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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

Molly Myers

Molly Myers, Managing Editor/Features Editor

Molly Myers is a transfer student from Palmdale, California. She is a journalism major also minoring in religious studies. Molly is Managing Editor at The Orion and previously worked as Editor-in-Chief. Her work is also published in Watershed Review. Getting to meet new people and hear their stories is her favorite part of being a journalist. Outside of The Orion she instructs yoga at the WREC and volunteers with the Torres Community Shelter.

All content by Molly Myers
Photo taken by Molly Myers on Sept. 3, 2023 downtown across from where the Farmers Market is held.

Abandoned shoes in Chico: photo series

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
May 22, 2024

The south campus neighborhood in which I live is an illegal dumping hot spot. I often see abandoned couches, mattresses and curiously, shoes.  For the past school year I’ve made an attempt to photograph...

Participants take part in Dabke, a traditional Levantine dance. Taken by Toby Neal on May 6.

Students and community members rally for ceasefire on precipice of graduation

Students for Justice in Palestine held a "Walkout for Palestine" on Monday encouraging students and community members to walk out of school or work to show their support for a ceasefire in Gaza. The...

Pro-Palestine banners put up on Butte Hall by Students for Justice in Palestine. Photo taken May 1, 2024. Photo taken May 1, 2024 by Molly Myers.

Ceasefire campaign launches on campus, President Perez sends email on protests 

Molly Myers and Grace Stark
May 2, 2024

UPDATE: Chico State is aware of Students for Justice in Palestine's demands, but said the student organization did not directly contacted them as of 12:18 p.m. today, Friday, May 3. "No members of Cabinet...

A heavy police presence is in the area of Nord Avenue. Taken by Callum Standish on May 2.

Police apprehend suspect following stabbing in area of Nord Avenue

A suspect was arrested in connection to a stabbing at an apartment complex located at 729 Nord Ave. on Thursday, the Chico Police Department said. CPD asked people to avoid the area of Nord Avenue from...

Hitchhiking in Chico: a woman’s perspective on trust and adventure

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
April 30, 2024

This article will dive into my own experience and fascination with hitchhiking. To see what our hitchhiking experience looked like, click the video above or use this link. Within seconds of sticking...

Molly Myers reaches for tampons. Photo taken by Milca Elvira Chacon outside the Wildcat Food Pantry on April 24, 2024.

The forbidden tampon: making the case for cardboard

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
April 28, 2024

I’m asking all the ladies to step their pussies up, and switch to cardboard tampon applicators. The applicator, which is inside the vagina for MAYBE one second, creates an incredible amount of waste....

A sold out crowd watches Joseph Alexander's presentation. Photo taken by Molly Myers on April 14.

[Photo] 101-year-old Holocaust survivor visits Chico

Ari Sorokin, Reporter
April 17, 2024

A sold out crowd watches Joseph Alexander's presentation. Photo taken by Molly Myers on April 14.

Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins delivers a presentation on Black student experience at Chico State at the Elevating Black Excellence Tipping Point Student Success Summit. Photo courtesy of Alaniz-Wiggins’ Instagram account.

A journey of discovery: AS President Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins

https://soundcloud.com/chicostateorion/autumn-interview_2-mp3/s-LgoiWDDZwlw?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=D3DF844410974128B17696A116CF8D31&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing After...

Arti-ji frying jalebis. Photo taken July 22 by Molly Myers.

Arti’s jalebis: A life-changing Indian sweet 

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
March 25, 2024

Golden, crunchy and oozing with sugary syrup, jalebis is one of the best sweets you will ever taste.  The process involves making a batter and letting it ferment. Then, you fry the batter creating...

The Sigma Pi fraternity house on a quiet Monday morning in Chico. Taken by Molly Myers on Feb. 26.

Sigma Pi loses university recognition after hazing investigation

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
March 11, 2024

Fraternity Sigma Pi is no longer recognized by Chico State — as announced Monday — after undergoing a hazing investigation that started in late February. The investigation began shortly after rush...

The Sigma Pi fraternity house on a quiet Monday morning in Chico. Taken by Molly Myers on Feb. 26.

Fraternity Sigma Pi hit with hazing investigation

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
February 26, 2024

Sigma Pi, a fraternity in Chico, is under investigation for allegations of hazing, said Chico State public relations manager, Andrew Staples. A member of the fraternity declined to comment at the chapter...

Photo of the Notice of Investigative Outcome letters issued to Delta Chi and Lambda Sigma Gamma taken by Molly Myers, Feb. 24, 2024.

