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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

Kayla Fitzgerald, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Kayla Fitzgerald
The Wildcats split the series with Cal Poly Pomona, securing their California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament berth. Photo credit: Martin Chang

Wildcats split series, secure CCAA Tournament berth

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 30, 2018

The Chico State baseball team split an exciting series with Cal Poly Pomona last weekend. In the four-game series, the Wildcats scored a total of 19 runs and senior Casey Costello pitched a one-hitter. Game...

This packet outlines what A.S. candidates can and can't do.

Student government candidates adhere to campaign guidelines

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 11, 2018

Each year, several students conduct a campaign when running for positions in the Associated Students elections. Students who choose to run in the elections must follow several campaign guidelines. General...

Classes in Butte Hall have been canceled until further notice.

One dead after falling from Butte Hall stairwell

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 14, 2018

Classes in Butte Hall have been canceled until further notice.

The breezeway and entry ways of the library were remodeled this summer.

The breezeway and entry ways of the library were remodeled this summer.

Wildcats defeat Humboldt advancing to championship game

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 10, 2017

The Chico State softball team defeated Humboldt State in the semi-final game of the California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament Friday. In the tournament, the 'Cats won both of their games to...

Photo courtesy of Tricia Slavic

Goodwill Campus Move-out coming to Chico State

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 9, 2017

Goodwill and Chico State are partnering up to assist students in moving out of their dorm rooms and apartments for the summer. All items donated are sold to help fund job placement and training services...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Students being solicited involves crime

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 4, 2017

A few Chico State students have been solicited to attend out of town parties and business retreats, making them the targets of crime. According to a campus-wide email, two incidents have involved students...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Scuba instructor dies at 61

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 19, 2017

A former Chico State student and certified diving instructor, James Carlson, died April 13. "He was a certified instructor with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) for more than...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Candidates for Associated Students seek votes

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 8, 2017

The Associated Student elections will be held Wednesday, April 12. This year, there are 31 students running and eight additional as write-ins. Students will be notified with an email April 12 about casting...

'Power Rangers' needs help morphing into the 21st Century

‘Power Rangers’ needs help morphing into the 21st Century

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 5, 2017

"Power Rangers" did not morph into a good time. The re-creation of many ‘90s kid’s fantasy was rife with too much action, some comedy and downright boredom. "Power Rangers" followed the TV...

Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Who is Cèsar Chavez?

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 29, 2017

Cesar Chavez is remembered for his advocacy for the rights of farm laborers. He was pivotal in the passing of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which allowed farm workers to negotiate employment...

Illustration by Liz Coffee

Teenager threatens boy with BB gun

Jafet Serrato and Kayla Fitzgerald
March 18, 2017

Chico PoliceCall Type: Disturbing SubjectSunday, 4:18 p.m., 653 E. 9th St.A naked woman was defecating in a trash can near a bus stop. She started putting clothes on, but kept sitting on the trash while...

Professor Mihalyi died Feb. 27 at 93.  Photo courtesy of Public Affairs

Geography professor dies at 93

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 16, 2017

Retired Chico State professor from the geography and planning department died at 93 Feb. 27. Emeritus Louis James Mihalyi worked as a professor for 22 years. He was born to a Hungarian family in in the...

The Orion took home seven awards at the Associated Collegiate Press Convention. Photo credit: Mark Plenke

The Orion named best large college newspaper in California

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 7, 2017

Chico State’s independent student news source, The Orion won best newspaper in California from the California College Media Association, beating UCLA, USC and UC Berkeley. At the Associated Collegiate...

President Hutchinson in 2017. Photo Courtesy of Chico State.

President Hutchinson’s upcoming inauguration

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 27, 2017

President Gayle Hutchinson will be inaugurated March 3 in Laxson Auditorium. The ceremony is from 10-11 a.m. A limited number of seats is available, and they are on a first come, first served basis.Free...

A.S. election information sessions start next week

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 23, 2017

The Associated Students are looking for candidates interested in running for elected positions for the upcoming school year.Government Affairs at Chico State ensures that student voices are being heard...

Flooding from nearby waterways causes road closures. Photo courtesy of Ryan Levi

Campus remains open despite severe weather warnings

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 20, 2017

Chico State plans to remain open through recent severe weather warnings.According to a public affairs email, the University is keeping a close watch on the impact and patterns of the ongoing weather."We...

Heineken caught for illegal marketing

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 18, 2017

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has reached a settlement with Heineken after the recent illegal marketing scheme. The campaign directed consumers to a separate site to obtain a coupon code,...

Volunteers help keep evacuee children occupied. Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico State talks emergency plan after evacuations

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 15, 2017

After the recent Spillway crisis, Chico State wants students to know how to help and prepare for future incidents.According to a public affairs email, there is an Emergency Operations Plan that the university...

Protestors on the March against President Trumps actions in recent weeks. Photo credit: Isaac Ramsour

Chico United protesters march against Trump policies

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 14, 2017

Isaac Ramsour can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.  

