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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

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter

Elena Mendonsa is a first year Animal Science: Pre-Vet major, with both a heart for animals and for writing. This is Elena’s first semester on the Orion, and she is excited to show her skills and talent to the community reflecting her interests. She has a passion for writing and works on her own projects in her free time. Elena also enjoys playing piano, drawing, running and spending time with her Labrador retriever.

All content by Elena Mendonsa
Ahead lies the entrance to the dining and buffet area of Kwando Buffet. Photo taken by Elena Mendonsa on Aug. 25, 2024.

Kwando Buffet – A hidden treasure of Chinese cuisine

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
April 4, 2025

After a long and treacherous hike up Monkey Face Rock in Bidwell Park, my friend and I were absolutely craving Chinese food. We knew we had no other choice but to go to our favorite restaurant in all of...

Mari Robles is a proud promoter of the public arts. Photo courtesy of Mari Robles and received on March 23.

Seasoned art museum leader Mari Robles to visit Chico State and judge student art exhibition

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
March 25, 2025

Mari Robles, the CEO of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, will be giving a free public lecture on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Ayres 120. According to Professor Eileen Macdonald of Chico State’s Art and Art...

A row of Jersey dairy cows are lined up for feeding and health checks. Photo taken at University Farm Organic Dairy Unit in Chico, California by Elena Mendonsa on Oct. 29, 2024.

Straus Family Creamery: A role model for the dairy industry

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
March 13, 2025

Correction: name of World Dairy Summit host   Straus Family Creamery is a high quality, organic dairy based in Petaluma. Praised for its revolutionary carbon neutral advancements and dedication...

A lookout at Mountain Meadows Bible Camp in Shingletown, California. Photo taken by Reporter Elena Mendonsa on Oct. 5, 2024.

Lent 2025 – A season misunderstood

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
March 6, 2025

Lent is upon us. Many Christians and Catholics across the world have embarked on the 40-day season of reflection and preparation. Lent began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and ends on Easter Sunday, April...

Photo taken in a corn maze in Dixon, California by Elena Mendonsa on Sept. 23, 2023.

University Farm conducts groundbreaking regenerative soil research

Elena Mendonsa, Entertainment Reporter
February 25, 2025

Agriculture is often accused by environmentalists for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and its poor use of resources. Although this is true on some levels, many farming management myths circulate...

Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ swooped in Valentine’s weekend

Elena Mendonsa, Entertainment Reporter
February 19, 2025

Instead of going on a Valentine’s date this past weekend, I chose to watch Marvel Studios “Captain America: Brave New World.” Although the movie is far from romantic, it pleasantly surpassed my expectations...

(center) Reporter Elena Mendonsa poses in her homemade Mandalorian Halloween costume. Photo courtesy of Elena Mendonsa.

[Photo] My hopes and fears for Star Wars’ upcoming Mandalorian film

February 18, 2025

(center) Reporter Elena Mendonsa poses in her homemade Mandalorian Halloween costume. Photo courtesy of Elena Mendonsa.

(center) Reporter Elena Mendonsa poses in her homemade Mandalorian Halloween costume. Photo courtesy of Elena Mendonsa.

My hopes and fears for Star Wars’ upcoming Mandalorian film

Elena Mendonsa, Entertainment Reporter
February 18, 2025

It has been six years since the Star Wars series “The Mandalorian” was released on Disney+, bombarding audiences with baby Yoda cuteness overload. I have always identified myself as a hardcore Star...

(from back center) Roz (Lupita N’yongo), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s “Wild Robot,” directed by Chris Sanders. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.

My top five 2024 films, and what’s in store for 2025

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
February 2, 2025

This past year gave audiences all over the world a wide plethora of films to dive into. Whether viewers were thrown into the world of gladiators, minions, emotions or the Land of Oz, 2024 was a wild ride...