Skip to Main Content
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 Rayanne Painter
Curtis DeBerg's office door in Tehama Hall is left blank next to SAGE Global memorabilia. A plaque in honor of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company founder Ken Grossman is visible. It reads "SAGE commends the Ken Grossman/Katie Gonser Family for its commitment to helping teens create socially responsible businesses that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."

[Photo] Chico State professor under investigation for alleged misuse of university funds

Angelina Mendez and Jessie Imhoff
February 25, 2020

Curtis DeBerg's office door in Tehama Hall is left blank next to SAGE Global memorabilia. A plaque in honor of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company founder Ken Grossman is visible. It reads "SAGE commends the...

The Phoenix contained over 18,000 keys and stood tall in the center of the building. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Sculpture made of keys from Camp Fire survivors revealed

Rayanne Painter
November 12, 2019

Only three days after the Camp Fire, artist Jess Mercer began asking for keys owned by survivors from the Ridge. Any key: cars, houses, businesses, safes, boats, diaries, etc. were accepted.. After just...

Ryan standing next to his favorite piece "Escalation." Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Featured Artist: BFA student Ryan Ramos

Rayanne Painter and Hana Beaty
November 5, 2019

The BS-O Gallery at Chico State is a space for art students to celebrate, showcase and most importantly, share their stories through their artwork created by the end of their fine arts education. This...

Video: ‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ film review

Angel Ortega and Rayanne Painter
October 21, 2019

Resident film critic Angel Ortega discusses "Between Two Ferns: The Movie."Angel Ortega and Melissa Hererra can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Jaime Munoz

‘For the Record’ Podcast: Chico State doesn’t value diversity

Mitchell Kret and Rayanne Painter
October 6, 2019

“For the Record” is our editorial podcast featuring editors from The Orion staff. This week, our Editor in Chief Natalie Hanson and Arts and Entertainment editor Rayanne Painter discuss an...

Photo credit: Emily Neria

Video: We went to Area 51

Emily Neria and Rayanne Painter
October 2, 2019

Reporter Emily Neria interviews the attendees of Alienstock 2019 in Rachel, Nevada. Emily Neira can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

O-Face: Reflections on virginity

Rayanne Painter
September 24, 2019

It’s a sticky subject, virginity.There’s only one way this is supposed to happen, right? A man lays a woman down in missionary, strokes a few times, blows his load and suddenly your virginity...

A tall girl’s criticism of Netflix’s ‘Tall Girl’

Rayanne Painter
September 18, 2019

Let’s set the scene for Netflix’s new original film, “Tall Girl”:Jodi (Ava Michelle) is a white, cisgender, straight, thin, able-bodied, middle-class, blond-haired, blue-eyed woman...

Photo credit: Jaime Munoz

‘For The Record’ Podcast: Chico State administration, we deserve better

Mitchell Kret and Rayanne Painter
September 18, 2019

"For the Record" is our editorial podcast featuring editors from The Orion staff. This week, our Editor in Chief Natalie Hanson and Arts and Entertainment editor Rayanne Painter discuss Hanson's editorial...

My body isn’t a cation sign; you’re not going to slip into the heart of my struggles by just acknowledging me as I am. Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

‘Fat’ is used as an insult, but it’s just my body

Rayanne Painter
September 11, 2019

I’ve been here a thousand times: A thin person, most of the time my friend or family member, stands in the mirror in front of them. They twist their face in disgust while they look at their body:...

Her focus and creative mind brought along the anticipation of a finished art piece. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Featured Artist: ‘Your Mom’s Favorite’ new Downtown Chico tattoo shop

Rayanne Painter
September 11, 2019

For the past 20 years, the corner of W. First Street by Celestino’s and Chico State has been a tattoo shop. The shop has been swapped from owner to owner over the years, but over the summer, tattoo...

Many vendors sold handmade jewelry, indoor and outdoor decorations and clothing. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

Gold Nugget Days proves strength of community

Rayanne Painter
May 4, 2019

Paradise Gold Nugget Days and craft fair persisted into its 41st year on Saturday, despite the Camp Fire and displacement of residents.In the years before the fire, Gold Nugget Days brought thousands into...

The collected pieces from Vogel’s research included taxidermy birds that had been insulated in metal, photographs of bird wings and drawings of birds relating to their flight abilities. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

Chico State art gallery showcases studies of birds

Rayanne Painter
April 29, 2019

A retrospective take on a German Philosopher of Science’s groundbreaking work in the study of birds is up at Chico State’s Masters of Fine Arts Gallery (MFA). Showcasing a collection of sculptures,...

