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Wednesday Dec. 4, 2019 | Vol. 83, Issue 14 //
Online Exclusive Check out Angel Ortega’s review of “Parasite” available on theorion.com.
Chico hopes to abandon PG&E
News
Chico mall sees closures, new outlets
Kimberly Morales Staff Writer
Chico City Council members have announced that they are seeking an alternative electricity source for residents to buy their power from. The purpose of this new alternative is to break from the current north state energy provider, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which currently powers the homes
The Chico Mall is seeing big changes in the outlets operating in its building, as it tries to keep up with competitors. Well-known outlet Forever 21 closes this month, but new businesses like Planet Fitness are coming soon. Continued on A3
and businesses of an estimated 16 million people across California. Recent events have left PG&E in the spotlight for Butte County. From multiple power safety shut-offs, to their responsibility for the 2018 Camp Fire, residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the provider. After receiving lawsuits from over 80 families, PG&E was forced to file for bankruptcy in
Jan. 2019. As PG&E began a plan of reorganization in bankruptcy court, they introduced intentions prioritizing wildfire victims and customers first with fair compensation by the end of June 2020. Since these events, PG&E has claimed an $11 billion settlement to resolve all claims arising from the 2017 Northern California wildfires and 2018 Camp Fire.
As the city began collaborating on wiring for the new energy plan, the Butte Choice Energy Authority was officially sparked from the Community Choice Aggregation headed by city councilors and county supervisors. The city and county are moving together for a future where communities can generate Continued on A3
Protests draw mixed reactions, frustration
A&E
‘Knives Out’ is one of year’s best
“Knives Out” is a film that plays with fair play storytelling while twisting the murder mystery genre. With an all-star cast, intentional twists keep the viewer interested throughout. Continued on A6
Sports
Freshmen recruited for next season
For young teenagers in high school, being admired by, sought after and recruited by a college can seem like the beginning stages of stardom. However, this process can also be intimidating and stressful for many. Continued on A8
Opinion
Editorial: Protests divide campus, frustrate students
Continued on A9
Index
Corrections Weather Blotter
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THE ORION | NATALIE HANSON
Students crowded the tables at Chico State Republicans and Young Americans for Liberty on Nov. 19, as protests of the club drew more supporters and police looked on.
Danielle Kessler, Melissa Joseph, Ricardo Tovar, Julian Mendoza Staff Writers
On Wednesday, tensions came to a head as students began protesting outside the Chico State Republicans’ table following a physical altercation that happened on Tuesday in front of Butte and Plumas Halls. The debate between student Republicans and protesters evolved into a mob of people outside Glenn Hall, with further alleged altercations occurring. At around 1 p.m., protesters began gathering outside the Chico State Republicans’ table and chanted mostly anti-Trump speech directed toward club members. People also joined in singing lyrics from the antiTrump anthem, “FDT.” Sociology major Angelo Gabriel was one of the protesters and was one of the most vocal about concerns with students promoting Trump. “I’m tired of the oppression,”
Gabriel said. “I’m going to a university as a person of color. I’m tired of being silent, I’m (going to) stand out here, use my freedom of speech before Trump revokes that too.” Vice President of the Chico State Republicans Lizzy Terpeming explained that the protests were a continuation from Tuesday and students had begun rallying with microphones outside their table. “We know people don’t like it, but it is our viewpoint, and we have the right to express our views,” Terpeming said. “We don’t care for protesting, they have the right to do that, it’s just when they get aggressive.” “We need to engage in dialogue, and right now, that’s not happening,” AS President Trevor Guthrie said. “I don’t think sectioning people off is
THE ORION | RICARDO TOVAR
Chico State responded to the Chico State Young Republicans and the protest Nov. 20 with barriers to make a walkway between protestors and other students.
effective, but what was taking place before the barricades was not effective either.” As both sides continued to voice their opinions, protesters moved around the barricades
and pursued. Campus faculty and university police watched closely as Continued on A3
Man arrested after shooting near child’s party Angelina Mendez Staff Writer
On Friday evening, at approximately 5:18 p.m., the Chico Police Department received reports regarding a shooting that occurred at the birthday party of a 6-year-old juvenile on the 600 block of West First Avenue. The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Gilberto Corona by witnesses. It was reported that Corona left the scene of the shooting in a silver Toyota Tacoma truck. Officers patrolling the area observed Corona’s vehicle traveling northbound toward Nord Avenue and performed a stop of the vehicle near the intersection of Muir Avenue,
Crime News A&E
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Sports Opinion
the news release said. Corona was said to be in possession of a loaded, unregistered 9mm handgun and was subject to an unrelated no-bail post-release community supervision warrant. More officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that no residents were injured during the incident. A search of Corona’s vehicle yielded substances identified as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. More controlled substances were later found on Corona’s person. Corona has been charged with felony and misdemeanor warrants including possession
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of a firearm and ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, transportation of controlled substances for sales, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, willful cruelty to a child, possession of counterfeit currency and of a controlled substance inside a jail facility. In little over a week, five unregistered, non-serialized, privately-manufactured firearms have been confiscated by Chico Police. Corona’s was one of them. Angelina Mendez can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.
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THE ORION | CHICO POLICE Mugshot of Gilberto Corona.
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TheOrion.Com
The police blotter is a section of information cited directly from Chico Police Department and University Police Department
University Police
Chico Police
Call Type: Drunk in Public
Call Type: Not Aggravated Assault
Friday, Nov. 22, 12:29 a.m. Bell Memorial Union.
Monday, Nov. 25th, 2:53 a.m., 1700 Block of Sheridan Ave.
A 28-year-old man was arrested for battery of their spouse.
A 23-year-old man was arrested for not aggravated battery to his spouse and for causing non-aggravated injury. He was also charged with false imprisonment of another person.
Call Type: Battery Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:47 p.m. West 4th St./Chestnut St. A 28-year-old man was arrested for battery of their spouse.
