Polar Bear Swim 2010!

HERE IT IS, the long-awaited 2010 ChicoLaura VIDEO of the 2010 Chico Polar Bear Swim!   The bone-chilling fun began at 1:00 p.m. at One Mile in Chico's Bidwell Park.  (yes, I was JUST a spectator; well someone had to record the event!).  The Chico E-R reported the water temp at 40 degrees (the air felt MUCH warmer this year!) and that over 500 people took the icy plunge.

Speaking of last year, here's a link to my YouTube video of the 2009 swim.  Local news crew from KNVN filmed this segment at the event.

As we all take the plunge into the New Decade, wishing you a wonderful and amazing 2010!

Rare Opportunity to own an Amazing Mansion Park Bungalow!

Stately, sophisticated California bungalow located at 315 Legion Avenue, Chico, CA.  Lovingly restored with artist's eye while maintaining historic integrity. This is truly one of the finest vintage homes I have had the pleasure of marketing in Chico!  Located near historic Bidwell Mansion and downtown Chico.  Exquisite attention to every detail, from the top of the 3-yr-new roof to the beautiful designer kitchen and spacious, immaculate basement/wine cellar. Coved ceilings, formal living room with cozy fireplace/insert. Separate 360 s.f. artist's studio/office  overlooks formal gardens.  (House is app. 2283 s.f. for total s.f.--house and studio--of app. 2643.) Three charming porches and extensive brick patio offer year-round outdoor living. Peruse an extensive history of home here--a delightful read! You won't want to miss this rare vintage beauty! Click here to see fabulous photos by professional photographer Ron Schwager and here for a list of items included in the sale of this gorgeous historic home.

Professionally photographed by Ron Schwager.

The Chico Grid

I stumbled upon The Chico Grid on Facebook; what a great site for keeping up with the "happs" in Chico!  I was out of town for the annual "Tree Lighting" ceremony in the downtown plaza, but thanks to this site I was able to watch a two-minute video of the event.  Billed as "Chico's Premier Entertainment and Information Site," it provides info on local music, art, sports, nightlife, and special events.  There are even blogs by some of our local characters to read.  Pretty flashy photos and graphics too!  Here's an interesting Sierra Nevada video they did of a tour of Sierra Nevada, complete with an interview with a rare interview with owner Ken Grossman.  Check it out when you have a minute, and become a member (easy and free) if you'd like Chico "happenings" updates.

Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

Ever mentioned on Facebook that you are (or will be) out of town? Ever wonder whether burglars use Facebook?  Read these tips from actual burglars (from Reader'sDigest.com) to help protect your home and possessions, especially during the holiday season.  Many of us have used a timer to turn lights on automatically while we're gone, but here's a product that takes it a step further:  FakeTV.  Sells for $35 and, according to the company, uses 50 times less energy than a real TV.  Check out this YouTube video:

Virtual Staging

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972.  I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"?  Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional.  With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online?  Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown.  Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging,  and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Honey I Shrunk Our Property Tax Bill!

If you purchased your home within the past several years, it may behoove (don't you love that underused word?) you to check on your assessed value, as it's quite possible you are paying more in property taxes than you should, based on today's lower values.

I recently came across this well-written online article, "How to Get Your Property Taxes Reduced," and thought I'd share it with my dear blog readers.  It may take a little leg- and homework, but hey, if it saves you $$ in the long run, it may be time well spent.

As always, if we can be of any help, don't hesitate to contact us.  And if you have been through this "reduction" process (whether successfully or not) and would like to share your story, please do, and we'll include it (no actual names/addresses, of course) in a future blog posting.

Note:  While cruising sites such as Zillow is a fun activity, please understand such sites do NOT necessarily provide an accurate "market analysis" for your home.  The ChicoLaura Team is always happy to provide that service--no cost or obligation--if you are considering selling your home or need support documentation for your tax reduction effort.

A Beautiful Chico Charmer Just Hit the Market

Truly a Rare Find!

 5 beds, 2 baths in Main House

1 bed, 1 bath + Den in Guest Cottage!

