The Orion Vol. 74, Issue 1

Page 1

Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975 Arts and Entertainment:

News »Theft: Two suspects are facing felony charges after attempted robbery. A2

Rocky Horror: The personal atmosphere of the 1078 Gallery reanimates the classic horror musical . B7

Opinion »Editorial: Taking responsibility for your actions could save a life. A6 Sports »Cross-country: Q&A with inspirational coach, Gary Towne. B3 Malik Payton/The Orion

Features »Charity: Chico State alumna makes waves with charitable efforts. B5

Theorion.com | Wednesday, January 21, 2015 | Vol. 74, Issue 1 | First copy free, additional copies 50¢

Gas prices continue to decline in Chico

NEW LAW

Michael Arias

Staff Writer

Miles Huffman/The Orion

BAG BAN DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS Michael Mcclurg

Staff Writer

T

he sale of single-use plastic bags has been banned in major stores around Chico since Jan. 1 and the effects are coming to light. Though many people have accepted the ban, there remain a few who hold out against buying bags — paper and reusable ones alike. “Instead of paying 10 cents, a lot of people try to carry everything,” said Kelsey Cast, a 21-year-old communications major who works at the Chico State Wildcat Store as a sales associate and cashier. As of Jan. 1, businesses in Chico that have total sales of at least $2 million or that have more than 10,000 square feet of retail space will no longer provide plastic bags to customers at the checkout counter. This includes about 37 stores in Chico such as Safeway, Wal-Mart and the Wildcat Store. Customers are able to purchase a paper bag for 10 cents or a 25-cent reusable bag offered at some locations if they want something to carry their goods out easily. However, customers who are a part of CalFresh or other low-income, government- subsidized programs will not be charged for bags. Plastic bags without handles that are used for produce and bulk items are excluded from the law. This ban will affect convenience stores and other smaller businesses starting Jan. 1, 2016, which means that starting next year, every store from Target to 7-Eleven will no longer offer plastic bags for their patrons.

Despite the few people holding out against the ban, students are generally accepting of the law. “I don’t really care one way or the other,” said 22-year-old senior Matt Holzschuh. “I think it has its benefits. It’s annoying to pay the price, but it’s not hard to just save bags and it’s not a huge price. I’m for taking measures to help the environment, but I feel like plastic bags from grocery stores are only a fraction of the problem so you aren’t going to see much of a change.” Stefanie Kral, a 22-year-old psychology major, also commented on the new law. “I just think that there is so much plastic in this world and slowly but surely we should try to reduce it,” she said. The low cost of purchasing paper bags should not affect student’s budgets, Kral said. “What is 10 cents going to do to you? Are you going to go bankrupt? I think that’s stupid when people make that comment,” she said. Feedback about the new law has reached the ears of administrators and staff members alike. Store manager Emily Dehnke at S&S Organic Produce and Natural Foods noted that they’ve “had more praise than complaints” from customers in regard to the ban. This policy is ahead of Senate Bill 270, the statewide plastic bag ban that will take effect in July. Michael Mcclurg can be reached at

newseditor@theorion.com or @michaelmcclurg on Twitter.

Student struck, killed in crosswalk David McVicker

Staff Writer

The pedestrian killed when he was struck by a vehicle Friday night has been identified as 18-year-old Chico State student Nicholas Castellanos, according to the Butte County Coroners office and a campus wide announcement. Chico police officers responded to a call approximately 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of West Fifth and Walnut streets, according to a Chico Police De-

partment news release. Castellanos was found lying in the intersection unresponsive. First responders transported him to Enloe Medical Center where he later died. Investigators with Chico Police Major Accident Investigation Team found that the driver of the vehicle, a Honda Pilot SUV, was traveling at the speed limit and had a green light, the release read. The driver did not see the pedestrian crossing. NICHOLAS According to the officer, the CASTELLANOS driver’s information is being Freshman withheld because the driver is

a minor. A memorial service for Nick will be held at Coronado High School Stadium on Neidermeyer Field, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following at Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort. The University flag will be lowered Wednesday in his honor. David McVicker can be reached at

newseditor@theorion.com or @DavidPMcVicker on Twitter.

Surprisingly, not much has changed this year when it comes to gas prices. Californians still have the luxury of paying between $40 and $60 to fill up their tanks. Although prices were expected to increase in January, the AAA Fuel Gauge Report says that Chico area gas prices are still on the decline, except for a daily spike of 3 cents on Jan. 6 to $2.65 for a gallon of regular gas. The current average price for California’s regular gas is $2.57 while the Chico and Paradise region’s average price sits at $2.41 a gallon as of Jan. 15. Paying lower prices at the gas pump is delivering significant savings to consumers. It’s awesome. Chico resident Steve Before the gas Jungen, 51, saw his cost for a tank of gas prices started cut nearly in half, he to dive, it took said. me around “It’s awesome,” $80 to fill up. Jungen said. “Before the gas prices started Steve Jungen, to dive, it took me Chico resident around $80 to fill up.” Jungen spent $45 for a full tank of gas that day. Before the New Year, many were worried about gas prices rocketing after the announcement of the California cap-andtrade Program. On Jan. 1, the California Air Resources Board extended the regulations from industrial and electric power plants to include fuel and gasoline distributors, causing them to be held responsible for their carbon emissions. Regulated companies now have to purchase allowances that account for one metric ton of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. California’s goal is to cut back on these emissions and gases, said David Clegern, a California Air Resources board representative. “The California cap-and-trade is basically going as planned with the price of compliance being low,” Clegern said. The effect of cap-and-trade on California gas prices should be minimal, Clegern said. “We didn’t expect it to have much of an impact on prices. If anything it would be something under 10 cents,” he said. In effect since 2013, the California capand-trade program is expected to reduce the amount of greenhouse pollutants by more than 16 percent between the years 2013 and 2020, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. But some oil and fuel distributors are not as pleased with the regulations. The cap-and-trade program is a burden to California taxpayers and is poorly instituted, said Jack Reiser, president of Redding Oil Co.

» please see GAS| A3

INDEX A2

Corrections Weather

A2

Police Blotter

A4

Opinion

A6

Sports

B1

Directory

B3

Features

B5

Sex Column

B6

A+E

B7

Weather

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2015

Weather Today | Partly Foggy

See the latest weather updates 65 on theorion.com 41

Thursday | Foggy

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Friday | Few Showers

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Sunday | Sunny

Saturday |Sunny

Monday | Sunny

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Staff Writer

Two men were arrested Monday morning after an alleged attempted armed robbery and fleeing the scene of a crime that began in front of Riley’s. Christopher James Sylva, 21, and Forrest Boughton, 21, are in custody facing a variety of felony charges after they tried to rob an unidentified 30-year-old man at gunpoint behind Riley’s, according to a Chico Police Department press release. The victim knocked the gun out of the suspect’s hand and then ran into Riley’s for help. The suspect then fired shots into the air. No one was hurt during the incident. “We didn’t know what was going on but someone ran in and then security grabbed them and took them outside, where there was a bunch of officers and police cars,” said Chico State student Alyssa Stralla, who witnessed the incident. An unidentified person called Chico police and said one suspect

fired two shots from a handgun in air while standing outside the bar, the release read. The suspects then fled the scene in a blue Chevy Impala. Rebekah Terrasa, a Chico resident and witness to the incident, said she saw a man being removed from Riley’s before the shots. “The guy was trying to bribe the man working at the door,” she said, “so he reached into his pocket and a gun fell out. He popped off two rounds and then took off.” Chico police located the suspected vehicle near West Second and Ivy streets. The suspects in the vehicle were involved in an argument with pedestrians where they fired off two more rounds. Officers saw the shots being fired and chased the vehicle. The pursuit happened though the south part or campus, according to the release. It continued through downtown Chico. Sylva fell out the vehicle at East Second and Flume streets and was detained. He was transported to

The new year means new food fads. Check out what the hottest dietary trends are for 2015. Can we eat gluten yet? theorion.com/features

David Mcvicker/The Orion

Riley’s the day after the shooting. Police said two men robbed another man, fired shots then fled the scene. Enloe Medical Center for treatment. The pursuit continued to Chapmantown at 20th Street Park where police stopped the fleeing vehicle and Boughton was detained after a felony stop. Police found two handguns, one that had been reported stolen in Los Angeles, in the vehicle. It

was discovered during the course of the investigation that the suspects had confronted a man behind Riley’s and demanded his wallet and money.

Opinion columnist Daisy Dardon is hosting a tweet talk on Friday, Jan. 23. on race. Get your thumbs ready. theorion.com/opinion

David McVicker can be reached at

newseditor@theorion.com or @DavidPMcVicker on Twitter.

during their spring break. Students were involved in all aspects of the build, including schematic designs, planning job site safety and obtaining proper permits. The student labor contribution value was estimated at more than $100,000. Chico State’s Associated General Contractors group was previously awarded first place in 2010 for building transitional housing for domestic violence victims and in 2012 for rebuilding four homes destroyed by a tornado in Missouri. The chapter ranked third in 2009 for constructing storage units for victims of the Concow fires and in 2011 for the continuation of its 2010 project.