Our police blotter is also available online as an interactive map tool. Head to theorion.com to find our weekly maps and see where crime is happening near you.
Call Type: Aggravated Injury Monday, Nov. 25th, 3:01 a.m. 1100 Block of Magnolia Ave.
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A 31-year-old landscaper was arrested and charged with aggravated injury and obstruction of justice/resisting arrest from am executive officer. His bail is set at $15,000.
Call Type: Petty Theft Saturday, Nov. 23, 1:45 p.m. West Sacramento Ave/Nord Ave. A citation was issued for a 22-year-old that was caught driving with a suspended license and for being under the influence of alcohol while doing so.
Call Type: Hit and Run Tuesday, Nov. 26th, 10:40 p.m. W 3rd St./Walnut St. A 19-year-old stump grinder was arrested for driving into a person and fleeing the scene which resulted in the injury of the pedestrian. Their bail is set at $25,000.
Call Type: Vandalism Tuesday, Nov. 26, Midnight 200 Block of West 1st St.
Call Type: Vehicle Theft Auto
Vandalism was discovered in the Physical Science building. This case remains unsolved.
Wednesday, Nov. 27th, 10:09 p.m. 1000 Block of East Ave.
Call Type: Petty Theft Saturday, Nov. 29th, 7:41 p.m. Student Service Center.
A 40-year-old woman was charged with the theft of a vehicle. She was also arrested for possessing a controlled substance and felony possession with intent to buy/sell tear gas As well as assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm. Their bail is set at $33,000.
Petty Theft of less than $950. This is currently pending a suspension.
Call Type: Carrying a Concealed Dirk or Dagger Thursday, Nov. 28th, 11:04 a.m. Henshaw Ave./Lowell Dr.
Call Type: Driving with a Suspended License Saturday, Nov. 29th, 1:54 p.m. E Frances Willard Av/Esplanade. Driving with a suspended license, expired registration and no Proof of Insurance was issued. The case is closed. Call Type: Deface with Paint
A 36-year-old man was arrested for the concealing of a dirk or dagger, the possession of narcotic controlled substance, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, being in possession of lost property, driving with a suspended license and for violating parole. Their bail is set at $28,000. Call Type: Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Saturday, Nov. 29th, 1:54 p.m. E Frances Willard Av/Esplanade. Vandalism was discovered in the Arts and Humanities Building. This case is closed. Call Type: Driving with a suspended license Saturday, Nov. 29th,11:56 a.m., 1436 Nord Ave.
Friday, Nov. 29th, 5:52 p.m. 600 Block of West 1st Ave. A 32-year-old landscaper was arrested for multiple firearm charges, including possessing a firearm while being a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon, willful negligent discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner and possession of a controlled substance while armed. Their bail is set at $136,000.
Person caught driving without a license, no registration tabs on vehicle and no proof of insurance.
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Security officer involved in physical fight with homeless man Angelina Mendez Staff Writer On Saturday afternoon, Chico Police Department officers were dispatched to the AM/PM located on 2538 Esplanade.
Corrections This space is used to make corrections or retractions to stories in previous editions. Please email corrections to orionmanagingeditor@ gmail.com.
Officers arrived to address a report that an AG Security Officer was involved in a physical fight with the subject that took place on the property. The subject was identified as 34-year-old Jeremy Underwood, a homeless man, and officers ordered
him to the ground. Underwood backed into the business to avoid police contact while ignoring orders but was able to be detained without an incident taking place, the news release said. Initially, Underwood provided a false name during the arrest but his
true identity was learned later. Underwood was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and providing false information. Angelina Mendez can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @theorion_angie on Twitter.
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News
Chico hopes to abandon PG&E for good Continued from A1
THE ORION | KIMBERLY MORALES
electricity for their residents and businesses, bypassing long-term powerbuying agreements at higher costs than the current market. Contrary to moving away from PG&E entirely, the BCE is planning to work alongside with the standing energy company. According to the CCA, the commission plans to either purchase or generate the power, while PG&E will distribute and maintain the power while continuing to bill customers who may reap lower rates as a result of holding more control. While most of the process will result in little change to day-to-day operations, two new changes will appear of customer’s energy bills. Instead of the traditional PG&E electricity generation charges, two new lines will be added to the resident’s utility bills. This includes a CCA generation charge which will represent the cost of the electricity used as well as the PG&E transmission charge which associate with the fees to deliver power, according to Butte County’s CCA webpage. While the city and county are continuing to work together to finalize the logistics of the plan, the board must submit their intentions to the Public Utilities Commission by the end of the year. After that, the county is looking to start the next phase by putting operations into effect starting in the spring of 2021. Together, Butte County is looking at the possibility of a more sustainable and affordable future for the community’s energy. Kimberly Morales can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @ kmnews on Twitter.
Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
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Former medical worker accused of embezzlement Angelina Mendez Staff Writer
In August, the Chico Police Department was contacted regarding a substantial embezzlement case involving an ex-employee of a local medical practice. The suspect was identified as 47-yearold Leannae Mote, more commonly known as Leanne Hill, according to a news release. Detectives obtained and served multiple search warrants to further locate and gather more evidence to prove the embezzlement. Additionally, detectives were able to compare credit card transactions made by Mote with information obtained from her social media accounts. A few of these transactions were concert tickets, airline tickets and trips that corresponded with updates, and photos at the locations that Mote posted on her social media account, said the news release. After an investigation spanning three months, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Mote. Mote was arrested and booked in the city of Helmet, CA. She posted bail and was released. More evidence has shown that over a 20-month-long period, Mote was the office manager at the local medical practice that is suspected of embezzling over $250,000. Angelina Mendez can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @ theorion_angie on Twitter.
