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The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

All content by Alejandra Fraga
A Chico Unified School District bus proves at the Chico Parade of Lights that creativity does not stop with light decorations as any vehicle or object can be used as well. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

The Orion’s weekly newscast Oct. 17

On this week's newscast, six stories are recapped by anchors Christian Solis and Alejandra Fraga. The story headlines listed below are organized by the time they appear in the newscast. 1) City council...

The Market Place Cafe in the BMU. Taken by Alejandra Fraga May 10, 2018

Chico State considers bringing new restaurants to campus

Alejandra Fraga
May 10, 2018

Associated Students Dining held an open forum this Wednesday in the BMU to discuss the possibility of adding branded food chains to campus.Students discussed what type of food they would like to see on...

Man breaks all displays inside business

Man breaks all displays inside business

Alejandra Fraga
May 7, 2018

  Chico Police: Call type: Disturbance Monday, 5:41 a.m., 700 W 2nd Ave. Resident out of control was screaming outside near the sidewalk. Call Type: Disturbance Monday, 9:21...

Students participate in nationwide 48-hour Datafest competition

Students participate in nationwide 48-hour Datafest competition

Alejandra Fraga
April 30, 2018

Chico State hosted its first ever Datafest Friday until Sunday.Datafest is a nationwide competition held for undergraduate students, "The mission of DataFest is to expose undergraduate students to challenging...

Geese cause a three-car collision on Highway 99

Geese cause a three-car collision on Highway 99

Alejandra Fraga
April 26, 2018

A collision blocked traffic on northbound Highway 99 south of East First Ave. on Thursday.According to California Highway Patrol, at about 9:30 a.m the geese were walking on the edge of the center divide...

'La Comida' restaurant located in Mangrove Plaza. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Local family-owned restaurant, ‘La Comida’ celebrates 50 year anniversary

Alejandra Fraga
April 23, 2018

The La Comida restaurant celebrated its' 50-year anniversary from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. out in the Mangrove Plaza parking lot Saturday. The restaurant, which serves Mexican food, is located in the Mangrove...

Weekly News - The Week's End Update, April 21

Weekly News – The Week’s End Update, April 21

The week’s wrap up broadcast of breaking news reports in the Butte County area, from April 16- April 20. Natalie Hanson, Alejandra Fraga, Christian Solis and Josh Cozine can be reached [email protected]...

Chico State's new wildcat statue located in front of the BMU. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Unveiling of Wildcat statue brings forth new Chico State Spirit Day

Alejandra Fraga
April 20, 2018

The unveiling of the new wildcat statue took place this Thursday in front of the Bell Memorial Union (BMU). The event was kicked off with a blessing from the Mechoopda Tribal Chairman, Dennis Ramirez....

Man locks himself in elevator, refuses to let anyone in

Man locks himself in elevator, refuses to let anyone in

Alejandra Fraga
April 16, 2018

University Police Call Type: Disturbance Monday 1:24 p.m., Bidwell Bowl Amphitheatre Someone went into Bidwell Mansion and reported a female in a verbal argument with another group. Call...

Flyer showcasing the 'Wildcat Day on the Farm' event. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

College of Agriculture hosts first university farm open house

Alejandra Fraga
April 13, 2018

Chico State's College of Agriculture organized its first ever "Wildcat Day on the Farm" event this Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., consisting of 75 to 100 volunteers. The open house featured guided tractor...

Woman runs into intersection, causes disturbance by screaming at cars

Woman runs into intersection, causes disturbance by screaming at cars

Alejandra Fraga
April 9, 2018

University Police Call Type: Vandalism Monday 7:58 a.m., Langdon Engineering Building Outer doors appeared to be damaged, visible damage to door. Call Type: Suspicious Circumstance Monday...

Man threatens K-mart employees with BB gun, steals jewelry

Man threatens K-mart employees with BB gun, steals jewelry

Alejandra Fraga
April 3, 2018

A man shoplifted approximately $12,000 worth of jewelry at the K-mart located on Pillsbury Road on Monday around 5:18p.m.According to a Chico Police Department press release, the K-mart employees confronted...

Four vehicles stolen in one night, same neighborhood

Four vehicles stolen in one night, same neighborhood

Alejandra Fraga
April 2, 2018

University Police Call Type: Property- Lost/Found/Recovered Monday 1:41 a.m., Aymer Jay Hamilton Hall Television with broken screen found in hallway outside of room. Call Type: Directed Patrol...

