C 2013 10 10 by News & Review

Chicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News & Entertainment Weekly

Volume 37, Issue 7

Thursday, October 10, 2013

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Making the ACA work There were some computer glitches during the kickoff of the

Affordable Care Act last week, including in Butte County, and that led cynics to question whether Obamacare would ever work. As the Chico Enterprise-Record editorialized, “If opening day was too much for Obamacare, we wonder what the days and years will bring.” That snide comment, and others like it, ignored the sheer volume of people—tens of millions nationwide—calling in and going online to check out their options for affordable policies on the new health insurance exchanges. The level of interest was unprecedented. It was assumed that a program this big would have glitches, but that they would be ironed out over time. Cathi Grams, director of the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services, is now able to report that all of her customer-service employees have access to the state website and can help callers. Obamacare needs to enroll healthy young people who can subsidize less healthy older ones, so its success will depend on whether young people sign up in sufficient numbers. By law they are required to do so—that’s the “individual mandate”—and will face a fine at tax time if they don’t comply, though the amount is less than the cost of the policies. The good news is that most young people will be eligible for subsidies, and there are several low-cost, high-deductible policies that will insure them against the kinds of catastrophes—accidents, drug overdoses, serious illnesses—to which they are vulnerable. Even though they may rarely need to see a doctor, they still can end up in the hospital with serious problems. The deadline for enrollment for 2014 is March 1. If you’re one of the thousands of uninsured in Butte County, go online and check out your options. Get behind the Affordable Care Act. It will be good for you—and for America. Ω

Deaths highlight cycling safety needs Tfatalities due to collisions with hit-and-run motorists—in Chico on Sept. 22 and in Cottonwood two weeks ago—have he shock and horror of two separate cyclist

left the cycling community reeling. As we sort out our emotions and reactions, we should consider two perspectives. First, both of these incidents epitomize our worst nightmare—being left for dead by hit-and-run drivers. We want to believe people will do the “right thing”— and often people do—but, apparently, we cannot rely on “hoping” for individuals to make the right choice in a moment of crisis. by Chico Velo, the Butte Bicycle CoaliJanine Rood tion, Chico Corsa, Chico Masters and the Chico Cyclist Care Fund all support and The author, executive encourage the harshest possible punishdirector of Chico Velo ment for these offenders—to send the Cycling Club, has lived strongest message that doing the right in Chico for 15 years. thing is not just morally correct but also leads to the “least bad” outcome. But we should also look beyond the individual circumstances to our infrastructure and commitment to cyclist safety. If any possible good can come out of these terrible tragedies, it must be in making cycling safer. We should consider how the outcome for Kristina Chesterman might have changed if there was a safer route for her commute. If we had 8 CN&R October 10, 2013

separated bike lanes on Nord Avenue (such as on Warner Street), or if the railroad bike path were made safe for late-night cyclists, perhaps she would be alive today. In the 1970s in the Netherlands, similar fatalities prompted a campaign: “Stop de Kindermoord” (stop child murder), which led to Amsterdam becoming the world’s most bike-friendly city. Chico is ideally suited for cycling—for recreation or transportation. Many citizens do not use a motorized vehicle, and are at the mercy of automobile drivers. Chico has the opportunity to take cyclist safety more seriously and we are committed to step up our efforts to work with the city, county and CalTrans to make cyclist safety a priority. Chico’s cycling organizations endorse the strongest possible punishments for hit-andrun drivers. There should be no tolerance for such behavior in our community, especially when immediate care can mean the difference between life and death. We have been actively involved in the recent passing of the “three-foot law” requiring motorists to leave adequate space while passing bicycles. We welcome community involvement in similar projects and we are always seeking volunteers. Those interested can reach out to any of us through the Chico Velo website at www.chicovelo.org. Ω

Legalization is the answer Another effort to decriminalize the recreational use of marijuana

is now underway in California (see “Marijuana flashback,” by Tom Gascoyne, Newslines, page 14). Organizers are getting a game plan together to gather about 500,000 signatures to qualify an initiative—the so-called California Cannabis Hemp Initiative—for the November 2014 ballot. They have until February to do so. Considering how expensive and ultimately destructive the war on pot has been in the Golden State, particularly to the lives of those who’ve been busted for using, growing or selling the drug, this legalization effort is commendable. Prohibitions on marijuana have never worked. From the days of Reefer Madness to today, whether kids or adults, people will find a way to get their hands on pot. If there’s one thing criminalization has succeeded in doing well, it has been to keep the profit motive in place. Case in point: Many growers are against legalization. They don’t want their product—the No. 1 cash crop in the state—devalued. That’s telling. Keeping pot illegal has led to a huge industry of pot profiteers growing under the guise of the state’s medical-marijuana law, the so-called Compassionate Use Act. Growers often plant much more marijuana than necessary by cultivating indoors or in remote locations. In Butte County, this has led to grotesque environmental violations in the foothill regions, where whole hillsides have been graded and clear-cut to accommodate pot farms. There, the threat of chemical fertilizers seeping into the nearby watersheds, including the Feather River and Lake Oroville, is very real. As it stands, marijuana cultivation is largely a criminal enterprise. Let’s not forget that people are still murdered over this herb. The only sensible answer to putting an end to the harmful costs society has been paying for decades is to legalize marijuana and allow adults to legally purchase it from safe sources in the daylight as they do other drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Ω

Send email to chicoletters @ newsreview.com

SECOND & FLUME by Melissa Daugherty melissad@newsreview.com

Winners and layoffs Sometimes there are so many things to write about that I don’t know where to start. This week certainly is a doozey. First off, it’s a time of celebration for those who took home top honors (or placed) in the CN&R’s annual Best of Chico contest. Congrats to this year’s winners. And thank you to everyone who voted, even if those votes are the bane of the editorial department’s existence for the many hours we spend counting ballots. You’d think the winners would be computed electronically and spit out into a spreadsheet. But since people spell their picks’ names in numerous ways, we have to sort through all of the answers and, for example, group and count all of the Lyon Books with all of the Lyon’s Books and Lyons and Lyon Books and Learning Center. You get the point. Be sure to check out the CN&R editorial staff’s offbeat Best of Chico choices, too. You can probably guess, if you know what my office windows look down upon, at least one of my contributions to the editors’ picks. We’re sans a City Council meeting in this issue, but that doesn’t mean there’s no news out of City Hall. Word came down late last week that 11 employees are being cut loose (see Downstroke, page 12). This is on top of the sweeping mid-summertime round of layoffs. It goes without saying that the new list also represents individuals and families who will be greatly affected. Quoted in Chico E-R reporter Ashley Gebb’s write-up on the layoffs, City Manager Brian Nakamura said, “[I]t’s not one of our finer moments.” I have to agree. I took a closer look at the list this week and noticed that a lot of institutional knowledge is being yanked from City Hall. It’s hard to say how this will affect city services, but it goes without saying that these are big losses. Capital Projects Services Director Tom Varga, an engineer I’ve interviewed and quoted from City Council meetings over the years, is one person on the list. He’s been in the public-works business for nearly 30 years. Another employee is Shawn Tillman, a senior planner. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because we’ve interviewed him twice in as many weeks for separate stories. In the first, written by yours truly, (see “Meter matters,” Newslines, Sept. 26), Tillman was the lead staff member at a meeting in which Finance Committee members were contemplating the idea of allowing parkingmeter revenue to pay for certain improvements to downtown, such as enhanced security and cleaning. Last week, in News Editor Tom Gascoyne’s story on IT-services company Milestone Technologies Inc. setting up shop in Chico—and bringing with it some 230 jobs— owner Prem Chand said that his eleventh-hour decision to put down roots here was in part related to having been convinced to do so by Tillman (see “A call for jobs,” Newslines, Oct. 3). Local journalists rely on getting accurate info from longtime employees such as Tillman and Varga. I can only hope that there are folks left to interview by the time the city finally gets its financial house in order.

Governments need intervention Re “Looking for buy-in” (Cover feature, by Daniel Weintraub, Oct. 3): Since the repeal of Prohibition, every level of government has been partnering with highly profitable, albeit socially destructive industries. These include alcohol, gambling, insurance, legal, and banking. These partnerships have caused the country to incur a whole host of social problems, and a $17 trillion national debt. Every state, county, city and town in America has become similarly encumbered. Now desperate to cut costs and fund continued operation, rather than tightening their own belts, governments are resorting to more socially irresponsible measures. These include releasing prisoners early, forgiving illegal immigration, legalizing marijuana and gambling, adopting state-run lotteries, and instituting new taxes. These taxes include the deceptively-named “universal health care.” Universal healthcare is unfair because it forces those responsible with their money and health to subsidize those who aren’t. At the very least, the premiums a person pays should accrue interest and be refunded periodically if he or she hasn’t had claims. The American people need to host an intervention. Instead of continuing to enable governments’ addiction to reckless spending, we need to first stop accepting new and increased taxes. Then we need to mandate that governments start living within their means like the rest of us. NATHAN ESPLANADE Corning

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Gravy-train riders? Re “Insider talk” (Newslines, by Melissa Daugherty, Oct. 3): Regarding last week’s story “Insider talk,” that’s exactly what it is—insider talk. How ’bout truth really matters? Why wouldn’t Alicia Meyer answer the question put to her by newly concerned Council member Mary Goloff? Goloff’s question was pretty straightforward—did you work in the office or did you work from home (or something to that effect)? Meyer’s response was, “What has that got to do with what I’m speaking to now?” I’ll tell you what, Alicia Meyer enjoyed a salary and benefits package of $135,835, Mary Fitch $94,245 and Quené Hanson $101,475, and that does not include the tuition reimbursement that taxpayers kicked in while two were allowed flex time to attend school. As long as the gravy train kept coming they seemed quite content to say nothing about what was occurring at City Hall. Yes, previous liberal council members— e.g. Andy Holcome, Tom Nickell, Jim WalkLETTERS continued on page 10

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er and current liberal members Ann Schwab, Goloff and, yes, Scott Gruendl—should have paid more attention to fiscal matters. The latter two spent years on the Finance Committee. No excuses. Now all live with very tarnished reputations. Personal integrity be damned as long as the money and votes kept rolling in. Shame on all of you.

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Former watchdog-turned-lapdog Stephanie Taber’s letter contains several flawed conclusions drawn from a slanted perspective that my colleagues and I surmise is being fed to her by city officials. This round of mud-slinging deserves a factual response. Fact: Tuition reimbursement has been available for at least 15 years to all city employees who choose to further their education in a field of study deemed beneficial to the city. It has never been a benefit available only to a select few. Fact: Flex schedules require employees either to work a full 40hour week or use accrued leave time for pursuing their education. Ms. Taber’s assertion that the flex schedule is an additional benefit is absurd. Fact: Ms. Taber’s conclusion that we did nothing and said nothing about the city’s fiscal situation is false. In addition to having spoken out to the prior city manager, we revealed the entire history to Brian Nakamura over his first few months in Chico. In an email last October, he thanked me for my full explanation of the issues surrounding the Private Development Fund and agreed with me that it should be daylighted. Ms. Taber should examine the price of her own integrity before she questions anyone else’s. Shame on her. MARY FITCH Paradise

Editor’s note: Ms. Fitch’s rebuttal came to the CN&R in response to a similar letter Ms. Taber had published in the Chico E-R.

Time is up, Congress Re “The Recalcitrant Party” (Editorials, Oct. 3): We need to shut down Congress, and not the federal government, when just a few members can jeopardize our country. This is both a dangerous and costly position to find ourselves in. We need to enact measures to prevent partisan politics from crippling the

governing of our federal system’s needs and duties to the people. These fanatical politicians that can’t either compromise, or work out a timely solution, must strongly be encouraged to dismiss themselves from a shutdown situation, by enacting personal losses upon them. This could be a shut off of their paychecks, health insurance, and other perks that we the people provide. We need to also monitor what our politicians receive from lobbyists—and why not stop that influence, and get back to a true representative democracy? Let us consider a new form of voting by the people, by reinventing a national referendum democracy. Perhaps it is time to allow personal computers to function, by direct citizen rule, upon all measures that currently require a vote of congress. Time has come for a new paradigm in governing, and party politics is no longer necessary—its time is up. TOM FITZWATER Oroville

In all the rhetoric spewing from politicians and reporters over who’s going to blink first in this standoff between the White House and Congress, it seems that everyone is missing the point of the bigger picture. The Affordable Care Act is a signed, ratified law that has been vetted by the federal Supreme Court as constitutional. No one can argue that. Which means the current actions of the Congress are now in direct and blatant violation to the Constitution. Section 802 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 10752) expanded the definition of terrorism to cover “domestic”—as opposed to international—terrorism. A person engages in domestic terrorism if they do an act “dangerous to human life” that is a violation of the criminal laws of a state or the United States, if the act appears to be intended to: intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping. So, why are the politicians responsible for this intimidation, coercion and destruction of the economy through a government shutdown not being escorted out of congress in handcuffs?

just the present unnecessary crisis. For more than 200 years, perhaps the biggest strength of the American government was that it worked. Occasionally something happens that makes us wonder if it is still working. This is one of those times. America is being held hostage to an inside argument within Congressional Republicans. It looks to me like a dispute between a few who are barking mad and a much larger group who are not quite barking. I think we are allowed to ask if a Constitutional adjustment is not necessary to stop future hostagetaking by small, narrow interest groups. Certainly this is not working, and it’s not a bipartisan lashup—it’s hostage-taking by a small group of nutty Republicans in the House of Representatives. CHARLES ROUSE Corning

Oligarchy? No, thanks Re “A case for Butte County seceding” (Guest comment, by Joanne Alden, Oct. 3): As a longtime public school teacher, I must reply to your guestcomment writer. She refers to our public school system’s goal as government mind control. What hogwash! The goal of our schools is purely education for all of our children, and has been since our country’s inception. America’s education for all our children has set the world standard and is one of the principal reasons that oppressed people around the globe have thought of America as the land of opportunity. As the U.S. expanded westward, two sections of land (two square miles) of each township surveyed were set aside for public schools to ensure that all children would have access to education. What could be more democratic than that? Joanne Alden apparently has little concern for people who struggle to attain success in our land. She rode her horse on her father’s property and learned little humility on the way. Now she advocates for the State of Jefferson in our northern region. I’ve lived and taught in Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou counties. The people there, and here, deserve better than Ms. Alden’s oligarchy. BOB WOODS Chico

THERESA COX Chico

Looking at the dysfunctional shutdown of the U.S. government, there is a larger issue, larger than

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We’ve got too many letters for this space. Please go to www.newsreview.com/chico for additional readers’ comments on past CN&R articles.

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October 10, 2013

CN&R 11

MARKET MEET-UP

Cops cleared

More than 100 supporters of the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market turned out last Thursday (Oct. 3) for the inaugural public event held by Friends of the Farmers’ Market, a group that favors keeping the CCFM’s downtown location at Second and Wall streets. The event included presentations about the CCFM’s 30-year history and possible improvements if the CCFM is allowed to stay downtown, including solar power and covered areas. Some vocal downtown business owners think the Saturday event displaces parking spaces and their customers. The market’s future after Dec. 2014—when its franchise agreement with the city expires— is uncertain. FFM organizer Karl Ory said the FFM’s main focus right now is gathering supporters through its Web presence and a weekly table at the CCFM. “We want to be ready when the opportunity for change presents itself,” he said.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey holds up a mugshot from one of Breanne Sharpe’s earlier arrests at an Oct. 3 press conference.

Butte County District Attorney, interagency investigation team clear police in shooting death of 19-year-old woman

WATER INSPECTORS GET ON BOARD

After initially saying the job is too dangerous, the state Regional Water Quality Control Board has agreed to inspect marijuanagrowing operations in the Butte County foothills. Earlier this year, the county sent a request to the board asking that it provide inspectors locally. The request was denied because of the perceived dangers posed by some of the growers. According to a press release from state Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), he and Assemblyman Dan Logue (R-Marysville) met with local officials, state water board staff and a representative of Gov. Jerry Brown to discuss the environmental impacts of the grows, which can involve the illegal grading of soil that leads to erosion and the runoff of pesticides and fertilizers into area streams and lakes. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office will provide protection for the inspectors. “We will all benefit from this effort to ensure the quality of the water,” Nielsen said in the press release.

MORE HITS TO CITY STAFFING

The city of Chico is cutting loose 11 employees as part of its second round of layoffs this year. Among the workers who are unable to “bump” down into other positions—that is, displace other employees with less seniority—is Capital Project Services Director Tom Varga, who has been in that post for nearly seven years, though he has been with the city much longer. Other casualties of the layoffs include Terry Rogers and Ronald Baker, engineering technicians, Tracy Bettencourt, an environmental planning manager, Norm Westlotorn, an information systems technician, and Shawn Tillman, a senior planner. Meanwhile, City Attorney Lori Barker, a longtime employee, announced last week that she’ll be retiring next spring. Barker (pictured) was hired as assistant city attorney in 1990 and was promoted to the top legal post six years ago. 12 CN&R October 10, 2013

C 19 shots—one bullet for each year of Breanne Sharpe’s short and troubled life—at the hico Police officers fired at least

stolen car in which she’d led them on a short chase that ended with her death early in the morning of Sept. 22. story and It was likely one of the first two photos by bullets fired that struck Sharpe in Ken Smith the back of the head, incapacitating and eventually killing her, kens@ newsreview.com according to evidence gathered by an interagency Critical Incident Protocol Team (CIPT). Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced this and other details about the investigation, as well as his official conclusion that the shooting was warranted, at a press conference held in Chico’s Old Municipal Building last Thursday (Oct. 3). “The shootings, individually and jointly, were justified under the circumstances,” Ramsey said near the end of an hour-long press conference, which included a harrowing narrative of Sharpe’s last moments illustrated with computer-animated depictions of the incident. “The officers were in fear for their own lives and [those of] other officers in the area.” Ramsey also verbally sketched a portrait of Sharpe as a troubled young woman who stole her first car at age 14 and was wanted by police at the time of her death for violating parole related to a Feb. 17 car theft, during which she also ran from police. Ramsey said her juvenile record included petty thefts, assaults, and drug and alcohol issues. She had also run away from two group homes during her teenage years. “She had become desperate, she was surviving on the streets by stealing,” Ramsey said, claiming a friend of Sharpe’s had told investigators she’d tried to pawn possibly stolen jewelry and had a master key she claimed could unlock some vehicle makes the day before the shooting.

“It was apparent that she was concerned and desperate and had become dangerous in her desperateness to avoid going into custody, because she knew she would go to state prison this time,” Ramsey said. “That [desperation] was visited upon the officers that arrived at the scene.” Of the eight police officers on the scene, five—Officers Damon Selland, Jared Cumber, David Quigley, Nick Vega and Sgt. Scott Zuschin—fired at Sharpe. Officers Ed Marshall, Greg Rogers and Tony Ferreira did not discharge their weapons, which Ramsey said also was proper protocol based on their locations at the time. “They were not personally in a position to be struck by this 2,000-pound car,” he said. “They stuck to their training just like the other officers stuck to their training.”

Police initially responded to

reports of a white male with a shaved head attempting to enter parked vehicles on Coit Tower Way, and spotted a darkcolored Honda Civic del Sol leaving the area. Ramsey explained this raised suspicion because Hondas are a favored model among local car thieves, with 27 stolen in Chico within the last 100 days. Sharpe didn’t stop when prompted by officers and instead continued along East Eighth Street to Alpine Street and then to Vista Verde Way, which connects the parking lots of several apartment complexes. She then turned back onto East Eighth Street, careening over curbs and barely missing Zuschin—who had stepped out of his police SUV—before she collided with a power pole. The car reversed and Zuschin fired twice at the driver’s-side headrest out of fear of being run over. The car then made a sweeping U-turn and, under a hail of gunfire, hit a tree and two other police vehicles before coming to rest in the middle of the street. An unresponsive Sharpe, her breath shallow and pulse weak, was pulled from the car and handcuffed while an officer attempted lifesaving procedures, which continued during transport to Enloe Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Two bullets hit Sharpe; one of Zuschin’s initial shots entered the back of the skull and is listed as the official cause of death. Another shot, one of eight fired by Vega, hit her in the shoulder. “That [head shot], according to the pathologists, was a totally incapacitating Breanne Sharpe’s friends and family held a candlelight vigil at the scene of the incident hours after the press conference.

shot,” Ramsey said, “which would mean that her foot would reflexively go down, floor the throttle and crank the wheel into a left-hand turn.” Ramsey said police are still searching for a male suspect who may have been with Sharpe earlier. He noted another vehicle stolen from the same Vallombrosa Avenue apartment complex as the one Sharpe was driving was found in Oroville after the shooting, leading investigators to believe she had what he termed a “confederate.” Though the officers were cleared of wrongdoing by Ramsey and the CIPT, protocol requires an administrative investigation still being conducted internally by the Chico Police Department, Lt. Mike O’Brien explained. Some local civil-rights advocates, such as Charlie Preusser, chairman of the Chico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, are watching the case closely. “It seems to me that officers shooting at someone trying to get away is a little excessive,” Preusser said. “I’m also concerned that we know so much about the history of this young lady, because that’s public record, but nothing about the past conduct of these officers. “They may well be justified in the shooting, but unless everything is made more transparent, the only people who can really know are the people who were there.” Several of Sharpe’s friends and

family members, including Sharpe’s mother, Mindy Losee, attended the press conference. Losee stood near the doorway, carrying Sharpe’s infant sister as she endured the excruciating details of her daughter’s last moments. She rushed from the room near the end, when Ramsey announced the officers’ innocence. Outside the building, Losee declined to be interviewed, though several family friends openly expressed dismay at the DA’s decision and how Sharpe was portrayed. Later that evening, Sharpe’s supporters held a candlelight vigil at the spot where she died. Though family has refused public comment, a box with her picture—presumably placed by them— was spotted at a Park Avenue liquor store earlier this week. “This young woman of 19 years was wrongfully killed by Butte County police officers,” reads the accompanying text, which also solicits donations to help cover cremation costs. “She had come down a rough road her whole life and made a few mistakes with the law, but most definitely did not deserve to be remembered through this event. This young lady right here was one of God’s most amazing creations. I only wish you could have experienced her unconditional love and friendship. She was one of a kind.” Ω

Memories of murder

Steven Crittenden, 46, has been on San Quentin’s death row for 24 years for the 1987 murders of a prominent Chico couple. A federal district court judge has ordered a retrial in the case. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

After 26 years, gruesome killings are back in the news

Chiapella, an obstetrician, “had delivered half of Chico.”

he news that a federal judge has ordered a Tconvicted new trial for a former Chico State student in 1989 of the murders of a promi-

nent Chico physician and his wife has stirred up memories of one of the most gruesome and racially charged cases in the city’s modern history. In January 1987, Dr. William and Katherine Chiapella, who were then 68 and 67 years old, respectively, were found in their Downing Avenue home by their son, Joseph, also a physician. Both had been bound, gagged and stabbed multiple times and bludgeoned about the head with a fire extinguisher. There was evidence they had been tortured before being killed. And, in a manner reminiscent of the Manson killings, the assailant had written a message in lipstick on two bathroom mirrors: “Just the beginning,” it read. Five days later, Chico police arrested Steven Edward Crittenden, a 19-year-old from Fairfield, whom the Chiapellas had hired three months earlier through the university to do part-time yard work around their house, though apparently he had never shown up. The Chiapellas were white, well-to-do and prominent members of the Chico community. Crittenden was a 6-foot-4-inch black man with a shaved head, an outsider who had come here to play football at the university. Chico Enterprise-Record photographer Fred Arn captured the feeling shared by most people with a photo of a grieving Joseph Chiapella sitting on a curb outside his parents’ house, his head in his hands, just after finding their bodies. A neighbor and a police officer are both touching him sympathetically

The evidence against Crittenden

on the back. When Crittenden was arrested, another E-R photographer, Ty Barbour, was positioned just outside his apartment door and caught the suspect’s white girlfriend crying as a cop led him away. It was a huge story, one that was covered extensively not only by the local media, but also by outside television stations and newspapers. Locally, African-Americans said they felt they were coming under heavier scrutiny when shopping or going to the bank. Steve Irving, a black financial-aid counselor at Chico State, told a CN&R reporter that his “big concern [was] that this [the killings] can be misconstrued by some people as ‘this is how they are,’ that it will reinforce the stereotype of black men as rapists and killers. This has more far-reaching effects than this case and this case alone.” Ultimately, the trial was moved to Auburn, in Placer County, due to the extensive local publicity. As one local judge told Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey at the time, there was no way the accused could get an unbiased jury here because Dr.

