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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

Sir Bjorn (left) and squire Alvic (right) are instructing how to swing a sword and always aim for the head if it's open. Photo credit: Jacob Collier

Barony of Rivenoak looks to recover members after Camp Fire

Ricardo Tovar // November 12, 2019

Medieval combat is something that many consider a relic of the past. The days of knights and chivalry are long gone. However, there are some medieval warriors in Chico striving to keep this ancient form...

Town Hall is where people go to start (re)building homes and businesses in Paradise. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Homeowners seek permits to rebuild in Paradise

Ricardo Tovar // November 5, 2019

The Camp Fire burned approximately 153,000 acres and destroyed 18,800 structures. The makeup of those buildings was estimated to be 14,000 residential and about 530 commercial structures.Since then, residents...

First-year student Danielle Wagner attends Chico State after losing her home during the November Campfire. Photo credit: Kimberly Morales

Paradise students show Chico State what #ButteStrong means

Kimberly Morales // September 29, 2019

Students all across Chico State understand the meaning behind the infamous #ButteStrong hashtag, which commemorates the victims and survivors of the tragedies that afflicted towns throughout Butte County...

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...

Remembering the Ridge allows people to attach items to memorialize what was lost in the Camp Fire. Photo credit: Mitchell Kret

Remembering the Ridge represents unwavering strength in the community

Mitchell Kret // April 10, 2019

The Remembering the Ridge memorial event was held in the breezeway of Meriam Library April 8. The event featured guest speakers, poetry, music and an introduction to the interactive art exhibit that will...

The Rebuilding Paradise group had a pancake bar at the Idea Fab Lab Saturday morning for community members. Photo credit: Nate Rettinger

Rebuilding Paradise workshop provides hope through community building

Nate Rettinger // March 4, 2019

Despite a low turnout, the workshop hosted by Rebuilding Paradise provided a more human blueprint for the future.On Saturday morning, previous residents of Paradise and concerned citizens came to the Idea...

Paradise locals gather into groups and each member take turns placing dots on the Paradise map. The dots signify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Paradise, CA. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Community members look toward the future of Paradise

Gordy Papalias // February 25, 2019

Cheers erupted from over 100 people in the Paradise Alliance Church on Friday, as community members received a promise that their town will be rebuilt after the Camp Fire disaster. The Paradise Town...

The American flag hangs over the entrance of the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, CA on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Photo credit: Christian Solis

Red Cross shelter evacuation slows as protests stall

Julian Mendoza and Josh Cozine // February 1, 2019

Cars and trailers leaving the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds slowed towards the end of the day Thursday, the day slated as a soft deadline for emptying the grounds, as those staying at the shelter continued...

Anthony D Prince, General Counsel Attorney of the California Homeless Union, leads the rally and protest on Monday. Prince organized the rally to protest the county's decision to terminate the lease with Red Cross that would continue to provide housing and aid to the homeless and Camp Fire refugees. Photo credit: Christian Solis

California Homeless Union protest at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds

Julian Mendoza // January 30, 2019

On Monday, the California Homeless Union, along with locals in support, protested in front of the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico in response to the shelter closing on Jan. 31. "We actually had an...

Tyler Garcia, 19, talks about how he and his family decided to stay in their home off of Honey Run Road despite the evacuation orders for the Camp Fire and the flash flood warnings. Photo credit: Alex Grant

Chico resident ordered to evacuate twice due to Camp Fire and flash flooding

Josh Cozine // December 21, 2018

Around the police blockade, at the entrance to Honey Run Road on the outskirts of Chico, the Camp Fire could be seen burning in small patches on the northern side of the road. Hopping out of a truck,...

The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation remains undamaged after being threatened by the Camp Fire. Photo credit: Grant Schmieding

Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation remains unharmed after Camp Fire

Grant Schmieding // December 12, 2018

Smoke filled the air as the fire burned surrounding areas, under a mile from the property. Tarps and sheets were placed over enclosures to keep the smoke out. It’s no easy task evacuating lions and...

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...

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