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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

Anthony Vasek

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter

Anthony Vasek is a first-year journalism major at Chico State. He is originally from Arcata, which is a smaller town four hours away. He has been working in journalism since 2022, where he first wrote for his high school’s newspaper, The Pepperbox, and later co-ran it as editor-in-chief. Three of his articles have won Jackie Media Awards for his reporting around sensitive topics, such as mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. This is Vasek’s first time working at the Orion, and he is looking forward to an invigorating semester!

All content by Anthony Vasek
Suhaib Qadih celebrating in his graduation robe after obtaining a degree in public relations and marketing from the University of Palestine. Photo courtesy of Qadih.

Surviving in the Gaza Strip: Suhaib Qadih

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
December 19, 2024

Suhaib Qadih is currently living alone in a displacement camp in Khan Younis, near the Gaza-Egypt border. His walls are composed of both ornate tapestries and UNICEF-labeled tarps and there is no running...

Chico’s new city council for the next two years. Left to right: Dale Bennett, Tom van Overbeek, Kasey Reynolds, Bryce Goldstein, Katie Hawley, Addison Winslow and Michael O’Brien. Screenshot from the city council meeting recording.

New Chico city councilors take oaths and help select mayor and vice mayor

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
December 6, 2024

Chico’s downtown city hall was packed to the brim during a special meeting on Dec. 4. Residents filled the room to watch the new city councilors be sworn into office. Former Chico Police Chief Michael...

Anthony Vasek and Mars Long’s two adopted kittens cuddling on Sept. 21. Photo courtesy of Anthony Vasek.

Chico Animal Shelter hosts open-adoption hours on Thursdays

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
November 22, 2024

Chico Animal Shelter has open-adoption hours every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. The public is welcome to come and interact with all the adoptable pets to try and find their match. Animal Services Manager...

Firefighters rummaging through debris in the aftermath of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. 
Photo by Zackary Canepari (Courtesy of Netflix)

Steve Perez sends message remembering the Camp Fire

Anthony Vasek, Reporter
November 8, 2024

Chico State President Steve Perez sent campus wide a message Nov. 7 in honor of the Camp Fire. The fire sparked on Nov. 8, 2018 and spread through Paradise within four hours. It is known as the deadliest...

Photo from Pixabay

Donald Trump announced as president-elect

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
November 7, 2024

Former President Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States, a race call from the Associated Press said.  After securing victory in Wisconsin, his pathway to the presidency...

Bryce Goldstein is running for District 7 of the Chico City Council. Photo courtesy of Bryce Goldstein

Representante del Distrito 7 de Chico: Bryce Goldstein

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
November 4, 2024

La gerente de planificación de transporte de Caltrans, Bryce Goldstein, se postula contra la actual concejala del Distrito 7, Deepika Tandon, para representar al Distrito 7 del Concejo Municipal de Chico. Goldstein...

Bryce Goldstein is running for District 7 of the Chico City Council. Photo courtesy of Bryce Goldstein

Chico District 7 representative: Bryce Goldstein

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
November 1, 2024

Caltrans Transportation Planning Manager Bryce Goldstein is running against Incumbent District 7 council member Deepika Tandon to represent District 7 of the Chico City Council. Goldstein said she has...

Incumbent District 7 council member Deepika Tandon is running for District 5 of the Chico City Council. Photo from Pexels

Representante del Distrito 7 de Chico: Deepika Tandon

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 30, 2024

La concejal actual del Distrito 7, Deepika Tandon, se postula contra el gerente de planificación de transporte de Caltrans, Bryce Goldstein, para representar al Distrito 7 en el Concejo Municipal de Chico. Tandon...

Incumbent District 7 council member Deepika Tandon is running for District 5 of the Chico City Council. Photo from Pexels

Chico District 7 representative: Deepika Tandon

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 30, 2024

Incumbent District 7 council member Deepika Tandon is running against Caltrans Transportation Planning Manager Bryce Goldstein to represent District 7 of the Chico City Council. Tandon moved to Chico...

Illustration of Gov. Gavin Newson signing a bill. Graphic made by Nadia Hill on Oct 9.

Gobernador Newsom firma leyes relacionadas con la salud mental y el tratamiento de abuso de sustancias

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 30, 2024

El gobernador de California, Gavin Newsom, firmó el 27 de septiembre un paquete de leyes que busca fortalecer el sistema de salud conductual del estado, enfocándose en el acceso para personas con trastornos...

Illustration of Gov. Gavin Newson signing a bill. Graphic made by Nadia Hill on Oct 9.

Governor Newsom signs bills related to mental health, substance abuse treatment

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 23, 2024

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills on Sept. 27 which aim to strengthen California’s behavioral health system, focusing on access for those with severe mental health and substance...