GoFund me page created for Kyle LaForce. Photo credit: GoFund me page

Student dies unexpectedly

Alejandra Fraga
March 30, 2018

Kyle LaForce, a 20-year-old student in the mechanical engineering department died Tuesday night. LaForce was part of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School. A...

Food Pantry hosts open house for students

Food Pantry hosts open house for students

Alejandra Fraga
March 26, 2018

The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry will be hosting an open house this Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. The open house will consist of pantry tours and food. The food pantry was first established in Kendall...

Kim Swanson speaks during a presentation on the environmental impact of the upcoming additions to Siskiyou Hall. Photo credit: Carly Maxstone

Engineers of new science building present to students, faculty

Alejandra Fraga
March 15, 2018

A town hall meeting was held to discuss the new physical science building this Wednesday.The meeting consisted of a presentation from Kim Swanson, a representative from Smith's Group and Joe Wennish, a...

Alejandro Alfaro Ramirez and Radhika Katarla conducting a #FREETHECSU information session. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Students meet to raise awareness of university movement

Alejandra Fraga
March 13, 2018

Students from the Students for Quality Education (SQE) organization met Monday to inform others on the possible tuition and fee increases that all state universities could take on at the beginning of the...

Student threatens shooting at school, removed from campus

Student threatens shooting at school, removed from campus

Alejandra Fraga
March 12, 2018

University Police Call Type: Suspicious Subject Tuesday 4:11 p.m., WREC Two males were looking into the windows of the building and waving a cross around, causing a disturbance to the students...

GSEC coordinators hosted the first ever Queer Prom at Chico State. Photo credit: Deisi Aguirre

First Queer Prom offers free dance, entertainment and community

Alejandra Fraga
March 4, 2018

The Gender and Sexuality Equity Center (GSEC) organized and brought to campus its first queer prom dance Saturday at the BMU auditorium. The event consisted of drag show performances, dance performances...

Dr. César A. Cruz presented to a packed room at Selvester's Cafe. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

[Photo] Harvard graduate visits Chico for Undocu Week

March 2, 2018

Dr. César A. Cruz presented to a packed room at Selvester's Cafe. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Dr. César A. Cruz presenting to a packed room at Selvester's cafe.

Dr. César A. Cruz presenting to a packed room at Selvester's cafe.

Timeline of back to back violent crimes reported in Chico, CA, Feb 16-19. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Back to back violent crimes in Chico this week

Alejandra Fraga
February 22, 2018

Multiple violent crimes were reported in Chico in the span of four days. Alejandra Fraga can be reached at [email protected] or @alifragster on Twitter.      

First responders at the scene of Monday's incident after gas leak alert was sent out. Photo credit: Lizzie Helmer

Gas leak alert leads to evacuations

Alejandra Fraga and Natalie Hanson
February 19, 2018

Chico State alerted students and faculty to a gas leak near Shurmer Gym and Yolo Hall Monday around 4:30 p.m. Gas leak on campus near Shurmer Gym and Yolo Hall. Those buildings are being evacuated....

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Chico motorcyclist dies in suspected DUI crash

Alejandra Fraga
February 14, 2018

Oroville police reported that alcohol use may have caused the death of a Chico man in a motorcycle accident Sunday.The accident occurred north of Oroville Sunday evening. According to Oroville CHP, two...

The plans for replacing Siskyou Hall have been proposed since last semester. Photo credit: Natalie Hanson

New science building to begin construction

Alejandra Fraga
February 10, 2018

The construction of a new physical science building on campus will be initiated in fall of 2018, as announced in a university news release Thursday.The new building will be replacing Siskiyou Hall, after...

Students in one team prepare to test their "blood" samples for a DNA experiment. Photo credit: Natalie Hanson

Girls get chance to learn about science on campus

Alejandra Fraga and Natalie Hanson
February 4, 2018

Chico State hosted a STEM Girl Mayhem for middle school age girls Saturday. The event took place in three buildings on campus starting in Colusa Hall from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. It offered activities...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Nutrition professor dies suddenly

Alejandra Fraga
February 2, 2018

Ted Herrera, faculty member of the Nutrition and Food Science Department, died from unknown reasons Friday.Herrera had been teaching at Chico State since 2013 and he was 67, according to a press release.Herrera...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Sting operations have lead to success within months, police say

Alejandra Fraga
January 25, 2018

With 11 felony arrests made in December of 2017, the Chico Police Department stated they conducted a second round of operations this month.This second operation resulted in six felony arrests. "Being back...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Chico Police confirm sting operations to arrest theft suspects

Alejandra Fraga
January 22, 2018

The Chico Police Department and Butte County Probation Department partnered for a theft prevention operation Friday.The sting operations will focus on subjects who are currently on probation for theft...

