T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S AT E L PA S O
VOl . 101, NO. 7
ABILITY
TO GROW
OCtObER 6, 2015
DISABILITY
with
es
dy l xia by MAriA esQuinCA The Prospector The Center for Accommodation and Support Services will host Ability Awareness Week Oct. 5-9—a week of activities, forums and exhibitions in commemoration of National Disability Employment Month. Bill Dethlefs, director of CASS, said this year marks the eighth year CASS has celebrated the month, which he said recognizes the importance of education in the employment of students with disabilities.
“We want to use this as an opportunity to not only promote inclusion of people with disabilities and awareness, but also set the stage for our students with disabilities to not only get a degree, but a career,” Dethlefs said. CASS opened in 1991 after the passage of the American With Disabilities Act, the first major civil rights legislation for people with disabilities. The center offers services for students with disabilities. As of 2014, there were 799 students with disabilities registered with CASS.
Nationally 9 percent of Americans, 56.7 million people, have a disability. “It’s a struggle every day, but you have to stand up and advocate for your rights, because then nothing is going to happen,” said Lucy Fierro, senior biology major, who is a student with a disability. “A lot of people aren’t aware of what it really means to be disabled. People feel sorry for us when that shouldn’t be. We’re human beings too, we struggle a little bit, but we just push forward.”
michaela romÁn / the ProsPector According to the DepartThis year’s NDEM theme is ment of Labor, NDEM is a “My disability is one part of national campaign that raises who I am.” The theme denotes awareness and celebrates the a larger shift, which describes contributions of workers with a disability as one characdisabilities. NDEM began as teristic of a person, rather a weeklong celebration on than their whole persona. An example of this is the usthe first week of October afage of people-first language. ter congress passed the Na“The use of people-first tional Employ the Physically language was created by Handicapped Week in 1945. people with disabilities as a In 1962, the word “physi- way of creating terms that cally” was removed, and are not offensive and dein 1988 Congress changed rogatory. Words like handithe name to NDEM and capped are no longer apexpanded the week to a propriate, handicapped is a month-long celebration. label of the entire individual,”
see ability on page 6
Photo BY michaela roman / design BY JacoBo de la rosa / the ProsPector
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3 Other El Paso Locations: 7640 North Mesa St. 9040 B Dyer St. 11915 Gateway Blvd.West
PAGE 2 October 6, 2015
perspectives
Editor-in-Chief
Luis Gonzalez, 747-7477
The underappreciated art of fashion
by Jose Soto
The Prospector
This week, the Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week will launch their fourday long event that will highlight local, national and international fashion. This event is coming at the end of the El Paso Fashion Week, which also showcased some of the local fashion artistry. Respectively, both productions aimed to expose and influence the community to the art of fashion through a myriad of shows. Now the question emerges: did it or will it do any good? Indubitably, El Paso is a thriving artistic community. The city pulsates with cultural and regional influences that embrace different art forms from sculpting and painting to musical and theatrical productions, as well as literature. The majority of El Pasoans support the local art scene in its many artistic methods except for one: fashion. The art of fashion is inconceivably underappreciated. Although the fashion community is vast enough to find support amongst themselves, the majority of the community may find it irrelevant and mistakenly unimportant. This is merely due to the fact that most El Pasoans do not see fashion as a form of art. They see fashion as a standard of luxury, the overpricing of a non-necessity, the overwhelming sense of vanity and self-centeredness. For many, there is art, there is life and then there is the delusional, fictitious world of overspending on unnecessary garments. It’s not entirely the El Paso community’s fault that there is a limited appreciation about fashion. Most of us have not been exposed to good fashion, regardless of what you define “good fashion” as. The likelihood of the matter is that the most basic fashion, the most generic, is your only example of “fashion” as an El Pasoan. We are not New York, Miami or Paris. We are right in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert on the border with Mexico. What kind of fashion would we possibly be exposed to? Events such as the Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week are the scarce few that can be taken advantage of to exemplify the art form that is fashion. Don’t misconstrue what I am saying. I am not making fun of anyone or their fashion sense-or lack there of. What I am implying is that it is not entirely our fault that the community does not perceive fashion as a form of art and, in turn, not appreciate it for what it exactly entails. We simply have not been exposed to fashion as thoroughly as other cultures and cities.
Fashion, just like any other art form, is comprised of talented visualization, execution and presentation. Designing clothes itself takes a lot of symmetrical precision as well as an understanding of visual aesthetics. Fashion designers have consistently said that the world around them is what influences their creations. Nature, architecture, paintings and history have all been cited as inspirations for fashion designs. To coordinate symmetry, fabric and visual presentation in one garment takes a lot of talent. Now, to coordinate different garments together takes whole different kind of talent. One must have an eye for fashion in order to present one hell of an outfit. Different prints and colors do not always correlate together. Neither do different patterns and fabrics. Both men’s fashion and women’s fashion are based on being able to piece an ensemble together, from head to toe. It’s much like interior design. You must have a feel for your environment and atmosphere to be able to place things together. Many El Pasoans flock to different art exhibits and expos, different musical festivals and shows, but not many will pay much attention to fashion shows. Many do not understand the amount of work and talent it takes to design fashion pieces, and that is okay. Much like different musical genres and art pieces, you have to be exposed to them to truly appreciate and understand them. That is the case with fashion. And remember, it isn’t entirely your fault if you don’t appreciate it for what it is. What is your fault, however, is being ignorant about the art form. Fashion doesn’t necessarily have to be your niche, but it doesn’t have to take the back burner in your artfully cluttered mind. Learn about it and take some interest in it, even if it is the most minimal amount of interest you have toward something. Pay attention to the fashion around you. It’s kind of like mobile pieces of art. Pay attention and you’ll see color schemes, prints, structure and design all around you. Zeitgeist is one of my favorite words. It means the “spirit of the timeframe, the general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period of time.” There are few things that can define the zeitgeist of your generation. Fashion will always be one of them. By no means am I implying that everyone should wear designer clothing and be adorned in current fashion trends. Fashion itself implies the particular liking of something or someone. You don’t have to be voted the “best dressed” in order to appreciate fashion. Simply be aware of what the art form consists of and the amount of talent it takes to pull it off. Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@ gmail.com.