Protests draw mixed reactions, frustration with law enforcement Continued from A1
tensions grew higher. As protesters stood on a bench to voice their beliefs, members of Chico State Republicans recorded from the ground and accused protesters of spitting on them. “No matter what happens today, we will be back tomorrow,” one member said through a megaphone. University Police ultimately reported three crimes. One battery charge was reported at 1:45 p.m., when a person was yelled at by a student dressed in red who then spat on the person’s face and arm. The second incident was reported at 2 p.m.; the reporting person was standing on the north side of Meriam Library and watching the protest. During the demonstration, a student wearing red clothing allegedly went up to the reporting student and began making indecent statements regarding their genitalia. The suspect then exposed their genitalia to the reporting person. The case is going to be treated as an indecent exposure case. The last charge was for battery at 2:30 p.m. The reporting person was walking on the north side of Meriam Library holding a “Trump 2020” flag when a female approached them and grabbed the flag. She also allegedly hit the reporting person’s arm with an open hand. President Gayle E. Hutchinson released a statement at 1:55 p.m., not explicitly mentioning the protest from the last few days by name. “At Chico State, we work diligently
to find ways to balance our values and commitments to diversity and inclusivity and the right to freedom of expression,” Hutchinson said in the email. “We live in politically and emotionally charged times, and our campus is not isolated from these challenges.” Hutchinson said that Chico State condemns violence, harassment and demeaning actions of any kind for any reason and any failure to abide by this policy would be dealt with swiftly. Sean Murphy, media relations coordinator, said the walkway barriers were placed to increase the flow of traffic. “We need to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities) compliant and also so students can get to classes and access their educational resources,” Murphy said. “Number two, it was to ensure student safety ... If people are expressing themselves, that’s fine. That’s what this country was founded on, and as a public institution, we take that very seriously. But when student safety gets compromised, that’s when we have to say student safety is paramount.” The next day, Nov. 21, protests began early in the morning and lasted until around 4 p.m. The Chico State Republicans group remained tabling as small crowds gathered around the fence throughout the day. The protesters employed similar techniques to the past two days, shouting anti-Republican Party sentiments. Some new strategies used were dancing in solidarity and hanging and lifting several signs with pro-LGBTG+, pro-immigrant and anti-
Donald Trump sentiments. “The university’s priority is protecting all students, and I’m not going to discount anyone’s experience and what they perceive at all,” Murphy said. “But I’m not discounting anyone’s personal experiences, aggressions, or microaggressions. The university takes that extremely seriously. Gayle Hutchinson takes that extremely seriously. When things like this happen, we are not protecting one group or the other.”
“
We were told ... that police were instructed to not get involved unless things get really bad.” MICHAEL CURRY | Student
University Police officers were present all day. Sergeant Bryce Davison said that students have the right to freedom of expression regardless of their views and that they will not stop anyone who is peacefully protesting. Davison confirmed that there have been charges filed against the woman from Tuesday’s viral battery video, but it is still under investigation. When contacted about the criminal charges filed, including against the woman who slapped the president of the Chico State Republicans club, Michael Curry, outside Plumas Hall Tuesday, Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities responded with The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The office said that for students’ privacy, they can’t disclose information about charges against them to The Orion. The office said all information about the female student and about how the protests would be handled would come from University Communications. President Hutchinson sent another email addressing the protest Thursday. Hutchinson reminded the campus that, while freedom of speech and opposite viewpoints allow the chance for conversation, anyone who breaks the standards of student conduct will face disciplinary action. However, Curry said last week that the police did not intervene in incidents that the club took videos of. “We were told ... that police were instructed to not get involved unless things get really bad,” Curry said. “They did not take action when we were spat on, so the protesters continued to spit on us. They did not take action when students exposed their genitals to us, so the students continued to do so ... They did not intervene when our female members were sexually harassed by these protesters, so the protesters continued to do so. Apparently, those were not incidents the university deemed necessary to allow the police to intervene.”
Danielle Kessler, Melissa Joseph, Ricardo Tover and Julian Mendoza can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.
Chico Mall sees store closures, new outlets arriving Jessie Imhoff Staff Writer
Malls first became a powerhouse across the American suburb in the 1950s. At the time, it revolutionized the shopping experience. Over time, how people shop has changed to stray away from the traditional mall experience we now have. Because of that, malls are making innovative changes to adapt to shoppers. The Chico Mall is no exception. The mall currently has a line-up of changes staff say they are planning on implementing in the coming months. “Right now, the mall world everywhere is in a transitional state,” Natasha Shelton, the general manager of the mall, said. “Landlords are thinking of out-of-the-box ideas.”
Big changes
One out-of-the-box transition the mall will be making is getting rid of the traditional food court and using the space for a Planet Fitness. Shelton said this change is because food courts are not as successful as they once were. The mall will still offer plenty of eating and dining options despite drifting away from a traditional food court. These businesses will just be placed throughout the mall rather than in a central location. One new eating option that will be
added outside of the food court bubble is a Cinnabon, which will open the first week of December. Shelton said that the mall believes adding a Planet Fitness was a really good solution to the food court. Another concern about the moving food court that Shelton discussed was the play structure that currently resides in the center of the court. Shelton said that the structure will be relocated in front of Dick’s and will not be going away. Another big change to the mall is the closing of Forever 21. Currently, the store is set to close its doors on Jan. 5.
New businesses
With the closing of Forever 21 and Sears back in 2017, the mall will have two of its largest lots vacant. Shelton spoke on Forever 21’s closing, saying that retail stores closing like this is really very common in the retail world. “We’re excited for the remodeling that closing allows us to do,” Shelton said. The mall is working on adding new businesses as others are closing their doors. An H&M, another retail store like Forever 21, is set to join the mall in the Spring. The H&M is set to go where the Children’s Place is currently. Shelton said they are currently talking with the Children’s Place to keep them as tenants. Along with other retail stores, there
The Forever 21 in the Chico Mall is set to close in January.
have also been some talk of businesses such as a movie theater in the mall. While Dave & Buster’s was set to join the mall at one point, they have since pulled out. According to Shelton, their decision to do so is because they are trying to pull away from California and open more locations in other states.