Don’t be fooled, Coachella is no paradise

Rayanne Painter
April 28, 2019

Thousands of people just spent thousands of dollars to sweat in the California desert. Yes, I’m serious.But, that’s only the tip of the iceberg (or, the sand dune) when it comes to the monstrosity...

One of Jessie's favorite art piece is the apron her father used to wear, which has been recreated, and now hanging in her living room. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Featured Artist: Jessie Mercer brings Camp Fire community together through art

Rayanne Painter
April 24, 2019

When the Camp Fire began on a fateful November morning, the small communities of the Paradise Ridge were ripped apart. Families who had lived in the path of the blaze had lost their homes, businesses...

Sexual assault survivor, public speaker and activist Brittany Piper brought conversations about consent, rape culture and bystander intervention to Chico State. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

Sexual assault survivor brings awareness to Chico State

Rayanne Painter
April 21, 2019

The room was silent as the request was posed: “I’d like you to stand if you know of someone close to you who has experienced sexual assault.”The students in the room looked around at...

NVCC is curated of professional musicians and singers that are mostly music teachers or professional performers with bachelor degrees in the musical arts. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

North Valley Chamber Chorale presents Mozart’s ‘Requiem’

Rayanne Painter
April 17, 2019

Mozart’s 14-part “Requiem” was performed by North Valley Chamber Chorale (NVCC) in Laxson Auditorium on Sunday.A full chorus, orchestra and four soloists took to the stage to recreate...

There were many members working the event and ensuring that students and speakers had a tremendous experience, on Saturday. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

GSEC hosts second day of queer and trans conference

Rayanne Painter
April 17, 2019

The second day of the trans and queer conference was hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition on Saturday in the Bell Memorial Union. This conference was the first of many events to kick off...

Helena anguishes over her unrequited love for her sister's fiance in "The River Bride." Photo credit: Jason Halley - University Photographer

“The River Bride” brings magic and heartache to Chico State

Rayanne Painter
April 7, 2019

There’s no fairy godmother to save the day, or happily ever after while riding off into the sunset. This isn’t a typical Walt Disney fairytale.Chico State School of the Arts’ Department...

Billie Eilish debut album doesn’t mess around

Rayanne Painter
April 5, 2019

She’s dark, moody, cynical, but somehow soft. Billie Eilish isn’t your typical 17-year-old.Looming on the horizon as one of the most anticipated albums of the past few months (or years), Eilish...

Playlist: 11 songs from talented LGBTQ+ musicians

Rayanne Painter
April 2, 2019

As a queer woman, I often relate more to music made by queer artists.I jam out to many songs made by folks outside of the LGBTQ+ community as well, but these songs and artists hold a special place in my...

Filipe DeAndrade spoke about his passion for wildlife and videography Wednesday night in Laxson for the National Geographic Live event. He engaged the audience with pictures of breathtaking wildlife and a preview of his upcoming documentary. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

National Geographic filmmaker shares his passions with Chico State

Rayanne Painter
April 1, 2019

Ever taken a swim with hundreds of sharks in the dead of night? Or come face-to-face with a hunting jaguar?Filipe DeAndrade conquered both of these feats and survived to tell the tale during his National...

Jess Jarocki or “Tripsy McStumble” races against the Sacramento Flood Water jammer as they both hurry to pass one another to earn more points during the match. Michaella King or “Rebel Rose” is the pivot and dictates the pace of the jam match. She gets ready to slam into the Flood Water opponent so Jarocki can pull ahead. Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Nor Cal Roller Girls skate into a hopeful season

Rayanne Painter
March 26, 2019

Nor Cal Roller Derby Girls raced off into their 2019 season opener on Saturday night at Chico’s Cal Skate.The team faced off against Sacramento’s Floodwaters, both teams head-to-head until...

Owen Carlson, Sam Lucas (middle) and Shantae Stewar sit onstage during Act 2 of "The Almond Orchard" at Blue Room Theatre. 

Photo Credit: Joe Hilsee

‘The Almond Orchard’ poses important questions to Chico

Rayanne Painter
March 18, 2019

The opening night of “The Almond Orchard” debuted at downtown Chico’s Blue Room Theatre Thursday night. As an adaptation of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard,” this rendition of the classic...