Hazing documents revealed: Chico State warns against unrecognized Greek organizations

Jessica Miller and Molly Myers
February 24, 2024

“Hazing, or conspiracy to haze.” These words mark the Notice of Investigative Outcome letters issued to Delta Chi fraternity and Lambda Sigma Gamma sorority last spring.  Chico State Risk Management...

A person ducks under the fallen tree on the Warner Street pedestrian bridge. Taken by Molly Myers Feb. 21

[Photo] Pedestrian bridge closed due to fallen tree

Callum Standish, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 23, 2024

A person ducks under the fallen tree on the Warner Street pedestrian bridge. Taken by Molly Myers Feb. 21

Flyer courtesy Daniel Veidlinger

Chico State holds religion and COVID symposium on Friday

Molly Myers, Managing Editor and Features Editor
February 21, 2024

Chico State is set to host a uniquely specific symposium on Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Tehama 116, delving into the relationship between COVID-19 and religion. “The symposium will cover ethical...

"Kulo" sticker in the bathroom at Riley's. Photo taken Oct. 3, 2023 by Molly Myers.

From ‘PUKE’ to ‘LIMBO’: Ranking Chico’s graffiti tags

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
February 6, 2024

The best art is illegal art.  To many, graffiti will always be abhorrent, while to others, it’s a unique artistic niche.  While I don’t think it should end up on the Bidwell Mansion or someone's...

‘Oh shit, not again’: Another street couch engulfed in flames

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
December 2, 2023

After 10 years working as a firefighter in Chico, Sam Sherwood guesses he’s seen over 150 couch fires.  Late Monday night, the Chico Fire department put out a couch fire at the intersection of Hazel...

Chico State student Hala Saleh holding a sign reading "FREE PALESTINE." Photo courtesy Hala Saleh.

Three Palestinian students share their perspective

Wyatt Alpert, Samuel Moore and Molly Myers
November 28, 2023

The Palestinian Perspective: Chico State Student Hala Saleh A 20-year-old psychology student with two Palestinian-born parents, Hala Saleh, wants to change the outlook of those around her regarding...

Muslim students face harassment at Chico High: Walkout for cease-fire

Molly Myers and Grace Stark
November 26, 2023

Muslim Chico High school students were subject to bullying and harassment before the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Now, they fear it will be worse. On Nov. 9, students from Chico high schools, Butte College...

Attendees at the city council meeting on Tuesday

[Photo] Emotions run high at city council

Kit Beauchamp, Reporter
November 9, 2023

Attendees at the city council meeting on Tuesday

Protestors urge for cease-fire in Gaza

Protesters gathered at Chico’s Square Plaza on Saturday in support of Palestine. Protest organizer Shaheera Abbasi said the idea of a protest in Chico originated through a Reddit post. It took the...

Deyaadeen Ammar, speaking at the "In Solidarity with Palestine" vigil. Photo taken Nov. 3 by Molly Myers.

Over $1000 raised for victims in Gaza at Palestine vigil 

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
November 4, 2023

Community members showed up in droves to the “In Solidarity With Palestine” vigil on Friday.    The event organizers were surprised to see many people show up, an estimated 150 attendees....

‘In Solidarity with Palestine’ vigil and protest Friday, Saturday

‘In Solidarity with Palestine’ vigil and protest Friday, Saturday

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
November 1, 2023

Friday and Saturday events at the Downtown Chico City Plaza, at 132 West Fourth St, will honor and spread awareness for the lives lost in Gaza. A candlelight vigil will be held Friday 4:30-7 p.m. and...

Collage by Molly Myers. Left top photo: Yarin Dan and his family. Bottom left: Ofir Lefler. Top right: Alemo Abraham. Bottom right: Ashta Yehuda.

‘Heartbroken’: Hearing from my Israeli friends

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
October 17, 2023

“Catch up with Israeli news Crazy shit about to happen!!!”  I received this message on Oct. 6 at midnight from my friend Yarin Dan. He is a student at Chico State and an Israeli immigrant who moved...

Flyer for Chico Hillel's support programs. Courtesy Chico Hillel.

Chico Hillel holds vigil for crisis in Israel 

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
October 9, 2023

Chico Hillel will be holding a candlelight vigil for the lives lost in the terrorist attacks that struck Israel over the weekend.  The vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chico Hillel...

Eric Penrod, senior maintenance worker for the City of Chico, with two fresh street signs ready to replace a stolen set. Photo taken Sept. 14 by Molly Myers.

Street sign theft runs rampant in Chico 

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
October 6, 2023

Chestnut, Hazel, Ivy, Cherry and Orange. These are the names of the street signs stolen the most in Chico.  Eric Penrod, senior maintenance worker for the City of Chico, estimates that the city spends...