Two more islands still have yet to be integrated into Chico city limits. Photo taken by Anthony Vasek on Oct. 15

Algunos residentes recién anexados no podrán votar en asuntos de la ciudad en noviembre

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 23, 2024

Una “isla” en West East Avenue fue anexada a los límites de la ciudad en agosto. Sin embargo, los residentes de esa área no podrán votar en asuntos de la ciudad, como los candidatos al Concejo Municipal...

The deadline to register to vote by mail or online is Oct. 21. The option to register in person at a polling location remains until Election Day. Photo from Pexels on Oct. 14

La oficina de Compromiso Cívico de Chico State organizará varios eventos para votantes en el campus

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 23, 2024

La Oficina de Compromiso Cívico en Chico State llevará a cabo varios eventos y compartirá recursos para los estudiantes en las próximas tres semanas, en preparación para las elecciones del 5 de noviembre. Los...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this november. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

En la boleta: ¿Qué es la Propuesta 35?

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 23, 2024

La Proposición 35, una de las 10 propuestas que estarán en la boleta de California este noviembre, proporciona financiamiento permanente para los servicios de atención médica de Medi-Cal al hacer permanente...

The deadline to register to vote by mail or online is Oct. 21. The option to register in person at a polling location remains until Election Day. Photo from Pexels on Oct. 14

Chico State’s Office of Civic Engagement will hold multiple campus voter events

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 23, 2024

The Office of Civic Engagement at Chico State will be hosting several events and sharing resources for students in the next three weeks leading up to the Nov. 5 election. The events are: Oct. 28,...

Zachary Fitch pleaded no contest to charges accusing him of intentionally starting a fire that burned two pallet shelters in August. Courtesy: Butte County District Attorney's Office

Hombre de Chico se declara no contesto a cargos relacionados con incendio de refugios de palets

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 22, 2024

Un hombre de Chico, Zachary Fitch, declaró no contestar el miércoles a los cargos relacionados con iniciar un incendio que destruyó dos refugios de palets el 5 de agosto, según un comunicado de prensa...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this november. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

En la boleta: ¿Qué es la Proposición 33?

Anthony Vasek, Reportero de Noticias
October 22, 2024

La Proposición 33, una de las 10 propuestas que aparecerán en la boleta de California este noviembre, revocó la Ley de Vivienda de Alquiler Costa-Hawkins de 1995 y permitiría a los gobiernos locales...

Two more islands still have yet to be integrated into Chico city limits. Photo taken by Anthony Vasek on Oct. 15

Some newly-annexed residents can’t vote on city matters in November

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 20, 2024

An “island” in West East Avenue was annexed into city limits in August. However, residents in that area are not able to vote on city matters — such as City Council candidates and local measures —...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this november. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

On the ballot: What is Prop 35?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 17, 2024

Proposition 35, one of 10 propositions coming to the California ballot this November, would provide permanent funding for Medi-Cal health care services by making the already-existing tax on health care...

Katie Hawley, a graduate of Chico State, is running for District 5 of the Chico City Council. Photo courtesy of Katie Hawley

Representante del Distrito 5 de Chico: Katie Hawley

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 16, 2024

Katie Hawley, graduada de Chico State, se postula contra Melissa Lopez-Mara para representar el Distrito 5 del Concejo Municipal de Chico. Hawley nació en San Diego y se mudó a Chico para asistir...

The main office of the College of Education is inside Tehama Hall. Photo taken by C. Nicholas Kepler on October 11

Subvención de 8.5 millones de dólares para 60 futuros maestros

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 16, 2024

El Departamento de Educación de EE. UU. dará a la Universidad Estatal de Chico una subvención de 8.5 millones de dólares para apoyar a futuros maestros en la región. Los fondos se utilizarán para...

Illustration of Gov. Gavin Newson signing a bill. Graphic made by Nadia Hill on Oct 9.

El gobernador Newsom firma la Ley de Escuelas Libres de Teléfonos y otros proyectos de ley enfocados en la tecnología

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 16, 2024

El gobernador de California, Gavin Newsom, firmó el Proyecto de Ley 3216 de la Asamblea, conocido como la Ley de Escuelas Libres de Teléfonos, el 23 de septiembre. Este proyecto de ley requerirá...

Katie Hawley, a graduate of Chico State, is running for District 5 of the Chico City Council. Photo courtesy of Katie Hawley

Chico District 5 representative: Katie Hawley

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 16, 2024

Katie Hawley, a Chico State graduate, is running against Melissa Lopez-Mora to represent District 5 of the Chico City Council. Hawley was born in San Diego and moved to Chico to attend Chico State....

Illustration of Gov. Gavin Newson signing a bill. Graphic made by Nadia Hill on Oct 9.

