Issuu

OUR HANDS NEED A HAND See SCENE, page 34

SMART METER GOT YOU DOWN? See HEALTHLINES, page 20

Tree defenders battle to protect Chico’s urban forest

KRAMPUS IS COMING

BY TOM GASCOYNE PAGE 26

See ARTS DEVO, page 42

CAR ART See 15 MINUTES, page 18

Chico’s News & Entertainment Weekly

Volume 38, Issue 15

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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INSIDE

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Vol. 38, Issue 15 • December 4, 2014

OPINION Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Comment. . . . . . . . . . . . . Second & Flume . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Streetalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 4 5 5 7

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Editor Melissa Daugherty Associate Editor Meredith J. Graham Arts Editor Jason Cassidy News Editor Tom Gascoyne Asst. News Editor/Healthlines Editor Howard Hardee Staff Writer Ken Smith Calendar Assistant Mallory Russell Contributors Catherine Beeghly, Craig Blamer, Alastair Bland, Henri Bourride, Rachel Bush, Vic Cantu, Matthew Craggs, Kyle Delmar, Bob Grimm, Miles Jordan, Karen Laslo, Leslie Layton, Mark Lore, Melanie MacTavish, Sean Murphy, Mazi Noble, Brian Palmer, Shannon Rooney, Toni Scott, Claire Hutkins Seda, Juan-Carlos Selznick, Robert Speer, Allan Stellar, Evan Tuchinsky, Carey Wilson Interns Hunter Du Puy, Nate Ward, Brittany Waterstradt Managing Art Director Tina Flynn Editorial Designer Sandra Peters Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Design Melissa Bernard, Brad Coates, Mary Key, Kyle Shine, Skyler Smith Advertising Manager Jamie DeGarmo Advertising Services Coordinator Ruth Alderson Advertising Consultants Alex Beehner, Brian Corbit, Laura Golino Junior Sales Associate/Assistant Faith de Leon Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay

! N

ARTS & CULTURE Music Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . This Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fine Arts listings . . . . . . . . . . . Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In The Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reel World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arts DEVO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brezsny’s Astrology . . . . . . . .

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Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the Chico News & Review are those of the author and not Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint portions of the paper. The Chico News & Review is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or review materials. Email letters to chicoletters@newsreview.com. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to edit letters for length (200 words or less), clarity and libel or not to publish them.

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OPINION

Send guest comments, 400 words maximum, to gc@ newsreview.com, or to 353 E. 2nd St., Chico, CA 95928. Please include photo & short bio.

Railway time bomb Last week’s news about a train derailing in the Feather River Canyon is a

Three strikes for Big Business he news remains full of corporate misbehavior. Banks, Tcharged, energy companies, Internet innovators, etc., have been fined or otherwise settled with, but their behavior

able shares. They are not reorganized when owners die or sell their shares. Owners have their liability limited to what they have invested in the firm. Their other assets are not doesn’t seem to change much. The executives at the helm of vulnerable. Due to these and other incredible these giants are almost never prosecuted advantages, some corporations have grown in for the acts they sanctioned, ordered or size to rival moderately large nations. They ignored. can easily dominate smaller firms. “Developed countries,” especially the Corporations’ abuse of their economic U.S., seem to have first allowed, and then power is difficult to challenge and curtail. accepted, the economy as a dominant part of their culture. Morality is too often But why not revoke the charters of corporations when they accumulate, say, absent. The supposed “free market” seems “If the three strikes law three felonies over five years? If the strikes law is good enough for amoral at best and often is good enough for cheap three by cheap drug dealers, it must be fair borders on immoral terGary drug dealers, it must be for corporations. Without a charter, ritory. Current sanctions Francis bankruptcy would be required seem to have little fair for corporations.” through an established liquidation effect on corporate The author is a process. The bad apples would be eliminated behavior. I suggest eliminating the worst retired Chico State and the better apples would note the conseof the offenders. economics quences of misbehavior. There are rules throughout the U.S. professor. If some of the readers of this newspaper governing much of our behavior. For don’t like this proposal, well, have a nice example, I am licensed to drive a car life. But as you live that life, notice the folafter passing a test. If I am caught breaklowing: monopoly prices, unsafe products, ing the rules of the road too often, my unsafe workplaces, low-wage jobs, a worslicense is revoked. Corporations enjoy privileges through ening income distribution, no abatement in global warming and corporate control of charters from states. Charter shopping is “democratic” processes. Three strikes for employed to find the least restrictive corporations is one place to begin longstates. These charters allow corporations overdue reforms. Ω to enjoy perpetual life through transfer4

CN&R

December 4, 2014

stark reminder that the state’s railways are a ticking time bomb. We got lucky this time. The train cars that tumbled into the Feather River below were carrying corn, not Bakken oil. As the CN&R reported months ago in a cover story about the dangers of transporting this highly combustible material along high-risk portions of the state’s railway, the chances of a catastrophic accident are on the rise (see “On track for disaster,” July 10). That’s because oil shipments by rail, much of them from fracking operations in North Dakota and Canada, are increasing at an alarming rate. Six years ago, no oil was shipped by rail in the state. Then, in 2009, 50,000 barrels wound “The chances of a their way along the Golden State’s tracks. Last year, that number rose to 6 million barcatastrophic accident rels. In 2015, an estimated 150 million barrels are on the rise ...” of oil will transit the state’s railways. Already, close to 3 million gallons of Bakken oil are transported each week on the Feather River Canyon tracks alone. This is too risky a prospect for a number of reasons, including the fact that a spill at the headwaters of the State Water Project—Lake Oroville—would contaminate a major supplier of the state’s drinking and irrigation water. State Sens. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) and Lois Wolk (D-Davis) have called for rail operators to pay for emergency preparedness training for crews throughout the state. And this week, Hill went a step further, asking Gov. Jerry Brown to halt crude-oil transport altogether. It’s unclear, however, whether the governor has the authority to take such action, as railroads are subject to federal regulations. In that case, we urge our readers to contact the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Department of Transportation and call for a prohibition on crude oil shipments in highrisk routes, including environmentally sensitive areas and highly populated regions. Ω

Goodbye, bipartisanship Tuesday evening’s Chico City Council meeting ushered in a change in the

philosophical balance of the city’s governing body after 12 years of a progressive majority. Incumbent Mark Sorensen and newcomers Reanette Fillmer and Andrew Coolidge were sworn in before a packed gallery in the council chambers. The excitement was palpable, as was a sense of conviviality. But that didn’t last long. We were disappointed to watch the conservatives vote along party lines during the panel’s first two orders of business by selecting their own— Sorensen and Sean Morgan—for both the mayor and vice mayor posts. We hope this doesn’t portend the future on this council that ought to put the community over politics. It was clear during the city’s fiscal crisis that the members of the council could put aside their differences and work as a team toward a common goal. Its bipartisan leadership was more effective for the community and the wise and generous move would have been to continue in that vein. Alas, the four conservatives didn’t have it in them. That’s too bad. We want to thank Scott Gruendl, a two-time mayor, and Mary Goloff, for their terms of 12 and eight years, respectively. Gruendl, with his time on the Planning Commission, actually served the city for a total of two decades. He’s been instrumental in many of the city’s progressive efforts over the years, including signing on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and helping bring the Chico Pride event to the City Plaza for the first time in 2011. He and Goloff showed their willingness to compromise by crossing party lines on many important issues. We hope the newcomers have learned something from them and their public service. Ω

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SECOND & FLUME by Melissa Daugherty melissad@newsreview.com

Predictability and generosity After all of the pomp and pageantry of bidding farewell to Chico Mayor Scott Gruendl and Councilwoman Mary Goloff, including words of praise by Vice Mayor Mark Sorensen about Gruendl’s expertise and dedication to the city, the new conservativemajority City Council set the tone of its tenure by voting in Sorensen as mayor and Sean Morgan as vice mayor. How predictable. To their credit, the remaining progressives—Tami Ritter, Ann Schwab and Randall Stone—voted for Sorensen, a unanimous show of support for the now second-term councilman. But when it came to choosing a vice mayor, things got intense. Newbie Councilwoman Reanette Fillmer interrupted City Clerk Debbie Presson— who was attempting to explain some particulars about the position—with a nomination for Morgan, the F-bombdropping junior conservative. After that, veteran Councilwoman Ann Schwab, now the senior-most member of the panel, made a case for why Councilwoman Tami Ritter would make an excellent vice mayor, listing the many task forces and committees on which she’s served. The vote on Morgan went first, and resulted in a split vote in his favor. And thus ended the bipartisan mayor/vice mayor leadership Chico had seen over the past 16 months. I’m cynical, so I figured things would go down this way. But there was this teensy weensy part of me that thought the conservatives would be bigger than that. Let’s get generous: A lot of the work we do at the CN&R can be thought of as advocacy journalism. Quite regularly, we write about individuals and organizations helping those in need in our community. The hope, of course, is that our readers will aid the efforts, be that through donations or volunteering or spreading the word about the good causes featured in these pages. I’d call this passive activism. But we want to do more. So, this year, we’re lending a helping hand to some of the organizations in our backyard by holding a charity drive here at our HQ at Second and Flume streets. What we’re looking for are toiletries—the essentials, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. They can be travel-size or jumbo, and we’re not asking for expensive stuff from the salon, although we’ll gladly take that, too. We’re collecting it through the month of December for a number of worthy local nonprofits who’re dedicated to caring for the needy among us. So, dear readers, come down anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to drop off items (see page 40 for a full list of necessities). The CN&R is also continuing our long tradition of being a “giving tree” location. This program connects children living at The Esplanade House—a transitional housing program for families—to generous locals who have the means to purchase them gifts to brighten their holidays (see page 29 for more info). There are plenty of children to sponsor this year—lots of little ones, too. I chose a 1-year-old girl, whose wish list includes clothes, a soft blanket and a baby doll. What more can I say?

Melissa Daugherty is editor of the CN&R

More heroes Re “Local heroes 2014” (Cover story, by CN&R staff, Nov. 26) Congratulations to this year’s local heroes, and here’s a nod to a few more: Cynthia Gailey, Safe Space emergency shelter coordinator. Her tireless team continues to overcome daunting logistics amid spurious criticism from those choosing to throw stones rather than build rock walls. I give her encouraging hugs every chance I get. Honorable mentions start with Mama Rose’s selfless dedication to feeding poverty-stricken Chicoans, housed and unhoused, nearly every Sunday for almost 20 years. Another honorable mention, Jenny Lowrey, executive director of From the Ground Up Farms. She recently delivered two buckets of freshly picked tomatoes for Mama Rose’s Sunday dinner. Mama Rose smiled broadly when asked how she felt receiving the veggies. “You know how I feel.” Indeed, we do! The last honorable mention is Jill Lacefield and team from the 100th Monkey Community Café. Paid internship for housing-challenged young adults to learn the trade of restaurant management and food preparation would make the café frontrunners for 2015. All these individuals, and their teams, share one thing in common—they are changing lives one loveable soul at a time. BILL MASH Chico

Editor’s note: Each of the women mentioned above was featured in a story in our Local Heroes issue.

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‘Take two’ Re “The most interesting man in the world” (Guest comment, by Richard Parker, Nov. 26): The most interesting man in the world—take two: He is able to kiss his own ass. His mother was a coal miner in Argentina. A flashlight beam will pass directly into one ear, and out the other. He flunked third grade four times. He once sanded an outhouse door on a tuna boat— with his tongue. He claims the Boston Red Sox rode with Paul Revere. He plays Monopoly and tries to buy “Go.” It is rumored he is into kitty porn. He thinks Dos Equis beer is crazy for hiring him. He waits for the carnival to come to town. He once spent five days inside a 6-foot trash bag. His shoes are made from aluminum. He recycles peanut shells. He tried to plow a rice field with a unicycle. He offers answers to questions that have not yet been asked. His teddy bear was shot by a firing squad. He tried to break into a jail using a cell phone. The TV antenna on his house is a weather vane. He is not paid for his commercial work, but demands he be called: The most interesting man in the world. Stay thirsty, my friends. DANNY WILSON Oroville

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‘Shameful salaries’ Re “Absurdity” (Second & Flume, by Melissa Daugherty, Nov. 26): Thanks for publishing the shameful salaries drawn by public officials like Mike Maloney, Kirk Trostle (former and current Chico police chiefs) and Paul Zingg (Chico State president). Another outrageous example is Johnny Person (Chico police officer). Scores of Chico police and fire personnel draw similar salaries and benefit packages. My own research reveals that, with benefits, Maloney and Trostle’s salaries cost Chico taxpayers around $226,000 and $219,000 per year. Now age 52, “retired” and teaching at Butte College, Maloney will still receive this sum from Chico until he and his wife die. President Zingg costs the state around $417,000 per year. Even regular police officer Person receives about $190,000 a year in total in compensation—for a position requiring only seven months training beyond high school. In contrast, the U.S. Census Bureau reports Chico’s median household income is $42,896. California police and fire salaries are 55 percent higher than the U.S. median, and those in Chico are among the highest in California. Further, insurance companies profit enormously from underwriting their extremely generous health and pension plans. Clearly, our government needs a sweeping overhaul. NATHAN ESPLANADE Corning

Back the ban On Dec.11, the Butte County Planning Commission will again review a proposed fracking ban in Butte County. In October, the commission correctly recognized the most immediate threat to our water and health is from the possible disposal of toxic fracking waste fluid here from fracking taking place in Glenn County. The commission moved to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that fracking wastes be banned from Butte County. The commissioners need to understand that the fracking process itself also leaves toxic waste fluid in the ground, since more than half of the toxic fracking production fluid is left in the ground after the fracking process. Also, the fracking industry’s own research shows that 5 percent of well seals fail immediately and more than 50 percent fail over just 30 years. It’s obvious that any fracking activity in the valley

poses an unacceptable threat to our groundwater and health. Over 11,000 Butte County voters signed a petition to have a fracking ban placed on our ballot. Let’s all work together and get that total ban on fracking in Butte County. A total ban on all fracking activity is the only way to remove this threat to our well-being. DOUG FOGEL Chico

‘Quit stalling’ Re “Caregivers’ conundrum” (Newslines, by Ken Smith, Nov. 20): My thanks go out to Ken Smith for exposing the attempt by Butte County to avoid its statutory responsibility to engage in negotiations with the representatives of the union. What are we to make of the fact that 49 county executives are not confused by the letter sent to the 50 counties not covered by the Coordinated Care Initiative by the Director of the California Department of Finance to the California State Association of Counties on Oct. 22, 2014? This letter states, “I want to make it clear that counties retain their current statutory obligation to collectively bargain in good faith for the IHSS program.” The people who depend on this critical program to function in the world call on Butte County to quit stalling, acknowledge the obvious, and enter into negotiations with the union. The people who provide the services and the folks who receive the services have a lot more to say about reforming the system to better serve the interests of disabled Californians. A first step would be for Butte County to bargain in good faith with those who do the work that very few Americans are willing to do. FOREST HARLAN systems change coordinator, Independent Living Services of Northern California

however, there is no law stating that women have to be married. In the same sentence, he bemoans the high incarceration rate, implying that unmarried women are to blame. If by “women” he means “mothers,” then he seems to be absolving fathers from responsibility. He goes on to cite mothers’ drug habits for learning disabilities, implying that fathers’ drug habits are inconsequential. Finally, he insists that “all high school girls should be required to pass biology” so they will better understand their pregnancy responsibilities. Boys are excused. Curious. RICHARD RAYBURN Lemoore

Prayer is for everyone Re “Non-Christians pray?” (Letters, by Peggy Schrader, Nov. 20): Is there a line in the Bible that says “Prayer is designated for Christians only”?! I always thought that prayer was a gift to everyone, and everyone has the free will to use that gift if they so choose. People all over the world use prayer in practice of their own beliefs, and that is their free will. To think that what “you” believe is right, and that everyone else is wrong, is a form of insanity and brainwashing. Love is Love, period! You don’t get to judge anybody else. You have enough responsibility keeping yourself in check. You use 10 percent of your brain—maybe—so you might want to invest more of yourself into your heart and operate from there, because if you think that you know what is right for everyone, you are way off into the world of religious fanatic. There is a whole world out there that doesn’t necessarily believe as you do, and that doesn’t make them wrong. If you think otherwise, you’re probably only using .5 percent of your brain. MANDY S. TILLES Chico

A curious letter Re “The root is divorce” (Letters, by Mike Peters, Nov. 20): I read with fascination Mr. Peters’ letter in which he blames the divorce rate for an increase in the number of disruptive children in schools. Although I could challenge Mr. Peters’ assertion that there are fewer “well-behaved classroom[s]” compared with the 1970s and that a “stable family unit is the basic building block of civilization,” I will limit myself to the sexist slant of his letter. To begin with, he makes the curious statement that “over half of American women don’t have husbands,” as if that’s a crime;

Correction A story in last week’s issue (see ‘Soul food,’ Newslines, by Rachel Bush) incorrectly stated the dollar amount generated through fundraising to start the nonprofit 100th Monkey Community Café. The correct figure is $10,000. We apologize for the error, which has been corrected online. –ed.

More letters online:

We have 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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Scott Gruendl pictured just prior to his farewell reception at a downtown Chico restaurant.

RESTAURANT RATINGS

Food establishments in Butte County will be required to post food-safety ratings based on the results of regular inspections beginning Jan. 1. The inspections aim to minimize the occurrence of the four “most critical risk factors for food-borne illness: inadequate cooking, improper holding temperatures, contaminated equipment and poor personal hygiene,” according to a press release from Butte County Public Health. The food establishments, which include restaurants, mobile food trucks, grocery stores, schools and hospitals, will receive placards indicating how they fared on their most recent inspection. The placards must be displayed within 5 feet of the main entrance, and will be categorized by color, with green indicating that the establishment passed inspection, yellow being a “conditional pass”—two or more major violations were identified and a second inspection must be conducted within three days—and red indicating the establishment is closed until the next inspection.

FORMER POLICE CHIEF FILLS IN

At the regular Chico City Council meeting on Tuesday (Dec. 2), City Manager Mark Orme announced that former Chico Police Chief Mike Dunbaugh has agreed to come out of retirement and serve as interim chief while the city does a nationwide search to find a replacement for retiring Chief Kirk Trostle. Dunbaugh was generally credited with modernizing the police department during his tenure as chief from 1992 to 1996, after which he left to become chief in Santa Rosa. Late last month, Trostle unexpectedly sent a letter to Orme announcing his plan to retire on Dec. 30, after about 2 1/2 years on the job. The city will begin the national search for a full-time chief in January.

