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!

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!

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!

Top Ten on ZooToo!

Hurray for Butte Humane Society! We were the only animal shelter on the west coast to make it into the Top Ten in the ZooToo.com contest for the Million Dollar Makeover! Here is a video I took of the welcome speeches during ZooToo founder Richard Thompson's visit. Click here to view a video done by CSUC students of the shelter. Info to follow about how to cast your votes (beginning April 13th) for our shelter. Meanwhile, go to ZooToo.com and register so you'll be ready to cast your votes! (Look in upper righthand corner of the web site, "Join ZooToo Now!") It costs nothing, and it's fun. Be sure to post a profile photo of you and/or your pet. Please feel free to contact me if you need help, and be sure to select Butte Humane Society (zip code 95928) to support.

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.)

I'll take a Spoonful!

What a great night of music! John Sebastian and David Grisman at Laxson Auditorium. Talk about a daydream! The combination of Dave Grisman's fine mandolin and banjo picking and John Sebastian's crazy-good guitar and harmonic playing was enough to make me want to go home after the show and pick up my old guitar (which is, in fact, just what I did). They paid tribute to some old "jug band" players I've never heard of, played some folk tunes (both instrumentals and featuring John's raspy -but-sweet voice). And, of course, took us all on a walk down memory lane with some of the old Lovin' Spoonful favorites ("Daydream" and "Deep Purple" among them). I couldn't resist doing the major-fan thing and buying a CD after the show, waiting in line to have them autograph it (managed not to gush, though--just a simple "thank you"). As I always say, life in Chico is the best of both worlds--small town atmosphere with opportunities to experience great talent. Thanks, CSUC and Chico Performances! (Click here for your own little stroll down "Daydream Lane" or click here for a cover of the song by young Scottish sensation Paolo Nutini -- very fun!)

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!

New Listing at 20 Fairgate Lane in Chico!

"Sweet!" "Adorable!" "Charming!" These were just a few of the adjectives showered on my new listing during our MLS tour yesterday. This move-in ready two-bedroom, two-bath home is perfect for the first-time buyer or anyone wanting to live in a wonderful neighborhood close to our Chico downtown area and just one mile to CSUC. Offered at just $258,000. Check out the virtual tour here, or go to my ChicoLaura web site to view photos and read about the special features of this cutie! (Update 6-11-08: this sweet home had multiple offers and is now in escrow!)

GOATS?

Verbena Fields Forever! Been down E. 1st Ave. near Verbena lately? In addition to the "hungry hungry" goats who are volunteering to "mow" the area, there is an impressive group of folks working to transform this 21-acre former gravel quarry into a " Mechoopda Interpretive Place," complete with native plantings, a loop walking trail, a 20-foot pre-fabricated footbridge and an arched culvert. The partners in this interesting project are the City of Chico, Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance, Mechoopda Indian Tribe, Streaminders, and California State University, Chico Research Foundation. The estimated cost ($907,000) is being provided by a California State Water Resources Control Board grant, with a projected completion date of June 2009. Next time you're looking for something "different" to do, why not go Goat Watching? ; ) (Update 5/30/08: goats have moved on to greener pastures, but development of this interesting nature retreat will continue!)
Check out the ChicoLaura website at www.ChicoLaura.com

No April Foolin'!

Spring is here, and the market is definitely picking up! Today we have 405 active single-family residential listings in our Chico area Multiple Listing Service (down from an all-time high of over 600 last year). There are 107 s-f homes in escrow (pending), and just in the past month 40 s-f homes sold (closed escrow). As CSUC graduation approaches in May, we'll no doubt see more "parent investors" coming to Chico to check out the possibility of purchasing a home or condo for their students' remaining years of school. Depending on condition and location (I always say the students like to be within "spittin' distance" of campus), one may be able to rent the extra bedrooms for $400 - $450 per bedroom per month. (In some of the funky old "porch-couch ready" campus area homes, every nook and cranny has been turned into a "bedroom"!). The ChicoLaura Team is gearing up for a busy spring and summer! (Check out the ChicoLaura web site: www.ChicoLaura.com )

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

North State Symphony

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the North State Symphony "Dance Mix" concert at the CSUC Laxson Auditorium. This concert was beautifully performed by accomplished musicians from throughout Northern California and masterfully conducted by Music Director Kyle Wiley Pickett. The program included a concert tango called Tangazo by Astor Piazzolla, an extended suite from Swan Lake by Peter Tchaikovsky, Slavonic Dances by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and Hungarian Sketches by Bela Bartok. I had the privilege of hosting one of the musicians (viola) for the weekend in my Chico home. How wonderful to have such powerful, professional performances offered right here in our little Northern California community!

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