Jenice Tupolo

Staff Writer

Photograph courtesy of Chico State

Emma Caswell, center, reviews plans for the transitional housing units built by Chico State construction students. with stability, re-unite with their children, find a job and continue rehabilitation on an outpatient

TheOrion.com

John Domogma/The Orion

Student contractors receive national recognition for ‘Blitz Build’ project The Chico State chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America received first place in America’s 2014 Outstanding Student Chapter Contest. The award is given to chapters nationally that demonstrate dedication to their community and public service projects. Chico’s chapter was awarded $1,500 for its project dedicated to the Ann and Emmett Skinner Transitional Living Center for the Salvation Army. “This project allows families and individuals to re-establish themselves within the comfort of these houses for up to 18 months,” said Chico State senior and chapter vice president Jimmy Bryars, “giving them the opportunity to re-enter into the community

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2 men arrested for armed robbery behind Riley’s bar David McVicker

Tuesday | Cloudy

basis.” Twenty students completed the “Blitz Build” project in eight days

Caio Calado/The Orion

For full basketball recaps of this weekend’s action head online. theorion.com/sports

Zach Aucella/The Orion

Chico Art Center is honoring artists all over the county, check out a preview of the gallery online. theorion.com/arts

Jenice Tupolo can be reached at jtupolo@mail.csuchico.edu or

@JayTupolo on Twitter.

Professor’s book addresses climate Austin Redfern

Staff Writer

Schierenbeck says that even though the book was written for graduate students she feels like it has the potential to reach a broader audience. “In the book I discuss evolutionary hot spots in California that were mostly over looked. It also shows readers how evolution has shaped our state into what it came to be today.” The book also mentions several regions that are in need of protection, including the Central Coast which is home to the greatest diversity in the state and is under the greatest presKRISTINA sure from humans. SCHIERENBECK “Phylogeography of California” is Biology professor available on campus in the Chico State Wildcat Store and online at UC Press.

In “Phylogeography of California” published by UC Press in August 2014, Schierenbeck explains how the evolutionary events over 1 billion years have shaped the distribution of California’s flora and fauna and led the state to develop into one of the world’s 25 biological hot spots. Kristina Schierenbeck specializes in the areas of plant hybridization, plant evolution and invasive species. She decided to write the book for two key reasons, “First I wanted to understand myself as a biological evolutionist. And I’m extremely concerned about biodiversity, so the book contains recommendations for California.”

CORRECTIONS

Connect with us at :

Austin Redfern can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or

@theorion_news on Twitter

Photograph courtesy of Kristina Schierenbeck

| College of Communication & Education | California State University, Chico | Chico, Ca 95929-0600 CONTACT | EDITORIAL Phone: 530.898.3138 Email: editorinchief@theorion.com

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NEWS

news all week @ theorion.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2015

| A3

NEWS BRIEFS

Photograph courtesy of Chico State Study Abroad

Emily Grose,a Chico State graduate, travels overseas in Asia while abroad. Courtney Weaver/The Orion

Union members continue on in their 40-year battle to increase the district’s cost of living policies.

Chico Unified teachers picket for increased living allowance Chico Unified Teachers Association members displayed their frustration and ongoing battle with Chico Unified School District in a picket on Wednesday at Chico High School. The association and school district are in the mediation stage of their current disagreement. Chico Unified Teachers Association is demanding an increase in their cost of living allowance, which they have not had in seven years, but it seems that the school district is unwilling to negotiate. According to Kevin Moretti, president of Chico Unified Teachers Association, the bat-

tle has been going on for about 40 years. “When I first became president, which was three years ago, we started negotiations as low as we could — at about 0.5 percent — and they fought us like we were asking for millions,” Moretti said. The teachers association plans to continue the mediation process to get some type of response and positive improvement from the school district. “Unless we engage in these types of activities, we don’t get a thing,” Moretti said. -Courtney Weaver

Chico State study abroad expands Chico State’s Study Abroad program continues to expand and receive recognition for the quality of its program and students. Fourteen students have received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships this year totaling $56,000 to assist with their study abroad program costs. Senior civil engineering major Emma Hesz and junior sociology major Nicollette Moore are the latest recipients and will be going to Sweden and Thailand, respectively, in the spring. The university will send about 400 students abroad to 27 countries around the world during the 2014-15 academic year, said Jennifer Gruber, coordinator of Chico State’s Study Abroad and International Exchange program. “This year, more Chico State students

are studying abroad than ever before, a 23 percent increase in participation over last year,” Gruber said. “It’s wonderful that so many of our students are receiving this national scholarship to help fund their study abroad program. They should be very proud of themselves.” The Institute of International Education ranked Chico State’s Study Abroad program third in the nation among master’s-granting institutions for number of long-term participants. The university has ranked either second or third in the nation for six years running in this category. In addition, Chico State was ranked second by the University Studies Abroad Consortium for the number of students it sent abroad in the 2013-14 academic year. -Madeline Merlic, Joe Silva

Gas: Expected price increases unfounded » continued from A1 “We need to put money into our roads and highways,” Reiser said. “Things like this could drive business out of America.” Redding Oil Co. is one of the many businesses now regulated by the recent extension of the cap-and-trade program. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, California cap-andtrade covers about 360 businesses that are fuel wholesalers. However, the most significant factor driving the cost of gas is the price of oil, said Gordon D. Schremp, senior fuel specialist at the California Energy Commission. “As consumers are now seeing, the biggest contributor to gas prices is the price of oil, which has dropped more than 40 percent since last June,” Schremp said. “Gas prices at the pump continue to fall

because the price of crude oil continues to fall.” According to OPEC, the basket price for a barrel of crude oil in June of last year was $107.89 while as of Jan. 16 the current basket price of crude oil now stands at $43.14. Experts at the Energy Information Administration predict that OPEC crude oil production will increase this year to 29.9 million barrels per day, compared with the 29.87 million barrels per day they produced in 2014. So until the supply being produced by OPEC decreases, which will drive prices up, gas here in the U.S. should remain on the cheaper side. Michael Arias can be reached at

newseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.

Gustavo Ornelas/The Orion

Senior Michael Belcher fills up his tank at a gas station on Walnut Street.

Changing majors presents dilemma for students Haley Rodriguez

Staff Writer

Stephanie Guest walked into her first programming class. New to the computer science major, she took a seat, noticing she was one of only four women in a classroom that seats 100. “You know this is CSCI 111, right?” said one of the men in the class. She turned to face him with an accusing look. “Yeah, I know. Thanks,” she said. “Just making sure,” he said. Often women can made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated when choosing a major that tends to be dominated by men. “When I tell people I’m a computer science major, some don’t believe me because I’m a girl,” Guest said. Stereotyping takes place in many forms among all departments and is just one of the many reasons students decide to change their major. It’s common for students to come to college having no idea what they want to study or what career path they wish to take. Some students may have a clear idea of exactly what they want to do for the rest of their life. Then there are students who either have no idea or a clear idea, but nonetheless decide they want to change their major for whatever reason. Maybe once — maybe a few times.

The average student changes his or her major at least once, said Jordan Walsh, an academic advising intern. According to the 2012-2013 Career Center Highlights, the majority of students enrolled at Chico State have declared a major in business or related areas of study within the business department, making up 23.5 percent of the enrollment population. The second most popular department based on enrollment is the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences with 22.9 percent of students, followed by the College of Communication and Education with 20 percent. “The most common reasons students change their major are because of uncertainty of what they want to do when they graduate,” Walsh said. “And the realization that their initial plans are not ideal because the courses for certain majors are extremely difficult for students to pass.” Factors that might influence a change in major plan may include more job opportunities or higher salaries in the future, distaste for the department, impacted programs, change of interest or even for one’s own well being. Caitlin Jones, junior, changed her major from liberal studies to exercise physiology. Although teaching had been a dream of hers since fourth grade, she realized she would have more job opportunities in the future with a different area of study under her belt.