HUSBAND CHARGED IN WIFE’S KILLING

Last week, Butte County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Zir Ion Weems, 29, in connection to the death of his wife, 23-year-old Angelica Weems. Angelica was reported missing on Sept. 13 after she and Zir had taken a walk together in Willows. Zir (pictured) was found later that day with reportedly selfinflicted cuts to his arms. He was then arrested on charges of animal cruelty for the death of his dog, which had been left tied to a tree at his grandmother’s house in Willows. Following a lengthy search by law enforcement, Angelica’s family found her body on the east side of the Sacramento River on Oct. 5. Butte County officials ruled her death a homicide but no arrest was made until Nov. 25, when Zir posted bail in Glenn County for the animal cruelty case. He was immediately arrested by Butte County sheriff’s detectives, according to a BCSO press release. He was charged Dec. 1 with murder and is being held without bail in Butte County Jail. The couple’s four children are being cared for by family. 8

CN&R

December 4, 2014

Exit stage left After 12 years on Chico’s City Council and two stints as mayor, Scott Gruendl relinquishes his seat s increasingly grim poll updates came in on AGruendl—he Election Day (Nov. 4), it hit home for Scott would not be re-elected to the

Chico City Council. With three seats open and seven candidates, Gruendl finstory and ished in sixth place, ending his photo by 12-year run on the council and Howard his second term as mayor of Hardee Chico. On one hand, he lamented howardh@ the panel losing its liberal majorinewsreview.com ty. On the other, he said he felt liberated. “When it was clear to me I wasn’t climbing in the results—I started at the bottom and remained there the entire evening—I was so relieved,” he said. “It was probably the best thing that could happen to me.” The 52-year-old says he’s been stretched thin of late. With his respective duties as mayor, director of Glenn County’s Health and Human Services Agency, treasurer of the California Mental Health Services Authority in Glenn County, and part-time instructor at Chico State, “it got to the point where I wasn’t doing anything well anymore,” he admitted. Even so, Gruendl said he felt it was important to defend his council seat despite previously stating he wouldn’t run for another term. “We didn’t have enough [liberal] candidates, and I wasn’t going to just turn the seat over,” he said. “It was last-minute and I did a half-assed job of it. I raised half as much money as I normally would, and did not incur certain expenditures—no TV, no radio, no newspaper ads. So, it was pretty half-hearted, and where I finished

reflected that.” Councilwoman Ann Schwab, twice a former mayor herself, was taken aback by the election results, but said she was “honored” to have served with Gruendl for the last 10 years. “I’ve always respected Scott very much as a community leader,” she said. “He was always there when somebody wanted him to represent the city.” During an interview with the CN&R before the new council was sworn in on Tuesday (Dec. 2), Gruendl reflected on 20 years of public service—including eight years on the Planning Commission—and what he considers “the sunsetting of my political career.” Gruendl was elected to the council in

2002, following a narrow loss to Larry Wahl in 2000. After serving on the Planning Commission, he’d developed a reputation as an extremely liberal and aggressive policymaker. Upon first becoming mayor in 2005, Gruendl was among only a handful of openly gay mayors in the country and one of eight government leaders to share their HIV-positive status. He remained an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community for the entirety of his tenure on the council. Gruendl believes his two stints as mayor—his second beginning in August 2013, after then-Mayor Mary Goloff unexpectedly stepped down—tempered

his “my-way-or-the-highway” attitude. “I saw my role as neutral from a party standpoint; more of a facilitator,” he said. “I think it’s important that the mayor not be too politically over-toned either way. “I really did go from being this commie-liberal to more of a moderate, found myself voting with the minority conservatives on the council,” Gruendl said of his last term. “With Mary [Goloff] acting the same way, the council was more moderate, and I actually thought it was a better council—we were more reflective of the community overall and, more important, we were more conservative when we really had to be because of the financial situation.” Indeed, much of Gruendl’s final term was colored by the general fund deficit facing the city, and some have laid blame for the city’s financial struggles squarely at his feet. For instance, leading up to the November election, a campaign mailer sponsored by the Butte County Awareness and Accountability Committee called on voters to “save the city of Chico” and “fire” Gruendl. Yet, the city has made positive strides on that front. On June 30 of last year, financial statements reflected a net deficit of about $7.7 million—a $13.1 million deficit countered by emergency reserves of about $5.3 million. Now, the deficit has been trimmed to $2.8 million, and optimistic estimates

Unjustified have the city dissolving the deficit entirely within one or two years. Vice Mayor Mark Sorensen credited Gruendl for doing “exactly what needed to be done” to address the city’s ongoing financial crisis. “I’ve found him to be a very hardworking, diligent council member, especially starting in late 2011, when I started meeting with him about concerns of the city’s financial situation,” Sorensen said by phone. Gruendl maintains that the council’s unanimous decision to hire Brian Nakamura as city manager—which prompted sweeping organizational changes and employee layoffs—“was the right thing to do.” “We had incestual behavior in City Hall that was hurting us financially and organizationally,” he said. “We had to blow the lid off it. We busted administration, and there’s not one person left—all the key positions are filled by people with lots of experience from somewhere else.” Some decisions do haunt Gruendl, such as voting against a proposal to expand Walmart in 2009. It’s not that he regrets the vote; it’s more that “some people just don’t let things go,” he said. “You question your sanity when you have little old people saying you’re the spawn of Satan because they’ll forever have to pay more for milk.” Gruendl hasn’t ruled out returning to

politics in the future. If he does, he’ll go big—maybe a run at Congress, he said. (He made unsuccessful bids for Assembly and state Senate in 1998 and 2000, respectively.) Short of that, he may consider running for the Butte County Board of Supervisors, or moving to Glenn County and running there. Of his accomplishments, he most values the impact the council’s decisions have made on the physical landscape of Chico—moving forward with the new City Plaza and Peregrine Point disc-golf course, maintaining the Greenline, and, in the near future, development of the Meriam Park subdivision. But Gruendl won’t miss the abuse often hurled at him from members of the public. “People say the position is thankless, and for the most part that’s true,” he said. “It’s easier for people to criticize than to praise. Somebody can stand at the podium and attack you, say really terrible things about you, and in the end they think it’s OK because, ‘Hey, it’s just politics.’ “That never really jived with me, but I will happily use that phrase now; I will enjoy being involved in politics from the outside.” Ω

Parents of Oroville man killed by police claim negligence, lack of transparency he parents of a man shot dead by Oroville police officers last April believe he did not die on his feet, charging and armed with a Twhiskey bottle as officials claim, but that he was unarmed and sitting

down when police stormed his motel room and opened fire. Victor Coleman, a 53-year-old Bakersfield construction worker who was visiting Oroville for work, was shot 16 times at the Sunset Inn on Feather River Boulevard on April 28 during a welfare check. Officers were responding to a call from Coleman’s wife, Lori Coryell, who said the man was agitated and possibly suicidal, and arrived to find him locked inside his motel room. After attempting to talk Coleman out for about two hours, four officers broke the lock with a battering ram and entered the room. The officers, who claim Coleman stood up and charged them wielding a Wild Turkey bourbon bottle in one hand and a knife in the other, were declared justified in shooting the man at an Oct. 1 press conference held by Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey and Oroville Police Chief Bill LaGrone (see “A fatal call,” Newslines, Oct. 9). At the meeting, Ramsey presented the findings of a fivemonth investigation by the Officer Involved Shooting/Critical Incident Team, a task force composed of personnel from 13 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. But Coleman’s parents, Hershel and Laura Coleman, believe Ramsey’s final report is riddled with errors and misrepresentations. They also say Ramsey has not provided them, or the public, with information they’ve requested to substantiate their own claims or the OIS team findings, including the officers’ statements, police reports, transcripts of phone calls and conversations and crime scene photos. Contacted by phone, Ramsey said he’d already shared most of the information the Colemans are requesting when he met with them in person on Sept. 2. Other information they requested will be provided, he added. He said he believes the Colemans are relying on “amateurish CSI stuff” to form an alternative narrative. The Colemans said they’re awaiting response on a petition filed July 25 with the U.S. Department of Justice requesting further investigation into the shooting. “We don’t want our son to die without the reasons being known,” Coleman’s father, Hershel, said at a press conference held by the couple—who traveled from Tennessee—at the Oroville Holiday Inn and Suites on Tuesday (Dec. 2). “We want the people of Butte County and Oroville to know that their police department doesn’t go around shooting people sitting on the floor. And if they do, then people need to know about it.”

SIFT|ER Top toys Every year, the National Retail Federation releases a list of the top toys for the holiday gift-giving season based on a consumer survey. And for the first time since the survey began 11 years ago, Barbie is not No. 1 for little girls. Instead, parents plan to buy Disney’s Frozen dolls. Whatever their little princesses desire… Here are the top five toys for boys and girls for 2014: Boys

Girls

LEGO Cars and trucks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Video games Hot Wheels

Disney Frozen Barbie Dolls (generic) Monster High dolls American Girl

Source: NRF 2014 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey

Hershel and Laura Coleman believe the Butte County District Attorney’s Office is withholding information about their son Victor’s death. PHOTO BY KEN SMITH

The elder Colemans have pictures of the motel room taken the day after the shooting by Coryell and Victor’s stepson, Max, which they say prove the officers’ shots were fired at a downward angle and hit low on the wall, indicating their son was sitting while shot. They also believe a lack of injuries to Victor’s hand and location of glass fragments show he was not holding the whiskey bottle. They further doubt the veracity of toxicology reports that show Victor had methamphetamine in his system, as he was not a meth user and no delivery device was found in the room. Altogether, they have so many complaints and questions about Ramsey’s 10-page summary of the investigation’s findings that they provided an eight-page, point-by-point rebuttal that in some places suggests Ramsey’s report deliberately omits and invents information to protect the officers. “There was no self defense [on the officers’ part],” Hershel said. “This was an absolute, total, brutal attack. We think there’s malicious intent, and even if we’re wrong about that, we think there was gross negligence in the way they went into the room.” The Colemans criticize the officers’ decision to enter the room after such a short time. They also questioned why Marcus Tennigkeit, a young officer who’d only been sworn into the OPD four months earlier, led the charge, and why the sole officer equipped with nonlethal force (Sgt. Vanessa Purdy was armed with a Taser) entered behind three officers armed with guns. The Colemans said their son’s death has prompted them to look into other officer-involved shootings and to become politically active on that front. “We think there needs to be a federal law that says when there’s an officer-involved killing, there needs to be someone other than the top policeman in that county to investigate,” Hershel said. “Ramsey claims he’s uninvolved and unbiased, but he’s anything but. He knows the shooters and/or their families, as do other investigators.” For his part, Ramsey stands behind his findings. “I talked to them for quite some time, in person and by phone, and shared details of the investigation rather extensively,” he said. “They disagree, and it’s their right to disagree, but it doesn’t change the facts of the case. “No one should lose a loved one in violence, and when it happens, people often look for an external source to blame.” —KEN SMITH kens@newsreview.com

NEWSLINES continued on page 10 December 4, 2014

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Drone protester cited Chico woman charged with trespassing at Beale Air Force Base Nelson and Michael Pike Ctheyhris were longtime protesters of what saw as the world’s injustices.

It was fitting, then, that during Nelson’s most recent fight—against the military’s use of drone warfare—she was detained with a phoIf you’ve experienced these tograph of her late husband in her symptoms please speak to your hands. doctor, a loved one or call Passages Nelson was cited on federal trespassing charges at Beale Air IT IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE Force Base on Nov. 25 as she tried to deliver a handwritten letter to the base commander. For the past three years, there have been monthly protests at the base over Connections Program Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties 5 3 0 . 89 8 .6525 | passage scent er. or g the military’s use of drones and what President Obama calls “targeted killings.” 24 hr. hotline (Collect Calls Accepted) M ed i - C a l /Med i ca re A cce pte d The letter, she said, was written www.rapecrisis.org L o w o r n o co st servi ces av ailable on the back of a framed portrait of Pike, a Vietnam veteran who DESIGNER REP FILE NAME CNR ISSUE JEN_PU JLD 10.23.08 RAPE CRISIS INTERV. &served PREV. two tours as a Green Beret and in later years became a war protester. Pike died on Sept. 27, just a few weeks after appearing at a Chico City Council meeting to speak against efforts to place military banners on streetlight poles. Still in a state of profound loss, Nelson said she spent the night next to Beale’s main entrance in a tent with another protester named Shirley Osgood, who’s been arrested for protesting four times in the past three years. The next morning, she walked onto the base carrying the framed photograph of Pike in his Green Beret uniform, and the letter addressed to the base commander that she’d written the night before. She never saw the commander and By fourth grade students are transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. Only 34% of fourth graders in our public schools in the United States was instead detained at the guard are proficient readers (US Department of Education). Statistically, those who station, where she was patted down are not proficient by fourth grade are four times less likely to graduate from and fingerprinted. The base’s pubHigh School. lic relations office reportedly told her that the commander is a very Thanks to our Reading Pals volunteers, students within our program double busy man. their literacy learning rates each month. Not only are they learning to love She was held for about an hour reading, but they are succeeding in the classroom as well. before being released. The letter begins: “My husband Just one hour a week can make a BIG DIFFERENCE in the Michael Pike died in September of life of a child. Visit us online at www.readingpalschico.org Agent Orange related cancer. My to find out how you can make a difference. husband was Special Forces in Vietnam and came to regret his role in the war and what the U.S. government did. I am here today in READING PALS CHICO 530.588.0119 • www.readingpalschico.org • Not being able to “snap out” of a distressed mood

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Chris Nelson (right) holds a photo of her late husband, Michael Pike, while standing next to Shirley Osgood during a Nov. 25 protest at Beale Air Force Base.

342-RAPE

Give the Gift of Literacy

CN&R

December 4, 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS NELSON

loving memory of that fine man to ask you to stop your role in the kill-chain which uses the Northrup Grumman Global Hawk drone to identify human targets for extrajudicial execution. This is neither lawful (international and higher law) nor moral and you must know that. Horrible acts, like drone strikes, are leading to the atrocities we are seeing now. Inhumanity met with inhumanity.” It goes on to say the country has lost its moral compass, that military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan are doomed to fail and will only result in soldiers losing “their lives, their limbs and their mental health. What a shame!” She closes the letter by asking the commander to publicly discuss the ethical issues surrounding the use of drones, call for a moratorium on drone targeting and join the efforts of the peaceful protesters “in seeking diplomatic nonviolent avenues in working with those who would do us harm.” Nelson said she will get a notice to

appear in federal court in Sacramento to answer to the trespassing charge and that there most likely will be demonstrators at the courthouse. “Someday, somebody is going to notice what we do out there,” she said.

The number of protesters at the base varies, and while there were only a few at the latest effort, as many as 50 have participated. She said the base monitors the protesters’ Facebook page and website and will reroute traffic coming onto the base. “Sometimes we block traffic and the county law enforcement will show up,” she said. “I’m not comfortable with blocking traffic, but support those who do. We have to make a difference and try to shine a light on what the U.S. government is doing.” Thirty years ago, Nelson was arrested in Chico after chaining herself with other protesters to the door of the Internal Revenue Service office on Rio Lindo Avenue to protest U.S. military intervention in Central America. That same day, Pike was one of six people arrested in the district office of thenCongressman Gene Chappie for a similar protest. Pike and Nelson would marry 18 years later. As Nelson left Beale on Nov. 25, she stopped to visit an olive tree recently planted close to the base as a tribute to Pike. “It’s hard to guess what he would have said about me getting federal trespass charges,” she said, “but I have no regrets.” —TOM GASCOYNE tomg@newsreview.com

AN ARTS INFUSED EDUCATION

Battle lines being drawn New City Council majority shows it means business didn’t take long for the four Icil’stmembers of the Chico City Counnew conservative majority to

flex their muscles at their initial meeting, on Tuesday (Dec. 2). First they joined their three remaining liberal colleagues in unanimously selecting re-elected Mark Sorensen to be Chico’s mayor for two years. Newly elected Reanette Fillmer then nominated Sean Morgan to take Sorensen’s place as vice mayor. Ann Schwab then nominated Tami Ritter, who like Morgan is two years into a four-year term. The vice mayor is called upon to lead council meetings when the mayor is absent, but otherwise has few duties. The position’s most important feature is political: It’s seen as the most significant stepping stone to the mayorship. Schwab urged her conservative colleagues to support Ritter in the same spirit of bipartisanship that liberal council members had shown 16 months earlier when they were in the majority and had supported a conservative (Sorensen) to be vice mayor. Schwab was wasting her breath. Fillmer joined Sorensen, Morgan and her fellow newbie, Andrew Coolidge, in casting four votes for Morgan. The selection of a new mayor and vice mayor was the culmination of ceremonies honoring outgoing Councilwoman Mary Goloff and Mayor Scott Gruendl, followed by the swearing-in of Coolidge, Fillmer and Sorensen,

who were elected on Nov. 4. Their families, friends and other supporters filled council chambers to overflowing and applauded boisterously when they were sworn in. The reorganized council had one bit

of significant business to do during its first meeting: consider whether to approve a new master plan for Caper Acres, the popular children’s playground in Lower Bidwell Park. Caper Acres was last remodeled in the mid-1990s and is showing signs of wear and tear and has safety issues, explained Dan Efseaff, the city’s parks and natural resources manager. The plan, prepared by the Melton Design Group after consultation with many members of the public, including kids, envisions a number of major changes. The group’s owner, Greg Melton, explained that the Crooked House will be replaced by two similar houses joined by a ropelined cable bridge. The tunnels, which are hard to keep clean and are deteriorating, will be replaced by a climbing area modeled after Monkey Face Rock in Upper Park. In back of this new feature will be “Robin Hood’s Lair,” accessible via two zip lines. Some council members were concerned about the costs—of both the remodel (a projected $3.1 million) and the plan itself ($20,000). Efseaff said the plan will pay off when the city uses it to leverage grants and donations. He noted that

the city was able to attract $1 million in state funding because of its similar plan for a small park and bike bridge on Comanche Creek. The remodel will be financed by a fundraising campaign, not city funds, Efseaff said, adding that he thought people would step forward to rebuild a playground that is such an integral part of life in Chico. The changes to the site are on an “à la carte menu,” he explained, meaning they will be done only as money is available. That didn’t appease local dentist Michael Jones, a regular attendee of council meetings. He noted that the cost was 31 times as great as the $100,000 spent on the 1995 remodel. It seems “absurdly high,” he said. The council approved the plan, 6-0, with Schwab recusing herself because she lives within 500 feet of Caper Acres. In other council news, the panel voted 4-3, along conservativeliberal lines, to agendize a request by the owners of Chico Scrap Metal to receive another extension of their deadline (Dec. 31) for moving out of their current East 20th Street location. The company, which was found to have polluted the ground at the site, initially was given five years to move, then later received a three-year extension of that deadline. Sorensen said the council would try to squeeze the request into an already full Dec. 16 meeting.

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pokEr tournamEntS Chico City Clerk Debbie Presson swears in newly elected Councilmembers Andrew Coolidge (left) and Reanette Fillmer and newly re-elected Vice Mayor Mark Sorensen. The council subsequently selected Sorensen to be mayor. PHOTO BY ROBERT SPEER

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CN&R

Beautiful Butterflies Linh Le’s art glass butterflies will make for an extraordinary gift this Christmas. Her patterns and coloring make the glass butterflies look as if they were real creatures and are a visual treat to the eye!

Hot Holiday Accessories Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique enjoys providing Chico with the essence of California’s casual lifestyle. This ever popular shop is chock-full of modern and classic men’s clothing and accessories. Dress with ease and rock every piece you wear! This weeks special offer: Men’s Upper Park Tees, $19.95 each or 2 for $30.

Chico Valley Gallery is the perfect store to shop for Holiday gifts. We feature glass art marbles, pendants, bracelets, beer mugs, and other one of a kind jewelry and glass items. You’re sure to find something unique for that special someone. Located in downtown Chico right next to Woodstock’s Pizza.

Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique 211 Main St • Chico (530) 918–8850 www.AnikaBurke.com

Chico Valley Gallery

152 East Second Street • Downtown Chico 345-1528 find us on Facebook

Chikoko Presents the 9th Annual Bizarre Bazaar

Come to Chico’s Alternative Craft Fair on Sat. Dec. 13th and Sun. Dec. 14th from 10-5 at the Chico Women’s Club. Over 33 local artists will be selling innovative wares, high quality unique art and offering a truly local experience. Plus, start the weekend off with a bang; come to the Voom Voom Variety Show on Fri. Dec. 12th for local performances and amazing raffle surprises. Doors open at 6pm.

Let Us Help You With Your Christmas Shopping The Dressing Room has the perfect gift for every woman in your life. We have new items arriving daily; holiday dresses, jeans, sweaters, jewelry, scarves, umbrellas, and much more. If you just can’t decide on that perfect gift, we have gift certificates available. For your shopping convenience we will be open on Fridays until 9pm.