Other possibilities
Despite this, Shelton said they are talking to businesses similar to Dave
THE ORION | JESSIE IMHOFF
& Buster’s. Their idea is for adding a company with video games, bowling and other activities. Shelton also said that the mall is currently talking to two movie theaters that have a bistro layout. “We are just in that transition phase which is really common,” Shelton said. Jessie Imhoff can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @ jessiereports on Twitter.
A4 A&E Playlist: Singing in the Rain Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
Melissa Joseph Staff Writer
1. Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin’s genius riffs and lyrics in “Fool in the Rain” make it a unique and charming song that’ll make you want to dance in the rain. The bridge alone will have you air drumming on the steering wheel of your car.
2. November Rain - Guns N’ Roses “November Rain” is debatably one of Guns n Roses best songs. Running nine minutes long, this classic was made for the rainy season. The whole song tells a passionate narrative and easily whisks you away to a world where Axl Rose and Slash are personally serenading you.
3. Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix Would this really be a playlist without Jimi Hendrix? Although “Little Wing” has little to no words, it is great music to drift into a daze on a relaxing rainy day. Somehow Hendrix conveys a nostalgic and sweet emotion solely through guitar chords.
4. Fire and Rain - James Taylor James Taylor’s song “Fire and Rain” is one of the best songs to listen to in the car on a rainy day. Taylor’s soft voice playing against the sound of rain drops is unmatched. The old tune acts as a remedy for any gloomy day.
5. Cigarette Daydreams - Cage the Elephant Being one of Cage the Elephant’s most heartbreaking songs, “Cigarette Daydreams” dewy-eyed lyrics make sporadic rainy days feel like torrential downpour. Get ready to sob while listening to this.
6. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson If you skip classes during a rainy week, just listen to this song. It’ll make your decision to stay inside feel justified and idyllic. What more do you need than your warm bed?
7. We’re Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes A bit more upbeat than the last, “We’re Going To Be Friends” is a short and sweet song that anyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for a small walk in the rain or while meeting an old friend.
8. No Rain - Blind Melon Last but not least, this one hit wonder is the perfect alternative song to jam to as rains let up and you have to eventually get out of bed and face the world.
Melissa Joseph can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @Melisstweetz on Twitter ILLUSTRATION | MELISSA JOSEPH
A5 A&E Hair metal cover bands rock out Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
Abram Melendez Staff Writer
On a rainy Saturday night at the Naked Lounge dozens gathered for a cover show in support for the Chico Housing Act (CHAT). A total of 20 different cover bands played over the course of the night playing songs affectionately referred to as “dad rock,” Songs ranged from “Cherry Pie” to “Here I Go Again.” “I’ve been putting on shows in Chico since 1989,” Jason Cassidy, the main organizer of the event, said. Cassidy hasn’t been able to do the shows as frequently in recent years though. This event served to raise money and awareness for CHAT and continues the tradition of cover songs at the Naked Lounge. Previous shows covered Weezer, 70s punk and heavy metal of the past. With shows taking place over several years this night, continued that legacy., The energy within the small venue created a real small rock feel that just can’t be replicated anywhere else. The Chico community of artists and musicians went above and beyond into the culture of hairspray rock that night. Encapsulating all the positives and nostalgia held for that era of music, while raising money for CHAT and offering an experience that can only happen in that environment. An environment curated and made over the last 30 years of hard work and creative energy from several generations. The Naked Lounge serves amidst many other places in the Chico community that hosts events like this, where artists and musicians can perform and practice their craft in front of people. A previous event held on Nov. 16 showed the electronic, more experimental music that the Chico community can offer. “I feel like it was for the people in their 50s, but it was still fun,” Michael Strishak, lead guitarist of the band Viking Skate Country, said of his experience performing. During the last bit of his performance he got so into the emotions of the night that he ripped his shirt and threw it into the crowd. The energy and nostalgia of that era of music permeated throughout the
THE ORION | ABRAM MELENDEZ (Top) Band performs at the Naked Lounge. (Bottom Left) Guitarists play through the song. (Bottom Right) Equipment ready on stage for the upcoming performer
night as trivia questions for prizes were rattled off and ‘80s hairspray rock played in between the sets of all the different bands. Bands involved included; Severance Package, Uni & Her Ukelele, Viking Skate Country (plus Uni!), Sex Hogs
II, Satanic Mountain Witches, The Tightys, Sisterhoods, Iver, Coyote Whisper, Sons of Jefferson, Stuff That Leaks Out, SCOUT, Aaron Lyon (w/Sons of Jefferson), Jani Lane Memorial Quintet and more! Stand out performances included Viking
Skate Country (plus Uni), Uni, and Satanic Mountain Witches.
Abram Melendez can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com
Community comes together for World AIDS Day
COURTESY BY | JACOB COLLIER
Chairs were placed in circle in the Lutheran Faith churches meeting hall so that everyone could speak as equals.
Jacob Collier
Graphic Designer Group organizers from Stonewall Alliance Chico, Caring Choices and the Lutheran Faith Church gathered community members on Sunday to memorialize the fight against AIDS. About 20 residents of Chico showed their support during the event by sharing personal, emotional stories and information. As everyone arrived for the event, they greeted each other warmly and enjoyed refreshments. There was a sense of solidarity and support palpable in the room. Stonewall Alliance representative Alyssa Larson led the event. She presented information on services
that are provided by the Alliance such as free and confidential testing. Then, Rev. Ben Colahan, who was a pastor with the Lutheran Faith Church, shared the church’s view of wanting to be more accepting and helpful to those afflicted with AIDS. The event started off with Larson showing videos from 2012 and 2018 that informed attendees on the history and current state of the AIDS crisis. The videos showed the struggle of people living with HIV/AIDS and how difficult it can be for some to get the necessary medications. Those that must find ways to afford expensive treatments are put under an enormous amount of stress. After the videos were shared, everyone moved to the center of the room and sat in a circle to share
thoughts and stories. Colahan asked everyone to grab a candle and a paper containing names of those that had lost their lives to HIV/AIDs. He then shared words of hope and remembrance while lighting his candle. The flame was passed around the room with each person speaking the names of the lost from the pages. The words “rest in power” were recited by each individual as they read names followed by the group’s response “we honor and remember you.” Once each candle was lit, people were encouraged to speak names of others they wanted to have remembered. A prayer was said for each and a moment of silence followed. The silence was powerful and spoke the deep impact everyone shared.
