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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

Ava Norgrove

Ava Norgrove

Ava Norgrove is a senior at Chico State. She’s majoring in Journalism news with a minor in creative writing. She loves to write and take photos and is hoping to provide quality news and information about what’s happening in the community through The Orion. She hopes that she can make a difference with her writing as other writers have done for her and do her part to help the community as news arises.

All content by Ava Norgrove
US citizens protest abortion rights outside of building

California responds to leaked preliminary US Supreme Court opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade

Ava Norgrove and Christopher Hill
May 2, 2022

Politico announced on May 2 that it obtained a U.S. Supreme Court decision draft that would overturn the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade, and the 1992 ruling of Planned Parenthood v. Casey. “Our daughters,...

Seniors were invited to spin the wheel for prizes at one of many booths at the "Senior Send-off." The event was hosted on Chico State campus to celebrate the graduating class of 2022 with fun games, free food and live music. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on April 19.

Photos of the Week

T-Shirts displayed on Glenn Hall lawn for GSEC's clothesline project. Photo by Noah Herbst, April 21. GSEC begins their annual Take Back the Night March on campus. Photo by Noah Herbst, April 21....

A hole in the concrete in front of Kendall Hall on Chico State Campus with a time capsule being buried.

Chico State celebrates class of 2022 with time capsule ceremony

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
April 22, 2022

The Wildcat class of 2022 buried its time capsule in front of Kendall Hall on Tuesday. Students had the chance to submit items for the capsule that represented their experience at Chico State such as...

Chico State investigation: music lecturer violated CSU sexual misconduct policy

Chico State investigation: music lecturer violated CSU sexual misconduct policy

Ava Norgrove, Mario Ortiz Jr and Melvin Bui
April 12, 2022

Chico State investigators concluded on April 11 that music lecturer Tobin Roye violated a California State University executive order regarding sexual misconduct, according to a “notice of investigation...

2 Chico State police officers fired amid sexual misconduct accusations and investigation

2 Chico State police officers fired amid sexual misconduct accusations and investigation

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
March 30, 2022

Chico State released a statement on Wednesday announcing that UPD officers Raymond Scott and Sgt. Joe Deal have been fired after being named in a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Oroville Police...

Update: 2 Chico State police officers at center of Oroville Police sexual misconduct lawsuit put on leave

Update: 2 Chico State police officers at center of Oroville Police sexual misconduct lawsuit put on leave

Ava Norgrove and Melvin Bui
March 24, 2022

Chico State University Police Sgt. Joseph Deal and officer Raymond Stott have been accused of inappropriate sexual and police misconduct during their tenure at the Oroville Police Department, according...

Chico State students leave a building on campus

Chico State lifts its mask mandate on campus

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
March 11, 2022

Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson, announced in an email that beginning March 12, masking would be optional in “most locations on campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of...

Cassi Tejeda and Courtney Kendall stand together in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco

‘Mother of all Saints’: How Cassi Tejeda taught the world to laugh

Ava Norgrove and Melvin Bui
March 7, 2022

Cassi Tejeda, 22, and her partner Courtney Kendall, 24, lost their lives in Chico on Jan. 30 when an allegedly drunk driver crashed into their stopped vehicle near Neal Dow Elementary.   Cassi...

Students line up to get their COVID booster shot

Wildcats swarm booster clinic before deadline

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
February 26, 2022

Students filled Bell Memorial Union on Friday to receive their booster shot just in time to meet California State University requirements. Mary Wallmark, director of Student Life and Leadership and...

Students fill the BMU as they wait to get their booster shot. Photo taken Feb. 25 by Ava Norgrove

Photos of the Week

Clothing drive on campus. Photo by Jolie Asuncion Feb 24. Students fill the BMU as they wait to get their booster shot. Photo taken Feb. 25 by Ava Norgrove Wildcats Jordan Morris and Bailey Jones...

Photo of the Chico City Council building.

Lawsuit: Chico fails to fully disclose police killing records

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
February 23, 2022

Former Orion adviser David Waddell sued the City of Chico on Feb. 18 for allegedly not disclosing public information in four different state open records requests, all involving the use of lethal force...

California State University Chancellor Joseph Castro in Colusa Hall on Nov. 2.

CSU Chancellor Castro resigns

Ava Norgrove and Melvin Bui
February 17, 2022

California State University’s first Hispanic chancellor, Dr. Joseph Castro, resigned effective immediately on Feb. 17 after less than two years in office.  https://twitter.com/theorion_news/status/1494521766105870337 Castro...

CSU Chancellor Joseph Castro speaking at Chico State on Nov. 2, 2021

Investigation launched into CSU Chancellor’s alleged mishandling of sexual assault accusations

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
February 16, 2022

California State University Chancellor Joseph Castro sent out an email on Feb. 4 to the CSU community regarding a USA Today investigation into his alleged mishandling of long-standing sexual assault accusations...

Pallet Shelters at Chico's upcoming unhoused shelter site

Chico prioritizes temporary housing with new ‘tiny home’ pallet shelter

Ava Norgrove, News Editor
February 6, 2022

On Feb. 3, new details were released about Chico’s upcoming Pallet Shelter at a press conference on the construction site at 2352 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.  Mayor Andrew Coolidge,...