Chico Women’s Club

592 East 3rd St. • Chico • www.chikoko.com

Since 1976,

The Bookstore in downtown Chico has offered the largest selection of quality used books in the Northstate. Come see us this holiday season and let us help you find something special for everyone on your list. Featuring fine art books, children's books, poetry, literature, best sellers and more. We also have gift certificates! Family owned and operated. Open 7 days a week.

The Dressing Room

530 Broadway Street • Chico Monday-Saturday 10-6 (530) 566-9394 thedressingroomchico.com

The Bookstore

118 Main St. • Downtown Chico Next to The Upper Crust Cafe • 345-7441

Chico New & Review Gift Guide 12 CN&R December 4, 2014

S p e c i a l

A d v e r t i s i n g

S e c t i o n

Enjoy a True Chico Tradition Shubert’s Homemade Ice Cream & Candy has been a Chico tradition for over 75 years! Homemade Boxed Chocolates, Peanut Brittle, English Toffee and Divinity are just a few treats our families have come to look forward to during the holidays. Pre-order Snowballs now! The perfect holiday dessert! Don’t forget your Shubert’s Mints this season! No holiday celebration would be complete without them!

Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 East 7th Street • Chico (530) 342-7163 www.shuberts.com

Holiday Gifts & Decor to Treasure! Christian & Johnson Floral and Gifts is celebrating over a century of gorgeous Holidays! Stop by and browse through their winter wonderland of unique gifts, lovely seasonal décor, fresh flowers and plants. Don’t forget the complimentary gift wrapping. Friendly and experienced designers will be happy to help make your gift-giving beautiful, and your Season memorable! Since 1907, C&J has been making the Holidays bright in Chico!

CHRISTIAN & JOHNSON

250 Vallombrosa • Chico (530) 891-1881 www.christianandjohnson.com

Give The Ultimate Gift of Eternal Value! Precious metals are an incredible way to present your loved ones with a lifelong gift of lasting beauty and value. This Holiday season presents an attractive time to take advantage of 5 year lows on Gold and Silver. There are very few things that can be purchased at 2009 levels so come on down to Chico Coin and Jewelry and see our incredible selection of Gold and Silver coins and bars before prices escalate again! We have a full inventory of both private mint and Government issue products to satisfy every investor's or collector's needs.

Chico Coin & Jewelry

1414 Park Ave. #108 (Next to Nobby's) 894-5436 chicocoin.com

Professional gifts for professional artists Ellis has provided professional, high quality gifts for artists in the north state for 45 years. This year Ellis’ again has the finest professional easels for watercolor, oil or acrylic artists. The latest table models including glass tops which can be used as a light table and chairs of various heights as well as a variety of lamps. Ellis’ has special Christmas pricing on all gifts so you can afford to give your favorite artist a professional gift this year!

Ellis Art Supplies

Sweet Holiday Deals Chicoans love Chico. Get more for your holiday dollars when you save up to 90% on gift certificates to local businesses. Or show your appreciation for local Chico events with limited edition T-shirts. Buy online anytime with a credit card or in person with cash, check or credit card Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm. Use promo code XMAS2014 online or in person to save an additional 15%. Expires Dec. 31, 2014.

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Christmas Decorations This year decorate the tree, and your home, with beautiful treasures from Christmases past. Bring the warmth into your life that comes with seasoned holiday home decorations. Don't buy cheap junk made in China when you can re-use quality, often hand made, Christmas decorations. Chico Antique Center has hundreds of tree ornaments and other festive holiday treasures. Stop by soon for best selection. Located at Park Avenue & 20th Street.

Chico Antique Center

1900 Park Ave. • Chico 893-5536 find us on Facebook

122 Broadway • Downtown Chico (530) 891-0335

December 4, 2014

CN&R 13

Give the gift of Local Food..... beautifully wrapped up! From that small special something to the big ‘WOW’ gift basket, Maisie Jane’s gift shop has you covered! All our beautiful gift baskets are filled with superior quality Maisie Jane’s almond products and a vast array of other top shelf quality, locally made food products, wine and more. We’ll even Ship it for you! Come enjoy our tasting bar and festive holiday charm!

Maisie Jane’s Gift Shop

1324 Dayton Rd. • Chico Holiday hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-6/ Sun. 12-4 530.809.2374 • www.maisiejanes.com

FOR 47 YEARS, GAUMER’S JEWELRY HAS BEEN CELEBRATING THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE. A gift from Gaumer’s Jewelry will convey your love, and will be treasured for years to come. From a fabulous selection of gems and jewelry to a wide selection of minerals and fossils, our friendly staff will help you find the perfect item.

GAUMER'S JEWELRY

78 Belle Mill Rd • Red Bluff 530-527-6166 • GAUMERS.COM Follow us on Facebook Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; Sat 10AM-4PM

Experience Our Citrus Crush! Delivering a zesty mouthful of fresh Meyer Lemon, Lucero’s Meyer Lemon Crushed Olive Oil is all natural. We press freshly picked Meyer Lemons from California’s Central Valley and mandarins from the finest groves in Butte County - along with olives picked locally in Corning - to create this awardwinning flavored oil. Join us at Lucero Olive Oil’s Winter Crush to witness the blend Saturday, December 6, 10am-4pm. $5. Tickets: 530-824-2190.

SteriPEN Freedom UV Water Purifier Perfect for travelers visiting areas with questionable water quality, the SteriPEN Freedom is designed to be carried easily in a shirt pocket or purse and comfortably used in even fine restaurants. With an internal, USB rechargeable battery, SteriPEN Freedom treats 40 half liters of water on one charge. $79.95

Mountain Sports

176 E. 3rd Street • Downtown Chico (530) 345–5011 • Open Daily www.ChicoMountainSports.com facebook.com/chicomountainsports

2120 Loleta Ave. • Corning LuceroOliveOil.com Like Us on Facebook

Chico New & Review Gift Guide 14 CN&R December 4, 2014

S p e c i a l

A d v e r t i s i n g

S e c t i o n

Flavorful Holiday gifts Want to share 5th Street Steakhouse with a friend or family member? Gift cards make it simple. Great for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and company parties. 5th Street Steakhouse food tastes great on any occasion! t e

e 5th sthro us

Steak

5th Street Steakhouse

345 West 5th St. • Chico (530) 891-6328

d Gift Car

5thstreetsteakhouse.com

Bacio Gift Cards! Give the gift of a lunch or dinner from Chico’s best and healthiest take-out! Perfect for Hot Soup on a cold day, “Date Night” at home or a special Birthday Lunch. Their re-loadable gift cards are a welcome gift for all of your smart Foodie Friends, new parents, busy families and anyone you know who loves real food. EAT RIGHT NOW!

BACIO CATERING & CARRY-OUT

Brew Your Own Right At Home The Chico Home Brew Shop is the place to go for all of your brewing and winemaking needs. We carry beer and wine makers equipment, ingredients, books, soda extract, cheese making ingredients, bottles, caps, corks, spouts, growlers, cider kits and much more. We are happy to answer any questions you may have too! Come by today! Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Friday until 6pm.

The Chico Home Brew Shop

1570 Nord Ave • Chico 530.342.3768 • homebrushop@yahoo.com

Tons of New Items in Stock This Year Chico’s downtown Chinatown has tons of great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list this year. If you are looking for the perfect gift for your eccentric aunt or wild friend then you should visit House of Rice today for a great selection of unique gifts at affordable prices. Hundreds of figurines, statues, trinkets and more are in stock now!

House of Rice Oriental Imports & Gifts 338 Broadway Downtown Chico (530) 893–1794

1903 Park Ave • Chico (530) 345–7787 • www.baciocatering.com

GIVE THE “GIFT OF PLEASURE”... Treating friends, loved ones or employees to a Tui Ná massage at Wendy’s Massage is the ultimate expression of how much they are appreciated! Wendy’s ambiance is the perfect place for them to relax... refresh and rejuvenate—a time when all their bodily tensions will melt away. Wendy’s gift cards are wonderful for Birthdays, Holidays and Anniversaries... the perfect way to say— “You’re Special to Me!”

WENDY’S MASSAGE

1351 Mangrove Ave • Chico • 342-2222 www.WendysMassageChico.com

Vintage Hat & Coat racks You'll find a large selection of old school coat & hat racks including this unique “Vintage Hanger” hat & coat rack. It's going to be a long and cold winter so keep those hats and coats off the floor and furniture. Now through Dec. 24 get 20% OFF accessories. Save big on: lighting, rugs, art, mirrors, wall décor, floral, candles, wall partitions, pillows, throws, runners, ottomans, and other fancy stuff. Esplanade Furniture is Chico’s oldest furniture store. In addition to name-brand furniture you’ll find an amazing array of accessories. Stop in today to browse the store! Find us on Facebook.

Esplanade Furniture

1750 Esplanade • Chico 891–4788 esplanade-furniture.com

December 4, 2014

CN&R 15

Ezip Trailz Commuter - $999 This electric bicycle is perfect for commuting around town. Travel 18-22 miles per charge at up to 20mph. This e-bike has a slot for an optional 2nd battery pack to double your range. The 24V Lithium Ion battery pack is rated for 500 full recharges. Available in white step-through frame or black diamond frame. Up to 12 month no interest financing available AOC.

Red Mountain Green Cycle

455 20th St. • Chico (20th & Mulberry) redmountaingreencycle.com (530) 899-7270

Chico’s Own Locally Grown Wines The Perfect Holiday Gift Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards grows only the highest-quality, organic grapes. Meticulous farming in the field and high attention to detail in the winery produces a higher quality product. Find our wines at Chico Natural Foods, S&S Produce, Chico Costco, Raley’s, Safeway, BevMo, Maisie Jane’s, The Olive Pit, Wagon Wheel Market, Tops Market and SaveMart to list a few. Please see our website for a complete listing. Our Tasting room is open seasonally the 1st weekend of the month from April – October. Ask for a bottle at your favorite restaurant!

Bertagna son kissed vineyards 3363 Hegan Lane • Chico • (530) 343-8014 www.BertagnaWine.com

California Sunshine in a Bottle Share the rich, golden elegance of the AWARD WINNING Butte View olive oils. Pure, light and delicate – experience the wonderful aromas and distinctive accents that make each hand crafted oil truly unique and excellent. 250ml/500ml. Available in Chico at Maisie Jane’s, Made in Chico, S&S Produce, in Oroville at Collins & Denny Market & Wagon Wheel Market and in Paradise at Noble Orchard.

Butte View Olive Company

2950 Louis Ave. • Oroville 530.534.8320 • www.butteview.com

Give the perfect gift from 2014 Best Of Chico’s Day Spa Sweetwater Gift Cards - Beautifully Boxed and Wrapped. Or Sweetwater’s Customer Favorite: The Holiday Spa Package for only $129! Includes Signature spa facial - Relaxation massage - Spa pedicure. Purchase now through December 31.

sweetwater day spa 1031 Village Lane • Chico (530) 894–7722 www.sweetwaterchico.com

Give the gift everyone will Love... A gift certificate from Tres Hombres. Choose any denomination, get a gift card, and your holiday shopping for friends & co-workers is complete. Try the “The BEST Margaritas in Chico” as voted by CN&R readers. Or skip the filler and try a shot of over 125 premium tequilas. Fiesta Hour Appetizers & Cocktails Daily 4-6. $3.50 La Casa Margs & Draft Beer. Next time you’re making plans to gather just say... “Meet me at Tres.”

TRES HOMBRES

100 Broadway • Chico • 342–0425 • treshombreslongbarandgrill.com

Chico New & Review Gift Guide 16 CN&R December 4, 2014

S p e c i a l

A d v e r t i s i n g

S e c t i o n

GREENWAYS Food Chains is available for purchase on iTunes. For more info, log onto www.foodchainsfilm.com.

According to de la Cruz, farms are enforcing a

Breaking the chains New film shows how Florida farmworkers won fairer pay from America’s biggest food companies by

Nur Lalji

small city of Immokalee, Florida, proTonehevides produce to millions of people. It’s of the country’s agricultural hubs, but

with an average per capita income of $9,518, the majority of residents—many of whom are farmworkers—live well below the national poverty level. “The wealth doesn’t stay here with us.” That’s Lucas Benitez, founder of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and a former farmworker, in the new film Food Chains. The documentary, by director Sanjay Rawal and executive producers Eva Longoria and Eric Schlosser, follows the Coalition’s fight for human rights and fair wages for tomato pickers. “There is more interest in food these days than ever,” the filmmakers write on the film’s website. “Yet there is very little interest in the hands that pick it.” Rawal, who spent 15 years working in the nonprofit industry and several years abroad, was aware of the routine human rights abuses against agricultural workers overseas. “I had no idea that these same abuses could be happening here,” he told me. “I knew I couldn’t just focus on the problem, I had to focus on the solution.” For Rawal, the most promising path out of this kind of exploitation comes from the Coalition’s strategy of organizing

workers at the bottom to revolutionize entire supply chains. In the 1990s, Benitez and a small group of other tomato pickers founded the Coalition to create a safer working environment in Florida’s fields and raise farmworkers’ pay. In addition to winning wage increases, the group has been instrumental in fighting sexual exploitation, violence, human trafficking, and debt bondage on farms. Many tomato pickers live in trailers with up to 16 other people during the growing season, since rent is otherwise unaffordable. Until recently, when Coalition organizers succeeded in increasing their pay, workers received 50 cents for each 32-pound bucket of tomatoes they picked—a pay-per-piece practice that’s a holdover from slavery, according to the film. Pickers’ wages usually amount to less than $50 a day, and they work long hours under the constant threat of sexual assault and abuse. Because many are undocumented, crimes against them often go unreported. In 2011, the Coalition launched the Fair Food Program, an project aimed at getting corporations to pay farmers an additional cent for every pound of tomatoes purchased. The program also demands that allegations of abuse and sexual assault on the farms are taken seriously. Many large companies have already signed on—some of them after tenacious, drawn-out campaigning by Coalition members. Whole Foods, Subway, Walmart, and

Chipotle are among several corporations that now comply with Fair Food Program standards. Now, upward of 80,000 Florida farmworkers—about 90 percent of the state’s total—are receiving the benefits of these protections. But Food Chains largely focuses on Publix, a major regional grocery chain in Florida, which has refused to meet with Coalition members or join the Fair Food Program, despite public pressure. Part of what makes the Fair Food Program so successful is that the additional cost for tomatoes is offset to consumers: Since it’s distributed among millions of buyers, each family pays just pennies more per year. Plus, the program holds producers accountable: If they’re found guilty of inappropriately handling a case of sexual assault or abuse, for example, partner companies can’t buy their produce. In other words, if workers report an issue and a supplier in Florida doesn’t address it, that supplier won’t be able to sell to Subway or Whole Foods. Janice R. Fine, a labor relations professor at Rutgers, called it “the best workplace-monitoring program I’ve seen in the U.S.” earlier this year in The New York Times. Julia de la Cruz, a Coalition member, says farmers are already seeing the benefits of the program. Workers now have a right to take breaks, to leave the farm when they feel threatened, and to report cases of sexual assault or abuse without fear of retaliation.

zero tolerance policy against sexual assault. There have been cases where women have reported abuse, and those supervisors were investigated and fired. And that additional penny per pound of tomatoes? It’s a “significant economic relief for our workers, and our community,” she told me. Rawal sees this fight in the American tomato industry as part of a bigger global issue. “More than 95 percent of the products that we purchase come through a supply chain system,” he said. And other, nonagricultural workers who produce for major retailers—like the Gap and Walmart—face very similar issues at the bottom of their respective supply chains. Rawal and and his colleagues believe the Coalition’s model of grassroots organizing can be a solution for workers all over the world. “This is not a film about oppression,” executive producer Eva Longoria told MSNBC’s Chris Hayes this week. “It’s actually about transformation.” Nur Lalji wrote this article for YES! Magazine, a national, nonprofit media project that fuses powerful ideas with practical actions. Nur is a contributor to YES! based in the Seattle area. Follow her on Twitter at @nuralizal. Ω

ECO EVENT

LIVING GIFTS Magnolia Gift and Garden (1367 East Ave.) is offering an alternative to store-bought gifting with its Handmade for the Holidays event on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. The class, taught by Sammy Brown, will teach guests how to make gifts including centerpieces, living wreaths, hostess gifts and beautiful gift planters. Supplies— like air plants, succulents, moss, pottery, rocks, driftwood, grapevine wreaths and much more—are readily available for purchase. Guests can make as many gifts as they want, and no RSVP is required. December 4, 2014

CN&R

THE GOODS PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT CARTER

15 MINUTES

HOMEGROWN

Beading bonanza

Driven by design In the early 1980s, London illustrator Robert Carter was touring Northern California on his BSA motorcycle, when it broke down in Chico. He decided to stay, and for the last 30 years he’s painted freelance pieces from his local studio. In recent years, his works have become exclusively automotive themed, with roughly 80 large-scale (6.5 by 4 feet) pieces under his belt. Carter’s brightly colored, stylized paintings showcase famous vintage sports cars reminiscent of Art Deco advertising posters, executed without the use of computers. As his pieces become increasingly sought after, Carter attends automotive festivals, shows and other events nationally to share his work, recently attending the Automotive International Film and Arts Festival in Monterey. For more information about his pieces and prints, visit www.robertcarterartwork.com.

How did you get into this specific niche art scene? My background was in designing packaging in London, when I was a kid ... I was about 15. I did an apprenticeship in an art studio. I loved lettering and airbrush work, and the colors, especially on package designs. My work, half of it looks like package designs. It’s just something I fell into. I started painting signs over here—it was a natural progression—and now I’ve narrowed it down to 1950s Italian race cars. That’s where the money is.

Who “discovered” you? I work with Bonhams. I think they’re third largest auction house in the world. Someone had mentioned to them that I was doing this kind of artwork. It was a fluke. When they wanted to meet me, it sounded like a drug deal. They said something like, “Can you be on the roof of the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. at 7 on Friday night?” Like, what are you gonna do, shoot me? I got down there and there was a Steve McQueen auction going on, and I thought it was pretty cool. Bonhams asked me to get some stuff together for the next spring and said they could probably sell them, and that’s who I work with now. They pretty much exclusively sell my stuff, the originals.

Who’s buying your work? People with private museums who have incredible collections of cars. Some have 100 vintage cars! I’ve also been working for shows in museums like the Petersen in L.A. A lot of the events are about get-

ting kids into the car industry, and getting them interested in doing something instead of just sitting there with their thumbs [makes texting motion].

Any success in Chico? I do a lot of charity stuff here. I donate prints to places around Chico. Right now Campus Bikes has a piece on display for the holidays. I have eight at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows. But I haven’t sold to any shops in Chico. I don’t think it’s a big car town—that’s more L.A. and the Bay Area.

