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After a series of cuts and painful layoffs, Chico is trying to balance its budget and right itself again

He admits he did not realize the full extent of the city’s situation upon first arriving in Chico, and that there was more depth to the budget problems than he had anticipated. He cites the economic meltdown of 2008 as a major contributor to Chico’s financial troubles, along with slower-than-expected return of lost revenues. “Usually you look at recessions as like a V-shape or a U-shape,” Nakamura said. “I can credit my wife with saying it was more of a canoe shape.”

Bill Hall

Restructuring city departments

Staff Writer

One of Nakamura’s first recommendations was to whittle down the city’s departments from 11 down to five — police, fire, administrative services, community development and public works. Leading up to approval of the restructuring, several high-level city employees left their previous positions. Mark Orme, who was Nakamura’s assistant city manager in Hemet, replaced John Rucker, the former assistant city manager. Jennifer Hennessy, the former city finance director, resigned to take a position in another city and was replaced by Chris Constantin, who is now the administrative services director. The City Council gave final approval to the restructuring at its April 16 meeting.

uffering under the weight of staggering financial deficits, Chico is experiencing difficult times and painful decisions for city officials. During the last six months, city leaders have restructured various departments, laid dozens of workers off and reduced services to the community. City Manager Brian Nakamura, who was hired by the City Council in August 2012 to help the city get its financial house in order, has implemented significant changes to address the city’s $4.8 million deficit. Nakamura faced similar challenges as the city manager of Hemet, Calif., and said he was able to help get the city back on a sound path with a combination of reductions, labor negotiations and economic growth.

» please see CITY | A4

City reorganization Finance Administrative Services

Building & Development

Planning Services Community Development Housing & Neighborhood

Public Works Department

General Services & Capital Projects

The Orion ∤ Infographic by Robert Harris

Associated Students shops see gains, losses adding that the bundles are often less expensive than the originals and the content can be personalized by professors. While the digital bundles must be purchased new, bundles of books without digital codes may be rented. Although renting the books isn’t as profitable for the Wildcat Store as selling them, they still offer the option, Meyers said. Associated Students Dining Services also revamped its business plan and is emphasizing customer service and being sustainable. Butte Station did well this last year due to an increase in the usage of Flex Dollars, credit for use at Chico State’s on-campus shops given to students who live in the dorms. Butte Station also expanded offerings, improved “grab and go” food quality and presentation, and marketed itself more effectively said George Rankin, the Director of Associated Students Dining Services. Butte Station swapped its old coffee brand for Pacific Green, a sustainable brew that has been well received by customers, Rankin said. “It is important to note that Butte Station is part of the retail dining portfolio which posted improved financial perfor-

Jessie Severin

Staff Writer

The Wildcat Store and the Associated Students Dining Services underwent several changes this summer to boost their revenue. After the last fiscal year, The Wildcat Store proved to be profitable after expenses, posting $92,877 in gains. In a continuing effort to offer products students want, two new makeup brands have been added, and products from the Chico Farm are beginning to fill the shelves. New apparel and computer accessories are being added as well. Apple is no longer the only computer sold through the Wildcat Store. A line of Dell laptops and tablets are now offered, as well as a selection of HP products at the online store. There have also been changes to the store’s textbook sales. Publishers are now bundling books together and some have digital components which include one-time use only codes. “This will effectively cut out used books, many rentals, and therefore, the number of places the books will be available,” said Robert Meyers, the Wildcat Store Director,

INDEX

ka-ching Patrons at Butte Station buy snacks and drinks. Butte Station did well last year due to an increase in the usage of Flex Dollars.

The Orion ∤ Photograph by Lara Rodriguez

mance this last fiscal year but still operates as a whole at less than break even,” Rankin said. A.S. also offered students incentives to eat on campus using Retail Dining Dollars, Flex Cash, Craig Dollars and Wildcat Dollars. Some of the changes that A.S. Dining Services introduced are the new Common Grounds, expanding “Local Lunch,” sushi,

and the La Troca Mexican concept. “We are constantly working on a variety of projects to improve both residential and retail dining,” said Rankin. “We have plans that include mobile carts and changes to our pizza operations.” Jessie Severin can be reached at jseverin@theorion.com or

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INSIDE

Corrections

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

TODAY

86 56

Sports Catch up with former Wildcats pitcher Troy Neiman, who just signed with a professional minor league team.

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Features Check out Butte College’s very own one-man band and cyclist, who performs while pedaling around Chico State.

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Opinion Learn about why you shouldn’t take your boring desk job sitting down. Research says you should stand.

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War journals Jojo Sanchez reads an excerpt from “The Yellow Birds,” a story about one soldier’s time in Iraq. Sanchez, a Butte College student, plans on transferring to Chico State next year.

mmahaffie via flickr

Check out last week’s episode of “Off the Record” and see what our panel had to say about Chico State’s long-standing image as a party school.

Nicholas Carr

News Editor

The story being told across Chico State’s campus and the county is a tale about veterans and the human cost of military action. The opening presentation of this year’s Book in Common on Thursday discussed this year’s pick: “The Yellow Birds.” The Book in Common recounts a series of events based on a novel endorsed by the cities of Oroville and Chico in addition to Chico State and Butte College. The program provides a forum for students, Chicoans and people throughout Butte County to read a book and discuss it as a community. The purpose of the program is to identify and discuss narratives that are important to the community, but not conclusively addressed, said Chico State President Paul Zingg. “The Yellow Birds” by Kevin Powers is a fictional interpretation of what the author experienced

The Orion ∤ File Photo

during his two years as a soldier in “It’s that important.” northern Iraq. As part of the opening cereSome of the members of the mony, students from Butte College Chico State Student Veterans Orread excerpts from the novel to ganization read the book when it the audience. JoJo Sanchez chose was being the book’s first co ns i dered five pages, which as the subbegins with, The war tried to kill ject for the “The war tried us in the spring. Book in Comto kill us in the mon, said spring,” and deKevin Powers “The Yellow Birds” Bill Loker, tails the ominous dean of unpresence of the dergraduate conflict, personieducation. fied as an ever-hungry power that “They enthusiastically recom- couldn’t be tamed or understood. mended that we adopt this book The next event for the Book in if for no other reason than to have Common series will take place on the conversations that we hope to Oct. 5 in Colusa Hall. host throughout this year,” Loker It will feature a viewing of “High said. Ground,” a documentary focused Zingg likened the story to “The on the post-war experiences of a Red Badge of Courage,” “All Quiet group of veterans who join an exon the Western Front” and “The pedition to climb to the 20,000 feet Things They Carried,” three iconic peak of Mt. Lobuche in the Himawar novels based on the experilayas. ences of veterans from the Civil War, World War I and the Vietnam Nicholas Carr can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or War, respectively. “It’s of that caliber,” Zingg said. @nikecarr on Twitter

Read this week’s online sex column about collegiate virginity and learn why some people prefer not to engage in intercourse.

mag3737 via flickr

The Orion ∤ Photographs by Dan Reidel

Reflection Dave Richey, a finance officer for the local California American Veterans chapter, holds the California flag as Butte College students read excerpts from “The Yellow Birds.”

