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VOLUME 44, ISSUE 3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 CHICO.NEWSREVIEW.COM
IN THE NEWS: • Building a tiny-house village • Farmers market milestone • Cali COVID timeline FEATURE:
Concow after Camp Fire– Still struggling to rebuild SCENE:
Art show! CHOW:
Colorful La Flor ice cream shops take over town
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CN&R
September 3, 2020
INSIDE
CN&R
Vol. 44, Issue 3 • September 3, 2020
OPINION
4
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Second & Flume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Guest Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Streetalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
NEWSLINES
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8
Tiny-house village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Farmers market 40th anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Coronavirus timeline . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FEATURE STORY
16
Concow’s slow recovery . . . . . . . 16
ARTS & CULTURE
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22
September events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Chow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Arts DEVO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Brezsny’s Astrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
REAL ESTATE
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ON THE COVER: ILLUSTRATION BY MARK RICKETTS
353 E. Second St., Chico, CA 95928 Phone (530) 894-2300 Website chico.newsreview.com Our Mission: To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live.
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OPINION
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EDITORIAL
Don’t feed into mail-vote hysteria overseen elections since taking office conventions over, and local candidates’ in January 1987. She told the CN&R last Friday (Aug. 28) that she’s never signs popping up in neighborhoods and found an instance of fraud; the worst business corridors, election season has “mischief” has been one family member sprung again. But campaigning hasn’t voting on behalf of others, which her been limited to the support or opposioffice ascertained through its process of tion to people or policies—the act of checking signatures. voting itself has become an issue. Grubbs’ staff will count every ballot Forty-three states, encompassing postmarked by election day, Nov. 3, three-quarters of Americans, will that gets delivered up to 17 days later. conduct the November general election via mail-in balloting. That’s not new for Ballots go to print this week and will reach voters by early October—plenty Butte County, which used this system for the March 3 primary. But elsewhere, of time. Those who feel uneasy about the mail can use Elections Office drop including other California counties, boxes, which will be situated at city coronavirus restrictions prompted the halls, county libraries and voter assischange from in-person polling places. tance centers. Fear-mongerers have gone wild. “It baffles me the amount of President Trump has repeatedly cast misinformation and aspersions on the integrity the things people of the process even though he has voted by mail—in Those who believe,” Grubbs told the CN&R. We fact, he and First Lady feel uneasy agree. This paper has Melania Trump requested consistently endorsed mail-in ballots for last about Grubbs for re-election month’s Florida primary because of her demon(their registered address the mail strated commitment being the Mar-a-Lago can use to fair elections. She Club in Palm Beach)— is a Republican who while opposing efforts Elections ensures her office to provide pandemic Office drop remains nonpartirelief funds to the U.S. san—and we raise her Postal Service. Memes boxes. political affiliation only flood social media feeds. because it underscores Among the most-shared our mystification that tropes: “If you won the any local Republicans would doubt a lottery, would you mail in the ticket or process she directs. go in person?” If you’re worried about your vote, Even media outlets have fed into or even if you’re not, check your the hysteria, exemplified by a “vote-byregistration status now (and check mail” experiment from CBS News in your ballot status after mailing it) at July asserting that staggered deliveries voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Grubbs said represented, as its website headline the postal service cannot forward declares, “potential problems within [the] postal voting system ahead of [the] elections mail, so if her office does not have your correct address, you won’t November election.” Amplifying such receive a ballot. Also, Chicoans should fears is news that USPS has removed check their district (chico.ca.us/districtsorting machines and blue boxes information), since not all residents will since President Trump appointed new vote for City Council this election. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in We encourage everyone follow this June, advice from Grubbs: “Stay off of social All this furor frustrates Candace media and trust in the system.” Ω Grubbs, Butte County’s registrar, who’s
SECOND & FLUME by Jason Cassidy j aso nc @newsr ev iew.c o m
With the Democratic and Republican
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CN&R
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Let’s find each other Before anyone freaks out, Melissa said this is OK. As many readers already know, longstanding CN&R Editor Melissa Daugherty is taking time off— and she’s given me the green light to write in her stead this month. My first instinct, naturally, is to be a brat and devote this hallowed space to a detailed analysis of my favorite Sonic Youth album (Daydream Nation, if you need to know) or maybe some kind of Qanon parody (see Arts DEVO, page 27, for that). I will fight those urges, however, and instead respect the Opinion page. I will simply wish you a very restful recovery, Mel, and promise to keep your column warm until you return. So, what’s up with the paper? No new news, for now—we are publishing a monthly print issue and posting stories online thanks to a pandemic Payroll Protection Plan loan, loyal advertisers and the incredible generosity of our readers. This arrangement isn’t permanent, obviously, and we are still trying to figure out what comes next: Maybe transform into or partner with a nonprofit? Maybe someone with the means who appreciates our commitment to community journalism buys the paper and becomes a Chico hero? How can I donate? Online at chico.newsreview.com/support or by mail at 353 E. Second St., Chico, CA 95928. Enough from me for now. I’m going hand our badass leader’s column over to badass local artist Muir Hughes—co-owner of The Bookstore and co-founder of the Chikoko fashion/arts collective— whose recent Facebook post on the state of our country during these final months of President Donald Trump’s four-year term gets straight to the broken heart of it all:
We are losing each other. And in the process, we are losing ourselves. If you are not outraged, triggered, aggressive, pessimistic, aimless, thrashing, grieving, depressed and delusional, you are likely not an American living through 2020. I don’t want a civil war. I don’t want a country so divided that our polarized society sees only fear in a presumed “other.” I know people who are across the political spectrum. I don’t cancel. I attempt to enlarge my information stream even when it’s stressful. We really aren’t meant to see the fast and furious streams of toxicity that exist through our online largely depersonalized pocket oracles. But here’s the thing, we live here together. When our community faced devastation through a fast-burning terrifying fire, we experienced shared trauma. We are still not recovered, and some lost so much more. But in that moment, we were not divided. Nobody asked each other what their political affiliation was before throwing them in a fleeing vehicle. No, our first instincts were our best: Save your neighbors. And people did. Ordinary small-town American heroes looking out for each other. A friend of mine in a small [Butte County] town recently shared a post from an online community forum. This is what it said [without grammar/spelling corrections]: “Attention all patriots...were looking for ... militia members. Anyone wanting to join please message and I will let you know times and locations of our meetings...if your not voting for trump your on your own. If your voting for biden you better be hidden.” This from a man who helped others in crisis, and now? Who is he taking arms against? There is a fever pitch of fear seizing the country, and it is dangerous. Where is the intensity of division coming from? Who could be turning fellow Americans against each other in order to utilize fear to become king? Who is the most lawless and anti-American president in our history? I know that all of us living in America are not hearing on the same frequency. When I hear Trump speak, I hear a lot of nonsense. Whatever he says of those he name calls, those are self-indicting statements. He doesn’t know very much, but what he does and says is always self-serving. He is a criminal. I hear words that sound like what a false prophet says. I hear disparagement of Americans who have served (and from a man who’s served nothing). I hear playground name-calling and dictator boot-licking, and I am so confused. I wish I could understand what it is that my fellow Americans support and hear in this. Because all I hear is cruelty and weakness. Supreme weakness. And it breaks my heart.
Jason Cassidy is Interim Editor of the CN&R
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For better policing, ‘the time is now’ People across the nation are rising up, organizPing days. and demanding change. We at Concerned Citizens olice use of force is at the forefront of the news these
for Justice (CC4J), like the rest of the country, were outraged by George Floyd’s murder. Chico is not immune to the violence and unnecessary loss of life that has taken place in other parts of the country. We can do better, and the time is now. Desmond Phillips and Tyler Rushing, both young men experiencing mental health crises, died at the hands of Chico police by officers in 2017. In October 2018, Jill Bailey Butte County Sheriff’s deputies The author has lived handcuffed an 8-year-old boy with in Chico for 32 years. autism; the child was on the ground She is the mother of crying in terror, surrounded by three and a founding member of Concerned several law-enforcement personnel Citizens for Justice. including Chico police officers. In July 2019, Chico police officers dragged an 11-year-old girl to the ground in Bidwell Park in response to a call for a “welfare check.” CC4J was moved by these events to develop our
Action Plan to Transform Policing in Chico. These violent incidents could have had better outcomes if two aspects of the action plan had been in place: an emphasis on de-escalation/implicit bias training and the formation of a mental health intervention team. We are asking for a police culture that preserves human life, reduces use of force, values the dignity of all and includes citizen participation in determining the policing needs of our community. Transforming policing in Chico is essential, and the time is now. Countrywide, there are cries for police departments to be accountable and transparent. Cities that have established citizen oversight are safer and have far more effective policing. Chico needs citizen oversight, and the time is now. Two weeks ago, the city appointed a new chief of police. In an interview with local media, Chief Matt Madden stated that one of the first things he’s going to do is focus on building a strong relationship between the community and the department. We can and will do better, and the time is now. If you have a story to tell about an encounter you’ve had with the Chico Police Department, visit the Story Project survey on the CC4J website at cc4j-chico. wixsite.com/website. Ω
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LETTERS Pipe envy Free enterprise, i.e., the free exchange of goods and services—a typical set of U.S. slogans—is being put to the test with Germany and Russia, who are cooperating on Nord Stream 2, a pipeline close to completion that will convey cheap natural gas from East to West. Obviously, Uncle Sam does not approve because he is excluded from the deal and had therefore threatened to impose further sanctions on Russia, along with a host of retaliatory measures against Germany. It seems the term “freedom” is only applicable to transactions which the self-appointed ruler of the world is in control of and stands to benefit from. Woe unto Europe, especially heretofore routinely obedient Germany, for having the audacity to go it alone. It is time to wake up to reality because, as Bob Dylan poignantly observed, “The times they are a-changin’,” and indeed, U.S. hegomony and its downward trajectory represents a fitting example. Joe Bahlke Red Bluff
Crisis mismanagement The 6-to-1 vote at the Aug. 25 Chico City Council meeting to, once again, criminalize destitute community members trying to survive in public parks culminates nearly two years of woeful inaction since a Chico shelter crisis was declared by the council in October of 2018. The road of callousness is littered with false promises, false starts and false narratives by the city manager and his direct reports as to the direction and vigor applied to homelessness (which city survey after city survey defines as the top issue of Chico’s housed population). It’s apparent that two emergency declarations, one for a shelter crisis and one for a pandemic, isn’t sufficient impetus for solutions over hot air.