STAFF V O L . 1 0 1 , n o . 7 Editor-in-Chief: Luis Gonzalez Asst. Managing Editor: Maria Esquinca Layout Editor: Jacobo De La Rosa Copy Editor: Alonso Moreno Sports Editor: Javier Cortez Entertainment Editor: Jose Soto Photo Editor: Michaela Román Multimedia Editor: Christopher Zacherl Staff Photographers: Andres Martinez, Sergio Zamora Staff Reporters: Julio-César Chávez, Julia Hettiger, Fernanda León, Juan Carlos Navarrete, Cartoonist: Omar Hernandez Contributors: Adrian Broaddus, Juan Corral, Jonathon Duarte, Valerie Herrera, Valeria Terrazas,
Angel Ulloa Ad Executive: Valeria Delgado, Alexandra Martinez, Mariel Mora Ad Layout Manager: Edgar Hernandez Ad Designers: Jacobo De La Rosa Vanessa Guevara Administrative Secretary: Marcela Luna Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Asst. Director-Advertising: Veronica Gonzalez Student Publications Director: Kathleen Flores
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Letters will be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters over 250 words are subject to editing to fit available space. Please include full name, street address and telephone number and e-mail address, plus major, classification and/or title if applicable. Address and phone number will be used for verification only. Write to 105 E. Union, e-mail theprospectordaily.news@gmail.com, call 747-7477 or fax to 747-8031. The Prospector is published by the Student Publications Editorial Board, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print once per week on Tuesdays during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector does provide news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.
THEPROSPECTOR
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Taking a bullet for student safety
andres martinez / The Prospector Lecturer David Smith Soto wages his personal battle against Senate Bill 11.
By Alonso Moreno The Prospector
As students headed into class in the Cotton Memorial Building, room 104, they were met with a sign that sent a simple, but strong message—“No Guns Allowed.”
I will probably lose my job, but guns just don’t belong in the classroom.
- David Smith-Soto, senior lecturer
The sign is lecturer David SmithSoto’s response to the passing of Senate Bill 11. On June 13 of this year Senate Bill 11 became law. The bill would allow concealed weapons in institutions of higher education, albeit with a proper license. The controversial bill sparked heated debate amongst state politicians, law enforcement and university faculty and administration. Smith-Soto took a simple and clear stand-no guns in his classroom. “I just think that guns don’t belong in the classroom,” Smith-Soto said. “I can say it in a one-note paper and I think legislation went too far with this one.”
Smith-Soto is motivated by several factors, but the most obvious and clear one for him is the tragic school shootings that have become all too common in the US. His fear and reasoning are not unfounded. In the wake of the Umpqua Community College incident, (Mass Shooting Tracker) reported that in 2015 alone, there have been 297 incidents, 1,094 wounded and 379 deaths resulting from mass shootings in the United States. If we combine the data for 2013, 2014 and 2015 the result is 3,611 wounded and 1,264 deaths. From these events, at least 142 of them have been school shootings since the December 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Conn. “I was not aware that the numbers were that high, it’s something you expect from a warzone,” said Enrique Portugal, senior Spanish major. “Even if this has been spread out through multiple years, it’s completely unacceptable.” What started as a simple, personal battle for Smith-Soto has now begun to gather traction into a statewide movement as University of Texas faculty members have started a group named Gun-Free UT. They also started a Facebook group as well that, as of right now, consists of 1,099 members and has more than 3,000 signatures on their petition. Smith-Soto said that he is happy that his actions have inspired fellow faculty members to take a stand against guns in classrooms. “After the Delta (Delta State University) shooting, TV (KFOX) got a hold of me and after the interview the whole world knew about it,” Smith-Soto said. “That’s when the UT (University of Texas) people found
out what I was doing and contacted me. Apparently I inspired them to do what they are doing, and all I could say was that I was glad, because I was beginning to feel a little lonely here.” Although Smith-Soto is clear about the way he is staging his protest, he is also mindful of what he expects the outcome to be. “First of all, I don’t expect the sign at the door to stop anyone from coming in, people can say that a sign does not stop anyone and of course it does not, but it’s symbolic,” Smith-Soto said. “But my dream is that a sign go up in every room of the university system to show that we are opposed.” When asked about an ultimate goal, Smith-Soto said that he hopes someone takes the law into court, where an injunction will first take place and then possibly the law will be found to be unconstitutional. However, the scenario of a possible injunction or repeal of the law seems improbable according to Todd Curry, UTEP political science professor. “It’s going to be a hard sell in the state of Texas considering the way we choose our judges, which
is popular elections,” Curry said. “Therefore, the judges tend to represent whatever the dominant political culture of the state, which in ours seems to be pretty pro-gun.” Curry also mentioned that there could be an attempt at a federal argument, but that would also prove very
difficult
considering
there
are multiple states that have similar laws that have attempted legal challenges and have not succeeded. As Aug. 1, 2016 approaches, Smith-Soto
is
clear
about
his
course of action if someone carries a gun into his classroom. “I will call it a day and dismiss the class,” Smith-Soto said. “I will probably lose my job, but guns just don’t belong in the classroom.” Alonso Moreno may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 4 | NEWS
October 6, 2015
Regional economics drive gas price changes By Julio Cesar Chavez The Prospector
sergio zamora / The Prospector Gas prices in the El Paso area can fluctuate by more than a dollar depending on which station you stop at.