Pallet Shelters at Chico's upcoming unhoused shelter site

The newly built Pallet Shelters at Chico's upcoming unhoused shelter site at 2352 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove Feb. 3

The inside of a Pallet Shelter at Chico's new unhoused shelter site

The inside of a Pallet Shelter at Chico's new emergency shelter site. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Feb. 3

The inside of a Pallet Shelter at Chico's new unhoused Pallet Shelter

The inside of a Pallet Shelter at Chico's new emergency shelter site. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Feb. 3

Pallet Shelters at Chico's upcoming unhoused shelter site

The newly built Pallet Shelters at Chico's upcoming unhoused shelter site at 2352 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove Feb. 3

Students out and about on Chico State campus as the first week of spring semester begins. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

Students out and about on Chico State campus as the first week of spring semester begins. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

Students relaxing on campus as spring begins to bloom at Chico State. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

Students relaxing on campus as spring begins to bloom at Chico State. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

Students gather at Chico State campus for the first week of spring semester classes. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

Students gather at Chico State campus for the first week of spring semester classes. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Jan. 25

A sign promoting the Chico State walk-in booster COVID-19 clinic.

Chico State booster clinic opens on campus amid omicron rise

Ava Norgrove
December 7, 2021

On Tuesday Nov. 30, Chico State announced the opening of walk-in booster clinics on campus in the Bell Memorial Union on Dec. 8-9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chico State has partnered with Rite Aid to offer...

People ice skating at the grand opening of the Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza.

New Chico ice rink stokes smiles, but also controversy amid Paradise rink reopening

Ava Norgrove and Alex Martin
December 2, 2021

The Chico Ice Rink In The Plaza opened its doors to hundreds of skaters on Nov. 19, but the use of city resources to fund a second rink in Butte County has created controversy. https://twitter.com/actionnewsnow/status/1440533895611498500?s=12 Some...

A photo of fall leaves.

Intersectional ecofeminism discussed at the 23rd annual women’s conference

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
November 16, 2021

Chico State’s Gender & Sexuality Equity Coalition held its 23rd annual women’s conference on Saturday to discuss how different forms of oppression overlap in regards to the climate crisis and...

A photo of Chico State in front of the Bell Memorial Union building during the evening.

Chico State as evening begins to settle over campus. Photo taken Nov. 13 by Ava Norgrove

Ava Norgrove standing by the ocean.

[Photo] AUTHOR’S REFLECTION

November 7, 2021

Ava Norgrove standing by the Pacific Ocean and loving every second of it. Photo taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

Students running along a beach in Fort Bragg.

[Photo] Big Tree

November 7, 2021

Students running along a beach in Fort Bragg. Photo taken Oct 16. by Ava Norgrove

A pink carnation hanging from a tree,

[Photo] The Mother Tree protest

November 7, 2021

Carnations hung along the path to the Mother Tree protest, leading the way. Photo taken Oct 17. by Ava Norgrove

Two white mushrooms.

Two of a large circle of white mushrooms within Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Photo taken Oct 15. by Ava Norgrove

Sun shining through the branches of tall tree.

The "Big Tree" at the end of Big Tree trail. Photo taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

Photo of the Chico City Council building.

Chico City Council grants one cannabis dispensary appeal, denies three

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
November 6, 2021

The Chico City Council met on Nov. 2 to discuss a controversial topic within the community: cannabis dispensaries.  Four cannabis dispensary businesses: Ashe Chico LLC, Authentic Chico LLC, Grupo...

Jesse Engebretson on a beach in Fort Bragg.

Chico State professor Jesse Engebretson teaching students about dog monitoring at a beach in Fort Bragg. Photo taken Oct 16. by Ava Norgrove

Students hiking along an ocean-side trail.

The students and professors participating in Chico State Parks and Recreation professor Jesse Engebretson's and Sacramento State professor David Rolloff's field study camp trip to Mendocino Woodlands State...

Students and professors gathered in the hollow base of a large redwood tree.

The students and professors participating in Chico State Parks and Recreation professor Jesse Engebretson's and Sacramento State professor David Rolloff's field study camp trip to Mendocino Woodlands State...

Students gathered around a tall redwood tree, looking up in awe.

Students and professors holding class at "Big Tree," an over one thousand year old tree lying at the end of Big Tree trail. Photo taken Oct 16. by Ava Norgrove

Students crossing a narrow log bridge.

The students participating in Chico State Parks and Recreation professor Jesse Engebretson's and Sacramento State professor David Rolloff's field study camp trip to Mendocino Woodlands State Park on a...

A man balancing on one leg on a narrow log above a creek.

A student balancing on one leg on a narrow log above a small creek running through Mendocino Woodlands State park. Photo taken Oct. 17 by Ava Norgrove

Students gathered around a camp fire.

Students gathered around a camp fire. Photo taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

Students cooking.

Students working together to cook dinner. Photo taken Oct 16. by Ava Norgrove

A little red mushroom.