CSU spends $19 million on increased salary for faculty tremendous amount of sacrifice,” Ornelas said. Ornelas says that much of the next contract’s “People are looking at this increase as a gesture discussion has been centered on “things beyond Staff Writer of goodwill and perhaps a harbinger of things salary,” including the number of class sections to come as we move forward with the successor available to students and classroom sizes. For the first time in five years, many of the contract.” “People are very concerned about working more than 23,000 faculty members within the CalThe last across-the-board salary increase for conditions,” Ornelas said. “Working conditions ifornia State University system will receive a salary increase as a result of an agreement between faculty was in 2008, according to a CSU public of the faculty are the learning conditions of the affairs report. Until now, budget constudent.” the faculty union and CSU. straints in California have limited efThe CFA surveyed the members The CSU and the California Faculty Associaforts to improve salaries and working of its chapters earlier this month to tion, respectively the largest higher education assess the financial needs of each system and largest faculty union in the United conditions, according to the report. Specifics on how that increase will be campus. Chico members will meet States, agreed Aug. 26 to increase the annual comimplemented for each faculty member Sept. 23 to discuss the results of the pensation pool of employees by $19.2 million, acat Chico State survey. cording to a memoranare still being Uhlenkamp said that there isn’t a dum of the agreement. deter mined, definitive timeline for the bargainThe employees who said Michael ing of the next contract, pointing will receive the pay People are very concerned Vincent U h l e n k a m p, out that there are 41 articles in the boost include tenabout working conditions. Ornelas a spokesman contract to be negotiated between ured and tenure track Working conditions of the CFA chapter for the CSU. the two organizations. faculty, lecturers, faculty are the learning president, The individ“It is a monumental task,” Uhlencoaches, counselors conditions of the student. Chico State ual raises kamp said. and librarians. awarded to The CSU will have to pay faculty The 1.34 percent Vincent Ornelas each faculty on the terms of the new contract increase, which will CFA chapter president, member will be based starting Dec. 1. The pay will be retroactive to July be distributed evenly Chico State on their current pay 1. among all union memand employment sta“It’ll be something a little extra for the holibers, will be more tus. days,” Ornelas said. “symbolic than subThe CFA has already stantive,” said Vincent begun preparing for negotiations for another con- Mozes Zarate can be reached at Ornelas, a social work professor and CFA chapter tract, due to take effect soon after the current con- mzarate@theorion.com or president for Chico State. @theorion_news on Twitter “Everyone recognizes that there has been a tract expires in summer 2014. Mozes Zarate

The article “The Thinning Blue Line” incorrectly stated there are 64 sworn Chico police officers. The actual number is 56. In “University police give chief low ranking” Chief Robyn Hearne is identified as the second-lowest rated chief in the CSU system. She is the fourth-lowest. The Orion staff strives for accuracy in all it publishes. We recognize that mistakes will sometimes occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, please email the editor-in-chief at editorinchief@ theorion.com

87 57 TheOrion.com

Book in Common shares veteran’s trials overseas

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A youth rendition of ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ will be held at Laxson Auditorium next week. Get ready for the evening show by reading the preview online.

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| College of Communication & Education | California State University, Chico | Chico, Ca 95929-0600 CONTACT | EDITORIAL Phone: 530.898.5627 Email: editorinchief@theorion.com Editor-in-Chief Ben Mullin Managing Editor Quinn Western Art Director Scott Ledbetter Chief Copy Editor Ernesto Rivera Video Editor Jeff Barron

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WedneSday, sept. 18,2012 2013 WEDNESDAY, SEP. 5,

CITY: $7.8 million deficit results in double-digit layoffs » continued from A1 The only dissenting vote was council member Ann Schwab, who declined to comment for this story.

Layoffs and the new budget

The next step for the city manager’s office was to present its budget proposal, which included steep cuts and layoffs, to the City Council. Prior to the budget proposal, about 18 positions were eliminated. The $4.8 million in cuts dictated by the new budget resulted in around 40 more jobs being cut, although some were already vacant. Randall Initially, Nakamura wanted to Stone cut even more. Chico city “My recommendation to the councilmember council was a $7 million reduction,” Nakamura said. “Then the council and the administrative services director Chris Constantin recognized that that significant amount of reduction would be catastrophic for service delivery.” The largest impact of the layoffs was within the police department, which faced a reduction of 19 positions, from 147 down to 128. The fire department lost five positions and had to shut down one station. Further reductions came from the offices of the city clerk, city manager and city attorney,

along with administrative services and community development departments. According to Orme, the city’s workforce went from about 400 employees down to the current amount of 346, who are represented by nine different labor unions.

“Bargaining is just that — it’s about give and take and the city is not interested … in having all takes,” Nakamura said. “We want to make sure the city is protected as well as the bargaining unit.”

Looking forward

Nakamura has received a lot of criticism from community memI’ve had in the past some bers and even had his car vandalThe City Council voted Sept. 3 issues about delivery, but ized at one point. But Stone said he to approve using $80,000 from the I can make absolutely no is making hard decisions in a tough emergency reserve fund to hire a criticism about the execusituation. negotiator to handle the upcoming tion of what he’s doing. “I’ve had in the past some issues talks with the nine labor unions. about delivery, but I can make absoAll of the labor contracts expire Randall Stone lutely no criticism about the execuat the end of 2013, and Orme said Chico city councilmember tion of what he’s doing,” Stone said. that wages, benefits and pensions Nakamura said he understands represent 80 percent of the general that it is a difficult and understandfund budget. ably scary time for the city, but if According to City Council memhe wasn’t making these decisions it ber Randall Stone, one of the probwould be someone else. lems with labor negotiations has “You can criticize the way I’ve delivered it or the way been in adding large numbers of modifications to existing we’ve approached it,” Nakamura said. “There’s no blame contracts. “Any time you have a contract and you just keep making to be assessed. I don’t have any inside knowledge as to the past. I don’t really care. Our goal is to move forward … and amendments over and over again you eventually get lost,” Stone said. “It’s important to have a contract, rather than 20 not dwell on the past.” amendments to an old contract.” Nakamura said that last year the city was basically ask- Bill Hall can be reached at ing for one-year extensions and that there will be more of a bhall@theorion.com or focus on bargaining new contracts this year. @thebillhall on Twitter

Union negotiations

State Assembly approves end-of-term legislation Gov. Edmund G. Brown was given a stack of bills passed by the California Legislature at the end of last week to sign or veto. Here are some of the bills that affect college students he pledged to sign:

Courtesy Photo • zigazou76 via flickr

AB 60 This bill would enable illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. In a statement following the bill’s approval by the assembly, Brown said, “This bill will enable millions of people to get to work safely and legally. Hopefully it will send a message to Washington that immigration reform is long past due.”

AB 241 This bill would guarantee overtime compensation for all employees that work more than nine hours within a 24-hour period, or 45 hours in a week. Employers would be required to compensate these workers at 150 percent of their regular rate of pay. Courtesy Photo • ***Karen via flickr

AB 484 This bill would replace the current form of standardized testing for students in elementary and secondary schools by changing the academic focus of the exams in addition to a digital delivery method. It conflicts with the No Child Left Behind Act in that a lapse in assement would take place during the switch to digital.

