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The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

Features

Makery staff members, Kodie Gerritsen and Ryan Dorsett

Makery’s First Birthday: Here’s What the Makery has to Offer

Alexzandra Valdez, Staff Writer May 5, 2025

On April 15, The Makery celebrated its first birthday during U-hour. They had stations where students, faculty, and staff could create bookmarks, friendship bracelets, draw on rocks, make fun party hats, in addition to all the usual stations they normally have.   It all started with Jenifer Fabbi,...

Arenas at President Neufeldt's home

Amber Arenas’ Side of the Story

Celeste Yanez, Opinions Editor April 28, 2025

Amber Arenas is second-generation Mexican-American who utilizes her voice to aid marginalized communities. She is an advocate for the undocumented community, and she believes that it is her duty to stand up for her community in these unprecedented times. Arenas is a current member of the Students for...

The sign in front of the main entrance

Cat Wonderland! Oceanside’s First Cat Cafe 

Natalia Ortiz, Staff Writer April 9, 2025

Are you looking for a new hangout spot or maybe a new furry friend to keep you company? Well, you’re in luck because a new cat café opened in Downtown Oceanside.   Cats & Crystals is located at 510 North Coast Highway in Oceanside, California.   The grand opening took place on March...

‘We must take up space’: The Black Excellence Awards Gala

Saturn Salama, News Editor March 19, 2025

On February 27, the Black Student Center hosted their annual Black Excellence Gala in the USU Ballroom where campus organizations and CSUSM students were honored for their service to the Black community at CSUSM. The event began with opening remarks from Daniel Gonzalez, the Director of Student Engagement...

Movie Club Officers (left to right): Eva Nebeling (treasurer and co-founder), Estrella Sanchez-Garcia (vice president and co-founder), Svetya Kopisetty (president and main founder)

CSUSM’s Movie Club unites movie lovers and community members alike

Hannah Crawford, Features Editor February 26, 2025

Movie nights are great bonding events for oneself and their loved ones, so why not bring them to campus? This is what inspired Svetya Kopisetty and her friends, Eva Nebeling and Estrella Sanchez-Garcia, to unite and make the Movie Club a reality. The Movie Club is one of many new student organizations...

Students and faculty listening to the seminar led by Dr. Diaz-Almeyda

Dr. Erika Díaz-Almeyda Presents Research Seminar on ‘Milpas for the Future’

Justin Gans, Staff Writer February 19, 2025

On Thursday, Feb. 13, more than 100 students, faculty, and staff crowded into Academic Hall 102 to hear biology professor Dr. Erika Díaz-Almeyda speak. As part of this semester’s seminar series focused on international research, her presentation was titled “Milpas for the Future: Protecting and...

Writer of the Month #3: Samuel McRae

Writer of the Month #3: Samuel McRae

Saturn Salama, News Editor February 5, 2025

You’ll likely spot our next writer gathering moss or tackling a four-mile hike. As a literature and writing studies major with a minor in biology, Samuel McRae has always had a fascination with nature and stories. “Writing is accessible,” McRae said. He thinks writing can be “private” while...

The M.E.Ch.A Executive Board.

M.E.Ch.A: La Unión Hace La Fuerza

Danya Rodriguez, Editor in Chief January 29, 2025

The Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A) is a student-led, political organization focusing on the liberation and empowerment of the Chicanx community. The organization embraces its cultural roots and recognizes its Indigenous origins while fighting towards educational, political, and...

Writer of the Month #2: René E. Wilde

Writer of the Month #2: René E. Wilde

Saturn Salama, Assistant A&E Editor December 16, 2024

René E. Wilde is this CSUSM senior’s pseudonym, inspired by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. After reading “A Picture of Dorian Gray,” which they deemed the “messiest love triangle ever,” they had to pay homage. René E. Wilde explores queer loneliness and apocalyptic dread in their fiction. These...

Biology Professor Dr. Erika Diaz Almeyda (center) alongside two of her students, Alexis Rios (left) and Joshua Liberato (right).

Milpa Breaks New Ground for Mesoamerican Culture and Research at CSU San Marcos

Justin Gans, Staff Writer November 20, 2024

Since it broke ground last May, the milpa has created a surprising amount of attention through word of mouth alone. Dr. Erika Diaz Almeyda, who directs the project, conceived of the milpa with Ethnic Studies professor Dr. Garzo-Montalvo. “Wouldn’t this be like the perfect place to do a milpa,”...

Artwork Display at the Market

North County 4 Palestine Holds Art Market for Gaza

Saturn Salama, Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor October 31, 2024

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – On October 20, North County 4 Palestine held a fundraiser for the non-profit human rights organization, Human Appeal, at the Hill Street Country Club in downtown Oceanside. North County 4 Palestine is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to the Free Palestine...

SAWANEA Club’s Unforgettable Dabke Night

SAWANEA Club’s Unforgettable Dabke Night

Saturn Salama, Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor October 16, 2024

On October 9, the South/West Asian and North/East African (SAWANEA) club hosted Dabke Night. The club President Zuzu Laban and Secretary Alexis Rahal taught 30-40 students Dabke, a traditional Levantine line dance popular at celebrations like weddings, graduations, and birthdays.   Students, including...

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