Step into vintage charm & character on one of Chico's most charming tree-lined avenues! Cozy fireplace, cheery sunroom, separate living & family roms,wood floors, coved ceilings & lots of room & storage in main house. French doors galore look out to lovely patio. Roomy second dwelling has the sweetest kitchen & bonus room downstairs, separate bedroom, living room, bath upstairs. Centrally located near downtown Chico. A truly special "Chico Charmer"!

Click for photos, info & VIRTUAL TOUR!

Thrill the World - Chico

Can't believe I missed this Chico "Happening," (which was really a worldwide happening), but I was out of town that weekend.  Check out this link to "Thrill The World - Chico," which took place in our downtown plaza on 10/24/09.  Sponsored by Friends of the Arts, the event was part of a worldwide attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Simultaneous Dance. Thousands of people in cities around the world performed the late, great Michael Jackson's "Thriller zombie" dance, ushering in the Halloween holiday (which has always been big in Chico).

According to ThrillTheWorld.com, 22,923 people danced in 32 countries, breaking the world record.  If you've always wanted to learn the "Thriller" dance, here's the tutorial.  For an insider's view on participating in the event, check out this article by Michael Rosen-Molina, which appeared in a recent issue of The Synthesis.  Click here for more photos of participants.  Now tell me, if ZOMBIES can reach out to each other across the globe in unity, why can't the rest of us get along?

Note:  Saw a few zombies and ghouls myself at the Chico News & Review's "Best Of" costume party, held at the Chico Women's Center 10/30/09.  Click here to see pics of the great costumes! 

Chico Gets in the Halloween Spirit!

Chico is ready for Halloween!  I have fond memories of strolling around downtown Chico with my boys, checking out all of the crazy costumes (and wearing a few ourselves!).  The CSUC students really went all out.  Then a few years ago it got a little TOO crazy.  These days the downtown stores welcome young "trick-or-treaters" during the afternoon, making it fun and safe.  And other folks around town are in the spirit too; check out the photos below!

Mosaic Tile Class - Cooie Grey-Lavin

What did you do last summer?  One of the more interesting things I did was take a mosaic tile class taught by the wonderful local mosaicist Cooie Grey-Lavin.  Six friends and I had practically unlimited access to her very cool studio (behind her home) during the several-week period to come in and work on our pieces.  I worked on the wooden plate pictured (that's son Kiel's photo, or pieces of a photo anyway, glued to the bottom of glass tiles) as well as stepping stones.  Others made mirror frames, plaques and even "memorial" stones for beloved pets.  Click here to see photos on Flickr of the various projects made in class as well as a few of the studio. (Click on "Slideshow" for closer view.)

Cooie will be holding another class in November.  Feel free to email me for the details.  It's an interesting and creative process that anyone can learn!  (Click here for a link to a series of Cooie's "how to" videos.)

(Click here to see my mosaic birdbath.) (Click to see a mosaic birdhouse I made for my friend Merryl's birthday.)

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Because I love my friend Jenny's butternut squash soup SO much (almost as much as I love Jenny!) and because she was nice enough to share it with our "BOB" book club), I thought I'd "pay it forward" and share it with y'all!  If you've never attempted squash soup from scratch, give it a try.  All types of squash are currently available at our Chico Farmer's Market, S&S Produce, Chico Natural Foods etc.  If you have a crockpot (aka "slow cooker"), you might try my trick of sticking the whole squash in it on "low" for 4 - 6 hours (depending on size of squash) with a tablespoon of water.  Much easier to scoop & peel! 

California Rocks the Harris Poll!

For the sixth year in a row, California tops the list of states that Americans would choose to live in if they did not live in the states where they currently reside, according to the 2009 Harris Poll.  Florida, which was the most popular state in 2001, retains second place on the list.  Following California and Florida are Hawaii (#3), Texas (#4), and Colorado (#5).  Three states tied for 6th place: Arizona, North Carolina and Washington state.

New York City tops the list of cities that people would most like to live in or near, followed by Denver and San Francisco. 

I guess I'm a little surprised by Denver placing second for most desirable city (even before S.F.).  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has visited or lived there as to its attributes.  Feel free to comment below!

$8,000 First-Time Buyer Tax Credit

 Hurry, hurry, hurry!  The $8,000 First-Time Buyer Tax Credit is about to expire! (November 30, unless it is extended, which is currently being discussed in Congress.)  There hasn't been a better time in recent history to be a first-time home buyer.  Prices and interest rates are unbelievably low, and this tax credit is a rare and wonderful opportunity.