The silence was broken by piano music and song. Larson encouraged those that wanted to share memories and stories to the group. After a silence, people spoke up about the losses they have felt. Some had had lost loved ones and told of the sadness that came from that loss. Others spoke of their discovery of having the virus and their battles with it. It was an emotional and powerful experience. Thanks were given to all in attendance and sentiments of unity were shared. Everyone was encouraged to stay and enjoy the prepared food and to converse with each other. Jacob Collier can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com
A&E
Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
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‘Parasite’: an introspective thriller
COURTESY BY | NEON AND CJ ENTERTAINMENT
Left to right: Choi Woo-shik, Song Kang-ho, Jang Hye-jin and Park So-dam star as the impoverished Kim family in “Parasite.”
Angel Ortega Staff Writer
“Parasite” is one of the most thrilling pieces of social commentary in years. Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, “Parasite” is a foreign film from South Korea where a symbiotic relationship is formed between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim family when Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik), the son of the Kim family, manages to secure a job as tutor for the daughter of the Park family. However, a former housekeeper of the Park family poses a threat to the established relationship between the Kims and the Parks. “Parasite” is one of my favorite foreign films in the last couple years. The film serves as a piece of social commentary, focusing on class
discrimination in South Korean society. I can’t speak on the status quo in Korean society, as I don’t actively live there nor pay sufficient attention to their current affairs, but I have a feeling that class discrimination may be a present issue as “Parasite” is not the first internationally acclaimed film from South Korea to address it. Yeon Sang-ho’s 2016 film, “Train to Busan,” addressed this issue using a zombie apocalypse in South Korea as the setting for the film. The film’s delivery of class discrimination is not subtle as it shows affluent people sacrificing young and working-class people to the horde of zombies to save themselves. In short, it made for a thrilling, entertaining yet introspective film. However, what I enjoyed more about “Parasite” is its use of realworld scenarios regarding affluent and impoverished communities in South Korea. The way the Kim family conserve
and value what little they have, juxtaposed with how the Park family show apathy to everything but themselves and their own selfinterests, delivers a harsh reality that is present not just in South Korea, but in the developed world. Then, as tensions begin to rise between the Park and the Kim family, the film turns from being a piece of social commentary to a suspenseful thriller. I can’t say exactly what happens between the two families without spoiling the film, so I’ll only say that the climax of the film, though graphic and violent, symbolizes the animosity that the affluent may feel for the poor, and vice versa. “Parasite” does an outstanding job at delivering a sincere and genuine piece of commentary while also delivering an entertaining and thrilling film. Though I have issues with melodrama, as I feel it’s used solely as vehicle for emotional manipulation,
I think the melodrama in “Parasite” was appropriately applied to add tone to the film’s narrative, especially in the final third of the film. Because “Parasite” is a foreign film, I think some may feel a bit deterred to watch it, but rest assured the cultural connotations in the film are not completely alien to the ones were accustomed to here in the United States, especially those regarding wealth or poverty. Therefore, I recommend “Parasite” to anyone who enjoys either a good piece of commentary or a suspenseful thriller. Rating: 5/5 stars
Angel Ortega can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @AngelOrtegaNews on Twitter
‘Knives Out’: a new take on murder mystery
COURTESY BY | LIONS GATE PUBLICITY
Ricardo Tovar Staff Writer
Notable director Rian Johnson released his latest feature film since “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in 2017. “Knives Out” features a star-studded cast from Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis and Toni Colette. The movie takes place after the apparent suicide of wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey on his 85th birthday. Daniel Craig’s character Benoit Blanc is a renowned detective who suspects foul play. The entire Thrombey family is a suspect, and they all have a reason for wanting the head of the household dead. What transpires is a murder mystery that takes many unexpected twists and turns. From the start, the movie does an excellent job of setting up the world and characters. Interviews are conducted with each of the family members. You are
forced to play detective with Blanc and figure out whose story does not check out. It starts as any murder mystery would and is surprisingly funny throughout. Benoit Blanc’s terrible southern accent is so cheesy that you can’t help but fall in love with the character. It plays with the idea of the incredibly smart know-it-all detective character by making Blanc seem incompetent at times. The surprise MVP of the movie is Ana de Armas, a Cuban-born actor that studied at the National Theatre School of Havana. She plays Harlan’s nurse Marta Cabrera and has the quirk of throwing up when she lies. While the beginning of the film is paced well and sets the story up for success, the big reveal, usually saved for the climax of murder mystery films, is given away in the middle. It feels like letting the air out of a ballon. The fun of the mystery has
been taken away from the audience. The slow pacing in the middle seems to switch the genre of the movie completely. You are taken on a different ride that you didn’t sign up for, and it seems almost like you’ve been lied to. However, the third act of the film redeems this faux pas by giving the audience a new thrilling plot to unravel. It provides the promised mystery for the audience to solve alongside the movie. The murder mystery genre has a formula of murder, a group of people getting stuck somewhere together, multiple suspects with possible motives, and an ending where the killer is found out by the detective. To see someone take a chance and mess with that formula is a nice change of pace. Not all movies need to follow a similar structure to tell a good story. “Knives Out” tells a compelling tale by twisting old tropes slightly and even
making fun of the murder mystery genre’s overdramatic nature. This movie isn’t afraid to tell jokes and have fun with its script, while also being serious when needed. It is worthy of a rewatch to catch the obvious clues to its story. Every character plays their role well. Aside from a slow middle that is redeemed with a thrilling final act, this movie is worthy of your time and money. Rating: 4/5
Ricardo Tovar can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @rtovarg13 on Twitter