C.A.F.E. members, David Cruz and Rose Merry Blanco, stand next to the welcome sign as students enter the event. C.A.F.E. put together their first event of the semester, Friday, Mar. 8, 2019, in Chico, CA. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Latinx students share their stories at open mic night

Rayanne Painter
March 11, 2019

Chico State’s chapter of Central Americans for Empowerment (C.A.F.E.) hosted their first event on Friday in Sylvester's Cafe. Colorful picado banners hung from the ceiling and the smell of freshly...

Mai Der Vang's "Afterland" has been recognized for several awards since being published in 2017. Photo credit: Lucero Del Rayo-Nava

Poetry reading shines light on refugee experiences

Rayanne Painter
March 11, 2019
Award-winning poet, Mai Der Vang, discusses her book, "Afterland."

New Hozier album is missing something

Rayanne Painter
March 4, 2019
What musician really has a phenomenal second album, anyway?
Dilan Pedraza speaks to students in the CCLC about his experience filming in documentary "Waking Dream". Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

‘Waking Dream’ screening brings awareness to DACA recipients

Rayanne Painter
March 4, 2019

Navigating through school, society and careers is challenging enough without extra factors. Many undocumented young adults in Chico and throughout the country are required to take additional, and often...

A violinist from New Music Symposium concentrates while playing the beginning of Terry Riley's "In C" at Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

Chico State musicians tackle Terry Riley’s ‘In C’

Rayanne Painter
March 3, 2019

Ever read “choose your own adventure” books as a child? Chico State’s New Music Symposium recreated just that, but with music and rhythm.Guest composer Terry Riley joined the audience...

Dean Waters and Stephen Chollet are experts in their own unique magical arts. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

Mind-reading and magic shock Chico bar scene

Rayanne Painter
February 22, 2019
Was it all an illusion? Was it real magic? Or, maybe it was the wine.
Cast Members of the Vigina Monologues sitting down while on stage. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

‘The Vagina Monologues’ spreads crucial messages about womanhood

Rayanne Painter
February 18, 2019

There are few shows presented at Chico State that begin with cast members encouraging the audience to shout synonyms of “vagina” at the start of each performance.The Gender and Sexuality Equity...

"They’re walking up on this protected boardwalk, but others are not too fortunate to have those types of protections," said Crawford. Photo credit: Rayanne Painter

“Broken Open” gallery highlights Chico artists

Rayanne Painter
February 5, 2019

"Broken Open," an art exhibition focusing on sound, words and objects, is open at 1078 Gallery on Park Ave. in Chico. Featuring Chico artists, the gallery collaborates between three different art forms....

Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone watch balloons float in a simulated night sky.  Photo by Florence Montmare.

‘Air Play’ takes Chico’s breath away

Rayanne Painter
February 2, 2019

A fresh breath of air, quite literally, took to the stage at Laxson Auditorium.Clown couple, Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, invited audience members into their make-believe alternate reality designed...

Ending the first act with a bang Photo credit: Mathew Boe

Chico artists successfully revamp Madonna smash hits

Rayanne Painter
January 30, 2019

The sass of Madonna and the raw talent of Uncle Dad’s Art Collective joined forces for a fiery opening night. Filled with all of Madonna’s classic hits from “Material Girl” to “Like...

Work By Jacob A. Meders. This work is on display at the Jackie Headley Art Gallery Photo credit: Alex Coba

Mechoopda artist challenges assimilation of indigenous culture through printmaking

Rayanne Painter
January 28, 2019

Companion exhibitions “Mǝǝmento: Before” and “Aksum Belle: Afterwards” made their debut at Chico State’s Janet Turner Print Museum and Jackie Headley Art Gallery...

Sarah Nutting and Karisha Longaker of MaMuse displayed their artistic talents and songs with instruments like a cello and flute Photo credit: Olyvia Simpson

Local musicians aid in Camp Fire relief effort

Rayanne Painter
January 23, 2019

Celebration has been bittersweet since flames took to the town of Paradise in November. But excitement still filled the air as dutiful fans waited eagerly for musicians Jonathan Richman and MaMuse during...

Drunk in the dorms: should 21+ be allowed?

Rayanne Painter
December 11, 2018

As strict as the alcohol and drug policies are for Chico State’s on-campus housing, you’d think that residents would take them at least a little seriously. But when I lived in the residence...

Getting through the final weeks of this semester: our strange, new normal

Rayanne Painter
December 10, 2018

Welcome to “dead week,” you’ve finally made it. This semester has felt like it’s gone on for far longer than usual.Unless this is your first semester of college, you’ve probably...