Courtesy Photo •timlewsnm via flickr

AB 10 This bill would gradually increase the minimum wage in California to $10 an hour by 2016. From its current state at $8 an hour, this bill would set the minimum wage of Californian workers to $9 an hour in 2014 and then to $10 an hour in 2016. Courtesy Photo • 401 (k) 2012 via Flickr

AB 1299/SB 740 These bills would speed up the rate at which Californians gain access to the Internet. AB 1299 would set aside additonal funds, gained through telecommunications fees, for the construction of broadband infrastructure. SB 740 would give educational institutions a higher priority for broadband-service grant funding.

Courtesy Photo •Nicolasnova via flickr the orion •INFOGRAPHIC BY Nicholas Carr and Jenna Fujitsubo

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

University Police

Chico Police

Thursday, 3:53 p.m.: Noise disturbance reported at the Grillin’ on the Grass event near Meriam Library. “Reporting party advising the music from the BBQ event is very loud and interrupting her advising sessions. Requesting we ask the event coordinator to have the music turned down.”

Wednesday, 8:29 a.m.: Assault in front of Fairview High School on the 200 block of East Avenue. “Student attacked by unknown adult, victim has injury to right side of face and swelling. Occurred before school. Victim at office at Fairview. Victim now requires ambulance. Does not want police involvement.”

Thursday, 10:17 a.m.: Disturbance at a warehouse on the 1200 block of West Seventh Street. “Male purchased online surplus items, and is now upset there is no one to help him load the items.”

Friday, 12:30 p.m.: Fire alarm triggered at Whitney Hall. “Building evacuated. University Housing and Food Services, Environmental Health and Safety and primary advised. No visible flames from room 723. Smells like burnt hair. Possible hairspray.” Friday, 12:40 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported at the baseball field. “Resident reported to RA hearing screaming then muffled sounds coming from pathway. Baseball/softball field leading to bike path.” Friday, 8:39 p.m.: Student unable to locate vehicle after parking on city street. “No car payments. CPD has not reported any tow and DMV license not entered stolen. Located at the intersection of Second and Cherry streets. Responding officer will walk down to her vehicle.” Saturday, 3:30 a.m.: University Police assist Chico Police in responding to a fight at the intersection of West Sacramento Avenue and Warner Street. “Report of fight involving ten (people) with one on the ground.” Saturday, 4:59 p.m.: Smoke observed between Laxson Hall and Trinity Hall.“Female in a wheelchair with blind male has asked group of subjects to stop smoking. They are refusing.” Monday, 11:05 p.m.: Bike theft outside Acker Gymnasium. “Taken sometime between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Forest green Kona mountain bike.” Monday, 12:04 p.m.: Petty theft at the Student Health Center parking lot. “Reporting party reporting her license plate taken from the rear of her silver 2005 Mazda RX8.” Monday, 1:37 p.m.: Bike theft at the Lassen Hall bike racks. “Taken within the last week. Blue Magna Greate Divide G21.”

Wednesday, 8:01 a.m.: Found child on the 400 block of Blackstone Court. “Toddler walking down the street, alone for about 15 minutes. About 12 months old. Very wet with urine, has a puppy with him.”

Wednesday, 11:53 a.m.: Assault on the 700 block of West Fifth Street. “Laceration to face due to knife wound. Unknown subject. Victim states he was just walking down the street.” Thursday, 12:25 p.m.: Suspicious suspect on the 500 block of East Eighth Street. “Male covered in shaving cream, pants down around his ankles, no shoes, what looks like feces in his hair. Caller yelled ‘Get him outta my neighborhood’ and hung up.” Thursday, 1:42 p.m.: Threats made on 1100 block of Humboldt Avenue. “Man approached caller in the park, was very progressive. Started yelling obscenities and telling caller she should be dead.” Thursday, 7:07 p.m.: Possible drug activity at the Children’s Playground on the 200 block of West First Street. “Group of juveniles dancing and smoking marijuana. Caller watched one punch another guy who ran away.” Thursday, 9:15 p.m.: Suspicious suspect on the 4100 block of West First Avenue. “Male was trying to get into caller’s house. Now headed towards Warner. Subject entered her backyard and tried to take off her screens.” Saturday, 6:31 p.m.: Bike stolen from the 800 block of East Avenue. “Light blue custom BMX bike, blue handlebars and brown (pedals). Eastern brand frame with custom black wheels.” Saturday, 10:53 p.m.: Large party on the 600 block of West Seventh Street. “Large party of 100200, loud music, loud talking. Subjects coming into reporting party’s backyard and urinating (near) residence.” Saturday, 11:07 p.m.: Vandalism at Riley’s on the 700 block of West Fifth Street. “Bouncers have one detained for throwing a rock through the window.” -compiled by Jessie Severin and Mozes Zarate and Nicholas Carr

WedneSday, sept. 18, 2013 WEDNESDAY, SEP. 5, 2012 |

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Boosted Wi-Fi availability bolsters state, university well. Two crucial bills sitting on the desk of Gov. Thousands of people who want to take onJerry Brown will affect the everyday lives of line classes in remote urban areas will be able about one-third of Californians. to obtain a college degree. This influx of qualBoth SB740 and AB1299 will provide Califorified graduates has the potential to boost Calnians with the tools and knowledge they need ifornia’s economy through new hires and the to become active users of the Internet. SB740 will allow the state government to creation of additional businesses. And it’s not just rural academics that will spend an additional $90 million drawn from benefit from increased internet access. It has consumer phone bills to expand the broadband real-world applications right here in Chico. infrastructure in rural areas. AB1299 will imAs Internet usage goes prove digital literacy. up and more young people Both work in harmony throughout the state are to help citizens of rural It has real-world equipped to graduate from areas get plugged into a applications right high school, universities rapidly-evolving Internet like ours will see more apage. here in Chico. plications from people who The digital divide, a live in every isolated pocket series of economic and of the state. geographic factors that It’s likely to make our student body more isolate unconnected Americans from citizens diverse, which will in turn enrich the educawho have access to the Internet, is a great travesty in our society. Millions of people in Cal- tional experience for everyone who sets foot on ifornia — about 12.6 million — cannot access campus. With the passage of these two bills, the state the Internet because of their location. These has stepped up to help those Americans isobills will change that. By ensuring everyone in California has ac- lated from the general public. Now it’s up to people living in these rural arcess to the single greatest resource in human eas to step up and make the most of the new history, these bills have the potential to give voice to every citizen, and encourage them to services provided for them. For California to function properly, they need to take an active participate in the democratic process. role in learning how to use their newfound reThese bills will not only help these people sources to contribute to their respective comwith the personal and the professional parts of their lives, but the academic aspects as munities.