Student Enrollment by Department

Infographic by Haley Rodriguez

“With exercise physiology, I could do major to something that would still allow her anything I wanted. There are so many more to help children. Now a declared commuoptions in the future,” Jones said. “Into my nication science and disorders major, the second year, I switched.” only thing she has to worry about is getting Research of Chico State students reflect accepted into graduate school. that the most common reason for changing While some students, like Gregoire, are one’s major plan is to better plan for the forced to change their majors due to impacfuture. Students often switch their intended tion, others want to in order to pursue a cacareer path later on in their education after reer in something they are passionate about. realizing there are more employment opporThis was the case for student Ryan Scott. tunities after graduation, higher entry-level While Scott had initially entered Chico State salaries or room as an exercise for personal sucphysiology major, I felt that I wasn’t enjoying cess and develophe soon realized ment in another the program was what I was studying and that I area of study. couldn’t commit myself to even going to be a lot At Chico State, more years of the same subject. harder than he students studying had thought. within the College He weighed his Alyssa Anenberg, of Engineering, options: the high junior enivornmental science major salary, his interest Computer Science and Construction in health and Management will fitness and the average the highest entry-level salaries after possibility of one day training a professional graduation. Even so, the enrollment for the sports team. Yet Scott could never shake his department is made up of only 13.4 percent childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. of the student population. “I started thinking about firefighting again. The California State University system I looked into it and it started to spark my defines impaction as “when the number of interest more than anything. It was all I could applications received from fully qualified think about,” Scott said. “After one day of applicants during the initial filing period training I knew that’s what I wanted to do for exceeds the number of available spaces.” the rest of my life.” Incoming first-year students are advised to Junior Alyssa Anenberg also decided to enter the CSU system with an alternate machange her major to environmental science jor declared, in cases of impaction, or they after losing interest in her previous area of may eventually be admitted to the oversubstudy. scribed major if they meet the supplemen“The classes slowly diminished that drive. tary admission criteria. I felt that I wasn’t enjoying what I was studySome students realize much too late the ing and that I couldn’t commit myself to even effects of studying within an impacted major. more years of the same subject,” Anenberg At Chico State students are expected to said. follow a major academic plan to ensure they Changing majors may not be for everyone, graduate within a timely manner. However, but it is certainly common. College is a time if students are unable to get into a course or for exploration and personal growth. While are required to repeat a course, their entire there are setbacks that come with changing a major plan is altered. This can set students major, such as extending your time in college behind for graduation. or having taken classes that ultimately won’t This was the case for Stephanie Gregoire, count toward the area of study, it is a choice who realized her dream of becoming a nurse that allows students to study their interests in a neonatal intensive care unit was unoband pursue a career in a subject they are tainable since the major was so impacted and passionate about. very academically demanding. Although students such as Guest and Scott “I’m not the type of person who gets easy are now behind in their academic careers, grades. I work hard for them and get a B or they couldn’t be happier with their decision C average,” Gregoire said. “For nursing, you to change. have to get all A’s if you want to get into the “I have learned so much that I never knew program.” existed,” Scott said. After realizing she was putting herself behind in the major academic plan and most Haley Rodriguez can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or likely wouldn’t be accepted to a nursing school, Gregoire looked into changing her @haleyyrodriguez on Twitter.


A4 |

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2015

POLICE

Call Type: Suspicious subject Saturday, 3:55 a.m., W 2nd Street “Subject found in the road, has been drinking.” Call Type: Directed patrol Saturday, 7:00 a.m., Modoc Hall “Chico High students were smoking outside between Modoc Hall and Bidwell Mansion. One subject described as a white male with black wavy hair. The subject was wearing a bright multicolored backpack with a large yellow triangle.” Call Type: Recycling issue Saturday, 2:10 p.m., University Village “A white, adult male in his 30’s wearing a gray hat, black t-shirt, blue jeans with a bike and trailer was spotted collecting recyclables at University Village by building 11. Officers were unable to locate the subject.

Chico Police

University Police

The police blotter is a selection of information cited directly from Chico Police Department and University Police Department.

Call Type: Burglary Friday 9:17 p.m., Cherry Street “Grey Dodge Durango was parked on the second floor of the parking structure where it was broken into and property was taken.”

BLUE and

BLOTTER Call Type: Drunk in public Friday, 8:57p.m., Selvester’s Cafe-bythe-Creek “Subject was wearing a green shirt, jacket, backwards baseball cap, was stumbling around the building and checking doors. Arrest made.”

RED news all week @ theorion.com

Call Type: Domestic dispute Thursday 1:08 p.m., Rio Lindo Avenue “Female tows husband’s vehicle in parking lot after being reported to have vandalized house. Currently both are in the process of divorce over dissolution of marriage.”

! w e n s y a w l a d n a

THE BLOTTER JUST GOT BETTER.

Call Type: Annoying phone calls Thursday 1:59 p.m., Nord Avenue “A 59-year-old male called into 911 several times and requested officer assistance to come and have them ‘shove (keys and a pizza box) up their ass.’ He then persisted to yell, ‘knick knack patty whack’ on his third call.” Call Type: Juvenile problem Friday, 7:35 p.m., Floral Avenue on East Avenue “Group of teenagers appear to be trying to play chicken with cars. They are running back and forth in lanes. They were at a birthday party near by.” Call type: Suspicious subject Friday, 10:09 p.m., Marigold Avenue on East Avenue “Reporting party was out walking his dog. There was a subject hiding, squatting in the bushes, watching the reporting party. Reporting party walked back to his house. Subject had been in the closed area of Eaton Road. Reporting party last saw the subject walking westbound on the open area of Eaton Road. Subject had his hands in pockets with a possible cell phone he was looking at when reporting party first saw him hiding. Reporting party concerned subject possibly a lookout or waiting to hurt someone.”

daily police blotter THEORION.COM


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SPEAK UP: The Orion welcomes letters to the editor weekly.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

EDITORIAL

Eliminate reckless drinking to prevent avoidable deaths

F

by Riley Hoover, a Chico local who was later sentenced to seven years in prison. Those responsible for these accidents were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These incidences, which ended or ruined countless lives, could have been prevented. dents. Even if Castellanos was not intoxicated, One being the accident that resulted in this tragic accident can still stand as a the death of Austin warning for those Silver and Bryan students who spend Mata-Adams, both their weekend Chico State students, Members of the Chico communights drunkenly last year. nity need to take responsibility roaming around The driver of the for their actions, even when they downtown Chico. car, Arriaga Rodriare intoxicated. The streets are guez, drove the vehialways filled with cle off the road and inebriated individuinto Big Chico Creek. als who are apparently incapable of walking Another death was that of Kristina Chest- on the sidewalk, endangering their lives and erman, a Chico State nursing student who the lives of those around them. was struck and killed by a car in 2013. Alcohol and drug education is included in Chesterman was riding her bike home a student’s education in elementary school, from the library when she was hit and killed and that education is continued throughout

ollowing the death of another Chico State student, it’s time for the Chico community to turn a new leaf regarding safety.

Nicholas Castellanos, a first-year student at Chico State, was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle Friday night at the intersection of West Fifth and Walnut streets. The driver of the vehicle was sober and traveling at the correct speed limit, and the light was green. The toxicology report for Castellanos has yet to be released so it is unclear whether or not he was intoxicated when he didn’t look both ways before crossing the street. Yet another Chico State student is dead because of the blatant disregard Chico State students and members of the community have for traffic laws. In the past few years, multiple Chico State students have died in vehicle-related acci-

college, especially at Chico State. However, it seems that this education is absent from the actions many Chico State students partake in. Whether that be driving while intoxicated or drinking irresponsibly. This kind of behavior can result in the killing of someone else or of oneself. Accidents like this can be prevented. Members of the Chico community need to take responsibility for their actions, even when they are intoxicated. Whether it be walking on the sidewalk, calling a friend or taking a cab, there are alternative and safe methods to travel. As much as Chico has tried to rid itself of its drunken reputation, these efforts do not matter until people stop dying avoidable deaths.

The unsigned Orion editorial is the collaborative opinion of the editorial board.

College mirrors fast food experience Joseph Rogers

Opinion Columnist Ever feel like you just sat down at the educational equivalent to Burger King or Taco Bell? It tastes great, but eat four years of it and you could end up as the next Goodyear blimp. That’s what our public universities are now like — an unhealthy choice for the consumer. That’s us — the students. Even Chico State has bought into this model with initiatives like “Aim 4 Four” and “Take 2” for first-year and transfer students, respectively. This is based on the consumer having a prefabricated Major Academic Plan “order” ready when walking through the door. Where did the simple joy of learning wander off to? The exploration of possibilities and ideas that are different and unexpected? My collegiate career has winded its way from music education, back in 1998, to health education when I returned to pursue college again. I changed my declared major to sociology just before transferring to Chico State. I don’t regret that decision. What I discovered, thanks to my sociology professors, is that I’ve gained a different perspective on my life and society. More than that, sociology honed my activist spirit and gave me a vocabulary to describe the ideas in my head and my heart. What more could you ask for from university classes? How about academic freedom for students? I was taking my major’s writing-intensive capstone and decided to take English 220I, “Introduction to Creative Writing.” For the first few weeks, I wasn’t sure if I had completely taken leave of my senses or if an apparition with a twisted sense of humor like mine had slipped something into my drink the day I registered for classes. Then I fell in love again with creative writing. Fast forward two semesters and here I am, writing this column and preparing pieces for “Advanced Fiction/Nonfiction” after earning an A in “Creative Nonfiction.” In many ways, I regret not having taken a creative writing class earlier. I might have had the time to take on the creative writing minor or even take it on as a major and take sociology as a minor. Who says that a mechatronic engineering major can’t fall in love with writing poetry? Or an art history major with statistics? Unfortunately, our institutions do. Do many new students come to Chico State with an informed desire to pursue a certain major? How are we supposed to know what we really wish to pursue as a professional career if we don’t get the chance to experience the fullness of the academic spectrum? I can only close with: “Thank you for choosing Chico State. Please have your order and method of payment ready at the window or when ordering online.” Joseph Rogers can be reached at Hayden Senter/The Orion

opinioneditor@theorion.com or @josephlrogers1 on Twitter.

