"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.

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!

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!

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!)

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.)

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!