The Orion ∤ by Liz Coffee

Gov. Brown, raise pay for everyone Tara Miller

Opinion Columnist

Besides, standing all day can also pose health problems. It can lead to circulatory and posture issues, according to Alan Hedge, the director of human factors and ergonomics at Cornell. Whether standing or sitting, there are going to be health consequences. It’s also made me think about what it would be like if the idea was applied to Chico State classrooms. I don’t think it would work for students. It’s much easier for me to take notes while sitting down because I have a hard surface to write against as well as being able to look down at what I’m writing. Classes that run longer than 90 minutes should be required to give students a short break anyway. Of course, it’s going to be different for everyone. Yvonne Bealer, a human resources administrative analyst and specialist at Chico State, told me that while her standing workstation took a while to get used to, she ultimately felt healthier and less tired after using it. The best compromise would be to make sitting down optional rather than making standing up mandatory. Employees should be able to have a chair at their desk but feel free to stand up or move around if they feel they’ve been sitting too long. Conversely, they may choose to do their work standing up but have the option to sit down if they’re feeling sore. That way, they wouldn’t be doing too much sitting or standing, and they’ll be able to know what method works best for them.

Being a college student and living off an $8 an hour job is nearly impossible, especially when most of us are expected to pay for rent, food, textbooks and other bills on our own. Thankfully the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 has been approved by both the Senate and the Assembly. If passed, The bill will raise the minimum to $10 an hour, hopefully raising California’s minimum wage by 2016. This bill will help not just college students struggling to pay for things, but also the working class families that are also struggling. Gov. Jerry Brown indicated that when the bill comes across his desk he has the intentions of signing it, especially since it would help working-class families. Raising the minimum wage will greatly improve college students’ lives. For one, it will allow them to better pay for their necessities. In addition, it would leave possibility of having a bit of cash left over for fun things like seeing a movie or going to a concert — which would in turn benefit the economy. Low-wage workers benefiting from an increase in the minimum wage are more likely to be 20 years old or older. 88 percent of those that work on the current minimum wage are of this age group, according to the U.S. House of RepreThis raise sentatives. would Personally, having the minimum wage raised to $10 an hour would redefinitely ally help me out since I’m currently help with working at a job where I get paid $8 an hour. This raise would definitely my rent, help with my rent, food and textfood and books since that’s what most textbooks of my money goes toward. On top of having to pay for since that’s these, I usually try to save what my money so that I can use it for other things that I may need money goes later on, like laundry money or bathtoward. room essentials. Aside from raising the minimum wage this bill would also adjust accordingly to keep up with the rising costs of living. Workers who earn tips will be given up to 70 percent of the full minimum wage, according to the Raise the Minimum Wage website. Although some argue that the bill will negatively impact both the economy and those who are working minimum wage jobs, it will actually help anyone who is out of work and needing a job, especially those who have families. It would also generate more money into the economy, which is a definite plus. “The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 would generate more than $32 billion in new economic activity, translating to 140,000 new full-time jobs as higher sales lead businesses to hire more employees, according to estimates by the Economic Policy Institute,” according to the Raise the Minimum Wage website. Another positive brought by the bill is the fact that more than 30 million working people would receive the minimum wage raise. Also, 71 percent of tipped workers getting raises would be women, a key step for women’s pay equality, according to the Raise the Minimum’s website. Whether you believe raising the minimum wage is good or bad, it’s pretty much a given that it should happen since it would help so many people out. It could even help you out if you ever start to struggle financially.

Nick Sestanovich can be reached at opinioneditor@theorion.com or

Tara Miller can be reached at tmiller@theorion.com or

The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by liz coffee

Workplaces take a stand on sitting down Nick Sestanovich

Opinion Columnist

When R.E.M. sang “stand in the place where you work” back in 1988, they probably didn’t think their idea would be taken literally in Chico 25 years later. A number of local businesses including Auctiva and Build. com have begun to use standing workstations, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record. Rather than sitting down at a desk for several hours, which a Kansas State University study has linked to heart and kidney diseases, these stations are big enough for employees to stand up and work on their computers at eye level. Even a few faculty offices and on-campus centers like Enterprise Applications have begun using these new workstations. So far, much of the talk I’ve read online about these new innovations has been positive, but its made me ask some questions. If this were to become the standard workstation model for all workplaces, would that be a good thing? I agree with the basic idea that sitting in front of your computer screen for six hours can cause health problems, but I don’t think standing up for that same period of time is the best alternative. If I’m ever standing for long periods of time, the first thing I want to do is sit down. I feel restless and sore if I’m standing up for just an hour. I can’t imagine what six hours would do to me.

@Nsestanovich on Twitter

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| EDITORIAL BOARD | Fall 2013 Editor-in-Chief Ben Mullin Managing Editor Quinn Western Art Director Scott Ledbetter

News Editor Nicholas Carr Opinion Editor Allison Weeks Sports Editor Brett Appley

Features Editor Jessica Barber Photo Editor Dan Reidel Video Editor Jeff Barron

Chief Copy Editor Ernesto Rivera The unsigned Orion editorial is the collaborative opinion of the editorial board.

OPINION

opinions all week @ theorion.com

WedneSday, SEPT. 18, 2013

| A7

THUMBS Thumbs up to an upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. in Laxson Auditorium. Be their guests to this enchanting fairy tale. See Online.

Thumbs down to annoying tablers. Unless they’re giving you a free newspaper.

Thumbs up to the campuswide support of suicide prevention week with activities like the “Before I Die” wall on campus. It is comforting to go to a school that cares about the welfare of its students. See B7.

Thumbs down reminiscing on how you lost your virginity. See if your story is worse than Chantal’s. See B6.

TALKING POINTS

The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by liz coffee

Chico needs its horse cops back Amanda Irons

Opinion Columnist I miss the horse cops. I know the funding for one horse cop is equivalent to three patrol officers, and I acknowledge that the city’s in financial trouble, but that’s beside the point. Bumbling around downtown, gracelessly approaching a mounted officer and inquiring if you can pet their gallant stead is textbook Chico. Freshman and future students are being deprived of the authentic Chico experience. And that’s a bunch of horse manure. I recall fondly freshman year, intoxicated by the evening, roaming Chestnut, Hazel, Ivy, Cherry and Orange streets and being so amused by the acronym those those streets create. The parties were overflowing with students, and the students were surrounded by horse cops patrolling from their regal perch, surveying police officer and reveler alike. It was simply poetry. But beyond the nostalgic need for an infusion of horsey patrols, there is a legitimate

public safety reason why we should bring of Wildcat pride is. Then you must take into the equine constables back. Think about it. consideration the countless transients, gangs The Chico Police Department is planning to and out-of-towners that routinely show up cut $1.6 million from the 2013-2014 budget. I weekend after weekend — not to mention the elusive Butte can only fantasize College students. about the number When you add it of horse officers all up, it’s just a that could have poWrite to your congresslot of people in a tentially funded. man. Make your voice small town with In case the lack cheap alcohol and of funding for heard at a town hall meetlow inhibitions. horse cops is not ing. And when you do, tell Mob mentality enough of an inthem to bring back the is easy to follow centive for taxpaybecause people ers to opt for a tax horse cops. feel protected by increase, perhaps the anonymity of the increase in numbers. From stabbings we’ve experienced is a good enough reason. The what I recollect from my statistics class, more decision to cut police officers concerns me people and fewer officers don’t forecast very as a student. Chico isn’t some fairytale land good odds for well-meaning students. We can’t accept the doubled-edged sword of with benevolent citizens on every corner or vigilantes constantly on patrol defending the fewer mounted officers and increasing crime. My fellow Wildcats, we should all be mad innocent. It’s a college town. Let’s be real about it. about this blatant lack of security. We can’t Thousands of our students from around the afford to wait until student safety gets so atrostate, the country, and the world are coming cious that city officials feel obligated to make together to one place. The only thing that a change. Write to your congressman. Make bonds them is whatever their interpretation your voice heard at a town hall meeting. And

