GO TO THE NEW ChicoLaura BLOG!

Please visit our new WordPress blog at:

ChicoLauraBlog.com

"DOGarmo" Park

Ok, corny play on the "Degarmo" Park name.  But I do think it's pretty cool that there is a nice little doggy park in Chico now where our furry four-legged friends (and their people) can congregate to run, play and socialize.  A collaborative effort between the City of Chico and CARD (Chico Area Recreation District), the recently-completed Degarmo Park is located on Leora Ct., off the Esplanade, just north of Eaton Rd.  (Click here for a map.)

I tagged along with son Gabe, the lovely Eva, and their newest family member Jasper recently, and it was a blast!  Watching the dogs racing around on the lawn, meeting/greeting new and old friends in that funny, sniffing doggy way (remember, talking about the DOGS here).  We even ran into Aggy and her "intendo" Brandon there with their cute, speedy little girl Harlow.  The dog park is fully fenced (with a two-gated entry for defense against Houdini-type pets) and has drinking fountains for the dogs and their humans.  If you have a friendly mutt, check it out!

Kids & Kitchen!

Kids & Kitchen!  I visited this fun new Chico shop the other day and found lots of great kitchen gadgets as well as unique gift items.  Artfully displayed tea towels, ceramics, oils and more nearly jump off the shelves, screaming to go home with you.  Best of all, 100% of the money generated at Kids & Kitchen benefits programs for those with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome.

This shop is an offshoot of The Little Red Hen Nursery (corner of 8th & Wall Street downtown Chico; click here for a short video tour), the 1997 brainchild of indefatigable Executive Director Teresa Wolk Hayes, whose son had been diagnosed with autism (read the story of its inception here)

Visit Kids & Kitchen at 959 East Avenue (the former site of Cathy's Sew 'n Vac), just east of Cohasset Rd.  Mother's Day is right around the corner; check it out!

What a Buyer Wants

 What are today's home buyers looking for? According to a survey* of  22,000 recent home buyers, they plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than "unnecessary upgrades."  Extras such as pools, media rooms and even dining rooms are considered unnecessary luxuries, with the focus being more on such things as:

• Efficient use of space (e.g. cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling)
• More workable kitchens (islands are still quite popular)
• "Greener" features (insulation, high-efficiency appliances)
• Nearby walking paths and playgrounds

In the master bath, whirlpool tubs are giving way to soaker tubs. But both are secondary to oversized showers.

Some features that are still important to buyers, however, include a home office, minimum two-car garage, and master suite on the ground floor (if it's a two-story home).

Of course, I think most buyers these days (40% of whom are first-timers) are also looking for a good deal.  With interest rates and prices at historic lows, and with a small window of opportunity to cash in on the tax credits now available, what better time to be a buyer?  Feel free to browse current Chico properties for sale at my web site:  www.ChicoLaura.com

 * As cited in the L.A. Times.  To read the whole article, click here.

Charming Vintage Home For Sale in Chico, CA!

Check out this charming, vintage home for sale in Chico, California!

Step into vintage "charm and character" on one of Chico's loveliest tree-lined avenues! Main house has 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, office, cozy fireplace, separate living and family rooms, cheery sunroom, wood floors, and coved ceilings.  French doors look out to a lovely patio and there is even a basement for extra storage/wine cellar. Roomy second dwelling has the sweetest kitchen, a bonus room downstairs, separate bedroom, living room, and bath upstairs. Cottage last rented at $635/mo. Centrally located near downtown. A truly special "Chico Charmer"!

 

Click here for a VIRTUAL TOUR!

Click here to see more photos and info!

Curry in a Hurry?

Ok, so I'm driving back to Chico yesterday (after attending an all-day advanced course in beautiful downtown Stockton on short sales and foreclosures--it's a sign of the times), intentionally timing my trip so that the hunger pangs would start right about Yuba City, home of one of my favorite eateries, "Taste of India."  Imagine my surprise when I rolled into the parking lot (where it's nestled in a strip mall next to the The Dollar Store) only to enter a Twilight-Zone-Meets-Highlights-What's-Wrong-With-This-Picture scene.  The sign on the door still read "Taste of India," but below it was a new little tag line, "Curry in a Hurry!"  Below THAT was a cartoon figure of a Texas Longhorn (or what I'm guessing is a Longhorn anyway) emblazoned on a "Big JOHN'S Grill" sign!  Huh.  I would never have thought of combining those two cuisines.

