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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

All content by Melissa Herrera
Mugshot of Martin Morales. Image from Chico Police.

Student, former campus employee found guilty of sexual battery

Ricardo Tovar and Melissa Herrera
December 9, 2019

After three months of moving up hearing dates, former Chico State student Martin Morales had his primary hearing on Oct. 24. His right to trial by jury was waived, as well as the privilege against compulsory...

During the event, students and volunteers gathered together to remember those they have lost in the past Photo credit: Mary Vogel

Trans Day of Remembrance Video

Mary Vogel and Melissa Herrera
December 3, 2019

Reporter Carolyn Allen interviews Stonewall Alliance Board Member Connor Wenzel about the origins of this event. Melissa Herrera can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or Twitter: @Melissa_Swimz27

Left to right: Choi Woo-shik, Song Kang-ho, Jang Hye-jin and Park So-dam star as the impoverished Kim family in "Parasite." 
Courtesy of NEON and CJ Entertainment.

‘Parasite’ is an introspective thriller

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
December 2, 2019

“Parasite” is one of the most thrilling pieces of cinematic social commentary in years. Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, “Parasite” is a foreign film from South Korea where a symbiotic...

Matt Damon and Christian Bale star as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, respectively in "Ford v Ferrari." 
Courtesy of Fox Movies.

‘Ford v Ferrari’ is a technical masterpiece, but lacks substance

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 20, 2019

“Ford v Ferrari,” while lacking narrative substance, exhibits some of the best sound editing and mixing. Directed by James Mangold, “Ford v Ferrari” takes place in the 1960s, where...

Eli (Charlie Shotwell) has a condition where he gets allergic conditions from the outdoors. Dr. Isabella Horn (Lili Taylor) claims she can cure him.

‘Eli’: great idea, flawed execution

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 13, 2019

What could have been a great horror film in “Eli”, was regressed by poor writing and mundane performances. Directed by Ciarán Foy, “Eli” is about a boy named Eli (Charlie...

Willem Dafoe (left) and Robert Pattinson (right) star as Thomas Wake and Ephrain Winslow, two lighthouse keepers stuck on an island for four weeks off the coast of New England, in "The Lighthouse."
Photo by Eric Chakeen (Courtesy of A24)

‘The Lighthouse’ is beautiful yet upsetting

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 5, 2019
Robert Eggers delivers another instant horror-classic
Volunteers displayed 86 tombstones for 86 lives lost last year from wildfires. Photo credit: Kimberly Morales

Climate change demonstration offends Camp Fire victims

Kimberly Morales and Melissa Herrera
November 2, 2019

On Thursday, Sunrise Movement Chico displayed 86 tombstones for 86 lives lost last year from what they claimed to be due to “the negligence of PG&E.”With tombstones laid out on campus,...

Quinn Harris (Elizabeth Lail) downloads an app that tells her she has only three days to live.
(STX Films)

‘Countdown’: cheesy and flawed horror film fails to deliver a scare

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 30, 2019

“Countdown” is a flawed horror film riddled with clichés. Directed and written by Justin Dec, “Countdown” tells the story of Quinn Harris (Elizabeth Lail), a nurse who downloads...

Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), Wichita (Emma Stone), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) and Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) continue to fight for survival in Zomebieland, 10 years after the events of the first film.  
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Publicity.

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ is funny, but not much else

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 23, 2019

“Zombieland: Double Tap” is all flash and no substance.Taking place 10 years after the events of the first film, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Little Rock (Abigail...

Chico State taking advantage of their possession of the ball. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Video: Chico State v.s. San Bernardino

Melissa Herrera
October 19, 2019

Reporter Karina Cope interviews midfielder Camille Lidster about the team’s victory over Cal State San Bernardino. Karina Cope can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @KarinaICope on Twitter....

Video: Students reflect on the importance of ‘Queer Week’ events

Mary Vogel and Melissa Herrera
October 16, 2019

Mary Vogel and Melissa Herrera can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.

The faces of Chico’s LGBTQ+ comedy scene

Melissa Herrera
October 16, 2019

Tender Loving Coffee hosted a night of local LGBTQ+ comedians and performers. To watch their performances, check out this week's Orion newscast.Melissa Herrera can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.

Zach Galifianakis plays as himself in "Between Two Ferns: The Movie," where he travels the country and aspires to one day become a famous talk show host. 
iMDB website photo.

‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ is a refreshing and hilarious comedy

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 14, 2019

“Between Two Ferns: The Movie” is a hilarious film that reflects Zach Galifianakis’ exceptional comedic style. “Between Two Ferns: The Movie” is a fictious spin-off of Galifianakis’...

Both teams wait for the kick as the end of the game approaches. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Video: Chico State men’s soccer v.s. Cal Poly Pomona

Melissa Herrera and Wesley Harris
October 13, 2019

Reporter Wesley Harris interviews Midfielder Alex Fluitt and Forward Noah Ross about the team's loss to conference leader Cal Poly Pomona on Friday night. Wesley Harris can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@theorion.com...

The board members showed their support and offered supplies, aid, and information about upcoming events. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

The Painting of Butte Environmental Council’s New Interactive Mural

Carolyn Allen and Melissa Herrera
October 13, 2019

A non-profit organization called the Butte Environmental Council had an interactive mural painting on Saturday at their Chico office. The event featured live music, food from Gnarly Deli and Kombucha of...

Chico State volleyball team in Acker Gym about to face off against Humboldt State. Oct. 5, 2019 Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Video: Chico State Volleyball v.s. Humboldt State

Melissa Herrera and Karina Cope
October 6, 2019

Reporter Karina Cope interviews outside hitter Grace Shepherd and middle hitter Makaela Keeve about the team's victory over Humboldt State on Saturday night. Karina Cope can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com...

President’s Fall Reception Kicks off Academic Year

Carolyn Allen and Melissa Herrera
September 14, 2019

Kendall Lawn pulsed with music on Friday for the Fall Reception, an event where President Gayle Hutchinson discussed her new strategic plan for the university. The plan centers around three main priorities:...

There is no doubt that Clay Vorhes is incredibly talented and this piece of art shows.

A Night at The Museum of Northern Art

Melissa Herrera
April 10, 2019

There is no doubt that Clay Vorhes is incredibly talented and this piece of art shows.

[Video] Students walkout for #ClimateUprising as part of a national movement

March 15, 2019

Alex Depa carried a cardboard sign around Trinity Lawn reading: “Don’t make us use Mars,” before speaking to a crowd. “This planet is pretty much fucked OK,” he said as he took the mic to...

Jacob Meders giving an explanation to the crowd during his printmaking workshop. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Featured Artist: Jacob Meders showcases the art of printmaking

Alex Coba and Melissa Herrera
February 12, 2019

Jacob Meders, a member of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, visited Chico State as a guest curator of a three-day talk and workshop session. Meders is currently exhibiting "Mǝǝmento:...

David Little talks about why it's important to come to community events like these. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

[Video] Students and community members speak at 3rd annual People’s State of the Union

Gordy Papalias
February 11, 2019

Culture, pride, fake news and more were discussed at the 3rd annual People's State of the Union last Thursday. The event was put on by Slow Theatre at the 1078 Art Gallery on 1710 Park Ave. Each...

Protestors showcased their signs at the 2019 Chico Women's March. Photo credit: Christian Solis

[Video] Chico Women’s March 2019 highlights Camp Fire recovery, indigenous advocacy

Kendall George
January 19, 2019

Early Saturday morning, Chico residents filled the city plaza for the third annual Chico Women’s March. People took to the downtown streets to stand in solidarity for women’s rights, climate change...