Brittni and Brynn Frace were killed in a car crash this week. Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Highlands Church

Chico State sisters die in fatal car crash

Alejandra Fraga
January 19, 2018

Brittni Frace, a returning student at Chico State, and her sister Brynn died due to a car accident while returning back to Chico Tuesday. The incident occurred on Highway 198 west of Interstate...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

City Council talks possible property and business improvement district for downtown Chico

Alejandra Fraga
May 18, 2017

Chico City Council discussed the possible adoption of a resolution of intent to establish a Property and Business Improvement District for downtown Chico Tuesday."The business and property owners got together...

Student Philanthropy Council presents check to food pantry 
Photo Courtesy of: Jason Halley

Student Philanthropy Council raises over $12,000 for food pantry

Alejandra Fraga
May 12, 2017

The Student Philanthropy Council presented the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry with a check this week. Over $12,000 was donated to the food pantry, with most of the donations coming from the class of 2017....

An animal science major from Chico State died May 4. Photo credit: Sean Martens

Chico State animal science student passes away

Alejandra Fraga
May 10, 2017

Monica Gonzalez,19, a Chico State sophomore majoring in animal science died May 4. Monica came to Chico State from Long Beach.Professor Cindy Daley stated in a news release that Monica was a city girl,...

The Oroville Dam Crisis was discussed at the Chico City Council meeting Tuesday. Photo credit: Sean Martens

Chico City Council talks Oroville Dam crisis

Alejandra Fraga
May 3, 2017

Chico City Council approved to sign a letter regarding the Oroville Dam crisis Tuesday. The letter highlighted many issues that the Butte County region has raised in community meetings, all issues relating...

March for Science Logo
Photo Courtesy of: March for Science Facebook page

Chico brings on March for Science

Alejandra Fraga
April 21, 2017

Chico State will be hosting its first March for Science on April 22."The March is a grassroots effort to champion science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity, and advocate for its role in informing...

Ombuds Logo- CSU Chico Program
Photo Courtesy: Ombuds Website

Chico State club aims to resolve student conflicts

Alejandra Fraga
April 6, 2017

Chico State Ombuds is a confidential resource any students, faculty, staff or guests can acquire. "Chico Ombuds Office is a confidential, neutral, independent, and informal resource where any member...

ICE art piece by Oscar Guillen. Photo Courtesy: Oscar Gullen

César Chávez: Behind the art

Alejandra Fraga
April 2, 2017

Oscar Guillen, a local award-winning artist has been inspired by César Chávez throughout most of his life. Although Guillen was born in the state of Washington in 1979, and moving to Mexico shortly...

CSU's Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success Strategic Initiatives, Jeff Gold, visits campus. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

CSU administrator visits Chico State, talks about raising graduation rates

Alejandra Fraga
March 28, 2017

California State University's Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success Strategic Initiatives Jeff Gold met with Associated Student leaders to explain the idea behind an established plan known as the...

Statistics regarding substance abuse among college students Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Students seeking recovery program brought to campus

Alejandra Fraga
March 25, 2017

The Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center will be bringing on a weekly student support group. "This is an open, confidential, facilitated group for any student seeking a safe, non-judgmental forum in...

Firefighter staffing issues, request of authorization for extra personnel.
Photo Courtesy of Bill Hack.

City Council approves firefighters staffing request

Alejandra Fraga
March 8, 2017

Chico City Council voted on a proposition made by the Chico Fire Department to bring on three full-time positions for the remainder of the fiscal year. The proposal was approved on a 4-3 vote.The positions...

Bike path near campus Photo credit: George Johnston

Safety camera expansion project approved

Alejandra Fraga
March 8, 2017

A request proposed by the Chico Police Department regarding the bike path safety cameras was approved at the Chico City Council meeting March 7.In February 2016 the police department was able to implement...