Any particular style that influences you? Not really, I don’t want to copy anyone. My stuff is compared to Géo Ham, a French artist from the 1930s. But that was a coincidence. Bonhams told me, “You paint like Géo Ham!” and I said, “Who’s that?” I make all my own stuff up. I love working large-scale. If I could get a bigger door for my studio, I’d make the pieces bigger! —RACHEL BUSH

by Meredith J. Graham meredithg@newsrev iew.com

A few years ago, I caught the crafting bug and while it’s subsided a bit these past few months, there never seems to be a better time than the holidays to break out the sewing machine and glue gun. No, I’m not talking about making ugly sweaters (though that does give me a fun idea!). Actually, my sights are set more on jewelry this year. I stopped by String Bead earlier this week to see what they had going on (there’s always something going on there) and was happy to find fliers about the shop’s upcoming Santa’s Workshop this Saturday (Dec. 6), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. “It’s really geared toward families,” said Atalla Molaro, an employee at String Bead, aka jewelry-making heaven. “We wanted to get parents and kids involved in making family members’ Christmas gifts. And they end up good quality because they have someone helping them.” This is the fourth year String Bead has held Santa’s Workshop, and Molaro says every year has been a success. The business regularly offers classes on everything from beginning beading and basic macramé to manipulating metal and soldering. What’s cool about Santa’s Workshop is the fact that the actual teaching is free—you just have to pay for your materials. “We want people to be able to come in and learn a new skill and then make one thing after another after another,” Molaro said. In the past, customers have brought in their entire Christmas list and started checking people off as their gifts were finished. Some of the most popular designs this year, she predicts, are beaded snowflake necklaces, tree of life necklaces (pictured), leather bracelets and bezel pendants. “You can bring in a picture of your family, set it in the bezel and put resin on top,” she explained. The end result looks similar to a glass pendant. She showed examples of other designs, incorporating beads and other trinkets, and it was enough to make me want to go be an elf in Santa’s Workshop on Saturday. String Bead is located at 2201 Pillsbury Road, in the Almond Orchard shopping center. String Bead isn’t the only place offering a DIY Christmas experience. Here are a few other places where you can craft your way through the holidays: Chico Scrapbooks (2033 Forest Ave., Ste. 104) offers free make-and-take events every Wednesday, as well as classes on Saturdays. This weekend (Dec. 6), go learn how to make crafty Christmas cards. Cost is $25 for 10 cards, and the class starts at noon. Magnolia Gift & Garden (1367 East Ave.) is holding a Handmade for the Holidays event, where participants can learn to make everything from living wreaths to centerpieces. Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.

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18 CN&R December 4, 2014 18 CN&R December 4, 2014

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Come see our new building!

MORNING WORSHIP: 11:00 am MUSIC by Eric and Silona Jazz Ensemble REFRESHMENTS by La Forcella and The Cookie Shoppe

Come enjoy music and refreshments! Come celebrate with us and help dedicate our new building! Come meet us, learn about us, and be part of our community, if just for the afternoon!

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: 4:00 â€“ 5:45pm CELEBRATION WORSHIP & DEDICATION: 6:00 - 7pm FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Pastor Jim Peck @ 530-342-4913

A BIG THANK YOU TO: Brandon Slater / Slater and Sons General Contractor and all his crew, especially Junior Gilbert, Dan Andersonâ€“Anderson Property Management, Rodney Krebsâ€“Dufour Realty, We Move Movers, Crabtree Painting, Creative Cabinets, Cunningham Plumbing, Ginnoâ€™s Appliances, Hupp Signs, Jessee Heating and Air, Loerke Insulation, Miller Electric , Miller Glass, S&S Acoustic, Towne Carpet & Floors, Jim Anderson, Gary Drews, Gary Hawkins, Dan Metzen, Chris Rist, and Chris VanLaan

CHICO - 357 EAST PARK AVE. - 530-342-3589 OROVILLE - 2013 LINCOLN BLVD. - 530-534-6556 YUBA CITY - 901 WEST ONSTOTT RD. - 530-671-0225

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530.342.RAPE (Collect Calls Accepted)

Be a part of Hope. Be a part of Healing. Donations for shelter/transportation vouchers & more will provide direct services for survivors. 1 in 6 boys & 1 in 3 girls will be sexually violated. Men, women & children in our communities struggle daily because of sexual violence.

CALL TO HELP

BUTTE/GLENN: 530.891.1331 â€˘ TEHAMA: 530.529.3980 â€˘ M-F 9-5 December 4, 2014

CN&R 19

THE PULSE TROUBLE WITH PERS

The number of retirees drawing funds from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) eventually will outnumber employees contributing to the pension fund, a report from the state agency reveals. In 2002, active employees outnumbered retirees receiving CalPERS benefits 2-to-1, but by 2012, there were 1.5 workers per retiree, and that trend is expected to continue, according to the Sacramento Bee. CalPERS is anticipating a “period of severe stress” as a result of those shifting demographics and is working to increase employer and employee contributions. The report recommends CalPERS board members “review these results carefully and determine whether or not they feel that changes are necessary to improve the soundness and sustainability of the system.”

HEALTHLINES Marla Crites replaced her smart meter with an analog version after experiencing a host of health issues.

Meter maladies

PHOTO BY BRITTANY WATERSTRADT

FOSTER YOUTH DRUGGED

Pressure is mounting for state regulators to rein in doctors who over-prescribe psychotropic medication to foster children. In an investigative series by the San Jose Mercury News, “Drugging Our Kids,” the newspaper reported that, compared to average physicians in California, doctors working in the foster care system receive more than twice as many perks from big drug companies in the form of meals, gifts, travel, speaking engagements and industry-sponsored research. The Mercury News also found that doctors who prescribed the most medication to foster youth last year accepted nearly four times more payment than doctors who prescribed less, while pharmaceutical companies spent more than $14 million from 2010 to 2013 wooing those prescribers. In a Nov. 24 letter, Carmen Balber, executive director of nonprofit group Consumer Watchdog, urges the California Medical Board to thoroughly investigate prescription-happy doctors. Balber argues that excessive prescribing has put children’s health at risk and cost taxpayers millions of dollars for unnecessary drugs.

CALORIE INFO WITH THAT?

Restaurant chains and similar retail food establishments—including movie theaters and amusement parks—across the country have one year to conspicuously display calorie information on menus. Vending machine operators with 20 or more locations will be obliged to follow suit a year after that. The two new rules, recently finalized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, come as part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and are intended to help consumers make more informed decisions about the food they eat away from home. Upon customer request, establishments will be required to provide additional nutritional information such as fat content, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein. Seasonal menu items, daily specials and most condiments will be exempted. However, the menu-labeling rule does include certain alcoholic beverages. Send your health-related news tips to Howard Hardee at howardh@newsreview.com.

CN&R

December 4, 2014

Locals decry health risks they associate with PG&E ‘smart meters’ by

Evan Tuchinsky evant@newsreview.com

n an increasingly wireless world, Marla Idisconnected. Crites fears she’ll become ever-more

She believes she’s sensitive to electromagnetic energy and has experienced health problems associated with it. Cell towers, WiFi hotspots, routers and other devices that emanate radiofrequency signals are banes of her existence, she says. As they proliferate, she may be relegated to the confines of her Stilson Canyon home. For 15 months, though, even that wasn’t a refuge. Crites says the wireless utility meter installed by Pacific Gas & Electric—called a “smart meter”—exacerbated her issues with electromagnetic fields (EMF). She began having heart palpitations and nosebleeds in the middle of the night; at all hours she’d experience nausea, fatigue, headaches and problems balancing. “As I got sicker and sicker, I started to do research on what EMF would do to people, and I had 18 out of the 25 symptoms,” said Crites, 71, a retired teacher. Meanwhile, a roommate who used the bathroom in close proximity to the meter started experiencing eye pain. Independent of PG&E, Crites replaced her smart meter in December 2011. “As soon as we put the analog meter on, guess what? Most of my symptoms disappeared in very short order,” Crites said, and so did her roommate’s. “It was pretty clear

what was going on.” Crites’ isn’t an isolated experience. Nina Widlund also says she has been affected by smart meters, and both women have friends who claim similar problems. The two are suspicious by nature: Crites and Widlund are involved with Chico Sky Watch, a nonprofit concerned with geoengineering (man-made attempts to manipulate the climate, such as “chemtrails”— spraying metallic particles in the lower atmosphere to deflect solar radiation). Widlund doesn’t have a smart meter on her Chico house—she refused one—but neighbors do. After PG&E changed their meters, she suffered daily nosebleeds that subsided during a vacation in June 2012 to an off-the-grid lodge on the Rogue River, then returned within days of coming home. She and her husband put up shielding material to block signals from neighboring smart meters. Widlund had only a couple minor nosebleeds in the next six months, none thereafter.

“What can I deduce from that?” she asked. PG&E says smart meters are safe and emit

low levels of radiofrequency energy in very small bursts. Chico-based spokesman Paul Moreno cites federal standards and the California Council on Science and Technology, with reports linked on PG&E’s website, for that stance. Others—like Crites and Widlund—are not convinced. Californians opposing smart meters have banded together through groups such as the EMF Safety Network. That organization challenges findings in the California Council on Science and Technology’s report and points to research compiled in the Bioinitiative Report—which PG&E, in turn, challenges—in which an international group of HEALTHLINES continued on page 22

APPOINTMENT IN THEIR MEMORY Enloe Medical Center is hosting its annual Evening of Remembrance—an event where friends and family members gather to honor hospice patients who died in the past year—tonight (Dec. 4) from 7 to 8 p.m. at Enloe Conference Center (1528 Esplanade). Refreshments and an opportunity for visiting will be available following the candle-lighting ceremony. The event is open to the public; call 332-6060 for more information.

RESERVE NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

Sally’s Holiday House IS NOW OPEN!

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Butte County’s Only

Hospital Based Midwifery Service “MIDWIFERY IS GROWING because women want to be in control of the medical support they receive. With Feather River Midwifery Service, the midwife attending the birth will already have spent a lot of time with the mother,” Lisa Catterall RN, CNM told us. Lisa is a provider with Feather River Midwifery Service, which has two clinics in Butte County: One in Paradise and one in Chico. Midwives get to know the woman on all levels – physically, emotionally, spiritually, and what her social support network is like. It doesn’t matter if she wants an epidural or an all natural birthing experience. Midwives are there through the whole process to support the woman,” Lisa said. Lisa has been a registered nurse and midwife for thirty years and has delivered well over 3000 babies in that time. “Feather River Hospital is the only hospital in Butte County with midwives. We can care for the woman at our clinics and then admit them to Feather River Hospital when it’s time to deliver. It is very important to put the mother in the center and provide care and support. It takes a lot of people to do this, but as long as the mother is at the center

then great things will happen. If you mother the mother, the mother will mother her children.” Feather River Midwifery Service is overseen by Dr. Deborah Anderson, an obstetrician, who is very supportive of midwifery. When a laboring woman is admitted to Feather River Hospital’s Birth Day Place, she can expect to be cared for by a cohesive team of professionals, including Nurse Midwives, Obstetricians, nurses, social services, nutrition services, and Pediatricians. Feather River Hospital’s Birth Day Place has spacious, private, LDRP (labor-delivery-recoverypostpartum) rooms with warm and comfortable features. They offer a number of services that can’t be found at other Butte County hospitals, including the option to have a water birth, and hydrotherapy for natural pain relief during labor. There are five Certified Nurse Midwives including Cheryl Struve, Ann Wright, Tomi Warren, and Tanya Nolan, and they also provide Well Woman Care and gynecological exams throughout a woman’s lifespan. They are currently accepting new patients.

Celebrating 30 years of midwifery service in Butte County

5 9 7 4 P E N T Z R O A D PA R A D I S E , C A 9 5 9 6 9 / ( 5 3 0 ) 8 7 7 - 9 3 6 1 / W W W. F R H O S P. O R G December 4, 2014

CN&R 21

Take Us Home For The Holidays! This holiday season, help us raise

Adop tion

Week Dece end m and 1 ber 13th 4t 12–6 h from pm a adop t our t Adop ion cente rs. tion d both iscounts days .

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A VISIT

Theater

doctors and scientists ascertained danger to humans from electromagnetic radiation even in “very low” levels. The EMF Safety Network stems from a collection of Sonoma County residents concerned about citywide WiFi in Sebastapol. They organized to protest installation of smart meters without what they felt was an adequate study of health implications. “The more we learned about them, the more we realized how toxic they really were,” said Sandi Maurer, director of the EMF Safety Network. “Not only were they wireless, they were pulsed wireless [emitting energy in bursts]; and not only were they pulsed wireless, they worked in a mesh networked system, which meant the signals were passing from meter to meter to meter to meter in big networks— and they were going to be adding millions of new pulsed signals.” As Maurer points out, PG&E has disclosed that a meter can generate 190,000 pulses a day. Moreno contends that most meters will pulse around 9,500 times a day, and a meter’s total “duty time”—sending and receiving its own or others’ data—comprises just 45 seconds of the day. EMF Safety Network also tracks house fires it finds connected to smart meters. Reno-area fire chiefs recently asked the Nevada Public Utilities Commission to look into smart meters that investigators linked to nine fires, which came in the wake of smart meter recalls by utilities in Oregon and Canada. The smart meters in question all came from one manufacturer, Sensus; Moreno says PG&E’s smart meters in Chico came from

another, Silver Spring Networks. That aside, he stated categorically: “Smart meters do not cause fires.” Homeowners who object to smart

meters, for whatever reason, don’t have to have them. Since February 2012, PG&E customers could “opt out” and have their power usage measured the old-fashioned way. This choice isn’t free: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) permits PG&E to charge customers an initial fee of $75 plus $10 per month. (Low-income customers pay $10 plus $5 monthly.) Moreno says this defrays the extra expense of sending meter-readers to individual houses. EMF Safety Network protests the opt-out fees. Maurer’s explanation of the reasoning: “If you want the thing that you’ve always had, you’re going to have to pay more.” Moreover, the lower your income, “the higher risk you have of more exposure,” particularly in high-density neighborhoods where people cannot afford analog metering. CPUC is considering two proposals regarding smart meters, each of which would continue fees for individuals and not allow communities or businesses to opt out; Moreno said the final decision is expected in February. Having already opted out, living with ample space between her property and her neighbors, Crites is doing better (albeit irked by the fee). “Electrosensitivity is a result of cumulative exposure,” Crites said. “The smart meter being attached to my house and radiating … was kind of like the straw that broke the camel’s back, the thing that pushed me over into having fullblown symptoms.” Ω

Engineering

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People who regularly take antacids, otherwise known as proton pump inhibitors, could be doing their gut more long-term harm than good. A Mayo Clinic study in the journal Microbiome found that heavy use of antacids—even the over-the-counter brands—may result in diminished diversity of gut bacteria, leaving users at increased risk of infections, pneumonia, vitamin deficiencies and bone fractures. So, here are nonpharmacological ways to help control acid reflux: • Eat smaller portions. • Don’t lie down for at least two hours after eating. • Avoid late-night snacks. • Slightly elevate the head of your bed. • Avoid alcohol, tobacco and foods that trigger symptoms.

For the

Young At Heart Michael Lunsford, Director of Business Development at Riverside Point

Talking it Out

ver the holiday I had the opportunity to see my great-grandmother, who at 92 is in need of additional support in life. My aunt, her responsible party and caregiver, asked me a very simple question that I want to address here. “How do I ask her to go to rehab and then possibly assisted living?” When family member caregivers do not give up the title of Daughter or Nephew, but accept an additional responsibility of curating a care path, these conversations are difficult and necessary. Speak WITH your loved one. Don’t speak AT them. Ask them their opinions on what is important moving forward. Is being close to their original home more essential than being close to a loved one? In the past, at Riverside Point, I have suggested that families attempt a respite stay at an assisted living, independent living, or skilled nursing facility. It allows your loved one

to experience what they may find moving forward. Recall your first time at summer camp or away from home. It is a transition. Some individuals fit in right away while others take more time. By openly explaining the pros and cons to your loved one and family you can avoid crisis decisions that create tension. Talk it out, be strong, and utilize the local resources you have at your disposable.

Guiding your

Healthcare Journey Guidestones have been used since the Bronze Age to show the way to travelers, hint at the terrain ahead, and mark important milestones. Let Riverside Point be a guidestone in your healthcare journey, and help to get you home.

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CN&R 23

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Greg Tribble Illustrated by Ashley Lee

George Keithley

$7.99, paperback

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Ted Tribble has a knack for adventures that end in misfortune. Ted doesnâ€™t intend to get into trouble, but trouble follows him as he explores his new neighborhood. In this set of stories, Ted is drenched in an irrigation canal and drives over friendsâ€™ bikes with a tractor-among other things.

40th Anniversary Edition â€œThe Donner Party is one of the three or four finest book-length American poems ever written.â€? â€”Poetry â€œOut of the western migration of the 1840s... Keithley has made a lean, taut narrative poem that moves with the speed and terseness of a killer shark.â€? â€”The New York Times

The Lunatic Memoirs

The Flumes And Trails Of Paradise - Hiking Through History On The Ridge

Thatcher C. Nalley

This memoir has been printed in the raw format as penned by Jack Downing to keep the veracity of his madness intact... Jack Downing has become one of the most influential business tycoons in America. Jack Downing also believes God has chosen him to annihilate the entire existence of mankind.

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Roger and Helen Ekins

A best-seller at Lyon Books, this guide provides outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs detailed information on fifty local hiking trails from Stirling City to Table Mountain and from Butte Creek Canyon to Empire Falls. Get an extra copy and then tell a loved one to â€œtake a hike!â€?

John Bidwell and California

$19.95, paperback

Michael J. Gillis and Michael F. Magliari

The Birds of Bidwell Park

The fascinating life of John Bidwell receives thorough treatment in this engaging biography, which sheds new light upon the man by focusing on his exciting adventures in the Westward Movement, the Mexican War, and California politics, along with his controversial relationships with California Indians and early Chinese immigrants.

Roger Lederer and Carol Burr

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In The Birds of Bidwell Park Lederer helps identify the many different birds you are most likely to see by giving personalities to the appearance and behavior of each bird. Ledererâ€™s descriptions and Carol Burrâ€™s detailed color illustrations make this easy-to-use field guide a must-have for your next stroll through the Park.

Hippie Tales of the Northwest Woods

Wanderings

â€œBuckwheatâ€? Bob Harrison

Thomas rounds out his series of essays taking the reader into his youth and what he now loves most. His adventures and relationships complement Thomasâ€™ four other titlesâ€”Essays from the Ten Evening Country, 100 Miles, and Pastiche.

Daniel Thomas

The author quit his tech job, dropping out in 1970 at age 33, and moved to the mountains in Oregon. Refugees from the Industrial and Technological revolution lived in agony, ecstasy, and danger, trying to rediscover their inner selves, amid the realities of nature, poverty, police harassment and armed vigilantism.

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Strangers Together: How My Sonâ€™s Autism Changed My Life Joan Goodreau

Three-year-old Ian is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and his single mother, Joan, tries to learn about the stranger who is her son. Her real-life stories move with humor and hope from â€œwhy usâ€? alienation to acceptance of life with Ian.

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Amazon Diet Pamela Saraga

Come join the adventure as a group of curvy women are abandoned in the jungle, stalked by assassins, adopted by a monkey called Elvis and fight their way back to civilization. They find confidence and romance, Elvis finds a home, and they all agree that anaconda tastes just like chicken.

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Ritaâ€™s Road Judi Loren Grace

At age thirteen, Judi is lucky enough to meet reckless Rita; she joins Ritaâ€™s tight-knit group of friends whose lives are full of raunchy language and outrageous pranks. Ritaâ€™s exploits are hilarious and endearing, and her friendships are true. Sheâ€™s a free spirit without rules living in perpetual adolescence.

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A Selected History of Her Heart: Poems

George Keithley

Keithleyâ€™s poems delve deeply through history and story, finding connections between disparate times and events, searching within the ephemeral for truth that is enduring. â€œHis unique gift for language, use of universal themes, and artistically rendered work will appeal to readers everywhere.â€? â€”BookReviewList.com

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Not Like the Others: Harleyâ€™s Story

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Ron and Nancy Sanford

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Little Coyote Man Don Sakal

Denise Gruzensky

In the early 1980s, the author was fortunate to know the last Mountain Maidu shaman Baker family member. He combines 30 years of field research, medicine, survival, and science to uphold the mysticism to Native American shamanism. In this story, a boy named Little Coyote Man learns shaman secrets.