Now, I guess Yuba City may not have caught on to the "Slow Food" movement yet (or maybe the proprietor just couldn't think of another catchy word to rhyme with "curry").  I used to love stopping in at the quaint little place and taking my time enjoying their Vegetarian Feast to the strains of sitar music emanating from the TV where videos of silkily-clad East Indian beauties cavorted.  No more.  Now I was feeling rushed before I even entered the premises. Curry in a Hurry!  Perhaps not surprisingly, the dining section was entirely bereft of customers.  All of the patrons were sitting in the new "saloon" section of Big John's Grill, while some sport or other blared away on the TV.  I ordered cafeteria style, hurriedly consumed my meal (still tasty) and beat a hasty (ha! rhymes with tasty!) retreat.  Next time I think I'll just do take out...only 45 minutes to Chico.

Gorgeous Butte Creek Canyon Estate for Sale in Chico, CA

Gorgeous Butte Creek Canyon estate for sale in Chico, CA! Enjoy contemporary creekside (app. 800' of creek frontage) elegance at this secluded canyon retreat just 12 miles from town. Beautifully designed “Smart Home” features open floorplan with gleaming hickory flooring, 10 ft. ceilings, two master suites, 3 HVAC systems, oversized Westgate Hardwoods doors, and quality Loewen windows. Custom kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, dual fuel six-burner stove, slate backsplash, and a large island/eating bar. Romantic lighting throughout and stained glass transoms create an elegant aura of comfort. The 45 x 50 ft. heated/insulated shop offers extra parking plus ½ bath and RV hookups (separate septic). The grounds feature a pond with island, large pergola for outdoor entertaining, lush walking trails, and easy access to Little Butte Creek, all with breathtaking views of Lookout Point and Castle Rock. This is truly an exceptional home with a rare creek setting!

Click here for a Virtual Tour of 2283 Honey Run Road!

For more information visit: http://www.chicolaura.com/

If you are intersted in seeing this home or similar homes in Chico, CA please give Laura Burghardt a call. (530) 864-6632, or e-mail Laura@ChicoLaura.com

Come to the Home, Garden & Antique Show!

Hope you're planning an outing to the Home, Garden & Antique Show THIS weekend, March 20th and 21st!  This is the largest fundraiser held by our local Soroptimist International of Chico club each year.  And every year 100% of the gate proceeds get poured back into the Chico community for local charities, scholarships and organizations such as The Salvation Army, the Butte County Public Library, Catalyst Women's Shelter, and others.

Click here to see what the show has to offer, or view photos here from a previous show, and then mark your calendar to come out to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico this Saturday or Sunday, 10 to 5.  See you there!

Building Lot for Sale in Forest Ranch

Wonderful building site for your dream home on Woodland Park Drive in scenic Forest Ranch! Located in a gated community (Humboldt Woodlands) on .61 acres, this lot features privace and incredible views.  The subdivision has a pool, and each lot has a storage shed.  HOA owns approximately 160 acres as open space. Partial house plans available (included in price with accepted offer).  Call Laura at 530-864-6632 for more info!

For pricing, photos and more information click on the visual tour link.

Click for VISUAL TOUR

Chico in Top 10 Again!

Once again, our little town of Chico is in a nationwide "Top 10" list of best places to live!  This time it's the April 2010 issue of Men's Journal.  I haven't seen the actual magazine yet (hopefully it's not sold out here in Chico), but I did catch the local Chico E-R newspaper article.  According to staff writer Laura Urseny, "How the university provides a plus to the community was mentioned, as well as the cultural and arts amenities that Chico provides."

 Chico's legacy of "Best Of" ratings includes: 

• "Best Place to Retire" (2008 U.S. News & World Report, 2005 and 2006 CNN Money.com and 1998 Kiplinger's Personal Finance)
• "Best Green Places to Live" (2007 U.S. News Report)
• "Best Mid-Size Downtowns" (2007 California Planning & Development Report)
• "Fastest Commute Time" (2006 Money Magazine)
• "Best Small Art Town in America" (2003, Author John Villani)
• "Best Places in America" (2000 Forbes Magazine)
• "Best Bike Town in America" (1997 Bicycling Magazine--it rated Chico #1!)
• "10 Greenest Colleges in America" (2008 The Daily Green)

 Go Chico!