Please click here for more info on the Tax Credit and here for a handy FAQ to see whether you or someone you know qualifies.  (Or feel free to forward this blog.)  With a typical escrow taking 30 - 45 days (closer to the latter, with the challenges we've been experiencing with appraisals lately), there is no time to lose!

Feel free to email me at Laura@ChicoLaura.com with any questions.  We love working with first-time home buyers; their enthusiasm in always energizing!

Memory Walk 2009

What an amazingly gorgeous morning it was in Bidwell Park...perfect for the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.  My friend Karen Sinell and I were asked to record the event, and we were happy to oblige.  A complete album of my photos are posted on Flickr (click here to view them).  This worthwhile event continues to grow each year.  Once again, the remarkable duo, Holly Taylor and her husband Eric Peter entertained the crowd during registration (along with their ever-popular basset hound, Cooper), and a bagpiper helped launch the walk. 

In spite of the grief this devastating illness causes daily, everyone seemed glad to be there, sharing hugs and supporting the effort to find a cure.  To find out more about our local Alzheimer's Association, click here. 

(The photos I took this year are dedicated to our wonderful dad, Louis Burghardt.  We all miss you so much!)

Laura's "Art" Debut at Bird in Hand!

Next time you're in downtown Chico, swing by Bird in Hand at 320 Broadway (great toy/gift store!) and check out the newly-installed window display!  As a participant in this year's "Artoberfest" window art project, I have the pleasure of displaying a video I made last year entitled "Kahlas Visits Bird in Hand."  (Click here to view the original "talkie" version of the video; it's adorable!)  Kahlas was one of the students at Rose Scott Learning Community where I volunteered last year, and he was such an inspiration to me.  During a little outing I took with him to buy yo-yo string, I shot some Flip Video footage just for the fun of having Kahlas watch it later with his classmates (little knowing it would later evolve into a "visual art piece"!).  I'm very proud to share this video and to be part of this year's ultimate art "happening" in Chico, where art is being displayed in storefront windows throughout the downtown area during the month of October. (Click here for art-related events happening throughout the month.)

Special thanks to my friend Ginny Crawford (Chico Arts Commissioner) for recognizing the potential in this sweet little video, and to Jeanne Rawlings, Dustlight Productions, for her excellent post-production assistance.  Also to Kahlas for his friendship, never-ending curiosity and love of yo-yos, Cindy Carlson, Curriculum Director of Rose Scott Learning Community (K-12 Open-Structured School), for her dedication to the kids and overall sweet nature, and to Becky of Bird in Hand for being such a great sport and one of the most helpful, nicest shop folks in Chico!

Mozart Mile

Here's a great way to enjoy music and a stroll in the park this weekend AND make much-needed donations to our North State Symphony and the Butte Humane Society!  BHS is partnering with NSS in the much-anticipated MOZART MILE this Sunday, October 4th.  The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. at One Mile in Bidwell Park.  Walk, run, stroll, saunter or stride with your dog, friends or family along a level course on a beautiful autumn morning. Musicians from the North State Symphony and local youth music groups will entertain you along the way.  Advance tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children (16 and under).  The day of the walk:  $20/adult, $15/child.  Click here to buy tickets in advance and help the our little four-legged friends at the shelter!

For more info on this event, check out the web site for the North State Symphony.  I'd highly recommend attending one of the concerts during their 2009-2010 season as well; what an amazing treasure for the Chico area!

BEST OF!

THANKS, Chico, for honoring The ChicoLaura Team with #1 Best Real Estate Agent in the Chico News & Review 2009 "Best Of Chico" issue!  What a delightful surprise.

Congrats, too, to my friend and associate Becky Prater and to W. M. Campbell Real Estate, for placing 2nd in Best Real Estate Agent and Best Real Estate Office, respectively.  For an office that has only been in existence for 3 years (but with MANY decades of combined experience!), I think that's pretty awesome recognition by our Chico community!