According to GasBuddy.com, a crowd-sourced gasoline price aggregator, gas prices in El Paso can differ by more than a dollar depending on which station you purchase at, and this may end up costing students money. While no station will always have the lowest prices, accounting for economic factors that affect what you pay at the pump could help students’ budgets. “If the gas station by my house has it more expensive than around school and I have enough gas I’ll pump at school,” said Katie Gallegos, a junior marketing major. “If I don’t have enough gas then I have to put it just enough to get me to school so it’ll be cheaper.” While gas prices are determined by a variety of different factors, seeing why they differ is not an exact science. Variables such as income, inventory levels and seasonal demand can all have an effect on what drivers pay at the gas pump, but weather and global changes
can cause some of the elements to have a smaller effect than usual. Tom Fullerton, an economics professor at UTEP, believes that inventory levels are for the most part what determines gas prices in El Paso “Probably what is going on (in El Paso) is gas prices are being driven by inventory levels,” Fulleton for
said. the
“Inventory
supply
accounts
and
demand.”
When gas stations such as those on the West side are spaced farther apart they have less direct competition, which raises prices. Another issue that comes up with certain stations being farther apart is the demand is concentrated more on particular stations, which drives their gas inventory down and increases prices more than the lack of competition by itself. The data from GasBuddy, however, shows that although prices at spacedout stations are generally higher, no side of town is more expensive as they all fall under a moderate 25-cent range. This 25 cent difference would mean paying $3.75 more to fill up a 15-gallon tank if filled at the more expensive station instead of the cheaper. Something particular to El Paso, Fullerton said, is the added option of people not only going to a different station down the street in search of lower prices, but also crossing the border. He explained how, if prices are low enough in Ciudad Juarez, some may go south in search of cheaper fuel. The threat of losing customers to another country could bring prices down in the Sun City. However, prices are not the only point of discussion when it comes to pumping gas. Some students think the gasoline sold in Mexico is not of the same quality as the U.S. “Sometimes, if I’m already in Juarez, I’ll pump just enough to get over the border,” said Karen Hernandez, a junior education major. “The gas doesn’t last as long, so it’s not worth much, even if it’s cheaper.” With gas prices being as steady as they are throughout the region, Fullerton said we may expect the cost of filling up at the pump to decrease throughout the next few months. “Right riod
now
of
around
we’re
demand
in
decline
Thanksgiving,”
he
a
peuntil said.
Fullerton detailed how expanding economies raise prices, while recessions bring them down. With the summer driving season over, the lower demand could bring gas prices down, until people start driving home for the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. Julio Cesar Chavez may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 6 | NEWS ability from page 1 Dethlefs said. “People-first language instead looks at a disability as a characteristic or an attribute.” Ability Awareness Week will include educational seminars, a wheelchair exhibition and a resource fair. Thirty exhibitors will be present at the resource fair, featuring a health and disability-related vendor and service provider exhibition, disabilityrelated sports clinic and demonstrations, and a career fair of employers invested in hiring people with disabilities, including Alorica Inc., Goodwill Industries, Pride Industries, ReadyOne Industries, Workforce Solutions Borderplex and Verizon Wireless. In addition, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services will publicly recognize employers that have made a commitment to hire people with disabilities. “We have quite a few employers contacting our office,” Dethlefs said. “They want to hire people with disabilities, which is major change from what it’s been in the past,” Dethlefs said. According to Dethlefs, the change is attributed to a series of reforms and laws that mandate federal employers hire people with disabilities.
October 6, 2015
In 2014, President Barack Obama signed the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act into law, which places responsibilities on Cabinet-level agencies such as the Department of Education and Labor, to increase employment of workers with disabilities. Section 503 of the Rehabilitative Act was modified and mandates that 7 percent of employees from federal contractors be workers with disabilities. Executive Order 13548, which was issued by President Obama in 2010, cited that only 5 percent of the nearly 2.5 million people in the federal workforce were people with disabilities. The order called for 100,000 individuals with disabilities to be employed by the federal government over five years. According to the Office of Personal Management, after four years, 57,491 federal workers with disabilities have been hired. “We still have a problem with many employers who look at a person and decide what they can’t do, instead of what they can do,” Dethlefs said. “We have made a commitment ourselves to hire people with a disability and make sure that opportunity is extended.” Maria Esquinca may be reached at the prospectordialy. news@gmail.com.
angel ulloa / The Prospector Dennette R. Vaughn speaks on the “History of the ADA” at the opening session of Ability Awareness Week.
PAGE 7 October 6, 2015
entertainment
Editor
JOSE SOTO, 747-7477
‘West Side Story’ to finally premiere at UTEP Dinner Theatre
BY JULIA HETTIGER The Prospector
One of the most recognized and highly acclaimed musicals in Broadway history, “West side Story,” a timeless adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” that was written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, will premiere at the UTEP Dinner Theatre on Oct. 9. This is the first time the UDT will present “West Side Story,” which follows the rivalry between two New York City teenage gangs, the Sharks and the Jets in the 1950s. Both gangs are composed of different ethnicities and are competing for control of their neighborhood. Circumstances escalate when Tony, a former member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader. Hugo Arreola, who will be playing the lead role of Tony, said landing the role is an incredible opportunity. “I had my sights on Tony in ‘West Side Story’ for almost six years,” Arreola said. “To say that I’m excited is an understatement.” Jaime Barba, one of the costume designers at the UDT and director of the show, said he chose to do “West Side Story” because he thought it would be a good fit. “Every season, I get to direct one show and I usually get to pick the show that I direct, and I went to the planning meeting with ‘West Side Story’ in mind,” Barba said. “It was a show that I knew our audiences would love. It is one of the most beloved classic musicals ever written. The music, the songs and the dancing, I thought we could do and do well, and I felt we had the performers we needed to do this show.” Barba also said he felt the theme of the musical is still something that is relevant today. “The re-telling of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in a modern setting highlights societal issues that are still at the forefront in 2015, 58 years after the show originally premiered,” Barba said. “The issues of discrimination based on race, prejudices, street violence are all topics you will see on any nightly news today, and I felt this story still needs to be told and today’s audiences can still identify with these issues.”