Governor Newsom signs Phone Free School Act, other technology-focused bills

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 14, 2024

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3216 — known as the Phone-Free School Act — on Sept. 23.  This bill will require all California K-12 school districts, charter schools and county...

The main office of the College of Education is inside Tehama Hall. Photo taken by C. Nicholas Kepler on October 11

$8.5 million grant to go to 60 aspiring teachers

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 13, 2024

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Chico State University with an $8.5 million grant to support aspiring teachers in the area.  The funds will be used to establish the Belong, Engage, Support,...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this November. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

En la boleta: ¿Qué es la Proposición 34?

Anthony Vasek, Reporter
October 12, 2024

La Proposición 34, una de las 10 proposiciones en la boleta de California este noviembre, crearía nuevas reglas sobre cómo ciertos proveedores de atención médica pueden gastar los ingresos de los...

30th Congressional District Congressman Adam Schiff is running against Steve Garvey to represent the state of California in the United States Senate. Photo from Pexels

Candidato al Senado de EE. UU.: Adam Schiff

Anthony Vasek, Reporter
October 12, 2024

El congresista Adam Schiff se postula contra el republicano Steve Garvey para representar a California en el Senado de EE. UU. Schiff nació en Framingham, Massachusetts. Su familia se mudó a Alamo,...

30th Congressional District Congressman Adam Schiff is running against Steve Garvey to represent the state of California in the United States Senate. Photo from Pexels

U.S. Senate candidate: Adam Schiff

Anthony Vasek, Reporter
October 11, 2024

Congressman Adam Schiff is running against Republican Steve Garvey to represent California in the U.S. Senate. Schiff was born in Framingham, Massachusetts. His family moved to Alamo, California “in...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this November. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

On the ballot: What is Prop 34?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 11, 2024

Proposition 34, one of 10 propositions on the California ballot this November, would create new rules about how certain healthcare providers can spend revenue from federal discount prescription drug programs....

Kendall Hall on Sept. 28

Chico State updates Time, Place and Manner Policy

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 10, 2024

Chico State University sent out a campus-wide email Wednesday afternoon explaining that several aspects of the Time, Place and Manner, TPM, Policy have been updated. This comes after the university held...

Zachary Fitch pleaded no contest to charges accusing him of intentionally starting a fire that burned two pallet shelters in August. Courtesy: Butte County District Attorney's Office

Chico man pleads no contest to pallet shelter arson-related charges

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 8, 2024

A Chico man, Zachary Fitch, pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges related to starting a fire that destroyed two pallet shelters on Aug. 5, a press release from the Butte County District Attorney's Office...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this november. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

On the ballot: What is Prop 33?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
October 7, 2024

Proposition 33, one of 10 propositions coming to the California ballot this November, would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995 and allow local governments to expand rent control. Rent...

Butte County voting results are in and State results are expected to be certified Dec. 13. Photo from Pixabay.

California State Assembly District 3 candidate: Aaron Draper

Anthony Vasek and Dominic Curcuro
October 1, 2024

Democrat Aaron Draper, Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology lecturer at Chico State, is running for California State Assembly District 3 against incumbent republican James Gallagher.  Draper...

Butte County voting results are in and State results are expected to be certified Dec. 13. Photo from Pixabay.

How do I register to vote?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 30, 2024

Voter registration in California is easy. You don’t even need to use paper. Eligible voters can register online in less than fifteen minutes. The last day to register in California is Oct. 21 —...

One lonely bike sits on the bike rack behind Butte Hall. Taken by Anthony Vasek on Sept 26

Chico State empty after power outage ends classes

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 26, 2024

Update 7:25 p.m. Thursday: Classes will remain canceled through Friday according to an announcement issued by President Stephen Perez. This follows a power outage resulting from a cut power-line.  “The...

Heather Hadwick, republican politician in Modoc County, is running against Tenessa Audette for California State Assembly District 1. Photo courtesy of Heather Hadwick.

California State Assembly District 1 candidate: Heather Hadwick

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 26, 2024

Heather Hadwick, a republican farmer and business owner, is running for California State Assembly District 1 against Republican Mayor of Redding Tenessa Audette. Assemblywoman Megan Dahle and California...

Cards Against Humanity sues Elon Musk for damages related to a plot of land on the Texas border. Photo from Pixabay

Cards Against Humanity sues Elon Musk

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 24, 2024

Cards Against Humanity — a popular adult card game company — filed a $15 million lawsuit this week against Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. The lawsuit accuses SpaceX of trespassing on and damaging...

Tenessa Audette, the republican mayor of Redding, is running against Heather Hadwick for California State Assembly District 1. Photo courtesy of Tenessa Audette’s media library.