Just want to congratulate some other local businesses I truly admire for earning their special places in "Best Of":  Bidwell Perk (coffee shop), Karen Escott (chiropractor), Pullins Cyclery (bike shop), Lyon Books (book store), Aqua Azul (day spa), Christian & Johnson (florist), Collier Hardware (hardware store), Little Red Hen (nursery), Nantucket (Home Furnishings), Arc Thrift Store (thrift store), 5th Street Steakhouse (local restaurant), Upper Crust (bakery), Priya (International cuisine), Grilla Bites (vegetarian), Shubert's (ice cream), Blue Room (performing arts), Sierra Nevada Big Room (live music), Christian Michael's (happy hour), and Ken Grossman (Leader in Sustainability--what an incredible attribute to Chico!).

Congrats to ALL!

Jesus Center - SI/Chico Field Trip

About 30 members of our local Soroptimist International of Chico club had the privilege of touring the Jesus Center facilities recently (1297 Park Ave., Chico, CA). What an impressive and dedicated group of people! According to Executive Director Bill Such (who is a dynamic and entertaining public speaker, by the way), over 93,000 meals were served to those in need in 2008. Dedicated to feeding (and now housing and clothing) Chico's hungry and homeless, The Jesus Center opened its doors in the early 1980s. Through the commitment of its staff and many, many volunteers (including members of our S/I Chico club along with other community service organizations), the Center expanded to include the shelter, Sabbath House, in 2002 (which houses an average of 18 women and children a month), and "The Free Store," where folks in need are given credit each month to "shop" for clothing and shoes.

My family and I have joined other S/I Chico members in helping to serve meals over the years, and I have to say, it's a very rewarding experience (and such a simple thing to do; just an hour and a half!). Many of these folks have come on hard times and are so grateful for a hot meal and the friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere provided by the Center.

One time I was serving, and a weary-looking woman came through the food line with her young son (about my son's age at the time, 12 or 13). They had just arrived from somewhere up north and were inquiring about shelter for the night. I have no idea what their story was, but I'll never forget the anxious look on the boy's face as his mom was advised the Center may not be able to accommodate them that night. Talk about heart breaking!

To find out more about volunteering at The Jesus Center, click here or email Volunteer Coordinator Debra Howell at dhowell@jesuscenter.org . Donations of money, food and clothing can be made delivered to The Jesus Center 8:30 to 4:00, Mon. through Fri. (1297 Park Ave.)

Click here to view a few photos from our S/I Chico tour. (Once in Flickr, click on "Slide Show" in upper right to start.)

Drakesbad

Ahhhh, Drakesbad. One of my favorite places in the world, and less than two hours' drive from Chico!

One of the few lodgings nestled in Lassen Volcanic Park, Drakesbad Guest Ranch dates back more than 100 years. In fact, Chico founder John Bidwell and his tiny-but-powerful wife Annie used to vacation there to escape the valley heat.

When my sons were young we often stayed in one of the cozy, rustic cabins for a few days (whatever the vacation budget would allow at the time). What a great family retreat! Rowing on Dream Lake, playing board games in the lodge, hiking up to the boiling mud pits, stargazing from the huge hot spring pool, stories by the campfire at night. And the best thing of all (from a mom's viewpoint): three delicious meals a day at the cookhouse--no shopping/cooking/cleaning! Also, no phones/TVs/video games (in fact, the only electricity is provided via generator to the cookhouse; cabins are lit by kerosene lanterns!) Horseback riding is offered too, but we had our own horse at home so never took advantage of that.

(Click here to view photos from my recent visit to Drakesbad, and click here for some great OLD photos I came across online.) I recently discovered a wonderful opportunity. When camping at Warner Valley Campground (just 1/2 mile from Drakesbad, 1st come 1st served, one can reserve a meal at the Drakesbad cookhouse, and then have use of the facilities all day. Now THAT'S a great deal! (Drakesbad is only open through mid-October; check out their web site or call 1-866-999-0914 and talk with Billie or Ed for more info or reservations.