Assessment tests fail critical evaluations Paul Smeltzer

Opinion Columnist Graduation now comes with an extra obstacle for some students. Colleges nationwide are signed up to give the Collegiate Learning Assessment Plus, a test aimed to measure a graduate’s ability for prospective employers. According to the Chicago Tribune, “about 200 colleges and universities, including small liberal arts colleges like Ursuline College of Pepper Pike, Ohio and Stonehill College of Easton, Massachusetts as well as some of the California and Texas state university systems” will offer the Collegiate Learning Assessment Plus to their seniors this year. Ever since I took my first stan-

dardized test I’ve heard teachers openly criti- Ebbinghaus’ law you’re expected score on cize the idea of a test assessing an entire year the same test after two months away from the of material. To think a college-level assess- material is 72 percent and after a year it’s 54 ment test could properly evaluate four years percent. of college experience is borderline psychotic. But say you’ve prepared, you dusted off The test will evaluate and analyze a stu- stockpiles of old notes from high school, pedent’s problem-solving, writrused YouTube for solutions and ing, quantitative reasoning have essentially drawn a few [A quality] that pints of blood from yourself, does and reading skills, according to the Council for Aid to Eduthis test even accurately evaluate standardized cation, the organization that anything important a potential tests cannot created the assessment test. employer should consider? Not For those who haven’t seen really. measure [is] the inside of a math book for I’m a journalism major, but I creativity. a couple of years, you’d better doubt questions on the Collegiate figure out where dear aunt Learning Assessment Plus would Sally went and what excuses assess how often I tweet, blog or she needs. understand the importance of There’s a high probability of failing certain multimedia. And I’m sure it won’t ask me to portions of the assessment test for those not in edit five articles in an hour, fly out of state to math-intensive majors. In fact, a logarithmic cover a story or re-enact a number of other function created by the German psychologist valuable experiences I’ve had in college. Hermann Ebbinghaus actually demonstrates Qualities that standardized tests cannot how quickly we forget things, such as algebra, measure are “creativity, critical thinking, reafter a certain amount of time. silience, motivation, persistence, curiosity, For example, if your last score on a math endurance, reliability, enthusiasm, empathy, test was 90 percent, according to self-awareness, self-discipline, leadership, civic-mindedness, courage, compassion, resourcefulness, sense of beauty, sense of wonder, honesty, integrity,” according to education researcher Gerald W. Bracey. These traits are integral to any job, and it seems like standardized tests only weigh a small portion of what makes education meaningful. So why even take it if it says nothing about your true proficiency? Well, the Collegiate Learning Assessment Plus does offer a unique criterion to judge senior college students with. It trumpets our aptness to put projects, papers and valuable hours of studying on the back-burner for a frivolous waste of time. You know, as if graduating wasn’t enough.

Photograph by Risa JohNson

Bruce Smith-Peters hosted the first reptile show in Chico at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds this weekend, drawing in several hundred people. Smith-Peters is also a Chico State multicultural and gender studies professor. It is amazing that a professor is able to have enough time to give back to his community by putting this on as well as sell varieties of wood for terrariums at reptile shows. It is interesting that Chico is not the only city that decided to do a reptile show for the first time this year. Cities such as Pleasanton and Lodi decided to do it too.

Photograph by Carter caldwell

Bronies at Chico State is a club that started recently dedicated to the TV show “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.” President Bryan Nystrom explained that while the show may be marketed to children it can influence older generations too. This club is living proof of that. The Bronies meet weekly and begin by watching an episode of the show, followed by a related game or activity.

STUDY BREAK

Photograph by Concerttour via Flickr

“You Make Me” by Avicii This new single by Avicii is an interesting song that incorporates both piano and techno. When I first heard the song, I did not like it. “You Make Me” is one of those songs you have to hear again after listening the first time in order to enjoy it. Avicii has an interesting range of vocals throughout the song. One moment he will be singing in a high voice, then he will be singing in a low-pitched voice. Avicii had another hit single not too long after he releasing “Wake Me Up.” -compiled by Allison Weeks

Paul Smeltzer can be reached at psmeltzer@theorion.com or

@smeltzerwave on Twitter

The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by liz coffee

The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.

• Letters and commentaries may be delivered to The Orion, Plumas Hall Room 001. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters are also accepted by e-mail and go directly to the opinion editor at opinioneditor@theorion.com

• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.

• Letters to the editor should be limited to fewer than 300 words, must include writer’s name and phone number (for verification) and are subject to condensation. Please include your year in school and major, or your business title.

• The Orion does not publish anonymous letters, letters that are addressed to a third party or letters that are in poor taste. The opinions expressed by The Orion’s columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Orion or its staff.

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LYON BOOKS PEETS

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CSUC

BROADWAY

news all week @ theorion.com

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

WEEK

WOMEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER

2-0 1-1

WEEKEND PERFORMANCE

In another set of away games last weekend, the Chico State Women’s Soccer Team played well and chalked up a win and a loss for its effort. The ’Cats cruised to a victory in the first game Friday against Cal State East Bay, scoring early and often to secure a 3-0 win. The game was marked by strong defense, and Chico State’s goalkeepers didn’t need to make a single save. In its first loss of the season, Chico State was shut out on the road 2-0 by rival Cal State Stanislaus.

The Chico State Men’s Soccer Team kept its undefeated record intact as they kicked off California Collegiate Athletic Association play by recording two impressive victories. The Wildcats faced a tough test against rival Cal State East Bay Friday, but they were helped by two goals from their defenders, who netted them a 2-1 win. The ’Cats beat another quality squad Sunday at Cal State Stanislaus with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory. After giving up an early goal, the team proved that it takes more than an ordinary effort to take them down.

PHOTO by Riley Mundia

Isaac Chavez

sophomore cross-country runner

Chico State The Orion ∤ Photograph by Norma loya

Booted Carly Singer makes a powerful pass against California Baptist University.

at theVOLLEYBALL

Isaac Chavez Sport: Cross-country

2-2

Class: Senior

At the Sundodger Invitational in Seattle Saturday, cross-country standout Isaac Chavez finished second overall in the 8,000-meter Division I race with a time of 23:52.43. The senior has been dominant during his career at Chico State and will play a huge role for the No. 4 ranked ’Cats this season.

STAT ’CAT

(WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL) Kills junior outside hitter Ellie Larronde racked up in four games over the weekend in Rohnert Park.

WEEKEND PERFORMANCE The Chico State men’s and women’s cross-country teams traveled to Seattle to participate in the first tournament of the season Saturday. The women’s squad, which was expected to perform well, notched an impressive third place finish, cementing the notion that there’s a lot of talent on the team. The men’s team, which is ranked No. 4 in the nation, technically wasn’t able to place in the Division I tournament, but looked outstanding all the same. Isaac Chavez finished second overall in the race, and all six of his teammates crossed the finish line within 50 seconds of his finish.