Silver Dollar Fairgrounds houses evacuees. Photo credit: George Johnston

Evacuation centers in need of supplies

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 14, 2017

Donations are needed to support evacuees at Chico shelters.According to an email from public affairs, the shelters are currently in need of supplies, but do not need food donations at this time. Those...

Butte County Jail inmates current location due to evacuation. Photo credit: Michele Fitzgerald

Butte County Jail inmates evacuated

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 13, 2017

The Butte County Sheriff issued an evacuation plan for the Butte County Jail Sunday afternoon.All inmates have been safely transported to Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County. About 80 employees were involved...

Volunteers set up cots at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center. Photo credit: George Johnston

Multiple evacuation centers available

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 13, 2017

Chico and Paradise are offering evacuation centers for those affected by the Oroville Spillway situation. Current evacuation centers in Chico include: Silver Dollar Fairground (at capacity) East...

Man lashes out after girlfriend arrested

Kayla Fitzgerald
January 26, 2017

A Chico police officer was assaulted after a man got upset over his girlfriend being arrested. At 10:15 a.m., an officer responded to a report of a disturbance at 431 Orange St. The officer found George...

Bustling activism alive and well on campus

Bustling activism alive and well on campus

Kayla Fitzgerald
December 15, 2016

Activism has been a colossal part of Chico State for many years in the past. Both the community and university join together to express their opinion about issues regarding their passion. Both Democrats...

Police Blotter. Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Cat-killing dog escapes gunman

Kayla Fitzgerald
December 5, 2016

University PoliceCall Type: Burglary,8:06 p.m., Friday, Phi Kappa Tau House A resident came home to find the back door wide open. A report was taken. Call Type: Assist other Agency, 10:32 p.m., Saturday,...

Chico Peace & Justice Center

People of Chico support Standing Rock

Kayla Fitzgerald
November 27, 2016

Protests have continued at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, and the people of Chico are ready to support.On Saturday, November 19, Chico local, Rain Aliza Scher, will begin her journey to...

Attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Chico State honors veterans

Kayla Fitzgerald
November 9, 2016

Students, faculty and community members gathered to honor veterans Wednesday afternoon. Chico State has been recognized on the Military Friendly Schools list for six years. "It's really meaningful...

Students studying on the second floor of the library. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Petition to extend library hours

Kayla Fitzgerald
October 26, 2016

Students are petitioning to extend recently reduced Meriam library hours. As previously reported on by The Orion, the library's hours were cut and the money saved would go toward IT services. New...

Members of Police Community Advisory Board. Photo credit: Kaley Wise

Chico could receive more cameras

Kayla Fitzgerald
October 21, 2016

The Police Community Advisory Board met Oct. 19 to discuss the new bike trail cameras.Bike path cameras were installed over the summer along the infamous, "rape trail.""These cameras are not the end all,...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man holds beer while stealing gas

Molly Sullivan and Kayla Fitzgerald
October 21, 2016

University Police Department: Call type: Suspicious Circumstance Monday 9:14 a.m., O’Connell Technology Center A student came to a class they were not enrolled in and was being disruptive. Call...

Outside view of the University Police Department. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Crime reports release different stats

Kayla Fitzgerald
October 20, 2016

Four rapes, three of which occurred on campus, were reported between 2013 and 2015, according to the Clery Annual Security Report. Different crime rates were expressed in the 2016 Clery Annual Security...

First-year biology major Sophia Balme (right) and first-year business administration major Tyler Wallace (left), take advantage of the Pride-themed interactive photo booth. Photo credit: Jae Siqueiros

Students advocate for LGBTQ equality

Kayla Fitzgerald
October 13, 2016

"We All Beat with One Pulse" is the theme of Chico State's Queer Week this year.Named in remembrance of the attack on Pulse Night Club in Orlando, earlier this year, the event is a way to educate, unite...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Clown spotted at Pleasant Valley High School

Kayla Fitzgerald
October 6, 2016
University Police Department:
Gatherers at candlelight vigil. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Black Student Union holds candlelight vigil for police brutality victims

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 28, 2016

The Black Student Union held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to remember the lives lost to police brutality.Among the attendees were students, faculty and residents of Chico.At the vigil guest speakers...

Pocket Points logo By Tony Montini (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Office Depot connects with Pocket Points

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 23, 2016

Office Depot, Inc. announced their partnership with the popular app, Pocket Points, on Sept. 8.Pocket Points was founded at Chico State in 2014. The app rewards students for not using their cell phones...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Naked man screams at park-goers

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 22, 2016

Chico Police: Call type: Drunk in Public Tuesday, 6:10 a.m., East Fifth Street A man was outside with a knife to his throat, running in the middle of the street.   Call type: Suspicious...

University Police Department on 2nd and Chestnut streets.

Emergency alert emphasizes university disorganization

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 18, 2016

On Sept. 6, Chico State students received an emergency alert of a male possibly approaching campus with a gun. The Chico Police Department had received a call on the non-emergency line, that morning,...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man makes bed by dumpster

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 16, 2016

UPD: Call type: Alarm Tuesday 6:51 p.m., Facilities Management An alarm sounded in an administration building. _____________________________________ CPD: Call type: Disturbance Tuesday...