Arreola said what he looks forward to the most when performing in this show is the emotional journey it will take him and the audience on. “This role calls for plenty of emotional ups and downs,” Arreola said. “To express that through singing and performance is unlike anything else.”
I had my sights on Tony in ‘West Side Story’ for almost six years.
- Hugo Arreola, role of Tony in West Side Story During the auditions, Barba said he looked for someone who could truly move with the music and bring in a personality that suits the storyline. “I look for personality and I look for confidence,” Barba said. “Those are traits that an actor onstage needs to have to make a character memorable, and for this show they obviously had to dance as well, so someone who could move was essential.” Barba said that when he is going into an audition, he has an idea of what he is looking for in an actor. “I try to see that particular person in the part that they are auditioning for,” Barba said. “An audition is like the actor’s job interview, so that actor has to show me that I need to hire them over someone else.” Rachel Robins, a junior music theater major, said she is going to see “West Side Story” because she enjoys the UDT’s shows. “I want to see it because I love musicals and ‘West Side Story’ is a classic,” Robins said. “Also, I have a lot of friends in the show.” As a performer who has been in multiple UDT productions, Robins also said she expects a lot from the show.
“I expect the high standard that comes with a dinner theater show,” Robins said. “And since it’s a dance-heavy show, I know the dancing is going to be on point.” The menu for the dinner performances includes chicken wellington with veloute sauce, pasta roma, garden salad with house dressing, snowflake dinner rolls, coffee and iced tea. For dessert, brownie a la mode will be served. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday matinee dinner tickets are $31.50 for UTEP students, $39.50 for UTEP faculty and staff. Adult tickets for general public are $41.50 and $39.50 for children. Friday and Saturday tickets are $34.50 for UTEP students, $39.50 for UTEP faculty and staff. Adult tickets for the general public are $46.50 and $44.50 for children. All military get a discount with a valid ID. For more information about “West Side Story” and the UTEP Dinner Theatre, call 747-6060. Julia Hettiger may be reached at theprospector.ent@ gmail.com.
michaela roman / The Prospector The UTEP Dinner Theatre will present “West Side Story” starting Oct 9.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 8 | ENTERTAINMENT
October 6, 2015
Chalk the Block returns to downtown El Paso
file photo / The Prospector Chalk The Block will take place throughout downtown El Paso Oct. 9 through Oct. 11.
BY FERNANDA LEON
EN
S
ENORMOUS ORMOU SANDWICHES !
SANDWICHES!
Delicious, Plentiful and
CLOSE TO UTEP! 2400 N. Oregon 79902 (915) 351-8005
OctoberSpecial: Philly Cheese Steak $6.99 10% off for Miners with ID
The Prospector
The highly-anticipated and celebrated annual festival that decorates the downtown area with vibrant colors and artistic depictions will return this week. Chalk the Block, which helps promote the importance of art in El Paso, will take place from Oct. 9 through Oct.11 in the Downtown Arts District. The event will be full of interactive ways to allow the community to experience art in a fun and engaging manner. In 2008, Chalk the Block started off as a small sidewalk chalk art competition that featured 12 artists. Due to its popularity, organizers saw the need for more space and to make the event bigger. “It is going on its eighth year in 2015 and is now host to more than 30,000 people throughout three days and is the largest interactive public arts festival in the region,” said Christopher Espinoza, production and marketing coordinator for El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs
Department. “The event is host to local, regional, national and international-featured art installations.” Chalk the Block also features a sidewalk chalk-art competition, popup murals, live music performances, museum access, kids zone, giveaways, food vendors and art vendors. One aspect that highlights the growth of the festival is the participation of some UTEP’s graphic design students as art vendors. “This year, 15 students and I will be selling posters we designed at a vendor’s booth for the duration of the weekend,” said Anne Giangiulio, associate graphic design professor at UTEP. Giangiulio said her graphic design students created a “Chalk the Block” poster as an assignment that, once done, was later evaluated by her and the rest of the graphic design professors in order to select students to participate in the event. “We all (the professors) had different favorites,” Giangiulio said. “The students did a great job coming up with such varied designs for the same assignment.” The selected posters are screen printed by Proper Printshop. Giangiulio said the shop has been working with the project since 2012. “Each poster is a limited edition, only 20 were printed of each design, so besides the fact they are beautiful, that makes them extra special,” Giangiulio said. From cowboys and astronauts, to crocodiles and chickens, each poster the students made is entirely different and original. “The night before class, I had my sketch book opened, when I saw a picture of a rooster on Facebook. Instantly I thought of a chicken and an egg cracking with lots of colors coming out of the egg,” said Karla Maciel, junior art major. “Since the poster only had to include three colors, I had to change the idea of colors coming out and replace it with the name of the event instead.” Jorge Baca, senior media advertising major, and Maciel are two of the
15 UTEP students who had their posters selected for “Chalk the Block.” “I was inspired by the western history of El Paso to create a piece that I call ‘Ready to Draw,’ which portrays a cowboy’s duel of chalk,” Baca said. Both Baca and Maciel said the importance of these kind of events in the community is allowing members of the community to express themselves and to experience the richness of the culture on the border. “I think El Paso needs more events like ‘Chalk the Block’ to let local artists express themselves and give them the opportunity to share their work with the public,” Maciel said. Through the years, “Chalk the Block” has proved to be an event full of fun and surprises that go hand-in-hand with art. The event not only lets people to see the art, but also to experience it through different interactive pieces. For
more
“Chalk
the
information Block,”
visit
about www.