The Chico State women’s volleyball team went 2-2 at the Seawolf Spike Tournament Friday and Saturday. After handily beating MontanaBillings in four sets, Chico State faced a tough Western Washington squad and took its first defeat of the tournament. But the ’Cats started strong again Saturday, beating Dominican in four sets. After that, the ’Cats ran into HawaiiPacific, which already beat Chico State in the first game of the season. The ’Cats couldn’t get anything going in the rematch and took a 3-set loss.

W ild C ats

CROSS-COUNTRY

The Orion ∤ Photograph by Lara rodriguez

focus Shannon Boling and Lindsay Quigley prepare to block the ball.

MORE ON THEORION.com Read full coverage of these games and events online.

(MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD) At the Sundodger Invitational, all seven Chico State cross-country men finished within 50 seconds of each other.

(MEN’S SOCCER) The Chico State men’s soccer team is still undefeated, with four consecutive victories.

(MEN’S SOCCER) Two Wildcat defenders scored goals at Friday’s match in East Bay to propel the team to victory.

-Compiled by Brett Appley

Standings Men’s Baseball soccer 1. Chico State 2. Cal State L.A. 3. Cal State Monterey Bay 4. Cal State Dominguez Hills 5. Cal Poly Pomona 6. UC San Diego 7. Sonoma State 8. Cal State Stanislaus 9. Humboldt State 10. San Francisco State 11. Cal State San Bernardino 12. Cal State East Bay

CCAA 2–0 2–0 2–0 0–0–2 0–1–1 0–1–1 1–1 0–2 0–1–1 0–1–1 2–0 0–2

Overall 4–0 4–0 4–0 2–0–2 2 –1– 1 2–1–1 2–1–1 1–2–1 2–1–1 1–2–1 4 – 0 –2 0–4

women’s soccer 1. Chico State 2. Cal State Stanislaus 3. Sonoma State 4. Cal State L.A. 5. San Francisco State 6. Cal Poly Pomona 7. Humboldt State 8. Cal State Monterey Bay 9. UC San Diego 10. Cal State Dominguez Hills 11. Cal State San Bernardino 12. Cal State East Bay

UPCOMING GAMES Men’s Soccer baseball

WOMen’s Soccer men’s golf

Friday, Sept. 20 4:30Sept. p.m. 20 Friday,

Friday, Sept. 20 7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday

vs.

UCUCSan Diego San diego Chico

WOMEN’s VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL Men’s Track AND Field

Friday, Sept. 18 7 p.m.

vs.

CCAAcal Championship Tournament sate stanislaus

Chico

vs.

CCAA Championship UC SAN DIEGO Tournament

Chico

Women’s MEN’S GOLF golf Women’s Track AND Field

Monday-Tuesday, Sept. -23-24 Thursday Sunday

Western New Mexico UniCCAA Championship Tournament

Avondale, Ariz.

CCAA 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2

Overall 3–1 4–0 4–0 2– 2 1– 2 – 1 3–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–2 3–2 0–4

SPORTS

sports all week @ theorion.com

| B3

WedneSday, sept. 18, 2013

Former Wildcat Neiman turns pro Windup Troy Neiman, a pitcher who chalked up the second-lowest ERA in school history, signed up with the Rockies organization in mid-July. Now he plays for their triple-A affiliate, the Tri-City Dust Devils.

Jordyn Provence

Staff Writer

The Orion ∤ File PHOTO

Imagine receiving a single phone call that determines how your life will be spent for several years to come. That’s what happened to Troy Neiman, a former Chico State baseball pitcher, when he signed up with the Colorado Rockies organization this summer. “It all happened so fast,” Neiman said. “I got the call from the scout and the next day I was on a plane to Washington to sign with the organization.” Neiman went undrafted in June but was still in contact with a Rockies scout. He told him once some room opened up on their roster, they wanted to sign him.

The 6-foot-6-inch right handed pitcher ended up signing with the Rockies organization in mid-July. Soon after, he joined their Class-A minor league affiliate, the Tri-City Dust Devils, in Pasco, Wash., where he played for a few summer months. During that time, Neiman was awakened to the reality of the commitment that comes with professional baseball. “This is a huge life transition for me,” Neiman said. “It is going to take lots of hard work and commitment to stay with the competition, but this has always been my dream and this is my dream come true. I get to do what I love and now get paid for it.” Neiman was a great asset to Chico State baseball for two years. He ended his senior year in 2013, with a 1.53 ERA. He also ranks 10th in career winning percentage at .722 and strikeouts at 126. Dave Taylor, the head coach of the Chico State men’s baseball team, helped illustrate exactly what Neiman brought to the team. “He played with us for two years,” Taylor said. “He was a tremendous

competitor, hard working, a great student and a good force to have on our team. He also made Chico State history and threw the best change-up I’ve seen in my 25 years of coaching here.” Former teammate Drew Freeman also spoke highly of Neiman. “He set an example for others on and off the field,” Freeman said. “He was a great model of what being a Chico State baseball player looks like.” Although he’s destined to play professional ball, Neiman will never forget his career at Chico State. “Signing with Chico was still the biggest day of my career,” he said. “I can’t thank Chico enough for the opportunities I had there. I played with a great group of guys that motivated me to play my best and that is where I really blossomed. If it weren’t for my team at Chico State pushing me to play better every day, I would have never made it this far.” Jordyn Provence can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or

@jordyprov on Twitter

Chico State athletes look to score big points, good grades chance of playing my sport next semester. It’s really just as important to me as the sport itself.” Appel and Stroud are not alone in their pursuits. Carly Singer, a senior on the Chico State women’s soccer team, said many student-athletes learn as they go, developing the ability to handle mixed obligations as their college careers progress. “It has gotten easier over the last four years because I’ve learned how to manage my time,” Singer said. “I study for tests the week before, not the day before. On travel trips, when we have downtime, that’s when you should study and get things done.” Although the work can be hard to balance, it all pays off when the whistle blows, Appel said. “It can be difficult to manage at times,” he said. “But playing for Chico State makes it completely worth it.”

The Orion ∤ PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Juggling Sophomore McCall Habermehl, a member of the women’s cross-country and track and field teams, finds time for school and athletics.

by sam rivera

priorities straight.” Appel warned that being a college athStaff Writer lete doesn’t come without sacrifices. “It’s tough to have a social life someDo you ever find yourself hopelessly adrift in a sea of homework? Buried by times,” Appel said. “I’ll go out with friends on weekends when I can, but due dates and midterms? Imagine how Chico State’s student ath- school and basketball always come first.” James Stroud, letes feel. a senior on the Every semester, Chico State men’s some of Chico soccer team, State’s brightest People have grandiose ideas juggles sports students hope of athletes not having to turn and school daily. to establish a in assignments, skipping He’s hopeful that healthy balance class whenever they want or many people acbetween their being best buds with all the knowledge the scholastic and professors because they play balancing act athletic demands. sports. that student athWhile they try to letes grapple with find time for road James Stroud and ignore some games and schoolChico State men’s soccer team popular stereowork, many stutypes. dent athletes can “People have get buried by grandiose ideas stress and fatigue. Nate Appel, a junior on the Chico State of athletes not having to turn in assignmen’s basketball team, is no stranger to ments, skipping class whenever they want or being best buds with all the prothe complicated life of a student athlete. fessors because they play sports,” Stroud “I needed my first few years at Chico said. “That simply is not the case. If I State to figure out what exactly worked,” Appel said. “It all starts with getting your don’t get my school work done, I have no Taylor Maddox

Taylor Maddox can be reached at

sportseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_sports on Twitter

SERVICE DIRECTORY CALENDAR

CAMPUS EVENTS TODAY

Conversations On Diversity and Inclusion: This is What Depression Looks Like @ BMU 210 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Come to the Bell Memorial Union to participate in a conversation about depression and creating a supporting community.