I Wanna Take You Higher - Chico Air Show

The 2009 Chico Air Show is happening THIS Friday through Sunday, Aug. 28 - 30, at the Chico Airport. Kicking it off with the "Twilight Preview" show on Friday 8/28 at 5 p.m. is my friend Holly Taylor and her red-hot band "Hot Flash." (Great music; wear your dancing shoes!) For more info, check out this week's Chico News & Review or the Facebook site. And if you haven't yet jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, it's easy and free to register (www.Facebook.com) and start enjoying the wacky comments and fun photos your friends and family post! Click here for an excellent article written by fellow Facebooker Shannon Rooney about local Chico resident and former Blue Angels pilot Vance Parker (one of the coordinators of the air show) in this week's CN&R. (Mom and I got to see the present-day Blue Angels pilots in person during out recent trip to Monterey---quite exciting!)

The Amazing Getty Museum

On our trip to So Cal last week, Eva and I made a quick tour of the Getty Museum in L.A. It's been a few years since I was there, but the architecture, grounds and (especially) artwork thrilled me again. Click here to view a few of the photos I took. The Getty sits atop a hill. Entrance to the museum is free, but there is a $15 parking fee for the garage and then a tram ride up the hill. Next time you're traveling through LaLa land, check it out. Spectacular!

Tedious?

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te⋅di⋅ous 

–adjective
1.
marked by tedium; long and tiresome: tedious tasks; a tedious journey.
2.
wordy so as to cause weariness or boredom, as a speaker or writer.
*************************************************

This is an actual sign on Mangrove Ave. in Chico. It just struck me as humorous, so I thought I'd share. Hmmm...thinking about changing "ChicoLauraBlog" to "TediousBlog."

Coast Walk

After consuming some pretty fab ice cream and touring the lovely Stansbury House (see blog entry below), my friends Fran, John and I received a bonus (sometimes it pays to be latecomers!) and enjoyed chatting with a few of the volunteers on the back porch. (What a GREAT ice cream social those volunteers put on every year!) Thanks to Ron (an avid fellow outdoorsperson), we learned about "COASTWALK," an organization which sponsors hikes along the California coast. As their web site boasts: "Twice the fun of the average camping trip...and half the work!" Throw in the "gourmet" food and camaraderie, and it sounds like my kind of adventure! So often I think about how fortunate I am to live in Northern California, with its diverse and astounding beauty.

Ice Cream at Stansbury House!

How long has it been (if EVER) since you visited the gorgeous, historical Stansbury House? It's only been around since 1883! (at the corner of W. 5th St. and Salem) This Friday (Aug. 21st) would be a great time to check it out, during the annual ice cream social (6 to 9 p.m.), another great Chico tradition.

Now the property of The City of Chico and maintained by the Stansbury Home Preservation Association, this wonderful example of Italian-Victorian architecture was originally built (out of sugar-pine lumber) for Dr. Oscar Stansbury and his wife, Libbie. It remained in the Stansbury family for more than three generations.

If you can't make the Ice Cream Social this Friday, tours are regularly held Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is just $2 for adults, $1 for students, and free for children under 10. A real must-see!

Home for Sale: 1432 N. Cherry Street

The front house is a 3 bed PLUS a 9x11' attic loft. A detached "guest" studio with bath, kitchen facilities and heat/air in back. Great location just blocks from CSU Chico and downtown. The main house was recently painted and remodeled with new kitchen cabinets, solid granite counter tops, newer dishwasher and stove, central heat/air, mostly dual-paned windows, and new roof in 2007. The home also features hardwood floors and a deck for BBQs. Check out the extra-deep lot!

For more photos and a virtual tour click on the photos or visit my website: www.ChicoLaura.com

Adorable Baby Hats

Just had to brag about and share the web site of my niece Kelly, who makes these ADORABLE and unique baby hats. Check out Kelly's web site, "Tiny Tangerines" if you'd like to order one for that special little one in your life. Of course, it helps to have such a charming young model to display her creations! That would be her sweet baby Clementine. Being a long-time arts-and-crafts lover, I'm really getting a kick out of seeing each of Kelly's creations. Next time you're invited to a baby shower and want one of those "ooooh & ahhhh" type gifts, let your fingers do the ordering (while saving time AND gas!).

Gateway Science Museum

Perhaps you've seen the interesting new building going up on The Esplanade just north of Bidwell Mansion here in Chico these past few months. That would be the new "Gateway Science Museum" being constructed. According to the museum web site, the facility "will be a state-of-the-art natural history museum celebrating the region's natural beauty and resources. Permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as education programs for Northern California's schoolchildren, will further the museum's mission." Click here to view more photos, including interior shots, and here for a description of some of the interesting features and exhibits. Legacy paving stones are available to the public and will help fund the construction of this unique building.