THUMBS Thumbs up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The release of “Selma” and current protests demonstrate the persistent importance of civil rights. “The time is always right to do what is right.” - MLK

Thumbs down to the 1 percent owning more than 50 percent of the world’s wealth by 2016. One percent of the population owning more money than the other 99 percent combined is totally fair and reasonable.

Thumbs up to a Bay Area teen donating her birthday money to orphans in Ethiopia. Birthday money is typically spent on alcohol and drunchies.

Thumbs down to the shut down of an Iranian newspaper for showing solidarity with Charlie Hebdo. Freedom of speech is very important to us here at The Orion — Je Suis Charlie.


theorion.com/opinion | Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 | A7

COMIC STRIP

J.Q. Hammer/The Orion

Athlete activism shouldn’t be stifled Dylan de Wit

Opinion Columnist No college football team has excited me more this year than the Oregon Ducks. But it was not because of anything related to their New Year’s Day win, but what happened after the last few seconds ticked off the clock. During the celebration, after throttling Florida State, Oregon Duck players began a chant that had me more thrilled than any pass by Marcus Mariota ever could: “No Means No” to the tune of the Seminole war chant. This was in response to Jameis Winston’s rape allegations, which surfaced on Dec. 7, 2012, when a Florida State student reported to Tallahassee police that Winston had sexually assaulted her. The charges against Winston have since been dropped due to blatant errors by the Tallahassee Police Department and Florida State administration in their investigation or lack thereof. As a result, the majority of evidence against Winston was deemed unusable in court. Winston has seen no consequences. He played the entire season and will most likely be a top-five pick in the NFL draft if he chooses to enter. The University of Oregon has since disciplined the players chanting “No Means

No.” Wait, that can’t be right. The guy who was accused of sexual assault played 14 games this season, but the guys that ridiculed him for his sketchy behavior are being disciplined? Is it because they in-

sulted another player? Another player who happens to be accused, and if the police had done their job correctly, most likely guilty of sexual assault? A guy that’s shamelessly tried portraying himself as a victim? Or is it because we truly don’t want activism from our athletes? We just want them to be quiet and play so we can veg out in front of our television sets and drool into an empty can of Pabst Blue Ribbon until the game is over or we pass out, whichever comes first. It seems that the old faux pas of talking about politics or religion is so heavily ingrained in our society that we basically only talk about sports and “Game of Thrones” anymore. So for the love of (some-

one), please don’t take away our mindless and practically meaningless obsession with sports and start talking about things that actually affect our lives. There used to be a time when sports reflected and drove culture. Political statements were not only common in high-level athletics; they were celebrated. But that was then. Welcome to the era of distraction. Sports don’t represent our culture the way they once did. NCAA championships and the Super Bowl have become nothing but way-too-long commercials for Coca Cola, EA Games and Nike. Campus rape is not an issue that can be ignored. It may be the most important fight for equality this generation of students faces. The only athletes that can truly make a difference regarding campus sexual assault and spur change by using their national platform are student athletes. I applaud the Oregon players for the chant, and I’m disappointed it has resulted in punishment. Because man — that was one hell of a play. Dylan de Wit can be reached at

opinioneditor@theorion.com or @DylanTdeWit on Twitter.

Trevor Moore/The Orion

Millennials can transcend entitled reputation Miles Inserra

Opinion Columnist Millennials have been coined as the generation of entitlement, who take luxuries for granted and expect rather than appreciate. In their younger years this may be true, but come adulthood, millennials have the potential to accomplish more in the world than any generation before. Millennials are phasing out of adolescence, leaving their homes to embark on adulthood during one of the most challenging economic climates since the Great Depression. Their mindset is absent of all but their futures: go to school today, get a good job tomorrow. The fact of the matter is a certain level of income is necessary in order to maintain a comfortable quality of life. The expression “money does not equal happiness” is true only to an extent.

Money does equal freedom to make choices: the choice to travel the world or enjoy the creature comforts of a cozy home; the choice to eat Chinese take-out or a traditional homecooked meal; the choice to go to the movie theater or watch a movie on Netflix. In order to earn enough money to have the choices to create happiness, people need to have job security. Millennials are in search of jobs that they can be proud of — jobs make them happy. However, the number of available job openings has been diminishing over the years. As the demand for highly specific work increases, recent college graduates with little professional experience are locked out of meaningful work and often left working minimum wage jobs. The hope for college graduates is to build a resume and hope that the few low end jobs they have worked

will appeal to prospective employers. The millennials are, “a highly educated, innovative force that has swept through the workplace and now influences every level of their organizations,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of the world’s largest staffing firm, RHI, in his journal article, “Developing Millennials Into Your Firm’s Next Generation of Leaders.” Employers can continue to resist taking Generation Y’s influence seriously for now, but demographics show that they cannot be ignored. Millennials have been hemmed in by helicopter parents who continue to try to

make everything perfect. Then those same parents accuse them of being entitled. However, millennials are more sophisticated and ambitious than given credit for. Just as the hippies from the ‘60s are now entrusted as leaders of important corporations, millennials will have their day. Miles Inserra can be reached at

opinioneditor@theorion.com or @m_inserra on Twitter.

Darian Maroney/The Orion

TALKING POINT

COMMENTS OF THE WEEK Congratulations to the Chico State men’s basketball team’s triple over time win against San Francisco State on Friday. Sophomore guard Robert Duncan hit the winning shot with just 1.6 seconds left to propel the Wildcats over the Gators.

Gustavo Ornelas/ The Orion

In response to the Police Blotter, “Female tows husband’s car in midst of divorce”: “This old man, he played one, He played knick-knack on my thumb; With a knick-knack paddywhack, Give the dog a bone, This old man needs to be in a home?” -walkersplanet on theorion.com

In response to the blog “Dining difficulties for students with allergies in Sutter” by Allison Galbreath: “I am sorry you have so many food issues but I don’t think it is the dining hall’s job to make sure they have food to fit into your limited options of eating.” -AJ on theorion.com


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B1

ONLINE: Chico State women’s basketball team bounces back from a five-game losing streak.

theorion.com/sports

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

BASKETBALL

Keeping it Semple 12.5 per game Points

1.9 per game Blocks

1.2 per game Steals

8.2 Per Game

Rebounds

.526

Field Goal Percentage

First Team All-CCAA Selection All-time Leader in Blocked Shots and Rebounds in Chico State History 4th All-time leader in steals in Chico State history Eureka Times-Standard and Humboldt-del Norte

Big 5 Conference MVP

Gustavo Ornelas/The Orion

Jordan Semple, Chico State basketball player, pushes through defenders from Sonoma State to attempt a dunk on Jan. 16.

Wildcat shatters records for rebounds, blocks mindset, basketball awareness, timing and jumping ability were key to how he was able Staff Writer to break records. By the end of Chico State’s 2014 men’s “When you put those three together with basketball season, the record books are going the mindset, you can get something special. to be rewritten because of senior forward You can have all three and a lot of people Jordan Semple, who is now the all-time do, but if you don’t have that initial mindleader in blocked shots and rebounds in the set then you might as well not be playing,” program’s history. Semple said. Semple chose Chico State over Semple has a chance to have multiple full-ride scholarship a record-breaking triple-crown offers in 2011 and has been a big season with 13 games left to play. factor in the men’s basketball He is currently sitting fourth in team’s success since he stepped the all-time leaders for steals. on the court. Last year, as a junior, Semple “I felt like this program was broke the program’s blocking going in the right direction, even record. though they weren’t too good “In regards to the blocking when I first came here recordrecord, I got to make sure no one JORDAN SEMPLE wise,” Semple said. catches up to it. Every game, I’m During his tenure as a Wildcat, thinking about blocking shots,” Semple has transformed into he said. one of the premier defensive players in the Semple is now the all-time leader in California Collegiate Athletic Association blocked shots, averaging 1.9 blocks a game. conference. However, this season, Semple’s aggressive “I’ve definitely become a more defensiveand tough defensive play has gotten him into minded player. Instead of just focusing on foul trouble in a few games. scoring, I get the rebounds, blocks and steals “If I don’t have any fouls in the first half, — things that are very over looked,” he said. then I’m pretty aggressive and I’m taking “I focus on those three things every year, and a couple chances. When you do get the first I make sure I’m on the top of those categofoul in the first half, that’s when you got to be ries in the league and points will naturally careful but not let my man go right past me,” come.” Semple said. With the all-time Chico State men’s basketGreg Clink, Chico State’s men’s baskeball ball team’s blocked shot and rebound records head coach has contributed to Semple’s under his belt, Semple said that his personal growth as a basketball player since redshirtLars Gustafson

ing his freshman year. a .526 field goal percentage. “He’s very consistent with his rebounds. “Semple is very efficient. He scores a lot He’s very consistent defensively. He’s a very of his points ten feet and in. He’s very good good offensive player, but he’s equally good at driving to (the) basket, and very good defensively and has the ability to guard sevat finishing around the basket. He scores eral different positions,” Clink said. a lot of points from the free-throw line. When Semple is on the court, he is one of He does a good job of getting to where he the fiercest competitors and leaders, Clink needs to get and finishing around the bassaid. ket,” Clink According to said. Clink, Semple Semple is is one of the not only a Instead of just focusing on biggest comgreat teampetitors he has mate but a scoring, I get the rebounds, ever coached. coach on the blocks and steals — things Semple has court as well, been one of said Mike Rothat are very overlooked. the people saroso, senior -Jordan Semple responsible for point guard. Chico State basketball player all the success “Jordan that the men’s Semple is a basketball great leader. team has had the past few years, he said. He does everything we expect out of him. “His biggest attribute is his competitive He’s a hard worker and competes everyday level. He’s very competitive and doesn’t in practice. He does a great job of leading accept losing,” he said. everybody and helping the younger guys Semple credits his personal mindset work harder in practice,” Rosaroso said. and his teammates believing in him for Semple is already on top of two all-time his consistently high level of play on both men’s basketball records at Chico State sides of the court. and only time will tell if he will have the “My teammates believing in me, staying triple crown of broken records at the bevery aggressive and it comes down to timginning of the tournament this March. ing and basketball IQ,” he said. This season, Semple has also been a Lars Gustafson can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or threat on the offensive side of the court, averaging 12.5 points per game and having @larsonsports on Twitter.