Sports
Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
A7
Need a break? Hit the trails
Matthew Ferreira Staff Writer
In the midst of our busy lives filled with work and school, sometimes it can be hard to make time for yourself to get out and enjoy Chico’s beautiful parks and nature. Getting outside and taking advantage of what Chico has to offer doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Below are a few short hikes that can refresh and reenergize without taking a huge chunk of time out of your day. One great spot to go to when on a time crunch is at Upper Bidwell Park, by Horseshoe Lake. It is easily accessible, offers free parking and has a few trails and destinations to hike to. One of these spots is a Chico favorite, Monkey Face. The hike is a little over a mile long and features a rock formation that looks a lot like a monkey’s face. The trail has a moderate incline and offers some breathtaking views of Chico and Bidwell Park. There is another shorter trail located near the parking lot that leads to a cave that provides both a sitting area and shade for hotter days. This trail is a short 15-minute hike, a great option for those looking to get outdoors and enjoy a little bit of nature between classes or after a long day. For those looking for more of a flat walking trail than a hike, there is a great spot by the Sacramento River off of West
Sacramento Avenue and River Road called the “Indian Fishery Nature Trail.” The trail is only 15 minutes from downtown Chico and begins right from the parking lot. The path runs parallel to the water, giving walkers a waterfront view throughout their hike. This area is accessible by bike and has a few spots located along the path to sit down, relax, take pictures and fish. The loop only takes about 10 minutes to complete and is a great spot to go if you want to get away from downtown for a little bit. Another trail that leads to a great view of Bidwell Park and the golf course is located off of Chico Canyon Road and Centennial Avenue. The walk begins along Big Chico Creek, parallel to the golf course. As the path continues it leads you into a more vegetative area with lots of overhead trees. The trail gets to be a little steep and requires some light climbing, but after about 20 minutes of moderate incline you are presented with a beautiful view of Upper Bidwell Park and Bidwell Golf Course. While Chico has many trails and hiking spots to offer, these are a few good ones to get started with that don’t require a ton of time and energy to complete. Matthew Ferreira can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @MattFerreira_ on Twitter.
THE ORION | MATTHEW FERREIRA
Sports
How young talent is recruited Karina Cope Staff Writer
For young teenagers in high school, being admired by, sought after and recruited by a college can seem like the beginning stages of stardom. However, this process can also be intimidating and stressful for many. It is common for star athletes to start forming college connections during their junior year of high school. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Recruiting Rules, private conversations and serious recruiting contact cannot occur until after June 15 of the athlete’s sophomore year or Sept. 1 of junior year, depending on the sport and division level. However, Division I coaches can send athletes non recruiting material such as recruiting questionnaires, camp brochures and institutional publications or magazines at any time. Prior to any contact, the athlete has already been on the organization’s radar through online research, attending games, competitions and communicating with athletes’ coaches. Athletes will do many things to put their name out there and allow them to get on various teams’ radars. One critical way to do this is by creating an online profile containing an athlete’s highlight video, individual statistics, grades and academic information. A major and current site to scope out potential athlete prospects is Hudl. com. Additionally, serious athletes will play on a scout ball team which
Game day can be a time when emotions run high in anticipation of hopping on the court. Envisioning the plays an athlete wants to make can cause anxiety as each player tries to keep their cool. Junior basketball player Shay Stark took me through a typical game day routine. “Honestly, I’m more calm before a game,” Stark said. “I don’t start getting hyped up until tip off, and that’s when I find myself in an entirely different head space.” Preparation to play guard and run nonstop up and down the court starts hours before a game. To make sure Stark is performing at her highest potential physically, she starts with a good night’s sleep and healthy meals. It’s the little things that can make the difference between a win and a loss for the team. “I usually try to get fruit, anything with meat and as much water as possible in my system before playing,” Stark said. “I can tell I might have a rough game physically if I haven’t had enough water or didn’t eat fruit.” The day of a game may feel completely different for athletes. It’s a feeling that goes beyond one’s individual goals — a college player
NFL games are a Thanksgiving tradition Staff Writer
Freshman Brooke Ono setting up for a serve at home game.
will help them gain exposure from college scouts and agents who come to watch the games. The next level from a scout team is a showcase team. Showcase teams are most commonly found in the baseball world. This is a team that a player must try-out for and is often grouped by region. Not to mention, while everyone still loves to win, the purpose of the team is strictly to showcase the athletes’ skills and talents. Now, some of the best-of-the-best athletes who are serious about their goals and future will pay a load of money to compete on a team where they will have little opportunity for exposure, due to the fact that there are so many players to a team. However, this little exposure is by big-name colleges and even professional teams. An example of this is the world’s largest and most comprehensive scouting organization for baseball, known as Perfect Game. Oftentimes, student athletes
Shay Stark shooting a free throw against Holy Names University.
Staff Writer
A8
Matthew Ferreira
THE ORION | MELISSA HERRERA
will have already committed to their college by the time they reach winter of their senior year. This allows athletes to not worry as much about school and focus mainly on their sport. While each athlete’s recruitment process varies, it is a process that should not be taken lightly. Putting oneself out there and doing the most to get noticed can be challenging and nerve racking, yet it is also very admirable and shows how hardworking the athlete is. It takes a special kind of strength, endurance, resilience and mindset to be a college athlete. The world of sports is tough and only the best will make it. Skillful and meticulous recruiting is how college sports continue to succeed and bring fresh, new talent to various teams.
Karina Cope can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @KarinalCope on Twitter.