A tiny red mushroom sprouting from the side of a natural staircase in the Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Photo taken Oct 15. by Ava Norgrove

Rocky hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The Ecological Staircase Trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Photo taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

Blurred students seen walking behind the leaves of a tree.

Students hiking through Jackson State forest on their way to a tree sit. Photo taken Oct. 17 by Ava Norgrove

A decorative shrine set up for a Mother Tree wrapped in colorful carnations in Jackson State Forest.

The Mother Tree protestors in Jackson State Forest are trying to protect from logging. A shrine to the tree and forest lies at it base, beneath the large scar left behind by loggers attempting to cut the...

Four students gathered together in a forest smiling at the camera

Some of the students in Chico State Parks and Recreation professor Jesse Engebretson's and Sacramento State professor David Rolloff's field study camp trip to Mendocino Woodlands State Park, going for...

A man's hand holding the stem of a purple flower.

Flowers scattered amongst the perimeter of the Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Photo taken Oct 17. by Ava Norgrove

A patch of tiny yellow mushrooms.

A patch of tiny mushrooms rising from a fallen tree in the Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Photo taken Oct 17. by Ava Norgrove

A platform high in a tree with "Not for sale" painted on the underside in red letters.

The platform that protestors of logging in the Jackson State Forest are residing on. The platform is 65 feet up in a Mother Tree of the forest and currently home to those fighting its removal. Photo taken...

Jessica Lubenko running along a beach in Fort Bragg.

Jessica Lubenko running along a beach in Fort Bragg. Photo Taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

A large spiderweb stretching between the branches of a redwood tree.

A large spiderweb stretching between the branches of a redwood tree. Photo taken Oct. 16 by Ava Norgrove

Students climbing rocky outcroppings along a beach in Fort Bragg.

Students climbing the rocky outcroppings of a beach in Fort Bragg. Photo taken Oct 16. by Ava Norgrove

The field study camp team at Inyo National Forest. Photo taken Sep. 24 by Jesse Engebretson.

Overdue homework: A trip to Mono Lake and the Bodie ghost town

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
October 15, 2021

For some, online learning was a begrudging necessity for the safety of students and professors alike. For others, like Chico State Parks and Recreation professor Jesse Engebretson and Sacramento State...

Three students protesting University Police on Chico State campus

Students call for the disarmament of University Police

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
October 11, 2021

Seven Chico State students took to campus to disarm and defund the University Police on Oct. 4 https://twitter.com/csuchicosqe/status/1445118293510033408 “Our campus says we need to have braver...

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Ava Norgrove, Photojournalist
October 4, 2021

Theophile Dusenge of Rwanda, Esra Poyraz of Turkey, Tin Nguyen of Vietnam, Tracy-Lee Edwards of Saouth Africa, Marina Yurovskaya of Russia, Bassanio Gumpo of Zimbabwe, Ousmane Ba of Burkina Faso, Jimena Sanchez of Equador, Sachin Paul of Bangladesh; Bridget Awaadem of Ghana, Ivannia Arias Zuniga of Costa Rica, Day Iamprae of Thailand, Clement Nyirenda of Malawi, Nurul Faznur of Malaysia, and Praew Polkaew of Thailand visiting CSU Chico as part of the Fulbright program for cultural and educational exchange.

Chico State welcomes teachers from across the world

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
September 30, 2021

Chico State welcomed 16 teachers from across the globe for a six-week exchange of cultures and ideas. The teachers arrived in Chico from 15 different countries as a part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence...

A homeless camp near Mulberry St. in Chico, CA Feb. 3 2021

Suspect arrested in shooting and assault of unhoused individuals

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
September 19, 2021

Chico Police Department arrested a 16-year-old Early Friday morning on the charge of murdering Guy Steven Vanzant. The police department released a statement stating the juvenile was charged with murder,...

Protestors gather before City Council meeting over new ordinance vote

Protestors gather before City Council meeting over new ordinance vote

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
September 11, 2021

On Tuesday night the Chico City Council proposed changes to the titles 9, 12, and 12r of the Chico municipal code.  Citizens gathered that evening in protest of the recent shooting of Guy Steven...

Oscar Rivera (left) pictured with interpreter Masud (right) during Rivera's service in Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of Oscar Rivera, 2005.

Twenty years later: Chico State veterans remember the 9/11 attacks

Ava Norgrove and Kimberly Morales
September 11, 2021

The world was beginning to step into the early stages of the new millennium when four hijacked airplanes brought the nation to a grinding halt.  Millions of people living in America held their...

Matt Gallaway speaking in front of the Chico City Planning Commission.

Torres Homeless Shelter expansion approved during City Planning Commission meeting

Ava Norgrove, Reporter
September 5, 2021
Matt Gallaway addressing the Chico Planning Commission to advocate for the expansion of the Torres shelter. Photo taken by Ava Norgrove on Sep. 2
A billboard advertising cannabis delivery in Butte County, May 2021.

Delivering weed to Chico is not just easy money

Ava Norgrove
June 8, 2021

More than 15 companies, mostly based out of Sacramento, will now deliver cannabis to your door in Chico within the hour.  The Orion reached out to Bryon Thornton, one of the owners of Norcanna,...