Harleyâ€™s Story seeks to teach children the value of unconditional love. Join Harley, a rescued Yorkie, on his adventures. He learns to trust his forever family, is diagnosed and figures out how to live with diabetes. Harley is not like others, but heâ€™s not alone and is unconditionally loved.

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The Kingâ€™s Frog Hunter Ken Young

The Kingâ€™s Frog Hunter and his unlikely companions (including a giant shell creature, a Paint stallion and a Great Horned owl) must battle with a wicked magician who is manipulating to steal the throne, as they fight to fulfill an ancient prophesy that will change the kingdom forever.

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Stellaâ€™s Adventures in the Incredible Bio Terrain

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Sipping Tea with Buddha and Christ Alexa Benson-Valavanis

Join Alexa on her three-year journey through China, Vietnam, and Guatemala, as she honors a spiritual quest aimed ultimately at selfacceptance. Alexa Benson-Valavanis lives on a small ranch with her wife Melinda and their son. Alexa is the President and CEO of a philanthropic foundation based in Chico, California. www.alexabensonvalavanis.com

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Dissolve and Other Poems

Jan Condon, illustrator Chris Ficken

Stellaâ€™s Adventure in the Incredible BioTerrain is about a little girl who dreams that she swallows herself and finds herself meeting Emily Enzyme, Abby Acidophilus, Benney Bifidus (King of Poo) and Stanley Stem Cell and discovers what these incredible microbes do to digest your food and keep you healthy.

$11.16, paperback

Sacrament: Homage to a River Photographs by Geoff Fricker, Text by Rebecca Lawton

Shannon Rooney

A wonderfully lyrical and visually descriptive collection of poems, ranging from intimately introspective to sharply observational, which is inspired by the experiences of a young girl growing into womanhood, while living at the edge of the untamed Northern California backcountry known as the Trinity Wilderness Area, and the rugged Trinity Alps.

$7.95, paperback

The Ship That Never Was

In Geoff Frickerâ€™s dreamlike black and white photographs, the Sacramento River takes on mythic proportions in both its wild eco-systems and its humanmade influences. Rebecca Lawton eloquently describes the beauty of the river and the issues that currently surround it. Sacrament exhibits the wonder of Californiaâ€™s largest waterway and cautions its continued degradation.

B. J. (Bonnie) Bryan

$14.00, hardcover (Heyday)

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This book is about an accident that occurred in the Mediterranean Sea during World War II. It includes facts about what happened on March 13, 1945. It is a complete compendium of the events and people involved the tragic collision and loss of life in this late WW II disaster.

The Praetorian and the Emperorâ€™s List

I Shall Be Near to You

Carole Simmons Oles

â€œThrough the lens of her singular and compelling life, Carole Simmons Oles guides us through our fractured, confused, violent century. These powerhouse poems reach out generation to generation with generosity and compassion. These poems invite us in, offer food and drink and shelter.â€? â€”Peggy Shumaker, author of Gnawed Bones.

Inside the Inside Passage: After 50 years

Erin Lindsay McCabe

Rich with historical details and inspired by the many women who fought in the Civil War while disguised as men, I Shall Be Near To You is a novel of courageous adventure, a womanâ€™s search for meaning and individuality, and a poignant story of enduring love. Lyon Books #1 bestseller for 2014!

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Rod Warren

Set during the early days of the Roman Empire, this riveting novel contains adventure, treachery, intrigue, murder and romance as two young members of Tiberiusâ€™s Praetorian Guard try to overcome revenge and injustice. Forced to fight for those they hold dear, their impossible struggle will leave readers gasping for more.

$16.95, paperback December 4, 2014

CN&R 25

ON THE COVER: Bidwell Park and Playground Commissioner Mark Herrera sits on the stump of a sycamore along East Second Street in downtown Chico.

by Tom Gascoyne tom g@ n ew sr ev i ew. com

uring the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission’s meeting in September, commission member Mark Herrera walked out in protest. He had made a motion that the commission not discuss tree issues until such time that the city rehire an urban forest manager and adopt a policy on managing the urban forest as a whole. The catalyst was a request to remove 25 Yarwood sycamores growing along the sidewalks of a northwest Chico neighborhood. His effort was shot down, and as he left the meeting, he vowed to abstain on any future BPPC votes involving tree removal. Herrera, who’s held true to his word, was frustrated by his work on a panel that considers the city’s tree and vegetationrelated matters without such expertise. Like a growing number of community members, he’s concerned about the urban forest in a city known for its trees. There is little question that Chico is indeed a “Tree City USA.” For the past 30 years it has been so recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This time of year, the urban forest becomes even more striking with its many oaks, walnuts and sycamores adorned in bright coats of red, yellow and orange leaves. Herrera isn’t new to advocacy as it relates to the trees. He was arrested downtown by police in 2011 for protesting the felling of a mature sycamore—a healthy

CN&R

December 4, 2014

tree removed for the construction of the roundabout at the intersection of East First, Second and Flume streets. He’s been in Chico since August 2003, attracted here, like so many others, to attend Chico State. “The school brought me here, but what kept me here were the trees,” he explained. “I came here from San Jose, which doesn’t have much of an urban forest.” But developments over the past couple of years have Herrera and others in the community questioning the city’s dedication to preserving the canopy. It’s been a year and a half since Denise Britton retired as Chico’s urban forest manager, and her position remains vacant. Meanwhile, the effort to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan, initially drafted by

A canopy Is hope on the horizon

Britton in 2011 specifically to address the unique nature of the local canopy, has sputtered out. Since then, tree advocates have pointed to a number of high-profile tree removals, including a large valley oak growing near the intersection of Salem and Eighth streets and several 75-foot-tall walnut trees at Third and Chestnut streets, as evidence of the city’s failure to protect the canopy. A local retail property owner’s felling of trees along Mangrove Avenue over the summer without the necessary city consent added fuel to the cries that the City of Trees was becoming a “City of Stumps.” Then there was the matter of the 25 Yarwood sycamores. Last month, the City Council denied an appeal by the Butte Environmental Council of the BPPC’s vote to grant a request to remove the trees, which grow in a neighborhood along Mission Ranch Boulevard. The trees, residents said, were creating a hazard by buckling the sidewalks, dropping limbs and destroying the irrigation systems that run along the streets. Robyn DiFalco, BEC’s executive director, said at the time that the appeal was based in part on what she called a “disturbing pattern” wherein removals were outpacing plantings. “Removing a mature tree does not equal planting a little tree. It should be greater than a 1-to-1 ratio when those are mature trees,” she said. “We are losing our tree canopy.”

So is the urban forest under assault? That depends on your perspective. It is important, Herrera said, to recognize that the city has been suffering financial turmoil, which has greatly cut into its services. Those cuts included the elimination of the city’s tree maintenance crew. (One tree crew worker has since been rehired.) The city’s tree committee, which is made up of three BPPC members, has met only four times this year, with seven meeting cancellations, Herrera noted. “The sad part is that before we’d been meeting every single month and Denise, our urban forester, was kind of the catalyst for getting the Urban Forest Management Plan going,” he said. “We had the room filled with everyone from professors to biologists to naturalists. We were getting incredible feedback from the community.” He blames the drop-off in urban-forestrelated activity by the city to both the absence of an urban forester and a lack of city staff, whose members are stretched thin due to layoffs a year and half ago. “We need a maintenance crew and we need an urban forester because she, as a staff person, did the education and she did the tree-planting workshops for the community,” Herrera said. “Part of that is to be able to teach people how to properly take care of their trees … so the trees will last longer and they won’t have to cut them down.” At its most recent meeting on Nov. 24, the BPPC did discuss and respond to a City

imperiled for Chico’s urban forest? Council request that a forest management plan be adopted and the urban forester position filled by early next May. To save money, the council directed staff to fill the forest manager position by contracting out the job, similar to what was done in April to retain a city attorney. The urban forest manager’s job is to oversee the city’s forest as a whole, educating the public and homeowners and giving advice to city staff, as opposed to responding to individual vegetation issues, such as a dying tree in Lower Bidwell Park. The city now contracts with two private firms—George Salinas Tree Services of Sacramento does the regular maintenance work, while Petersen Tree Care of Chico is called out for emergency tree work.

Ruben Martinez, the city’s public works director, and Dan Efseaff, the parks and natural resources manager, represent the city at the BPPC meetings. Martinez has worked for the city for 17 years and was appointed public works director in May 2013, just before Britton stepped down as

Ruben Martinez, the city’s director of public works, says the city is working toward hiring an urban forest manager. PHOTO BY TOM GASCOYNE

urban forest manager. He said work on the urban forest plan has picked up in the last few months, as has the effort to contract out with an urban forester. He told the BPPC members that he felt the City Council was “holding my feet to the fire,” with its direction to get both a plan and forest manager in place by next May. Martinez thinks it’s a bit misleading to say that seven tree committee meetings were canceled this year. “That is not completely accurate, because there were tree committee meetings held, I believe, up until June of this year,” he said. “The plan was progressing and had various comments and criticisms and there was still more work to be done at that point.” The seven cancellations were made, according to Efseaff, because there was nothing to discuss at their scheduled times. He said more tree committee meetings were held this year than last year, when there was still an urban forester on the job. “Those meetings are as needed,” he

Robyn DiFalco, executive director of the Butte Environmental Council, is concerned about a pattern of city trees being removed, but not replaced. PHOTO BY BRITTANY WATERSTRADT

said. “If we don’t have anything ready, we’ll cancel them.” In the meantime, Martinez said, other priorities took over and his department also suffered the loss of the city parks services coordinator, Lise Smith-Peters, who left in January, adding to the workload of his remaining staff. Smith-Peters gave her notice in early December. “All of that just kind of created a backlog that we had to turn our attention to,” he said. “The parks services coordinator is a permanent position and we anticipate final interviews on Dec. 5. Then there are anywhere from two to four weeks of processing to bring an employee on board.”

Martinez touched on the city’s recent tree controversies, noting that the retail-property owner along Mangrove Avenue simply acted alone, violating city code. The Mission Ranch debacle was a case of the wrong tree being planted in the wrong place. “We don’t have tree police out there and we are not going to have tree police out there,” he said. “I don’t think the people want that. What we can do is educate. These are street trees, which is just one part of our urban forest. There are about 35,000 street trees, plus or minus, and we have about 3,500 empty [tree planting] spaces.”

The city has been working with Mark Stemen, president of BEC’s board of directors and a Chico State professor, and

CANOPY continued on page 28

December 4, 2014

CN&R

CANOPY continued from page 27 some of his students in their efforts to plant trees in certain neighborhoods, including one along Humboldt Avenue where 14 trees were planted in a program deemed Blitz Plant. The effort is also funded by the Salvation Army in return for the felling of a valley oak at Salem and Eighth streets to make room for the building of transitional housing at that location. Others have been working independently of the city to ensure the health of the canopy. One of the most vocal tree defenders is Charles Withuhn, founder of the Chico Tree Advocates organization. Withuhn said when he started the advocacy group 18 months ago, he’d heard there were about 3,500 empty planting sites where trees had been removed but not replaced. He said the number of empty sites is now closer to 4,500—about 1,000 more than the city’s estimate. “We are absolutely going in the wrong direction,” he said. “It is not all the city’s fault. At this moment we have a lot of mature trees that are at the end of their life expectancy, which is natural, and we might have to cut more trees down than normal.” In his role as a tree advocate, Withuhn has aided the canopy in concrete ways, including helping locals with tree replacement. One example of this surfaced during the recent BPPC meeting, when a man named Merle Winter addressed the commission in regard to his request to remove a street tree growing in front of his home. The tree was dropping walnuts, he said, which presented a hazard to him and his wife, and would also interfere with the operation of the solar panels he plans to install on his roof. Winter said he would replace the tree with three valley oaks. That species of tree had been suggested to him by Withuhn, who had heard of Winter’s intention to cut down the old walnut. Withuhn offered his help and the Chico Tree Advocates’ financial assistance in replacing the tree.

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission members (left to right): Drew Traulsen, Richard Ober, Lisa Emmerich, Jim Moravec, Janine Rood and Mark Herrera. In the foreground are Dan Efseaff, the parks and natural resource manager (left) and Ruben Martinez, director of public works. PHOTO by TOm GascOyne

Dan Efseaff, pictured in front of an oak tree that dropped a huge limb, says he can see why the community would think the city’s trees have been placed on the backburner. He said, however, that the city is making progress in addressing the issues of the urban forest. PHOTO by TOm GascOyne

Withuhn says contracting out for an urban forest manager is better than having no manager at all. He recognizes the city’s financial situation, but doesn’t think trees are the place to economize. He noted how a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors has asked its attorney to draft legislation for an urban forestry fund in the form of a property parcel tax to pay for maintenance of the city’s 105,000 trees. “Our city leaders and the leaders of San Francisco and the Bay Area have been just kind of sliding under the radar and cheating on the forests over the past few decades,” Withuhn said. “Now there is so much

overwhelming scientific evidence of the benefits trees allow that a lot of cities are getting with the program.” He said he believes the importance of the matter is well-recognized enough that Chico property owners would agree to a property tax increase if it was specifically aimed at urban forest issues. Such a fund could also pay for a full-time urban forest manager sometime in the future, he suggested. “Maybe we can’t afford it right now, but hopefully Ruben [Martinez] will be able to complete his idea of what an urban forester contract requires before another six months is out,” he said. “He is doing his best and I really appreciate what he has done. I think a majority of people would support an additional tax to guarantee that we will leave our children a robust and healthy urban forest like the one we inherited.”

As far as filling the urban forest manager position, Martinez said he is currently working on “a scope of services,” which is more or less a job description, and that the contract may be with either an individual or forest-management firm. The advantage of contracting with a firm, he said, is having access to a number of individuals able to do the work when called upon. “On the other hand, having a specific person as a consultant brings that kind of 28

CN&R

December 4, 2014

Buckled sidewalks in this northwest Chico neighborhood are the result of planting the wrong type of trees, Yarwood sycamores, several of which are now slated for removal. PHOTO by TOm GascOyne

singularity and focus that we might prefer here in Chico,” he said. “It’s what I tend to lean toward, because I think we need somebody who is dedicated to the urban forest as well as its citizens.” Martinez maintains that the urban forest is not endangered by current policies and understaffing. “I don’t say that simply because it’s my goal that there are more trees,” he said. “It’s not endangered because we are looking after it. We have a certified arborist on board named Dave Bettencourt. He does need some help with the workload and we are looking to hire the urban forester for that reason.” Bettencourt, who’s been with the city since 2008, is the field supervisor for public works and worked directly with Britton before she retired. His duties include checking the health of individual trees. Efseaff said he has some reservations about contracting out for an urban forest manager. “Council is looking for someone who can do the work just to get us back on our feet. It could be a firm instead of an individual and that does raise some

questions because in the past, that position was in charge of staff and city resources. It’s going to have to be different. And if we have a poorly thought-out process, we could have this person directing work to their company. I’m not saying that will happen, but …” Efseaff acknowledged the perception by some that the city’s care and maintenance of the urban forest has eroded in recent times. “What is getting lost in the amplified rhetoric right now is that a lot of us are on the same page,” he said. “It’s just that we have had kind of a tough hand dealt us with the financing and all the work we still need to do on the ground. Sometimes the planning part can take away from that.” He said development of an urban forest plan has been “kind of placed on the shelf because of our responding to emergency needs.” “They [the BPPC] had a pretty concerted effort to work on it in Tree defender Charles 2012 and during the first part of Withuhn addresses the Bidwell Park and 2013,” he said. “In May of 2013 Playground Commission [Britton] produced a draft for the about protecting the next [BPPC] meeting, saying it urban forest. was available for public comment.” PHOTO by TOm gascOyne Britton retired the next month. Development of the plan is moving along slowly, he said, and his department has taken some temporary measures to help with the workload. “I would have loved to hire a park services coordinator last December, but we had to go through the Council, through [the] Finance [Department] and human resources,” he said. The management plan, when completed, All the more reason to get the urban should help the city and its residents avoid forester and management plan into place, planting trees that aren’t suitable for the say the tree advocates. environment. Withuhn stresses the environmental Efseaff has a motto when it comes to the importance of the tree canopy beyond urban forest: “Right trees in the right place.” its beauty. He noted how the shade it The Mission Ranch Yarwood sycamores provides saves energy otherwise used for are a “poster child” for why that motto air-conditioning and that the trees absorb exists, he says. They are not a good tree for carbon dioxide and other noxious gasses Chico’s climate, he said, because they grow while providing oxygen. too fast and as a result have weak limbs. In “What that means is it is time for us to a few years, those trees, which were planted step up as a society, as a town, and plant in 1999, would be either dead or dying. He more trees and think about the kind of says there are other locations in town where Chico we are going to leave our kids,” he the wrong size trees have been planted. said. “It’s like cramming a really large peg Herrera echoed him. into a small, round hole,” he said. “It’s fine “We’re not clear-cutting or anything, but the first five years, but then you start having I think if we don’t lock down our policies impacts and those impacts don’t go away with an Urban Forest Management Plan, because you put the tree in the wrong spot. then we are going to be in trouble,” he said. You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to plant some “We are going to keep making individual acorns and it will all work out fine.’” decisions and that is just going to be a waste Another concern aside from a lack of staff time if we don’t have a streamlined of replanting is what sort of effects the way to do that. ongoing drought will have on the canopy. “I’d like for us to make the hard deciMartinez says the city is looking into the sions now so that 80 years down the road situation. people will appreciate what we did. I would “We’ve done a statistical survey of our like to see our community values honored urban forest to see what kind of impact the by getting the urban forest back on track. drought has had on our trees and we are We are more connected to the urban forest anticipating that it is going to cause us to do than we realize and it needs to get the attenmore pruning in the spring,” he said. “We tion it deserves. The longer we put off the have gathered the data and are still analyzbig picture, the more the urban forest and ing it.” Ω future citizens will suffer.”

Make Christmas special for the

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Esplanade House

★★

PLEASE JOIN US!

Be a Special Santa to benefit the children of the Esplanade House, a transitional shelter facility for homeless families.