SIFT|ER Party priorities A United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll—completed just days before the federal government shut down on Sept. 30—asked respondents (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) to rate what they believe are the highest priorities of the Democratic and Republican parties. Here are the results as a percentage of total number of people polled: Democratic Party highest priority: Reducing health costs Causing political problems for Republicans in Congress Creating more jobs Reducing gun violence Reducing government debt Fixing the immigration system

Source: NationalJournal.com

24% 19% 14% 12% 10% 6%

Republican Party highest priority: Reducing health costs 13% Causing political problems for President Obama in Congress 32% Creating more jobs 14% Reducing gun violence 4% Reducing government debt 20% Fixing the immigration system 6%

was circumstantial but convincing. Police found his shoeprint in the Chiapellas’ home and blood on shoes seized from his apartment. Sheets torn and used to bind the victims were in the same strawberry pattern as some found in his home. An eye witness placed him in the neighborhood just before the time of the killings. Most damning was a $3,000 check signed by Mrs. Chiapella that Crittenden cashed shortly after the killings. He said it was payment for having sex with her at a local motel, but there was no record of either of them being registered there, and the room number he gave—96—didn’t exist. As alibi, he said he was at the gym when the killings occurred. But none of the people he said would verify that claim were able to do so. Crittenden spent more than two years in the Butte County jail. He escaped once, kidnapping a man and forcing him to drive to Sacramento, and tried to escape on two other occasions, in one instance throwing a jail guard against the cell bars. In 1989, an all-white jury found him guilty of multiple crimes, including murder and kidnapping, and sentenced him to death. Gerald Flanagan, the Butte County deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case, used one of his 26 peremptory challenges to dismiss the lone black person in the jury pool of 50, on the basis that she had stated an opposition to the death penalty. Like all death-penalty convictions, Crittenden’s has been appealed in just about every way possible up to the California Supreme Court and beyond, to the federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2010, a three-judge panel of that court denied all of Crittenden’s points of appeal but one. It remanded the case back to district court for further review on the single issue of whether racism had played a role in the dismissal of the lone black juror. Last week, Judge Kimberly J. Mueller ruled that racism was a “substantial” factor in the juror’s dismissal and ordered a new trial. One of Crittenden’s attorneys, Mark Goldrosen of San Francisco, told The Sacramento Bee her ruling was correct but also courageous. Ramsey said prosecutors have 60 days to initiate a retrial. In the meantime, the state attorney general will seek a stay and try to take the case back to the 9th Circuit. “We certainly don’t intend to release him, this butcher,” Ramsey said. —ROBERT SPEER

NEWSLINES continued on page 14 October 10, 2013

CN&R 13

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Marijuana flashback Signature gathering begins for recreational pot initiative

n effort to legalize marijuana Amedicinal use in California beyond the applications allowed by

Proposition 215 has been launched for the third time in the past four years. On Sept. 26, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced those behind this latest try may begin collecting the 504,760 signatures of registered voters needed to qualify the initiative for the ballot. The signatures must be collected by Feb. 24 of next year. The initiative, which is being pushed by Los Angeles-area marijuana activists Berton “Buddy” Duzy and Michael Jolson, “[D]ecriminalizes marijuana and hemp use, possession, cultivation, transportation, or distribution,” according to the state attorney general’s official summary. It would also require a case-by-case review of those “currently charged with or convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses, for possible sentence modification, amnesty, or immediate release from prison, jail, parole, or probation.” The state Legislature would be asked to create laws to license and tax commercial marijuana sales, allow doctors to recommend pot use for patients regardless of age, limit an employer’s right to test employees for marijuana, and bar state or local police from aiding the enforcement of federal marijuana laws. Last year, legalized marijuana use was approved in Colorado and Washington. In August, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told the governors of those states that the Department of Justice would allow them to regulate the legalized use of marijuana for adults. A similar California ballot measure failed in 2010, but did garner 46 percent of the vote. In

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Mark Anthony Johnson has maintained a card table in downtown Chico for the past few months, pushing for the legalization of marijuana. Johnson says he expects to start gathering signatures for a pot-related initiative any day. PHOTO BY TOM GASCOYNE

2012, Duzy and Jolson failed to gather enough signatures to place it on the ballot. Duzy said he’s been involved in trying to legalize marijuana for most of his adult life. He runs a group called the Reefer Raiders, who are friends and supporters of the late pot crusader and author Jack Herer. The Raiders have been filing marijuana initiatives since 1980. “I am motivated by the simple fact that the cannabis hemp plant is by far the most versatile and useful plant on the planet and that it has been actively suppressed by the many special-interest industries that feel threatened by the plant,” Duzy said in an emailed message. “Stories abound about people who have been able to abandon many of their prescription medications by substituting cannabis use. The pharmaceutical industry is very aware of this and lobbies heavily to keep it illegal.” Other industries, Duzy

argues, including those that manufacture paper, fiberboard, building materials as well as those who extract fossil-fuel, are also against legalization of the plant. “Hemp can replace trees for paper, fiberboard, and other building materials,” he said. “Hemp, when grown for biomass, can yield up to 10 dry tons per acre, making it the best candidate for biomass ethanol fuel.” Duzy said the same industries

helped criminalize marijuana in the early 20th century and are now working to keep it illegal. “Beyond hemp, I feel that adults should be able to use pot recreationally as a safe substitute for alcohol, and that locking people up for [using] what is basically a safe herbal substance is a social travesty and a waste of taxpayer money and jail space,” he said. The financial impact if the measure passes, according the secretary of state’s summary, will mean “reduced costs in the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments related to enforcing certain marijuana-related offenses, handling the related criminal cases in the court system, and incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders.” There is also a potential increase in annual tax revenues “in the low hundreds of millions of dollars” connected to the sale of marijuana and industrial hemp, the report concludes. Duzy said there are more than 500 volunteers across the state ready to hit the streets to collect signatures. “We are adding dozens more [volunteers] every day and so I am confident that our grassroots effort has a good chance for success,” he said. —TOM GASCOYNE tomg@newsreview.com

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rying to socialize a feral cat is “T very difficult,” Armeda Ferrini said during an interview at Butte

Humane Society’s Spay and Neuter Clinic, gesturing to claw marks on her arms. “I’ve got scratches all over me.” As a member of the nonprofit organization Neighborhood Cat Advocates (NCA), which formed early this year, Ferrini knows firsthand how antisocial cats can become after long stretches in the wild, and that most of the feral cats trapped by well-intentioned members of the public aren’t adoptable. But through their work with the NCA, Ferrini and her fellow volunteers are striving to make sure those wayward felines aren’t euthanized and, just as important, don’t reproduce. Ferrini spends many of her early mornings trapping feral and stray cats in the Chico area. When she traps a cat, it’s brought to the spayand-neuter clinic, fixed, given a rabies shot, and gets the tip of an ear clipped. Ferrini typically will keep the cat in her garage overnight and release it back into the area where it was captured the next morning. This approach, called “trapneuter-return”—or “trap-neuterrelease”—is intended to more humanely stabilize Chico’s out-ofcontrol cat population. In an interview with the CN&R earlier this year, Tracy Mohr, animal-services Support the cause:

To support the work of Neighborhood Cat Advocates, mail donations to 1346 Longfellow Ave., Chico 95926. For volunteer information, call Armeda Ferrini at 321-5923.

manager at the Chico Animal Shelter, estimated Chico is home to some 14,500 feral and unowned cats. During a recent interview, Mohr said that the traditional model of catching and killing feral and stray cats is, along with being unsavory work, simply ineffective in terms of making a dent in the cat population. “Trapping them and bringing them to the shelter—where most of them are euthanized because you can’t find them homes—doesn’t work,” Mohr said. Part of the issue with removing cats from certain areas is a phenomenon known as “the vacuum effect,” according to Alley Cat Allies, a national cat-advocate organization. When cats are removed from a territory, others move in to “take advantage the newly available resources and breed,” creating “an endless and costly cycle.” Mohr said if the unowned cats are healthy, they tend to thrive and don’t require human intervention other than making sure they don’t reproduce. “If they’re feral or stray and we trap, neuter and release them, at least we’re not getting that influx of kittens,” she said. “Why spend lots of taxpayer money, lots of staff time, all of these resources in trapping them, bringing them in and euthanizing them? Why are we overcrowding our shelters … when [the cats] are better off if you leave them alone?” As of Feb. 1 of this year,

Chico Animal Shelter ceased accepting feral or stray cats unless they are sick or injured, or are

Armeda Ferrini of Neighborhood Cat Advocates champions the “trap-neuterrelease” approach over euthanizing feral and stray cats. PHOTO BY HOWARD HARDEE

orphaned kittens, while Butte Humane Society agreed to handle all “surrenders” (cats given up by their owners). When combined with the trap-neuter-return efforts of NCA members, the new policies have shown early signs of success. For instance, 282 cats were euthanized at Chico Animal Shelter between February and July of last year, including 19 at the owners’ request. This year, in the same time period, the shelter euthanized 58 cats, including 30 at the owners’ request. Meanwhile, the NCA has trapped, neutered and returned about 400 cats since February. But NCA, which funded the spay-and-neuter operations through grants from individual donors, ran out of money on Oct. 8. In an email that day, Ferreri said the organization will be forced to stop fixing cats until more funding is made available, though the nonprofit will continue offering trapping and transport services for those willing to pay for the procedure. (Neutering a male is $40 and spaying a female is $60.) A fundraiser for NCA will take place at the Chico Women’s Club on Nov. 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening will include dancing, a silent auction, a no-host bar, refreshments, a raffle and music by Richard Moore and the Atomic Cats. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at TrailBlazer Pet Supply (752 Mangrove Ave.). —HOWARD HARDEE howardh@newsreview.com

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CN&R 15

THE PULSE

HEALTHLINES

FOOD, MINUS SAFETY NET

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s food-safety inspection program is one of the casualties of the federal government’s partial shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will continue full-time inspections of meat-production facilities, but the FDA acts as a safety net for the majority of other American food-production facilities, according to The Huffington Post. An FDA representative said some—but not all—inspections will be conducted by state agriculture and public-health departments, In fiscal year 2011, the FDA inspected about 20,000 food-production facilities, or about 80 per business day.

LESS PEPPER SPRAY, PLEASE

Attorneys representing California state-prison inmates in federal court on Oct. 1 showed two videos of prison guards pepper-spraying mentalhealth patients. The attorneys showed the videos as part of their argument that the state should revise its policy of using force against the mentally ill, according to The Sacramento Bee. In June, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ordered an investigation of prison mental-health-care facilities overseen by the California Department of State Hospitals. During the Oct. 1 hearing, the attorneys requested Karlton order the opening of a psychiatric-treatment center in Vacaville to treat inmates on death row; a review of death-row inmates’ mental-health needs; and revisions to state policies on the use of batons, pepper spray and other weapons on mentally ill prisoners. Patrick McKinney, a state attorney, said “there is simply no pattern or practice of systemic use of force against the mentally ill” by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

LOSING THE WAR ON DRUGS

New research suggests the international war on drugs is failing based on two measures—cost and purity of drugs. A team of U.S. and Canadian researchers reviewed the drug supply in the U.S., Europe and Australia and drug production in Latin America, Afghanistan and Southeast Asia, according to CNN.com. The study found that between 1990 and 2007, the average price of heroin, cocaine and marijuana in the U.S. decreased by at least 80 percent, while the average purity increased by 60 percent, 11 percent, and 161 percent, respectively; similar trends were recorded in Europe and Australia. Meanwhile, between 1990 and 2010, seizures of marijuana by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration increased by 465 percent, heroin seizures increased by 29 percent, and cocaine seizures fell by 49 percent. “We should look to implement policies that place community health and safety at the forefront of our efforts, and consider drug use a public-health rather than a criminal-justice issue,” said Dr. Evan Wood, who was part of the research team. Send your health-related news tips to Howard Hardee at howardh@newsreview.com.

16 CN&R October 10, 2013

Dr. Michael Johnston and Dr. Elizabeth Johnston of Oroville Hospital met in college, got married, and have progressed in their medical careers sideby-side. PHOTO BY MATT SIRACUSA

Family medicine Husband and wife are two of Oroville Hospital’s newest doctors by

Evan Tuchinsky

I Oroville Hospital would not have found itself with two of the newest members on f not for a couple twists of fate,

its medical staff. Dr. Michael Johnston, a cardiologist, and Dr. Elizabeth Johnston, a surgeon, met as undergraduates in college. They got married in 2002 and managed to stay together for each step of medical training, even though they weren’t in the same year of school and chose separate specialties. At several steps along the way, providence shaped their joint destiny. First, they nearly never met, because Mike was close to choosing another school and another career. Then, six months after they started dating, Beth went on an eight-month medical mission to Nigeria; there, she worked with Dr. Randell Skau, a mentor who inspired her to become a surgeon and just so happens to practice at Oroville Hospital. Coincidence? Divine intervention? Whatever the case, this collection of circumstances led the Johnstons and their two children—Joshua, 3, and Rachel, 9 months—to relocate from Nebraska this summer. It was a homecoming of sorts, since Elizabeth Johnston–or Beth–spent much of her childhood in Northern California, and the Johnstons, both 34, attended Pacific Union College in Angwin, in the Napa Valley. “We missed Northern California a lot,” Beth said in a recent joint phone interview with her husband. “I grew up running the hills [of the East Bay and Napa Valley], and enjoyed the nature part of life. I missed

the weather—six months of winter wasn’t my thing.” Michael Johnston–or Mike–said that, growing up, his family “always had horses and chickens and goats, [and] a garden. Never was an inner-city person. “So we were looking for a place with a rural lifestyle, [a] small-town feel,” he said, “but also close enough to the city so we could easily get to an airport. We love to travel. So, Oroville is perfect for that.” Beth went to grade school in

Concord, then moved with her family to Hong Kong for three years. After a year in Los Angeles, she headed north to Healdsburg, which is where she graduated from high school. Mike, meanwhile, was a Texas boy who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. He knew he wanted to go to school on the West Coast, and he narrowed his choices to California (where he’d prepare for a career in medicine) and Washington (where he’d study engineering). A friend

who worked in the marketing department of Pacific Union sealed the deal when he let Mike know he’d get to leave Texas a week earlier by attending Pacific Union; he enrolled in 1998. “It’s kind of funny to think about now: that if the other school [in Washington] had started earlier, I’d probably have gone into engineering,” Mike said with a chuckle. “It would have been a whole different story.” He first crossed paths with Beth at Pacific Union’s orientation; she was a student docent for the biology department. Mike became friends with Beth’s sister, who later reintroduced him to Beth. Soon they became a couple. When Beth left for her extended trip to Nigeria, she and Mike had to adapt to time apart, as well as limited communication. Beth had access to the Internet only once a week, so she and Mike got in the habit of writing multiple emails, storing them and sending them in batches. HEALTHLINES continued on page 19

APPOINTMENT QUILTY FEELINGS The works of quilt artists and cancer survivors Judy Ramos and Asya Lesly will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Enloe Regional Cancer Center (265 Cohasset Road) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Expressive Arts in Healing Celebration. Ramos’ quilts have been on display for the last three months, while Lesly’s quilts will be on display through mid-January. Meanwhile, the 25-work Lilly Oncology on Canvas exhibition will be on display through October.

Our Focus Is Always On You

CAMPUS.COMMUNITY.CELEBRATION. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 Alumni Association Chico Chapter 12th Annual Fall Reception 2nd Friday ARTabout–Uptown Avenue 9 Gallery - Susi Gillum Demonstration Coming Out for Art Chico State Women’s Volleyball SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Chico Certiﬁed Farmers’ Market Chico State Golden Grad Brunch Honoring the Class of 1963 Chico Walk to End Alzheimer’s Downtown Chico Harvest Sidewalk Sale Avenue 9 Gallery - Lenn Goldmann, Watercolor Workshop Adventure Outings: Twilight Stand Up Paddleboarding Concert on the Creek Chico State College of Agriculture Hall of Honor Reception Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet Chico State Women’s Volleyball Parade of Lights – “Dancin’ thru the Decades” Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 Richard Cionco Piano Recital Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall CSU, Chico Interdisciplinary Center on Aging Sunday Drive in a Classic Car Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend ONGOING EVENTS Artoberfest Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Chico Air Museum Chico Art School and Gallery - Butte County Icons and Landscapes Chico Creek Nature Center Chico Museum Chico State Student Diversity Summit: Building Unity and Exploring Diversity Colman Museum Enloe Cancer Healing Art Gallery Gateway Science Museum - When the Earth Shakes; Spin, Balance, Rock & Roll; Mushrooms: Keys to the Kingdom Fungi Inspire School of the Arts and Sciences Presents - As You Like It The Janet Turner Print Museum: Unsettled Dreams–Monsters in Print Odyssey Winery Wine Tasting and Art Exhibition COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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Patrick Ranch Pumpkin Patch Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.– tours and tasting room Stansbury Home Guided Tours University Art Gallery – 47 Years, Victoria Heilweil Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology – The Art of Lida Penkova CHICO STATE ALUMNI REUNIONS Black Alumni Reunion College of Natural Sciences Communication Sciences and Disorders 65th Anniversary Celebration Golden Grad Brunch Honoring the Class of 1963

For a complete schedule of events, visit: www.thechicoexperienceweek.com

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HEALTHLINES After their eight-month separation, Beth said, “we were very happy to see each other again.” Beth graduated from Pacific Union a year before Mike and went to medical school at Loma Linda University in Southern California. (Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist school, as is Pacific Union College; both Mike and Beth are Adventists.) They got married one week after Mike’s undergraduate commencement. He’d applied to only one medical school—Loma Linda—and, as fate would have it, got accepted. When it came to their supplemental training, the Johnstons applied to programs as a couple, which can be more complicated than applying for residencies and fellowships as individuals. They interviewed with 23 institutions before finding the University of Nebraska Medical Center to be the best fit. After finishing her surgical fellowship, Beth worked for the Veterans Health Administration in Omaha for a year until Mike finished his cardiology fellowship. Some physicians in residency

and fellowship training enjoy having a partner or spouse who isn’t a doctor—someone who isn’t so immersed in the same field. But the Johnstons found they enjoy sharing areas of interest that are related yet distinct. “We have friends whose spouses are not doctors,” Mike said, “and they really struggled to understand the hours and the work ethic. … “But our fields are different enough that after about the first

continued from page 16

See the doctors:

Dr. Michael Johnston’s office is at the Oroville Hospital Cardiology Practice, 2721 Olive Highway, Ste. 2B; phone 532-8609. Dr. Elizabeth Johnston’s office is at Surgical Specialists, 2809 Olive Highway, Ste. 220; phone 532-8161.

year our specialties diverged … so even though we’re both physicians, we speak a different language at home. It is interesting to hear each other’s different points of view, from an internal medicine and cardiology point of view and a general surgeon point of view. It’s good to bounce ideas off of each other. “At this point, most of our home life is with the kids, so we very rarely bring work home now.” Beth works in the operating rooms at Oroville Hospital. She specializes in breast surgery but, as a general surgeon, handles a wide range of operations. Mike sees patients in an Oroville office, but because Oroville Hospital does not have a cardiac-catheterization lab, he travels to Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville to perform certain procedures, he said. Each entered an established clinical practice, and they’re finding a pent-up demand for their services. “It definitely was a draw for the hospital that they already had the structure for the clinic; you just walk in and everything’s set up from day one, and the community support is already there for you,” Mike said. “They all have been very welcoming to us and laid out the red carpet, so to speak.” Ω

WEEKLY DOSE Easing fall allergies Anyone who knows the misery allergies cause knows it’s worth taking steps to avoid them. Here are a few tips to curb the fall varieties: Avoid ragweed. It releases pollen this time of year. The highest counts are in the early morning, so stay indoors at that time. Change your filter. Replace your home’s central heating/air-conditioning filter—preferably a HEPA filter—to keep the indoor air clean. Change clothes after spending time outdoors—and use the dryer rather than a clothesline after washing laundry. Shower. Rinse yourself before you hit the sack—removing pollen from hair and face. Fall cleaning. Go over floors thoroughly with a wet mop or HEPA-filter-containing vacuum. And wipe down other surfaces with a cloth with white vinegar or another green cleaning agent.

Source: WebMD.com

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Sunday, October 20th at 3:00 pm The Paradise Ridge Senior Center 877 Nunneley Road Paradise, CA 95969 October 10, 2013

CN&R 19

EARTH WATCH

GREENWAYS Retired Chico State professor David Gallo (left) and his friend Tom Hall have jointly created a solar-farm proposal for the city of Chico.

TOXIC STYROFOAM SEAS

Decomposing Styrofoam releasing unhealthful chemicals into the planet’s oceans is a major cause for concern, a group of scientists warns. After completing a 10-year study in 21 countries and regions of the world, researchers from Japan and South Korea have found that styrene oligomers—which can act as endocrine disruptors, inhibiting brain and genital development—are released by discarded Styrofoam as it starts to decompose, according to Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun. And, contrary to the belief of some that Styrofoam does not decompose below 100 degrees, it does indeed decompose at lower temperatures. “It has been believed that plastic products do not decompose at normal temperatures, but in fact they are decomposing and releasing chemicals into the environment,” said Katsuhiko Saido, one of the researchers. The largest amount of styrene oligomers detected in seawater came from the state of Washington, at 30.4 parts per billion.

WALLEYES LIKE WARMING LAKE

A Native American tribe in far-northern Michigan is one of a number of indigenous groups having to adjust its ways due to global warming. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, which for decades has depended on a robust trout population in Lake Superior for its commercial-fishing livelihood, is finding that the warming waters of the lake are resulting in habitat decrease for some trout, such as the siscowet, and habitat increase for a fish called the walleye, according to The Daily Climate. As a result, the tribe has added the walleye—popular in the lower Great Lakes—to its hatchery. The water temperature of Lake Superior has seen an average increase of 5 degrees over the past four decades, increasing habitat for walleyes by 223 square miles. “They have expanded their habitat in enormous ways,” said Jim Kitchell, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

JELLYFISH CAUSE NUCLEAR SHUTDOWN

In late September, tons of jellyfish clogging the cool-water pipes of one of the reactors at Sweden’s Oskarshamn nuclear plant forced the reactor to shut down for several days until the jellyfish could be cleared out. The Oskarshamn reactor—reactor No. 3— is the largest boiling-water reactor in the world, according to SFGate.com; like the other two reactors at the plant, it uses the same technology as Japan’s Fukushima plant, which was crippled by a tsunami in March 2011. The common moon jellyfish (pictured)—the culprit in the Oskarshamn incident—is “one of the species that can bloom in extreme areas that … are overfished or have bad conditions,” said Lene Moller, a researcher at the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment. Send your eco-friendly news tips to Christine G.K. LaPado-Breglia @ christinel@newsreview.com.

20 CN&R October 10, 2013

owned utilities: PG&E, Southern California Edison Co., and San Diego Gas & Electric. Within PG&E’s portion, another handful of MWs are earmarked for lowincome projects. “If you’re not ready to go, you’re not going to get your place in line,” said Gallo, who estimated that, after the low-income projects, fewer than 10 city projects of 20 MW size will be available for approval by the CPUC. (Applications are due to the CPUC by March 1, 2014.) Although he is unsure how many other cities are ready, he says he is aware of “several cities in the San Joaquin Valley” who are interested, although he declined to specify which ones. Gallo is currently consulting for other California cities interested in joining the program, and is offering his consulting services for free to his hometown, should a council member call him back.

