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.

CSUC Organic Veggie Project

Mission Statement for the Chico State Organic Vegetable Project: A self-sustaining education, research, and production facility for organic vegetables to support school, university, and community agriculture education, provide research information for local growers, and provide produce for the CSUC campus food services.

I hadn't heard about this project until a friend posted a link on Facebook (see how educational FB can be?). My family and I have always been fans of the U-pick peach orchard at the Chico State farm on Hegan Lane. And I have actually attended the compost workshop at Chico State (and y'all know what an advocate I am of composting--my plants & trees have NEVER looked better or been happier, with all those scraps going to nourish them rather than going to the landfill!). So I was happy to learn that CSUC students are getting this hands-on experience, learning how to grow organic veggies, providing staff and students with healthy alternatives to fast food. (Here's to the Slow Food Movement!)

Click here to view a video created by the students working on this awesome project!

Orion Does it Again!

Three cheers for Chico State journalism students! It seems The Orion (the Chico State newspaper) once again won several top awards at the Associated Collegiate Press national journalism convention last weekend. This is the largest and oldest national membership organization for college student media in the U.S.

According to today's Sacramento Bee article, the Orion was awarded first place for general excellence and overall design in the "Best of Show" for 4-year colleges and universities. Additionally, video editor Rodolfo Vazquez of Woodland won first place for interactive multimedia content for his video on the band Ozomatli.

These awards are generally considered to be the highest national honors in their field, and are unofficially known as the "Pulitzer Prize" of student journalism.

One of my proudest moments in high school came when the principal announced over the loudspeaker that I had won 1st place in a statewide high school newspaper competition for an editorial I had written. So I can imagine the excitement our Chico State students must be feeling. Congrats!!!

(Click here to check out The Orion online.)

Afro-Cuban All Stars

Wow...energy, talent and charisma combined! I just attended an amazing performance by the Afro-Cuban All Stars at Chico State Laxson Auditorium, courtesy of Chico Performances.

The super-cool Juan de Marcos Gonzalez lead the band to stardom in 1998 with A Toda Cuba le Gusta, the first album to be recorded during the now-famous Buena Vista Social Club sessions. (Toward the end of the evening, Gonzalez expressed his hope for continued improved relations between Cuba and the U.S., something he feels is likely with the new U.S. President, "Who I like!")

The 14-member band had people on their feet in no time, with their crazy-good rhythm and hot horn section. Their choreographed moves brought the energy up a notch, as the Shaft-like conga player joined the drummer and percussionists in keeping that Cuban beat humming (including one tune in 7/4 time!) The last conga player I remember seeing in a suit and tie was Ricky Ricardo. (Click here to see "Ricky"--aka Desi Arnaz--at his "Babalu" best!) But all these guys were decked out in spiffy suits, some with classy hats (fedora, beret) to boot. All in all, a great, energetic concert performed by supremely accomplished musicians. I'm thinking the only thing that could have made it better was...more cowbell. : ) (Click here for a little YouTube taste of the music.)

Full Moon Float

(Photo, left to right: sis Jamie, Merryl, Lechia, me, Bejay, and bro John.)

Floating down the Sacramento River is always a treat, but going for a full moon float is extra special! Thanks to the good folks at the Sacramento River Preservation Trust (who organize these river tours as one of many efforts to educate the public and promote the health of the river) and CSUC Associated Students Adventure Outings (who provide the rafts and muscle), several friends, family and I enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the river while learning a bit about the flora and fauna. As the moon--surrealistically huge and luminous-- rose above the treetops, our guides found a stretch of shore where they built a fire for us to sit around while we enjoyed our picnic dinners. A few "floatees" were fortunate enough to see a spectacular shooting star. We had such a great time, I hope to make this an annual event. If you'd like to try a daytime float, the Trust and AO are co-sponsoring their final Sac River float of the season on Sun., Nov. 9th from 8 - 5. The float covers 9 miles between Jellys Ferry and Bend, just north of Red Bluff. (For more info, contact Liz at (530) 345-1865; email liz@sacrivertrust.org or visit the Trust website at www.sacrivertrust.org)

MOMIX at CSUC!

MOMIX is coming to Laxson Auditorium Tues. Oct. 28th! I've seen this talented troupe twice at Chico State, and each time I'm in awe of their creativity and physical feats. Definitely a show worth checking out, and appropriate for any age level. According to their promo, "For 20 years Momix has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealist images, using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body." I just called the CSUC Box Office (530-898-6333), and there are still tickets available for this visual/sensory delight. I think Chico Performances has done a fabulous job bringing cutting-edge entertainment to Chico! Click here to view a sample video (which doesn't do justice to watching the show live, naturally).

Peaches!

Mmmmm...fresh, juicy Chico State Farm peaches cut up and smothered with blueberry yogurt; what could be better than that? Mom and I got up early this morning and were at the farm (off Hegan Lane, South Chico; click here for directions) just after they opened (i.e. a little table with tent staffed by two sweet young CSUC coeds) at 7 a.m. Take your own bags or buckets, and pick to your heart's content (or your vehicle's capacity). At 75 cents a pound, such a bargain! So here I sit, savoring peach perfection (the Fay Elbertas taste better than the reds this year), watching the stiff competition between Team USA and China in Olympic men's gymnastics, and giving the whole house fan a workout (100+ temps slated for the entire week). Heck, I'll just set my peach cobbler out on the patio and let it bake!

Charm & Character in Chico!

Picture perfect! What an absolute cutie this one is--a pleasure to present. App. 1034 s.f., built in 1986, located in the Hollybrook subdivision just one mile from CSUC and an easy bike ride to downtown. Two spacious bedrooms, two baths. Master bedroom features French doors leading out to a lush and lovely, park-like back yard with mature trees, fountains, and a spa-ready pad. Detached two-car garage plus a super-long driveway for extra parking. Move-in ready and priced to sell at just $259,000! For more photos, visit my web site at www.ChicoLaura.com and click on "Active Listings/Sales." And feel free to contact me to view. Shows like a model home! (Update April 17, 2008: This sweet home is now in escrow after receiving multiple offers!) (Check out the ChicoLaura web site: www.ChicoLaura.com )

"Charm & Character"

This 1940s "charmer" is located on one of my absolute favorite streets in Chico, E. Sacramento Ave. (I "scored" big time with my very first listing on this street 20 years ago!) Listed at $449,000, this sweet thing features original tile, hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, tons of storage, large living and family rooms, and separate darkroom or office. A large guest house with separate bedroom and spacious living room looks out to a lovely patio with Koi pond. This wide, tree-lined street is in the heart of Chico, close to downtown, Bidwell Park and CSUC. For more info and photos, please visit my web site: ChicoLaura.com To view this lovely property, feel free to email me: Laura@ChicoLaura.com

Brazilian Guitar Concert!

One of the great things about living in a college town: wonderful entertainment available throughout the year. Last night I attended the 11th Annual International Guitar Festival at CSUC Laxson Auditorium, featuring the amazing Brazilian Assad Brothers (Odair and Sergio), their equally-amazing sister, Badi Assad, and two additional brilliant Brazilian guitarist/percussionists. Having obtained tickets for various concerts early in the year (thanks to my wonderful sis-in-law Jamie, who stood in line for several hours!), I enjoyed the show from a great second-row seat. Click on the link below for more info about this mesmerizing group of incredible musicians:

http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/AssadBrothers.html