011 • Page 5
Letters to the Editor
What was Cascos thinking? We urge the 82nd Texas Legislature However, that greatness will fade and thought toward the future of the nation Congratulations, returning Cameron to confront the budget deficit more is already fading, unless: the wall is and world. County Judge Carlos Cascos; may concern constructively to meet current needs and removed, all the way west to the Pacific; I know that the United States, call for all in the county mark your new term. position Texas for the future. Before the wars and sweetheart private and us we, can be a leader in world peace, But to have U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of reducing any state services in fiscal year public defense projects halted; and, the imagination and planning that will lead Texas officiate your swearing-in ceremony 2011 or in the 2012-13 state budget, the tax breaks repealed. toward a just planet for all its inhabitants. is insensitive to many in the county, given Legislature must: The wall, as noted, is in the middle of Will it alter its facile moves of the senator’s opposition to the DREAM 1. Use all of the Rainy Day Fund, Brownsville. Its brownish steel horror the now and move in the direction Act and other federal programs that estimated to have $9.2 billion available cries of impotency, a failed and inhumane of national and global maturity? would help thousands in your jurisdiction. for spending in the 2012-13 budget. The immigration policy to all--both sides of constitutional purpose of the fund is the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. Eugene “Gene” Novogrodsky Eugene “Gene” Novogrodsky to maintain vital state services during The wall, a sop to anti-immigration Brownsville Brownsville economic downturns. folk, a boon to contractors. 2. Maximize use of all available The wars, hard to see the damage to Another DREAM deferred Budget advice for Texas Legislature federal funding, including any additional Iraqis, Afghans and Pakistanis, slightly Senators, shame on all of you. You The 82nd Texas Legislature must stimulus aid or any new matching funds easier to see if one does not turn away, betrayed young people. If you voted nay, address a significant budget deficit in made available by health care reform. young Marines with prostheses, and then you are a traitor; if you abstained, you are the session [that began] Jan. 11. The 3. Generate new sources of revenue harder again, the internal damage to all, a coward. League of Women Voters-Texas and that are equitable and can grow along Americans and the Asians. If you had any common sense (of which our partners in Texas Forward believe a with Texas and our needs and eliminate How do the order-givers, from the you seem to be completely devoid) and comprehensive and balanced approach to unproductive tax breaks. president to Congress to the officers, if you really cared for young people, balancing the budget is the only way Texas 4. Carefully look at departments and sleep, dine and vacation knowing that their you would have voted for the DREAM can provide for current needs and make services that can be cut or eliminated directives have not made serious dents in Act. There would be abundant time and the investments necessary for the future without serious harm. world terrorism and have instead delayed opportunity after the vote to improve it as of our great state. Because all Texans We hope you will join us in letting the peace negotiations, while increasing the needed. have much at stake in budget decisions, Legislature know that we need a balanced number of young who embrace terrorism? I believe in the power of prayer. the Legislature’s budget process must be approach to a balanced budget. To join The tax breaks, billions to the rich who Count on it. I will be praying fervently open and transparent. our endeavor or learn more about Texas will only invest but a fraction of their every day that all of you and all of Texas faces both short-term and long- Forward, see http://www.txforward.org/. gains to creating a sustainable economy your mindless Republican colleagues term budget deficits. Reduced state in the United States. (happily N/A to Senators Lugar, Bennett revenue during the global economic Karen Nicholson Taxes that could have been used for: and Murkowski) receive from a just God recession has resulted in a short-term President, LWV-Texas a single-payer healthcare system, debt what you deserve for your egregious deficit that can be addressed with one- reduction, yes, debt reduction, alternative malfeasance. time measures. Longer-term, there is a Grow up, U.S. energy production, clean water and other structural deficit that will require changes Great nations, ah, their potential for environmental needs. The Rev. Armand Mathew, OMI in the Texas revenue system. good, for inspiration. Think prison reform. Think creative UTB/TSC Center A stream of media accounts since the But they do not: build walls to solve public schools. for Civic Engagement November election attest to the harm, immigration issues; fund nearly three- Dream on. The tax breaks will delay all now and for our future, that would quarters of a trillion-dollar defense budget those dire domestic needs. BYOB result from drastic cuts to education, that does not make them safer from global Wise voters, with a sense of the future I am old enough to remember when we health care, juvenile justice and other terrorism; and, fail to invest in national and not merely the immediate, will did not have plastic bags. public services Texas needs to remain improvements while handing billions in demand new and humane steps from How did we survive? a great state. Shuffling money among tax breaks to the very rich. Congress and the president. Have we become such a self- underfunded programs and shifting the The United States is a great nation with Do these voters exist? centered and lazy society that we cost of public services off the state budget a wall (now in downtown Brownsville), Back to the great nation idea. The cannot bring our own bags to the store? may conceal these problems but doesn’t wars and a skewed investment and tax United States is still great despite its Ruth E. Wagner address them. program. recent steps, steps undertaken with little Brownsville