Down on the (solar) farm

The project “would provide signifi-

David Gallo and Tom Hall try to convince Chico City Council to take advantage of solar-energy program

story and photo by

Claire Hutkins Seda

Dprofessor of environmental and energy economics at Chico State, is frustrated. avid Gallo, a recently retired

Despite attempting to contact Chico City Council members, including two emails to the entire council, regarding a potential Chico photovoltaic project called a solar farm, he hasn’t received a response. “Not a word,” he said. Gallo included in his emails a 13-page detailed analysis—which he co-wrote with his neighbor, Tom Hall, who has a background in construction—on why the city should be getting ready to build a largescale solar farm. “I don’t think they see the upside yet,” said Gallo, in a recent interview that included Hall. “If you tell them that you can halve the utility bills of 3,000 residents … plus generate a quarter-million dollars a year in revenue for the city, maybe they’d be interested.” Gallo and Hall want Chico to take advantage of Senate Bill 43, a California

bill recently signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The bill, titled the Green Tariff Shared Renewables Program, would allow for a total of 600 megawatts’ worth of renewable-energy projects to be built in California, making the energy available for customers of utility companies, including the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Under the program, Chico could sign up to build a 20 MW project on 100 to 120 acres of city-owned land—the equivalent of more than 6,500 3-kilowatt individual rooftop projects—and sell the energy to PG&E. Chico residents could then purchase a share, which would give them a set monthly portion of that electricity from PG&E at a fair price set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Shareholders would receive a PG&E bill only if the they used more energy than the monthly rate credit to which they subscribed. The program’s allotted 600 MWs are split between California’s three investor-

Solar-farm info:

cant benefits for the city, its residents (and businesses), the local economy, and the global environment,” according to Gallo and Hall’s analysis. Renters and residents with shady roofs can tap into solar for the first time by directly purchasing 100 percent renewable energy without having to produce it at their home site, although any resident of Chico may participate. Hall and Gallo concluded that the project would create an estimated 88 two-year construction jobs. Savings for shareholders would be immediate, as the cost for generating solar is significantly less than the conventional-utility average. Additionally, an estimated $12,000 in electricity savings over 25 years, per subscribing household, may result in more spending, thus bettering the local economy. Plus, if city-owned land is used, “the city can implement a land-use charge,” generating significant revenue for the city, Hall noted. The environmental benefits are numerous, too, as solar customers will be choosing 100 percent renewable energy over PG&E’s portfolio of energy, which includes getting 25 percent of its energy from out-of-state coal-fired plants, according to the analysis, which points out that a “25-year total reduction in CO2 equivalents is just under one-half million tons.” The large up-front costs of building the solar farm, which Gallo estimates to be around $60 million before federal tax credits, can be offset by grants, he said.

Go to www.chicosolargardens.org to visit Gallo and Hall’s website.

GREENWAYS continued on page 22

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CN&R 21

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continued from page 20

Project placement—where

to put 100-plus acres of panels— can be difficult, as economies of scale require one site rather than multiple sites to keep project costs down, and it is important to find a location that will inflict minimal damage on local ecosystems. Gallo is recommending a por3VJH[LK +V^U[V^U tion of the 750-acre Bidwell Ranch )YVHK^H` :\P[L property off Wildwood Avenue in east Chico that is on lava cap, and ^^^ JOPJVHY[ZJOVVS JVT not part of the acreage for which the city is attempting to create a conservation bank. However, the entirety of Bidwell Ranch, including sensitive vernal pools and lavacap winter grasses, is currently zoned as primary open space, said Bob Summerville, a senior planner for the city of Chico. As such, a public-utility facility such as a farm would be prohibited, he IT IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE solar said. City Parks and Natural Resource Manager Dan Efseaff, speaking recently by phone, noted that the whole property is currently Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties being evaluated for its role for inhabitants like the Swainson’s hawk and vernal-pool inverte24 hr. hotline (Collect Calls Accepted) www.rapecrisis.org brates, adding that he anticipates the lava-cap portion would still REP FILE NAME CNR ISSUE present “significant environmental JLD 10.23.08 RAPE CRISIS INTERV. & PREV. constraints.” Efseaff recommended other more “compatible” sites like the Chico airport; City Councilman Randall Stone independently also recommended the airport. Stone—who said he still finds his life choices being impacted as a result of taking Gallo’s energy-economics course as an undergrad at Chico State—added, “I absolutely support a community solar project … but if it’s something that we absolutely have to do inside of

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this … fiscal year, then it’s not something we’re capable of doing,” due to the city’s lack of staffing, seed money and cash flow. Stone spoke by phone on the same day as the the city’s recent sweeping layoffs. For his part, Gallo said he is open to other solutions, even if it reduced the size of the project, or Chico could not sustain a 20 MW program due to lack of participation. “[A] smaller project would still be advantageous, and would result in similar, but proportionately smaller benefits,” his and Hall’s analysis notes. Despite possible hiccups, Hall and Gallo hold out hope that Chico will take advantage of the short window of opportunity. After all, says Gallo, “it’s just the right thing to do.” Ω

UNCOMMON SENSE Pre-packaged produce: do’s and don’ts

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22 CN&R October 10, 2013

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Just because they may be pre-packaged when you buy them at the store does not mean that some fruits and vegetables do not need washing before you eat them. Read the package to see if it says “washed,” “triple washed” or “ready to eat”; if not, rinse the produce under cool running water (after washing your hands). Scrub firm veggies and fruits (melons, cucumbers) with a (clean) produce brush, and dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.

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CN&R 23

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EDITORS’ PICKS CONT’D As you can see by turning to page 42 (“Editors’

picks”), one of my colleagues chose the new roundabout at the Second and Flume intersection as Chico’s Best Blank Canvas (we all agreed). “We don’t have an aversion to wood chips, but we’d like to see some sort of decorative or landscaping feature in the roundabout at Second and Flume streets,” this CN&R editor wrote, before suggesting that perhaps an addition of rocks, shrubs or a sculpture might be nice. Heck yes—something in addition to what looks like guinea-pig- or hamster-cage litter filling the roundabout circle would indeed be nice. I did like the way-back-when idea of local chiropractor Deborah Penner (whose office also looks out onto the roundabout); Penner was working back in 2011 toward the erection of a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of Ishi in that spot, a project that unfortunately did not come to fruition (see “Ishi in the roundabout,” April 21, 2011). Why not just take a cue from what’s already there, and bring in a capybara or two (surrounded by a little fence, of course, so they can’t go running into traffic)? After all, they look just like guinea pigs—only much, much bigger. The capybara (pictured) is, in fact, the largest rodent in the world, with the beaver coming in a distant second. On second thought, hanging out with a bunch of pesky cars and humans probably wouldn’t be too much fun for the poor old Capybaras in the roundabout? capybara.

SAC RIVER MADGIC I was perusing the October/November issue of White-

tailed Kite, the newsletter of the local Altacal Audubon Society, and came across this timely water-related event: On Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m., Bob Madgic, author of The Sacramento: A Transcendent River, will present a free, open-to-the-public multimedia program at the Chico Creek Nature Center (1968 E. Eighth St.). Madgic “will begin with an instructional segment on the elements of a natural river, degradations the Sacramento River has experienced, and ongoing efforts to preserve and restore many of these elements,” the newsletter said. This will be followed by “a presentation of striking images, music, and video that convey the power and beauty of this magnificent river and the birds and wildlife it supports.” The Sacramento River is indeed magnificent, as anyone who has spent any time on some of the more unpeopled sections of it can attest to. Go to www.altacal.org for more information.

SUSTAINABILITY DAYS SCREENING Dena Moes, a local certified nurse-mid-

wife, sent me an email announcing a screening of the film Birth Story in the student lounge of the Butte College Chico Center (2320 Forest Ave.) tonight (Oct. 10) at 6 p.m.; the event wraps up the school’s Campus Sustainability Days. Birth Story is a 2012 film about “pioneer midwife Ina May Gaskin, and how she and her friends gave birth to the modern natural-childbirth movement on a hippie commune in the 1970s,” as Moes described it. Gaskin, who is now 73 years old, is also the author of Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. A tea-and-cookies reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., prior to the film’s screening. Following the movie, Moes and fellow home-birth midwife Paula Emigh will lead a discussion. Free to Butte College students; others are asked for a suggested donation of $5-$10.

A THANK YOU I want to say thanks to Kirk Johnson, co-owner of downtown

clothing boutique Konjo (112 W. Second St.) for the awesome green-and-yellow State of Jefferson flag he gave me the other day. It hangs proudly above the bulletin board in my office.

Biggs • Chico • Durham • Gridley • Oroville • Paradise Questions? Please call 530.538.7525 • buttecounty.net/library 24 CN&R October 10, 2013

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come in and stock up! Real food for your Healthy Lifestyle

Mornings at

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Board Certified Dermatologist

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NORTH VALLEY DER MATOLOGY CENTER 251 Cohasset Road, Suite 240 530.894.6832 • nvdermatology.com

October 10, 2013

CN&R 25

2013

F O T BES O C I H C

READERS’ PICKS You voted for Chico’s very best— and here are the winners for 2013! Jersey’s Clips & Brews

Are you ready for the lowdown? Here’s the skinny on the most funkadelic things about Chico. After five weeks of voting—and days of counting all of the ballots—the list of winners for Best of Chico 2013 is in! In the following pages, you’ll read CN&R readers’ choices for the grooviest people, places and things in our fair city, plus a couple of out-of-sight picks on the Ridge and in Oroville. In addition, editors have weighed in with their own list of offbeat picks. As always, we want to thank our readers for taking the time to vote. And congrats to all of the winners, as well as those who placed in this year’s contest. Dig it!

Goods & Services ANTIQUES STORE 1ST PLACE: Eighth & Main Antique Center 745 Main St., 893-5534 The iconic Eighth & Main Antique Center in the SOPO (south of the post office) neighborhood just south of downtown offers countless intriguing items from the collections of hundreds of vendors. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon poking around at all the fascinating wares on offer at this jam-packed, multi-building venue—from dozens of pairs of vintage cowboy boots and beautiful antique furniture, to collectable dolls and toys, to old postcards and black-and-white photographs perfect for the creative crafter or the collector.

2ND PLACE: Country Squyres’ Antiques 164 E. Third St., 342-6764

3RD PLACE: Orange Street Consignment 514 Orange St., 899-7064

AUTO REPAIR SHOP 1ST PLACE (tie): Affordable Automotive 2106 Park Ave., 892-1774

1ST PLACE (tie): C&M Automotive 1188 E. Lassen Ave., 343-5613 When it comes to caring for their automo-

26 CN&R October 10, 2013

biles, there are two places Chicoans trust: C&M Automotive and Affordable Automotive. Both shops are locally owned and have a reputation for quality service, from preventive maintenance to more complicated transmission and brake problems. What really sets C&M and Affordable apart from the rest is an honest and sincere dedication to customer service and the long-term health of the vehicles.

2ND PLACE: Spencer Automotive 3674 Esplanade, 345-5600

3RD PLACE: Boradori Automotive 287 Humboldt Ave., 891-4972

BANK/CREDIT UNION 1ST PLACE: Tri Counties Bank Various locations Founded in Chico in 1974, local fave Tri Counties’ name is a little misleading. The full-service bank—with friendly tellers and managers— now has 66 branches located in two dozen counties. Still, it’s not your average Wall Street behemoth, thank goodness!

2ND PLACE: Golden 1 Credit Union 239 W. Second St., (877) 465-3361

3RD PLACE: Sierra Central Credit Union 352 E. First St., 345-3625

BED-AND-BREAKFAST 1ST PLACE: The Grateful Bed 1462 Arcadian Ave., 342-2464 Visitors and locals alike relish the tranquility

Pullins Cyclery again the first-place winner for best local cab company. Liberty’s patriotic phone number is easy to remember, even after a long night of partying, and the company even offers roomy van cabs to haul an entire group of people to their next destination. Also, Liberty Cab is proud of its friendly, efficient drivers and its support of local nonprofit children’s groups.

2ND PLACE: Ecocab 591-3186

Trucker

3RD PLACE: Taxi Dave 514-8770

CAR DEALERSHIP 1ST PLACE: Chuck Patterson Toyota The Grateful Bed

200 East Ave., 403-4962 Chuck Patterson wins again for Best Car Dealership! That’s because this family-owned dealership—in business for going on five decades— is overflowing with a wide selection of new and preowned Toyota, Scion and Dodge vehicles, as well as friendly, knowledgeable salespeople who are always there to help you with your car-buying and -financing.

2ND PLACE: Courtesy Motors 2520 Cohasset Road, 345-9444

3RD PLACE: Chico Nissan Hyundai

FLORIST 1ST PLACE: Christian & Johnson 250 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1881 Once again, Christian & Johnson comes in first in the Best Florist category. This lovely shop bordering Big Chico Creek has been part of Chico’s history for more than a century, ever since Annie Bidwell’s gardener, F. G. Petersen, opened a nursery there. The nursery is gone, but the florist/gift shop remains. The delicate, sweet smell of fresh flowers entertains the senses while one waits for a bouquet or peruses the greeting cards and interesting knick-knacks on offer.

2ND PLACE: Flowers by Rachelle 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 345-2661

3RD PLACE: Chico Florist 1600 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 145, 345-1855

GIFT SHOP 1ST PLACE: Hubbs Stationery 956 Mangrove Ave., 892-4940 Shopping for gifts in Chico is no difficult task. With the plethora of local shops to choose from, to be named the Best of Chico is quite a feat. After nearly 60 years in business—17 of them in Chico—Hubbs Stationery has hit its sweet spot when it comes to creating an inviting space for gift giving. Not only is it the No. 1 spot to get your Vera Bradley fix or find sweet-scented candles, Hubbs is also the place to go when you need wedding invitations or office supplies.

2ND PLACE: Little Red Hen Gift Shop 897 E. 20th St., 897-0100

3RD PLACE: Bird in Hand 320 Broadway, 893-0545

575 Manzanita Ave., 891-1777

DAY SPA and comfort provided by innkeepers Rick and Carol Turner at The Grateful Bed. Nestled in the Avenues, this quaint bed-andbreakfast offers a restful night’s sleep in a century-old home filled with antique furnishings and surrounded by quiet gardens. Breakfasts are served by candlelight and feature herbs from the garden. Guests rave about the cleanliness of the rooms and gourmet quality of their breakfasts. After 15 years, it’s clear the Turners have perfected their B&B business.

2ND PLACE: Goodman House Bed & Breakfast 1362 Esplanade, 566-0256

3RD PLACE: Cory’s Country Inn 4673 Nord Highway, 345-2955

BIKE SHOP 1ST PLACE: Pullins Cyclery 801 Main St., 342-1055 Located in the hip SOPO neighborhood, Pullins boasts a really friendly staff (including owner and Irish-music aficionado Steve O’Bryan) that knows its stuff when it comes to bikes—both selling them (new and used) and fixing them. Plus, the shop, with its worn wooden floors and stuff hanging and parked everywhere, gives you that great feeling of hanging out in a really cool old place (the music playing in the repair area is always great, too). No wonder it gets picked as Best Bike Shop repeatedly!

2ND PLACE: North Rim Adventure Sports 178 E. Second St., 345-2453

3RD PLACE: Campus Bicycles 330 Main St., 345-2081

1ST PLACE: Sweetwater Day Spa

BOOKSTORE 1ST PLACE: Lyon Books & Learning Center 135 Main St., 891-3338 Lyon Books again takes the prize for Best Bookstore, and deservedly so. Heather and Aaron Lyon’s vibrant independent book shop—which recently moved into bigger digs—is loved by locals for its helpful service and great selection of new and used books, as well as magazines, cards and interesting novelty gift items. Its focus on local authors is refreshing, too: Periodic book signings and presentations by local writers are among Lyon Books’ compelling offerings. Plus, there’s a membership option that provides discounts every time you shop there. Two thumbs up (three, if we had ’em)!

2ND PLACE: The Bookstore 118 Main St., 345-7441

3RD PLACE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers 2031 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 894-1494

CAB COMPANY 1ST PLACE: Liberty Cab 898-1776, www.libertytaxicabs.com Always-available Liberty Cab is once

1031 Village Lane, 894-7722 Imagine a day at the spa: the music is tranquil, the aroma calming, the lighting romantic. But there’s more to it than that. The facial must be transformative, the waxing both effective and comfortable, the massage deep-tissue-relaxing. Sweetwater meets all these qualifications and then some. The locally owned and operated day spa offers top-notch services with excellent customer service and an inviting ambiance, which is why locals have chosen it the Best of Chico.

2ND PLACE: Urban Medspa 3221 Cohasset Road, 891-8772

3RD PLACE: Agua Azul Oasis 40 Declaration Drive, 345-0226

DRY CLEANER 1ST PLACE: Chico Express Cleaners 752 East Ave., 343-8844, and 641 Walnut St., 343-6013 Chico Express Cleaners is once again Chicoans’ favorite dry cleaner. With two locations and more than 20 years in the business, owners Lance and Helen Marshall are truly rocking Chico’s dry-cleaning world. Chico Express will clean just about anything, and they even have a free pickup and delivery service, as well as a drivethrough drop-off (and a commitment to using environmentally friendly cleaning products).

2ND PLACE: 3rd Generation Cleaners 1354 East Ave., Ste. S, 899-0333

3RD PLACE: Flair Custom Cleaners 660 Mangrove Ave., 345-0522

HAIR SALON 1ST PLACE: The Hair Company 2760 Esplanade, Ste. 150, 894-2002 Once again, CN&R readers voted for The Hair Company as their favorite onestop shop for getting completely gussied up and pampered. In addition to the dozen or so stylists on hand to meet all your cutting and coloring needs, the shop is home to two nail stylists, a massage therapist and a licensed esthetician to complete your beauty makeover.

2ND PLACE: Satori Color & Hair Design 627 Broadway, Ste. 120, 342-2828

3RD PLACE: Dimensions Salon 810 Broadway, 894-2515

BARBERSHOP 1ST PLACE: Jersey’s Clips & Brews 615 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 120, 893-2547 Sometimes a haircut is more than a haircut. Sometimes it’s an experience, complete with football on the TV and a brewski in your hand. At Jersey’s Clips & Brews, men are free to be men, even when it’s time for a trim. (Here’s a wellkept secret: Women are welcome, too, but a love of sports and beer is encouraged.) As an added bonus, students get drink discounts. And for all you hipsters out there—beard trims are only six bucks.

2ND PLACE: Curley’s Barber Shop 181 East Ave., 342-8002

3RD PLACE: Gearhead Barbershop 221 Normal Ave., 894-2889

MEN’S CLOTHIER 1ST PLACE: Trucker 232 Broadway, 343-1073 It’s a safe bet that the reason Chico

guys are so stylin’ has a little something to do with Trucker. With a reliable inventory of the most fashionable—and flattering— board shorts, pants, button-downs and even shoes, Trucker ensures your man never has to worry about looking good. Chicoans have grown to expect the best from locally owned Trucker, and clearly the downtown shopping mecca continues to impress.

2ND PLACE: Urban Laundry 222 Main St., 345-2444

3RD PLACE (tie): Men’s Wearhouse 1950 E. 20th St., 342-1769

3RD PLACE (tie): JCPenney 1932 E. 20th St., 899-8160

WOMEN’S CLOTHIER 1ST PLACE: Urban Laundry 222 Main St., 345-2444 Urban Laundry tops the Best Women’s Clothier category again this year. This large boutique in a cool old downtown Chico building offers an ample selection of casual-to-upscale women’s clothing (lots of trendy name brands), including stuff made out of denim, and TOMS shoes. Folks also rave about the friendly staff.

2ND PLACE: Trucker 232 Broadway, 343-1073

3RD PLACE: For Elyse 228 Broadway, 893-0106

BABY/KIDS’ CLOTHIER 1ST PLACE: Apple Blossom Baby 1372 Longfellow Ave., 345-1617 Quintessentially Chico, this locally owned store offers everything from new cloth diapers and baby shoes to gently used clothing and locally crafted items, as well as a variety of organic goods. Designed with parents in mind, Apple Blossom Baby features a play area for kids and a rocking chair for nursing mothers. Customers love the ability to trade items or sell them on consignment.

2ND PLACE: Kat’s Meow 138 W. Third St., 899-8811

3RD PLACE: FKO 365 East Ave., 893-3454

LAUNDROMAT 1ST PLACE: Bubbles Laundry 664 Mangrove Ave., 343-8815, and 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 345-6453 Customers love this laundromat with the cute name because they know they can count on the stores being clean, on machines working well, and on the ease with which they can accomplish an otherwise boring chore. Bubbles also gets bonus points for keeping customers up-todate on store news and discounts with a kept-up-to-date Facebook page.

2ND PLACE: East Avenue Coin Laundry 986 East Ave., 891-8805

3RD PLACE: Chico Laundry Co. 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 342-9274

LOCAL PHARMACY 1ST PLACE: Bidwell Pharmacy & Medical Supply 1200 Mangrove Ave., 891-0388 Bidwell Pharmacy—the last of a dying breed of locally owned pharmacies—wins for Best Local Pharmacy again this year. The personalized service it offers is both fast and friendly, including the staff’s dedi-

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 29

October 10, 2013

CN&R 27

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READERS’ PICKS continued from page 27 cation to filling prescriptions and offering educated information about each one. Delivery service is another plus.

ence in the quality of his store’s offerings.

2ND PLACE: Next Door Pharmacy

3RD PLACE: Gabrielle Ferrar

285 Cohasset Road, 809-2278

3RD PLACE: Chico Pharmacy 251 Cohasset Circle, 343-4440

HARDWARE STORE 1ST PLACE: Collier Hardware 105 Broadway, 342-0195 Yet again, this awesome, old-school hardware store wins first prize for Best Hardware Store. In addition to tools, paint and hardware, Collier stocks a worldclass selection of kitchenware, such as Le Creuset cookware and pots and pans by All-Clad, as well as myriad other useful stuff like kitchen towels (Collier’s selection is top-notch), night lights, dinner bells, mixing bowls, tea pots and barbecues. Visit Collier just for that old-time feeling of being in a “real” hardware store!

2ND PLACE: Lowe’s 2350 Forest Ave., 895-5130

3RD PLACE: Home Depot 2580 Notre Dame Blvd., 342-0477

2ND PLACE: Olde Gold Estate Jewelry 225 Main St., 891-4610 214 Main St., 487-1336

LOCAL COMPUTER STORE 1ST PLACE: Chico Computer Clinic 1304 Mangrove Ave., 636-1337 Let’s face it—for most of us, a day without our computer is like a day being lost in the desert. That’s why, when it comes to getting our laptops and desktops repaired, Chicoans trust Chico Computer Clinic. After just a year and a half in business, Chico Computer Clinic—and owner Kyle Silliman—has certainly made a name for itself. The locally owned shop specializes in quick-turnaround repairs and upgrades, but also offers competitive prices on refurbished computers as well as fix-it options for gaming systems.

2ND PLACE: Super Mike’s Computer Services 12 Trieste Way, 570-8488

3RD PLACE: PCI Computer Services 225 Main St., 891-4152

HOTEL/MOTEL 1ST PLACE: Hotel Diamond 220 W. Fourth St., 893-3100 One of Chico’s landmark buildings, Hotel Diamond offers first-class accommodations as well as a comfy bar (with a daily happy hour) and a restaurant—Johnnie’s Restaurant—on the street level. Offering a “100 percent nonsmoking environment,” the hotel also features honeymoon and balcony suites, and complimentary use of local gym In Motion Fitness for guests.

2ND PLACE: Oxford Suites 2035 Business Lane, 899-9090

3RD PLACE: Holiday Inn 685 Manzanita Court, 345-2491

JEWELER 1ST PLACE: Kirk’s Jewelry 246 W. Third St., 891-0880 Kirk’s Jewelry wins as Best Jeweler once again. That’s because it is much more than just a jewelry store—it’s where family heirlooms can be redesigned into modern pieces and where diamond rings are often created from scratch. Owner/jeweler Kirk Bengston has been at his craft for nearly 40 years and it obviously makes a differ-

Chris is such an incredible artist, and is so passionate about what he does! Not only does he give amazingly beautiful tattoos, he also makes you feel extremely welcome and comfortable while getting them. —Cayley Garner, on Eye of Jade tattoo artist Chris Peplow

PLACE TO BUY MUSIC GEAR 1ST PLACE: The Music Connection 973 East Ave., Ste. V, 898-0110 Once again, Sally MacMillan’s Music Connection store (which she runs with the help of her musician husband, Bruce, and young daughters, Mary and Juliet) is the blue-ribbon winner for Best Place to Buy Music Gear. No surprise here, since it offers a great selection of musical instruments and other musical necessities, as well as music lessons taught by some of Chico’s best musicians.

2ND PLACE: Herreid Music 824 Oroville Ave., 894-7777

3RD PLACE: Sounds by Dave

2ND PLACE: The Plant Barn & Gift Shop 406 Entler Ave., 345-3121

3RD PLACE: Little Red Hen Nursery 189 E. Eighth St., 891-9100

PLACE TO BUY OUTDOOR GEAR 1ST PLACE: Mountain Sports 176 E. Third St., 345-5011 Mountain Sports is the place to go for top-notch clothing and other gear for hiking, camping, rock-climbing, etc. It’s no surprise it came in first in this category again this year. Truly a downtown gem, Mountain Sports boasts a friendly and knowledgeable staff, plenty of maps and useful books, and a nice selection of good-looking clothes for going out to eat a well-earned dinner after you’ve spent a day hiking or biking the trails of Upper Bidwell Park.