Signs outside of Democratic Headquarters Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Democratic campaign headquarters opens in Chico

Kayla Fitzgerald
September 2, 2016

Democrats of Butte County celebrated the opening of their new headquarters in Chico on Aug. 27.The new, official Democratic campaign office is located on Rio Lindo Avenue off Esplanade. Volunteers plan...

Fall 2016 Welcome Week crime rates as reported by the Chico Police Department Photo credit: Kyla Linville

54 arrests within 66 hours

Kayla Fitzgerald and Kyla Linville
August 28, 2016

Chico Police Department received 1,372 calls in the closing days of "Welcome Week." The first full weekend back to school prompts many students to go out, party and have fun.Within the 66 hours between...

Northeast entry at Golden 1 Center Photo credit: Courtesy of Golden 1 Center

Sierra Nevada brings exclusive brew to Golden 1 Center

Kayla Fitzgerald
August 22, 2016
Did you hear about the new Sierra Nevada Draught House?
Final remodels on the PAC will begin May 23. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Performing Arts Center enters final phase of remodel

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 15, 2016
Did you know the PAC is going under construction this summer?
Students, faculty, community members and friends were able to celebrate President Zingg's retirement on May 6. Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico State president bids farewell

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 8, 2016
Did you get the chance to celebrate President Zingg's retirement?
Intersection of East First Avenue and the Esplanade. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Changes to the Esplanade stall

Kayla Fitzgerald
May 6, 2016
Did you hear that Chico City Council reverted its decision to install roundabouts on The Esplanade?
Chico PD created an app so users can easily access the police. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Chico Police Department releases 2015 annual report

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 30, 2016
Did you hear about the Chico PD 2015 Annual police report?
Police will be monitoring the new stoplight on Nord Aveune to make sure everything goes  safely. Photo credit: George Johnston

New stoplight on Nord Avenue makes crossing safer

Kayla Fitzgerald and George Johnston
April 29, 2016
Did you hear about the safer way to cross Nord Ave.?
Map of transparency access ratings. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

California ranks last for transparency in government spending

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 15, 2016
Did you hear about California's grade for transparency spending?
More police offices on bikes will be patrolling Bidwell Park in the summer. Photo courtesy of George Johnston's Instagram.

Chico is bringing back bike police

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 8, 2016
Did you hear about the police bicycle unit?
Butte College overview of solar panels. Photo credit: www.dpr.com

Butte students help create sustainable energy

Kayla Fitzgerald
April 3, 2016
Butte MESA students and what they're doing for 2020 emissions goals.
Charging stations provided at Sierra Nevada Brewery for clean energy cars. Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

Butte County is on track to meet 2020 emission goals

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 25, 2016
Did you hear about the Climate Action Plan update?
NorCon flyer for upcoming event.
Photo Credit: From the Facebook

Chico having first ever Hacker’s Convention

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 18, 2016
Did you hear about Chico's first ever hacking event?
SPC ambassadors lead a meeting. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Student Philanthropy Council raises $4,000

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 16, 2016
Did you hear about the new student philanthropy council?
Torres Community Shelter logo.
Photo Credit: http://chicoshelter.org/

Torres Shelter might be saved with help from Enloe Medical Center

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 8, 2016
Did you hear that the Torres Shelter got a huge donation?
Screen captured from youtube

Water Woman nabs Chico State award

Kayla Fitzgerald
March 4, 2016
Did you hear about the national award Chico State filmmakers are receiving?
In an email sent to students, Paul Zingg stated the Chico State will remain open if the CFA strike happens Photo credit: Michelle Zhu

Classes still happening if California Faculty Association strike occurs

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 26, 2016
Did you know that campus will be open even if there is a strike?
First-year Ari Marsh hits the ball at the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Softball team takes the first game against Monterey Bay

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 22, 2016
Wildcats take first game of a double header.
Chico will start a project this month to plant 100 trees around the city Photo credit: George Johnston

Tree numbers sprouting up in Chico

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 22, 2016
Did you hear about the new trees being planted?
Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man hit by a flying burrito

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 19, 2016
Did you hear about the man who got hit with a burrito?
Junior outfielder Sonny Cortez takes a rip in a game against Point Loma on Feb. 6. Photo credit: Allisun Coote

Baseball team wins first game, drops second of doubleheader

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 16, 2016
The Chico State baseball team rebounds in its last game of the series against the Academy of Art Urban Knights.
Chico creek flows through campus outside of Butte Hall.

Too hot California causing El Nino to chill out

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 14, 2016
Have you heard about El Nino lately?
All proceeds from the Red-top  meters in downtown Chico go to help charity causes. Photo credit: George Johnston

Proceeds from Red-top meters going to closing shelter

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 5, 2016
Did you hear about the new, Red Top, parking meters being put to use in downtown Chico?
Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Woman hit in head with wood

Kayla Fitzgerald
February 5, 2016
Did you hear about the woman getting hit in the head with a 2X4?