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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

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Administration reverses student visa termination

Nahomi Garcia Alarcon, Arts and Entertainment Editor May 6, 2025

In a major reversal, the Trump administration announced that it will reinstate the records of over 4,700 international students whose visa statuses were abruptly terminated earlier this month in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a U.S. government database that tracks and manages...

Watermelon Pictures

Review: “The Encampments”

Nahomi Garcia Alarcon, Arts & Entertainment Editor May 5, 2025

In “The Encampments”, directors Kei Pritsker and Michael T. Workman assembled a clear portrait of a student movement that was both criticized and misunderstood. Chronicling the 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampments at Columbia University and its effects across campuses worldwide, the documentary gives...

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...

CSUSM's Mecha and SJP protest the inauguration of Donald Trump

Why Nothing is ‘Apolitical’

Justin Gans, Staff Writer April 24, 2025

Rising political tensions in the U.S. have produced a wide range of responses. Some have been motivated to act, speaking out and getting involved in political organizations. Others are choosing silence for their personal safety since they may identify with a vulnerable group. Both responses are understandable...

Coach Dennis A. Pugh

CSUSM Baseball Field Renamed to Honor Former Coach

Hannah Crawford, Features Editor April 21, 2025

On April 12th, a ceremony was held at the CSUSM Baseball Field to celebrate its renaming to “The Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field.” Dennis Pugh’s legacy at CSUSM began in 2007 when he founded the university’s baseball team. Since then, he led the baseball team to success with his mentorship....

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...

REVIEW: CSUSM’s Bluelight Theatre Company masters ‘the bit’

REVIEW: CSUSM’s Bluelight Theatre Company masters ‘the bit’

Saturn Salama, News Editor April 9, 2025

30 plays in 60 minutes. Or maybe 90 (there was some supernatural manipulation of time). Only the Bluelight Theatre Company could take on a feat like this and excel to such magnificent heights. Bluelight is CSUSM’s theatre club and they recently performed Greg Allen’s play “Too Much Light Makes...

Arts and Lecture: The Veterans History Project

Arts and Lecture: The Veterans History Project

Nahomi Garcia Alarcon, Arts and Entertainment Editor April 9, 2025

On Wednesday, March 19, the Veterans History Project: An Unveiling of the Journey brought together students, veterans, and community members for an evening of remembrance, connection, and storytelling. The event, held in the USU Ballroom, served as a powerful tribute to the men and women who have served...

Context Events: Meeting Isidro Pérez García

Context Events: Meeting Isidro Pérez García

Nahomi Garcia Alarcon, Arts and Entertainment Editor April 9, 2025

On Tuesday, March 18, students, faculty, and community members gathered at the University Library’s Fifth Floor Reading Room for a compelling lecture by artist Isidro Pérez García.  He began the lecture by sharing his personal experiences, detailing his journey as a formerly undocumented migrant...

Social Behavioral Sciences Building (SBSB)

The Dangers of Budget Cuts for Humanities and Social Sciences

Hannah Crawford, Features Editor April 7, 2025

Recently, a development from CA Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the CSU system will be faced with a 7.95% reduction in funding (about $375 million). This dramatic decrease alone hurts students because it would affect the quality of mental health services, cause a hiring freeze for faculty and staff,...

Activists across San Diego came together to protest IDF soldiers coming to CSUSM. The signs read, "Resistance against occupation is a human right, Party for Socialism and Liberation" and "Palestine will be free, A.N.S.W.E.R coalition"

San Diego activists protest two IDF soldiers being invited to CSUSM

Hannah Crawford and Saturn Salama April 4, 2025

On March 11, CSUSM student organization Students Supporting Israel (SSI) announced they invited IDF soldiers to speak at CSUSM. The soldiers are involved in “Triggered: The Tour,” a series of nationwide talks hosted at college campuses where the soldiers discuss their experiences in Gaza and hope...

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