2ND PLACE: Chico Sports LTD 698 Mangrove Ave., 894-1110

3RD PLACE: North Rim Adventure Sports 178 E. Second St., 345-2453

In my opinion Gary is magic with scissors! Whether I am going short or staying long, his cuts always lay perfectly and can last for months! Not only is he skilled in the art of hair cutting, he is also one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet! —Dawn McGaffick, on Hair Is stylist Gary Harris

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS

LOCAL PET STORE

1ST PLACE: Nantucket Home

1ST PLACE: TrailBlazer Pet Supply

603 Broadway, 895-1038 One could spend hours inside of Nantucket Home, a local family business in Chico’s SOPO neighborhood, started in 1975 by owners Rick and Nan Tofanelli. Nantucket offers a full interior-design studio and is always well-stocked with a wide selection of fine furniture, from oversized down-filled sofas and unique bedroom sets to snuggly throws, candle holders and other upscale home accessories. Visit Nantucket Home and you’ll understand why Chicoans voted it as No. 1 in this category again this year!

752 Mangrove Ave., 892-1848 Chicoans love their pets, plain and simple. So it’s only natural that they frequent locally owned pet stores for all their puppy- and kitty-pampering needs. TrailBlazer Pet Supply offers just about everything a good pet owner needs, from organic dog foods, to leashes and jackets, to toys and treats. What sets TrailBlazer apart from the rest is its excellent customer service (especially by pup-in-residence Izzy), a local calendar of animalrelated events and great grooming for all Chico’s furry friends.

2ND PLACE: Finds Design & Decor

2ND PLACE: Northern Star Mills

1341 Mangrove Ave., 892-1905

3RD PLACE: The Address 240 Main St., 898-9000

510 Esplanade, 342-7661

3RD PLACE: All Cats & Dogs 232 Main St., 894-0364

1256 Esplanade, 891-5800 The Music Connection

PLACE FOR A MANI/PEDI 1ST PLACE: Tammy’s Nails 1354 East Ave., 899-8912 Tammy’s Nails (in the Safeway shopping center on East Avenue) once again wins as the best place in town to get a manicure or a pedicure. Tammy’s boasts a relaxing and affordable experience, featuring fancy massage chairs, and a welcoming and knowledgeable staff that can do just about anything you desire for your nails.

1ST PLACE: Heel and Sole Shoes 708 Mangrove Ave., 899-0725 Jam-packed from floor to ceiling with practically every brand of shoes (and boots and sandals) you can think of, Heel and Sole Shoes continues to be the go-to shop for Chicoans to buy footwear. Heel and Sole also has a great selection of cool socks. This longtime shop’s attentive employees help shoppers find what they’re looking for and get them checked out fast and easy!

2ND PLACE: Johnson’s Shoes 1950 E. 20th St. (Chico Mall), 342-2310, and 801 East Ave. (North Valley Plaza Shopping Center), 343-8923

3RD PLACE: Urban Sole 228 Main St., 809-1553

PLACE FOR SHOE REPAIR 1ST PLACE: Preston’s Shoe Repair 161 E. Third St., 345-0103 Preston’s Shoe Repair rocks the No. 1 spot in this category again this year. Named for owner and resident cobbler Preston Powers, this longtime Chico business caters to anyone who needs a polish, a patch or a new sole on an otherwise perfectly good pair of shoes. The super-friendly, ponytailed Powers charges reasonable prices for his top-quality work, and his sense of humor ensures no customer walks away without a smile. Plus, Powers— who is also a blues DJ at local community radio station KZFR 90.1 FM—always has great music playing in his welcoming shop.

2ND PLACE: J & M Boots & Repairs 2021 N. Lindo Ave., 342-3238

3RD PLACE: Instant Shoe Repair 2055 Forest Ave., Ste. 1, 342-7463

SPORTING GOODS 1ST PLACE: Chico Sports LTD 698 Mangrove Ave., 894-1110 This huge, locally owned store, in business in Chico for more than a quarter century, keeps customers coming back for not only its large selection of bikes, shoes, sleeping bags, clothing and other outdoor gear, but also its knowledgeable, friendly staff. Chances are that Sports LTD has what you’re looking for when it comes to sports and the outdoors. No wonder it got voted Best Sporting Goods Store again this year.

2ND PLACE: Big 5 Sporting Goods 1717 Mangrove Ave., 891-1545

3RD PLACE: Mountain Sports 176 E. Third St., 345-5011

TANNING SALON

2ND PLACE: US Nails & Spa

1ST PLACE: California Sun

726 Mangrove Ave., 345-2520

706 Mangrove Ave., 674-7600 Part of living in California begs us to strut our sun-splashed stuff, regardless of how much actual sun our bodies are exposed to. Thanks to tanning salons, we don’t have to worry about pasty-white legs or accidentally rocking a farmer’s tan. Chicoans have chosen California Sun as their top tanning salon for just that reason: They know they will walk out the doors feeling positively radiant. If you’re not up for the beds, the salon offers expert spray-tanning in addition to a wide array of beauty products.

3RD PLACE: Queen Nail Salon & Spa 801 East Ave., Ste. 112, 893-8900

NURSERY 1ST PLACE: Magnolia Gift & Garden 1367 East Ave., 894-5410 Magnolia Gift & Garden wins for Best Nursery again. No wonder, since the natural beauty of the nursery mixed with the business’ artsy elements serve to create a sort of suburban garden paradise. Owners Courtney Paulson and Chris Hunter and their staff are as well-versed in plants and seeds (including heirloom varieties) as they are in the sculptures and water features they sell. Magnolia also offers a nice selection of garden pottery and fairy-garden supplies.

SHOE STORE

2ND PLACE: Tropical Zone Exotic Tanning 1354 East Ave., Ste. L, 893-3300

3RD PLACE: Tropi-Tana Sun Tanning Salon Chico Computer Clinic

1722 Mangrove Ave., 894-5030

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 30 October 10, 2013

CN&R 29

READERS’ PICKS continued from page 29

TATTOO PARLOR

Food & Drinks

1ST PLACE: Victory Tattoo 1818 Mangrove Ave., 896-1818 With four highly skilled resident tattoo artists—owner Derek Parsons, “2Buck” Chuck Byfield, Kipper Thomas and Max Scott—Victory Tattoo once again takes the top prize for Best Tattoo Parlor. This premier tattoo shop has a commitment to sterility and vegan-friendly inks, making it an obvious choice when it comes to where to go to get your next tat.

LOCAL RESTAURANT— CHICO 1ST PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

2ND PLACE: Eye of Jade 319 Main St., Ste. 200, 343-5233

3RD PLACE: Red Room Tattoo 231 Nord Ave., 342-1287

THRIFT STORE 1ST PLACE: ARC Thrift Store 2020 Park Ave., 343-3666 The ARC Thrift Store wins as Best Thrift Store again this year! Besides the fact that its proceeds go to benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities, the ARC has a great selection of top-notch used stuff—clothes, furniture, jewelry, kitchen goods, etc. One can spend hours perusing the shelves of this popular shop.

Victory Tattoo

2ND PLACE: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom & Restaurant 1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739

3RD PLACE: Leon Bistro

2ND PLACE: Elite Repeat (Salvation Army)

817 Main St., 899-1105

700 Broadway, 342-2195

3RD PLACE: Thrifty Bargain 2432 Esplanade, 894-3995

LIQUOR STORE

Roots Restaurant

1350 Mangrove Ave., 342-7575 Conveniently located, with a great selection of wines, imported and craft beers, and other spirits, Mangrove Bottle Shop was voted Best Liquor Store by CN&R readers again this year. The store’s clerks are helpful, prices are competitive, parking is convenient—and dogs are welcome, even if they aren’t leading a thirsty blind person!

2ND PLACE: Spike’s Bottle Shop 1270 E. First Ave., 893-8410 959 Nord Ave., 891-4842

1ST PLACE: Three Sixty Ecotique 511 Main St., 342-8752 Again this year, Three Sixty Ecotique is Chico’s favorite place to buy vintage clothes. This downtown boutique also sells shoes, as well as cool stuff—like earrings, bags and dresses—by local designers. The sales clerks are friendly and your goods get bundled together like a present with a bow in eco-friendly strips of used clothing—check it out!

2ND PLACE: Bootleg 126 W. Second St., 895-1426

3RD PLACE: Pepper Grand Coulee’s Funky Trunk 1112 Mangrove Ave., 894-8065

234 W. Third St., 636-4468

CHEAP EATS 1ST PLACE: La Comida 954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254 La Comida, which has served its signature huge portions of fresh Mexican fast food since 1968, leads the pack once again this year. The roomy place is most often packed (though the efficient bus crew always seems to clear a table just when you need it) with diners of all ages chatting it up with one another as they chow down at this local mainstay.

2ND PLACE: La Cocina Economica 905 Wall St., 809-0370

1ST PLACE: Black Bear Diner

FINE DINING

7039 Skyway, 872-3323

3RD PLACE: Meehos Mexican Restaurant 6808 Skyway, 877-7031 T. Tea Bar and Fusion Café

1250 East Ave., Ste. 30, 592-3480

3RD PLACE: Tannins Wine Bar & Bistro

LOCAL RESTAURANT— ON THE RIDGE

2ND PLACE: Smokie Mountain Steak House & Lounge

3RD PLACE: Star Liquors

2ND PLACE: The Kitchen Table

3RD PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

5791 Clark Road, 877-0877 Ridge dwellers know their diners. So when they choose Black Bear Diner as the Ridge’s best overall restaurant (again!), you know it’s gotta be good. The food is consistently good, the service is friendly and the ambiance is just right for anything from a family get-together to a down-home dinner date. Black Bear offers a yummy array of comfort food, from barbecue pork ribs and bacon-stuffed chicken, to pecan-crusted trout and fish and chips, to delicious cakes, cobblers and pies.

1ST PLACE: Mangrove Bottle Shop

VINTAGE/SECONDHAND THREADS

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328 Voted Best Local Restaurant in Chico again this year, 5th Street Steakhouse is best known for its juicy steaks, ranging from the six-ounce filet mignon to the 22-ounce Delmonico rib-eye. But it also features other delicious offerings, such as hazelnut-crusted halibut and fettuccini Alfredo, as well as a “Whole Body Fit” nutritionally designed two-course dinner. There’s a full bar, too, in this upscale restaurant that has Chicoans coming back for more, especially when choosing where to dine for special occasions.

lunch and haven’t tried Roots Restaurant, you are missing out. For months, Chicoans have been raving about the internationally inspired menu with local twists, setting the foodie world abuzz. Run out of the Roots Catering banquet space on The Esplanade by the Gomez family—including executive chef David— the restaurant is dedicated not only to flavorful dishes but also to supporting other local businesses.

LOCAL RESTAURANT— OROVILLE 1ST PLACE: Tong Fong Low 2051 Robinson St., 533-1488 Tong Fong Low, which celebrated its centennial last year, takes the top prize in this category again this year. Diners rave about the restaurant’s chop suey (the restaurant, incidentally, was originally called Charlie’s Chop Suey), as well as its yummy Cantonese items and spicy Szechuan dishes. It was Tong Fong Low’s success in Oroville, in fact, that led it to open up a second location, in Chico, which is also very popular, as its win for Best Asian Cuisine this year attests to.

2ND PLACE: The Steak House (at Gold Country Casino) 4020 Olive Highway, 538-4560

3RD PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. 3 Alverda Drive, 533-3885

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

1ST PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse 345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

2ND PLACE: Crush 201 Broadway, 342-7000

3RD PLACE: Leon Bistro 817 Main St., 899-1105

BAKERY 1ST PLACE: Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery 130 Main St., 895-3866 Once again, the Upper Crust has garnered the top spot for Best Bakery. Its much-loved sandwiches, salads, soups and black-bean chili, as well as its cookies, pastries and wedding cakes are widely appreciated for their deliciousness (and, in the case of wedding and other cakes, their beauty as well). This venue’s packed outdoor and indoor seating on a Saturday morning or during a weekday lunch hour attest to its popularity.

2ND PLACE: Tin Roof Bakery & Café 627 Broadway, 345-1362

3RD PLACE: Lovely Layers Cakery 131 Meyers St., Ste. 120, 828-9931

BREAKFAST 1ST PLACE: Sin of Cortez 2290 Esplanade, 879-9200 No surprise that Sin of Cortez won for Best Breakfast again this year, since its selection of specialty omelets, fruit-filled pancakes, seasoned potatoes and excellent coffee easily separates this popular eatery from the rest of the pack. Plus, the staff is always fast and friendly. Late-risers, don’t worry: Breakfast is served until 2 p.m.

2ND PLACE: Morning Thunder Café 352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN THE LAST YEAR) 1ST PLACE: Roots Restaurant 3221 Esplanade, 891-4500 If you’re hungry for breakfast or 30 CN&R October 10, 2013

3RD PLACE: Mom’s 209 Salem St., 893-3447

CSA (COMMUNITYSUPPORTED AGRICULTURE)

GRUB CSA Farm

3RD PLACE: Bidwell Perk 664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

FOOD SERVER

1ST PLACE: GRUB CSA Farm

1ST PLACE: Tommy Bradford (Grana)

3197 W. Sacramento Ave., 6804853, www.grubchico.org/csa Since relocating from the GRUB Cooperative on Dayton Road to its new location on West Sacramento Avenue late last year, GRUB CSA Farm hasn’t missed a beat. It is still producing some of the most beautiful, tasty and healthful local produce around, as CN&R readers obviously know, hence this First Place win in this inaugural category.

198 E. Second St., 809-2304 Getting good food is key to a satisfying meal, but so is good service. In Chico it’s tough to beat the finesse— and the charm—that Tommy Bradford brings to the table. Bradford always knows the menu inside and out, so he’s quick to answer questions and make suggestions. He goes out of his way to see that his customers—who regularly ask to be seated in his section—have a great dining experience.

2ND PLACE: Jason Shabba (Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse) 2495 Carmichael Drive, 891-0611

3RD PLACE: Nick Allen (Sicilian Café)

Orthodontics Exclusively B. Scott Hood, D.D.S., M.S., Inc. Professional, Friendly, & Experienced Dr. Hood and his staff are committed to providing children, teens and adults with the highest quality care and brightest smiles! Dr. Hood is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics specializing in Braces and a certified provider for Invisalign™

1020 Main St., 345-2233

ASIAN CUISINE 1ST PLACE: Tong Fong Low 2072 E. 20th St., Ste. 100, 898-1388

2ND PLACE: Happy Garden 180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

3RD PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine The Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE 1ST PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2ND PLACE: Comanche Creek Farms 240 Speedway Ave., 894-7775, www.comanchecreekfarms.com

3RD PLACE: Pyramid Farms 12242 Meridian Road, 899-7586, www.pyramidfarms.com

LUNCH 1ST PLACE: T. Tea Bar and Fusion Café 250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100 When it comes to lunching, Chicoans prefer to do it with a festive wrap or salad and a refreshing beverage. T. Tea Bar and Fusion Café fits that bill—dare we say it?—to a “T.” The menu of fusion fare, customizable according to the protein, sauce and presentation of your choice, makes it easy to please everyone. Plus, you can create your own tea—do you like yours frozen, perhaps, or even sparkling? We’re not sure it gets any better than that.

2ND PLACE: Broadway Heights 300 Broadway (upstairs), 899-8075

3RD PLACE: Pluto’s 201 Main St., 343-0165

SPOT TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH 1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy 178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163 Local landmark Shubert’s has been serving up yummy ice cream and candy at the same location for 75 years now. The ice cream and most of the sweets are made on site, and the staff still uses one of founder and namesake Leonard Shubert’s five-gallon ice-cream-making machines. And the shop is still owned and operated by Shubert’s descendants. How much more local and delicious can you get?

2ND PLACE: Powell’s Sweet Shoppe 121 W. Third St., 332-9866

3RD PLACE: Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe 300 Broadway, 899-9580, and 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484

These people at both locations are the just the nicest bunch. They always have smiles on their faces. The food is to-die-for delish. —Melissa Filbeck, on Tong Fong Low

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055 Both vegetarians and meat-lovers love Priya Indian Cuisine’s diverse menu, with items such as fall-off-the-bone tandoori chicken and comforting eggplant curry. No wonder it got voted as having the Best International Cuisine again this year. Order a thali dinner to get a sense of the range of scrumptiousness offered by Priya—it comes with one main feature, six small sides, naan bread, and a choice of three delicious desserts. The lunch buffet is another option for maximum deliciousness; it is served every day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

5657 Clark Rd #5 Paradise CA 95969 Phone 530.877.4951 • www.hoodortho.com 2755 Esplanade Chico CA 95973 Phone 530.343.7021 • Fax 530.343.3672

2ND PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., 891-1800

3RD PLACE: Gogi’s Café 230 Salem St., 891-3570

LOCAL COFFEEHOUSE 1ST PLACE: The Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse

ITALIAN CUISINE 1ST PLACE: Italian Cottage

118 W. Second St., 895-0676 Downtown Chico has a charm all its own, and it owes a huge chunk of that charm to the diverse businesses that line its streets and attract a wide array of locals. The Naked Lounge is no exception. Step inside the Second Street hotspot and you’ll know why it’s Chico’s favorite coffeehouse—the aroma of coffee beans, the sounds of laughter and lively conversations, and the comfort of your home sofa. Oh, and the baristas are no joke, either— the coffees and teas are always just as good as the ambiance.

2234 Esplanade, 343-7000, and 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771 With its comforting atmosphere (sawdust-covered floors, red-and-white-checkered tablecloths!) and vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and sandwiches to its famous “Valley lasagna,” it’s no wonder Italian Cottage is a repeat winner in the Best Italian Cuisine category. Perfect for families as well as for a casual-but-intimate date (Italian Cottage’s booths are excellent for a cozy little tête-à-tête).

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Perk

3RD PLACE: Franky’s

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

Come see why we’ve been voted Best Antique Store for over 9 years!

2004-2013

2ND PLACE: Sicilian Café 1020 Main St., 345-2233 506 Ivy St., 898-9948

3RD PLACE: Dutch Bros. Coffee Various locations

PLACE FOR TEA 1ST PLACE: T. Tea Bar and Fusion Café 250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100

2ND PLACE: The Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse 118 W. Second St., 895-0676

MEXICAN CUISINE 1ST PLACE: Casa Ramos 216 W. East Ave., 894-0119, and 2490 Park Ave., 893-5050 Once again, Casa Ramos wins First Prize for Best Mexican Cuisine. This small family-owned chain offers a wonderful

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 32

745 Main St. • Chico 893-5534 • Open Everyday October 10, 2013

CN&R 31

READERS’ PICKS continued from page 31 array of Mexican dishes at two Chico locations. If you’re particularly hungry, build a combination plate with two of your favorites—enchiladas, tacos, chile relleno, and so on—and rice and beans, or try one of the specialty dishes like the seafood molcajete (a stew of shrimp, scallops and whitefish). Yum!

2ND PLACE: La Hacienda 2635 Esplanade, 893-8270

3RD PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill 100 Broadway, 342-0425

PLACE FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD 1ST PLACE: Wild Oak Café 196 Cohasset Road, 343-4876 As a vegetarian in Chico, there are plenty of options when it comes to eating out. But few compare with Wild Oak Café and its impressive salad bar including greens, veggies, nuts, fruit and even seeds. The restaurant, located in the former Grilla Bites, serves up fresh, raw juices, a variety of tofu and other veg-friendly sandwiches and a delicious vegetarian meatloaf. What’s even better is there is a large selection of vegan, gluten-free and organic options on the menu, including a few for your meateating friends.

the signature saketinis!).

2ND PLACE: Japanese Blossoms 2995 Esplanade, 891-9022

3RD PLACE: Big Tuna Sushi Bistro 1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571

DINER 1ST PLACE: Cozy Diner 1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195 Locals love Cozy Diner, the alwaysbusy Mangrove Avenue mainstay, where breakfast is served all day long. Chicken and chicken-fried steak, burgers (and prime-rib burgers!), fish and chips, pies, sundaes—you get it: diner food galore! Also, senior-citizen and kids’ menus. Check it out!

the joys of having champagne brunch at Nash’s, “No matter which side of the bed you tend to rise from—the wrong or the right—there are few things guaranteed to put a rosy perspective on a new day like kicking it off with a champagne brunch.” Cheers!

2ND PLACE: Johnnie’s Restaurant (inside Hotel Diamond) 220 W. Fourth St., 895-1515

3RD PLACE: Café Coda 265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

26 Lost Dutchman Drive, 899-9250 This eatery housed in one of John Bidwell’s old pig barns is certainly making a name for itself. Wine Time’s “Quick Bites” menu offers a delectable array of tapas, from its “Not Garlic Bread,” featuring pork belly, gorgonzola, queso fresco and thyme butter on Tin Roof Bakery sourdough, to lamb meatballs with almonds and pine nuts in tomato sauce. And each bite can be matched with a wine, making this north Chico establishment equally suitable for a group of friends looking for a fun time or a romantic date for two. 192 E. Third St., 894-4005

540 Main St., 343-8383 352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

1ST PLACE: Wine Time

2ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

2ND PLACE: Jack’s Family Restaurant 3RD PLACE: Morning Thunder

SMALL BITES (APPS/TAPAS)

3RD PLACE: Grana Wild Oak Café

198 E. Second St., 809-2304

The Hunter & The Farmer

Why do I love Nobby’s? Burgers with big ol’ cheese skirts. Need I say more? —Nichole Nava

BURGER 1ST PLACE: Burger Hut 3211 Cohasset Road, 342-4555, and 2451 Forest Ave., 891-1430 Chicoans obviously agree that there’s something special about getting handed a freshly grilled Burger Hut burger—made from 100 percent fresh-ground USDA grade-A beef—straight from the cooks and then adding all the fixings at the “Fresh Fixin’s Bar,” where you’ll find two types of pickles (dill and bread-and-butter), jalapeños and special sauce, as well as the regular toppings: lettuce, onion and tomatoes. Burger Hut’s fries are awesome as well, and come in huge portions. Veggie burgers available, too!

2ND PLACE: Nobby’s

2ND PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Café

1444 Park Ave., 342-2285

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100

3RD PLACE: Burgers & Brew

3RD PLACE: Aonami Sustainable Sushi

201 Broadway, 879-9100

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 924-3168

HOT DOG

SUSHI

1ST PLACE: The Dog House 1008 W. Sacramento Ave., 894-3641, and 1354 East Ave., 894-2242 The Dog House’s hot dogs are yummy and definitely not your average run-of-themill dog. Its locations at East and Nord avenues crank out a number of varieties of serious hot-dog deliciousness (and burgers, too), with the East Avenue restaurant offering inside dining as well. You can also get some Dog House goodness at the One-Mile Recreation Area’s concession stand from May to September.

1ST PLACE: The Rawbar 346 Broadway, 897-0626 The Rawbar tops the Best Sushi list once again this year. No surprise, since the eatery offers a fabulous menu of sushi and other Japanese dishes, as well as a wide range of sakes. The restaurant’s industrial-chic atmosphere adds to the venue’s charm. Open seven days a week, this downtown establishment offers a Happy Hour Monday-Friday, from 3-5 p.m. (try one of

2ND PLACE: Zot’s Hot Dogs & Deli 225 Main St., 345-2820

STREET FOOD

Jimmy Lee (the owner/sushi chef) is very environmentally aware, creative, and has made his restaurant vegetarian/vegan friendly! The food is amazing, mouth-watering and just plain delicious. The cherry on top of the cake is the exceptional customer service—it cannot be beat! —Megan Graham, on Aonami Sustainable Sushi 32 CN&R October 10, 2013

1ST PLACE: The Hunter & The Farmer Various locations Since hitting the street in January, The Hunter and The Farmer’s Paleo-dietfriendly menu—with offerings emphasizing quality meat and vegetables—has been a clear hit. Owners Analise Farmer and Jenna Hunter, both former Chico State soccer coaches, were immediately overwhelmed by customer response (Hunter had to quit her part-time job at Leon Bistro to meet demand), and lines typically stretch around the block wherever they park their truck.