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December 4, 2014

CN&R

Arts & Culture Blood brothers

Exodus today (from left): Lee Altus, Gary Holt, Steve Souza, Jack Gibson and Tim Hunting. PHOTO BY BRUCE GETTY

THIS WEEK 4

THURS Bay Area metal titans Exodus keep thrashing

Special Events SOTA PRESENTS: KEVIN LYMAN: A conversation

f someone told me 30 years ago that the shaggy

dudes furrowing their brows and wielding Flying V’s in the posters on my bedroom wall would still be playing the same songs in 2014, I would’ve told you to go sit on a dagger protruding from a toilet. by Well, here we are—older, grayMark Lore er, wiser(?)—and bands like Slaymarkl@ er, Anthrax and Nuclear Assault newsreview.com are still thrashing with the same intensity of kids half their ages. And Exodus, Death Angel and Testament—all of which put the Bay Area on the map in the mid-1980s PREVIEW as a haven to bang thy head—also Exodus perform Saturday, Dec. 13, continue to release records that 8 p.m., at the shred, rip and pulverize. Senator Theatre. “I don’t know if there’s someAberrance and thing in the water, or we’re just Armed for focused,” said Exodus shrieker Apocalypse open. Tickets: $18 Steve “Zetro” Souza, who’s appeared on seven of the band’s Senator Theatre recordings beginning with 1987’s 517 Main St. Pleasures of the Flesh. At age 50, www.jmax and with kids of his own, Souza is productions.net sweet and gregarious—and dead serious about his music. “If it’s not heavy, it’s not any good. I listen to metal. I’m a metalhead.” Of course, you can’t talk about Bay Area metal without mentioning the area’s most famous metal export. There’s no denying Metallica’s importance and influence (Metallica lead-guitarist Kirk Hammett actually helped form Exodus in 1980), but being fat and rich doesn’t necessarily translate to metal intensity. And while the mighty Metallica has gotten musically flabby over the past two decades, Exodus has unleashed some lean thrash metal gems, including the latest, Blood In, Blood Out, the first to feature Souza since 2004’s Tempo of the Damned. Souza said he and the other members had to hash things out after a decade of mudslinging (one has to wonder if there were any Some Kind of Monster 30

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December 4, 2014

moments?). After that, with the new material already written, he came in and went right to work. “When I came in it was like getting on a bike … vroom!” Souza said of recording the new record. “The riffs kill. They’ll tear you apart. I hear 30 years of Exodus on this album.” Well, of course he’s going to say that. But one listen to Blood In, Blood Out, and you believe him. “Collateral Damage” and “Body Harvest” are lyrically and musically relentless, with disenfranchised gang vocals, and piles of riffs and lead guitar work adding to the mayhem. Hammett returns to the fold to guest on “Salt the Wound,” laying down a wahwah-laden solo over riffmeister Gary Holt’s galloping rhythm. It was the first time Hammett recorded with the band since playing on early Exodus demos (apparently he came in, shredded, and the members had a barbecue and drank beer after). Over the past five years Exodus, along with other bands from the era not named Metallica, are finally seeing their influence blatantly manifest itself in newer bands. Mighty thrash riffs and denim vests are alive and well in bands like Vektor and Skeletonwitch. And Souza doesn’t need to look any further than his own side project Hatriot, which includes his two sons, to see that 1980s thrash is alive and well. Souza says he’s definitely enjoying being back with the band that gave him his start (he’s also worked with Testament). Exodus is currently touring with Slayer and playing a handful of one-off gigs without them, such as the upcoming Nov. 13 Chico show at the Senator Theatre. Holt is also playing guitar with Slayer, officially replacing Jeff Hanneman, who died of liver failure in May 2013. The members of Exodus are still metalheads through and through, which is why Souza says he’s still able to do what he does. But he doesn’t take it for granted. “I remember standing on stage during one of our dates in South America and thinking, ‘This is what you wanted when you were growing up—now you’ve got it,’” Souza said, adding with a laugh, “I was a young kid when we started. Now I’m an old kid.” Ω

the founder of Mayhem Festival and Warped Tour, talking about how his passion for live music led him into a successful career in the industry. Th, 12/4, 5-6:15pm. Free. Performing Arts Center, toom 134, Chico State, (530) 8984636.

Art Receptions THE EARNED, THE INHERITED, THE TAKEN: A reception for BFA candidate Dillon Rapp featuring prints and sewn sculptures. Th, 12/4, 5-7pm. B-So Space, Ayres 107, Chico State, (530) 898-5331.

Theater CRICKET ON THE HEARTH: Based upon the novella The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens. Written and directed by Jerry Miller with music and lyrics by Marcel Daguerre and Jerry Miller. Th-Sa, 7:30pm; Su, 2pm. $16.-$22. Theatre on the Ridge Playhouse, 3735 Neal Rd. in Paradise, (530) 877-5760, www.totr.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: Chico Peformances presents the timeless holiday classic as performed by

the Chico Community Ballet. 12/4-12/6, 7:30pm, Su, 12/7, 2pm. $10-$29. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/ Nutcracker.html.

Music FEATHER FALLS ANNIVERSARY: Join the brewery in celebration of four years with live music

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL Monday, Dec. 8 Pageant Theatre

SEE MONDAY, SPECIAL EVENTS

from The Mother Hips. Th, 12/4, 7pm. $10. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.featherfalls casino.com/brewing-co.

JACKIE GREEN AND ALEX NELSON: KZFR presents two intimate sit-down acoustic shows with the brothers playing individually, then as a duo. Ticket includes a drink and a commemorative poster. 12/4-12/5, 7:30pm. $50. Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St., (530) 894-1978.

FRI

Special Events CHRISTMAS AT THE BIDWELLS: Meet General and Mrs. Bidwell, tour the mansion in all its holiday splendor, enjoy appetizers, olive oil tastings from Olive A’ Sudden and wine tastings from Bertanga Son Kissed Vineyards. Reservations required. F, 12/5, 6-8pm. $25-$35. Bidwell Mansion, 525 Esplanade, (530) 895-6144.

CHRISTMAS FAIRE: Handmade and artisan

crafts, arts, and goods for the holidays. 12/512/7. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., (530) 895-4666.

OROVILLE CHISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: A community tradition with holiday music, songs, and a visit from Santa. F, 12/5, 7pm. Free. Oroville Municipal Auditorium, 1200 Myers St. in Oroville, (530) 589-0735.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: The annual tree lighting ceremony in celebration of the holidays featuring holiday music plus a visit from Santa. F, 12/5, 6-8pm. Free. Subud Hall, 574 E. 12th St., (530) 895-4711.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: A winter wonderland with horse drawn carriage rides, homemade goodies, hot cider, and special guest Mark

FINE ARTS annual holiday showcase featuring songs of the season. Sa, 12/6, 7:30pm, Su, 12/7, 3:30pm. $10. Oroville State Theatre, 1489 Myers St. in Oroville, (530) 538-2470.

Theater CRICKET ON THE HEARTH: See Thursday. Theatre on the Ridge Playhouse, 3735 Neal Rd. in Paradise, (530) 877-5760, www.totr.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: See Thursday. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/ Nutcracker.html.

THE NUTCRACKER Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 4-7 Laxson Auditorium

WHITE CHRISTMAS: An old-fashioned holiday

SEE THEATER, THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Twain. F, 12/5, 6-9pm, Sa, 12/6, 11am-6pm, Su, 12/7, 1-4pm. $2-$6. Stansbury Home, 307 W. Fifth St. On the corner of Salem and 5th street, (530) 895-3848.

Art Receptions ART LIGHTS THE JUNCTION: A reception and awards ceremony for the art-lighting event taking place in The Junction neighborhood of Chico. F, 12/5, 6:30pm. Free. Chico All Fired Up, 830 Broadway, (530) 894-5227.

SALON D’ ART: A reception for local artists displaying their handmade gifts, crafts and fine art for the holiday season. F, 12/5, 5-7pm. Chico Art Center, 450 Orange St., (530) 8958726, www.chicoartcenter.com.

Music GLORIOUS SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: A seasonal tradition with faculty and students from the Choral Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Jazz X-Press and more performing holiday favorites with proceeds benefiting student scholarships. 12/5-12/6, 7:30pm, Su, 12/7, 2pm. $20. Harlen Adams Theatre, Chico State, (530) 898-6333.

JACKIE GREEN AND ALEX NELSON: See Thursday.

CHRISTMAS FAIRE: See Friday. 12/5-12/7. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., (530) 8954666.

CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION AND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: The Torres Community Shelter hosts its annual festival complete with hors d’oeuvres, desserts, no-host bar, live music from The Alternators, guest speaker Andy Duke and a Christmas-tree auction. Sa, 12/6, 6pm. Chico Masonic Life Family Center, 1110 East Ave. Between Guynn Ave. & Nord Ave., (530) 3427143.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: TRI-L Mandarin Ranch hosts a holiday shopping event with local crafts and gifts from artisans, plus mandarins and sweet tastings. Sa, 12/6, 10am-4pm. Free admission/parking. Tri-L Mandarin Ranch, Oroville, (530) 534-4316, www.mandarins4you.com.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: See Friday. Stansbury Home, 307 W. Fifth St. On the corner of Salem and 5th street, (530) 895-3848.

WINTER CRUSH: It’s the annual citrus crush, featuring, tours, tastings, live music from Decades and a vendor marketplace highlighting local artisan producers, eateries and more than 10 local microbreweries. Sa, 12/6, 10am-4pm. Free admission. Lucero Olive Oil Mill, 2120 Loleta Ave. in Corning, www.lucero oliveoil.com.

Theater CRICKET ON THE HEARTH: See Thursday. Theatre on the Ridge Playhouse, 3735 Neal Rd. in Paradise, (530) 877-5760, www.totr.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: See Thursday. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/ Nutcracker.html.

SAT

SUN

Special Events CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH: See Saturday. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, (530) 342-4359.

CHRISTMAS FAIRE: See Friday. 12/5-12/7. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., (530) 8954666.

FRONTIER CHRISTMAS: Make holiday crafts, pan for gold, enjoy live entertainment from The Old Time Fiddlers, and A Night Before Christmas melodrama from the Bidwell Bar Players. Su, 12/7, 12-4pm. Free. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, 917 Kelly Ridge Rd. in Oroville, (530) 538-2219.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Local-artist created handcrafted items, art, jewelry, holiday decorations, and food all to benefit the Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund. Su, 12/7, 10am-3pm. Eagles Hall, 2010 Montgomery St. in Oroville.

1078 GALLERY: Stories Three, the third installment of the annual local-artist showcase. With Ellen Akimoto, Haley Hughes, Trevor Lalaguna, Sienna Orlando Lalaguna, and Brad Thiele sharing different biographical stories for a small book to accompany the exhibit. 12/4-1/3. 820 Broadway, (530) 3431973, www.1078gallery.org.

AVENUE 9 GALLERY: Waterworks, an exhibition of paintings by Candy Mathews and Cynthia Sexton, plus sculpture from Jim Woronow. Through 12/7. 180 E. Ninth Ave., (530) 8791821, www.avenue9gallery.com.

B-SO SPACE: The Earned, The Inherited, The

Taken, A BFA culminating exhibition featureing prints and sewn sculptures from artist Dillon Rapp. Through 12/12. Ayres 107, Chico State, (530) 898-5331.

BUTTE COLLEGE ART GALLERY: Forms of The

Figure, three artists, Arthur Lenmar, Staci Hoffer and Ruben Heredia, use three diverse approaches to utilizing the figure within art. Through 12/11. 3536 Butte Campus Dr. in Oroville, (530) 895-2208.

CHICO ART CENTER: Salon d’Art, local artists in one location displaying their work during the holiday season. Through 1/11, 2015. 450 Orange St., (530) 895-8726, www.chicoart center.com.

HAS BEANS INTERNET CAFE & GALLERIA:

Flights of Fancy, painting and pastel works from Francis Duty. Through 12/30. 501 Main St., (530) 894-3033, www.hasbeans.com.

JAMES SNIDLE FINE ARTS: Watercolors, new watercolor paintings from artist Frences Miller. Through 12/26, 9am-5pm. 254 E. Fourth St., (530) 343-2930.

JANET TURNER PRINT MUSEUM:

Together/Divided: A Couple Curates, local artists, collectors and art supporters, David Hopper and Shari Maxson Hopper will select from Janet tuener’s Print collection of works that appeals to them aesthetically, and their selections will be combined for one exhibition. Through 12/13. Chico State, (530) 898-4476, www.theturner.org.

THE JUNCTION: A reception and awards cere-

mony for the art-lighting event, Art Lights at the Junction, taking place in The Junction neighborhood of Chico. F, 12/5, 6:30pm. Free. Chico All Fired Up, 830 Broadway, (530) 8945227.

Call for Artists VOOM VOOM VARIETY SHOW SUBMISSIONS: Chikoko is seeking performances for the annual variety show. Comedy, music, ventriloquism, dancing, juggling, performance etc. 5 minute limitation. Submit ideas through email. Through 12/4. Call or visit website for details, locations vary.

Museums CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER: Banding by Day and Night, a close look at birds in hand with incredible detail. Ongoing. $2-$4. 1968 E. Eighth St., (530) 891-4671, www.bidwellpark.org.

CHICO MUSEUM: Mik ‘cupu Dy: This is Our

Home, Here We Remain, the exhibit focuses on the tribe’s heritage and history and presented from the perspective of the Mechoopda people using the four seasons to delineate periods of happiness, success and tragedy. Ongoing. 141 Salem St., (530) 891-4336, www.chicomuseum.org.

GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM: Multiple exhibits:

Modern Farming- Land, Water, People, and Science; Eat well, Play Well; and Patterns of The Land. Ongoing. 625 Esplanade, www.csuchico.edu/gateway.

GOLD NUGGET MUSEUM: Laundry Exhibit, learn about the laundry devices ranging from the late 1800’s glass washboards to a classic Kenmore wringer washer from the 1940s. Ongoing. 502 Pearson Rd. in Paradise, (530) 872-8722, www.goldnuggetmuseum.com.

PARADISE DEPOT MUSEUM: A railroad and logging museum in Paradise. Ongoing, 7-9pm. 5570 Black Olive Dr. in Paradise, (530) 8771919.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: See Friday. Stansbury

12/4-12/5, 7:30pm. $50. Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St., (530) 894-1978.

musical based on the Bing Crosby film of the same name and featuring the timeless music of Irving Berlin Opens 12/6, and shows Th-Sa, 7:30pm & Su, 2pm through 12/21. $12-$20. Chico Theater Company, 166-F Eaton Rd., (530) 894-3282, www.chicotheatercompany.com.

Art

Music GLORIOUS SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: See Friday. Harlen Adams Theatre, Chico State, (530) 8986333.

PARADISE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Community Chorus presents holiday favorites with The Paradise High School Chorus joining to create a new rendition of “A Classic Christmas”. Sa, 12/6, 7pm, Su, 12/7, 3pm. $10. Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Rd. in Paradise, (530) 872-8454, www.paradise performingarts.com.

THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS: The Oroville Community Band and Chorus present their

Home, 307 W. Fifth St. On the corner of Salem and 5th street, (530) 895-3848.

Art Receptions MIXED MEDIA MIXER: Uncle Dad’s Art Collective and Energy Plant Arts bring a monthly celebration of art and culture with local artists displaying their work, plus live music from Sisterhoods, Bogg, Mitchel Davidovitz, Michael Bone and Get Foxy. Su, 12/7, 2-6pm. Free. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

THIS WEEK continued on page 32

Special Events CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH: Arts and crafts, live music, food, and the museum gift shop, plus tours of historic Glenwood Farm House. Sa, Su through 12/14. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, (530) 342-4359.

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.

TREE LIGHTING Friday, Dec. 5 Downtown City Plaza

SEE FRIDAY, SPECIAL EVENTS

The walking dead Halloween may be the witching season, but in Chico the dead apparently rise in December. This holiday season, good ol’ John and Annie Bidwell will be on hand to host Christmas with the Bidwells over at the Bidwell Mansion on Friday, Dec. 5, where guests can enjoy appetizers with the famous couple. Annie, a notorious teetotaler in life, is apparently much EDITOR’S PICK less of a stick-in-the-mud nowadays, as there also will be wine. Reservations are required for the Bidwell event, but not for A Victorian Christmas at the Stansbury Home, where the guest of honor is Mark Twain. A Victorian Christmas runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-7.

December 4, 2014

CN&R

THIS WEEK continued from page 31

BULLETIN BOARD

WATERWORKS DEMOS: Demonstrations from painters Candy Mathews, Cynthia Sexton, and sculptor Jim Woronow. Su, 12/7, 2pm. Avenue 9 Gallery, 180 E. Ninth Ave., (530) 879-1821, www.avenue9gallery.com.

Music DALE ANNE BRADLEY AND STEVE GULLEY: Bluegrass/county and Americana singer/songwriters. Su, 12/7, 7pm. $10-$15. Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. Fifth St., (530) 3431497.

GLORIOUS SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: See Friday. Harlen Adams Theatre, Chico State, (530) 8986333.

PARADISE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: See Saturday. Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Rd. in Paradise, (530) 872-8454, www.paradise performingarts.com.

THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS: See Saturday. Oroville State Theatre, 1489 Myers St. in Oroville, (530) 538-2470.

Theater CRICKET ON THE HEARTH: See Thursday. Theatre on the Ridge Playhouse, 3735 Neal Rd. in Paradise, (530) 877-5760, www.totr.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: See Thursday. Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, (530) 898-6333, www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/ Nutcracker.html.

WHITE CHRISTMAS: See Saturday. Chico Theater Company, 166-F Eaton Rd., (530) 894-3282, www.chicotheatercompany.com.

MON

REACH THOUSANDS OF

WILDLIFE WATCHERS! What can you offer the two thousand birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts and families expected to attend the 16th annual S N O W G O O S E F E S T I V A L , held in Chico January 21-25, 2015? Snow Goose Festival Guide Publication Date: December 31, 2014

Call your advertising representative to reserve your space today! (530) 894-2300

Special Events FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL: A touring showcase of odd and humorous found videos, and live comedy from hosts Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett. M, 12/8, 7:30pm. $10. Pageant Theatre, 351 E. Sixth St., (530) 343-0663, www.pageantchico.com.

TUES

Music CHRISTMAS FROM IRELAND: Traditional and original instrumental music with Irish pipes, flute, fiddle and upright bass with vocals from Karen Casey. Tu, 12/9, 7:30pm. $15. Sierra Nevada Big Room, 1075 East 20th St., (530) 345-2739, www.sierranevada.com/bigroom.

WED

Special Events HOLIDAY BURLESQUE: The popular risque holiday variety show is back for one night only. W, 12/10, 8pm. $15. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.featherfallscasino.com/brewing-co.

CN&R

December 4, 2014

AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: A workout set to the sounds and rhythms of West Africa. Call for info. M, 6pm. $10. Chico Grange Hall, 2775 Old Nord Ave., (530) 321-5607.

AFRO-CARIBBEAN DANCE: Dances of Cuba, Haiti,

Brazil and West Africa with live drumming. Tu, 5:30pm. Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St., (530) 345-6324.

BELLY DANCE CLASS: Weekly belly dance with BellySutra. Tu, 7pm. $8. 100th Monkey Community Cafe, 642 W. Fifth St.

Music PEPPER: Kona dub-rock from Hawaii. Plus, The

Movement and New Beat Fund. W, 12/10, 9pm. $20. Senator Theatre, 517 Main St., (530) 8981497, www.jmaxproductions.net.

USAF HOLIDAY CONCERT: A holiday concert featuring The United States Airforce Band of The Golden West. W, 12/10, 2 & 7pm. Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Rd. in Paradise, (530) 872-8454, www.paradise performingarts.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES Every Friday Midtown Local

SEE COMMUNITY

BINGO: Proceeds donated to non-profit. Su,

4pm. $15 per pack. Paradise Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Rd. in Paradise, (530) 877-3977.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Meet Santa and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Three times available. Call ahead to register. Sa, 12/6, 8am-noon. $10. Chico Area Recreation District (CARD), 545 Vallombrosa Ave., (530) 895-4711, www.chicorec.com.

CREATING CUSTOM STENCILS: Join current IFL Incubator Artist, David Cedeño aka Chocolate David, for a demonstration and hands-on creation and application of custom stencils. Visit Website for more details. W, 12/10, 78:30pm. $30. 603 Orange St., (530) 592-0609. www.ideafablabs.com

DANCE SANCTUARY WAVE: Bring a water bottle, drop your mind, find your feet and free your spirit. Call for more info. Tu, 6:30-8:30pm. $10. Call for details, (530) 891-6524.

DANCING FREEDOM: A weekly open dance with

the elements. F, 6-8pm. $6-$12 sliding scale. Subud Hall, 574 E. 12th St., (530) 532-1989.

EVENING DANCE JAM: A weekly meditative dance session. F, 7:15pm. $10. Yoga Center of Chico, 250 Vallombrosa Ave., Suite 150, (530) 3420100.