Chico State counseling services were not prepared for a mass crisis

Rayanne Painter
December 5, 2018

Here we are, just mere weeks after the Camp Fire started a few Thursday mornings ago. Classes are back in session, campus jobs are up and running and we are now left with the aftermath of dealing with...

Camp Fire relief needs your help, but let’s volunteer and donate effectively

Rayanne Painter
December 4, 2018

It’s difficult to watch your community struggle through a devastation as impactful and detrimental as the Camp Fire. If you were able to return to your intact house, town, schools and jobs, it’s...

Gratitude should be practiced year-round

Rayanne Painter
November 28, 2018

Thanksgiving may have come and gone, along with all the leftovers of mashed potatoes and apple pies but that doesn’t give us a free pass to stop being thankful.In this world, we are owed nothing....

Photo credit: Diego Ramirez

Gender reveals: harmful or celebratory?

Rayanne Painter
November 16, 2018

A concept: popping confetti to celebrate the genitalia of an undeveloped tiny human. Sounds weird to me, yet this is the new fad of our culture.We’ve all seen the Facebook videos. Family and friends...

Catcalling: it’s inexcusable

Rayanne Painter
November 13, 2018

If you have a female or feminine body, you already know. It’s terrifying no matter where you are or who you’re with.It can happen anywhere. Walking home from class, walking into the grocery...

Photo credit: Diego Ramirez

Voting is crucial for this upcoming election

Rayanne Painter
November 5, 2018

Nov. 6 is coming, and as people residing in the U.S, we all have important decisions to make.It’s no secret that politics are a headache, inducing, confusing and sometimes manipulative, during this...

Bad news: Greasy food will make your hangover worse

Rayanne Painter
October 29, 2018

You’ve woken up with a headache, nausea and are somehow more tired than before you went to sleep. This isn’t a case of the flu or common cold, but rather a side effect of a few too many margaritas...

Bisexual people deserve respect and validation

Rayanne Painter
October 29, 2018

I’m attracted to people regardless of their gender. But no, I don’t want to be in your threesome and I’m certainly not confused about my sexuality.While being heterosexual is the all-time...

Off the Record: Chicoween

This week on Off the Record, Rachael Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin talk about the importance of cultural appropriation, consent and out-of-towners during Chicoween. 0:01- Introduction0:07- Topics0:15-...

Photo credit: The Orion

Off the Record: gender neutral bathrooms and men who can’t donate blood

This week on Off the Record, Rachael Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin talk about the necessity of general neutral bathrooms needed on campus and the men who can't donate blood during the blood...

Gender inclusive restrooms; we all can do better

Rayanne Painter
October 24, 2018

If you’re reading this, I’m going to make the assumption that you are human. You eat, you drink and if you do both of these things, you will have to dispose of bodily waste.Whether the urge...

We all are responsible for reversing climate change

Rayanne Painter
October 21, 2018

The Earth as we know it is disappearing at an alarmingly fast rate. I know it, you know it and we need to stop ignoring it.Over the past decade, there’s been no secret about the fact that our climate...

Blood donors wanted: unless you’re gay

Rayanne Painter
October 21, 2018

When entering the American Red Cross website, a red banner pops up on the top of the screen: Critical Need for Blood and Platelets.Unfortunately for the Red Cross and those who benefit from their donations,...

Letter to: sexual assault survivors

Rayanne Painter
October 15, 2018

Dear survivors of sexual assault,First off and most importantly, I believe you. You are strong and resilient, no matter your situation.I know these past few weeks have been hard, with all that’s...

Illustration by Jamie Munoz

Wildcat on the Street: using sensitive language

Rayanne Painter
October 11, 2018

This week, reporter Rayanne Painter went around campus to ask wildcats if students should be aware of the use of their language and how it can effect people. Rayanne Painter can be reached at opinoneditor@theorion.com...

We need to be held accountable for the language we use

Rayanne Painter
October 10, 2018

Here, in the United States, we have a protected right to say essentially whatever we want within reason. But should we really speak without any regard?In recent years, especially during and after the 2016...

This man covers himself with a pillow. He is not a sex worker, but men often cover there genitals up before showing something to viewers. Photo credit: Dominique Wood

Sex workers deserve to be treated like human beings

Rayanne Painter
October 7, 2018

Most people have jobs in their lifetime. And that’s what sex work is, a job. People are often fast to make assumptions that people who receive money for consensual sexual actions are degrading themselves...

Photo credit: theorion

Off the Record: sex workers and sensitive language

This week, reporters Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin shared their opinions on sex workers and sensitive language that students use.Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin can be reached at opinioneditor@theorion.com...