California State Assembly District 1 candidate: Tenessa Audette

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 24, 2024

The Mayor of Redding, republican Tenessa Audette, is running against Heather Hadwick, a republican farmer and business owner, for California State Assembly District 1. Audette is endorsed by the Howard...

Chico State University Police is located directly across from campus at W 2nd And, Chestnut St, Chico, CA 95928. They can be contacted at 1(530)898-5555.

Man with wooden club taken to hospital on psychiatric hold

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 23, 2024

University Police said they encountered a man early Monday morning carrying a wooden club on campus. Although he did not pose an immediate threat, the individual was making concerning statements during...

An illustration of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump from the debate, in the colors of their political parties. Created by Nadia Hill, Sept. 11.

Trump y Harris se enfrentan en el segundo debate presidencial

Anthony Vasek, Callum Standish and Nadia Hill
September 22, 2024

Trump y Harris se enfrentan en el segundo debate presidencial El expresidente Donald Trump y la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris se enfrentaron en el escenario el martes por la noche para debatir públicamente...

A Redding Area Bus Authority bus running its route through Chico taken by Anthony Vasek on September 1.

El autobús RABA ahora conecta Redding con Chico

Anthony Vasek, Reportero
September 22, 2024

Si ves un autobús azul brillante circulando por la ciudad con “RABA” pintado en el costado, esa es la nueva línea de autobús que conecta Redding con Chico. La Autoridad de Autobuses del Área de...

Kendall Hall

Chico State recuerda a los estudiantes de primer semestre que no deben de intentar de ingresar a fraternidades y sororidades

Anthony Vasek, Reportero
September 22, 2024

Chico State envió un correo electrónico el martes por la mañana recordando a los estudiantes de la política del campus sobre el reclutamiento diferido. Esto significa que los estudiantes de primer...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this November. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

On the ballot: What is Prop 3?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 20, 2024

Proposition 3, one of 10 propositions coming to the California ballot this November, would be an amendment which changes the language in The Constitution of California in an effort to protect same-sex...

Depot Park the day before city officials cleared out the homeless encampment. Photo taken August 30 by Molly Myers.

City files motion to withdraw from Warren v. Chico

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 18, 2024

The City of Chico filed an 80-page motion on Aug. 31 which proposes withdrawal from the Warren v. Chico settlement.  The Warren v. Chico settlement was finalized two years ago, resulting in the creation...

The FBI is investigating a possible assassination attempt on former president and presidential candidate Donald Trump on Sunday. Photo from Pixabay.

FBI investigates possible second assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 15, 2024

Update 1:53 p.m. Monday: Ryan Wesley Routh appeared in court at 7:11 a.m. Monday morning “with no visible signs of nervousness.”  Routh is being charged with possession of a firearm despite a prior...

Ten propositions are coming to the California Ballot this November. Graphic created by Nadia Hill on Sept. 14

On the ballot: What is Prop 2?

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 15, 2024

Proposition 2, one of 10 propositions on the ballot in California, would authorize a $10 billion bond to be spent on the repair, upgrade and construction of public and charter schools. “Many schools...

An illustration of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump from the debate, in the colors of their political parties. Created by Nadia Hill, Sept. 11.

Trump and Harris go head-to-head in the second presidential debate

Anthony Vasek, Nadia Hill and Callum Standish
September 12, 2024

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage Tuesday night to debate publicly for the first time. The debate was held by ABC and moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis....

Kendall Hall at Chico State

Chico State reminds first-semester students not to rush

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 11, 2024

Chico State sent out an email Tuesday morning reminding students of the campus’ policy on deferred recruitment. This means first-semester students cannot rush fraternities or sororities until the spring.  This...

A Redding Area Bus Authority bus running its route through Chico taken by Anthony Vasek on September 1.

RABA bus now connects Redding to Chico

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
September 7, 2024

If you see a shiny blue bus driving around town with “RABA” painted boldly on the side, that’s the new bus line connecting Redding to Chico. The Redding Area Bus Authority partnered with Amtrak San...

Multiple changes have occurred on all sides of the 2024 presidential elections. Image by Larisa from Pixabay.

Las campañas electorales continúan a pesar de los desafíos

Anthony Vasek, Reportero
September 7, 2024

Los partidos Republicano y Demócrata han seleccionado oficialmente a sus candidatos presidenciales mientras comienza la etapa final hacia el día de las votaciones. Se han producido múltiples cambios...

Multiple changes have occurred on all sides of the 2024 presidential elections. Image by Larisa from Pixabay.

Electoral campaigns continue despite challenges

Anthony Vasek, News Reporter
August 27, 2024

Significant events have caused change in United States politics recently, reshaping the path to the 2024 election. An attempted assassination, resignations of key figures, and events that occurred during...