T h u r sday

Sculpture Circus YART Sale @ Ayres Hall 11 a.m.

We have a new website! Check out the new

orion.com

Enjoy games, music and treats on the lawn while you view original works of art and neat gifts.

SUN d a y

Fr i day

Men’s Soccer vs. UC San Diego @ University Stadium 4:30 p.m.

Cheer on the men’s soccer team at a Wildcat home game. Students get in free with an ID card.

Mon day

North State Symphony: The Composer’s Palette

Charles Carter Presents, “A Journey of Success”

Come enjoy beautiful music from the corners of Europe, including Andalusian folk dance and Tchaikovsky violin compositions.

The Higher Education Speaker Series provides an opportunity to gain professional leadership skills.

@ Laxson Auditorium 2 - 4 p.m.

@ BMU 210 12 - 1 p.m.

Sat u r day

Adventure Outings: Curtain Falls Hike

@ Middle Fork of the Feather River 9 a.m. Join Adventure Outings on a trek along the river. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the base of a waterfall.

T u e sday

True Dialog

@ Meriam Library 172 5:30 - 7 p.m. Join the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center for “True Dialog: Life in Chico as a student of color.” This event aims to provide a safe place to explore diversity.

B4 || B4

WedneSday, SEPT. 18,2012 2013 WEDNESDAY, SEP. 5,

ADVERTISEMENTS SPORTS

all week theorion.com sportssports all week @@ theorion.com

THE FAMILY [R] (11:05) (1:45) (4:25) 7:20 10:00 INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2 [PG13] (12:30) (3:00) (5:30) 8:00 10:30 RIDDICK [R] (11:20) (2:05) (4:50) 7:35 10:20 GETAWAY [PG13] 7:45 10:00 INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED [PG-13] (1:35) (4:25) 7:15 10:10 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US [PG] (11:20 3D) (1:55) (4:30) 7:15 9:50 THE GRANDMASTER [PG13] 10:15 THE WORLD’S END [R] (11:15) (1:50) (4:35) 7:10 9:45 LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER [PG-13] (11:00) (2:00) (5:00) 8:00 THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES [PG13] (1:45) (4:45) ELYSIUM [R] (11:45) (2:20) (4:40) 7:00 10:05 PLANES [PG] (12:00) (2:20) (4:40) 7:00 9:20 PERCEY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS [PG] (11:55) (2:30) (5:05) 7:40 BLUE JASMIE - CINEARTS [PG13] (11:50) (2:15) (4:40) 7:05 9:30 THIS IS THE END [R] (11:40) (2:15) (4:50) 7:25 10:10 WE’RE THE MILLERS [R] (12:05) (2:40) (5:15) 7:50 10:25

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Heritage

Read about how Chicoans celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day in the downtown plaza. theorion.com

Fitness column B6 SEX COLUMN B6 The NEBULA B7

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Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013

The Orion ∤ Photograph by Riley mundia

BAlancing Act Butte College student Jaquan Sayres makes up his own songs on the spot in addition to performing covers and originals. He rides around campus three times each week and serenades passersby with his acoustic guitar and smooth voice.

Singing cyclist serenades students with freestyle jams Risa Johnson

Asst. Features Editor Most people do a double take when they see Jaquan Sayres on campus. And it isn’t just because he is clad in buttons with a black-braided updo and a Fender guitar slung over his shoulder. This guy rides his bike, plays guitar and sings — all at the same time. Jaquan Sayres, 21, a Butte College student majoring in music composition and sociology, usually spends three days of his week riding around Chico State’s campus, playing his selfdescribed “folksy acoustic soul” music for people. “I might as well play a song while I’m riding,” he said. “I love riding through Chico State. It’s a beautiful campus.” The tradition of biking while singing for people started in the summer of 2011. Sayres’ friend Andre Williams, an undeclared Butte College student, suggested that they ride unicycles while Williams played guitar and Sayres played saxophone. “We would just bounce off of each other’s

Next thing he knew, he was performing at energy,” Williams said. “I was inspired by Thursday Night Market and was rated numhim. He taught me how to play the guitar.” One of the first people to tell Sayres he ber one on the acoustic scene by Reverb Naneeded to make his music public was his close tion, a company that helps artists promote their work online. friend Hannah Kuiper, a sophomore music In 2012, he perindustry major at formed at the Music Butte College. It’s school, it’s stressful. for Music Festival, Kuiper and Sayres I want to be one of those the first battle of the became friends in bands in Chico and high school. During ‘people that made my day’ also at the Women of her senior year, she kind of people. Excellence Fashion heard and admired JAQUAN SAYRES Show and open mic Sayres’ music for the Singing Cyclist night at Chico State. first time. “Never do I get a “I love his lyrics — negative reaction,” they’re very poetic Sayres said. “They like it and it’s humbling.” and he really connects to his music,” Kuiper About three weeks ago, he played the last said. “He has feeling for every word he says.” show at the Chico Pride Festival and also perSayres was active since he can remember, formed at Sultan’s Bistro. always a member of sports teams, choirs, For larger performances, he plays with his musical theater productions and many clubs. band, “Urban Acoustic,” which features more In high school, he would sing the national anupbeat dancing music. them and then play in football games. Sayres is currently working on creating his By 2011, Sayres had played guitar for six years. He released his demo at the 1078 Gal- first music video, in which he will do what he does best — riding around on his bike and lery.