Scholarships
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation professors engaged in specialized study available to U.S. citizen in foster or other residential care. It Scholarship Program is available to of any language/cultures of the Pan or foreign students who are currently covers tuition and fees, other than students who plan to enroll full time in American countries and demonstrate attending a U.S. university and who property deposit fees, for courses for a baccalaureate program at an accredited ability to put the results of study in a Pan submit an essay exploring the place which the college receives tax support. college or university in Fall 2011, have American country to use upon return to culinary traditions hold in one’s cultural/ There is no deadline to apply. The a cumulative undergraduate grade-point Texas. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. ethnic identity. The contest will be application is at: http://www.utb.edu/ average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0. For more requirements information, visit closed once the first 200 essays are em/fa/Pages/FAWaiversandExemptions. The deadline to apply is Wednesday. http://www.partt.org. received. Awards of $1,500, $750 and aspx. For more information, visit http:// For more information, visit http://www. The American Cancer Society Breast $500 will be given to first-, second- and www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/ jkcf.org/scholarships or call UTB/TSC Cancer CD 2000 Inc. scholarship third-place winners, respectively. For financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=551. Financial Assistance Director Mari is available to cancer survivors. An more information, visit http://www. Chapa at 882-8277. annual $500 scholarship is given to an fastrecipes.com/scholarship2010/. --Compiled by Daniel Beltrán The Magic Valley Electric outstanding student with aspirations The Gloria and Joseph Mattera Cooperative Scholarship (MVEC) is of assisting cancer patients and their National Scholarship Fund for Correction available to students who demonstrate families. The deadline to apply is Feb. Migrant Children is available to youth An article about the Texas Section a coherent degree plan and willingness 1. For more information, visit http:// who have a recent history of movement of the American Physical Society to pursue a course of higher learning www.finaid.org/scholarships/c a n c e r . for agricultural employment, financial published in the Nov. 29 issue of and have a minimum of one-year phtml. need and scholastic potential. There is The Collegian inadvertently failed membership with Magic Valley Electric The National Academies scholarship no deadline for applications, which to mention Associate Professor of Cooperative at the application deadline is available to scientists and engineers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Physics Soma Mukherjee chaired date. The deadline to apply is Jan. 27. at all stages of their career. Applicants For more information, visit http://www. a session called “Astrophysics, For more information and an application, should hold an earned doctorate in migrant.net/migrant/sch-mattera.htm. Astronomy and Space Science” and visit http://www.magicvalley.coop/ science or engineering. Most awards are The Valley Initiative for Development co-authored several talks and posters. community/scholarship-program/. open to foreign nationals as well as to and Advancement (VIDA) scholarship Also, it was reported that Ahmed The 2010-2011 Ronald McDonald U.S. citizens. The deadline to apply is is available to residents of the Rio Grande Touhami, assistant professor of House Charities U.S. Scholarship Feb.1. For more information, visit http:// Valley who are 18 years of age or older. physics, chaired a session, “Probing Program is available to U.S. citizen www.national-academies.org/rap. Students must be eligible to work in the protein conformation changes in food students who have at least one parent of The 2011/2012 South Texas U.S. and be underemployed with family nanostructure,” when this was, in Hispanic/Latino heritage, are younger Academic Rising Scholars applications responsibilities and earning less than fact, a “talk.” He chaired the session, than 21 years old and eligible to attend are available to U.S. citizen or legal $7.50 per hour or unemployed with family “Biological and Chemical Physics.” a two- or four-year college or university permanent resident students who have responsibilities. For more information, Associate Professor of Physics Karen with a full course of study. The deadline earned 12 undergraduate hours and visit http://www.vidacareers.org/index. Martiroysan did not chair a session to apply is Jan. 28. For more information, have at least a 2.7 cumulative grade- htm. but instead delivered a talk titled visit http://www.rmhc.org. point average. The deadline to apply is The Adopted Students Formerly “Nanostructured oxygen generators The Florence Terry Griswold 10- March 31. For more information, visit in Foster or Other Residential Care for aerospace life supporting 11 Scholarship II is available to U.S. www.southtexasstars.org. Exemption scholarship is available systems.” citizen female students who are college My Recipe-My HeritageScholarship to students who were adopted, were Page 6 • January 17, 2011 On Campus The Collegian Collegian B r i e f s ACT preparation about Brownsville’s long and unique Program, which is set to start in UTB/TSC’s Language Institute is history through the Brownsville February. The program is designed for The Collegian is the mul- registering participants for its ACT Historical Association’s Shades of a pragmatic, convenient, substantial and timedia student newspaper preparation course, which will take Winter Walking Tours. The next engaging educational experience that serving the University of place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and tours, guided by UTB/TSC Professor will raise productivity and effectiveness. Emeritus of History Anthony Knopp, For more information and to fill out the Texas at Brownsville and Thursdays until Feb. 10. The cost of the are scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday in application, visit http://gemini.utb.edu/ Texas Southmost College. course is $140 for four weeks and covers math, science, English and reading each the Old City Cemetery Center and at 11 ode/ips/. The newspaper is widely week. For more information, call 882- a.m. Jan. 28 in the Brownsville Heritage ‘Vagina Monologues’ auditions distributed on campus and is 4178. Complex. Tour spaces are limited and Auditions for “The Vagina an award-winning member SGA meeting pre-registration is highly suggested. Monologues” will take place from of the Texas Intercollegiate The first Student Government Admission is $10 for non-members 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (location to be Press Association. Association meeting of the semester and $5 for BHA members. For more announced), with rehearsals scheduled will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday in information, call 541-1167. until Feb. 27. To sign up for an Collegian Editor the Student Union’s Salon Gardenia. Spring music academy audition, send an e-mail to Elisa Nino Christine Cavazos For more information, call 882-5877. Registration continues until Thursday at [email protected] or Debbie Penguin Plunge for the UTB/TSC Music Academy, Perez at [email protected]. For Collegian Online Editor The Recreation, Education and which provides lessons for a group more information, call 882-7177. Pablo Guerra Kinesiology Center will host Penguin class, camp or private lessons. Classes Plunge 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday begin Saturday. The cost starts at $112. --Compiled by Daniel Beltrán Collegian Webcast Editor in the Recreation, Education and For more information, send an e-mail Michael Peña Kinesiology Center pool. Admission is to the Music Academy office at music. If you would like your organization free. The event is part of Welcome Week [email protected] or call 882-7702. or department news published in The Spanish Editor activities. For more information, call Certified Public Manager Program Collegian’s Briefs section, call Daniel Héctor Aguilar 882-5972. The Institute for Public Service Beltrán at 882-5143 or send him an Shades of Winter walking tours is accepting applications for the next e-mail at [email protected]. Sports Editor The public is invited to learn more cohort of the Certified Public Manager Louie Vera
Advertising Manager Jimena Evia Police Reports
Advertising Representatives F o l l o w i n g possession of marijuana and transported complaining of back pain. An ambulance Melissa Ramirez are among the to the Carrizales-Rucker Detention was called, but the student refused Lucia Regalado incidents reported Center. transportation to a hospital. by Campus Police At 8:23 p.m. the same day, a faculty At 7 a.m. Nov. 16, an officer was Staff Writers between Nov. 1 and member reported that a student entered dispatched to the Campus Security Daniel Beltrán Dec. 9. her class at the International Technology, Center in reference to a student almost Rene Cardona Jr. At 12:22 a.m. Education and Commerce Center and being struck by a vehicle. The student Francisco Garza Nov.1, an unknown stated that there was a bombing in Mexico. said that she was fine and did not require Alejandra González man violated the After the statement, all of the students emergency care. Cleiri Quezada curfew at The grabbed their belongings and evacuated At 9:18 a.m. Nov. 17, a student reported Village at Fort Brown while visiting a the building. that his spare tire was missing from the Copy Editor woman. The subject was asked to leave At 12:24 p.m. Nov. 10, a student bed of his truck. The tire disappeared Rene Cardona Jr. by the resident assistant and when he requested a Campus Police officer at while the truck was parked in Lot AB. refused, a Campus Police officer issued a the Life and Health Sciences Building At 4:13 p.m. Nov. 21, a staff member criminal trespass warning. The man was because she had safety concerns. The reported a student suffering a seizure Photographers also allegedly in possession of a stolen student had seen her ex-boyfriend on at the University Boulevard Library. Leslie Barrientos parking permit. campus and felt uncomfortable. Brownsville Emergency Medical Services Sergio Salazar At 2:34 p.m. the same day, a student At 6:04 p.m. the same day, a student was called, but the student refused Christopher Peña reported that a known vehicle came close reported that she was being followed transportation and left the area with her to striking her when she stepped off the by an unknown man at the Arnulfo L. parents. sidewalk on Ringgold Road. Oliveira Memorial Library. At 11:32 a.m. Nov. 22, an officer was Cartoonist At 12:15 p.m. Nov. 2, a Campus Police At 11:40 a.m. Nov.12, two students dispatched to the corner of International Michelle Serrano officer was called to the Education and in a sports utility vehicle were pulled Boulevard and Ridgely Road regarding Business Complex because a student fell. over on Ringgold Road for fighting. a man lying on the ground. Upon arrival, The student missed a step and injured her They stated that the argument the officer awakened the man, who Secretary II ankle and back. She refused transportation didn’t get physical. The report was complained of a harsh pain in his pelvic Ana Sanchez to the hospital, but said she would go to forwarded to the dean of students. area. The man was transported to Valley Student Health Services. At 5:33 p.m. the same day, an officer on Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville. At 2:15 p.m. the same day, a Campus patrol at the International Technology, At 6:45 p.m. the same day, a Campus Student Media Coordinator Police officer was requested at Lot U Education and Commerce Center detected Police officer was dispatched to the Susie Cantu when a student reported that her car was the smell of marijuana when he approached Arnulfo L. Oliveira Memorial Library no longer where she parked it. The student two men inside a car under the carport in reference to a young man soliciting later clarified that she had defaulted on a of the auto body shop. One student was money. The man said he was asking Student Media Director loan and her