PEACHES! U-PICK!

GET YOUR FRESH, JUICY PEACHES! I don't know about you, but early tomorrow morning I'm heading out (with my mom--it's an annual tradition) to the Chico State Farm to picket a few buckets full of fresh, sweet, juicy, delectable PEACHES! $1 per pound; cash or check only. There are several varieties and plenty of low-hanging fruit, but ladders are also provided for those just-out-of-reach beauties. May not have time to make peach jam like last year (besides, there are still a couple of jars in the freezer), but I can hardly wait to get my fill of fresh ones!

The U-pick station is open from 7 a.m. to noon Mon. through Fri. while supplies last. Click here or call the University Farm at 898-6343 for more info. Click here for directions to the Farm, off Hegan Lane in South Chico. Enjoy!

Pond Tour

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting several "water garden" sites with long-time bud Merryl. The 15th annual Pond Tour offered 6 sites this year, three of which I was able to get to. (Begun in 1995 by the Congregational Church of Chico, the proceeds benefit such local projects as The Chico Boys & Girls Club and the Butte College Horticultural Scholarship fund.)

At Friendly Farm Alpacas we had the extra treat of hobnobbing with a throng of furry four-legged critters. I couldn't resist coming away with a bag of unbelievably soft stuff to spin up at home. Seems like a very well-run operation with happy mammals (including the very friendly owner, Kathleen Friend!).

The back yard pond at Lucy Way (in north Chico) is a good example of what can be accomplished in a small area. Local pond builder Jeremy Wilson of Ponds and Patios created this delightful koi pond "serenity garden" for lucky homeowner Kathleen Merrill.

The Goddess Temple on Autumn Lane (near Forest Ranch) was intriguing, to say the least. "Meditation paths" meander around several ponds and waterfalls. The temple is a large, open-air space featuring several large sculptures. The roof of the structure boasts a vegetable garden and yoga area. Several smaller buildings on the property act as sites for processes such as acupuncture and "sound healing." Solar and wind power are used exclusively at this interesting retreat.

Please CLICK HERE to enjoy a photo tour of these three interesting water feature sites. (Click "View Album" and then "Play Slideshow"--no password needed.) Hopefully next year I'll get an earlier start and make it to all of them.

Aggy's Sweet New Puppy

Aggy (Marketing Director/Transaction Coordinator for The ChicoLauraTeam) has a new family member and is THRILLED! She adopted a sweet pup from Butte Humane Society. I'm wondering, Aggy, how are you sleeping at night these days? : )

Shop for the Animals

My friend Barb (a good pal to me and all of our four-legged friends) has collaborated with Chico's Clothing Store (Chico Mall on E. 20th St. next to See's Candy Shop) on a "Shop for the Animals" fundraiser to benefit our fine furry friends at the Butte Humane Society. Simply shop at Chico's on Fri., Sat., or Sun., July 24, 25, & 26, mention the Butte Humane Society, and 10% of your purchase price will be donated to the shelter. Cool new duds and an act of kindness for the dogs & kitties...now THAT'S a good deal!

Chico's hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri./Sat., Noon - 6 p.m. Sun.

1960 E. 20th St., Chico, CA

Click here to view some short videos created by Chico State students of some of the precious pups & kitties at the shelter.

Adoption application can be found here

Volunteer application can be found here

Maxfield Parrish at Crocker Museum

I had the great good fortune to see over 80 original Maxfield Parrish works at the Reno Museum of Art a few years back. Just found out the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento has a Parrish show going on through July 19th. Click here to view prints of some of his wonderful works. If you have a chance to check out the exhibit (and the beautiful Crocker Museum if you haven't been!), I'd highly recommend it.

The Green Gate

Pictured: Laura, Kelly & Doug Guererro, John & Andy Burghardt...

Wow! What a great hike we had this morning! Discovering some of the great trails around Chico is becoming a pre-4th-of-July-family-reunion tradition. This year we decided to do the Upper Bidwell Park "Green Gate" hike, which begins off Hwy 32 about half way to Forest Ranch. The good news: it's mostly downhill and shady during early morning hours (we started at 6:30 a.m.). The bad news: POISON OAK! Gobs of it. Watch for it on both sides of the trail, ranging from dark green to vibrant red. (Stay tuned for the itch update...hopefully we all avoided contact.)