3RD PLACE: Costco 2100 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 342-6494

2ND PLACE: Mayhem Gourmet Grilled Cheese Various locations

3RD PLACE: Gordo Burrito No. 2 Eighth and Pine streets

CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 1ST PLACE: Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House 1717 Esplanade, 896-1147 Tucked away in the Avenues, Nash’s offers a full breakfast menu, including a dozen different omelets, and an attentive staff that strives to keep your glass of bubbly from running dry. As CN&R staff writer Ken Smith wrote in a recent article in our Savor dining-and-nightlife guide, on

Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House

Chico favorite when it comes to burritos. The portions are generous, and service is fast and friendly. It’s a popular lunch spot for downtown employees as well as high schoolers and college students who munch out at both the downtown and West Sacramento Avenue locations.

2ND PLACE: Gordo Burrito 1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211

3RD PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill 3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

DATE-NIGHT DINING 1ST PLACE: Crush Bacio Catering & Carry Out

201 Broadway, 342-7000 Super-popular Crush wins it for Best Date-night Dining. Head upstairs to eat at this swanky downtown nightspot and you’ll easily see why. Its warm interior— with candlelit tables and a smoothly attractive, Architectural Digest-worthy waterfall—as well as its festive outdoor patio overlooking downtown Chico, dial in the ambiance to a tee. And, of course, Crush’s menu—which boasts Italian classics like chicken parmigiana, linguini and clams, and brick-oven pizzas—provides just about everything you need, when teamed up with a glass of fine wine (or a cocktail or two), to make for a deliriously romantic date night.

2ND PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse 345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante 192 E. Third St., 894-4005

DRUNK MUNCHIES

LaRocca Vineyards

1ST PLACE: The Banshee

PIZZA

ICE CREAM

1ST PLACE: Celestino’s Live from New York Pizza & Deli

1ST PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

101 Salem St., 896-1234, and 1354 East Ave., 345-7700 Pizza from Celestino’s rocks, no doubt about it! This quintessential New York-style pizzeria makes a pizza for every taste, from those in love with lots of meat to those craving pizza-pie deliciousness with veggies only (Olive Special—yum!!). The pizzeria is best known for its thin-crust pies, but also serves up meatball sandwiches, calzones, salads, pasta and specials (visit to see what’s available). Cannoli for dessert, of course!

2ND PLACE: Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

2ND PLACE: Woodstock’s Pizza 166 E. Second St., 893-1500

3RD PLACE: Farm Star Pizza 2359 Esplanade, 343-2056

SANDWICH 1ST PLACE: Spiteri’s Deli 971 East Ave., 891-4797 Tucked away at the rear of an East Avenue strip mall, Spiteri’s Deli is a sandwich lover’s dream, offering delicious masterpieces made from a wide selection of quality meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables and breads. Spiteri’s also offers a variety of yummy specialty salads and traditional delicounter favorites like meatloaf and bagel dogs, as well as a wide selection of bottled beers, with a few on tap as well. Worth seeking out, as readers obviously know.

2ND PLACE: Broadway Heights California Cuisine 300 Broadway, 899-8075

3RD PLACE: Great Harvest Bread Co.

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163 Various locations

3RD PLACE: La Flor de Michoacan Paleteria y Neveria 1080 W. Sacramento Ave., 893-9999

TAKE-OUT 1ST PLACE: Bacio Catering & Carry Out 1903 Park Ave., 345-7787 Bacio Catering & Carry Out has proven itself as one of Chico’s top picks for catering. This year, however, it also sets itself above the rest for Best Take-out. It’s no wonder why—the food is consistently delicious, whether it’s at a wedding or ready to take home for your family (or dine-in, in the little on-premises dining area). Bacio makes a mean Thanksgiving dinner and can also help you create the perfect romantic night in. As an added bonus, Amanda Leveroni’s company prides itself on using fresh, healthful, local ingredients.

2ND PLACE: Tong Fong Low 2072 E. 20th, Ste. 100, 898-1388

3RD PLACE: Happy Garden Restaurant 180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

BURRITO 1ST PLACE: Aca Taco 133 Broadway, 894-0191, and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909 From its breakfast burritos to its long list of lunch/dinner burritos, including a “Vegetarian Aca,” Aca Taco is a longtime

134 W. Second St., 895-9670 Uh, you’re tipsy after a long night of partying downtown (but you still have hours to go before you hit the sack), and now you’re starving—The Banshee is the no-brainer choice for another brew or cocktail and a plate of pub grub that satisfies the hunger starting to gnaw at your insides. Chow down on a house-groundbeef burger that you design yourself from a list of mouthwatering ingredients and “modifications,” including bleu cheese, a fried-cheddar “skirt,” grilled onions, peanut butter, pulled pork, fried egg, bacon and avocado. Other menu items include homemade-chorizo-and-goatcheese quesadillas, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, macaroni and cheese with ham or bacon, house-smoked chicken wings, Baja-style fried-cod tacos and French fries with garlic.

FALL IS FOR PLANTING

2ND PLACE: Aca Taco 133 Broadway, 894-0191, and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., 343-0909

3RD PLACE: Franky’s 506 Ivy St., 898-9947

LOCAL WINERY 1ST PLACE: LaRocca Vineyards 12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, (800) 808-9463 It’s been a busy year for Forest Ranch’s LaRocca Vineyards, and if the Best of Chico results are any indication, all the LaRocca family’s hard work has paid off. With a new tasting room at 222 W. Second St. in downtown Chico, locals and visitors alike have easy access to the winery’s top-notch, totally organic, sulfite-free flavors. Varieties range from chardonnays to cabernets and even

CHICO’S BULK SEED SPECIALIST ChiCo Mix

Lawn seed specially blended for a year-round dark green, fine bladed lawn for the Chico area.

510 Esplanade (Opposite Bidwell Mansion)

in ow r G

Dwarf fesCue

Improved drought tolerable turf-type tall fescue.

g Chico for 115 Y ear s (530)

342–7661

Various locations

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 34 October 10, 2013

CN&R 33

READERS’ PICKS continued from page 33 include a sparkling wine (the country’s first to be certified organic and sulfitefree!). Salud!

2ND PLACE: Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards 3363 Hegan Lane, 343-8014

3RD PLACE: Gale Vineyards 9345 Stanford Lane (Durham), 891-1264

Nightlife &the Arts

2ND PLACE: Café Coda 265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

The Handle Bar

3RD PLACE: LaSalles 229 Broadway, 893-1891

MIXOLOGIST 1ST PLACE: Evan Billman (Christian Michaels) 192 E. Third St., 894-4005 Once again, the undeniably witty and courteous mixologist Evan Billman, head bartender at Christian Michaels Ristorante downtown, was voted Chico’s Best Mixologist. Plunk yourself down at the classy Christian Michaels bar and say hi to him!

BAR—CHICO

CHEF 1ST PLACE: Ann Leon (Leon Bistro) 817 Main St., 899-1105 Ann Leon’s impressive résumé begins at San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, and includes stops at the world-renown Chez Panisse in Berkeley and up the hill from there at the Claremont Hotel as its head restaurant chef, so it’s no surprise that Leon has been chosen Best Chef in Chico once again. Plus, her fresh, contemporary California Cuisine is awesome and she also offers regular themed classes on everything from the basics of Indian cuisine to the Paleo diet.

2ND PLACE: James Taylor (Sicilian Café) 1020 Main St., 345-2233

3RD PLACE: Rebecca Stewart (Spice Creek Café) 230 W. Third St., 891-9951

CATERER 1ST PLACE: Bacio Catering & Carry Out 1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

2ND PLACE: Roots Catering 3221 Esplanade, 891-4500

3RD PLACE: Three Girls and a Kitchen www.threegirlsandakitchen.com, 636-0156

1ST PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718 If there’s any place in Chico that can attract newcomers and old-timers, politicians and pot heads, hipsters and suits, squeaky cleans and tattooed freaks, it’s Duffy’s Tavern. That’s why locals have hailed the Main Street mainstay Chico’s Best Bar. Duffy’s had been dethroned as a first-place finisher for a few years, but now the bar is back on top.

2ND PLACE: Brent Walton (Crazy Horse Saloon) 303 Main St., 894-5408

3RD PLACE: Wendy Reid (Studio Inn Lounge)

2ND PLACE: The Banshee

2582 Esplanade, 343-0662

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

3RD PLACE: Madison Bear Garden 316 W. Second St., 891-1639

BAR—ON THE RIDGE 1ST PLACE: Canteena 6067 Skyway, 877-5215 Apparently, there is but one place worthy of being No. 1 in the Best Bar on the Ridge category, as CN&R readers have shown us again this year: Canteena. Watch pro football and baseball on widescreen TVs, drink ice-cold beer and munch on yummy pub grub, and get down to karaoke, DJ dancing and live cover bands. Canteena’s sign is notable, incidentally, for its double-e and big cactus “t.” Head up the hill and check it out!

2ND PLACE (tie): King’s Tavern 5771 Clark Road, 877-7100

LOCAL MUSIC ACT 2ND PLACE (tie): Barney O’Rourke’s 740 Elliott Road, 877-9973

2ND PLACE (tie): Lynn’s Optimo 9225 Skyway, 872-1788

2ND PLACE: The Graduate

BAR—OROVILLE

3RD PLACE: The End Zone

1ST PLACE: Spirits Lounge (at Gold Country Casino) 4020 Olive Highway, 538-4560 Like we told you last year when it won as Best Bar in Oroville, Spirits is probably your best bet if you wanna bust out singing “I Got Friends in Low Places” with a rockin’ cover band on a Friday night. In addition to wide-screen TVs for sports fans, daily drink specials (including Microbrew Mondays, with $2 pints), there is always a packed slate of free DJ, comedy and live-music entertainment.

2ND PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. 3 Alverda Drive, 533-8944

3RD PLACE: Western Pacific Brewing 2191 High St., 534-9101

WATERING HOLE FOR TOWNIES 1ST PLACE: The Handle Bar 2070 E. 20th St., Ste. 160, 894-2337 A beer bar in Chico? Seems like a nobrainer, so it’s no wonder The Handle Bar, which specializes in specialty and craft beers, has won the Best Watering Hole award. Stop in for a pint of something delicious—if you’re no beer aficionado, ask one of the extremely knowledgeable staff members to recommend something!—or try a few for yourself by ordering a “flight.” Also on tap is a decent-sized menu of bar foods to munch on while getting your drink on.

2ND PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718

3RD PLACE: The Banshee 134 W. Second St., 895-9670

SPORTS BAR 1ST PLACE: Bella’s Sports Pub

Duffy’s Tavern

34 CN&R October 10, 2013

you’re headed downtown to join your friends at Bella’s, where the food is as good as the beer is cold.

134 Broadway, 893-5253 The three keys to a great sports bar are: big-screen TVs on which to catch the big game, beer (preferably cheap) and hunger-quenching pub grub. Bella’s packs all those into a small package. In the mood for wings and a Pale Ale while you watch the Giants game? Chances are

344 W. Eighth St., 343-2790 250 Cohasset Road, 345-7330

PLACE TO DANCE 1ST PLACE: LaSalles 229 Broadway, 893-1891 Years ago, LaSalles was a sedate fern bar, a hangout for lawyers and professors. But it has been party central in downtown Chico for quite some time now, and it’s not just college kids bustin’ the moves. Happy-hour Thursdays feature live bands on the outdoor patio, where a wide range of Chico dancers and twirlers get down to classic rock cover bands, local jam bands and so on in the early evening. When the LaSalles party gets crackin’ at night—both inside and outside—the scene shifts with DJs, and also some live acts, depending on the night.

2ND PLACE: Crazy Horse Saloon 303 Main St., 894-5408

3RD PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718

DRINK WITH A VIEW 1ST PLACE: Crush 201 Broadway, 342-7000

2ND PLACE: Scotty’s Landing 12609 River Road, 893-2020

3RD PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill

1ST PLACE: Mossy Creek Yet again, Chicoans chose this local bluegrass outfit as Best Local Music Act. In addition to winning Best of Chico honors, the band has previously picked up several CAMMIES awards. Congrats, y’all!

2ND PLACE: Kyle Williams 3RD PLACE: Bogg

LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST 1ST PLACE: Janet Lombardi Blixt Read why voters also chose this art teacher as favorite Instructor/Professor on page 38.

2ND PLACE (tie): Lee Wright 2ND PLACE (tie): Sea Monster (Christine Fulton)

PLACE TO SEE ART 1ST PLACE: 1078 Gallery 820 Broadway, 343-1973 Art in Chico comes in many forms— visual, aural, 3-D. So when it comes to seeing art in this town, it should come as no surprise that this year the winner is 1078 Gallery, which prides itself on presenting a diverse lineup of shows, from both local and visiting artists. The nonprofit art space on Broadway consistently offers top-notch art-viewing and live concerts, earning it the top spot on this year’s Best of Chico list.

2ND PLACE: Avenue 9 Gallery 180 E. Ninth Ave., 879-1821

3RD PLACE: Chico Paper Co. 345 Broadway, 891-0900

100 Broadway, 342-0425

VENUE FOR LIVE TUNES 1ST PLACE: Sierra Nevada Big Room 1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739 This 350-seat concert venue inside the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with its elegant mahogany tables and brass railings, is a class act. It regularly sells out because of the quality of the nationally known bands that play there, its great acoustics and the excellent sightlines from anywhere in the house. The Big Room stage and its top-notch offerings have been featured in many a live TV concert and DVD. All ages are welcome, with dinners sold before each show. And, of course, there’s Sierra Nevada’s worldfamous beer, plus an array of wines and nonalcoholic drinks.

PLACE TO BUY ART 1ST PLACE: Chico Paper Co. 345 Broadway, 891-0900 Chico Paper Co. carries the work of some of Chico’s finest artists, from acclaimed printmaker Jake Early and sculptor Matt Auvinen to photographers Geoff Fricker and Jon-Michael Basile and painters Cynthia Schildhauer and Claudia Steel, as well as bonsai from shop co-owner Greg Strong. Chico Paper also offers custom framing and an amazing selection of handmade papers from around the world, as well as an excellent selection of greeting cards and locally made jewelry.

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 36

NO COST SERVICES

Assisting families with Child Care needs. Health • Education • Advocacy Resources • Training For information regarding our

Chico’s Best Hand Crafted Leather Belts Single thickness, cut direct from the hide, plain or tooled.

Workshop Training Program for Parents & Child Care Professionals

please call or visit our website

287 Rio Lindo Avenue • 895-3572 www.ValleyOakChildren.org Serving All of Butte County

804 Broadway

(Corner of 8th & Broadway @ the Junction)

Downtown Chico • 342-4788

NOW OPEN Tasting Room

222 W. 2nd Street • Downtown Chico Open 5 days a week Wednesday–Friday 1:30 pm–6pm Saturdays 12–8pm • Sundays 1:30 – 6:30pm 800.808.9463 • laroccavineyards.com

visit our new

tasting room! Open For Wine Tasting & Tours Saturdays & Sundays Noon-5pm Voted Best Oroville Winery ‘08-‘11 By US Business Association and ‘10-‘11 By US Commerce Association 530.589.3920 | 90 Grey Fox Lane | Oroville | Greyfox.Net

1/2 Off

SALE

Monday October 14th

Thursday October 17th Furniture • Clothing Electronic Items and more!

Thrifty

Bargain

2432 Esplanade • Chico Store’s Hours: Mon. through Sat. 9 am to 8 pm Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

knick knacks • jewelry • radios • blankets • rugs • dolls• knick knacks • jewelry • radios • blankets • rugs • dolls

jewelry • radios • blankets • antiques

Monday, October 14, 2013

6:30pm: FREE Community Speaking Event and Prescription Drug Round Up Enloe Conference Center 1528 Esplanade, Chico Please bring your unused/expired prescription medications, nonprescription pills, and prescription liquids in unmarked containers.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

6:00 - 8:00pm: Food Truck Fundraiser 305 Wall Street, Chico - parking lot Each food truck will be donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Skyway House, a local substance abuse treatment center.

Dick Beardsley is a best selling author and champion – in running and life. His story of overcoming extreme obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.

in collaboration with Butte-Glenn Medical Society & Alliance • Rabobank •Fleet Feet • Enloe Medical Center • Oroville Hospital • Feather River Hospital • Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital • Tahoe Relay • New Balance October 10, 2013

CN&R 35

READERS’ PICKS continued from page 34 2ND PLACE: Art Etc. 122 W. Third St., 895-1161

3RD PLACE: Avenue 9 Gallery 180 E. Ninth Ave., 879-1821

THEATER COMPANY 1ST PLACE: Blue Room Theatre 139 W. First St., 895-3749 Yet again, the little black-box theater above Collier Hardware comes in first in this category. The Blue Room has been a mainstay in Chico’s community-theater scene for most of its almost-20-year existence. From its Butcher Shop backyard-theater roots to its current slate of mainstage productions and its children’s theater program, this theater company has a lot to offer.

Evan Billman at Christian Michaels

2ND PLACE: Chico Theater Co. 166 W. Eaton Road, 894-3282

3RD PLACE: California Regional Theater 3851 Morrow Lane, (800) 722-4522

Crush

HAPPY HOUR 1ST PLACE: Crush 201 Broadway, 342-7000

2ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante 192 E. Third St., 894-4005

3RD PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill 100 Broadway, 342-0425

PLACE TO DRINK A GLASS OF WINE 1ST PLACE: Monks Wine Lounge & Bistro 128 W. Second St., 343-3408 Monks offers a full menu of fine-dining favorites and wine-friendly tapas items (bacon-wrapped dates, dolmas, polenta, and more) to go along with its impressive selection of fine wines, including many affordable selections.

2ND PLACE: Tannins Wine Bar & Bistro 234 W. Third St., 636-4468

3RD PLACE: Crush 201 Broadway, 342-7000

MARGARITA 1ST PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill 100 Broadway, 342-0425 Tres Hombres’ bar serves more than 120 varieties of tequila, and can whip up traditional margaritas or an array of fruity concoctions (strawberry, raspberry, peach, melon, mango, banana and pas36 CN&R October 10, 2013

sion fruit) in two sizes or by the pitcher. “Tres,” as patrons like to call it, also has other exotic drinks and a full menu of Mexican fare.

2ND PLACE: La Hacienda 2635 Esplanade, 893-8270

3RD PLACE: Casa Ramos

for courage, and then heading out to the patio stage to belt it out like Lady Gaga or Kid Rock? It’s a pretty sure bet that more than a few guys and gals have gotten lucky thanks to their Bear-E-oke. Huzzah!

2ND PLACE: The Maltese Bar & Tap Room 1600 Park Ave., 343-4915

216 W. East Ave., 894-0119; and 2490 Park Ave., 893-5050

3RD PLACE: LaSalles

MARTINI

CASINO

1ST PLACE: Crush

1ST PLACE: Gold Country Casino & Hotel

201 Broadway, 342-7000

2ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante 192 E. Third St., 894-4005

3RD PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse 345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

BLOODY MARY 1ST PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718

2ND PLACE: Joe’s Bar 749 W. Fifth St., 894-3612

3RD PLACE: Nash’s Restaurant 1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

KARAOKE NIGHT 1ST PLACE: Madison Bear Garden 316 W. Second St., 891-1639 What could be better than getting a big, juicy Bear burger, downing a pint or two

229 Broadway, 893-1891

4020 Olive Highway, Oroville; 538-4560 In addition to offering live music by national acts to enjoy while you work the tables and slots, Gold Country is home to one of Oroville’s most popular bars, the Spirits Lounge. It also boasts a multitiered steakhouse with a panoramic view of the northern Sacramento Valley, as well as an 87-room hotel for those wishing to get some rest after a fierce night of gaming and entertainment.

2ND PLACE: Feather Falls Casino 3 Alverda Drive, Oroville; 533-3885

3RD PLACE: Rolling Hills Casino 2655 Everett Freeman Way, Corning; 528-3500

The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project

wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. After several successful years of experience in dentistry in the bay area, I have relocated my practice to Chico to join my husband. I have been fortunate enough to have found a practice in Chico that shares my philosophy and spirit for high quality dental care using biocompatible materials, with Dr. Philip Horning. I welcome all those who have the knowledge and determination to achieve the very best care for their dental needs. To those of you who have already joined my practice and to all those who will read this and want to be a part of a successful relationship, I will commit to you an understanding of your needs and pledge to you my services to meet those needs.

Health/ Wellness ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC 1ST PLACE: The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project 740 Flume St., 345-5566 Considering the many communityacupuncture clinics in Chico, notions of “community” and providing affordable health care are obviously things that resonate with Chicoans. And The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project near downtown Chico, which offers acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine in a group setting—as well as sliding-scale payment—is now Chico’s favorite place for treating everything from headaches and stress, to cold and flu symptoms and allergies.

2ND PLACE: Chico Community Acupuncture 1057 Village Lane, 345-5300

3RD PLACE: Regina Dagorret 13 Williamsburg Lane, 345-3382

Michelle is one of the sweetest, most compassionate acupuncturists I have ever met ... and I have met many! She’s kind and knowledgeable. —Jaclyn Gorr, on Michelle Faucher of The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project

LOCAL HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER 1ST PLACE: Mission Ranch Primary Care 114 Mission Ranch Blvd., 894-0500 When it comes to taking care of their bodies, whether it be for a routine checkup or to diagnose a problem, Chicoans know they can trust the doctors and nurses at Mission Ranch Primary Care to do it right. What sets the practice apart—aside from the array of Jake Early prints on the walls—is the dedication to being on time for appointments and always providing the bestquality care.

2ND PLACE: Argyll Medical Group 100 Independence Circle, 899-0295

3RD PLACE: Chico Immediate Care Medical Center 376 Vallombrosa Ave., 891-1676

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER 1ST PLACE: Chico Community Acupuncture 1057 Village Lane, 345-5300 Chico Community Acupuncture, part of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture cooperative, opened in Chico in 2010, when it took the town by storm thanks to its friendly, healing environment and sliding-scale services. The clinic also practices traditional Chinese medicine, offering herbal remedies for common ailments.

2ND PLACE: Robyn Barlow (Chico Naturopathic Medicine) 4 Williamsburg Lane, Ste. D, 332-9355

3RD PLACE: Adam Moes (Acupuncture and Herbs) 689 E. 18th St., 828-2589

PEDIATRICIAN 1ST PLACE: Dr. Patrick Tedford 643 W. East Ave., 342-0502 Over his decades of caring for kids, Dr. Patrick Tedford has developed a reputation for being extremely patient and a good listener. Parents value those traits and his focus on customer service. Tedford, a graduate of Notre Dame Medical School, has been practicing in Chico for

36 years, according to his staff. Amazingly, this beloved local doctor is seeing a third generation of patients. Rumors of his retirement are just that—rumors. In fact, he is accepting new patients.

2ND PLACE: Dr. John Asarian 10 Governors Lane, 343-8522

3RD PLACE : Dr. Robert Stanley 1427 Magnolia Ave., 896-1446

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Sincerely, Ashley Harrison, DDS

(530) 894–5454 1660 Humboldt Road, Suite 1 Chico, CA 95928 www.AshleyHarrisonDDS.com

1ST PLACE: Dr. Herbert Lim 114 Mission Ranch Blvd., 894-0500 Chicoans trust Dr. Herbert Lim—that’s why they have chosen him Best General Practitioner once again this year. He has been lauded for his timeliness, his bedside manner and his ability to explain medical conditions. His practice is part of Mission Ranch Primary Care, whose office came in No. 1 this year for Best Local Health-care Provider.

2ND PLACE: Dr. Corky Rey 114 Mission Ranch Blvd., 894-0500

3RD PLACE (tie): Stuart Mishelof (PA) 100 Independence Circle, 899-0295

3RD PLACE (tie): Dr. Ross Nayduch 114 Mission Ranch Blvd., 894-0500

CHIROPRACTOR 1ST PLACE: Fragoso Chiropractic Sports and Family Wellness Center 2062 Talbert Drive, 891-9010 John Fragoso’s chiropractic outfit rocks the Best Chiropractor category again this year! Fragoso treats patients of all ages, specializing in athletes and ironman performance care (and he “continues to participate in sports such as olympic and power-lifting, grappling, and functional conditioning,” as it says at the Fragoso Chiropractic website). Customers with various types of injuries count on the knowing practitioner to provide them the relief and healing they are looking for.