car had been repossessed. issued a citation for drug paraphernalia people for money to buy a soft drink. He Azenett Cornejo At 2:01 p.m. Nov. 4, a faculty member and the second student was arrested on was issued a criminal trespass warning. called for a Campus Police officer at a charge of misdemeanor possession At 8:48 a.m. Dec. 2, a faculty member Rusteberg Hall because a student was of marijuana. He was transported to the reported that a window of his Honda having a possible seizure. The student Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center. Fit was shattered while the vehicle was Address: was conscious and said that he felt fine. At 11 p.m. Nov. 14, an officer was parked in Lot E. The Collegian At 9:37 p.m. Nov. 8, a student requested advised by three resident assistants that At 10:49 a.m. Dec. 9, a Campus Police Student Union 1.28 a police officer at Lot O because the paint an individual who was previously issued a officer was dispatched to the Jacob Brown 80 Fort Brown Brownsville, TX 78520 on his Ford Mustang was damaged. criminal trespass warning for The Village Auditorium after a woman fell and injured Phone: (956) 882-5143 At 7:43 p.m. Nov. 9, an officer on at Fort Brown was again spotted on the herself. She complained of pain in her Fax: (956) 882-5176 patrol on Mexico Boulevard conducted a premises. An arrest warrant was issued for left ankle and was transported to Valley e-mail: [email protected] traffic stop and smelled the odor of burnt the man. Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville. www.utbcollegian.com marijuana. Marijuana was found inside At 12:37 p.m. Nov. 15, a Campus the vehicle. The backseat passenger was Police officer was dispatched to Student --Compiled by Alejandra González © 2011 The Collegian arrested on a misdemeanor charge of Health Services in regard to a student HELP WANTED The University of Texas at Brownsville and Opportunity: Want to earn money? Set Texas Southmost College your own hours? Interviewing for positions Find us on Facebook and Twitter available for sales representative. Training available. Advancement Available. for UTB/TSC news updates. Cherry Vela 956-908-9246 The Collegian Graduation 2011 January 17, 2011 • Page 7 Experts say start job search now Can a degree protect you from unemployment? By Rene Cardona Jr. “Obviously, in 2011, we expect this year It may take about six months for a advised because when it comes down The Collegian to be economically better than the last two graduate to find a job, said Juan Andres to two candidates vying for the same years, at least, when we were in, I would Rodriguez, program director of Career spot, having held a leadership position The words recession and unemployment say, a deep recession,” said Rafael Otero, Services, so it’s best to start your search and high grade-point average influence summarize a reality to be dealt with soon an associate professor before graduation employers’ decision, according to NACE’s after you leave the stage with your degree in the School of First in a series: arrives. survey responses. Verbal communication but, despite the uncertain times, there are Business. “That’s why Devote a few skills, a strong work ethic and teamwork strategies you can implement to insulate the outlook is slightly Braving the job climate hours to it every skills came out as the top three qualities yourself from a harsh job climate. better, not optimum, day, treating it as if important to employers in the association’s Reality plays favorites, and if you’ve though.” it were another class, and report, so it may be a good idea to stress learned anything, it should be that axiom Then there’s always the don’t wait to begin working these attributes. reiterated thousands of times: Those matter of your major, which on a résumé because those Maybe you long to leave the Valley for a prepared fare better. certainly affects your likelihood few sheets of paper are job or go to graduate school, which could “You have to [have] a sense of urgency of getting hired no matter the your chance at getting an be beneficial, depending on your situation. and really do your homework to find hiring climate. NACE found interview. A master’s degree in business a position,” said Jaime Villanueva, a accounting, finance, electrical “If you’re not getting administration, for example, would give coordinator of student relations with UTB/ engineering, computer science interviews, I’d venture to an applicant a significant advantage, and TSC’s Career Services Department. “Right and mechanical engineering say look at your résumé,” the local job market for bilingual teachers now the employers … can be discreet as [to and business administration/ Villanueva said. “Maybe is saturated with supply, so relocating to whom] they hire or even interview because management as some of the top there is something that’s cities such as Houston is not only logical they have so many applicants applying for bachelor’s degrees in demand for not speaking volumes about but can lead to monetary incentives, one position.” 2011. you.” Rodriguez said. The pool of unemployed has grown When degrees were compared Once you get an interview, Career Services extends its help to dramatically since the recession occurred to those in the same category, NACE’s the staff at Career Services recommends alumni but priority is given to current in 2008 when unemployment rates hovered report showed psychology as the liberal that you research a company and even the students and more recent graduates. For around 7 percent for Cameron and Hidalgo arts degree most in demand, mathematics manager who will interview you. more information on its services, call 882- counties, compared with 11.9 percent and as the top science degree, accounting Relying solely on your degree isn’t 5711. 