B2 | Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 | theorion.com/sports

Wildcat Week of the

Mike Rosaroso

Senior guard Mike Rosaroso of the Chico State men’s basketball team single handedly lifted the team past a tough San Bernardino team on Jan. 10. Rosaroso made a 3-pointer with 1:49 left in overtime, followed by two free throws with 28 seconds left in the game to seal a 2-point win for the ’Cats.

MIKE ROSAROSO

Sport: Basketball Position: Guard

Class: Senior Major: Child Development Malik Payton/ The Orion

Chico State’s Mike Rosaroso looks to make a play early in the game Saturday.

STAT ’CAT

3

(Men’s Basketball) The men’s basketball team took home a win in triple overtime agaisnt San Francisco State on Friday. That game also marks the third consecutive overtime game by the ’Cats.

5 (Women’s Basketball) The women’s basketball team ended a five-game losing streak on Friday after beating San Francisco State.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Men’s Basketball WEEKEND PERFORMANCE

2-0 The Wildcats capped off the weekend with a 2-game winning streak. The ’Cats won a grueling match up on Friday against San Francisco State that ended in triple overtime. Sophomore guard Robert Duncan sealed the win for Chico State after hitting a jumper with 1.3 seconds left in the game. Against Sonoma State on Saturday, the ’Cats came away with a 64-59 victory. With the win on Saturday, Chico State is now riding a six-game winning streak against the Seawolves. Caio Calado/The Orion

Chico State’s Jordan Semple dunking against Sonoma State on Saturday Jan. 17 in Acker Gym.

Women’s Basketball

19

WEEKEND PERFORMANCE

2-0

(Women’s Basketball) First year guard Whitney Branham posted a career high with 19 points on Saturday night’s game against Sonoma State.

Coming into the weekend, the ’Cats were riding a 5-game loosing streak that stretched all the way back to December. The team was able to bounce back, winning both of their games against San Francisco State and Sonoma State last weekend. Chico State outscored San Francisco State 67-40, to snap its loosing streak on Friday night. Freshman guard Whitney Branham, who had a career game on Saturday by scoring 19 points, led the ’Cats to an overtime win against Sonoma State.

30 (Men’s Basketball) Catalina Friz/The Orion

Four first year players combined for 30 points on Saturday to life the ’Cats past Sonoma State.

Chico State’s Hannah Womack taking a shot from San Fransisco State’s guard on Jan 16. MORE ON THEORION.COM/SPORTS For live updates, follow along on Twitter @theorion_sports.

-Compiled by Jose Olivar

STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Cal Poly Pomona Cal State Sanislaus CHICO STATE UC San Diego Sonoma State Cal State San Bernardino Humboldt State Cal State Monterey Bay Cal State L.A. San Francisco State Cal State East Bay Cal State Dominguez Hills

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Cal Poly Pomona Cal State Sanislaus CHICO STATE UC San Diego Sonoma State Cal State San Bernardino Humboldt State Cal State Monterey Bay Cal State L.A. San Francisco State Cal State East Bay Cal State Dominguez Hills

UPCOMING GAMES

CCAA 7-2 7-2 6-3 6-3 5-4 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0

CCAA 7-2 7-2 6-3 6-3 5-4 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-0

Overall 11-3 10-4 9-5 8-5 8-5 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1

Overall 11-3 10-4 9-5 8-5 8-5 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1

MEN’S BASKETBALL Friday, Jan. 23

Cal State East Bay 7:30 P.M. @ Hayward

Saturday, Jan. 24 Cal State Monterey Bay 7:30 P.M. @ Seaside

Friday, Jan. 30 Cal State L.A. 7:30 P.M. in Acker Gym

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Friday, Jan. 23

Cal State East Bay 5:30 P.M. @ Hayward

Saturday, Jan. 24 Cal State Monterey Bay 5:30 P.M. @ Seaside

Friday, Jan. 30 Cal State L.A. 5:30 P.M. in Acker Gym


theorion.com/sports | Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015| B3

Photographs courtesy of Jason Halley/Chico State Photographer

Former Chico State student Chris Wondolowski talks to media after playing for the U.S. Men’s National Team against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in May.

Wondo returns to national soccer team of the moment, too. “It ripped my heart out,” O’Malley said. Staff Writer “He wanted to hit it. I know him.” Seven months after debuting as a rookie Making and missing goals is just a major last summer in the 2014 World Cup, former part of the sport, Wondolowski said. Chico State men’s soccer player Chris Won“I know I will miss other chances and I dolowski has returned to the national team know I will make other chances,” he said. “It once again, this time as a veteran player. is one of those things that is very frustrating Not only is Wondolowski becoming a regubecause I want to have that back, and I know lar in the national scene, but he is a potential I can’t. But at the same time I am using it. It leader to take the reigns and show the way is something I want to grow upon.” for incoming players. According to Robby Busick, Wondolowski’s “It was a whirlwind,” Wondolowski said former Chico State teammate, it was arguabout his experiably one of the the ence playing in the biggest misses on If you love the sport then you 2014 World Cup. the biggest stage. “Listening to the “Most people will will do whatever it takes national anthem wouldn’t be able to get better at it day in and against Ghana beto get out of their day out. fore our first game room, but he takes it still, to this day, and he goes back to Chris Wondolowski, member of U.S. his club and scores gives me gooseNational Team at the 2014 World Cup bumps,” he said. goals,” Busick said. The United It was a true States Men’s Natestament to him tional Team had numerous goal-scoring opas a player and more importantly, him as a portunities to tie the score in the last match person, Busick said. against a strong Belgium team, including a After the World Cup, Wondolowski rejoined missed opportunity by Wondolowski. the San Jose Earthquakes, his MLS club According to Wondlowski, the last game team, in the second half of the regular seathe national team played against Belgium in son. He came back tallying up nine goals and which he missed a pivotal goal was frustratfour assists. ing weighed heavily on his mind. Out of the entire U.S. team, Wondolowski “I will always think about it,” he said. performed the best within club play after the Mike O’Malley, who was Wondolowski’s World Cup, Busick said. head coach while playing for Chico State’s Wondolowski ended the season as the top men’s soccer team, said that he felt the weight goal scorer for the San Jose Earthquakes Dylan Wakefield

with 14 goals and four assists. According to O’Malley, aside from Wondolowski being a goal scorer, he is on the national team because he is a role model for younger players joining the team. He has an unbelievable work ethic and will contribute that to every single minute of every practice making him a desirable player and teammate, O’Malley said. “Once a coach looks at Chris day in and day out, you want him on your team,” O’Malley said. Wondolowski is hoping on playing a bigger role in the national team this year, he said. “My goal was to make the January camp. Now, my next (goal) is to try and make the Gold Cup team this summer,” Wondolowski said. He said that his role within the team is evolving and he finds himself in veteran shoes. “I know what to expect through January camp, and I know what to expect through coach Klinsmann and I can pass that along to the young kids,” Wondolowski said. In terms of being in the U.S. team’s future, Wondolowski hopes to continue to be on the national team and attending the camps. But for now he is looking to complete the training camp and take his career day by day, he said. O’Malley and Busick have no doubts that Wondolowski could make the team roster for the 2018 World Cup, which is set to take place in Russia. “I’m going to make a bold statement. I think Wondo is going to be on our next World Cup team,” O’Malley said.

Wondolowski is 31 years old and has kept himself physically and mentally healthy and will have no problem being part of the national team in the future, O’Malley said. “I think he is going to be pretty much at the peak of his career,” he said. Aside from being physically and mentally fit, Wondolowski has a competitive drive that few people have, according to O’Malley and Busick. “In the four years that I coached him, I think he might’ve lost five wind sprints in our fitness trainings,” O’Malley said. Not only did his time at Chico State keep Wondolowski fit, but he said Chico has been a very important part of his life as a soccer player and as a person. The connections he made while he was a Wildcat has stayed with him to this day. “I absolutely loved my time at Chico and that’s why I have so many lifelong friends that I still talk to,” Wondolowski said. He said that playing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association conference has taught him how to compete in every game. If he were to give aspiring athletes some advice, it is important to love what you do, he said. “Enjoy what you do. Love it because that’s what matters. If you love the sport then you will do whatever it takes to get better at it day in and day out,” Wondolowski said.. Dylan Wakefield can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or

@dylan.wakefield on Twitter.

