In Brief
Chief diversity officer to permanently sit on president’s cabinet

Sandra Sadek, News Reporter
December 6, 2019
President Denise Trauth announced a new permanent seat for the chief diversity officer on her cabinet, effective Jan. 6, 2020. The CDO's role is to ensure the university meets its strategic goals around diversity and inclusion while supporting the needs of students, faculty and staff. "As a member...
City council discusses land development code changes

Daniel Weeks, News Reporter
December 4, 2019
The San Marcos City Council met Dec. 3 to continue the ongoing discussion surrounding affordable housing issues and environmental conservation. City council voted on previously discussed ordinances, tax credits for low income housing and approved an Edwards Aquifer Conservation Plan. The council revisited...
Student Government passes new constitution

Sarah Martinez, News Reporter
November 26, 2019
After continuous Student Government meetings amending the new Student Government constitution, it passed with 21 votes. The Nov. 25 meeting began with the Joint Session Agenda, following the introduction of guest speakers Editor-in-Chief of The University Star Jakob Rodriguez and Deputy Chief Divers...
City council postpones affordable housing projects, fills committee vacancies

Michael Garcia, Special to The Star
November 20, 2019
The San Marcos City Council postponed a decision to move forward on two affordable housing projects and appointed city council members to committee vacancies. City council members met Nov. 19 to discuss the Redwood Multifamily Housing project, located at 1600 block of Redwood Road, and Bastrop Multifamily...
New constitution drafting results in long night of discussion for Student Government

Sierra Martin, News Reporter
November 19, 2019
Student Government continued its joint session, discussing changes to the new constitution in The Constitutional Overhaul and Student Government Reform Act of 2019. Monday, Nov. 18, the session continued from last week to discuss changes to the Student Government constitution. The proposed changes aim to, "reform all components of Student Govern...
City council swears in new members

Chase Rogers, Assistant News Editor
November 18, 2019
San Marcos City Council swore in two members and voted on new mayor pro tem and deputy mayor pro tem. Maxfield Baker, who garnered 50.43% of the votes and won the open seat narrowly over Mark Gleason, was officially inducted into the City Council Place 1 seat. After reciting the oath of office, Baker...
Downtown mobility hub opens to the public

Daniel Weeks, News Reporter
November 18, 2019
San Marcos' first mobility hub, a downtown commons area made for public gatherings and transit convenience, was officially opened to citizens Monday, Nov. 18. The mobility hub features bicycle parking, a small stage, picnic tables and night lighting. In the future, the hub will include a bus stop...
Two dead in traffic collision on I-35

Isabella Lopes and Jaden Edison
November 14, 2019
UPDATE: The San Marcos Police Department confirmed the identity of the two individuals killed in the Nov. 14 car accident on IH-35 southbound at the 204B Exit (CM Allen). Orlando Valdez, 29, of Corpus Christi, was driving the 2014 Chevrolet Spark, and Dana Watson, 21, of Orange Grove, was in...
Fire department investigates explosion on Chestnut Street

Sonia Garcia, News Editor
November 14, 2019
Early morning fire explosions affected seven nearby buildings at the block of 800 Chestnut St. There are no reported injuries at this time. The San Marcos Fire Department arrived at 6:11 a.m. to a fire ignited from an explosion at Aloe Eatery, located at 601 Chestnut St. A second explosion occurred...
Propane explosion closes North LBJ Drive

Sonia Garcia, News Editor
November 14, 2019
The San Marcos fire marshal responded to a propane explosion from a food truck in the area of 801 Chestnut Lane this morning, leading to road closures of North LBJ Drive at Sessom Drive, Chestnut Street at LBJ and Forest Drive at LBJ. The initial order to stay indoors and away from windows upon investigation...
Student Government makes changes to amendments included in new constitution

Sarah Martinez, News Reporter
November 12, 2019
Student Government discussed changes to the new constitution in The Constitutional Overhaul and Student Government Reform Act of 2019 at the Nov. 11 meeting. The meeting began with members of the public expressing their concerns. Jessica Lieck, political science senior, brought attention to the recent...
City council discusses mitigation plan and juvenile curfew for minors

Michael Garcia, News Reporter
November 7, 2019
City council discussed a mitigation action plan as well as the reestablishment of the juvenile curfew. Nov. 6, Community Initiatives Program Administrator Aaron Harris gave a presentation for a mitigation action plan to the San Marcos City Council. The city had received $24,012,000 in federal fundi...