FARMERS’ MARKET: CHAPMAN: A year-round Certified Farmers’ Market serving as a community forum for healthful-lifestyle promotion and education. F, 2-5:30pm. Chapman Mulberry Community Center, 1010 Cleveland Ave., (530) 680-3217, www.cchaos.org.

FARMERS’ MARKET: SATURDAY: Chico’s weekly community gathering, with fresh produce, crafts, baked goods and more. Sa, 7:30am1pm. Municipal Parking Lot No. 1, Second & Wall Streets.

FREE HEALTH CLINIC: Free services for minor medical ailments. Call for more info. Su, 14pm. Free. Shalom Free Clinic, 1190 E. First

Ave., (530) 518-8300, www.shalomfreeclinic.org.

FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES: NaNoWriMo hosts a

weekly write in. F, 5-8pm. Midtown Local, 365 E Sixth St.

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Sa, 12/6, 11am. Free. Magnolia Gift & Garden, 1367 East Ave., (530) 894-5410, www.magnoliagardening.com.

MISTLETOE PARTY: Friends of the Park and the city of Oroville host an annual holiday party with music, cookies, tea and tours of the historical Lott home. Su, 12/7, 12-4pm. Free. Lott Home in Sank Park, 1067 Montgomery St. in Oroville, (530) 538-2497.

PARADISE ON ICE: The outdoor ice rink returns for holiday activities and seasonal fun.

Through 1/11, 2015. $12. Terry Ashe Center,

for more Music, see NIGHTLIFE on page 40 32

Community

SHOP, DINE AND SAVE FRIDAYS: Enjoy a clean and safe holiday season and downtown hospitality with later store hours for shops and restaurants, greeters giving out holiday buttons, candy canes and directories, with entertainment and festive activities, plus free parking on noted Fridays.(See website for more info) F, 12/5, F, 12/19. Downtown Chico, www.downtownchico.com/dcba.

SOUL SHAKE DANCE CHURCH: Drop your mind, find your feet and free your spirit at this DJ dance wave to a range of musical styles. No previous dance experience necessary. Su, 10am-noon. $10-$15 sliding scale. Dorothy Johnson Center, 775 E. 16th St., (530) 891-6524, www.chicorec.com.

SOUNDS OF THE VALLEY CHORUS: Women singers welcome to sing in four-part harmony barbershop style. Call for more info. W, 7pm. Marigold Elementary School, 2446 Marigold Ave., (530) 343-5183.

SQUARE-DANCE CLUB: Square-dancing classes for beginners and advanced-level dancers. Call for more info. Th, 7-10pm. Veterans Memorial Hall, 6550 Skyway in Paradise, (530) 872-1962.

STUDENT MARKET: The Organic Vegetable Project returns with local and seasonal produce, a variety of herbs, flowers and vegetable starts. Located in the BMU Courtyard. Th, 11am-2pm. Bell Memorial Union (BMU), 400 W First St. CSU, Chico, (530) 8984696, www.aschico.com.

WORLD DANCE: Prepares youth to perform line, circle and partner dances from around the world. No partner needed. Th, 6pm. $20 (for a family of 4). Chico Area Recreation District (CARD), 545 Vallombrosa Ave., (530) 895-4711, www.chicorec.com.

WORLD DANCE CLASS: Learn line, circle and couple dances from around the world. Youth and adult class offered. Scholarships available via instructor. No partner needed. Th, 6-7 & 7-8:30pm. $7. Pleasant Valley Recreation Center, 2320 North St., (530) 566-6711.

For Kids CHILDREN STORY TIME SERIES: Reading events sponsored by Lyon Books. Every other Th, 3pm. Free. Butte County Library, Chico Branch, 1108 Sherman Ave., (530) 891-2762, www.lyonbook.com.

SNAKES ALIVE!: Join naturalist Jon Aull for an exploration of snakes, examine snake skins and skeletons and talk about their habits and role within the ecosystem. Sa, 12/6, 10-11:30am. $5-$10. Chico Creek Nature Center, 1968 E. Eighth St., (530) 891-4671, www.bidwellpark.org.

6626 Skyway in Paradise, (530) 876-9466.

SAFE SPACE: A winter program to provide emergency shelter for people in need within our community. Ongoing. Chico Peace and Justice Center, 526 Broadway, (530) 893-9078, www.chico-peace.org.

SAMARITAN FREE CLINIC: This clinic offers free basic medical care and mental-health counseling. Call for more information. Su, 2-4pm. Free. Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Dr. in Paradise, 8727085.

MORE ONLINE Additional listings for local meetings, support groups, classes, yoga, meditation and more can be found online at www.newsreview.com/chico/local/calendar.

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good food, good people, great fun!

Left: “Our Hands” need a hand. photo by Jason cassiDy, photo illustration by tina flynn

Below: Chico Arts Foundation (from left): William Sheridan, Jennifer Parks, Monica McDaniel-Berg, Mary Gardner and Jenny Breed. photo by Ken smith

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public art chronicles As funding disappears, Chico Arts Foundation steps in to preserve the city’s arts treasures

Tcreated Fourth and Salem streets in downtown Chico an unanticipated side effect in the form of an he 2003 completion of the parking structure at

ugly alleyway, made uglier by the addition of huge concrete pillars meant to keep cars from driving through the pedestrian by Ken Smith pathway. “The pillars were an eyesore, the kens @ new srev i ew. c o m whole alleyway was,” said Mary Gardner, the former city of Chico art projects coordinator, at a recent meeting of Chico Arts Foundation board members. Gardner said transforming the walkway into its current, more functional and aesthetically pleasing form was a true community effort. As the City Council and the city’s Arts Commission discussed how to fix the problem, former Councilwoman Mary Andrews proposed it be dubbed Diamond Alley, as it was historically known (the now opulent Diamond Hotel had yet to be restored and rebranded with its historic name). The Arts Commission recruited the unlikely duo of a metal and ceramic artist (David Barta and Kathleen Nartuhi, respectively) to create the alleyway’s arches, and the artists in turn included 3,000 local schoolchildren to design the signature colorful tiles that have brightened up the alley and turned its entrance into a work of art. “People see all of these public artworks all the time, but they don’t think of or don’t know the stories behind them,” Gardner said. The foundation hopes sharing the stories behind the city’s public artworks—of which there are more than 50 all over town—can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for them. The timing for this is critical, members believe, as many of the works are badly in need of repair at a time when the city has halted all funding for public art. The goal is to create a public-awareness campaign to help raise money and get other community groups interested in helping with repair work. To accomplish this goal, CAF—a nonprofit fundraising arm of the Chico Arts Commission—has

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partnered with Tehama Group Communications, a team of standout students who run their own public relations firm as part of Chico State’s Department of Journalism and Public Relations. The Tehama Group is currently working with CAF to create interactive, self-guided and docent-led tours of Chico’s public art collection scheduled to launch in April. In addition to providing maps and information about the individual art installments, the tour brochures will include smartphone-friendly QR codes linked to videos that offer further insight into each project. Largely due to its iconic status, the “Our Hands” sculpture in front of the city municipal building is first on the list of works needing repair, which the CAF says will include regrouting and UV protection. And it’s one of the many pieces the Tehama Group has already filmed with Gardner and CAF founder/president Monica McDaniel-Berg providing commentary. To put the state of Chico’s art into perspective, Gardner noted that five years ago the Arts Commission received about $70,000 annually from redevelopment funding to use on local projects, but the state halted that funding in 2011. More money— as much as $140,000 some years—used to come from an earmarked portion of Transit Occupancy Taxes, which are collected from area hotels and motels. Now, the only funding available for public art is a share of $25,000 in community organization funding, for which arts groups must also compete with social service organizations. The CAF members feel public artworks not only add to the character and quality of life in Chico, but are also a major economic driver. “Any corporation worth its salt has a checklist of things they look for when they look to expand into new cities,” Sheridan explained. “High on that list is arts and culture, especially when you look at tech companies and other types [of businesses] that Chico wants to and has a chance of bringing here. If the community doesn’t support the arts, those companies Ω are likely to pass Chico by.”

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CHICO PERFORMANCES

Recipes for holiday cheer Henri whips out his cocktails for the season

o one could be more thrilled than Henri that fall is

in the air and that the holidays are upon us. So suddenly, it seems. The nights come early, dark and cool, cold even. The streets are littered with crinkled leaves as the hold-outs cling to treetops, waiting for the next gust of wind to by Henri set sail to them—the ginkgos elecBourride tric yellow, the Chinese pistache henri@ deep red, the dogwoods that gornewsreview.com geous blood-brown. Smoke wisps from chimneys, and neighbors in long coats and knit caps scuff along sidewalks and stroll pathways through the park. And cooks eagerly anticipate, readying kitchens and pantries, their favorite season’s masterpieces: golden-brown turkeys and juicy prime ribs pulled hot from ovens, mounds of herbed stuffing, bowls of sweet potatoes and pitchers of gravy—and music, toasts and laughter, and full bellies. This year, Colette has indicated that she wants to be in charge of the cooking. “I’ll take care of the food,” she said. “You be in charge of drink.” Avec plaisir, ma soeur! While I’m still fine-tuning my wine choices, I will definitely be mixing up these favorites.

Cranberry margaritas

I realize that margaritas are typically warm-weather cocktails, and in general Henri tends to avoid fruitflavored drinks anyway. On the other hand, cranberries are not only seasonal, but their festive color also makes for a delightful presentation, and they add a distinctive flavor to the liqueur and tequila as well. I might suggest to Colette that we pair it with an appetizer of Dungeness crab, also in season. This recipe is from Bobby Flay, and though he doesn’t recommend a specific tequila, stay away from inexpensive “golds,” such as Jose Cuervo, and go with a decent 100 percent agave reposado, like Sauza Hornitos or Cazadores. Ingredients: 2 cups tequila 1 1/3 cups cranberry juice 1 cup Cointreau triple sec 2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

Combine ingredients in a large pitcher, shake with ice and strain into margarita glasses or low cocktail flutes. You can also strain into small ice-filled tumblers.

Eggnog

This is the classic trim-the-tree-while-singingcarols beverage, and while it’s available in all manner of premixed and prepackaged and flavor-added versions, this one, from Anna Thomas’ The Vegetarian Epicure, is the best I’ve ever tasted. It should serve a party of four but is easily doubled (or more!).

UPCOMING EVENTS

12/4-7

THE NUTCRACKER

12/11

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND OF THE GOLDEN WEST

12/13

MARIACHI SOL DE MÉXICO Merri-achi Christmas

1/16

MAVIS STAPLES

1/21

TANGO BUENOS AIRES Songs of Eva Perón

Ingredients: 3 eggs, separated 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup milk (not reduced fat, s’il vous plaît) 1/4 cup Cognac/brandy 1/4 cup dark rum 1 small orange 1 lemon 1 cup heavy cream grated nutmeg

In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick, then stir in the milk, brandy and rum. In separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they hold a peak, then fold them into the other mixture. Refrigerate, chilling for at least two hours. Peel the orange and cut out the white pith from inside the peel. Slice the peel into one-inch slices, cutting as thinly possible. Grate the lemon rind. Whip the cream until it just begins to thicken, stir into the milk-and-egg mixture and whisk several times. Stir in the lemon rind and half the orange peel. Pour the nog into large serving bowl, and sprinkle the remaining orange peel and plenty of nutmeg over the top. And what about after dinner, when the laughter and music have faded and given way to that often uneasy late-night wistfulness as blazing fires turn to embers and winter’s deathly stillness seems too-soon imminent? Simple, really, as it should be: a snifter of Germain-Robin brandy. Ω

FOR MORE INFO: 898-6333

WWW.CHICOPERFORMANCES.COM December 4, 2014

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

jewelry • radios • blankets • antiques

Live Dead: The Grateful Dead Bob Minkin Insight Editions Half a lifetime in the making, Live Dead: The Grateful Dead is an impressive culminating achievement from famed rock photographer Bob Minkin. The 224-page hardcover coffee-table book provides an unprecedented through-the-lens history of the Grateful Dead and their extended family. The book also represents well the bands that have the reenergized the Dead-esque live music scene, particularly in Marin County, since Jerry Garcia’s passing in 1995. With written contributions by three heavy hitters from the Dead family—preface by Tom Constanten, foreword by Steve Parish, and introduction by Blair Jackson—Live Dead also includes some fine on-the-road stories from Minkin, who can spin a yarn almost as well as he can record an image. The photographer, who moved from his native Brooklyn to Marin County in 1990, has had images appear in countless publications, including a 25-year relationship with Relix magazine, and has supplied CD cover art and package design for several Grateful Dead projects. Presented in astounding clarity thanks to spot-gloss varnish atop matte coated paper, Live Dead begins in the mid-1970s and chronicles concerts small and large—from New York to San Francisco, and from Amsterdam to Atlanta—and all the scenes and intimate moments along the way.

BOOK

—Alan Sheckter

Blood Oranges in the Snow Over the Rhine Great Speckled Dog Records Blood Oranges in the Snow—Over the Rhine’s 13th studio album and third Christmas-themed release—is not your typical holiday collection. Less “Merry Christmas!” and more “How are we going to get through this Christmas?” the album demonstrates why husband-and-wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist refer to these releases as “Reality Christmas” music. The string-accompanied folk track “My Father’s Body” puts you in a reflective mood about how fragile life is (“My father’s body lies beneath the snow/Sometimes on Christmas Eve that’s where I go”), while Merle Haggard’s classic “If We Make It Through December” is one of those true-blue country tracks filled with palpable woe with only a sliver of hope on the horizon. Even “First Snowfall” hints at how our traditions and decorations don’t necessarily age well and will struggle to make it through another holiday season. Detweiler and Bergquist give subtle, harmonious performances that are among their best yet, as they often simply tell stories without being melodramatic or overpowering in their vocal presentation. This is obviously not an overly joyful album, but there is beauty to be found in its universal themes. It’s an engaging reminder that the holidays can be hard and heartbreaking, but that’s reality and that’s OK.

MUSIC Performed by

Chico Community Ballet and Guests

—Brian Palmer

The Invention of Wings

December 4 - 7

Thurs., Fri., Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Laxson Auditorium, CSU, Chico

www.chicoperformances.com

Tickets $13-$29 University Box Office (3rd & Chestnut St.)

(530) 898-6333

Sue Monk Kidd Viking Penguin This powerful novel by the author of The Secret Life of Bees is even stronger than that best-seller. Set mostly in the early 19th century in Charleston, S.C., The Invention of Wings is based loosely on the lives of the Grimké sisters, Sarah and Angelina. They were pioneer abolitionists and women’s-rights activists, despite having grown up in a wealthy slave-owning family in which women were expected to leave worldly matters to men. Two other remarkable women, a slave named Charlotte and her daughter, Handful, also figure prominently. The tale covers 35 years beginning in 1803, when 11-year-old Sarah, who loathes slavery, is given 10-year-old Handful as her personal slave. In alternating chapters, Sarah and Handful tell their stories, and the result is a fascinating portrait of a society that holds slavery to be its God-given right, while imprisoning its own women in misogynistic social codes. The novel is anything but a polemic, however. Sarah and, especially, Handful are fully realized characters, and others in the story, including Charlotte and Angelina, also leap vividly to life. And, by reintroducing us to the Grimké sisters, the novel shines a light on two courageous women whose importance should be recognized once and for all.

BOOK

—Robert Speer 36

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December 4, 2014

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NIGHTLIFE

THURSDAY 12/4—WEDNESDAY 12|10

5FRIDAY

Saturday, Dec. 6 Maltese Bar & Tap Room

BASSMINT: A (mostly) weekly electronic dance party with a rotating cast of local and regional DJs. Check with venue for details. F, 9:30pm. Peking Chinese Restaurant, 243 W. Second St., (530) 895-3888.

SEE SATURDAY

Rev. Shelby Cobra

4THURSDAY AARON RICH & FRIENDS: Country music round-robin. Third and First Th of every month, 9pm. Free. Crazy Horse

CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS: Soul, roots and HAPPY HOUR: Brad Relf. Th, 12/4. LaSalles, 229 Broadway, (530) 893-1891, www.lasallesbar.com.

Saloon, 303 Main St., (530) 894-5408.

BASSJACKERS: DJ/house music with

Bassjackers and Dyro. Th, 12/4, 9pm. $22.50. Senator Theatre, 517 Main St., (530) 898-1497, www.jmaxproduc tions.net.

THE MOTHER HIPS: Th, 12/4, 7pm. $10. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.featherfallscasino.com/ brewing-co.

CHICO JAZZ COLLECTIVE: Thursday jazz.

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

COLD BLUE MOUNTAIN: Local doom metal, plus Blight and ding core from Touch fuzzy Get Dizzy. Th, 12/4, 8pm. $5-$10. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 3431973, www.1078gallery.org.

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

delta blues, plus local funk from Jelly Bread. F, 12/5, 9pm. Lost On Main, 319 Main St., (530) 891-1853.

FRIDAY MORNING JAZZ: A weekly morning jazz appointment with experimental local troupe Bogg. F, 11am. Free. Café Coda, 265 Humboldt Ave., (530) 5669476, www.cafecoda.com.

GEOFF BAKER: Singer songwriters Rob

Davidson, Geoff Baker and Paktuckia. F, 12/5, 9pm. $5. Maltese Bar & Tap Room, 1600 Park Ave., (530) 343-4915.

HAPPY HOUR: Pat Hull. F, 12/5, 6-9pm. LaSalles, 229 Broadway, (530) 893-1891, www.lasallesbar.com.

IRISH-MUSIC HAPPY HOUR: A Chico tradition: Friday night happy hour with a traditional Irish music session by the Pub Scouts, this week they’re going

JACKIE GREEN AND ALEX NELSON: See

Thursday. $50. Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St., (530) 894-1978.

the holidays. F, 12/5, 10pm. LaSalles, 229 Broadway, (530) 893-1891, www.lasallesbar.com.

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SPAZMATICS: A tribute to music from the 1980s. F, 12/5, 9:30pm. $5. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feather fallscasino.com/brewing-co.

THE YULE LOGS: The hardest working band in snow business strikes again. Check them out before the season melts away. F, 12/5, 9pm. $5. Duffy’s Tavern, 337 Main St., (530) 343-7718.

6SATURDAY 80S NIGHT: Wear your best 80s attire and dance the night away. Sa, 8pm. LaSalles, 229 Broadway, (530) 893-1891, www.lasallesbar.com.

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December 4, 2014

12/17 Full House Blues Jam with The Growlers

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12/13 Led Zepagain Led Zeppelin Tribute

While it’s sometimes easy to poke fun at the seemingly never-ending cavalcade of tribute acts (some to bands that should have never existed in the first place) that play there, the Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. has become a valuable force in the local entertainment scene (and in craft-brewing) in its four years of operation. The venue is celebrating its latest anniversary not with an all-female Molly Hatchet cover band, but with none other than local legends The Mother Hips, tonight, Dec. 4.

Deadgrass quartet with acoustic folk singer/songwriter Hannah Jane Kile. F, 12/5, 8pm. $5-$10. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

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that Motown sound. Sa, 12/6, 9:30pm. $5. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.featherfallscasino.com/ brewing-co.

MYSTIC ROOTS: Rock/reggae/hip-hop for

420 Doctor Evals the original REMEMBER THIS NUMBER

DETROIT LEGENDS: A 7-piece band with

evening of psychedelic folk blues with the former Black Crowes front man and his current crew. Sa, 12/6, 9pm. $27-$32. El Rey Theatre, 230 W. Second St., (530) 342-2727.