Cross-country record falls, coach morale does not Lars Gustafon

Staff Writer

During the past 19 years, Gary Towne has become one of the most decorated head coaches in Chico State’s history. Towne has turned Chico State’s cross-country team into a national powerhouse that has reached the NCAA championships every year since 1999. During this previous fall season, the Wildcat men’s and women’s cross-country teams came in first and second place in the NCAA West Regional Championship respectively and were ranked fourth in the nation going into the national championship. However, the men’s and women’s cross-country teams finished 13th and 14th respectively at the NCAA Division II Championships this last season and missed a top ten finish for the first time in 15 years. The Orion sat down with Towne to talk about how the team will get back to its winning ways.

Towne: I feel pretty good about our training. I’ve never really veered too far away from the training that’s gotten us to where we are. This year was no different. I’m always tweaking things and I feel like what we did to get ready for the NCAA Championship was as good as any training we’ve done leading to the big race. There were things I would do a little differently, more in just emphasizing things that we need to be thinking during the race. Just the mental aspects of handling what they’re going to be up against out there. I probably didn’t do a good enough job of really preparing them for that. When it comes down to it, that’s 90 percent of your success of how well you handle the mental side of the championship run. The Orion: How do you motivate the team to compete at such a high level year after year?

Towne: Our goals are high and the athThe Orion: After experiencing so letes understand from the beginning that much success during the past 15 to achieve success on the highest levels years, was it diffitakes a high level of cult for yourself commitment. Our Our motivation stems or anyone on the motivation stems from our desire to team to not break from our desire to achieve high goals. the top ten at achieve high goals. nationals? Gary Towne, cross-country coach The Orion: Towne: It was During the past pretty tough. Any19 years, what time that you’ve accomplishments got a string of success that’s extended are you most proud of during your that long, it’s difficult to process and time as the cross-country head coach? accept it to some degree. But then again, it reminds you of how fortunate we have Towne: There isn’t one race or day that been to have put those streaks together stand out as my favorite. I’m most proud and to have walked away from the NCAA of our overall record. Our program really Championships so many years in a row wasn’t very good when I ran here in the with top-ten finishes — it’s quite an ac1980s, so I’m proud of the overall portrait complishment. Streaks are always going that we’ve painted since then. Don’t get to come to an end. Now it’s time to learn me wrong — there have been some great from it and get back to the top five (at moments along the way, but nothing beats championships). the overall tradition that we’ve built through a lot of cumulative hard work. The Orion: What changes are going to be implemented in this offseason?

The Orion: What are some of your favorite memories in your time as the

Photo Courtesy of Gary Towne

Cross-country head coach Gary Towne encourages his team during the fall 2013 season. Towne has led the team to several NCAA championship meets. head cross-country coach? Towne: One was taking our first men’s team to the NCAA (championship) in my tenure as head coach in 1999 and coming home with a sixth place finish really stands out. That day set the stage for everything that we’ve done since. That group barely qualified for the NCAA meet and hadn’t been ranked nationally all year. We went to NCAA (championship) with no expectations, and as it turned out we missed a top-four trophy by less than 10 points. We’ve had some great days since, but that one stands out because it is a symbol of the beginning.” The Orion: Who are the other key coaches and team leaders that have helped the team reach the NCAA Division II Championships year after year? Towne: Honestly our current team’s success is the byproduct of the work of many people, some currently on our team — coaching staff and others who

preceded them. For instance, my former assistant Matt Schubert played a lead role in helping to recruit our three-time All-American Johnny Sanchez five years ago. Without Matt’s contributions it’s fair to say that Johnny might not be on our roster today. On the same token, our alums who have turned qualifying for NCAA (championships) into a secondary goal, to being one of the best teams in the country year after year deserve a ton of credit for the success and focus and goals of current teams. Without all those who set the stage in previous years, this team probably wouldn’t have been as good as it was. I have a lot of people to thank for our continued success, both current members of our team and coaching staff and of course those from the past.” Lars Gustafson be reached at

sportseditor@theorion.com or @larsonsports on Twitter.

MORE ON THEORION.COM Read the entire Q&A online


B4 | Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 | theorion.com/sports

Aaron Rodgers’ journey to NFL star Kevin Lucena

Staff Writer

When Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers stepped onto the Pleasant Valley High School campus in the fall of 1997 he was only 5-foot-2 and 130 pounds. Now standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, the Chico native is the favorite to win his second NFL MVP award after leading Green Bay to a first round playoff bye and a 12-4 record. This season, Rodgers threw for 4,381 yards, completed 65.6 percent of his passes and served up 38 touchdown passes while giving up just five turnovers. His 112.2 passer rating was second in the NFL only to the Cowboys’ Tony Romo with a 113.2 rating. Rodgers’ career passer rating since entering the NFL in 2005 is 106, the best in league history. To put that further into perspective, his passer rating is higher than that of Romo, future Hall of Fame inductee Peyton Manning and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Hall of Fame player Steve Young. Unlike Manning, who was heavily recruited out of high school, Rodgers received no Division I scholarship offers when he graduated. He ended up at Butte College, about 15 miles outside of Chico. In his one year playing for Butte College, Rodgers led the Roadrunners to a 10-1 record. In Butte’s lone loss against Fresno City College, Rodgers set a school record when he posted 468 yards of total offense. Rodgers’ recruitment has a fairy tale feel that started with UC Berkeley’s football coach Jeff Tedford, who at that time was scouting Butte College’s tight end Garrett Cross. While watching Cross, Tedford saw footage of Rodgers in action. After seeing what he could do, Tedford sped down Highway 99 to attend a Butte College practice and Speaking as both offer Rodgers a Chico native and a scholarship lifelong 49ers fan, on the spot. I still remember Following that draft and two successful thinking how weird seasons at UC it would have been Berkeley, Roto be from the same dgers and his town as my favorite family flew to team’s quarterback. New York for the 2005 NFL draft. Rodgers was projected to go as high as the number one pick for the San Francisco 49ers, his favorite team growing up. However, the 49ers decided to go another direction, drafting Alex Smith out of the University of Utah for the first pick in the draft. Rodgers slipped all the way to the 24th pick in the first round. Speaking as both a Chico native and lifelong 49ers fan, I still remember that draft and thinking how weird it would have been to be from the same town as my favorite team’s quarterback. Looking at it now, with Smith going through eight offensive coordinators in his first eight seasons, and how Rodgers was given the opportunity to learn behind one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks of all time in Brett Favre, it seems to have worked out for everyone involved. Rodgers had his friendly moments with Favre, but it wasn’t as if Favre went out of his way to speed the transition to the young quarterback. After sitting in the background for three years, Rodgers was controversially named the Packers’ starter after Favre retired the first time. A year later Rodgers led the Packers on a playoff run that culminated with him being named the Super Bowl XLV MVP following a 35-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the process, Rodgers became the second Butte College alumnus to play in the Super Bowl, along with Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen, who played in a number of Super Bowls with the Cowboys and the 49ers. Rodgers followed that season with one of the greatest statistical years in NFL history as he led the Packers to a 15-1 record and picked up league MVP honors in the process. Unfortunately, the Packers lost against the New York Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs that year. Even if one of my favorite memories of Candlestick Park was watching Colin Kaepernick knock Rodgers and the Packers out of the playoffs in 2013, I think I speak for all 49ers fans who are hoping Rodgers reaches the Super Bowl this year. Kevin Lucena can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or

@klucena824 on Twitter.

Chico State’s Tanner Giddings, center, jumps for the ball in a game against Sonoma State on Saturday.

Caio Calado/The Orion

’Cats find success at away games Nick Martinez

Staff Writer

While most students got to take a load off during break, the Chico State men’s basketball team was working toward a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance at the end of the season. Returning from winter break, the Wildcats have a 8-5 (5-3 in conference) record, which puts them in fourth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Wildcats are on the hunt for a third consecutive berth into the NCAA tournament. The 6-3 conference record could very well be 7-1, according to assistant coach Lucas Gabriel. “We’re two possessions away from being 7-1. We lost to Stanislaus on a game-winning shot and to Humboldt State on a game-winning shot, so I think we’re going about our business the right way,” Gabriel said. The two losses seem to have been forgotten as the Wildcats are confident heading into the bulk of the schedule and have the record to back it up. “Our recipe has been proven over the last seven years since coach (Greg) Clink has taken over,” Gabriel said, “We just need to go about our business and the result will be what we want it to be.”