CASH FOR CAULKERS

Heard of the new "CASH FOR CAULKERS" program the Obama administration is proposing?  Also known as The Home Star Program, if approved by Congress it will offer rebates of $1,000 to $1,500, or 50% of the cost, for simple upgrades, such as windows and insulation, duct sealing, and energy-efficient water heaters, for a maximum of $3,000 per home.

Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)

The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year.  While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available.  This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency.  As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"

Invisible People (A Blogger Helps the Homeless)

Heard this NPR story (on my beloved local KCHO station) this morning about formerly-homeless Mark Horvath, a blogger who is helping the homeless by recording their stories on video (known as a "vlog") on his site Invisible People.tv.

Take a listen:



In 2009 Mark traveled across the country, handing out clean socks and interviewing the homeless as well as community leaders regarding the plight of the homeless during these challenging times. This week he traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, to capture the stories of the homeless there.  By raising awareness through modern technology (blog, vlog, twitter etc.), he's generating funds to assist those in need.  Pretty remarkable guy.

Here in Chico you can help by donating (time, food, clothing or money) to The Jesus Center, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, the Torres Shelter, or the Salvation Army. Even something as simple as cleaning out your closet and donating unused items can help.

Running From Camera

Eva (daughter-in-law extraordinaire) found this blog Running From Camera while she was helping me update the "look" of my blog, and we both thought it was pretty interesting.  The blogger says, "The rules are simple: I put the self-timer on 2 seconds, push the button and try to get as far from the camera as I can."   For some reason, this reminds me of a man I heard of  (a friend of a friend...true story) who would go home every night and hit the "1" key on his adding machine until bedtime...apparently just to see how far he could get each night.  Went through several calculators...and wives! Just goes to show you there is no limit to what the human mind can conjure up to do with the hours allotted.

Starry Starry Night in Bidwell Park

What could possibly be more romantic than a full moon stroll in Chico's Upper Bidwell Park on a summer's eve?  Maybe a "starry starry" journey on a clear, cold, moonless night to the Chico Community Observatory!


Built in 2001* the Observatory currently has two 14" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes which have their own "go to" computer systems, allowing volunteers to "order up" various celestial bodies.  From the Shoemaker Open-Sky Planetarium** one can enjoy Jupiter and its Galilean moons, sparkling star clusters, far-out galaxies, and the ever-popular Great Orion nebula.  The last time I visited the Observatory I was amazed to see Saturn's rings so clearly--what an astronomical treat!  The volunteers are unfailingly helpful and enthusiastic (including long-time stargazer and docent Anita Berkow); kudos to them for keeping this Chico treasure available for our viewing pleasure.

Open Thursday through Sunday from 6 - 9 p.m. (on clear nights only), the Observatory is located near Horseshoe Lake.  The web site features a weather forecast box which is updated hourly. Be sure to dress warmly during fall/winter/spring visits!

* With donations by:  Greater Chico Kiwanis, Slater & Sons Construction, Eagle Security, the Geosciences department from California State University at Chico, the Chico Unified School District, North Valley Astronomers, Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society, and the Greater Chico Chamber of Commerce.

** The brainchild of local astonomy educator Kris Koenig, director of the Observatory.  The "Open-Sky Planetarium" was named for famed comet hunter (and CSUC grad) Carolyn Spellman Shoemaker, a research scientist at Lowell Observatory and wife of the late great planetary scientist Eugene Shoemaker, tragically killed in a car accident in 1997 on the Tanami Road northwest of Alice Springs, Australia while searching for previously undiscovered meteor craters. On July 31, 1999, some of his cremains were carried to the moon by the Lunar Prospector space probe. To date, he is the only person to have the distinction of being interred on the moon.  The memorial capsule (designed by American planetary scientist Carolyn Porco) is inscribed with images of Comet Hale-Bopp, the Barringer Crater, and a quotation from Romeo and Juliet:

"And, when he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun."

Talk about a romantic tragedy...

Quiz:  Can you name the eight planets of our solar system in order from the Sun out?  Click here for the answer.  (Sadly, Pluto is not among them, having been "downsized" to "Dwarf Planet" status in 2006.)

Gateway Science Museum Opening!