playing music. “You never know who might be listening to you,” he said. “I could get a record deal someday.” His next performance is open to the public on Sept. 18 at Dex’s Records. Sayres will perform a new acoustic set either alone or with a drummer. “It’s a mix between Ben Harper, Iron and Wine and Bob Marley,” Sayres said. “It’s very beachy, very vibe-y, very Chico.” He can usually be found near Meriam Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He sings pretty much anything, including requests and original songs, to anyone. “It’s school, it’s stressful,” Sayres said. “I want to be one of those ‘people that made my day’ kind of people.” Risa Johnson can be reached at

featureseditor@theorion.com or @risapisa on Twitter

MORE ON THEORION.com Hear Sayres sing in an Orion video

Friendship is magic for ‘Bronies’ Kayla Smith

Staff Writer

What do you get when you mix bros and ponies? Answer: The bronies “Bronies at Chico State” is a club comprised of students who love anything related to My Little Pony, a cultural phenomenon that began with a children’s toy in 1983 and has since evolved into an entire franchise, complete with a TV show, an Internet fan base and memorabilia. Because of the widespread distribution of My Little Pony, Bronies are not exclusive to Chico State. A Brony is essentially anyone who watches the show “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,” a series that has won over fans around the world. The Bronies’ official Facebook page has almost 75,000 “likes” and the fandom is growing in popularity. Matthew Nystrom, the president of Chico’s club, has been a fan of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” for the past two years, he said. The senior sustainable manufacturing major said he joined the club when it started last semester. “My obsession with My Little Pony started when my sister and I saw fan content on the Internet and decided to watch the show,” Nystrom said. “We watched the entire first season and I thought it was girly, but pretty

good. By the end of the first season, we found out there was a fandom and we were hooked.” The show is still aimed at children, but it can influence older generations, too, Nystrom said. “You learn from being a Brony and realize that embracing your feminine side is OK,” he said. Massimo Halterman, a sophomore pre-recording arts and music industry major, is the club’s social media officer. He officially became a Brony in the summer of 2011. “I heard about the club through a friend of a friend and immediately wanted to know more about it,” he said. “I found out there is no such thing as a dull Brony meetup and I wanted to get myself involved somehow.” My Little Pony was recently revamped and is catching a lot of attention, Halterman said. “The fandom of My Little Pony not only revolves around building friendships, but also showcases great art and music,” he said. “I was blown away by what I was seeing on the show. In terms of animation, it’s real eye candy.” The club’s treasurer, sophomore environmental science major Aiden O’Connor, said that the club receives a lot of snickers and questions from others. But it doesn’t bother the Bronies too much.

“You shouldn’t knock something before you try it,” O’Connor said. “A lot of people who make fun of it don’t know what the show is or what the fans are like.” He admits to thinking the show was strange at first, but found himself enjoying it the more he watched. Halterman advises people who have never heard of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” to check out the show before forming an opinion on Bronies. “If it’s not your thing, it’s not your thing,” he said. The Bronies meet weekly and start off by watching an episode of the show, followed by a related game or activity. Last semester the club had 13 members, Nystrom said. This semester, about 30 students have already signed up. While the name of the club uses “bro” in the title, implying that it is aimed towards men only, women are welcome, as well. In fact, they have their own special term: Pegasisters. “It’s all very punny,” Nystrom said. Bronies — and Pegasisters — meet Mondays at 5 p.m. in PAC 116. Anyone is welcome to attend. Kayla Smith can be reached at

featureseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter. The Orion ∤ Photograph by Carter Caldwell

Rainbow Dash

Lyra

Fluttershy

Twilight Sparkle

Fan of “The Wonderbolts”

Has a magic mint coat

Represents the element of kindness

The main protagonist

Kind: Pegasus Group: Mare

Kind: Unicorn Group: Mare

Kind: Pegasus Group: Mare

Kind: Alicorn Group: Mare

My Little Brony: “Brony” Aiden O’Connor holds his favorite My LIttle Pony plushie, Lyra.

Favorite characters: Halterman and Nystrom: Rainbow Dash O’Connor: Lyra

B6 || B6

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FEATURES FEATURES

WedneSday, SEPT. 2013 WEDNESDAY, SEP. 5,18,2012

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Cardio ’Cat: Benefits of personal training

Risa Johnson

Asst. Features Editor Ten-hut! If you want an intense, almost militaristic motivator when you work out, then personal training may be for you. A friend who goes to Boot Camp sessions at the Wildcat Recreation Center recently sold me on joining personal training. I tried CrossFit last year and injured myself lifting weights because I wasn’t getting enough personal attention and direction on my form. I have steered clear of training groups ever since. However, as I get more psyched about my half-marathon coming up, I am looking for anything that will assist me with my best performance in October. There is no doubt that running is awe-

Boot Camp

Taught by a personal trainer, Boot Camp will increase muscle strength and endurance in a small-group setting. Get ready to work hard and see results!

TRX

some for you, but strength training and having a coach makes for a well-rounded exercise routine. Also, I give up much less easily if I have someone pushing me to go harder. All that is well and good, but let’s talk about how much training costs. Well, it turns out that personal training at the WREC doesn’t really have to break the bank. Individual sessions are slightly expensive. But you can get five weeks worth of classes such as Boot Camp or Reformer, a core training class, for $35. Having two days a week designated for strength training is a motivator. You have to work it into your schedule because you’re paying for it. Sign me up, please. Risa Johnson can be reached at

featureseditor@theorion.com or @risapisa on Twitter

Use the TRX Suspension Training System to increase strength and power. Train major muscle groups while focusing on core stability, explosive drills and body weight exercises.

Strength and Conditioning

Encompasses every aspect of fitness through the use of Olympic lifting, kettle bells, dumbbells, sandbags, TRX, heavy bags, and plyometric exercises to increase strength and aerobic conditioning.

Session Pricing Personal Training (One session is one hour) One session - $23/session Four sessions - $76 ($19/session) Eight sessions - $136 ($17/session) 12 sessions - $180 ($15/session) 18 sessions - $234 ($13/session) Additional sessions – $19/session 30-minute session - $15/session

Group Training Rates (Up to four people) One session - $20 per person Four sessions - $64 ($16/session per person) Eight sessions - $112 ($14/session per person) 12 sessions – $144 ($12/session per person) 18 sessions – $180 ($10/session per person) Additional sessions - $16/session per person 30 minute session - $13 per session per person

Training Classes Two sessions per week- $35 Three sessions per week- $47 *The next session starts Oct. 4 and sign ups begin two weeks before, on Sept. 20. Classes fill up fast, so sign up as soon as you can.

Spotlight on AS officers: Nicole McAllister

Representative advocates for student voice DJ Morris

Staff Writer

Everyone deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard, especially when it comes to their education — that’s Nicole McAllister’s philosophy. This semester, McAllister, a senior political science major and the director of university affairs for Associated Students, wants students just like her have a say in what happens on their campus. McAllister applied to Chico State at the age of 17. She said she loved the warm essence of a homely environment the campus gave off.

Four years later, she now sits on the Academic Senate, where she gets to vote on decisions the university makes on education. “I am the student voice for university academics,” McAllister said. Sitting on education-related committees gives McAllister a chance to affect the curriculum for students, she said. During a meeting of the Education Policies and Programs Committee, she cast a vote in favor of changing the name of the interior design major to interior architecture to better reflect the education students could receive. “Just the name of the major itself can help them get better jobs and make them more marketable,” she said. McAllister is one of the two students who help make serious decisions dealing with campus education issues. If there are faculty members that represent each college on campus, there should be students as well, she said.

“The university exists to serve the student,” McAllister said. “We are here to make it the best our campus can be. I am very passionate about the student voice.” McAllister is planning on getting student representatives from each of the campus colleges and hopes to increase the student involvement on the Academic Senate. In McAllister’s first year of college, she decided she was not going to graduate in four years. Now that she has two years of experience as an A.S. officer, she does not regret that decision. “College is not a diploma mill where you just take classes and then graduate,” McAllister said. “It’s where you build relationships and make memories. It is hard to not be involved around campus. I made it a point to not graduate in four years because I want to get the most out of my college experience.” DJ can be reached at

Nicole MCAllister Director of University Affairs