Off the Record: What sex is not and party life in Chico

Off the Record: What sex is not and party life in Chico

This week Rayanne Painter and Rachael Bayuk with guest speaker Karen Limones discuss topics about sex and the party life in Chico.Rachael Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Karen Limones can be reached at opinioneditor@theorion.com...

Dear Board of Trustees, please stop approving raises for administrators

Rayanne Painter
October 3, 2018

Only so much can be taken from us until we have nothing left. We are students, most of us with a full-time class load. Many of us have a job, maybe two or even three of them. We have families at home...

Social norms shouldn’t control how you have sex

Rayanne Painter
October 1, 2018

It’s hard to argue that western culture isn’t completely obsessed with sex, even when references are normalized in children's movies. Sex is everywhere we look. It’s in nearly every Netflix...

Wildcat on the Street: Coffee alternatives

Wildcat on the Street: Coffee alternatives

Rayanne Painter and Karen Limones
September 28, 2018

This week, Rayanne Painter asked students around campus how much coffee they consume and some alternatives they can find to reduce drinking coffee. Rayanne Painter can be reached at opinoneditor@theorion.com...

A coffee on top of a table indicating this is another drink in this persons day. Photo credit: Diego Ramirez

Cutting ties with coffee may be your most difficult breakup

Rayanne Painter
September 26, 2018

If you’re anything like me, an 8 a.m. class is hell on earth.The ritual starts right when you wake up; that first cup of coffee hits your lips within minutes of rolling out of bed and, by the time...

On this week's podcast, Racheal Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin talk about two topics; friendships and using lubrication in the bedroom. Photo credit: The Orion

Off the Record: Friendships and lubricating in the bedroom

This week, columnist Rachael Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin hit on topics about friendships in and out of college and using lube in the bedroom.Rachael Bayuk, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin...

Slip ‘n’ slide safely around the bedroom

Rayanne Painter
September 23, 2018

Sex shouldn’t hurt, of course, unless you want it to.There’s a notion that exists among the younger generation that sex should be perfect while we’re young. And that any sexual struggle...

Sugaring can be both sweet and sour

Rayanne Painter
September 18, 2018

Money is tight for those of us in college, or for other adults trying to make their business or career goals workout. Wouldn’t it be great to have some help through the struggles?It’s no secret...

Self-care is important; stress free phone apps

Rayanne Painter
September 18, 2018

Think about what makes you most happy after a long and stressful week. It could be a hot cup of tea paired with your favorite TV show, a day hike with friends or something as simple as reading a book....

Off the Record: Sugar Parents and Hickies

Brooke Martin, Rayanne Painter and Karen Limones
September 17, 2018

This week, Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin with guest Sammy Browne share their opinion on hickies and potential sugar parents.Rayanne Painter and Brooke Martin can be reached at opinoneditor@theorion.com...

Podcast: Kegels, being a vegan student and having pets in college

Rayanne Painter, Rachael Bayuk and Karen Limones
September 11, 2018

This week Rayanne Painter and Rachael Bayuk talk about Kegels, what it's like being a vegan student and having pets in college. Rayanne Painter and Rachael Bayuk can be reached at opinoneditor@theorion.com...

College students and pets don’t mix

Rayanne Painter
September 10, 2018

With cute pet videos constantly going viral over Facebook and Twitter, it’s safe to say that animals of all form are pretty adorable. They’re quirky, sometimes fluffy and often times can be a best...

The friend zone: myth or fact?

Rayanne Painter
September 10, 2018

We’ve all been there.We think somebody might have a romantic interest until something doesn’t feel right, we get bored or simply find somebody else. It’s awkward, feelings get hurt, but...

Vegan student on a budget; tips and tricks

Rayanne Painter
September 6, 2018

With many college students struggling with issues such as housing or food insecurity, or just struggling to pay for tuition and textbooks, it’s reasonable when college students eat what they can to get...

Period Sex; don't knock it till you try it

Period Sex; don’t knock it till you try it

Rayanne Painter
September 4, 2018

Sex is bound to get messy. Bodily fluids, lube and sweat are all mixed up in heavy breathing, tangled hair and hey- maybe you break some furniture once in a while. This is no surprise as sex brings back...

College students lack sufficient mental health resources

Rayanne Painter
August 28, 2018

Everybody deals with their own personal lows during college. Many students may find themselves devastated over failing a difficult exam, or heartbroken over falling out with friends or partners. For anybody...