Photo of the crosswalk where the student was hit by a car. Photo taken Sept, 27 by Molly Myers.

Chico State student hit by car in front of campus

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
September 27, 2023

UPDATE: The student is in stable condition and is home from the hospital, Daisy Giselle Costilla-Jaimes, the victim's girlfriend said. A Chico State student was hit by a car, driven by another student,...

Meet President Perez through a video interview with The Orion

Alejandro Mejia Mejia and Molly Myers
September 12, 2023

Four days into the semester, President Steve Perez sat down with The Orion for his first interview with student media. Perez, Chico State’s 13th president, shared high hopes for the semester. He is...

[Video] Chico’s last big homeless encampment: Depot Park clear out

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
September 3, 2023

City officials cleared out the south side section of the Depot Park homeless encampment, Thursday.  The day before, Nathan Beakley, Chico State alumni and former Phi Kappa Tau president, sat at a light-colored...

2 People shot at house party 4 blocks from campus

[Video] 2 People shot at house party 4 blocks from campus

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
August 19, 2023

Two people were shot early Saturday morning at a party on Hazel Street in the south campus neighborhood, said Chico Police Lieutenant Jeff Durkin. First responders transported both victims to a hospital...

The Phi Delta Theta house. Photo taken April 27 by Ariana Powell.

Chico Greek life hit with suspension: probation following hazing investigations

Molly Myers, Managing Editor
August 10, 2023

After investigations into reports of hazing, sorority Lambda Sigma Gamma is suspended from Chico State for four years.  This means the sorority is no longer recognized by Chico State. Fraternity...

Shae Pastrana yelling to family before she walks the graduation stage. Melvin Bui right. Photo taken May 18 by Molly Myers.

CME commencement: Technical difficulties, empty liquor bottles, and smiles 

Mawil Mateo and Molly Myers
May 21, 2023

As Pomp and Circumstance began playing, students stomped through the grass to University Stadium, leaving behind a trail of small single-shot liquor bottles. Most of them were Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey.  In...

man in black collared shirt in blue teal jeans sitting on a brick bench outside by greenery

Chico Person: Speech and Debate Coach Mark Faaita

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2023

https://soundcloud.com/chicostateorion/chico-person-speech-and-debate-coach-mark-faaita?si=41c4675aed4b407da54facf3ec17d906&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing After...

Police and bystanders gather information from security cameras above.

Mass shooting blocks from campus: Suspect at large

Wyatt Alpert and Molly Myers
May 6, 2023

In the early morning of May 6, a shooting took place on Columbus Avenue, leaving one dead and five injured. In a press conference, Chico Police said the suspect is still at large. The deceased victim...

Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson gives a speech during her inauguration. Photo credit: Miguel Orozco.

Fry cook to CSU President: Gayle Hutchinson’s journey

Molly Myers and Noah Herbst
May 2, 2023

Chico State's The Orion · President Gayle Hutchinson's final interview with The Orion Given the rare opportunity to unwind, President Gayle Hutchinson imagines she would come home, say hello...

sunny street of an apartment complex. orange cones and three people standing around where the gate once was

Car crashes into ‘The Zoo’

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2023

Early morning April 16, a driver crashed into a gate at Timber Creek Apartments, also known as "The Zoo," and hit several cars and an apartment building. His condition is currently unknown. No one...

Bee careful: Another bee swarm descends on campus

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2023

A swarm of bees is on the steps leading up to Marketplace Café in front of Bell Memorial Union. This is the second swarm on campus this week. On April 10 a massive swarm hung on a tree outside of...

The Delta Chi house April 10. Hours after having their chapter revoked the lights on their letters remain lit. Photo taken by Molly Myers.

Fraternity Delta Chi loses charter following hazing incident report

Ariana Powell and Molly Myers
April 10, 2023

Chico State Delta Chi chapter lost its charter following a hazing incident report submitted to the Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities office in March. The incident report included allegations...

The Orion Podcast: Chavez, BORGS and vulvas

The Orion Podcast: Chavez, BORGS and vulvas

Hosts Mawil Mateo, Molly Myers and Gabriela Rudolph were joined with Opinion Editor Hunter Casperson to talk about Cesar Chavez weekend, the meaning of BORGs, the difference between vulvas and vaginas...