Don't miss the GRAND OPENING of the Gateway Science Museum!  Opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at 625 Esplanade here in Chico, CA.  The museum will be open that day from 10:30 to 5 p.m.  Admission:  $5 for adults, $3 for children.  Featuring "The World of Insects" and a hands-on "discovery room" for the kidlets.  Right next to Bidwell Mansion.  It's a Chico Happening!

(Note:  parking may be limited at the museum and Mansion; you may want to walk or bike to the museum, or park downtown and walk over...maybe hit the Farmer's Market before or after the opening!)

Haunting of Bidwell Mansion*

It's surprising how many people have lived in Chico for years (or their entire lives) without taking the tour of Bidwell Mansion.  On a recent flight from San Francisco to Chico, my mom befriended a young woman from China.  It was Song Shuai's first visit to our fair city, so we decided to give her the "Chico Tour."  Now, a proper Chico tour must include Bidwell Mansion, the magnificent, romantic 10,000 s.f., three-story Italianate style home built by Chico founder John Bidwell in 1868 at a cost of $56,600.

Some of the more interesting artifacts in the mansion are the framed "hair wreaths" displayed in the parlor. "Hairwork" was a popular craft during the Victorian era, using human hair (usually from family members) to create jewelry and other objects.  Wreaths were often made as memorials to deceased relatives (known as "Mourning Wreaths") and were usually mounted on silk and framed behind glass in shadow boxes.  (We have a brooch in our family supposedly made from the hair of my great-great grandmother.  When I first saw it, I was surprised to see it was nearly an exact match of my hair color!)

*The "Haunting of" blog title was inspired by a photo I took during our tour inside the mansion. Click here to view the Flickr photo album and see whether you can find the "ghost."

If you've never taken the tour (or even if you have), I highly recommend it.  It takes less than an hour and only costs a few bucks.  The Visitor Center also has actual letters, photos and journals on display.  I've taken the tour at least six times and learn new things about the Bidwells and Chico every time I go.


Trivia note:  Some of the interior scenes from The Thin Man were shot inside the mansion.

Piano Fun in Hawaii

Imagine my delight when I found out my long-time Chico friends, Pam and Robert Laughlin, would be holding one of their PianoFun workshops in Waikiki during the time my mom and I would be there!  They had just completed workshops in Mexico (click here to read a fun blog about that), and this trip was taking them to Kona, Hilo, Honolulu and Kaneohe.

We had the pleasure of joining Pam and Robert to listen in ona gig they were invited to play with a local Gypsy jazz band at a little place called Cafe Che Pasta on Bishop St. in Honolulu. The food was wonderful, the service excellent, and the music was even better. (That's Pam on clairnet in the photo--a stellar performance!)  Afterward we were treated to a personal tour of some nearby historical buildings by a local attorney friend of Pam and Robert's, Michael Wong.  His family goes back many generations in the islands, and he shared some really interesting history.

My mom took Robert's one-day piano workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it.  She's been practicing every day since. Here is the schedule of upcoming classes, if you're interested (or know of someone who may be).  Or perhaps you'd like to plan your next vacation to coincide with a PianoFun workshop!

To view photos of our time in Hawaii, visit my Facebook photo album.  Or click on the arrow below to view a short video of the Gypsy Jazz gig.  Aloha!

I ♥ Chico! (and photos of Chico)

Just discovered another Facebook photo site, Chico Illustrated, featuring "over a decade of photos capturing the colorful charm and tranquility that each season brings to this lovely town and beautiful Bidwell Park." I never tire of seeing photos of our beautiful Northern California Shangri-La.  (Bidwell Mansion photo above by Aimee Proel, originator of Chico Illustrated.)

Bidwell Park Arts is another Facebook site with great local photos.  Says photographer John Peters, "I wanted to give the nature of Bidwell Park its own voice through this 3 yr, 15,000 shot photographic study. To celebrate its wonders and hopefully inspire a renewed thoughtfulness in regards to it's future stewardship." Check out the "VodPod" video of some of John's wonderful photography as well.  (Sunset in Bidwell Park photo above by John Peters.)
 


Cruising around Chico a few years, ago, daughter-in-law Eva and I did a little "Chico Photo Shoot" of our own.  Click here and then hit "View Album" to view some of Chico's buildings, homes, murals etc.  Enjoy!