2ND PLACE: Karen Escott 389 Connors Court, 345-4204

3RD PLACE: Jesse Smith (Spine Chiropractic)

b est pl ac e to

See & Be Seen! ChiCo Saturday 2nd & Wall Streets | Sat 7:30am – 1pm year round, rain or shine oroVille Montgomery & Myers St | Sat 7:30am – 12pm oPeN – oct 26

ChiCo North Valley Plaza Pillsbury road | Wed 7:30am – 12pm oPeN – Nov 22 ParadiSe 6491 Clark rd | tues 7:30am – 12pm oPeN – oct 15

Chicofarmersmarket.com (530) 893–FarM always fun & family friendly

1166 Esplanade, Ste. 2, 809-2695

READERS’ PICKS continued on page 38 October 10, 2013

CN&R 37

READERS’ PICKS continued from page 37

MASSAGE THERAPIST 1ST PLACE: Babette Maiss 13 Williamsburg Lane, 321-5668 What can we say? Babette Maiss must have magical hands—why else would she be chosen once again as Best Massage Therapist? She’s got lots of satisfied and faithful customers, and she keeps getting more through word of mouth. Maiss works with athletes, giving deep-tissue sports massages, and also specializes in prenatal massage. She offers lymphatic massage for post-cancer patients as well.

Dr. Patrick Tedford

2ND PLACE: Ashley Stevens (Balance Massage) 1376 Longfellow Way, 519-6388

3RD PLACE: Lindsey Pernell 1279 E. First Ave., Ste. B, 520-7075

EYE-CARE SPECIALIST

2ND PLACE: Family Eye Care 2565 Ceanothus Ave., Ste. 155, 899-3939

3RD PLACE (tie): Dr. Jerry Laskey 680 Rio Lindo Ave., 343-5541

3RD PLACE (tie): Dr. Douglas Myers 119 Yellowstone Drive, 891-1146

DENTAL CARE 1ST PLACE: Nelsen Family Dentistry 1307 Esplanade, Ste. 4, 898-8511 Along with Dr. Thomas Farris, doctors John and Melissa Nelsen provide dental care for all ages at this dental office that has once again been chosen by CN&R readers as Best Dental Care. From routine cleanings to root canals and dental implants, to tooth whitening, Nelsen Family Dentistry offers a wide array of services in a friendly, caring atmosphere.

Evers Veterinary Clinic

1ST PLACE: In Motion Fitness 1293 E. First Ave., 343-5678 You’ll find pretty much all you could ever want in a workout facility at In Motion Fitness: treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights and resistance machines, pools, a basketball gym and a yoga studio. Also, there are numerous fitness classes, from spinning and interval training to pilates and Zumba, and personal trainers are there to help you meet your fitness goal. Oh, and there’s childcare for the little ones. How much more wonderful could it get? No wonder “In Mo” was chosen Best Gym once again this year!

Butte Humane Society

1ST PLACE: Bidwell Mansion 525 Esplanade, 895-6144 Chicoans love the home built by Chico founder John Bidwell—that’s why it tops the Best Architectural Treasure list again this year. Bidwell and his wife, Annie, lived in this lovely home from 1868 until 1900, when he died (and Annie stayed on until she passed away in 1918). The full name of the property on which the mansion sits is Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, and it’s a park worth visiting, not just for a tour of the beautiful, fascinating mansion, but also to roam the well-kept grounds and poke around in the park’s gift shop/visitor center.

260 Cohasset Road, 345-9427

3RD PLACE: NorCal Strength & Conditioning 2ND PLACE: Kremer Dental Care

629 Entler Ave., Ste. 17, 605-2766

3 Glenbrook Court, 892-1234

3RD PLACE: Dr. William Moon 227 W. Sixth St., 342-3525

PET DOCTOR 1ST PLACE: Evers Veterinary Clinic 1150 El Monte Ave., 343-0713 Evers Veterinary Clinic, which finished third in this category last year, receives glowing reviews on its Facebook page including, “Like a second family,” “Wonderful place to take your pet!” and, of course, “The best in town!” Now there is documented proof that Evers is the place to take your pooch or kitty to treat illnesses or wounds, or just to help maintain good health. The clinic holds a pet-of-the-month contest as well as fundraisers to help the Butte Humane Society.

2ND PLACE: Valley Oak Veterinary Center 2480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 342-7387

3RD PLACE: Chico Animal Hospital 3015 Esplanade, 342-0518

PLACE TO TAKE A DIP 1ST PLACE: Sycamore Pool at One-Mile Lower Bidwell Park What other town has such a large and inviting pool in such a beautiful environment as the One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park? This summer hotspot—complete with an on-site snack bar—is the perfect place to relax, people-watch and take a dip in the creek. This Chico landmark is a perennial local favorite.

2ND PLACE: In Motion Fitness 1293 E. First Ave., 343-5678

3RD PLACE: Bear Hole Upper Bidwell Park

PLACE FOR KIDS TO PLAY 1ST PLACE: Caper Acres Good old Caper Acres once again gets first prize for Best Place for Kids to Play. The beloved fenced-in playground offers swings, slides, tunnels, a fort-like play structure and a soft, spongy central area full of things kids love to climb on, including the impressive mosaic sea serpent made by local artist Robin Indar. Due to city

Misc. ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE

2ND PLACE: Chico Sports Club

1ST PLACE: Chico Eye Center 605 W. East Ave., 895-1727 Founded in 1978, Chico Eye Center is a force to be reckoned with as far as eye care goes, as readers have once again picked it as Best Eye-care Specialist. A large, highly trained staff offers routine eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, diagnoses diseases of the eye, prescribes needed medications, and performs eye surgery (including LASIK) when needed. Botox and Juvederm cosmetic services are offered as well.

GYM

2ND PLACE: Senator Theatre 517 Main St., 891-1809 budget issues, though, Caper Acres’ hours may vary, so call the city’s General Services department at 896-7800 for days and hours.

2ND PLACE (tie): Bidwell Park 2ND PLACE (tie): DeGarmo Park

YOGA STUDIO 1ST PLACE: In Motion Fitness 1293 E. First Ave., 343-5678

2ND PLACE: Chico Sports Club 260 Cohasset Road, 345-9427

3RD PLACE: Bikram Yoga Chico 1140 Mangrove Ave., Ste. B, 342-YOGA (9642)

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO 1ST PLACE: Haley’s Martial Arts Center 260 Cohasset Road, 895-3114 Haley’s Martial Arts Center wins again for Best Martial Arts Studio in Chico. In an effort to stay up-to-date on the techniques of Shorin Ryu karate—the specialty of Haley’s—Kyoshi Pat Haley travels to Japan at least once a year to train with instructor Shugoro Nakazato. Members of the public are invited to observe or participate as guests in classes at Haley’s, which occur throughout the day and evening, as well as on weekends.

2ND PLACE: Azad’s Martial Arts Family Center 313 Walnut St., Ste. 150, 892-2923

3RD PLACE: Morning Sun Martial Arts 135 W. Eighth Ave., Ste. A, 342-5833

3RD PLACE: El Rey Theatre 230 W. Second St., 892-1838

LOCAL DO-GOODER 1ST PLACE: Farshad Azad Once again, Farshad Azad has been chosen Best Local Do-gooder. Besides being the face of Azad’s Martial Arts Family Center, where he teaches everything from beginning karate to cardio kickboxing to self-defense, Azad has become known over the years for donating his time and skill to many local nonprofits, including the Sunshine Connection, the Chico State Advisory Board and its Public Safety Commission. Perhaps his most visible local philanthropic effort has been the Basket Brigade, an event he founded more than two decades ago to provide Thanksgiving meals for needy Chico families. We applaud Mr. Azad for all of the fine philanthropic work he does!

2ND PLACE: Laurie Maloney, local philanthropist 3RD PLACE: Bill Such, Jesus Center executive director

LOCAL PERSONALITY 1ST PLACE: Rob Blair Former KHSL/KNVN anchor/ weatherman Despite the fact that local TV stations KHSL and KNVN gave him the boot earlier this year and that he now lives in Southern California, Rob Blair—a Living Legend in this category—has been voted by CN&R readers as Best Local Personality again this year. Chicoans obviously remain attached to the likeable Blair, who also won Butte Humane Society’s “Humaneatarian of the year” award last year.

2ND PLACE: Megan McMann KHSL/KNVN anchor

3RD PLACE: Linda Watkins-Bennett KHSL/KNVN anchor

INSTRUCTOR/ PROFESSOR 1ST PLACE: Janet Lombardi Blixt (Chico Art School) It’s no secret that Chicoans, who seem to naturally gravitate toward art, love Janet Lombardi Blixt (she took first place this year for Local Visual Artist). But they love her for more than just her plein-air art and depictions of local landmarks. She’s also 38 CN&R October 10, 2013

the owner and instructor at Chico Art School, where she teaches aspiring (and accomplished!) artists of all ages. Students describe Blixt as an encouraging mentor. And to have someone who actively practices what she teaches—well, it’s no wonder she’s been named the best!

3RD PLACE: Chico New Thought Center for Spiritual Living 14 Hillary Lane, 895-8395 Farshad Azad

1ST PLACE: Butte Humane Society 2579 Fair St., 343-7917 Butte Humane Society shelters and cares for temporarily displaced animal friends—and relies heavily on volunteers to help out. The shelter also provides low-cost spay and neuter services, a major key to helping solve the cat-and-dog overpopulation problem. The goodness that Butte Humane provides makes it no surprise that it was chosen again this year as Best Place to Volunteer.

2ND PLACE (tie): Kim Jaxon (Chico State, English) 2ND PLACE (tie): Amy Lance (Chico State, communication arts and sciences) 2ND PLACE (tie): Jodi Rives Meier (Butte College, communication)

TEACHER (K-12) 1ST PLACE: Liz Albright (Little Chico Creek Elementary School) Liz Albright, who teaches first grade at Little Chico Creek Elementary School, is our readers’ choice this year for best teacher in the K-12 category. To teach little ones, one must be kind, enthusiastic and— above all—have that special something when it comes to communicating with and imparting knowledge to this tender age. We salute Albright for her wonderful dedication and are pleased that she has been recognized for her abilities.

2ND PLACE: Jennifer Rossovich (Hooker Oak Elementary School) 3RD PLACE: Rachel Love (Academy for Change)

LOCAL WEBSITE 1ST PLACE: Build.com www.build.com Build.com home-improvement company’s win is easy to understand. For one thing, with a name like that, the site is pretty easy to locate. Just ask one of the more than 5 million satisfied customers from across the country who’ve commented. The homepage offers links for bathroom and kitchen supplies as well as for lighting, fans, hardware, appliances, heating and cooling, tools, outdoor needs and flooring. The site is easy to navigate and fast.

2ND PLACE: Lulu’s Fashion Lounge

2ND PLACE: Jesus Center 1297 Park Ave., 345-2640

3RD PLACE: Enloe Medical Center 1531 Esplanade, 332-7300

CHARITABLE CAUSE YOUTH ORGANIZATION 1ST PLACE: Boys & Girls Club of Chico 601 Wall St., 899-0335 The ever-popular Boys & Girls Club of Chico was founded in 1993, providing youth ages 6 to 18 a positive, encouraging environment in which to participate in afterschool programs. The club’s Ostrander Clubhouse is open to first- through sixthgraders, and “The Club” is designed for those in junior high and high school. Fees for both are $10 per year. Both clubs offer daily drop-in services as well as activities and programs in the arts; character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; and sports, fitness and recreation.

2ND PLACE: Sixth Street Center for Youth 130 W. Sixth St., 894-8008

3RD PLACE: Chico Area Recreation and Park District www.chicorec.com, 895-4711

www.lulus.com

3RD PLACE: Chico News & Review www.newsreview.com/chico/home

Although Dr. Joseph Chiapella, a specialist in rheumatology, has retired, he continues to volunteer his services part time at Ampla Health in Chico. He is very compassionate, professional and thorough, and takes time to offer very good advice. —Margo J. Lemner

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

PLACE TO PRAY 1ST PLACE: Bidwell Park Whether it’s just sitting on a bench next to Sycamore Pool at the One-Mile Recreation Area with eyes closed or hiking all the way to the back of Upper Bidwell Park to commune in solitude with nature, Bidwell Park offers so many possible spots for prayer and reflection. It’s no wonder it was chosen as readers’ favorite Place to Pray.

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Presbyterian Church 208 W. First St., 343-1484

1ST PLACE: Butte Humane Society 2579 Fair St., 343-7917

2ND PLACE: Jesus Center 1297 Park Ave., 345-2640

3RD PLACE (tie): The Arc of Butte County 2030 Park Ave., 891-5865

3RD PLACE (tie): Little Red Hen Various locations

COMMUNITY EVENT

PLACE TO SPEND YOUR LAST BUCK 1ST PLACE: The Dollar Tree 801 East Ave., 345-5763, and 2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Rob Blair 343-9898 And why wouldn’t The Dollar Tree be chosen Best Place to Spend Your Last Buck again this year? You’ve got a dollar, you go to The Dollar Tree—it’s a no-brainer. You can buy practically anything there for a dollar, from food to baby clothes to dishware to paper products, and a zillion other things. Plus, it’s a great place for teachers to find inexpensive school and craft supplies, as well as a wonderful place for party supplies and wrapping paper. Go, Dollar Tree!

2ND PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718

3RD PLACE: Saturday Chico Certified Farmers’ Market Second and Wall streets

PLACE FOR EAVESDROPPING 1ST PLACE: The Naked Lounge Tea & Coffeehouse 118 W. Second St., 895-0676

2ND PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern 337 Main St., 343-7718

3RD PLACE: Downtown Chico

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Bark (Butte Humane Society fundraiser) 3RD PLACE: Thursday Night Market (DCBA)

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1ST PLACE: Chico Computer Clinic 1304 Mangrove Ave., 636-1337

2ND PLACE: Grocery Outlet 2157 Pillsbury Road, 345-2666

3RD PLACE: Build.com www.build.com

2ND PLACE: Thursday Night Market (DCBA) 3RD PLACE: Crush 201 Broadway, 342-7000

FARMERS’ MARKET VENDOR 1ST PLACE: Chico Chai

1ST PLACE: Taste of Chico (DCBA) Taste of Chico is a yearly one-day celebration of local food, art and music. This year’s 28th annual event, produced as always by the Downtown Chico Business Association, was held on Sept. 8, attracting hundreds of people to the closed-off streets of downtown Chico for a taste of local wares while being entertained by live music. More than 150 vendors, restaurants, musicians, artists and exhibitors participated in this year’s signature-Chico event!

and cheeses, locally produced food and drink, handmade jewelry and cards, etc., available. And for countless Chicoans, “the market” is also the best place to catch up with friends and the friendly vendors who work there. It’s become the equivalent of the town square of old—and a Chico institution that few would want to do without.

They work tirelessly to improve animals’ lives in Chico. —Cathy Olsen, on Butte Humane Society

PLACE TO TIE THE KNOT 1ST PLACE: Bidwell Park Our glorious Bidwell Park wins for Best Place to Tie the Knot. No surprise there, since it offers so many lovely areas to hold a wedding: in countless spots in the OneMile Recreation Area and the Five-Mile Recreation Area that offer natural beauty as well groomed picnic areas with barbecues and restrooms. There are also equally countless places to get married in Upper Park, for those wanting a somewhat more rugged and picturesque natural environment in which to conduct that special event (pics are great, too, in this part of the park!).

2ND PLACE: The Palms 2947 Nord Ave., 894-8000

The Chico Certified Farmers’ Market, arguably Chicoans’ most beloved institution, is chock-full of vendors each week representing a wide array of specialties, from organic produce to grass-fed beef to candles and other homemade goodies. So when locals choose Chico Chai as their favorite vendor, you know it must be good. Stop by the busy booth for a glass of handmixed, organic, spiced blend or buy your own to mix at home. Delish!

2ND PLACE: Sweet Cottage 3RD PLACE: Rico’s Tamales

PLACE TO SPEND YOUR BIRTHDAY 1ST PLACE: Bidwell Park Many readers obviously like to spend their birthdays outdoors, as we can see by the results for Best Place to Spend Your Birthday. And Bidwell Park is the obvious choice for those folks. How lucky we are to have such a fabulous (2,500-acre!) treasure in our midst!

2ND PLACE: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom & Restaurant 1075 E. 20th St., 345-2739

3RD PLACE (tie): 5th Street Steakhouse 345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3RD PLACE (tie): Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill 100 Broadway, 342-0425

3RD PLACE: White Ranch 214 Hagenridge Road, 342-6530

PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN 1ST PLACE: Saturday Chico Certified Farmers’ Market Chico Chai

Rain or shine, Chicoans turn out for the Saturday downtown farmers’ market yearround for the mind-boggling variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, local meats

13 October 10, 2013

CN&R 39

EDITORS’ PICKS

CN&R staffers offer their take on the rest of the best stuff in Chico

Best truck stop

Fork in the Road food-truck rally www.facebook.com/ForkInTheRoadChico One Wednesday night each month, the place to be and to be eating is the inviting tree-lined lawn behind Manzanita Place, where the food trucks (and food carts, and food tables under tents) of Chico circle the green and open their windows for the Fork in the Road street-food event. It’s an embarrassment of culinary riches—tamales, grilled cheese, wood-fired pizzas, Paleo gourmet, cupcakes, Filipino barbecue, American barbecue, burritos, Caribbean delights, and more—in a beautiful setting, with a playground for the kids, and beer and margaritas for sale for the adults. What more does a community event need?

Best gourmet on the cheap

Grocery Outlet wine and cheese sections 2157 Pillsbury Road Say you’ve got a hankering for a nice petite sirah and some Camembert, but you’ve only got 10 bucks. No problem. Head to the Grocery Outlet on the north end of town.

Fork in the Road food-truc k rally

There, you’ll find all sorts of fancy cheeses, from smoked Gouda to chèvre. You’ll also find dozens of varietals of wine, from growers in California to New Zealand. The best part: All of it is marked down, so you can pick up a bottle (or two) and some cheese.

Best place to find super-cool used shit-kickers

Cowboy-boot vendor booth in the back building of Eighth & Main Antique Center 745 Main St. Enter the front doors of Eighth & Main Antique Center and head straight to the back of the building and out the back door, like you know exactly where you are going— because you do. You will next walk through the doors of the antique center’s second building (after walking through a breezeway containing used garden furniture, etc.), and before long you will run straight into a vendor booth containing a huge collection of used cowboy boots in a variety of colors and sizes, where you can step into your new used shit-kickers. Cowboy-boot vendor booth in the back building of Eighth & Main Antique Center

Best way to turn a local conservative into a staunch defender of Mother Earth

Plant pot in the foothills

Butte County Supervisors Bill Connelly and Larry Wahl are not exactly known as protectors of the environment. But when aerial photographs of grading in the foothills to accommodate marijuana gardens were shown at a supes’ meeting last April, they suddenly expressed grave concerns about erosion of the land and pollution of the watersheds. Assemblyman Dan Logue climbed on board and toured the area. He, too, was disturbed by what he saw and questioned why environmentalists hadn’t chimed in on the matter.

Best Chico Condition

Approval of the Winchester Goose’s ABC license This award goes to Chico Police Chief Kirk Trostle for wisely stepping out of the way of blocking the new craft-beer bar’s ABC license. There are real alcohol problems in Chico that the city and the police are facing, but bearded beer-geeks quaffing barleywines and sour beers are not the issue. 40 CN&R October 10, 2013

Best local controversy

The depleted city funds

When the new management took over at Chico City Hall, a thorough look at the city’s books got underway. What’s come to light te r Winchese Goos

thus far is that the city was operating with a structural deficit of close to $5 million annually. That led to massive layoffs. But what was also discovered is that to keep the city solvent, former city employees had borrowed millions—in excess of $20 million—from key city funds to pay the bills. Those funds now need to be repaid. Some have predicted it will take a decade to do so. Konjo

humorous (and always modest) Bidwell has made a splash with his regular postings of historical facts (and photos) about himself and the Chico area that he loves, and seems game for all manner of casual or scholarly discourse with his newfound “friends.”

ay Labor D wn o d g in tub r the rive

Best place to catch a comet

Chico Community Observatory

1 Observatory Way (off Wildwood Avenue in Upper Bidwell Park), www.chicoobservatory.org Astronomers are still debating how spectacular of a show Comet ISON will deliver at its brightest in late November, but even now, it’s viewable to those with the right equipment. The Kiwanis Club-operated Chico Community Observatory in Upper Bidwell Park has such equipment: a pair of 14-inch telescopes the public may use free of charge on clear nights, Thursdays through Sundays. Even sans comet, there’s plenty to see in the night sky anytime, and the observatory is a great place to get a guided tour. Check out the CCO’s Facebook page (see link above) for frequent updates on hours, viewing conditions and fun facts.

Best deflated local tradition

Labor Day tubing down the river

The booze ban on the Sacramento River over the Labor Day weekend certainly took the air out of the annual flotilla. The truth is, it needed taming. It had grown over the past decade or so into an event that attracted scores of out-of-towners—folks interested only in partying, making a huge mess, then splitting. The end of this longstanding tradition makes us long for the days when friends used to pick up a couple of 12-packs and cruise leisurely between Irvine Finch and Scotty’s, cooling down in the chilly waters and saying goodbye to the last days of summer. Maybe in a couple of years, a new, chilled-out float day will arise in its wake.

Best place to talk to oneself Best place to go to get into a lively discussion of the merits of Butte County secession

Konjo

112 W. Second St. Kirk Johnson, co-owner of West Second Street clothing boutique Konjo, is an ardent supporter of the State of Jefferson, that dreamed-of (by more folks than one might realize) state made up of counties in northern California (including Butte) and southern Oregon. The likeable, ahead-of-the-curve Johnson has been selling and handing out State of Jefferson clothing and flags for some time now, way before Siskiyou and Modoc counties recently decided to vote in favor of secession. Chat him up (and check out his cool store while you’re at it).

Best local Facebook profile

John Bidwell

www.facebook.com/john.bidwell.3192 “May I be the first to say that you are the best thing that happened since the horsedrawn wheat combine was invented. Please accept my sincere gratitude for accepting my request to become friends.” Thanks to a mysterious digital wormhole (probably passing through the old Chinese tunnels under Chico), the founder of Chico has traveled to the present, established an online presence and started making friends with the town’s modern populace. The informative and

Sensory deprivation chamber at Renew Float Spa

1030 Village Lane (next to In Motion Fitness) When one is entirely deprived of sensory experience, the mind tends to wander. So it is in the sensory-deprivation tank—or flotation chamber—at Renew Float Spa, in which the body floats atop water heated to 95 degrees —roughly body temperature—and infused with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. After about 10 minutes in the pitch-black, sound-proof

tank, a conversation with oneself becomes increasingly appealing. The chances of someone overhearing you are just about nil, so it’s a perfect opportunity for constructive self-reflection. Or maybe your fancy is an old-fashioned crazy ramble? In either case, you might want to shy away from any imaginary friend-making while floating; you don’t want to share such a close space with a human-sized rabbit … right?

Sensory deprivation chamber at Renew Float Spa

Chico Community Observatory

Best breath of fresh air

Outdoor theater

Every Labor Day weekend, the annual two-day avant-garde Butcher Shop theater festival reminds Chicoans how magical it can be to witness theater outdoors elbow-toelbow with the community. This year, we were also able to, once again, enjoy Shakespeare outside when the Chico Summer Theatre Festival brought the Bard back to Bidwell Park (after a few years of having been staged at Chico Women’s Club) with its production of Timon of Athens in the Campfire Council Ring.

Best neighborhood store for cheap eats

Warner Street Grocery

1147 Warner St. Warner Street Grocery is so much of a neighborhood market that it actually occupies an old home that’s easy to miss unless you know it’s there. Dan and Michele Kumangai have owned it since 1994 (the former owners were Michele’s parents) and— luckily for those in the know—apparently EDITORS’ PICKS continued on page 42 October 10, 2013

CN&R 41

EDITORS’ PICKS continued from page 41

Quiring and are accompanied by text penned by local historians. All together, it’s a wonderful exhibit that captures the essence of the Chico experience through the years, an absolute must-see.

Best easy bike ride outside of Lower Bidwell Park

Bidwell Avenue

haven’t changed the deli prices since. For example, they offer a Polish dog and 32ounce drink special for a measly $2.50, and a variety of ready-made sandwiches for equally shocking low prices ($1.85-$2.25 on French or onion roll). You can even pick up a side of macaroni or potato salad, snack-sized bag of chips or other goodies for a complete meal under $5.

Best way to get to work

Your bike

We casual cyclists start sweating when more devoted counterparts even start talking about their favorite 50-mile uphill rides, but that doesn’t mean the joy of bicycling is out of reach without making such a massive commitment. It only takes leaving the car parked a few days during the work week to make your comings and goings something to look forward to. No matter where your points A and B are in Chico, there is likely a flat road ahead and plenty to see in between.