Wildcat pregame rituals continue
Wesley Harris
Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
represents more than themselves. The community an athlete comes from impacts their journey to play at the collegiate level. Family is the inspiration for Stark to play hard no matter how she is feeling. “My brother usually texts me in the morning on game day and gives me some motivational words,” Stark said. “They’re pretty important. They remind me who I play for and why I love the game.” Music is also a huge component for Stark, as it sets the soundtrack to her game and overall personality. Rather than listening to hype music before tip off, she takes the time to bask in her faith by listening to gospel. Gospel music reminds Stark to remain humble and thank God for another chance to play the game she loves, although she has to hear Post Malone’s “Candy Paint” to set her groove. “It (gospel music) calms my nerves and puts me into a humbled head space,” Stark said. “It helps me focus on what I feel are bigger things, like just being thankful (that) I have another opportunity to play at this level. It sets me up to put my heart into the game that day. Whereas listening to secular music is kind of like having an alter ego, where I’m really excited and have a different level of confidence when I get on the court.”
Thanksgiving Day is one of America’s favorite holidays, filled with food, family, friends and traditions. Every family celebrates Thanksgiving in their own special way, but a common constant in many households is watching football games throughout the day. The tradition of Thanksgiving football started in 1876 when Yale and Princeton faced off in the first recorded holiday contest, but the National Football League’s broadcasts have gained massive popularity over the last century. The NFL has been hosting games on Thanksgiving Day for almost 100 years, entertaining millions of viewers at holiday get togethers annually. The two most popular games each year are hosted by the Detroit Lions, who have been hosts since 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys who started hosting games in 1966. The teams originally started playing in these games as part of a marketing and publicity effort, but as the years went on they turned into a timeless tradition. The Cowboys, dubbed “America’s Team”, have helped drive the popularity of Thanksgiving football over the years. Everyone wants to watch the Cowboys on thanksgiving, regardless of their feelings about football the other 364 days of the year.. In fact, the NFL reported a 2018 viewership of over 30 million people for the Cowboys 2018 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. So why is Thanksgiving football so popular? One of the main reasons is that most find it more entertaining than an average sunday morning game. Even dinner guests that aren’t usually fans seem to end up gathered around the TV at some point to check the scores and ask the traditional question “How bout them Cowboys?” People tend to care about the games a little bit more on Thanksgiving, regardless of their stake in the game. “Watching football on Thanksgiving is kind of just something that we’ve always done at my house,” said Chico State student Bryce Williamson. “It’s something to always look forward to and gives everyone something to talk about and get excited about even if they aren’t necessarily football fans.”
THE ORION | MELISSA HERRERA
The time in between running out of the locker room to take the court is just as important as playing the game itself. She thanks God with a small prayer saying “Thank you Lord for another opportunity,” and it’s all business from there. Once Stark hits the floor to work on her jump-shot form during warm ups, she has to make sure she is physically and mentally ready to go. “I can’t really get into a rhythm with my shot if I’m not going hard, so I try to push myself a little bit during warm ups,” Stark said. “Though, sometimes, the heat in the gym itself does contribute to me working up a sweat.” Game day is not simply hopping out on the floor for a collegiate athlete. Visions of making the best plays to contribute toward a win are the motivators to play well. Family and faith account for a huge proportion to keep players focused. All of these tiny details are what the public does not see before entering the stadium to see watch a game.
Wesley Harris can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @jiggy_wes on Twitter.
COURTESY BY | UNSPLASH
While Thanksgiving football caters to fans and non-fans alike, the games have become a holiday staple in many homes across the country. After all, is there anything more relaxing than sitting down with a big plate of home cooked food and watching a good football game with your family? “We always have the football games on at our house every year on Thanksgiving, it’s just as much of a tradition as opening presents on Christmas morning,” Chico State student Justin Haworth said. As the years have gone by, football has seemed to get more and more popular, providing something to help family and friends come together during the holiday season, and the Thanksgiving day games don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Matthew Ferreira can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @MattFerreira_ on Twitter.
EDITORIAL
Opinion
Vol-83 Dec. 4, 2019 Issue 14
A9
Protests lead to chaos, confusion
Students, administration react to ongoing protests of conservative clubs on campus
Natalie Hanson Editor In Chief
The week before Thanksgiving here on campus was not a good look for us. To say the least. I can’t say I’m surprised by the actiona taken by the university at this point, but it’s nonetheless disappointing. The fact that a student protesting hit another student, the president of Chico State Republicans, when he held up an “All Rights Matter” sign next to her on Nov. 19, is very disappointing. That the next day pandemonium broke out outside Meriam Library -- as protestors of the club surrounded them and a debate broke out for hours -- and ultimately resulted in several acts of harassment, is just embarrassing. That social media ran away with the events of both days is not surprising at all, but saddening to have to watch. Chico State became a tool for the ultra conservative online, who don’t even attend our campus, that week, and unfortunately free speech turned into a battleground that the administration was not equipped to handle adequately. However you see what happened during those three days, it was ultimately a failure at healthy, progressive discourse. I want to be clear that this behavior from the club in question is not new. Chico State Republicans is interested in getting a reaction, as when they called on the campus to start using plastic straws again earlier this fall. Yet their right to free speech is protected, and what happened during Trans Remembrance Week is not new from the club. The students are on property that can be used for peaceful expressions of free speech -- that’s why waving Trump signs and calling for the end of taxes, while it may make you look like a moron to some, should absolutely be protected. Racist and bigoted remarks, however, should not be, and neither should sexist or harassing comments. The point is to know the difference, and people on both sides got it wrong that week. That’s why the moment the student who struck Curry with his own sign for doing the same thing she was, holding a sign on public property, became a symbol to use against the left, and sent
the events of the next day into chaos. Unfortunately, Chico State’s response came out looking lukewarm at best, or absolutely ineffective and enabling at worst, to both sides. On the left, the adminsitration’s response was seen on social media as protecting the group by putting up barriers as a “walkway” around the
not to intervene in incidents occurring on that day. He says that police stood by as the reported incidents took place -- captured on video by the club. Indeed, police have refused to comment on the investigations into the charges filed and will not provide any information to The Orion. At what point should the university