12 percent, respectively, in November above all other business degrees, and a 2010, according to the Texas Workforce general communication degree as favored Commission. But things could be changing over other specific degrees in the field. for the better. National demand, though, differs slightly Across the United States, the National from that in the Rio Grande Valley. Jobs Association of Colleges and Employers, requiring certification, Otero said, such as which conducts annual surveys to gauge nursing, accounting and teaching, are in the job market for college graduates, found great supply. things are off to a “positive start.” “Those [students] would probably find a Employers responding to this year’s job here in the Valley and the pay is decent,” survey reported plans to hire 13.5 percent he said. “Noncertified degrees, or degrees more graduates with bachelor’s degrees that don’t require certification to get a job, than in 2010. Also, more employers, 47.7 are going to have a hard time getting a job percent, intend to increase their number of locally. … So they either end up teaching hires for this graduating cohort than those or go into government positions, and many surveyed around 2009, when only 16.9 of these positions require just a college percent said they would. degree.” Successful job search starts with résumé By Alejandra González dependability. [but] I always tell all the students it’s never The Collegian There are three types of résumés: optional,” Villanueva said. “You always chronological, functional and a have to submit a cover letter.” Writing a résumé might be intimidating combination, according to information A standard cover letter should state for some of us. What might make it difficult provided by Career Services. where you heard of the job, why you’re a is knowing what to include, what not to A chronological résumé is the most good fit for the position, some qualifying and what to highlight. widely used. It arranges job experience experiences, your passions, motivations and A résumé is a self-promotional document by listing the most recent job first. It inspirations. Villanueva also recommends that presents you in the best possible light is recommended for use when the job that students include a working phone for the purpose of getting a job interview, you’re applying for is relevant to your number and avoid unprofessional e-mail according to UTB/TSC’s Career Services job experience. A functional résumé addresses and abbreviations in their Department officials. arranges work experience according to résumés. Jaime Villanueva, Career Services Juan Andres Rodriguez, program coordinator for student relations, director for Career Services, advises recommends that students “tailor [their students to be careful with the résumé] to that specific job that you’re information they post on social applying for.” networks such as MySpace, Facebook Villanueva explained that the key and Twitter. to a résumé is in the employer’s job “Seventy-five percent of employers, description. aside from conducting background “Those actual words, [that] verbiage checks, look at Facebook,” Rodriguez that they use, that’s the key, that’s what said. “Clean all your public they are looking for,” he said. “That information; don’t [post] anything that needs to be in your résumé. That is the you wouldn’t want your mother or key to finding a position. grandmother to see. … If they see you “Your résumé has to tell a story with risky behavior, which can be a lot about you and why you’re a good fit for areas of skill and is suggested for use when of things, they might say no.” that job, for that particular position.” you’re looking for a job that differs from Career Services, which is housed in the He said the average recruiter looks at a other jobs you have had. A combination Old Education Building, offers assistance résumé for 10 to 20 seconds. résumé combines qualifications and work in composing a professional résumé, fine- “Twenty [percent to] 30 percent of all experience in a chronological order. tuning interviewing skills and developing résumés that get in the “no” pile quickly This format presents a more detailed strategies and options for seeking are for having typos, misspelled words, presentation of your work history. employment. having everything all over the place,” A résumé should include an objective, The department will sponsor a job fair Villanueva said. education, work experience, relevant for all majors on March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 Besides communication skills, accomplishments, field experience, p.m. and a teachers’ fair on March 3 from 9 employers concentrate on your experience, professional affiliations, professional a.m. to 1 p.m. Both fairs will take place at an understanding of the job, punctuality, conferences, honors, community service, the Student Union’s Gran Salon. grooming, honesty, multitasking, handling skills and references. For more information, call Career pressure, organization, creativity and “Under the cover letter, it says optional, Services at 882-5627. Page 8 • January 17, 2011 on a u The Collegian eed a tic et to ride? o just a Sting Card By ran o Garza money for this project. The Collegian Anyone may ride the Scorpion Metro. “It is open to students, faculty and You probably noticed two buses staff,” said Meloney Linder, associate making their way around campus today. vice president for Marketing and The Scorpion Connector (Route 14) and Communication. “Anyone with a Sting the Scorpion Circulator (Route 15) are Card can ride for free.” Linder said the a new form of transportation for UTB/ Sting Card not only allows its carriers to TSC. ride for free on the Scorpion Metro but Collectively, the buses are known as also on all Brownsville Urban System the Scorpion Metro. routes. “We wanted to integrate the Fort The general public and those without Brown campus with the ITEC Center their Sting Cards can use the Metro but and provide a shuttle connection so that must pay the usual BUS fares. students would have ease of travel,” This reporter rode the Connector said Veronica Mendez, associate vice and Circulator on Jan. 10 and found president for Facilities and Planning. them clean and their drivers friendly Route 14, the connector, is a and excited to be part of the campus le lie a ienTo Collegian modifi cation of the existing Brownsville community. Urban System route, which now extends The Scorpion Circulator akes its way around ca pus on an. 10 the launch date o the uni ersity s shuttle syste . The Metro currently runs 7 a.m. to 7 to the university, making a stop outside p.m. Monday through Friday. because they are some of the most the shuttle service. Cardenas Hall North. Mendez said there are plans to expand congested areas on campus. “The overall project program budget Route 15, the circulator, is a shuttle that the hours but it will depend on the “We wanted to have it go around every is $624,054, the federal share is goes around the school every 10 minutes. demand. 