Riding in Chico proper—where a short commute can include jaunting past giant trees and across wooden bridges over picturesque creeks—redefines “urban” riding; it’s more like pedaling through an amusement park.

Next time you’re looking for a leisurely bike ride, consider something other than the paved paths of Lower Bidwell Park, which are often congested with foot and bike traffic. A less-traveled (and equally scenic) option is Bidwell Avenue, which runs alongside Big Chico Creek and connects to West Sacramento Avenue on its way toward the Sacramento River. As you ride, you’ll also see some of Chico’s most fabulous homes. To get there, take Stewart Avenue off Nord Avenue, and then take a left on Bidwell Place, which becomes Bidwell Avenue after the road bends to the right.

probably for the best. Go to www.local hikes.com/Hikes/DomeTrail_1620.asp for detailed directions.

Best way to get your thoughts published

Tell It to the E-R Oh wait … forget it. The life-support system for that column, which ran for 28 years, was recently unplugged by Chico EnterpriseRecord Editor David Little, who said it had more than run its course. The final straw may well have been a caller’s suggestion to decapitate the city manager, the assistant city manager, and the City Council members and place their heads on sticks in the Flume and Second streets roundabout to serve as targets for rotten vegetables.

nd Seco The Flume and dabout roun

Best view of old Chico

Chico in Black & White: Historical Photos from the John Nopel Collection Chico Museum, 141 Salem St. The late historian John Nopel spent more than a half-century gathering historical and contemporary photographs of Chico throughout the years, amassing a collection of tens of thousands of images that might otherwise be lost. Some of the best of these are currently displayed at this Chico Museum exhibit for which Nopel’s son, David, helped select the photos. The old photos were restored by local photographer Gary

The John Nopel Collection

Best day-hike outside of Upper Bidwell Park

Big Bald Rock and Curtain Falls If you’re the kind of outdoor enthusiast who prefers not so see anyone outside of your away-team during an excursion, this remote hike in the Berry Creek area northeast of Oroville is for you. The trail—overgrown and very challenging in places—starts at the rim of the Feather River Canyon, cuts underneath Big Bald Rock and leads down to the river. Curtain Falls is about a half-mile upstream from that point; to get there, rockhopping and a long swim are in order. The drive to the trailhead gets so narrow and rocky in places that you might start doubting whether or not there is a trailhead. But if that’s enough to turn you around, it’s

Best blank canvas

The Second and Flume roundabout We don’t have an aversion to wood chips, but we’d like to see some sort of decorative or landscaping feature in the roundabout at Second and Flume streets (not decapitated city leaders’ heads, thank you very much). This northeast entrance to downtown Chico could certainly use some pizzazz—shrubs, rocks, a sculpture, perhaps? Let’s not forget we used to be one of the top arts communities in the country. Local artists, make your voices heard!

EDITORS’ PICKS continued on page 44 42 CN&R October 10, 2013

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Buying beer at Mangrove Mini Mart 1504 Mangrove Ave. In May, Charanjiv Singh—the Indian-born owner of Mangrove Mini Mart—lost the ability to sell alcohol from his convenience store. The City Council had voted to deny Singh’s application for an offsale beerand-wine license, after booze super-store BevMo! waltzed into town a couple months prior with no license issues whatsoever. Thankfully, the council recognized the hardship that rejecting the license application caused for Singh, a first-time business owner, and he eventually received approval. So, next time you grab a six-pack, consider buying it from Mangrove Mini Mart as a small gesture of support for the little guy.

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Best place to trade in the shirt off your back

Bootleg

126 W. Second St. Former Hollywood costumer Sue Reed’s vintage/second-hand downtown clothing boutique has been open only a short time but already it is developing a reputation for top-notch, fashionable used clothing. Add to that the fact that you can bring in your own used duds to trade for cash or store credit (and Reed’s super-friendly, helpful manner) and Bootleg is indeed a super-winner!

Best place to hang with the pack

DeGarmo Dog Park At DeGarmo Park, Leona Court and Esplanade The north Chico park is a great place for running, rolling in the grass and sniffing butts. And the dogs have fun, too. Here are the official canine rules: Never chase children or others; make sure your owner picks up your waste; don’t destroy the park (this means no digging); do not bite or attack other dogs or people in the park; always listen to your owner and follow commands. Humans 7 years of age or younger ain’t allowed in. Dogs of all ages are welcome.

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Best downtown parking space

A different way to divorce

Second and Wall streets Without revealing the exact location and ruining its existence for those aware of it, let’s just say it’s somewhere on the south side of Second Street, directly in front of the University Bar and the last spot before Wall Street. “Why the best?” you might ask. Simple: It’s not burdened by one of those pesky, panhandling parking meters. Ω

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3960 Morrow Lane Chico 895-3455 tilecity.com

CHOW Red and golden beets from GRUB CSA Farm. PHOTO BY MATT SIRACUSA

Can you dig it? Tapping into the earthy goodness of the humble beet

F changes to a dirty old root. Whatever beets looked like when they were first extracted from the

our thousand years can bring wonderful

wild and cultivated in a garden somewhere near the Mediterranean Sea prior to the Roman conquest, it was almost cerby tainly a far and grubby cry from the Alastair Bland colorful tuberous beauties of today. But, through its cultivated evolution, the beet—Beta vulgaris— acquired huge and delicious roots, bursting with flavor and nutrients and without which no farmers’ market would look quite right. In Chico, GRUB CSA Farm—located off West Sacramento Avenue—makes appearances on Saturdays at the downtown market, and sells its produce at the Chico Natural Foods Cooperative and S&S Organic Produce and Natural Foods. The small nonprofit grows beets year-round (available mid-October through early summer) and specializes in two varieties—the classic red Detroit beet and the golden beet. “Beets are amazing,” says GRUB co-founder Francine Stuelpnagel. “You can grow them yearround, and in the winter, when everything is green, it’s nice to have some color on the table.” Speaking of color, beets at their best are brilliantly hued—densely packed with minerals, B vitamins and beta carotene. And though boiling is the most popular means of cooking beets, it is also the most wasteful, rendering pots full of crimson-magenta water, dense with goodness and, usually, dumped down the drain. So, do this root right and bake your beets. Wrapping them in foil and baking them at 400 degrees for most of an hour will render slightly shrunken, intensified morsels that can be sliced and served in any number of ways—and which retain everything they left the earth with. Slicing before cooking will reduce oven time. Stuelpnagel, for one, likes broiling beets as a wintertime dish, often in company with other—though far less noble—winter root crops, like potatoes, turnips, parsnips and carrots. For the summer, though, beets are all about salads. To this end, Stuelpnagel boils her beets, “peels” them with a few firm rubs of the hand, chills them, slices them, and finally drizzles them with a grapefruit-olive

oil dressing. Uncooked beets, too, may be served in salads, grated over greens and drizzled with vinaigrette. Beets are a popular staple in many juice-based fasts or cleansing diets, too; my personal preference is a beetcarrot-apple juice blend, spiced with grated ginger. Taxonomically, beets are virtually the same as chard, each plant a variation of the same species. Like chard, beet greens are perfectly delicious—though few but the savviest shoppers use them, with many beetlovers discarding the greens entirely, so distracted are they by the vegetable’s lower quarters. Steam or sauté them, and add to your beet salad. If you insist on boiling your beet roots, fine—but don’t send the resultant water whirling downward into the pipes of subterranean Chico. Instead, cook your rice or quinoa with it—or mash it into potatoes. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, try this: beet wine. The following recipe is one I’ve used to produce a delicious, intense and earthy-flavored wine colored the deepest, most carpet-staining red you can imagine. Ingredients for beet wine: 5 lbs. beets 1 gallon water 2 lemons, zested and juiced 1 tbsp. ground ginger 2 1/2 lbs. turbinado sugar 1 tsp. yeast nutrient 1 packet Montrachet wine yeast (find these last two ingredients at the Chico Home Brew Shop)

Thoroughly wash the beets and thinly slice, then dice. Boil in a large pot with half the recipe’s water, the ginger and the zest of the lemons. Cook for a full 30 minutes to completely extract the beet flavors and sugars, then strain into a clean food-grade bucket or large cauldron. Add the lemon juice, the sugar and the yeast nutrient, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the rest of the water and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then add the wine yeast, and cover with a tight lid. Allow at least a week to ferment. When the bubbling stops, carefully pour the wine into a glass gallon jug and fit with an airlock (from the homebrew shop). Let the wine clarify as the haze settles. Bottle after three months. Drink after a year. Don’t spill on white carpets. Ω

UPCOMING CONCERTS the

GLEAMING

BRASS

young soloists music from USA & Mexico Copland’s Symphony #3 Saturday, November 16 7:30pm Laxson Auditorium, Chico

CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAY CONCERT

lighthearted music for brass quintet Saturday, October 19 7:30pm Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall CSU Chico

NEW

AMERICAN PORTRAITS

sing-along carols + baroque favorites Friday, December 13 7:30pm St. John’s Catholic Church Chico

TICKETS: 530-898-6333 (university box office) for concert details and information on Redding events, call 898-5984 or visit www.northstatesymphony.org October 10, 2013

CN&R 49

Arts & Culture Circle round

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell (center) flanked by members of the Glory Band on the Laxson stage—guitarist Jedd Hughes and keyboardist Chris Tuttle. PHOTO BY MELANIE MACTAVISH

THIS WEEK Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell pay homage to Gram Parsons, other dear departed for rousing Laxson performance

THURS

Special Events INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BENEFIT: Live music

Itogether some of the best-known country and bluegrass musicians of all time (Maybelle Carter,

n 1972, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band pulled

Doc Watson and many more) to record a two-album collection of country standards by called Will the Circle Be Unbroken. Ken Smith They repeated the effort with a Grammy-winning second volume kens@ newsreview.com in 1989, this time including some surviving old-timers plus a later generation of traditionalists, like John Prine and Emmylou Harris. Harris can be heard on Volume REVIEW: Two praising the album’s loose Emmylou Harris and Rodney approach of getting a bunch of peoCrowell, ple together for a jam session, sayWednesday, Oct. 2, ing it took her back to the days of Laxson Auditorium, playing with friends in the living Chico State. room—a “spiritual experience” that spurred her to chase a life in music. “The living room has gone out of the music,” she said, “but today I feel like we got it back.” Those who saw Harris and Rodney Crowell last Wednesday (Oct. 2) caught a little bit of that livingroom feeling at Laxson Auditorium as the duo led the crack five-piece Glory Band through a two-hour set of their own and others’ classic songs, highlighted by harmonies honed through a nearly 40-year intermittent working relationship. Harris, Crowell and company wasted no time kick-starting the work-weary collective heart of a mid-week audience by opening with “Return of the Grievous Angel,” the lead track from the Gram Parsons 1974 magnum opus, Grievous Angel, which also featured the songstress on vocals. Like many people, my strongest connection with Harris is through my love of Parsons. This tribute continued with the second song on Wednesday, the Parsons (with fellow Flying Burrito Brother Chris Hillman)-penned “Wheels.” Harris and her cohorts continued to pay homage to Parsons throughout the night. Prefacing the heart50 CN&R October 10, 2013

breaking “Love Hurts,” she shared her philosophy on sad songs: “The sadder the song, the better it makes us feel.” She also acknowledged Parsons’ impact on her life and career, saying he ignited her love of country music, teaching her The Louvin Brothers and George Jones songs when she’d been, as a strongheaded young woman, convinced that she was a folk singer who didn’t like country music. “He taught me it was OK to love Bob Dylan and Buck Owens,” she said. Today, Harris remains one of the genre’s longestand brightest-burning stars. She and Crowell have managed to stay true to the form, always innovating but never chasing crass trends. Crowell-penned songs visited at Laxson included “’Til I Gain Control Again” and “I Ain’t Living Long Like This.” Harris’ latter-day work included “Red Dirt Girl,” and the last song before a rousing three-song encore was “Old Yellow Moon,” the title track of the duo’s latest collaborative recording. A component of the “living room” ethic is the tradition—still strongest in country music—of sharing others’ songs. The duo did plenty of that at Laxson. In addition to the Parsons songs already mentioned, the set was peppered with other covers, many of which Harris has personal connections to as she’s sung harmonies with many of the greats. Highlights included a pair of songs written by the late great Townes Van Zandt, “Pancho and Lefty” and “If I Needed You,” as well as The Louvin Brothers’ “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night.” All told, Harris and Crowell put on a spectacular show. My only gripe is a small one, and not aimed at the performers. About three songs in I had an intense craving for a beer, which is pretty much just a simple Pavlovian response to Harris’ still-sterling voice and the weeping-then-soaring sounds of a pedal steel. Considering the median age of the crowd was past the half-century mark, and was made up of what seemed like pretty responsible adults (standard at most Chico Performances shows), this is something the university should, in my opinion, explore. Ω

by Pageant Dads, Mom & Dad, Dump Star, Bogg, and more to benefit the CIFF and an upcoming documentary film. Th, 10/10, 8pm. $5. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

Art Receptions

HARVEST SIDEWALK SALE: DCBA presents the annual sale showcasing inventory and bargains from your favorite downtown businesses. 10/11-10/12, 9am-5pm. Downtown Chico.

Art Receptions COMING OUT FOR ART: The LGBTQ community and allies express feelings and attitudes surrounding sexuality and gender in a positive way through art. A fundraiser for Stonewall Alliance with music, snacks and beverages. F, 10/11, 6:30-11pm. $5. 100th Monkey Books & Café, 642 W. Fifth St.

VICTORIA MARA HEILWEIL: An artist talk for the

JASON TANNEN OPENING: An artist talk for Visual

Music

Theater

exhibition, 47 Years, featuring the nationally exhibited photographic artist, educator and curator. Th, 10/10, 5-7pm. University Art Gallery, Trinity Hall Chico State, (530) 898-5864.

BONNIE RAITT: The Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter, and slide-guitar legend brings her blend of blues, R&B, rock, and pop to the Laxson stage. Th, 10/10, 7:30pm. Sold out. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.chicoperformances.com.

FRI

Special Events ART ABOUT: A monthly art walk coordinated by the Chico Visual Arts Alliance (ChiVAA). Each second Friday a different area of Chico is featured. Visit site for details. F, 10/11, 5-8pm. Free. Call or visit website for details, Chico, www.chivaa.org/artabout.

Culture: Photographing Chinatown, showcasing new photographic works by local curator, filmmaker and teacher, Jason Tannen. With music by Rose O’Brien. F, 10/11, 5:30-7:30pm. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

AS YOU LIKE IT: Inspire School’s modern update of Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy exploring social issues depicted in the enchanting community of Chico, where lovers discuss justice, country life and “relations” between sexes. F, Sa, 7pm, Su, 2pm through 10/13. Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St., (530) 895-3749, www.blueroomtheatre.com

LES MISERABLES: California Regional Theatre presents a full-scale production (with live orchestra) of the beloved Broadway musical.

F, Sa, 7:30pm. Su, 2pm through 10/27. Opens 10/13. $18-$25. Center for the Arts, 1475 East Ave. on the PV High Campus, (530) 899-2692, www.crtshows.com.

SAT

Special Events AUTUMN FEST: Fine art on display, tours of the

NECTAR

Saturday, Oct. 12 Silver Dollar Fairgrounds SEE SATURDAY, SPECIAL EVENTS

Glenwood House with hay rides, plus farm animals and a pumpkin patch. Sa, Su, 10am-4pm through 10/27. Opens 10/12. $5. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, (530) 342-4359.

FINE ARTS LES MISERABLES: See Friday. Center for the Arts, 1475 East Ave. on the PV High Campus, (530) 899-2692, www.crtshows.com.

TUES

Special Events BEER-PAIRING DINNER: Specialty dishes and

PARADE OF LIGHTS FALL HARVEST FIELD DAY: Cultivating Community and the Organic Vegetable Project present a vegetable harvesting workshop, nutrition facts and cooking demonstrations. Activities for kids include pumpkin carving, scavenger hunt and games. See website for more info. Sa, 10/12, 12:45-5pm. University Farm, University Farm Rd., www.cultivatingcom munitynv.org.

FOREST RANCH FALL FESTIVAL: A day featuring crafts made from local vendors, plus a farmers’ market, children’s activities (including face painting and a bounce house), live music, and food for purchase. Sa, 10/12, 10am-4pm. Free. Forest Ranch Fall Festival, 15522 Nopel Ave., in Forest Ranch, (530) 566-1099, www.mountainjoybible.com.

HARVEST SIDEWALK SALE: See Friday. Downtown Chico.

NECTAR: Chikoko presents an exploratory visceral fashion experience featuring original designs and performances. See Website for details. Sa, 10/12, 6pm. $18-$23. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., (530) 895-4666, www.chikoko.com.

OKTOBERFEST: Enjoy authentic German food, live

entertainment and, of course, lots of beer. Sa, 10/12, 5:30pm. $30. Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Hwy in Oroville, (530) 534-9892, www.goldcountrycasino.com.

PARADE OF LIGHTS: Chico’s night-time parade (themed “Dancin’ Through the Decades”) features local businesses, dancers, music and of course, light spectacles throughout the evening. Sa, 10/12, 7:30pm. Free. Downtown Chico.

SIERRA ORO FARM TRAIL PASSPORT WEEKEND: Wineries and farms throughout Butte County are waiting to be explored at this two-day event featuring food, wine, beers, self-guided tours and specialty products along the Sierra Oro Farm Trail. Sa, 10/12, 10am-5pm, Su, 10/13, 10am-5pm. $30. Chico Chamber of Commerce, 441 Main St. 150, (530) 891-5556, www.sierra oro.org.

Saturday, Oct. 12 Downtown Chico

SEE SATURDAY, SPECIAL EVENTS

Theater AS YOU LIKE IT: See Friday. Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St., (530) 895-3749, www.blue roomtheatre.com

LES MISERABLES: See Friday. Center for the Arts, 1475 East Ave. on the PV High Campus, (530) 899-2692, www.crtshows.com.

SUN

Special Events 1078 FEST: A benefit to buy the gallery a new PA system with food and beverages, plus two stages featuring constant music by The Shimmies, Ha’penny Bridge, Aubrey Debauchery and the Broken Bones, Bunnymilk and many more. Su, 10/13, 5-11pm. $10. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

AUTUMN FEST: See Friday. $5. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, (530) 342-4359.

MONSTER DASH: 5k fun run and fall-festival event featuring a mini monster dash for the kids, food, silent auction, face painting, carnival games with prizes—so wear your costumes. Su, 10/13, 9am-2pm. $15-$25. One Mile, Bidwell Park, (530) 487-4276, www.chiconurseryschool.org.

AUTUMN FEST: A reception for the fifteen artists’ agriculturally themed art in the gift shop. Photographs of landscapes, blown glass, and paintings are just a few of the media on display. Sa, 10/12, 10am-4pm. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, (530) 342-4359.

See Saturday. Chico Chamber of Commerce, 441 Main St. 150, (530) 891-5556, www.sierra oro.org.

Music acclaimed pianist, composer and piano professor at Sacramento State, Richard Cionco performs works of Bach, Siloti, Schumann, Janacek and Liszt. Su, 10/13, 2pm. $6-$15. Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.schoolofthearts-csu chico.com.

Theater AS YOU LIKE IT: See Friday. Blue Room Theatre, 139 W. First St., (530) 895-3749, www.blue roomtheatre.com

FREE LISTINGS! Post your event for free online at www.newsreview.com/calendar. Once posted, your CN&R calendar listing will also be considered for print. Print listings are also free, but subject to space limitations. Deadline for print listings is one week prior to the issue in which you wish the listing to appear.

UNIVERSITY FILM SERIES: A weekly presentation of international films. This week: Aguirre: The Wrath of God (Germany, 1972) Directed by Werner Herzog. Tu, 7:30pm. Opens 10/15. $3. Ayres Hall 106, Chico State, (530) 899-7921, www.csuchico.edu/hfa/hc/filmseries.html.

Music SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE: Celebrating its 10th anniversary with a performance featuring work from the past decade, including fresh takes on classics and several of the Collective’s own original compositions. Tu, 10/15, 7:30pm. $18-$32. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.chicoperfor mances.com.

Theater DOCTOR FAUSTUS: Based on Christopher Marlowe’s Renaissance text, with a modern twist. Watch as Faustus, driven by ambition and an insatiable desire for knowledge, makes a deal with Lucifer—wealth and power for the price of his soul. Directed by Katie Whitlock. W-Sa, 7:30pm, Sa-Su, 2pm, through 10/20. $6$15. Wismer Theatre, Chico State Campus, (530) 898-6333, www.schoolofthearts-csu chico.com.

Poetry/Literature JOSEPH TANSON: Presenting his new book of

poetry, Barren Streets . Tu, 10/15, 7pm. Lyon Books, 135 Main St., (530) 891-3338, www.lyon books.com.

1078 GALLERY: Jason Tannen, Visual Culture:

Photographing Chinatown. New photographic works by local curator, filmmaker and teacher exploring urban landscape, architectural details and storefronts serving as both extensions and stand-ins for people, who are mostly absent from his images. 10/10-10/26. 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

ARTISANS GALLERIA: Artisan Displays, showcasing sculptures, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, stone art and more by Larry Lefner and other local artists. 10/10-12/31. 25 Lost Dutchman Dr.

AVENUE 9 GALLERY: Amalgam of Time, new works by Barbara Morris and Mike & Susi Gillum, featuring mixed-media paintings and hand-crafted jewelry. W-Sa through 10/12. 180 E. Ninth Ave., (530) 879-1821, www.avenue9gallery.com.

B-SO SPACE: Let It Be, a BFA culminating exhibition by Sarah Schott, featuring sculptural works using bronze, aluminum and cast glass. 10/14-10/18. Ayres Hall Room 107 Chico State, (530) 898-5331.

CHICO PAPER CO.: Halina Domanski, textural paintings. Larry Leigh, limited-edition photographic metal prints. 345 Broadway, (530) 891-0900, www.chicopapercompany.com.

JAMES SNIDLE FINE ARTS & APPRAISALS: The

bag ladies are back! Eight local artist have been gathering items and saving them in bags. It has finally come time to see the art they have created from the task. Through 10/31. 254 E. Fourth St., (530) 343-2930, www.jamessnidlefinearts.com.

MANAS ART SPACE & GALLERY: Planting the

Seeds of Your Intention, group show featuring artists fruits from the “seed kits” provided by the gallery. Through 10/18. 1441C Park Ave., (530) 588-5183.

NAKED LOUNGE TEA AND COFFEEHOUSE: Ink By Bob, new ink works by Bob Garner. Through 10/31. Gallery hours are Open daily. 118 W. Second St., (530) 895-0676.

SALLY DIMAS ART GALLERY: Playing with

Paints, featuring oil paintings by Fay Grundving. Tu, Th, Sa, 11am-4pm through 10/28. 493 East Ave. #1, (530) 345-3063.

THE JANET TURNER PRINT MUSEUM: Unsettled Dreams: Monsters in Print, a collaboration with Dr. Asa Mittman, this exhibition explores the monstrous and grotesque. Through 11/2, 11am-4pm. Free. Chico State, (530) 898-4476, www.theturner.org.

UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY: 47 Years, photographic portraits of both place and people by nationally exhibited artist and educator Victoria Mara Heilweil. Through 10/25, 9am5pm. Free. Trinity Hall Chico State, (530) 898-5864.

Call for Artists WHO THE HECK IS FRANKIE?: An open entry exhibition to give little Frankie the time of his life. Plans and “Frankies” are provided and you make the art. 10/10-11/9. $5. Manas Art Space & Gallery, 1441-C Park Ave., (530) 588-5183.

Museums CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER: Banding by Day and Night, a close look at birds in hand with incredible detail. Ongoing. 1968 E. Eighth St., (530) 891-4671, www.bidwellpark.org.

CHICO MUSEUM: Chico in Black and White, an exhibit featuring historical photos from the John Nopel collection. Ongoing. 141 Salem St., (530) 891-4336.

MONCA POP-UP MUSEUM: Monca Pop-Up,

Through The Eyes of the Collector, featuring works from the collection of Reed Applegate, plus Art From Many Minds— works from three diverse cultures in MonCA’s latest temporary-locale exhibit. WSa through 10/26. 215 Main St. in.