chalktheblock.com or visit their Facebook
page
at
www.face-
book.com/chalktheblockelpaso Fernanda Leon may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
El Pasoans travel to see Pope Francis in support of families
amanda guillen/ SHFWIRE Crystal Zapata, 19, takes a selfie Tuesday with her mother, Lourdes Zapata, 39, in front of the White House
by amanda guillen SHFwire WASHINGTON – As they stood in front of the White House snapping pictures, about 50 members of the Neocatechumenal Way in El Paso, Texas, were still reeling from their experiences following Pope Francis’ tour of the United States. For these El Pasoans, distance did not matter when it came to seeing the pope and participating in
the Festival of Families that took place on Sept. 26 in Philadelphia. Of the 80 people who took part in the pilgrimage, eight were members of the Zapata family. Lourdes Zapata, 39, a stay-at-home mother to her six children, coordinated the trip with her husband, Roberto, 44. The group went to New York, Philadelphia and Washington. Zapata said that, aside from seeing the pope, one of the group’s main goals was to show support for the Catholic Church and the traditional family.
She said that Catholicism is an integral part of her family’s foundation. “We see how good God has been to us, and we have no other way to thank him than to give our lives to him. We have opened ourselves to life and having as many kids as God wants us to. It has not been easy to do, but he has been really good to us,” Zapata said. At the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, Pope Francis spoke about those issues.
see POPE on page 9
THEPROSPECTOR
ENTERTAINMENT | 9 |
October 6, 2015
The Merdeces-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week showcases high-end designs BY JOSE SOTO
The Prospector
For four days, the artistic and fashionable talent of our region will be on display at the Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week, an event that aims to highlight and celebrate the fashion of the Southwest. Already in it’s fifth year, the production will continue to exhibit the work of local and national fashion designers and retailers, make-up and hair artists, as well as local salons and spas through a series of receptions, parties and shows. The fashion week officially kicks off at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the launch party at Mesa Street Bar and Grill, located at 3800 N. Mesa St. The following three days will host an array of fashion shows, where local models will work the catwalk while wearing the likes of Andre Soriano and Masai, among an array of other designers. Allen Davie, event manager for the Merdeces-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week, has been managing the show during it’s entire five-year run. He said the fashion industry in the area benefits from the production. “I believe this event definitely enhances and impacts our El Paso community,” Davie said. “Within the past five years, the Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week has evolved and grown each year, bringing some of the top upcoming designers in the fash-
POPE from page 8 “All of the love that God has in himself, all the beauty that he has in himself, he gives it to the family, and the family is really family when it is able to open its arms and receive all that love,” he said. The Zapata family had been saving up for a new car and dining set but quickly put that aside when they heard about the pope’s visit. Julie Orona, a sales worker in El Paso, said that, although she was unsure if she would be able to make the trip, everything fell together.
We feel that the family is the foundation of America and everything.
- Lourdes Zapata, stay-at-home mother of six, trip coordinator Orona is divorced and has one son and two grandchildren. She said that, although times can be hard, this group and her faith have brightened her spirits. “These families, we back them up. It is hard being single, but seeing them, you live, you live through them and you want to see that,” she said. “You encourage them, and they encourage you and you see that there is a God.” Orona’s trip was filled with spiritual and fun moments. While waiting along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia to see the pope pass by in his white Jeep Wrangler, she saw him bless two babies, one of whom was dressed like the pope. The El Paso chapter of the Neocatechumenal Way traveled more than 2,000 miles to see the pope and to support the Catholic Church
ion industry such as Benito Santos, David Salomon, Andre Soriano, Rafi Ridwan, Jaer Caban, Masai and many others. This event displays local, fashionable talent. It brings designers inspiration, networking and launching opportunities.” Davie said the team works on creating the event a month after the previous year’s show comes to an end. With each year, the production gets bigger and better.
I believe this event definitely enhances and impacts our El Paso community
- Allen Davie Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week event manager “Our first year, we had an El Paso designer, Masai, who has showcased and families. About 50 of the 80 group members visited the White House before catching a plane home. The group landed in New York on Friday and took a bus to Philadelphia for papal events Saturday and Sunday. There, they attended a vocational meeting with members of the group and the main founder of the worldwide Neocatechumenal Way. The Neocatechumenal Way supports adults in their ongoing education in faith and strongly supports families. The group arrived in Washington at 9 a.m. on Sept. 29 for a tour of the Capitol and a meeting with Rep. Beto O’Rourke, the Democrat who represents El Paso in Congress. The group was all smiles as they walked up Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House for a quick look and photos. They caught a 3 p.m. flight to El Paso. The cross country trip was something that Zapata knew would be
his collection all over Los Angeles and has been featured in ‘Good Morning America,’ ‘E! News,’ and has had celebrities wear his gowns,” Davie said. “The past year, we brought David Salomon and Benito Santos, who both are very-well known in Mexico. They have been featured in ‘MercedesBenz Fashion Week Mexico,’ Vogue, Marie Claire, and have worked also with top celebrities. This year we are featuring Rafi Rinwad, who has been featured on ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ cycle 20. We also have Jaer Caban, who has been on ‘New York Fashion Week,’ ‘Puerto Rico Fashion Week’ and ‘Missouri Style Week’ and many others. We are also featuring designers from San Diego, Dallas, Los Angeles and London.” Andrea Salomon Herrera, one of the participating models and owner of On and Off Showroom, a recently opened jewelry store in Westside El Paso, said these kind of events are putting El Paso on the map of the fashion industry. “El Paso’s fashion scene is small compared to other cities, but it’s definitely growing,” Salomon Herrera said. “There has been a lot of growth recently and these fashion shows help highlight that growth.” Salomon Herrera said she traveled to LA to study fashion and has returned to pursue her career here in El Paso. a financial burden on many, so she worked to get inexpensive air fares. The total cost of the trip was $625, excluding some meals and souvenirs. Three families opted to drive the nearly 4,400-mile round trip. Zapata said that her family’s experience was once in a lifetime. “We thought it was really important to put things aside and to put money towards this. We decided as a family that it was important to come and show our support for the family,” she said. “We feel that the family is the foundation of America and everything. It is where our next generation grows and becomes good citizens.” Reach reporter Amanda Guillen at amanda. guillen@scripps.com or 202-408-1490. SHFWire stories are free to any news organization that gives the reporter a byline and credits the SHFWire. Like the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire interns on Facebook, Instagram and follow us on Twitter.