Police cars lined up following incident Photo credit: Brittany Mcclintock

Motorcycle accident leads to several collisions

Alejandra Fraga
March 3, 2017

A motorcycle collision took place on Friday, leaving one individual with major injuries.The incident took place on the 99 with traffic headed northbound. The traffic ahead of the motorcycle abruptly slowed...

Colusa Hall, where the competition will take place. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Chico State hosts 31st Annual Student Research Competition

Alejandra Fraga
March 2, 2017

Chico State will be holding the 2017 Student Research Competition. This competition allows students to share their achievements and work. The event is divided into sections based on class standing and...

7th and Chestnut House Excavation Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

House on 7th and Chestnut Streets excavated

Alejandra Fraga
February 25, 2017

Chico Fire and Police Department were still working at the scene of the 7th and Chestnut Streets house fire. The excavation of the house took place throughout the afternoon shortly after the fire was put...

Chico City Council at Tuesday's meeting. Photo credit: Bianca Quilantan

$96,000 project in place to decrease traffic issues

Alejandra Fraga
February 22, 2017

Chico City Council approved a proposed plan by the Chico Police Department designed to provide the city with traffic enforcement and relief from burglaries and thefts Tuesday. “The City of Chico...

Enloe Medical Center Photo credit: Marrion Charissa Cruz

Enloe to accept applications for Patient Ambassador program

Alejandra Fraga
February 20, 2017

Enloe Medical Center's Volunteer Services will be accepting applications for its Patient Ambassador program until Feb. 23."Enloe is seeking compassionate, mature volunteers to visit patients at their bedside,...

Healthy Relationships Week. Photo courtesy of CSU Chico Safe Place Facebook page

Healthy relationships week comes to Chico State

Alejandra Fraga
February 13, 2017

Safe Place and other associates present healthy relationships week through Feb. 13-17 at Chico State. "Healthy relationships week is more than a feel-good activity" said Alex Brown, Safe Place Advocate...

Becky Holden from Butte Environmental Council answers questions from a student. Photo courtesy of FISHBIO.

Biological science department holds second career fair

Alejandra Fraga
February 12, 2017

The Biological Sciences Outreach Committee put on its second biology career fair at Chico State. "We're thankful to all the volunteers, panelists, and companies" said Rebecca Brunelli, chair of committee...

Alternatives and app may solve parking permit issues

Alejandra Fraga
February 12, 2017

Many Chico State students question the amount of parking permits issued year-round and how their money is being allocated.Reserved permits are sold on a one-to-one basis and general permits are sold on...

All-gender restroom Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Meriam Library welcomes all-gender restrooms

Alejandra Fraga
February 8, 2017

Meriam Library has added two all-gender restrooms on the third floor."We have a very diverse population here...we want to be responsive to that population," said Patrick Newell, Dean of Meriam Library.Meriam...

Police blotter. Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Student gets suspended for pulling out knife

Alejandra Fraga
February 6, 2017

Chico Police Department Call Type: Suspicious Subject Sunday, 4:10 p.m., Cedar Village Apartments Subject was yelling, screaming and running in the complex threatening other tenants. They left...

Lake Oroville levels spike through the month of January. Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Lake Oroville levels spike

Alejandra Fraga
February 1, 2017

Lake Oroville has experienced some of its highest water levels through the month of January."Storms have impacted levels dramatically, we are already releasing water through dams" Tim Sharkey, Project...

Is food insecurity a problem at Chico State? Photo credit: Alejandra Fraga

Is food insecurity a problem at Chico State?

Alejandra Fraga
January 31, 2017

Alejandra Fraga can be reached at [email protected] or @alifragster on twitter.

David Scotto presenting the $5000 donation to the Chico State Student Service Center. Photo credit: Chico State Alumni Instagram Page

SSC receives $5,000 alum donation

Alejandra Fraga
January 29, 2017

The Chico State Student Success Center (SSC) received a $5,000 donation from Sedgwick, Inc. David Scotto, Chico State alumni, visited campus to present the donation on behalf of his company. “It’s...

Photo credit: Jordan Rodrigues

Chico hit hard by storms

Alejandra Fraga
January 23, 2017

Chico prepares for heavy storms all year long, and 2016 was one for the books. Storms always impact us…they just lead to so many issues,” said Skyler Lipsky, Chico public works manager. In December,...