Lou Mars: Drummer or Bionic Man?

I keep feeling compelled to check the livestream of local Chico drummer Lou Mars to watch his progress in his attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for marathan drumming.  He's amazing!  According to the web site, as I write he's on Day 5, Hour 104 in his effort to break the current record of 120 hours.  It's all to raise awareness of the importance of keeping music in our schools.

The exercise in endurance began at 7:30 a.m., Jan. 14th, at NorCal Strength & Conditioning training warehouse. Throughout the ordeal folks have been supporting Lou, both in person (dancing encouraged!) as well as online viewers posting comments on Facebook and on the livestream.


Ok, gotta run; I hear Lou rockin' out to the BeeGees "Stayin' Alive."  (How appropriate!)


Update 1/18/10:  Lou completed 109 hours of straight drumming--not long enough to beat the 120 hour record.  Kudos to him, though, for raising awareness of the plight of the arts in our public schools!

Home Buyer's Tax Credit

The Extended Home Buyers Tax Credit offers current homeowners and first-time home buyers alike an incredible tax-saving opportunity when they buy a home through April 30, 2010 (and close on the home by June 30, 2010). First time buyers, who haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years, are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of a home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000.  



Current homeowners, who are vacating a principle residence that they have lived in for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a home's purchase price, up to maximum of $6,500. 


The following conditions apply:

• The tax credit is only awarded on homes purchased for $800,000, or less
• Full tax credit is available to buyers earning up to $125,000 a year, or $225,000 for married couples filing jointly
• Partial tax credit is available to buyers earning between $125,000 to $145,000, or for married couples earning between $225,000 to $245,000.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the buyers tax liability, and does not have to be paid back as long as the buyer remains in their home for three years or more. (See "Secrets of the Home Buyer Tax Credit" for more info.) This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer to have Uncle Sam help you buy a house. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Click here for more information on whether you qualify for either of these amazing tax credits, and here for information on required forms. And, as always, feel free to contact me for more information or assistance: Laura@ChicoLaura.com

Fun at Farmer's Market

How lucky are we in Chico to have our fabulous YEAR-ROUND Farmer's Market?!  

I love strolling down the aisles, chatting with friends and asking vendors for ideas about how to cook a particular kind of squash or greens.  Long-time friend Sarah Adams (or one of her equally beautiful sisters, Molly and Emily) is always there with a smile and sample of her Chico Chai (the BEST! A perfect blend of sweetness and spiciness--I heat mine up with vanilla Almond Milk).   I used to babysit those wonderful girls in my previous life as a canyon mama.  It's fun to see them "all growed up" and enjoying life.

With movements like "Think Local, Chico" and "10% Shift" gaining momentum, it's obvious that people are becoming more aware of the importance (both for our local economy AND for the planet) of making more of their purchases closer to home.  So get your fresh fruits & veggies (maybe pick up a new Chico Bag to haul them in) this Saturday morning, then reward yourself with a nice, steamy cuppa chai or coffee, either there or at one of our great locally-owned coffee shops or eateries!

The Saturday Market is located in the parking lot at Second St. and Wall, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. (Thursday Market runs April - September in downtown Chico, and Wed. Market runs June - Oct. at the North Valley Plaza Mall, Corner of East Ave. & Pillsbury, near Tinseltown movie theater.)

Check out my Flickr page for a few more fun photos.

Do the Closet Purge!

         Before                                            After                                    

I'm hearing a lot of "decluttering" and "simplifying" themes from my friends in discussions of New Year's resolutions for the new decade.  Finally did the "Closet Purge" myself recently: 1) Take every item OUT of the closet; 2) ONLY put back what a) fits, b) feels good, c) you think you'll actually wear; 3) Donate the rest; 4) Hang the "keep" items BACKWARDS (facing the opposite direction you normally hang them). Grand Finale:  Any items still hanging backwards at the end of the year (meaning you haven't worn them) get donated.

You may even find some long-forgotten things stuffed in the back of your closet that have come back in style (or be a trendsetter, and bring the style BACK yourself!).  Maybe even save some $$ this year, and reduce your clothing shopping.  Happy purging!

(Note:  Here are a few links to Chico organizations to consider taking your "purged" items to:  ARC, Salvation Army, The Shop (American Cancer Society), The Jesus Center)