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“Some of that passion I have includes modeling, so that’s the reason I decided to participate in the event,” Salomon Herrera said. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fashion of El Paso Week not only promotes local fashion designers, but also displays the works on national and international designers. This allows El Paso to have the opportunity to be exposed to high fashion and get to know different and unique brands.” Salomon Herrera designs some of the jewelry at On and Off Showroom, which will be used for the ‘Vanessa by Vanessa’ fashion show. Jaer Caban, one of the fashion designers, said he got involved with the event during a visit to New York. “I was there presenting a capsule collection of my spring-summer 2016 proposal during ‘Latin Fashion Week,’” Caban said. “I then received a call from Wilhelmina Bazaar Model Management to become part of the Mercedes Benz of El Paso Fashion Week.” Caban said he will be presenting that collection during his fashion show in El Paso. “I will be presenting my springsummer 2016 collection, which is inspired in the art deco of Puerto Rico, with a very fashion-forward twist,” Caban said. “I believe that this event will open new business
opportunities in Texas and internationally. I would love to continue traveling there and make El Paso one of my main travel destinations every year. I have heard great things from the community and I am eager to meet all the fabulous people.” Caban said El Paso can expect a very fashion-forward collection with a pronounced Latin inspiration. The second round of fashion shows will be held at 8:30 p.m., Oct. 8 at Cutter Aviation, located at 1771 Shuttle Columbia Dr. The shows will continue the following day at 8 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Showroom, located at 1122 Airway Blvd. A “Polo With a Mission” event will be hosted on Oct. 10, which marks the final day of fashion week, at the Rancho Santa Maria Polo Club, located at 8201 Luciano Road in Vinton, Texas. Doors will open at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http:// www.fashionweekelpaso.com. Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent@ gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 10 | ENTERTAINMENT
by ADriAn broADDus The Prospector
When you mix the likes of Bon Iver and Andre 3000, and you fuse together jazzy soul music with hip hop and folk, then combine electric guitar with soothing rap, you get Raury, the 19-year-old artist straight out of Stone Mountain in East Atlanta. After being honored as one of XXL Magazine’s 2015 Freshman Class, all eyes are on the Southeastern native and his upcoming freshman album “All We Need.” Signed by Columbia Records in late 2014, Raury Alexander Tullis (the artist’s full name) was well received in the underground, indie hip-hop scene with his first mixtape, “Indigo Child.” The first lines that he says on the record are, “We are the truth, we are forever, we are the youth, we are together.” In those 14 words, Raury labels himself as a voice of his generation. The rest of the album features groovy, easy-listening tracks such as “Cigarette Song” and “Superfly.” The six-track mixtape he released nearly a year ago alludes to the start of what could be a marvelous career.
Onto his upcoming first album, Raury hopes to live up to the high expectations with his first 14-track album. “All We Need,” which will be released under Columbia Records, is set to be released on Oct. 16 and is already available for preorder on iTunes. The album features notable artists such as Big K.R.I.T., RZA, Tom Morello and Key. Before the album, Raury released two singles, “Devil’s Whisper” and “Friends,” featuring Tom Morello. “Devil’s Whisper” gives an absolutely perfect glimpse into the album. It features a harmonized chorus, a soft acoustic guitar riff and rhythmic drums. Raury kicks off the song with a soulful line, “You better run from the devil,” which then transitions to an R and B-sounding verse. The theme of the devil’s temptation soars throughout the song, and is expressed in the first verse as Raury sings, “Young boy, trying to rule the world I see/Well young boy, I can give you everything… But first, you gotta listen to me.” The first single to the album offers a juxtaposition to Raury’s older song
OCtObER 6, 2015
“God’s Whisper,” but this time the devil is trying to steer Raury away from his goals and what God wants for him. The most notable part of this track is when Raury starts to rap and seemingly talks back to all the voices of temptations. He spits, “Cause I could be MLK, I could be Juicy J, Or a lame on Instagram that shows the world his AK,” which adds to the credibility of Raury for being a laid-back, good-vibe artist. At the same time, he is also a positive influence on a generation, without having to show people that he’s tough with an AK-47. Raury was invited by Stephen Colbert to perform this single on Sept. 23 on “The Late Show.” Before his performance, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke to Colbert about his election and, as Trump exited the building, Raury stole the stage with his Mexico jersey with “Trump” crossed out on the back. Raury later explained to Vice News that “Trump embodies separation, solving problems with anger, fear and personal differences. I’m all about the opposite, about being inclusive and open.”