Since Clink has taken over as head coach for the men’s basketball team, it has accumulated a 107-72 regular season record. Clink was also honored as the California Collegiate Athletic Association Coach of the Year last season. One thing that the team has been doing so far is win away games. The team has a 6-1 record on the road, compared to a 3-4 record at home. Clink said that he attributes it to the ’Cats’ playing some really good opponents and having a young team that play inconsistently at times. The records of their opponents seems to be the key reason why the Wildcats are so successful on the road. However, they average more points and a better shooting percentage at home. Teams that the Wildcats have played at home have a combined 43-27 record, including the 15-1 Azusa Pacific Cougars. That team was the best that they have faced so far, Clink said. On the road, their opponents are a combined 49-47, but the road comes with other challenges such as traveling, unfamiliar environments and the crowd rooting against the team. Even though the ’Cats face all this adversity, Clink said that he does not do anything different to get the team ready for road games. “There is no difference in terms of how

we prepare for the road,” Clink said. “We go through the same process every week in preparing and scouting our opponent and getting our team ready to play.” Although the preparation might be the same, playing the actual game on the road is in fact a lot different than playing at home, said Mike Rosaroso, senior guard. Besides the travel and unfamiliar surroundings, playing on the road is not just playing the other team, but also playing against the crowd, Rosaroso said. Even though this is a disadvantage when they are on the road, the ’Cats use the crowd’s energy to their advantage when they’re at home. “There’s no better feeling than hitting a big shot in front of your home crowd,” Clink said. “When we have a lot of people in the stands, it’s a fun and exciting atmosphere and they enjoy it.” Both coaches said that Cal Poly Pomona and Humboldt State were the two toughest places to play in their conference. The Wildcats stole a victory from Cal Poly Pomona in their own house, winning 51-50 on their first game back from break. They will travel to Humboldt State later in the season on Feb. 14. Nick Martinez can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or

@THENickMartinez on Twitter.

Wildcat Stat

Home

Away

Points per Game Shooting Percentage Rebounds per Game Turnovers per Game Opponent’s Record

71.17 .484% 32.67 14 43-27

67.43 .470% 34.43 13.14 49-47

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ONLINE: Food columnist Grace Kerfoot takes a look at food trends for 2015.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

PROFILE

Brittany Kissinger competes as Miss Chico in the Miss California USA pageant in Long Beach on Jan. 9. Photos courtesy of Brittany Kissinger

Teacher, volunteer represents Chico Claire Martinez

Staff Writer

From the classroom to the stage, Brittany Kissinger is a force to be reckoned with. Kissinger graduated from Chico State in 2011 with a degree in liberal studies. Since then, the 25-year-old has landed a kindergarten teaching position, brought her Zumba dance moves to charity events and competed to become Miss California USA. On Jan. 9, Kissinger arrived in Long Beach to compete in the pageant representing her hometown as Miss Chico. “I found pageantry as a way to not only have this performer side where I get to do dances and be on stage, but then also to have a voice and a brain,” Kissinger said. “A lot of people don’t know that part of it. I studied every single night for two hours.” Jumping into the pageant world opened up her eyes to more possibilities. “I feel like it made me really aware of the world and it allowed me to collect my thoughts,” Kissinger said. Outside of her pageant life, Kissinger has also been involved in charity events including Relay For Life and Girls On The Run. Pumping up the crowd and warming them up through Zumba dancing is what she does best. “Zumba is for everybody; any language, anyone who wants to come and dance can do it,” Kissinger said. Kissinger also volunteered to be on the board of the National Down Syndrome Society. Since volunteering, she has gained memorable experiences and has showed children

that having a disability doesn’t stop you from dancing and having fun, she said. “It was the most amazing dancing experience I’ve ever had,” Kissinger said. “This one lady reached out to me and said, ‘you don’t know me, but my daughter has Down syndrome, and you were at the buddy walk last year. You danced with my daughter. I got a picture of it, and she looks at it all the time.’” Additionally, being in the classroom and having a younger sister in middle school has exposed Kissinger to the issue of bullying through social media. BrittanyAgainstBullying is a social network account on Instagram that Kissinger created to share her positive thoughts, stories and proactive ways to become a good friend. “Random people I don’t know from other states have told me, ‘I love this account, and I love that you are trying to help people,’” Kissinger said. Although she is involved in several charitable endeavors, Kissinger’s true passion is her students. “My number one priority is my kindergarten class, so I never let how tired I am affect them,” Kissinger said. This Sacramento native now lives in Chico and continues to find new ways to get involved in the community. “If I continue being proactive and getting out there, somebody’s going to hear my ideas.” Kissinger said. “What I realized is, I can do anything.” Claire Martinez can be reached at

featureseditor@theorion.com or @clmartinez on Twitter.

CHARITY EVENTS: Relay for Life Girls On The Run @BrittanyAgainstBullying National Down Syndrome Society

Brittany Kissinger, who graduated from Chico State in 2011, warms up the crowd for a Girls on the Run charity event with her Zumba dance moves.


B6 | Wednesday, Jan 21, 2015 | Theorion.com/features

Students resolve to get fit for New Year’s Jason Spies

Staff Writer

When a new year comes around it’s a time to toast with family and friends, watch the ball drop with Ryan Seacrest and also to come up with yet another New Year’s resolution. New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep for the entire year, especially when it comes to keeping fit. The Wildcat Recreation Center is available for students of Chico State whose resolutions are to get in better shape and stick to it. According to Teresa Clements, assistant director of the WREC, 38,337 students attended the center during the first two weeks of the 2014 spring semester, while only 23,755 students attended the center during the last two weeks. The number of students using the WREC drops dramatically during the course of a semester. Clements believes that the high number of students that attend the center in the first two weeks of the spring semester may be related to New Year’s resolutions. “Students make New Year’s resolutions two times a year, once at the beginning of each semester,” Clements said. “Whether it’s ‘I’m going to study harder, get better grades, or work out and get in better shape this year,’ either way we always see a large JESSICA number of students BOETTGER come to the WREC at WREC Employee the beginning of each semester.” According to a study done by the University of Scranton, two of the top five New Year’s resolutions made for 2014 had to do with losing weight and staying fit. Jessica Boettger, Chico State student and an employee of the WREC, says that one of the best ways they can help students keep their New Year’s resolutions is by being available all semester long. “Availability is the key. We are open longer hours during the semester. We have personal trainers, nutrition counseling and even free boot camp,” Boettger said. Jason Spies can be reached at

featureseditor@theorion.com or @Jason_Spies on Twitter.

Zach Aucella/The Orion

The owner of the 100th Monkey Cafe provides a location for a new restaurant that operates during evening hours.

Downtown cafe shares space with Vietnamese restaurant Blaine Ball

Staff Writer

Chico is known for its tight-knit community, school pride and acceptance of various cultures. A local business is embracing such traits through a series of tactics that are increasing the popularity of the establishment. 100th Monkey Cafe and Books is introducing downtown Chico to a form of culinary cohesion by sharing its glory with another restaurant: The Lantern. Jill Lacefield, owner of 100th Monkey Cafe and Books, and her employees thrive under the philosophy “everyone has a place at the table.” In light of this philosophy, the restaurant uses a donation-only method as the primary form of payment. This generosity extends to Chico residents and students of all budgets, along with businesses such as The Lantern. “Here at 100th Monkey we want to ensure the quality of our store and satisfaction of our customers. We live up to our motto by subleasing this very location to a chef of Vietnamese cuisine, Quyen Nguyen,” Lacefield said. “Together we can enhance the quality of the space and ensure our customers are comfortable in their surroundings.” Both 100th Monkey Cafe and Books and The Lantern are currently being run by different owners, but in the same location with

different hours. weekly hours for each business. 100th Monkey Cafe and Books operates: “We’ve served many visitors from the • Monday through Saturday - 7:30 a.m. Bay Area and other parts of California who to 4 p.m. all love the way we prepare our food and The Lantern operates: maintain a cultural relevance,” Nguyen said. • Tuesday and Wednesday - 4 p.m. to 9 “This location has the potential to influence p.m business owners and food lovers in a very • Thursday - 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. unique fashion. A goal of ours is to intro• Friday and Saturday - 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. duce Chico and its visitors to traditional and • Sunday - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. homemade Vietnamese food.” Nguyen, owner of The Lantern, was born Lacefield not only helped a promising chef, and raised in Vietnam until the age of 18. but also introduced a possible business plan After coming to the U.S., she attended UC that other local restaurants and cafes may Berkeley while freconsider replicating. quently cooking her Now that Nguyen Together we can enhance country’s traditional has settled into her the quality of the space dishes. After graduatnew culinary home and ensure our costumers she can proceed with ing with a degree in are comfortable. business she set out cooking and servto accomplish a goal ing the Vietnamese Jill Lacefield dishes she loves to she had set for herself years before even Owner of 100th Monkey Cafe prepare. attending college. “It’s worked really Nguyen moved well. Two restaurants to Chico and began searching for possible under one roof sounds tough, but we work in locations to begin her career. After thorough harmony,” Nguyen said. “After two months research and visits to possible locations, in this location we have noticed a weekly inNguyen stumbled upon an ad on Craigslist. crease in customers as well as interest among A small cafe located at Fifth and Ivy streets the members of the community and college.” was offering to lease out the space to someone who was willing to share the location. Blaine Ball can be reached at Nguyen contacted Lacefield and a day featureseditor@theorion.com or later they were in agreement and organizing @BlaineHBall on Twitter.

