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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

The Orion Logo - 2023

Alina Babajko, Reporter

Alina Babajko is an agricultural communications and leadership major. Her goals in life include helping with food insecurity and improving resource depletion as well as environmental degradation. In her free time she enjoys nature walks, fresh and salt water swimming, and cooking for friends and family. After college, she plans to join the Peace Corps to learn about international culture and assist poor countries with sustainability.

 

All content by Alina Babajko
President Perez shaking the hand of Taylor Bisby as she receives her Master's degree. Taken by Jessica Miller on May 15

Chico State celebrates Graduate Studies Commencement

Jessica Miller and Alina Babajko
May 16, 2024

Students from graduate studies programs celebrated their accomplishments Wednesday night in the midst of a 93 degree heat with signs warning to watch for symptoms of heatstroke.  Some students stood...

Riley’s Bar and Grill is a popular bar scene a couple blocks from campus. Hundreds of young college students visit Riley’s everyday for cheap drink deals and the fun atmosphere. Photo taken by Alina Babajko on May 5.

‘Angel shots’ offered by selective bars in Chico

Alina Babajko, Reporter
May 14, 2024

It is common for people to take advantage of vulnerable people while they are under the influence in crowded bars, making them feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Sometimes the only person to ask for help is...

Dr. Lee Altier,far left, helping a Tibetan refugee community establish an apple orchard in Nepal during his time in the Peace Corps. Courtesy: Dr. Lee Altier, 1980s.

Peace Corps: career gateway for post-grad students

Alina Babajko, Reporter
May 7, 2024

The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship. It was founded by John F. Kennedy in 1961.  The Peace Corps program amplifies the power of human connection in more than 60...

A girl and her dog enjoy the blue cloudy skies and fresh air on a walk in Cannonville, Utah, appreciating the beauty of nature and calming energy it brings. Taken by Ava Aragon on July 29, 2023.

10 ways to celebrate Earth Day

Alina Babajko, Reporter
April 21, 2024

Earth is our only home and we are its only inhabitants with a conscious mind. It’s important for us to be environmentally-friendly beings. Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in...

New lounge bar servicing exclusive menu and new cocktails in Rawbar’s remodeled extension. Taken by Alina Babajko on April 14.

The Rawbar reinvented: classy and oceanic

Alina Babajko, Reporter
April 16, 2024

Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi reopened on April 9: there is now a secondary room with a bar lounge.  Renovations began on Jan. 1 to expand the restaurant, doubling the size inside and the outdoor patio,...

Punk rock band Facejug performing No Doubt and Deftones covers as well as originals at Sweetfest 2.0. Taken by Alina Babajko on April 5.

Student musicians build outdoor stage to ‘Bring live music back’

Alina Babajko, Reporter
April 8, 2024

Four students who play in a band called Sweet Release built a stage out of used pallets in their backyard. The band formed in the summer of 2021 after meeting at The Social swimming pool, combining genres...

Adrian Fullerton, Gia Monticello, Tyler Austin run for commissioner of community affairs

Adrian Fullerton, Gia Monticello, Tyler Austin run for commissioner of community affairs

Shane Aweeka and Alina Babajko
April 1, 2024

Adrian Fullerton, Gia Monticello and Tyler Austin are running for commissioner of community affairs in the 2024 Associated Students general election. To read more about each candidate, see below. Adrian...

Katelyn Meeker, Tia Saunders run for College of Behavioral and Social Sciences senator

Katelyn Meeker, Tia Saunders run for College of Behavioral and Social Sciences senator

Alina Babajko and Nate Paddock
March 31, 2024

Katelyn Meeker and Tia Saunders are running for College of Behavioral and Social Sciences senator in the 2024 Associated Students general election. To read more about each candidate, see below. Katelyn...

Freshly harvested bok choi, baby spinach, cabbages and broccoli at a Wednesday Farmers Market from Lor’s Produce. Taken by Alina Babajko on March 13.

Local produce benefits community and your health

Alina Babajko, Reporter
March 24, 2024

Chico’s Farmer's Markets have large varieties of locally grown, in season produce and other goods made from local farm products. Supporting these vendors will improve your health with cheaper alternatives...

Bun Burger: Baked-to-order nostalgia

Bun Burger: Baked-to-order nostalgia

Alina Babajko, Reporter
March 8, 2024

The Dasedemir family opened Bun Burger in Downtown Chico in September 2023, presenting a unique take on the average American burger. Reviews on Yelp quickly ranked it the number one burger in Chico, and...

 Downtown restaurants are happy to help college students with inexpensive and tasty options. Taken at Madison Bear Garden by Alina Babajko on Feb. 29.

Student deals and cheap meals

Alina Babajko, Reporter
March 7, 2024

Celestino’s Pizza  Celestino's is located on East Avenue and First Street across from the Ayres building. Their student special offers a slice of cheese, mushroom or pepperoni and a medium fountain...