SIERRA ORO FARM TRAIL PASSPORT WEEKEND:

PIANIST RICHARD CIONCO: Internationally

Art Receptions

desserts with various ales, plus music by guitarist Steve Cook. Tu, 10/15, 6pm. $35. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feather fallscasino.com/brewing-co.

Art

1078 FEST Sunday, Oct. 13 1078 Gallery

SEE SUNDAY, SPECIAL EVENTS

for more Music, see NIGHTLIFE on page 54

Turn, turn, turn Leaves are falling, winds are blowing, temps are dropping and the geese are honking, all hallmarks that what is arguably the North State’s most magnificent season is upon us. There are numerous ways to EDITOR’S PICK celebrate autumn’s arrival this weekend, including the Harvest Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Chico on Friday and Saturday, and the Saturday, Oct. 12, kickoff of the Patrick Ranch Museum’s Autumn Fest (runnning through Oct. 27), which includes a reception for an agriculture-themed art exhibit, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and hay rides. Also on Saturday, there’s education (cooking and nutrition demos) and fun (scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving) at the Fall Harvest Field Day at the University Farm or, if you’re up to a drive through the changing leaves, the Forest Ranch Fall Festival, featuring open-air market and live music in downtown Forest Ranch.

October 10, 2013

CN&R 51

Business Cards Labels & Stickers Postcards & Brochures Business Forms & Pads Stationery & Envelopes Graphic Design Complimentary Delivery

BUT ENOUGH ABOUT US.

WHO ARE YOU? TAKE OUR ONLINE SURVEY AND YOU COULD WIN! 6 lucky respondents will win either: * A $50 gift certificate to The Bookstore * A free pass to the movies Take the survey online at www.research.net/s/013547 or scan the QR code with your smart phone.

970 Mangrove Avenue | 343-8701 | Owners: Tim & Penny Henderson

California Regional Theatre presents Comedy for people who read or know someone who does.

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS â&#x20AC;&#x153;DEB & MIKEâ&#x20AC;? Acknowledged by peers and press alike as one of the premier political satirists in the country, Will Durst has patched together a comedy quilt of a career, weaving together columns, books, radio and television commentaries, acting, voice overs and most especially, stand up comedy, into a hilarious patchwork of outraged and outrageous common sense. His abiding motto is â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make stuff up like this.â&#x20AC;?

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October 11-27 Featuring a live Orchestra and a large cast Tickets: $18.50 reserved | $25.00 Orchestra Front Get Tickets at www.crtshows.com Or call 1-800-722-4522 A portion of every ticket sold benefits the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts for allâ&#x20AC;? CUSD program

Delicious

Sooner or Later

inDian FooD

Neo Boys K Records

MUSIC

Sweet Tooth

in Downtown Chico

www.newsreview.com

Neo Boys were an all-female punk band from Portland, Ore., that sprung up quietly in 1978 around the same time The Go-Go’s were making noise in Southern California, and bands like The Raincoats and The Slits were doing it in the UK. It was Calvin Johnson of K Records who initially shined a light on this quartet when he released the Lost Girls 1977-82 comp a few years back. Now we get to see and hear the bigger picture on the new double LP, Sooner or Later, which chronicles Neo Boys’ short-lived career from 1978 to 1982. Included are raw live recordings, demos, and the band’s first studio EP recorded and released by The Wipers’ Greg Sage in 1980, and their 1982 Crumbling Myths EP. Arranged chronologically, it’s easy to hear the evolution from a scrappy, barely-in-tune punk band to a more jangly, polished rock unit. Unlike The Go-Go’s, Neo Boys went beyond boy problems—instead they attacked injustices within their own circle (Portland in the late-’70s was, as bassist Kt Kincaid puts it, “repressing, conservative and teeming with rednecks”) and in the process spoke to a much larger audience. Unbeknownst to them, Neo Boys ended up being important musically and politically. And it still sounds fresh today. —Mark Lore

230 Salem Street, Chico 530.891.3570 www.GogiesCafe.Webs.com

Add some spice to your life!

Ian McEwan Nan A. Talese/Doubleday I’ve read most of Ian McEwan’s 15 books, happy to be engaged by this intelligent and graceful writer. My favorites so far are the rich historical piece Atonement and Saturday, a profile of a successful London neurosurgeon suddenly beset by violence on the Saturday before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. McEwan’s latest (released last year, and in paperback this summer) takes place in 1972 and features a female narrator, Serena Frome. She’s a bright and beautiful but naive young woman, a reader of novels, who is recruited to MI5, the British domestic spy agency. There she’s told to enlist a young writer, Tom Haley, in a secret program (called Sweet Tooth) designed to funnel money to anticommunist writers without their knowing it. She and Haley fall in love but soon find themselves so confused by the many lies told and masks worn by all involved, including themselves, that everything they value is threatened. Wait for the ending—it’s a dazzler. —Robert Speer

BOOK

October 19 November 10th th

The Mindy Project: Season One Universal Studios

THROUGH

On paper, a sitcom vehicle for a female comedian playing a strong, beautiful, quirky doctor—selfdeprecating to the point of celebrating her perceived flaws—who is trying to balance her personal and professional lives while searching for the happily-ever-after ending is about as cliché as a cop procedural. However, from page to screen, something magical happened with The Mindy Project: It became hilarious. Creator and writer Mindy Kaling (The Office) plays Dr. Mindy Lahiri with unwavering characterization, and manages to turn exposition, plot advancement, and asides into punch lines or—better yet—opportunities to deepen the character beyond a simple line of dialogue. Chris Messina (The Newsroom) as Dr. Danny Castellano is outstanding as Mindy’s perfect foil, and the banter between the two rivals the love/hate relationship of Cheers’ Sam and Diane. The casting is excellent, and the actors all bring a natural feel to their characters’ eccentricities (notably Ike Barinholtz as the ex-con RN), so the zany seems run-of-the-mill and all the more humorous. At times, the show struggles with whether it features a supporting or an ensemble cast, but in the end, any given episode’s cold opening packs in more perfectly paced comedy than an entire episode of most other sitcoms. Prep for the sophomore season (now underway on Fox, Tuesdays, at 9:30 p.m.) with this three-disc set of season one.

DVD

—Matthew Craggs

Thursday, Friday, Saturday Shows 7:30PM Sunday Shows 2:00PM

TICKETS Call the CTC Box Office

530-894-3282 or order tickets online

www.chicotix.com (Recommended for 13 & older) October 10, 2013

CN&R 53

NIGHTLIFE

THURSDAY 10|10—WEDNESDAY 10|16

11FRIDAY

NEON CIRCUS: A Brooks and Dunn Tribute

BASSMINT: A weekly electronic dance

GWAR

Wednesday, Oct.16 Senator Theatre SEE WEDNESDAY

party with a rotating cast of local and regional DJs. F, 9:30pm. Peeking Chinese Restaurant, 243 W. Second St. 4, (530) 895-3888.

COOK-PETERSON DUO: Steve Cook and Larry Peterson play an eclectic mix of The Beatles, blues and standards. F, 69pm. Free. Chicoichi Ramen, 243 W. Ninth St., (530) 891-9044.

THE DEAF PILOTS ALBUM RELEASE: Local

10THURSDAY ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE: With performances by Rachelle DeBelle, Doug MF Jones and Donovan Campbell, Kyle Williams, and Ira Walker. Th, 10/10, 8pm. Lost on Main, 319 Main St., (530) 891-1853.

BONNIE RAITT: Th, 10/10, 7:30pm. Sold out. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.chicoperfor mances.com.

CHICO JAZZ COLLECTIVE: Thursday jazz.

Th, 8-11pm. Free. The DownLo, 319 Main St., (530) 892-2473.

EAST OF SWEDEN: Alt-rock/post-punk

crew performs their energetic throwback to psychedelic rock during their CD-release party with friends Strange Habits. F, 10/11, 9pm. $5. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org. gypsy soul-rockers The LoLos (Chico) and Rad Bandits. Th, 10/10, 8pm. $5. Café Coda, 265 Humboldt Ave., (530) 566-9476, www.cafecoda.com.

FLO IN THE BLUES: Live blues music for the blue at heart featuring Steven Truskol and friends. Th, 10/10, 7-10pm. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveatflo.com.

JAZZ DUO: Eric Peter and Holly Taylor. Th, 10/10, 6-9pm. Grana, 198 E. Second St., (530) 809-2304.

OPEN MIC: Singers, poets and musicians welcome. Th, 7-10pm. Has Beans Internet Cafe & Galleria, 501 Main St., (530) 894-3033, www.hasbeans.com.

FLO SESSIONS: Flo’s weekly local music showcase continues with host Zack Black and guests. F, 7-10pm. Opens 10/11. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveatflo.weebly.com.

IRISH MUSIC HAPPY HOUR: A Chico tradition: Friday night happy hour with a traditional Irish music session by the Pub Scouts. F, 4pm. $1. Duffy’s Tavern, 337 Main St., (530) 343-7718.

MACHINES LEARNING: Atmospheric space rock from San Diego with local experimental/atmospheric guitar-rockers West By Swan, plus Donald “The Donald” Beaman. F, 10/11, 8pm. $5. Café Coda, 265 Humboldt Ave., (530) 5669476, www.cafecoda.com.

band. F, 10/11, 9:30pm. $5. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feather fallscasino.com/brewing-co.

REUNION: A tribute to the 1970s. Sa, 10/12,

SHELBY COBRA AND THE MUSTANGS: The

Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feather fallscasino.com/brewing-co.

Rev. Shelby Cobra returns to Chico. Plus Lish Bills, and the debut of Battlesnake. Sa, 10/12, 9pm. Maltese Bar & Taproom, 1600 Park Ave., (530) 343-4915.

9:30pm. $5. Feather Falls Casino

RITA HOSKING & COUSIN JACK: An intimate country-folk show by Rita and her band. Jonathan Foster from Redding opens F, 10/11, 7-10pm. $20 $25. Beatniks Coffee House & Breakfast Joint, 1387 E. Eighth St., (530) 894-2800.

12SATURDAY GARY BOHANNON AND THE BAD HABITS: Performing songs from bands like Santana, Steve Winwood, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. Sa, 10/12, 8:30pm-1:30am. Feather Falls Casino, 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.featherfallscasino.com.

EVERYDAY IS HALLOWEEN

If you’re of the mindset that Halloween is way too awesome for just one day—no matter how old you are—then you’re not alone. You’ll find many like-minded individuals at Monstro’s Pizza and Subs on Wednesday, Oct. 16, when Oakland creepy-folk-punk crews Thee Hobo Gobbelins and Ghost Town Gospel swing through town. Rounding out the ghoulishly good line-up are locals The Pushers and Ryan Davidson. It’s a great night to give your Halloween costume a trial run.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: An open mic hosted by local country musicians Rich and Kendall. Sa, 5-9pm. Free. Scotty’s Landing, 12609 River Rd., (530) 7102020.

OKTOBERFEST: Enjoy authentic German food, live entertainment and, of course, lots of beer. Sa, 10/12, 5:30pm. $30. Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Hwy in Oroville, (530) 534-9892, www.goldcountrycasino.com.

act out of San Diego performs with

The Butte College Drama Department Presents

The Best Bar in the

Universe!

Open daily · 337 Main St · 343-7718

HookaHs | Vaporizers | incense | Glass | pipes

At The Butte College Black Box Theater, Arts 160 SHOWTIMES: November 15, 16, 21-23 • 7:30 p.m. | November 24 •2 p.m. TICKETS: $10 Student • $15 General • $18 Reserved Tickets are available online and in person at the Butte College Bookstore Main Campus and Chico Center, www.buttecollegebookstore.com More information at www.butte.edu/drama or 530.895.2994

54 CN&R October 10, 2013

Water pipes | tattoo supplies | sHirts stickers | JeWelry | posters & More

open Daily 9aM - 11pM 132 broaDWay, DoWntoWn cHico

342-3304

NIGHTLIFE

THIS WEEK: FIND MORE ENTERTAINMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS ON PAGE 50 THE DEAF PILOTS CD-RELEASE Friday, Oct. 11 1078 Gallery SEE FRIDAY

Time tour. Also, death metal from Whitechapel, plus Iron Reagan (Virgina) and A Band of Orcs (Santa Cruz). W, 10/16, 7:30pm. $18. Senator Theatre, 517 Main St., (530) 898-1497, www.jmaxproductions.net.

JAZZ HAPPY HOUR: With the Carey

Robinson Trio. W, 5-7pm. Free. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveatflo.com.

LAURIE DANA: Soul, light rock, blues, country, Tin Pan Alley, jazz and more.

W, 7-9pm. Free. VIP Ultra Lounge, 191 E. Second St.

13SUNDAY PIANIST RICHARD CIONCO: Internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and piano professor at Sacramento State, Richard Cionco performs works of Bach, Siloti, Schumann, Janacek and Liszt. Su, 10/13, 2pm. $6-$15. RowlandTaylor Recital Hall, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.schooloftheartscsuchico.com.

15TUESDAY 16WEDNESDAY AARON JAQUA: An open singer-song-

writer night. Tu, 7-9pm. Free. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveatflo.com.

SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE: Celebrating its 10th anniversary with a performance featuring work from the past decade, including fresh takes on classics and several of the Collective’s own original compositions. Tu, 10/15, 7:30pm. $18$32. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.chicoperfor mances.com.

14MONDAY JAZZ HAPPY HOUR: With the Carey

Robinson Trio. M, 5-7pm. Free. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveatflo.com.

SHIGEMI & FRIENDS: Live jazz with keyboardist Shigemi Minetaka and

rotating accompaniment. Tu, 6:308:30pm. Free. Farm Star Pizza, 2359

FULL HOUSE BLUES JAM: Join house band, The Growlers and bring an instrument and sign up to be a guest player. W, 10/16, 7-11pm. $5. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feath erfallscasino.com/brewing-co.

GWAR: The monster rockers roll into

town on their Madness at the Core of

NTS POST EVE Y E IN ONL B AT ING REGISTER

newsreview.c

om/chico

OLD-TIME SLOW JAM: Bring your bluegrass instruments and song suggestions for this jam hosted by Jim Meyers. Third W of every month, 7-9pm. Free. Sid Lewis’ Acoustic College, 932 W. Eighth Ave., (530) 876-8629.

THE SCARLET SIREN

While looking for the phone number to a certain local restaurant to get some Chinese take-out one night, the auto-complete in Google’s search bar suggested the question, “Do gingers have souls?” This means that lots of people have, for some reason, asked that question. Regardless of the questionable metaphysical makeup of red heads, this is certain: Bonnie Raitt has soul. Throughout her 40-year career, the firemaned, slide-playing blues demigoddess has established a catalog dripping with soul, enough to flood the interior of Laxson Auditorium tonight, Oct. 10. If you don’t have tickets yet, good luck—this is likely the most anticipated offering from Chico State’s Chico Performances this year.

OPEN MIC: An all-ages open mic for musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers and dancers. W, 7pm. Free. 100th Monkey Books & Café, 642 W. Fifth St.

THEE HOBO GOBBELINS & GHOST TOWN GOSPEL: W, 10/16, 8pm. $6. Monstros Pizza & Subs, 628 W. Sacramento Ave., (530) 345-7672.

WAY OUT WEST: A weekly country music

showcase with The Blue Merles. W, 7:30-9:30pm. Opens 10/16. Café Flo, 365 E. Sixth St., (530) 514-8888, www.liveat flo.com.

Esplanade, (530) 343-2056, www.farm starpizza.com.

RECYCLE THIS PAPER.

YOU’RE WELCOME, NATURE.

PINK RIDE

$1 FROM EVERY RIDE IN THE PINK RIDE IN OCTOBER WILL GO DIRECTLY TO "MAKING STRIDES" AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Liberty Cab | 898-1776 October 10, 2013

CN&R 55

Making Chico Dogs & Owners

HAPPY 12 YEARS! for

Owner Sarah Richardson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Dog Behavior Consultant. She and her experienced staff operate Chico’s first and finest comprehensive dog care center. • Group Classes • Private Lessons • Dog Boarding • Daycare • Puppy Socials and more!

Check out our happy dogs yourself on our website & Facebook Bentley: Puppy Kindergarten Grad and Daycare Team Member

(530) 345–1912 www.TheCanineConnection.com

NOW OPEN! BUY ONE BREAKFAST BURRITO AND GET ONE FREE 8AM-11AM Breakfast Burrito will be of equal or lesser value. 8am-11am only. Expires 10/16/13.

COME VISIT OUR NEWEST LOCATION 995 Nord Ave • Chico 592.3605 • bulldogtaqueria.com (across from Safeway on Nord) 56 CN&R October 10, 2013

SCENE

s he developed the best

The madness spreads— As You Like It lovers: (from left) Rosalind (Alexandra Hilsee), Orlando (Leo Daverson), Oliver (Connor Brown) and Celia (Clarice Sobon). PHOTO BY JASON CASSIDY

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Great foolery Inspire School players go all out for Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy

L disappointed to see the hand-drawn “Sorry, Dude” sign at the top of the Bidwell Bowl Amphitheet’s get this out of the way: I was pretty

atre with the announcement that the Sunday matinee of As You Like It had been moved from outside to inside the Blue Room Theatre due to technical difficulties. by It’s not often that one gets to see a Jason pastoral play in a living pastoral setCassidy ting—especially one as lush as that jasonc@ newsreview.com surrounding the creekside stage outside the Bidwells’ back door—and I was really looking forward to the opportunity. Oh, well. The show must go on, and it did against a wonderfully colorful, psychedelic backdrop of flowers and eyeballs that scenic designer Dave Beasley and the Inspire School of Arts & Sciences students had created inside the Blue Room for their evening shows. And once things got rolling, my disappointment quickly faded. Director Joyce Henderson’s

REVIEW:

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences production of As You Like It shows Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m., at the Blue Room. Cost: $12-$15. Visit www.inspire cusd.org or call 891-3090 for info. Blue Room Theatre 139 W. First St.

adaptation drops the action into the groovy 1960s, transplanting Shakespeare’s comedy of love gone wild into a suitably experimental and equally wild new era. It’s the perfect setup for the daring female characters of Rosalind and her cousin Celia to step out of court and into their forest adventure. The psychedelic backdrop was matched by a variety of the era’s styles (assembled by costume coordinator Lucy Greenfield)—from miniskirts and mini-dresses to bell bottoms and John Lennon glasses— as well as a live band performing snippets of Beatles tunes as perfect

segues. With the play’s pastoral action now taking place in Forest of Bidwell (shouldn’t it be Golden Gate Park?), one of the best moves was making the Foresters of Arden into a band of Bidwell Park hippies who spend their days tripping out to the musings of the banished Duke Senior/“The Dude” (Bryan Clements) and his attendant, Jaques (Matthew Stone). I won’t ruin any scenes for you, but I laughed really hard at one particularly well-timed “Wow.” For a play that is less a story than a series of verbal sparring matches, convoluted scenarios, shifting roles, and a lot of quick/twisting dialogue, it takes a lot of practice and even more energy by the players to keep things moving. And it was pretty incredible how thoroughly the young cast rose to the challenge, especially given the compacted schedule of a play that went from auditions to opening night in just six weeks. All of the leads were fantastic: Clements as the stony Dude; the long-limbed Nicholas Hoover as the goofing clown, Touchstone; Clarice Sobon in a joyful, tender turn as the faithful Celia; and the physically and mentally agile Leo Daverson, who played the love-struck Orlando with elastic and endearing head-over-heels energy, as well as a sneaky sense of comic timing. And then there were these two: Aidan Sobon and Alexandra Hilsee, who provided two of the most entertaining performances I’ve seen from local actors in some time. Sobon’s giggling turn as the stony, mandolin-toting Amiens was awesome as he led his fellow hippies around the forest in hilarious song. And Hilsee was scary good as the fiery Rosalind, rising to the challenge of the plum role with a committed all-consuming performance—from intimate embraces with her beloved cousin Celia (with a matched authenticity from Sobon) to her witty and wild interplay with would-be lover Orlando while in disguise. The common ground that is Shakespeare’s forest is where young lovers of all stripes are free jump onto the world’s stage and partake in whatever foolery they desire. And the young Inspire actors appear to have eagerly accepted that challenge, and they put on quite Ω a show in the process. October 10, 2013

CN&R 57

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your hands, Arts DEVO is proud to present his winner of the Best Reason to Celebrate Like a Champion: Tom Wigton—aka Tommy, aka T-Dub, aka the guy I feel honored to call my brother-in-law—is going to be inducted into the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame this Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m., at the BMU Auditorium! I am so damn proud; I could explode! Tom was not an athlete, but he’s probably more popular at the school, and in the community in general, than just about anyone who has donned a uniform. As it says in the university’s inducteeannouncement: “[It] would be profoundly difficult, if not impossible, to find an individual who has had a more lasting impact on the entire Wildcats Athletics department than Thomas Wigton.” For the past 24 years, Tom has volunteered as a team manager for the university’s football, basketball and baseball teams, as well as the Chico High football team after the university’s football program folded. (And for good measure, he chipped in for Chico’s pro baseball teams—The Heat and The Outlaws—when they Tom Wigton were in town.) His big-hearted enthusiasm, commitment to the work, and his genuine care for the people in the athletics department have been a constant, and it’s wonderful and humbling that the university is recognizing his efforts. “Hall of Famer Tom Wigton.” That has a pretty sweet ring to it. You better get used to it, buddy. That is now and forever the only name I will be calling you by. Congratulations … Hall of Famer Tom Wigton!

RED GRANDMA There is no doubt that this weekend is going to be one of the most emotional of my life. The day after we toast my amazing friend/bro-in-law, I’ll be heading to Redding to join my family in celebrating the life of my grandmother, Janice McIrvin, who died last week. We called her Red Grandma, because of her hair color (and to differentiate her from my dad’s white-haired mother; White Grandma, of course), and the name fit the bright, fiery, boisterous personality of the woman who never accepted “I’m bored” as an excuse, and was pied piper for her 13 grandchildren (and 22 great-grandchildren). She devoured us and we loved her for it. As the oldest of my generation I am so grateful that I got to enjoy so many years with her. She was more than an important person in my life; she was crucial. Of the many ways she influenced me, what resonates strongest is how she always took an interest in the things I cared about, especially the music I liked. She’d listen with a critical ear—to the music and my excitement over it—and always give an honest verdict. (She liked The Cramps, and she loved Queen, especially A Night at the Opera, which she owned on vinyl.) I actually lived with her for a while, when I was 18 and pit-stopping in Redding for a semester, and she was easily the most fun roommate I ever had. During that time she even loaned me the $175 to buy my first electric guitar (bass, actually—the Jammer!) and practice amp so that my old high-school buddies and I could start our first band. And she was standing there in the front row when Household Morgan played its first show on a flatbed trailer parked inside an old barn. Over the last few years of her life, an insidious dementia slowly drained away many of the traits that defined the relationship we all had with her. Our love and affection and enjoyment of being with her never waned, of course; things just became differ- Grandma at age 16 ent. But now that she’s gone, and everyone in the family is thinking about her life and sharing stories, all we remember are the things that made her “Red Grandma.” To borrow a line from a similarly themed column by CN&R’s Anthony Peyton Porter [“From the Edge,” Oct. 3, 2013]: “The rest falls away.” Rest in peace, Red Grandma.

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Alfonso Cuarón crafts an emotional and visually stunning space thriller

iF you liked “tampopo”, “Big night” or “BaBette’s Feast”, you’ll love

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T Mamá También, The Children of Men) is a dazzling piece of artful entertainment. It’s a sci-fi advenhe new film by Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu

ture, with a pair of stranded astronauts played by George Clooney and Sandra Bullock trying to survive a space-station by calamity, and it packs a great deal of Juan-Carlos unexpected interest into what might Selznick sound like a relatively simple story. Scarcity of oxygen, suspension of the law of gravity, extreme physical isolation—they all heighten the stakes in the characters’ efforts to improvise self-rescue via the increasingly disabled remnants of their elaborate space-travel technology.

human identity, of purpose and self and locale. The film’s title refers, plainly enough, to that circumstance of weightlessness, but it also comes to evoke other kinds of gravity—grave danger, grave doubts and misgivings, emotional and spiritual gravity. The latter ingredients emerge gradually, and rather gently, through the somewhat minimalist character development of the two protagonists. This happens both in the relationship between them that grows in significance as their separateness becomes more extreme and with the quasi-mythic trajectory of Bullock’s character from something like technologically encumbered loner to epic heroine finding her way to a multi-faceted rebirth. Bullock and Clooney fill their roles nicely. Neither is called upon to do any fine-tuned acting here—the

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