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

Kristie Castillo

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer

Kristie Castillo is a junior Criminology & Justice Studies major serving as a staff writer. After graduation, she hopes to get her Juris Doctor and eventually become an attorney, either in Family Law or International Law. In her free time, Kristie enjoys reading, listening to True Crime podcasts and watching crime-based TV shows with her family.
All content by Kristie Castillo

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Kristie Castillo and Jaelyn Decena February 15, 2021

Song: “Good Days” by SZA SZA took social media and the world by storm when she released a “Good Days,” a calming, uplifting single. The song is focused on letting go of occupations and stress...

Taking a gap year during pandemic can benefit students’ wellbeing

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer February 12, 2021

It’s been one year since “Zoom university” became the campus community’s new reality.  Students have had to adapt to new software, deadlines and assignments all amidst a pandemic that may have...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena and Kristie Castillo February 7, 2021

Movie: Soul Christmas Day is a time for giving, with Pixar’s newest film Soul being one of the best gifts. Soul follows the story of Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher and...

Students are allowed to stay in dorms over winter break, but must continue to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Students can remain in on-campus housing throughout winter break

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer December 22, 2020

Students living on-campus will continue to be provided the opportunity to remain in the dorms with COVID-appropriate regulations and virtual holiday events throughout winter break.  Staying in on-campus...

Art museums take a hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but are offering new ways to enjoy art from afar.

COVID-19 restrictions provide a new, accessible way to experience art museums

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer December 14, 2020

COVID-19 has changed the way we experience and interact with the art world, shifting us from in-person museum visits to virtual tours, gallery experiences and other forms of media.  Prior to the pandemic,...

Create this special treat for yourself to get you into the holiday spirit. Even if the holidays look a little different, this will surely get your taste buds feeling festive.

Get into the holiday spirit with this minty, delicious snack

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer December 14, 2020

The holiday season is upon us and many are beginning to break out their baking and cooking skills to create the perfect treats for them and their loved ones.  For this upcoming Christmas, one cannot...

The CA curfew set by Governor Newsom can impact small businesses negatively.

CA pandemic curfew impacts the fate of small businesses and housing

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer December 7, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a 10 p.m. curfew for residents of counties in the purple tier on Nov. 19.  “Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, CA is issuing a limited Stay at Home Order....

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Jaelyn Decena, Kristie Castillo, and Yanely Gonzalez December 6, 2020

Podcast: “Just a Tip” YouTuber Megan Batoon’s self-help and advice-based podcast “Just a Tip” focuses on helping listeners with their problems. Featuring a new guest each episode, Batoon...

Get through your day with these vegan meals, from breakfast all the way to dessert.

Try these tasty vegan recipes that are perfect for a busy student

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer November 23, 2020

If you’re someone with a packed daily schedule yet want to incorporate healthy plant-based food items into your diet, here are three relatively quick and simple recipes that can help you do just that...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Kristie Castillo and Jaelyn Decena November 21, 2020

  Song: “Therefore I Am” Up-and-coming pop artist Billie Eilish released a new song called “Therefore I Am,” a tune of caution to those who try and use her name for fame or clout,...

Students looking for internships face unexpected problems due to the pandemic.

Pandemic poses a problem for students in need of internships

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer November 8, 2020

Internships have always been an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience for their desired field of work and study, but COVID-19 has changed the way students find, participate in and learn...

CSUSM launched a new sustainability minor in fall 2020 for students interested in promoting an environmentally conscious society.

CSUSM launches sustainability minor

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer October 26, 2020

CSUSM has introduced a new sustainability minor for students to learn about the importance of sustainability and its connection to the environment and social justice, as well as how they can impact the...

The Chronicle Entertainment Rundown

Book: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe dives into existential crises, friendship,...

 If you’re looking for a good Mexican place, try Phatties, a vegan spin on the popular cuisine.

Small business offers vegan Mexican food, keeps community healthy and satisfied during pandemic

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer September 28, 2020

This quarantine has given people the opportunity to pursue and achieve their health and lifestyle goals from the comfort of their home and with the plethora of new free time.  For some, this includes...

Take a quick break from academic stress with some dad jokes

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer September 28, 2020

School can be stressful and more so when it’s online, so take a break with some corny but good dad jokes.   Q: Why don't eggs tell jokes?  A: They'd crack each other up.   Q:...

With the campus going online, the student organizations have had to adjust the way they conduct their meetings. However, the strong sense of teamwork they have helps keep them going.

Student organizations navigate COVID limitations, adapt to virtual engagements

Kristie Castillo, Staff Writer September 15, 2020

Student organizations and clubs previously hosted all of their meetings, events and workshops in-person, but now they’re looking at a year of staying virtual.  At one of the first virtual engagements...

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