10 minutes so we make sure we get the $331,527,and the university is putting in Some of its stops include Cardenas Hall “We want your feedback,” she said. students to their classes,” she said. $177,568,” said Andrew Muñoz, assistant North, Cavalry Hall, the Recreation, For more information, a route schedule Mendez said the school looked at BUS director. The City of Brownsville is Education and Kinesiology Center and and detailed maps, visit www.utb.edu/ several grants available from the U.S. providing the rest of the funds. the Education and Business Complex. metro. Department of Transportation and the Mendez said the Texas Southmost Mendez said the stops were chosen Brownsville Urban System to help fund College board of trustees allocated Chess team plans logical progression to st place By Cle r ezada ever experienced. The Collegian “It was defi nitely more diffi cult [than past Pan American tournaments] because The UTB/TSC Chess Team has qualifi ed of how [good] the teams were,” Gareyev for the President’s Cup for the third year said. “Each one of the top 14 universities on in a row. the boards had at least two grandmasters in The university’s A team placed third at each team, so the teams were very strong.” the 2010 Pan American Intercollegiate He and International Master Max Chess Championships after tie-breaking Cornejo also received individual honors as points against the University of Maryland- the top players on board. Both earned fi ve Baltimore County. The tournament was out of six possible points. conducted Dec. 27-30 in Milwaukee, Wis. Gareyev received the award for top fi rst Program Director Russell Harwood’s board and Cornejo for top fourth board. main goal was to advance to the Final 4. “I got a plate, it was kind of cool,” “I was very pleased,” Harwood told he Gareyev said. “It’s not about the award; I ollegian. “The match we lost against played a good tournament. I got an award Co Te hoTo [the University of Texas at Dallas] could on my board for individual performance.” e bers o the UTB/TSC Chess Tea co pete at the 2010 an erican Intercollegiate Chess Cha pionships have easily gone the other way. We could Cornejo and Chess Coach Ronen Har- last onth in ilwaukee is. Shown ro le t are Ti ur areye xel Bach ann auricio lores and ax have easily tied it. The match went back Zvi could not be reached for comment. Corne o. and forth; they pulled it out in the end, In the past, the U.S. Chess Federation consulting fi rm. the Final 4, will take place April 2 and 3. but we had our chances, so I was happy. has given money to the schools that “It’s, apparently, a very prestigious The UTB/TSC Chess Team will compete … If we can come out qualifying, we were qualify to help them with travel expenses consulting fi rm in Washington, D.C., against the University of Maryland- successful in my mind.” to tournaments such as the President’s and the tournament is going to be at Baltimore County, UT-Dallas and Texas Of the 20 chess teams competing, UT- Cup, but this year the federation is “in sort the corporate headquarters,” Harwood Tech. Dallas placed fi rst with six points, UMBC of a crisis, fi nancially, so they said they said. “They’re going to give each school The chess team aims to take the fi rst came in second and Texas Tech University wouldn’t be able to continue their support something like $2,250 … so I think it’s place this year. in fourth place. for right now,” Harwood said. like $9,000 split between the four schools “This year, I would defi nitely say we Grandmaster Timur Gareyev said the As a result, the previous chair of the to help with their travel expenses. It won’t want to win,” Harwood said. “We were 2010 Pan American Chess Championships college chess committee was able to get pay for everything, but it will help.” third, then we were second. I think the next was one of the hardest tournaments he has sponsorship from the Booz Allen Hamilton The President’s Cup, also known as logical progression is fi rst.” The Collegian On Campus January 17, 2011 • Page 9 Alternative Certification Program New Business dean sets sights dropped; post-bacc option offered on international accreditation By Héctor Aguilar By Michael Peña need … to establish that reputation, bachelor’s degree from an accredited Spanish Editor Webcast Editor that acknowledgement of the quality university and had an overall grade-point of the program. We need that extra T h e average of 2.75 or higher to become UTB/TSC has accreditation.” A l t e r n a t i v e certified to teach. The program consisted appointed a Rio Provost Alan Artibise has high C e r t i f i c a t i o n of two phases, which, if taken full- Grande Valley confidence in and expectations for the Program at UTB/ time, could be completed in one year. native as the new dean. Those expectations include TSC has been Upon completion of the phases, students new dean for that the new dean will help the business canceled due to a had the option of a semester of student the School of school move forward, increase its drastic decrease teaching or a one-year paid teaching Business. graduation rates, provide leadership in the number internship. Mark J. Kroll among the faculty and linking it with of applicants; It was divided into four sections. Within began his duties the community. n e v e r t h e l e s s , the early childhood section, certification on Jan. 1. Kroll is originally from Harlingen and Gayle Brogdon students will was available for bilingual generalist and Mark J. Kroll Kroll has set graduated from Rio Hondo High School. have some English as a Second Language generalist. many goals for He attended Pan American University options to spare them the grief. The middle grades and secondary grades himself and the School of Business, (now the University of Texas-Pan In the 1990’s, about 125 teachers were sections included mathematics, science