The Orion Podcast: Whitney Hall closing, the Paranormal Circus and the Black Wal Street Cafe

The Orion Podcast: Whitney Hall closing, the Paranormal Circus and the Black Wal Street Cafe

In this weekly podcast, hosts Molly Myers, Mawil Mateo and Gabriela Rudolph discuss recent headlines from the Whitney Hall closure to the delicious food from Black Wal Street Cafe. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5k7XLjeWwCpGyfNthAfkSg?si=Ca4GWhSrTWKfQYsKQK-4hA Tune...

man in all black with goggles and hat in snow on a bridge being filmed by a man with a large camera who is wearing a yellow jacket

Student storm chaser talks Valley’s Edge, safety and passion

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2023

https://soundcloud.com/chicostateorion/student-storm-chaser-talks-valleys-edge-safety-and-passion From fires to flash floods, geography and planning major storm chaser Michael Steinberg covers it...

Brick and cement building on a sunny day. Green trees frame the building

Chico State offers abortion pills to students

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2023

WellCat Health Center at Chico State is now offering abortion pills to students. Chico State media relations coordinator Sean Murphy said the pills are available in “limited quantities” and that the...

hand holding white test strip dipped in small cup of water on table. Also on table is an ID, A pill broken in half and a piece of paper with drug info.

Chico State vs. fentanyl

Abbigail Kovac and Molly Myers
February 28, 2023

Chico State is providing students free naloxone and fentanyl test strips to help combat the opioid crisis within the campus community.  Naloxone is a nasal injection that reverses the effects...

three boys holding skateboards in front of a brick building while another boy does a skateboard balance trick next to them

Skateboarding on campus: Photos of the week

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2023

Clarification: This article previously stated that skateboarding was allowed on campus. Skateboarding is only allowed in the bike lanes on campus. Bruno Silva-Sanchez, a 16-year-old Chico High School...

cones and cops in front of police car late at night on Ivy street

Student’s drunk-driving sentence reduced to misdemeanor 

Noah Herbst and Molly Myers
February 20, 2023

On Jan. 4, Chico State student Cole Carpenter was sentenced to three years probation for striking a pedestrian while under the influence of alcohol, on the night of Oct. 22, 2022.  The terms of...

The flagpole at Chico State in front of Kendall Hall

President Hutchinson speaks on current security measures

Molly Myers and Noah Herbst
February 14, 2023

Chico State President Gayle E. Hutchinson sat down with The Orion to provide updates on safety concerns within the campus community. In particular, she focused on allegations that Chico State biology...

flyer on antisemitism panel

Chico State holds antisemitism panel in wake of hate crimes

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2023

Multiple instances of antisemitism occurred in the campus community during the past year. According to Kristy Collins, executive director of Chico Hillel, an unnamed fraternity gave a pledge a nickname,...

Student posing for photo

‘Chic, dainty and comfortable’ weekly fit check 

Molly Myers, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2023

Ellie Marty, a sophomore studying journalism, describes her style as chic, dainty and comfortable. Some of her style icons include Jackie Burkhart from “That ‘70s Show” and the women in the TV show...

Three students wearing very cute outfits. A collage

October fit checks

Molly Myers, News Editor
November 14, 2022

Student Jayme Willis posing for her fit check outside of Butte Station. Photo taken Nov. 1 by Molly Myers. Jayme Willis, a senior communication studies major, likes to emulate themes with her outfits....

Voluntarios de servicio policiaco con el departamento de policía de Chico manteniendo una barrera en Ivy Street después de la collusion. VIP Tim Truby a la izquierda y VIP Paul Bailey a la derecha. Foto tomada por Molly Myers, Oct. 22.

Estudiante embriagado choca contra una mujer usando un disfraz

Molly Myers and Samanta Sanchez
October 26, 2022

Una mujer sufrió lesiones corporales graves después de haber sido chocada por un carro en Ivy Street a menos de dos cuadras del campus el sábado, tarde en la noche. El conductor del carro, Cole Carpenter,...

cones and cops in front of police car late at night on Ivy street

Alleged drunk-driving student hits woman wearing costume

Molly Myers, News Editor
October 23, 2022

A woman suffered major bodily injuries after being hit by a car on Ivy Street less than two blocks from campus late Saturday evening. The 24-year-old driver, Cole Carpenter, a student at Chico State,...

two students on a split screen girl left boy right

Not so distant: For some students the Ukraine-Russia war is personal

Molly Myers, News Editor
October 21, 2022

Over 6,000 miles away, the war in Ukraine can feel distant and foreign, but for some Chico State Students the war hits all too close to home. This month news editor Molly Myers spoke with two students...

volleyball players hugging and chatting with parents after game

Fans from near and far support Women’s Volleyball

Julia Travers and Molly Myers
October 18, 2022

The Chico State Women's Volleyball team played two fierce games this weekend against the San Bernardino Coyotes and the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.  The Wildcats fought hard but lost 0-3 in both games....