In his second single “Friends,” Raury offers encouraging words, “You see a broken man, take ‘em by the hand, adjust, help them understand.” In this track, the Atlanta artist focuses on influencing others to meet new people and become friends with people throughout the world. The track sounds like floating on clouds and Raury takes the listener to different places, embodying influences from the places he’s visited.
sPecial to the ProsPector Peaceful songs, advocating for human’s rights and fighting to be in the limelight are what make up the 19-year-old Raury Tullis. With “All We Need,” Raury is sure to stand under the mainstream spotlight, while staying true to his influential words. Adrian broaddus may be reached at theprospectordaily. entertainment@gmail.com
PAGE 11 October 6, 2015
Sports
Editor
Javier Cortez, 747-7477
Miners look to bounce back against FIU after disappointing homecoming “We are bare bones,” Kugler said. “(When) you lose your entire starting backfield and it’s tough to regroup.” In their first conference game, the offense was left in the hands of Metz, who, unlike his past two games, couldn’t stimulate the offense effectively.
The goal is still to go to a bowl game and win. (The UTSA loss) was a minor setback to a major bounce back. ANDRES MARTINEZ/ The Prospector The UTEP football team opened conference play with a 25-6 defeat to the UTSA Roadrunners this past Saturday.
By Adrian Broaddus The Prospector After a frustrating 25-6 loss in their Conference USA home opener against the UTSA Roadrunners, UTEP football head coach Sean Kugler and the Miners will look to rally behind freshman quarterback Ryan Metz with the hope of breaking even on the road against the Florida International Panthers. “We’re right where we were last year, whether they want to hear it or not,” Kugler said. “We’re 2-3. We lost our first conference game in an embarrassing fashion; and they have two options - they either come together as
a team and they fight, or they fracture and split up into small groups and become losers. I will not allow that to happen. I am the head coach here and I’m going to choose the latter. I’m going to fight and do everything I can to try to fix this thing.” As Kugler explained, the 2-3 (0-1) record reflects some similarity to the 2014 season, in which they started in the exact same fashion. However, the Miners from last year had Jameill Showers, Wesley Miller and a healthy Aaron Jones. This year, the squad must advance without their initial weapons on offense and some of the top impact players on defense. Although Metz
filled the spot at starting quarterback when Mack Leftwich suffered a concussion, the Miners have not been able to fill the void left at the running back position, which was held by Aaron Jones. Losing both Jones and Darrin Laufasa early in the season leaves the options for a tailback very limited for the offense. Against the Roadrunners, the defense experienced their share of injuries. Alvin Jones, who produced 10 tackles and three sacks, Ishmael Harrison and Kelvin Fisher finished the game injured according to head coach Sean Kugler.
- Ryan Metz, Freshman starting quaterback Metz threw four interceptions in the loss, which resulted in 13 points for UTSA. Despite the discouraging loss, the junior quarterback knows that he, with the help of his teammates, will rally back in the coming weeks. “My receivers, on the passes that were completed, made me look good,” Metz said. “I wasn’t me (against UTSA). This week at practice, I’m going to have to go out there and just be myself. That’s something I went away from. We’re going to have a good
week of practice this week. These guys are going to rally around me, and that’s the most awesome thing.” Entering next Saturday’s game, both Conference USA teams show distinct similarities. FIU, like UTEP, has a 2-3 (0-1) record. Similar to the Miners, FIU also struggles on the offensive side, and was outgained last weekend 188-495 against UMass. However, unlike the hometown team, the Panthers have an experienced gunslinger with Alex McGough, who has 1,129 passing yards and 10 touchdowns thus far. McGough is sure to seek out his favorite receiver amongst the FIU secondary, Thomas Owens, the 6-foot1-inch sophomore who has 349 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The FIU Panthers also can run the ball smoothly. Alex Gardner, the Panthers’ running back, averages 16.8 carries per game and has gained 315 yards thus far. FIU is coming off a staggering 2414 loss against UMass, leaving the Panthers hungry for redemption. Like the Panthers, the Miners will play with high expectations to secure a victory. Metz continues to have faith in his team, and has bigger plans for the coming season. “It’s a long season,” Metz said. “We still have seven games, and there’s nothing saying that we can’t go on to still play in a conference championship game, and that’s the goal. The goal is still to go to a bowl game and win. (The UTSA loss) was a minor setback to a major bounce back.” Adrian Broaddus may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
Miners looking to build off three game road trip er situation, possibly in 11th or 12th place in conference. “That’s what we were just talking about. They are probably the two best in the conference coming out with two ties is a lot better than if
We’ve shown with the young team, that we can play with anybody, but everybody’s got to bring their best game SERGIO ZAMORA/ The Prospector The UTEP women’s soccer team has an 8-4-2 overall record on the season.
By Juan Carlos Navarrete The Prospector The UTEP women’s soccer team is gearing up for their final road trip of the season, where they will face UTSA, LA Tech and Southern Miss. The Miners are 8-4-2 overall, and 1-12 in conference. They find themselves in ninth place in Conference USA, which currently
puts them out of the top 25 in the NCAA RPI ranking. The Miners are coming off two draws at home this past weekend in conference play. The first draw was against a strong Western Kentucky team by a score of 1-1. Western Kentucky is fourth in conference. The second tie came against Marshall, who is second place in Conference USA.
The lone goal for the Miners was from Bri Thomas, whose first goal of the season could not have come at a better time. “After our goal, we had a lot more energy, we got more physical and the ref was calling all our stuff,” said team captain Angela Cutaia. “We could tell they were getting frustrated about that” Had the Miners lost against Marshall, they would be in a much bleak-
- Kevin Cross, UTEP women’s soccer head coach we were to lose both games,” Cutaia said. “Knowing that our best can potentially beat these teams, going into the rest of these games gives us a lot of confidence.” The Miners also held their own against Western Kentucky earlier in the week. The 1-1 draw against one of the top teams in the conference bodes well for the Miners.