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REV. SHELBY COBRA & THE MUSTANGS, DOUG C & THE BLACKLISTED, RYAN DAVIDSON

CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD: An

“electric”. F, 4pm. $1. Duffy’s Tavern, 337 Main St., (530) 343-7718.

your music, poetry, comedy, or other talents in a 10-minute slot. First and Third Th of every month, 7pm. $1. Paradise Grange Hall, 5704 Chapel Dr. in Paradise, (530) 873-1370.

Leg

OPEN MIKEFULL: Open mic night to share

NIGHTLIFE

THIS WEEK: FIND MORE ENTERTAINMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS ON PAGE 30 CHRISTMAS FROM IRELAND: Traditional

Furlough Fridays, adventure rockers Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony, and trash rockers Trox and the Terribles. Sa, 12/6, 8pm. $5-$10. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

Cold Blue Mountain

and original instrumental music with Irish pipes, flute, fiddle and upright bass with vocals from Karen Casey. Tu, 12/9, 7:30pm. $15. Sierra Nevada Big Room, 1075 East 20th St., (530) 3452739, www.sierranevada.com/bigroom.

7SUNDAY

OPEN MIC: An all-ages open mic for musi-

DALE ANNE BRADLEY AND STEVE GULLEY:

COLD BLUE MOUNTAIN, TOUCH FUZZY GET DIZZY, BLIGHT Tonight, Dec. 4 1078 Gallery

Bluegrass/county and Americana singer/songwriters. Su, 12/7, 7pm. $10$15. Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. Fifth St., (530) 343-1497.

REGGAE NIGHT: Rise the Vibes with live DJs, pool, and shuffle board. This week Jams from Bay-area’s Rocker T. Su, 8pm-2am. Seeva’s Pub, 6093 Lincoln Blv. in Oroville.

SEE THURSDAY

ZODIAC DEATH VALLEY: Bay Area psych

EARLY SHOW AT MALTESE: An early evening show and barbeque with Shelby Cobra and The Mustangs, Doug C and the Blacklisted (exDescendents) and Ryan Davidson (Americana/Irish folk). Sa, 12/6, 6pm. $5. Maltese Bar & Tap Room, 1600 Park Ave., (530) 343-4915.

KLOZD SIRKUT: Funk-tronica featuring trumpeter from Karl Denison’s band. Sa, 12/6, 9pm. Lost On Main, 319 Main St., (530) 891-1853.

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.

RETROTONES: Classic rock and country

covers. Sa, 12/6, 9pm. Studio Inn Cocktail Lounge, 2582 Esplanade, (530) 343-0662.

WANDERERS & WOLVES EP RELEASE: Local indie rockers debut their EP Down in the Water with help from friends

rockers are joined by LA’s The Icarus Line, plus Zig Zags, Creep Beat and Get Foxy. Su, 12/7, 8pm. $5-$10. 1078 Gallery, 820 Broadway, (530) 343-1973, www.1078gallery.org.

9TUESDAY

PEPPER: Kona dub-rock from Hawaii.

Paradise, (530) 876-9988, www.myspace.com/theitaliangarden.

Plus, The Movement and New Beat Fund. W, 12/10, 9pm. $20. Senator Theatre, 517 Main St., (530) 898-1497, www.jmaxproductions.net.

THE YULE LOGS: British invasion hooks,

PIANO NIGHT: Live Piano music. W. Opens 12/3. Italian Garden, 6929 Skyway in

cians, poets, comedians, storytellers and dancers. Tu, 7pm. Free. 100th Monkey Community Cafe, 642 W. Fifth St.

10WEDNESDAY HOLIDAY BURLESQUE: The popular risque holiday variety show is back for one night only. W, 12/10, 8pm. $15. Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co., 3 Alverda Dr. in Oroville, (530) 533-3885, www.feath erfallscasino.com/brewing-co.

California surf harmonies and Borscht Belt chutzpah from the hardest working band in snow business. W, 12/10, 8pm. Argus Bar + Patio, 212 W. Second St.

HARD TO HANDLE

The Black Crowes’ blues-laden work from the early 1990s still stands above much of the other drivel that filled the airwaves back then, and frontman Chris Robinson has kept going ever since. Still, it’s arguable if he’s more famous for his musicianship or his former marriage to uber-babe Kate Hudson. His latest band, psych-folk-blues outfit The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, will swing by the El Rey Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 6.

BLUES NIGHT: Live weekly blues music

from local musicians. Tu. Opens 12/2. Italian Garden, 6929 Skyway in Paradise, (530) 876-9988, www.myspace.com/theitaliangarden.

UR EMAIL YO TO LISTINGS

m newsreview.co chicocalendar@IT ONLINE AT OR SUBM

newsreview.c

THE CAREY ROBINSON TRIO: Jazz trio. Tu, 6-9pm. Shenanigan’s, 3212 Esplanade,

om/chico

(530) 809-1088.

Happy Hour Live Music 6 - 9 pm

BRAD RELF

LASALLES & SOUL REAL MUSIC GROUP PRESENTS

Thursday, December 4 Happy Hour Live Music 6 - 9 pm PAT HULL 10pm show Friday, Dec 5

DOWNTOWN ROCKS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

BANDMASTER RUKUS BOGART THE MONSTER BULL MOOSE PARTY 21+

319 Main St. • Downtown Chico (530) 892–2445 Dec. 05 California Honeydrops, Jelly Bread Dec. 06 Klozd Sirkut Dec. 11 Shook Twins Dec. 12 Swamp Zen, Dylan’s Dharma

Dec. 13

English Beat, Black Fong Dec. 27 Achilles Wheel, Gravy Brain

Happy Hour Live Music 5:30 - 8:30 pm LA NOCHE OSKURA

Saturday, December 6

Dec. 29 Orgone Dec. 31 Funk into 15: Moksha, Mojo Green & Sofa King 229 Broadway, Chico Follow us on @LaSalleBar

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229 Broadway, Chico Follow us on @LaSalleBar December 4, 2014

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REEL WORLD JON STEWART’S

ROSEWATER

FRI/SAT 6PM • SUNDAY 2PM • TUES-THURS 7:35PM

FRIDAY 12/5 – WEDNESDAY 12/10 BIG HERO 6 (Digital) (PG) 11:35AM 2:15PM 4:55PM 7:35PM 10:15PM BIRDMAN (Digital) (R) 1:35PM 4:25PM 7:15PM 10:05PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO (Digital) (PG-13) 11:45AM 2:25PM 5:05PM 7:45PM 10:25PM FURY (Digital) (R) 12:50PM 3:55PM 7:00PM 10:05PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 (Digital) (R) 11:40AM 12:55PM 2:20PM 3:40PM 5:00PM 6:20PM 7:40PM 9:00PM 10:30PM HUNGER GAMES: THE MOCKINGJAY, Part 1 (Digital) (PG-13) 11:30AM♣ 12:15PM 1:00PM 2:30PM♣ 3:15PM 4:00PM 5:30PM♠♣ 6:15PM♥ 7:05PM 8:35PM♠♣ 9:20PM 10:05PM HUNGER GAMES: THE MOCKINGJAY, Part 1 (XD) (PG-13) 1:35PM 4:35PM 7:40PM 10:35PM

INTERSTELLAR (Digital) (PG-13) 12:40PM 4:20PM 8:00PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, THE (3D) (PG) 12:20PM 2:50PM 5:20PM 7:50PM 10:20PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, THE (Digital) (PG) 11:30AM 2:00PM 4:30PM 7:00PM 9:30PM THEORY OF EVERYTHING, THE (Digital) (PG-13) 1:35PM 4:30PM 7:25PM 10:20PM (SPECIAL SHOWING) – UFC 181: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER (Digital) (PG-13) Sat. 12/6 @ 7:00PM (SPECIAL SHOWING) – TCM Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL/ CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (Double Feature) (Digital) (G) Sun 12/7 @ 2:00PM 7:00PM (SPECIAL SHOWING) – THE VATICAN MUSEUMS 3D (3D) (PG)Wed 12/10 @ 7:00PM

Showtimes listed w/ ♠ NOT shown Sat. 12/6 Showtimes listed w/ ♣ NOT shown Sun. 12/7 Showtimes listed w/ ♥ NOT shown Wed.12/10

BILL MURRAY

ST. VINCENT

FRI/SAT 8PM • SUNDAY 4PM • TUES-THURS 6PM MONDAY DEC 8TH ONLY

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL 6:30PM (ADMISSION $10)

Call 343-0663 or visit www.PageantChico.com

RECYCLE

THIS PAPER.

Jon Stewart’s directorial debut a powerful recounting of journalist’s captivity in Iran osewater R Maziar of ways. Bahari, an Iranian-born journalist working for

is a rewarding experience in a surprising number

YOU’RE WELCOME, NATURE.

a season for

giving CN&R is taking donations of toiletries for local charitable organizations throughout the community. Help us help those less fortunate this holiday by dropping off any of these items: Deodorant Toothpaste Toothbrush

Floss Mouthwash Shampoo Conditioner

Torture by any other name

Soap Body wash Lotion Shaving cream

Disposable Razors Nail clippers Chapstick

Newsweek, endured 118 torturous days of captivity and interrogation by Iranian officials during the turmoil of that country’s elections in 2009. Rosewater, based on Bahari’s book about the by Juan-Carlos ordeal, is a multifaceted dramatization of his Selznick captivity and the events surrounding it. Jon Stewart, of The Daily Show fame, excels here in his filmmaking debut. His screenplay adaptation of Bahari’s book has a lively complexity to it, and his direction of the actors and the action itself is a mostly seamless combination of dramatic gravity and entertainRosewater ment brio. There’s a Daily Show connection in Starring Gael García Bernal, Bahari’s story—his captors deem his appearKim Bodnia and ance in a skit on the show as evidence of Shohreh Bahari’s connection to American spies. And Aghdashloo. Directed by Jon Stewart’s movie can be seen, at least in part, as Stewart. Pageant a gesture of solidarity with Bahari (played here Theatre. Rated R. by Gael García Bernal), and as a tenfold making of brave amends for the show’s unwitting involvement in the brutal, real-life farce of the journalist’s arrest. Dark comedy and wry humor play small but important roles in the film, both in the bizarre East-West culture clashes and in Bahari’s emotional and spiritual survival. And the film is particularly sharp in portraying the dynamics Poor of that survival, which is rooted in memories of family members, living and dead, and in the saving graces of imagination and wit. Fair The film’s title refers to the perfume favored by “true believers” among Iranian males, and also to Bahari’s most persistent and Good menacing captor/tormentor (Kim Bodnia) who regularly sprays a little of the stuff on himself before going to work. As such, the title also signals the film’s most intriguing complicaVery Good tions—Bahari’s travails are central, of course, but this is a movie that also gives some close attention to the puzzling character and psycholExcellent ogy of the captors, with the fellow referred to

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CN&R

December 4, 2014

as “Rosewater” foremost among them. In the Daily Show episode, one of the things Bahari says is that Americans and Iranians have a great many things in common. This comes across as a broad, humanitarian gesture, and it proves particularly galling to the zealots who do the interrogations. In the film, Bahari himself seems proof of those commonalities. But another sign of Rosewater’s sidelong brilliance is that it is able to embrace that grand remark while also leaving us room to remember that Americans have zealots of their own. Ω

Good in theory The Theory of Everything

Cinemark 14. Rated PG-13.

by Juan-Carlos Selznick

At its best, this semi-saccharine biopic about

theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking doles out some nicely understated combinations of misty-eyed romance and tough-minded drama. Eddie Redmayne gives a winning performance in the main role, but never really gets to push beyond the script’s studiously genteel comfort zone. The film is based on Jane Hawking’s book, Traveling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen, but even with Felicity Jones delivering a sweetly intelligent performance in the role, the overall characterization of Hawking’s first wife too often seems merely thin and decorative. The supporting cast (Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Simon McBurney, etc.) is very good, with Charlie Cox and Maxine Peake being especially effective as caregivers with extraordinary attachments to Stephen and Jane. Ω

Reviewers: Craig Blamer, Bob Grimm and Juan-Carlos Selznick.

Opening this week The Found Footage Festival

As is tradition now, Found Footage curators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher will once again be on hand at the Pageant to speak at the screening of their latest compilation of forgotten-but-found footage salvaged from thrift stores and yard sales. One night only: Monday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. Pageant Theatre. Not rated.

Re-opening this week

St. Vincent

Much of the sweet sentimentality here centers on the relationship that forms between the title character (Bill Murray) and the sprightly grade-schooler named Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) who moves in next door with his beleaguered mother, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy). And the comedy’s brashness comes from Murray’s much-troubled Vincent as well as from an array of quirky secondary characters. Murray brings a surprising number of expressive shadings to a familiar role—the rambunctiously grouchy derelict with a good heart. Naomi Watts does an unexpectedly rowdy turn as a pregnant Russian prostitute. There’s a nightmarish collection of social and domestic problems lurking just below the surface of this tale—broken families, alcohol and gambling addictions, schoolyard bullying, loan sharks, debilitating illness, embittered Vietnam vets, etc. All of that, ultimately, serves mainly as a kind of short-hand “realism”—bits of real-life sadness used mainly to heighten the sense of relief we’ll feel when the movie reaches its feel-good conclusions. Pageant Theatre. Rated PG-13 —J.C.S.

Now playing Big Hero 6

In Disney’s latest 3-D computer-animated feature, a young robotics genius and his big white inflatable robot team up with a crew of do-gooders to foil a criminal plot. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG.

Birdman

An actor (Michael Keaton) is both directing and starring in his stage adaptation of a Raymond Carver short story. The first mysterious details—a levitation, the deus ex machina of a falling stage light, hints of telekinetic powers in Keaton’s character—pass without comment or explanation. But mixtures of realistic grit and occasional tremors of the supernatural are integral to the whole of Birdman, which soon takes spectacular flight in several forms—a bizarre and somewhat convulsive backstage comedy, a high-spirited psychodrama couched in terms of comicbook imagery, a fantasy within a fantasy that is both deadly serious and exuberantly playful. The voice of “Birdman” (a movie superhero he once played) is in Keaton’s head early on and we can hear it too. Eventually, he’s also present as a kind of ogre in a superhero costume. By then it seems fairly evident that he’s maybe the most tenacious and troubling of the several alter egos swirling around the protagonist. All of these elements are seemingly in play as the film reaches its mysterious and multifaceted climax. We’re left to make what sense of it we can, or will. But before you get to that, Birdman is an immensely entertaining film. Cinemark 14. Rated R —J.C.S.

Dumb and Dumber To

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are back and stupid as ever. Cinemark 14 and Feather River Cinemas. Rated PG-13.

Horrible Bosses 2

The gang—Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis—is back and there’s another bad boss and another bad plan to stop him. Also starring Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated R.

The Hunger Games: Mocking jay, Part 1

While it takes a step back overall from the rousing prior chapter, this is still a sturdy installment. After being rescued at the end of Catching Fire, shortly after destroying the Hunger Games for good, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is taken underground to join the rebellion. Rebellion President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) wants to use the reluctant Katniss as a propaganda tool to inspire the masses against the Capitol and its evil leader, President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss is getting a little grouchy at this point, exacerbated by the fact that Snow has imprisoned Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and is using him as a propaganda tool as well. In exchange for their help in rescuing Peeta, Katniss agrees to assist with the resistance and be their “Mocking jay.” Part 1 is obviously the result of taking the final novel in the popular Suzanne Collins series and splitting it in half. Yes, more movies equal more dollars, but I certainly didn’t feel like the material was being stretched out in a detrimental way like, say, what’s happening with the Hobbit movies. This film has plenty moving it forward, and I like where it ends. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG-13 —B.G.

Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s new blockbuster runs almost three hours and feels even longer. Interstellar’s sci-fi plot, exploration of outer space in search of a new and inhabitable home for the survivors of a dried-up Earth, seems to require the long-form treatment, especially when you factor in time-travel aspects, some elemental family drama, and an elaborately detailed preoccupation with the technologies involved. The story, scripted by Nolan and his brother Jonathan, never stops moving, but by the time the time-travel stuff starts coming home to roost, it’s hard not to feel that there’s been an awful lot of wasted motion here. It’s certainly an impressive spectacle, but the things that you could really care about might have been better served in a two-part installment of The Outer Limits. Interstellar also has astronauts and farmers, black holes and worm holes, cryogenics and ghosts, and a robot treated as a fledgling sidekick (and voiced by Bill Irwin). It just may be that the Nolan brothers have tried to put too much baggage aboard their bound-for-IMAX behemoth. Cinemark 14 and Feather River Cinemas. Rated PG-13 —J.C.S.

Penguins of Madagascar

A spin-off from the Madagascar animatedfeature franchise, with the four lovable penguins on a world-saving adventure of their own. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG.

Rosewater

See review this issue. Pageant Theatre. Rated R —J.C.S.

The Theory of Everything

See review this issue. Cinemark 14. Rated PG-13 —J.C.S.

Still here

Fury

Cinemark 14. Rated R —B.G.

13 Chico’s Original Craft Beer Bar

Voted Best Watering Hole for Townies

THE

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT!

The S H O P L O C A L pages are here, and there are only two weeks left to highlight your local-product gift ideas. The shop local gift guide pages are free of other advertising to best showcase your local products and your business.

Call your Account Executive to reserve your space today! (530) 894-2300

Sweet Holiday treatS Save on giftS, Stocking StufferS or juSt a treat for you. Black Tie Salon & Boutique: $40 gift certificate for $10 Blue Room Theatre: $15 ticket voucher for $7.50 Boba Tealicious: $5 gift certificate for $2.50 Chico Health & Massage: $50 gift certificate for $30

Chico Table Tennis Club: $5 gift certificate for $1.25

Naked Lounge: $5 gift certificate for $3

Exhale Studio: $25 gift certificate for $12.50

Pita Pit: $10 gift certificate for $5.50

Gogi's Cafe: $10 gift certificate for $5

Sacred Art Tattoo: $50 gift certificate for $25

Jon & Bon’s Yogurt: $10 gift certificate for $6

Shenanigan’s Bar & Grill: $10 gift certificate for $5

Buy online anytime with a credit card or in person with cash, check or credit card, M-F 9am-5pm at 353 E. Second Street, Downtown Chico.

Us e pr om o co de XM AS 20 14 on lin or in pe rs on to sa ve e ad dit ion al 15 %. Ex pir an es De c. 31 , 20 14 .

Saving Christmas

Cinemark 14. Rated PG.

w w w. n e w s r e v i e w. c o m

December 4, 2014

CN&R

ARTS DEVO by Jason Cassidy • jasonc@newsreview.com

2015

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Calling all performing artists, interpretive dancers, thespians, magicians, competitive eaters, musicians, contortionists, one-man bands, mind readers, chainsaw jugglers, horse whisperers, interpretive dancers, slam poets, experimental filmmakers, mimes and any other freaks with a talent for keeping Chico weird … the Chico News & Review wants you! We are now accepting entries for the second annual Keep Chico Weird Talent Show and Art Show! With prizes, celebrity judges (Sea Monster, Mini Merna, Meg Amor and Linda Watkins-Bennet), and featured weird performers.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Must be 18-over. Email a description of your three-minute act or visual art (and if you have them, include samples—videos, audio, photos—of your act or art, as well as any pertinent Internet links), plus contact info, and the names/ages of all participants to: keepchicoweird@gmail.com. Or mail/ drop-off your info (not your artwork) to: Chico News & Review (attn. Keep Chico Weird), 353 E. Second St., Chico, CA , 95928. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, Jan. 8. Selected entrants will be notified the following week.

TALENT SHOW: Jan. 31, at the El Rey Theatre ART SHOW: Jan. 29-31 (reception Jan. 29), at 1078 Gallery

Tickets on sale now! at Diamond W Western Wear, Blaze ’N J’s, and www.jmaxproductions.net $15 in advance ($20 night of)

Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/keepchicoweird