such as a higher accreditation for the American) and later transferred to and English language arts and reading; certified annually through the ACP, but in business program, re-establishing Sam Houston State University, where however, social studies, speech and the past five years there have been about an undergraduate degree in finance, he received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish were available for the secondary 50 people, said College of Education offering a fifth-year experience for finance and a master’s in business Associate Dean and Certification Officer section. Lastly, kinesiology, music and accounting majors, which will help administration. Gayle Brogdon. special education were the certifications them take the CPA exam, and searching He went to work for Conoco as Guillermo Treviño learned of the available for the all-levels section. out grant opportunities for current a financial analyst until two of his program’s cancellation through a friend Prospective students for the business programs. colleagues at Sam Houston State four days before paying tuition for the postbaccalaureate program must pay “Our most important goal is to achieve University took jobs at Mississippi program. a $40 fee and submit an application, [Association to Advance Collegiate State University and persuaded him to “For me, the ACP was a way to as well as an official transcript for diversify my curriculum,” said Treviño, evaluation by the program. Afterward, Schools of Business] accreditation,” pursue an academic career there. He a mechanical engineer who was the certification office will devise a plan Kroll told The Collegian. “… I don’t went on to earn a doctorate in business scheduled to begin classes this semester. of coursework for the students to follow. think we are that far off from achieving administration from Mississippi State “What I wanted to get from there is the The students will then be able to enroll in that goal. That’s sort of the first major University. experience and the course schedule that a three-semester-credit-hour internship hurdle, or step, we need to accomplish so Kroll cited personal and professional they have. My ultimate goal is to develop in the fall and spring semesters and will that we establish the kind of reputation reasons for returning to the Valley. professional programs and focus on have to pay a $400 mentor fee, pass their for quality and credibility, not only “It gave me an opportunity to come engineering and science.” required TExES certification exams and in the community but regionally and home after being gone for years,” He plans to apply to Texas A&M then be recommended for the appropriate nationally.” he said. “… We like South Padre, the University’s master’s in human resource certificate. He explained the difference between weather, the culture. We like the people. development program after he finishes a Students unable to find a teaching the accreditation the School of Business … While this is a young university and postbaccalaureate program here. position have the option to complete six has and the higher accreditation he it doesn’t have all the accomplishments Treviño was upset the program was semester credit hours of student teaching wishes to achieve for the school. [of] a university that has been around dissolved four days before tuition was coursework and work with a mentor “[The] Southern Association of for many years, there’s a lot of potential due because he had planned the next few teacher and university supervisor for Colleges and Schools accredits this here. You have a growing community… years with the program in mind. full-day placement in a classroom. university,” Kroll said. “Business growing student body, a real need for “Dr. Gayle Brogdon was great, but Brogdon believes that a slump in the schools have an international accrediting a higher education community. … I think they need to plan things a little economy has caused school districts body, called AACSB International. … There is a real need for a higher-quality bit better; they need to communicate to reduce the number of teachers There are probably about 2,500 or so business school.” better with students. Four days is not they hire and those that are ACP business programs in the United States. Before coming to UTB/TSC, Kroll acceptable,” Treviño said. candidates are always the last ones to … Maybe 20 [percent] or 25 percent was the Maurice Tatum Endowed Students who have cleared admission be hired. He believes, however, that the are AACSB-accredited. That’s what Professor of Business and chair of into the program but have not completed postbaccalaureate program will better we mean, separate accreditation of the the Department of Management and their certification will be transferred prepare students. business school, above and beyond the Information Systems for the College of into the postbaccalaureate program and “I think that the post-bacc, even though university standard accreditation, which Business at Louisiana Tech University will be exempt from paying the program it will be more expanded in terms of is granted by SACS. But we want, we in Ruston, La. fee. Students who are currently enrolled requirements, they are going to come out in internship classes will continue the much better prepared to be a teacher,” he classes as planned. said. “I don’t anticipate anybody being Students interested in the left out in the cold,” Brogdon said. “I postbaccalaureate program may contact anticipate us … giving everyone the the Certification Office, located in For ad rates, call 882-5143. opportunity to complete the certification.” Education and Business Complex 1.102 The ACP program was intended to E, at 882-5706. allow individuals who had earned a