President Hutchinson in 2017. Photo Courtesy of Chico State.

La presidenta Gayle Hutchinson annunció su jubilación

Molly Myers, Noah Herbst and Samanta Sanchez
October 15, 2022

Gayle Hutchinson, la Presidenta de Chico State, anunció su jubilación el 12 de Octubre después de casi siete años como presidenta. Con eso concluye su carrera como empleada de 30 años en la universidad....

President Hutchinson in 2017. Photo Courtesy of Chico State.

President Gayle Hutchinson announces retirement

Molly Myers and Noah Herbst
October 11, 2022

Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson announced her retirement today after almost seven years as president, concluding her nearly 30-year employment with the university. The news came in an email to...

Nurse Jennifer Hopkins from point of view of patient during pap

A WellCat pap smear: an ‘inside’ look

Molly Myers, News Editor
October 11, 2022

Before my first pap smear I had the irrational fear I would somehow be visibly aroused. I was not. A pap smear is a medical exam used to test for cervical cancer. During the exam, a medical practitioner...

Student sitting on bench smiling in a stylish outfit

September fit checks

Molly Myers, News Editor
October 6, 2022

Victoria Sasere, second year biology major, wearing Adidas shoes, cargo pants and a black tank top.  Student Marina Reynoso in Holt Hall. Photo taken Sept. 29 by Molly Myers. Marina Reynoso...

banana mozzarella toast on plate with bananas in background a bag of cheese and cinnamon

Banana mozzarella toast

Molly Myers, News Editor
October 2, 2022

Toasted bread, mashed banana, melted cheese and cinnamon sounds disgusting but is a surprisingly delicious combo. While one of my roommates has refused to try it, even shaming and bullying me for eating...

3 people in front of an apartment building protesting, one holding a dog. A sign says "Panama Springs United"

Chico residents organize tenant union in response to eviction notices

Molly Myers and Christopher Hill
September 26, 2022

Several tenants of Panama Springs Apartments have formed a union in response to receiving notices of eviction. The apartment complex was recently purchased by Beck Asset Management LLC, a Roseville based...

student wearing a sick mac miller shirt while holding a tray of fresh baked challah. Student's head is not in pic, cropped out

Challah pronounced ‘Holla!’

Molly Myers, News Editor
September 24, 2022

Challah is a traditional Jewish bread served every Friday during Shabbat and every Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah — or Jewish New Year — begins Sunday, making it the perfect time to try this recipe. This...

Students and Hillel director braiding challah on white table

Photos of the week

Jolie Asuncion and Molly Myers
September 23, 2022

Lindy Howenstein walking through campus. Photo taken Sept. 21 by Molly Myers. Students practicing tricking, a combination of martial arts and gymnastics, at the WREC. Tristen Tern in grey, John...

Condoms and birth control pills with purple cheetah print background

Girls get smegma too: Things I wish I learned in sex ed

Molly Myers, News Editor
September 17, 2022

At age 20, I found out pee does not come out of the clitoris. I am a woman with a vagina. Needless to say, the sex education I received in high school was comically brief. Outside of school, my parents...

 Lambda Sigma Gamma tabling during Clubtacular. Photo by Molly Myers on Sept. 13.

Photos of the Week

Jolie Asuncion and Molly Myers
September 16, 2022

Students purchasing from the poster sale. Photo by Jolie Asuncion on Sept. 15. Lambda Sigma Gamma tabling during Clubtacular. Photo by Molly Myers on Sept. 13. Caleb Ray and Bennie Ksiazek tabling...

First potential case of monkeypox at Chico State

First potential case of monkeypox at Chico State

Molly Myers and Noah Herbst
September 1, 2022

The first possible case of monkeypox on Chico State's campus was reported early Thursday evening, according to the WellCat Health Center. This announcement came from an email that said an individual...

Girl walking up stairs

Chico tunnels lore rooted in history

Molly Myers, News Editor
August 31, 2022

The yellow-summery-sorority house, Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD), has a tunnel underneath it that was used not only during the prohibition, but has been used to smuggle cocaine through Madison Bear Garden’s...

Ominous looking stairs leading to darkness

This photo was taken May 7, 2022 by Molly Myers. The stairs to the cellar of AGD.

North Valley Harm Reduction members tabling for services on April 25, 2022.

Northern Valley Harm Reduction Coalition zeros in on nonprofit status

Molly Myers, Contributor
May 14, 2022

After nearly five years of service and push back, Northern Valley Harm Reduction Coalition is finally wrapping up the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.  This semester NVHRC presented...