The views were gorgeous, and the total time was 3 1/2 hours, with several rest breaks. The trail ends in a level trail along a rock wall overlooking the creek, exiting next to the Falcon's Point gated community on Chico Canyon Rd.

This is truly one of the nicest hikes I've taken. Just watch out for that treacherous 3-leafed devil plant!

Chico Performances

The new schedule for Chico Performances is out, and it's looking good, as usual! A highlight of this year's lineup at CSUC is BB King (see photo at left) on November 17th. You may wonder what the "BB" stands for. According to the Wikipedia posting, Riley B. King (STILL doesn't say what THAT "B" stands for!) was born 9/16/25 in Itta Bena, Mississippi. In 1946 he worked at the R&B radio station WDIA under the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy," which became simply "BB." So now you know.

I had the pleasure of seeing BB King last time he performed at CSUC's Laxson Auditorium, and it was memorable! What a great performer. This show is likely to sell out, so try to get your tickets early on.

Early "Series Ticket" purchasing begins Wed., July 1st. Just buy a ticket to 6 or more shows, and you'll get a 10% discount (some exceptions) and GREAT seats. There's always a line the first day these tickets go on sale, and my wonderful sis-in-law Jamie usually volunteers to take our orders and get tickets (THANKS Jamie!). Single tickets go on sale Mon. Aug. 23rd.

Other notable 2009-10 Chico Performances include physician/spiritual leader Deepak Chopra, trumpet master Wynton Marsalis, country music legend Merle Haggard, "Prairie Home Companion's" wordsmith/storyteller Garrison Keillor, controversial comedian Paula Poundstone, Vienna Boys Choir (dating back to 1498, but surely not the same boys), and world-class guitarist, Australian Tommy Emmanuel (a Chico- and personal-favorite of mine).

So get your tickets, mark your calendars, and plan to hit downtown Chico early to have dinner at one of the great little eateries before the show!

Don't miss the PATRICK RANCH COUNTRY FAIRE AND THRESHING BEE this weekend, Sat. & Sun., June 13 & 14 happening at (naturally) the Patrick Ranch, located at 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham. (Click here to view details on their web site). In addition to the Threshing Bee, there will be an Artisan Faire, food courts, live music, childrens activities, pony rides, "working dog" exhibits and lots, lots more. Admission is FREE to children 12 and under, and adults are just $5! I'll be out there volunteering in one of the booths from noon to 2:30 on Sat. Hope to see you there!

Note: This is a great opportunity to check out one of the most historic homes in the Chico Area. The Patrick Ranch was bequeathed to the Chico Museum Association (now the Far West Heritage Association) by Hester Patrick in 2001. Hester was a charter member of our local Soroptimist International of Chico club and a fascinating and accomplished woman--a real "maverick" for her time. Check out some of the photos and documents while you're out there.)

Feather Falls Hike

Bro John and I recently did the 7 mile round trip hike to the beautiful Feather Falls in Oroville (Plumas National Forest), reportedly the 6th or 7th tallest falls in the country. (Click here for a few photos taken during our hike, and here for a 14 second video.) I hadn't done this particular hike in about 20 years. It was even more beautiful (and pretty much just as strenuous) as I remembered. The weather was PERFECT, and there were happy hikers of all ages enjoying the day. Like most others, we saved our lunch to enjoy on the lookout deck, enjoying the view of the fabulous waterfall, complete with rainbow toward the bottom. Something unexpected was the proliferation of wildflowers--so many different types and colors; they were gorgeous! And something I definitely did NOT miss were the swarms of ladybugs we encountered on our last visit. (Did you know ladybugs sometimes bite?)

There is a path that leads to the top of the falls, which I understand is also lovely. I'll have to save THAT view for another trip--maybe after I've increased my hiking endurance. Hey--I hear the recently-rediscovered Whiskeytown Falls (near Redding, CA) is just a 3.4 mile round-trip hike. And you can check out the amazing Sundial Bridge while you're in the area!