THE O-FACE: THE ROAD TO SEXUAL MATURITY IS A BUMPY ONE

Sophia Xepoleas

Sex Columnist

The beautiful thing about getting older is that you learn to love and respect yourself. Growing up, I was about as unfortunate looking as it gets. I rocked a mean unibrow and a few extra layers of baby fat, and my eccentric personality matched my unconventional last name. I was that child that babysitters looked at and felt genuine sympathy for. Flash forward to my high school years. As my unfortunate looks carried over, my popularity with boys didn’t exactly fall where I would have liked. Like any chubby and sexually curious 13-year-old girl, I settled for fantasizing about boy bands, making out with my forearm and wishing I looked like the popular girl in school who just gave Greg Peters an old-fashioned in the bathroom (because she was mature like that). But as high school went on and my ongoing love affair with food continued, that baby fat tripled, and the list of guys wanting to date me only included my good friends Ben and Jerry.

I remained sexually curious and anxious to experiment until 17-year-old me discovered subpar men who just wanted to put their pecker in anything that was warm and inviting. This is where my decisions in regard to men and sex became questionable at best. Who doesn’t love 18-year-old boys who smoke menthol cigarettes and rep a crappy tattoo across their back in big, bold letters? But with maturity comes knowledge, and after a college course in nutrition and a realization that I wanted to get it together, I lost the weight and moved on to bigger and better things. Enter the good old college years, where hormones rage and alcohol encourages. This is where you find yourself cut free from the leash to which your parents once held a firm grip, and you finally realize what an extended education is all about. This is where you discover beer goggles and subsequent walks of shame and where dreams become reality, kids. College is the mecca of sexually frustrated young adults, and that, mixed with college party culture, can only lead to one thing: sex.

I would be lying if I told you that I have never showed up at my front door with heels in hand, regret on my breath and a loss of dignity. But I sure as hell had a great story to share with my friends. In my experience, part of college is going out, living life and learning from the results. While it may seem like making questionable decisions that lead to regrettable mornings couldn’t possibly be teaching me something, it taught me a lesson in what I don’t want. Along with gaining a genuine love and respect for yourself comes a certain set of standards in regard to who you allow in your life and how you allow them to treat you. Although embarrassing moments and bumps along the road seem like hindrances in your growth, they really shape you into the individual that the universe intended you to be. I’m not sure I would have wanted to reach that realization in any other way. Sophia Xepoleas can be reached at

sexcolumnistr@theorion.com or @soph_mxx on Twitter.

J.Q. Hammer/The Orion

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Arts & Entertainment

Esquire Ali brings psychedelic vibes to upcoming music shows in downtown Chico.

theorion.com/arts

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

MUSICAL THEATER

Gustavo Ornelas/The Orion

Sesar Sanchez, guitarist (left), and Brandon Squyres, vocalist, will begin touring on Jan. 28.

Cold Blue Mountain to kick off

U.S. tour

DATE: Jan. 14-18 at 7:30 p.m.

Tom Sundgren

Staff Writer

Local metal band Cold Blue Mountain's Sesar Sanchez and Brandon Squyres talk about their latest album and taking their music out on the road. The Orion: What local venues do you guys usually play at? Sesar Sanchez: Monstro's Pizza, 1078 Gallery, Cafe Coda.

LOCATION: 1078 Gallery

PRICE: $20 Photos by Malik Payton

Brandon Hilty performs as the gender-bending Dr. Frank N. Furter in a dress rehearsal of “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Brandon Squyres: There are other places to play that are 21 and over. But most of the time the 21 and over places in Chico, it seems like the people that are there are just waiting for you to stop so they can start dance night. With the little amount of people that are into heavy music in a smaller town like Chico, why eliminate half of them or more by cutting out 21 and over? The Orion: What does the name Cold Blue Mountain mean to you guys?

The Orion: The band has a U.S. tour coming up on Jan. 28. Can you tell us more about that? Sanchez: We knew once we released our new album “Old Blood” about six months later we would tour. This tour is self-funded. So we're basically losing a whole month's work and a whole month's rent. But the thing is if you don't go, there really is no point to getting your record out on vinyl. Squyres: That is the reason we're in bands. And it’s awesome when you go to some place that is on the complete other side of the country playing in front of people that have never seen you and they're stoked that you came and played. It’s nice to have this thing you have spent so much time into creating and then be able to share it with other people. We appreciate the record label putting our album out for us and in order for us to sell it we have to put it out there. The Orion: Any words you would like to say to the readers and fans out there? Sanchez: Cold Blue Mountain loves Chico. Go out to shows when you can. Play music. Get out of your house every now and then and go see something. Go see a movie, go see a show, go look at some art. Get off the Internet. Get off your phone. Start bands. We definitely need more of them.

CALENDAR

22

Lauren Smith can be reached at artseditor@theorion.com or

@reginechassagne on Twitter.

24

GALLERY

MUSIC

MUSIC

1078 will be hosting their latest opening, Confluence. The gallery will feature artists Shirley Hazlett, Alexandra Sprowls, Sande Waters and Rhia Hurt.

Cafe Coda will feature performances by The LoLos, Ghost Tiger, Tom & Jerry and Sid Prinz. Cafe Coda is known for its lively shows and atmosphere.

The Dude will arrive at Laxson Auditorium with his band, the Abiders. The show will also feature Jessie Bridges (Jeff Bridges’ daughter) as the opener.

Squyres: There has to be something out there that you enjoy watching someone perform. Be it music or plays. There are all sorts of art shows. There are all sorts of stuff here. Get out of your house.

Photograph courtesy of 1078 Gallery

Tom Sundgren can be reached at artseditor@theorion.com or

WHERE: 1078 Gallery WHEN: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

@tomsundgren on Twitter

23

the local music scene, further adds to the experience. The production did not come together without its fair share of struggles. “We had a lot of personnel changes, including change of director, assistant director, and choreographer,” Denny said. “Producers changed hands as well.” Thankfully for the production, director Don Eggert’s leadership qualities helped the performance come together and gain some stability. “[Eggert makes] good, strong, solid decisions every single time, which is what we needed for somebody stepping into a production that had been rehearsing for two months without a director,” Denny said. Standout roles include a comically creepy Riff Raff performed by Ashley Garlick, an effectively irritating Janet by Kasandra Partain and an effeminate yet powerfully attitudinal Dr. Frank N. Furter by Brandon Hilty.

Orion file photo

WHERE: Cafe Coda WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. PRICE: $5

SUN

Squyres: I think when people first hear of the name they think were a folk band or something like that, but when they see the band or hear the band and see the name, it still fits. It’s neutral yet still heavy.

bers ensue as we follow a plot full of laughs and horrors. Staff Writer The classic musical is renowned for its Cross-dressing, partial nudity and audipassionate cult following. It is normal, if not ence participation. expected, for audience members to dress up “The Rocky Horror Show,” directed by in elaborate outfits and to dance and sing Don Eggert, has come to Chico in the scaledalong. Chico State music education alumnus down environment of downtown’s 1078 GalAlden Denny, who plays Rocky, credits the lery where the performance gets a bit more legacy of the production to its audience up close and personal than usual. participation. Richard O’Brien’s “All the callbacks, “The Rocky Horror and the actors feeding The timing of those Show” follows the off of the callbacks, interspersed jokes ... it’s newly married and and the timing of just campy as all hell. duller-than-average those interspersed couple of Brad and jokes — that’s what Janet. When their really does it. And Alden Denny, actor car gets a flat tire then it’s just campy during a rain storm, as all hell,” Denny they are forced to said. visit an old castle in search of a telephone. Factor in the small venue of downtown It is here that they meet a bizarre cast of Chico’s 1078 Gallery and the experience characters: Riff Raff, the harrowing hunchbecomes even more unique. With cast back; Dr. Frank N. Furter, the transvestite members regularly stroking the faces and mad scientist; and his creation Rocky, the sitting on the laps of audience members, the doctor’s scantily clad perfect specimen of a musical is amplified by the personal setting. man. Madness, murder and musical numA live band led by Joshua Hegg, a staple of Lauren Smith

SAT

needed.

Alden Denny plays Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mad scientist creation Rocky in “The Rocky Horror Show.” He plays saxophone in this scene as the cast sings and dances.

‘Rocky Horror’ comes alive in intimate gallery setting

FRI

Sesar Sanchez, guitarist

Kasandra Partain plays Janet Weiss, one half of a couple who comes upon a motley crew of characters in 1078 Gallery’s “The Rocky Horror Show.”

THU

Get off your phone. Start bands. We definitely need more of them.

Sanchez: When I think of Cold Blue Mountain I think of this huge, visceral kind of thing that is bigger than one person. And that is what we’re kind of going for with the sound. It’s kind of a really big kind of sound that kind of encapsulates and captures what we are into, which is heavy riffs, melodic kind of styling, aggressive vocals but also the ability to draw back when the time is

25

MUSIC

Australian singer-songwriter Mia Dyson will perform with special guests The Silent War at Sierra Nevade Brewing Co.

Photo courtesy of Chico Performances

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

WHERE: Laxson Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. PRICE: $10

WHERE: Sierra Nevada WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. PRICE: $17.50


B8 | Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 | Arts & Entertainment

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