ILLUSTRATION | MELISSA JOSEPH
space the tables occupied. This has never been done before, and it’s hard to believe this was done sut to “control the flow of traffic” as University Communications insists. On the right, there is anger and frustration that the police did not intervene more in incidents involving those charged with harassment on both days. Viral videos show protestors spitting on club members, slapping people with signs and even flashing their genitalia to one member. And yet we have been told that police were instructed not to intervene “unless necessary.” What does that even mean anymore? The president of Chico State Republicans, Michael Curry, alleges that the police were told by the university
intervene, then? At what point is law enforcement protecting one form of free speech over another? If police were indeed present for the incidents that took place that mark the line between peaceful expression and harassment of other students, one would think that would immediately raise alarms. It also raises alarms that “walkways” were set up around the debate in the first place. Mitigating the power of free speech, and the chaos that can sometimes result when people cannot agree on how to express themselves, is something Chico State is clearly unable to handle smoothly. We are now left with a situation where students who were caught harassing other students on video were again on campus the very next day, and the university will not
provide any information on whether they will be punished, academically or by the police, for their actions. Forget President Hutchinson’s email. No information is available to us, the media, on what retribution will actually take place for criminal actions, if any. Yes, it is frightening to see the far right gain traction to such a degree simply by behaving obnoxiously and allegedly making racist comments that resonate online if not on our campus. It is also frightening to see the other side react violently and cause others to wonder if free speech isn’t such a good idea. Seeing some staff and students on social media fretting about absolute free speech being too dangerous is truly scary, in this time when we really need to protect it. The difference is, we need to know the difference between discussion and threats. It shouldn’t be that hard to know the difference between arguing with someone and sexually harassing or assaulting them. Most of all, we need a campus that can act on its strongly worded emails and actually do something that shows the difference between friendly, peaceful debates and acts of harassment and hatred. We cannot let something like this end our dedication to free speech or lead to further restrictions on campus. What we CAN do when groups exercise their right to free speech is know what distinguishes productive discourse from harassment and bullying. Chico State administration ought to know how to respond to situations like these, and hopefully prevent the school from trendng on Twitter for videos of racist threats from one side and acts of violent harassment from the other. Sadly, we are all currently left very confused and unsure of what will happen next time something like this breaks out. I just hope that next time, more of our student body understands what they are really allowed to do according to the First Amendment, and what is still a criminal act against another student. Natalie Hanson can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com or @nhanson_reports on Twitter
How to date casual, stay ethical
ILLUSTRATION | JACOB COLLIER
Christina Cahill Copyeditor
We all have our reasons for sometimes wanting to stay single: maybe you just got out of a serious relationship and want to get back into the dating game but aren’t ready to open yourself up to being hurt again. Perhaps you love being free and beholden only to yourself and aren’t in a rush to intertwine your life with someone else’s. Maybe you’re not sure what you want out of a partner and want to date a variety of people to see what your tastes are. Many people want to hook up without having one night stands, as forging a friendship with a person can lead to better sex. Whatever your reasoning, it can be a delicate balance to keep it casual and respectful at the same time. Early communication of your intentions is one of the most important things to do when you start hooking
up with someone new. It can be seen as presumptuous and an awkward conversation to have, but both of you will feel better about it in the end. After maybe the second or third time hanging out, kindly let them know that you think they’re great, that you’re excited to be hanging out with them and that you just want to keep things fun and casual. If you say it without making a big deal about it, chances are they won’t make a big deal about it either. This also gives them a chance to put a stop to things if they were hoping a relationship could come from your hook ups. It doesn’t feel good to be rejected, but it feels even worse to accidentally break someone’s heart when you aren’t emotionally invested. When you first meet someone you’re attracted to and you find out they feel the same way about you, it can be easy to be swept up in the moment. Even if you know from the start you would never want to seriously date this
person, flirting and getting to know each other is fun and exciting and even a little addicting. It’s important to limit the amount of time you spend with a person and how often you text them. “Good morning” texts skirt dangerously close to relationship territory, as do “goodnight,” “thinking of you,” and most texts filling each other in on the mundane details of your daily lives just to be able to talk to each other. Limit how many times a week you hang out to around two, though latenight booty calls can be exceptions. Dates are nice, but be sure not to make them too well-thought-out or romantic. A flower and Thai food is cute and fun; a bouquet of roses and a private table at the steakhouse is a bit much. While it’s important not to spend too much romantic energy on whomever you’re dating, it’s equally important to respect yourself and your new partner. This means practicing safe
sex, communicating your needs and expectations and listening to theirs, and, for Christ’s sake, don’t ghost them. The coolest, bravest thing you can do when you’re over a casual partner is to tell them so. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s the right thing to do. You can tell them that, while they’re great and did nothing wrong, you don’t feel the same spark anymore and think it’s best to stop hooking up. Keeping things casual is more than just a state of mind; you have to follow through with all your actions. You can be unattached without being cold-hearted. For more information on getting yours without stepping on others, you can read “The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships and Other Adventures” by Janet W. Hardy.
Christina Cahill can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER
04
Student Debt Management Workshop 4 p.m.–5 p.m., Colusa Hall 100B
Wed Dec. 4 • Tue. Dec 10
The Financial Wellness Clinic and the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office are co-hosting a student debt management workshop to help you get a handle on your post-graduation finances!
06
04
Chico Climate Strike 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Trinity Commons Chico will join the nation-wide climate strike to demand that transformative action be taken to address the climate crisis.
Bag Drive 2 p.m.–4 p.m., Outside of Plumas Hall Chico State’s Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry will be accepting all bags including plastic, paper, and reusable to donate to the food pantry to help students transport food.
GOneytouAr Gehneeraal Edd!
Take a 3 Week Winter Session at Butte College Classes Start January 6!
Apply Today butte.edu/start (530) 895-2250