“It proves that when we play our best, we can beat anybody in the conference,” said head coach Kevin Cross. “So that’s what we’ve shown with the young team, that we can play with anybody, but everybody’s got to bring their best game.” The Miners are now are looking to go up a couple spots with the upcoming road trip. UTSA and Southern Miss are two of the bottom three teams in the conference and offer UTEP a little bit of a softer schedule. The Miners, however, should not overlook UTSA although they are lower in the standings than the Miners. “We are going to take it one at the time like we always do. We are going to focus on UT San Antonio.” coach Cross said. “We are just going to take it one at a time. They have an excellent team. They went overtime with Marshall, so we are just going to take it one at a time.” After the road trip, the Miners are back home to take on Charlotte, who sits at 11th place, Old Dominion, who is ahead of UTEP at eighth, and for their toughest opponent yet, Middle Tennessee, who is in first. Juan Carlos Navarrete may be reached at theprospectordaily.sports@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 12 | SPORTS
October 6, 2015
Clutch Cutaia making senior season count rankings, she assisted Bri Thomas for the game-tying goal. “The big thing is she comes up in big moments,” said head coach Kevin Cross. “I don’t think she likes us to call her clutch, but that’s really what she is.” Known for her quiet demeanor and lead-by-example approach, Cutaia is at the top in almost every one of UTEP’s offensive categories. This year she has nine goals, four of them game winners, 23 shots on goal and has tallied 21 points—all team highs. Her four game-winning goals this season make it 12 for her career, which has her tied for most in program history. Those are only some of the recent achievements out of the many she has tallied over her decade and a half as an athlete. Success is something she was acsergio zamora/ The Prospector customed to well before coming to Senior forward Angela Cutaia leads the team in goals scored with nine. El Paso. “She’s a winner,” Cross said. “Wins “I’m not one of those flashy for- at everything she does.” By Luis Gonzalez wards,” Cutaia said. “I just like to go A multiple sport athlete, she earned The Prospector out there and work hard for my team.” four letters in soccer, basketball and Scoring is not very easy in socThis weekend, as UTEP soccer volleyball, and three in badminton, cer, which is why it is impressive faced two of its toughest opponents while attending Notre Dame Secondwhen someone can do it consis- of the season, senior forward Cutaia ary School. She was a team captain in tently. That is what senior forward did what she has done most of her soccer, volleyball and basketball as a and captain Angela Cutaia does for career as a Miner. On Friday night, senior, and among her accomplishthe UTEP women’s soccer team– playing against Western Kentucky— ments while at Notre Dame are three she produces. If there is a goal, she ranked 70 out of over 300 teams in Halton region championships—in more than likely is involved—espe- the national RPI rankings—the ball both soccer and basketball—all-recially if it’s crunch time. flew into the penalty box, where gion honors all three years, Provincial You won’t see much flare from the around 15 players were fighting to get AAAA soccer OFSAA gold medalist Burlington, Ontario native, not many to it. When the keeper came off her in 2009 and bronze in 2011, when she crossovers, complicated turns or line, looking to control the ball with was the soccer MVP. fancy footwork, but the simple and her hands, she missed and there was Her success was not limited to high effective manner with which Cutaia Cutaia to take advantage of the mis- school. Playing club soccer, Cutaia plays the beautiful game is impressive take. On Sunday afternoon, playing was a member of the Ontario Cup by itself. against Marshall, No. 43 in the RPI Champions in 2006, semi-finalists in
2011, a finalist in 2011’s Burlington Heat and she was named the city of Burlington’s Junior Female Athlete of the Year. She also did gymnastics for 12 years. All of the multiple sport success could have made it hard to pick one when it came to college, but Cutaia knew what she wanted to play after high school. “Playing NCAA soccer is always a dream,” Cutaia said. “Seeing my older sister (who plays at Eastern Michigan) go through it, it was just awesome.” Described by herself as well as others as having improved on a year-to-year basis, Cutaia came into the 2015 season having already led UTEP in goals, shots on goal and points the previous year. But there is always room for improvement. She has already eclipsed last year’s teamleading eight goals and 19 points this season with six games left in the regular season. Cutaia’s stat line is not the only thing that improved this season. Her already key role in Cross’ team in 2014 became even more important in 2015. With the loss of names like Sarah Dilling, Hannah Asuchak, Mackenzie German and Taylor O’Hare to graduation, the Miners were losing their backbone and a significant amount of experience and leadership. As one of only two seniors on the squad, a lot of that responsibility fell on Cutaia’s shoulders. Cross named her the team captain for 2015 and wearing the band around her arm every time she steps on the field is something very special for UTEP’s No. 11.
“It means a lot to me,” Cutaia said.
“Being named captain this year was really special, but it just motivates me to win and lead my team.” Winning is the top priority in Cutaia’s mind and she has done it everywhere she has been. Although she has experienced plenty of success wearing the Orange and Blue, there is still plenty to work for. The Miners’ 8-4-2 record puts them among the top four teams in overall wins this season in Conference USA. With just four games into conference play, the bulk of the season still lies ahead of Cutaia and her team, which has its sights set on a trip to Miami for the Conference USA Tournament and the ultimate prize for any athlete—a championship, which would be the first in program history. No matter the goal or challenge, you can count on Cutaia to keep leading the Miners quietly, by example, and with more than just goals. “I hold high standards for myself,” Cutaia said. “I mean, I do want to score a lot of goals, but that just comes with I just want to win.” Luis Gonzalez may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
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