Cuts the UT System to make some major Continued from Page 3 investments in the Valley, particularly any detailed discussions on the matter. in [UT-]Pan Am and Brownsville, “First we do our budget reduction, our to improve higher educational revenue enhancement exercise, and see opportunities in four areas: STEM how close we come and then we decide education, energy and the environment, whether or not it’s, in our view, critical health professions and manufacturing,” that we increase costs,” he said. “It’s Artibise said. not our first option. … At this stage I This initiative will aid the nascent couldn’t guarantee that we won’t do College of Nursing and the College of that. At the same time, I wouldn’t say Biomedicine and Health Professions we’re going to do that. It’s still an open Artibise created last semester. question.” “It’s critical for both nursing and So, don’t expect a rise in tuition in biomedicine because one of the fields the immediate future. Pricing for next is health professions,” he said. “It’s year has already been determined. Plus, also going to help with the College of UTB/TSC has an unofficial “cap”: The [Science, Mathematics and Technology] university can’t have tuition increases of because within the plan are the more than 5 percent, Martinez explained. possibilities there will be funding for More recently, the University of Texas faculty positions, so we should be able System started work on the Rio Grande to grow our faculty in critical areas.” Valley Higher Education Initiative, which is “a commitment on behalf of Page 10 • January 17, 2011 Community The Collegian Shoppers welcome reusable bags By Francisco Garza said the restaurant has not been affected Brownsville’s litter problem. Many plastic The Collegian negatively by the ordinance. bags were ending up on streets and in “Some people are surprised that we are resacas, where they were choking drains The first Wednesday of the year marked giving away paper bags,” Sauceda said, and harming wildlife, according to the the beginning of a plastic bag-free adding that although he hasn’t had any city’s website. Brownsville. customer complaints, he has a limited Camarillo said that the plastic bag ban “The response has been very positive; number of paper bags and is trying to has put Brownsville on the map, having we’re finding that people are bringing conserve them. been the first city in Texas to approve such their own bags [to stores],” said Healthy Camarillo said city officials are excited an ordinance. Communities of Brownsville Executive that the public has embraced the green “Before, they would mention two things Director Rose Timmer. measure. However, some customers have [about Brownsville]: chess and the border. Timmer said the ordinance that bans requested to be given the old non-reusable Now, it’s about green initiatives,” he said. plastic bags from use by businesses is going plastic bags. Camarillo hopes that green businesses better than expected and that Brownsville “The retailers have had to explain to see what Brownsville is doing and decide residents are proud of their city. them that if they give them a plastic [bag], to bring their business here. Residents such as Norma and Manuel they will charge them a dollar fee,” he said. “It’s something that exposes the city in a Cisneros are proud of the decision the city The fee will go toward the city’s very positive way,” he said. made. They have been purchasing reusable environmental programs, recycling and Brownsville is no longer alone in this bags since last year. cleanup initiatives, according to the city’s green crusade. South Padre Island has just “We’ve been purchasing them little Web site. passed a similar ordinance and there is talk by little,” Norma Cisneros said Jan. 10 The alternative for those who don’t have of Port Isabel being next. as she and her husband left the Walmart their own reusable bags is to buy one at the The next step for a greener Brownsville, Supercenter on Boca Chica Boulevard. store. Prices range from 25 cents per bag according to both Timmer and Camarillo, District 4 City Commissioner Edward at Walmart to a little more than a dollar, is curbside recycling. Camarillo said, “It’s been wonderful to see depending on the store. Camarillo said the city has a contract the community come to the stores bringing “They pay the 25 cents vs. the dollar with BFI Allied Waste, which has selected their bags. I think that was the shocking [fee], with the understanding that you will 200 households, each of which will be part of it.” bring those bags back with you when you Leslie Barrientos/Collegian given a container in which to place certain Camarillo said the support the ordinance come back to the store,” Camarillo said. Norma Cisneros leaves the Walmart on Boca Chica recyclables such as plastic bottles, glass, has received is overwhelming. Vicente Loera of Valle Hermoso, Boulevard on Jan. 10 with her purchases in a aluminum, cardboard, paper, newspaper “We believe we saw anywhere between a Tamaulipas, Mexico, makes a shopping reusable shopping bag. for collection. good 50 [percent] to 70 percent compliance trip to Brownsville regularly. He said inventory and we are letting them finish “That will be the process for the next 90 rate at our stores here in Brownsville,” he the plastic bag ban is bothersome but their inventory,” she said. days; we hope to get some good data from said about Jan. 5, the day the ordinance necessary. Timmer added that the city’s health this program,” he said. took effect. “I tell everyone that we need to take department will be looking into stores Based on the results from this program, Although city officials expected the advantage of this opportunity to make the that keep giving plastic bags to customers the city will be able to make a mandate or major stores to be affected negatively, planet better,” Loera said. without charging them the $1 fee. start a volunteer program. Camarillo said that those were the places Timmer said that although she has seen “If they do not comply with the city For answers to frequently asked where they saw the increase in the usage of some businesses still giving out plastic ordinance, there is a fine of $500 per questions about the plastic bag ban, visit reusable bags. bags, she is going to give them the benefit transaction,” she said. http://www.cob.us/docs/announcements/ Juan Sauceda, the manager at the of the doubt. The city commission approved the PlasticBagOrdinanceFAQs.pdf. Subway at 1725 International Blvd., “They still have plastic bags in their ordinance on Dec. 22, 2009, to help stem The Collegian on C m u January 17, 2011 • Page 11 shoTs laBels
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