Meanwhile, the city sits on its hands parroting the myriad of lame and shallow excuses as to why we’re getting nowhere. We’re getting nowhere because the city manager and his direct reports are at best comfortable enough with getting nowhere, or at worst culpable in making damn sure we get nowhere. This crisis will continue to be political fodder for elected officials until we hold the city manager accountable for his chronic failure to act. Bill Mash Chico
Know Jesus, no mask A recent example of Christians supporting evil is the worship rally held in Redding (July 22) by Trump false prophet Sean Feucht, a leader at Bethel Church who is involved with the movement called Hold the Line, which calls on church members “to vote and stand up for causes of righteousness and justice in the governmental arena.” There were an estimated 5,000 in attendance, few masked, with no intervention by the Bethelcontrolled local government, no law enforcement, no permits, no repercussions. In 2017-18, Bethel received 60.8 million in income and yet qualified for between $850,000 and $2.35 million in PPP loans. Tell me it doesn’t pay to worship the Beast (false prophet Feucht was photographed with Beast Trump in the Oval Office). Approximately 11,000 attend the megachurch, and it controls Redding’s City Council and law enforcement—and apparently can bend the rules. Having 5,000 people worship was deadly, not saintly. Pat Johnston Red Bluff
Write a letter Tell us what you think in a letter to the editor. Send submissions of 200 or fewer words to cnrletters@newsreview.com.
STREETALK
Can you share something positive? Asked in downtown Chico
Ashlee Bischoff sales
My best friend just got engaged. She and her fiancé never got time together since they were working far apart, so quarantine brought them closer and now they’re engaged.
Ruben Garcia barber
Keep your head up. I know it’s something that we can’t control— that’s mother nature—we just need to keep each other safe.
Hester Winchester working mother
[Schools have] a better plan for distance learning than I thought they would. My daughter just started high school. When she was in eighth grade, those last few months, she didn’t do well at all. But this year, whatever they’re doing, she’s up and at it and doing it, so whatever they’re doing is working.
We need your support Our commitment to coverage and how you can help The Chico News & Review’s goal is to raise $32,000 by Oct. 30, 2020. When added to funds received through the Paycheck Protection Plan Loan, this will ensure that our team of dedicated journalists can continue working through one of the worst economic and health crises of the past century. With your recurring or one-time contribution, the CN&R can continue our award-winning coverage on the topics that impact the residents of Butte County, including COVID-19, the arts, homelessness, the fight for equality, and wildfire recovery and prevention.
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NEWSLINES Chico Housing Action Team board members (from left) Robert Trausch and Charles Withuhn on site at the future home of Everhart Village, a tiny-house community for Behavioral Health clients.
Small piece of haven
PHOTO BY KEN SMITH
Chico Housing Action Team partners with county to build tiny-home village for homeless people with mental illness
Icomment Dan Everhart wrote an impassioned guest for the Chico News & Review n May 2014, local social-justice champion
decrying efforts to criminalize homelessness. In it, he criticized city policymakers for adoptby ing an ordinance prohibKen Smith iting sitting and lying on kens @ sidewalks, and business newsrev i ew.c om owners who hired armed guards to push homeless people out of downtown. Everhart instead promoted the building of tiny-home villages—which could provide shelter, better enable delivery of social services and defray policing and other costs to the general public—as a more humane and financially beneficial solution. “Large percentages of homeless people are veterans, have been in foster care, or have behavioral health issues that sometimes include extremely challenging psychiatric disorders.” Everhart wrote. “It’s a sobering realization that we’re spending extra money to make life harder for such vulnerable popu-
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lations. Let’s do the right thing by embracing compassion and at the same time save some money.” Sadly, Everhart—who was confined to a wheelchair following an accident decades earlier—died in December 2018, but his dream of a tiny house village is en route to becoming a reality. The Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT)—of which Everhart was a founding member—is collaborating with the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services and the Department of Behavioral Health to construct such a facility in Chico. The project is, fittingly, named Everhart Village, in honor of his memory and his dogged advocacy for social justice, particularly the fight against homelessness.
A blank slate The future site of the tiny home community is, at present, a fenced-in, dirt-andgrass lot off Rio Lindo Avenue adjacent to Behavioral Health services. Three CHAT members—Executive Director Leslie
Johnson and board members Robert Trausch and Charles Withuhn—shared their vision of what the completed project will look like during a recent visit to the location. “Just look at these oak trees!” Withuhn
said as he walked through the gate, indicating a handful of shady giants near the front of the property. The trio explained how a 25-foot wide, T-shaped road will run into the lot, ending at a modular building that will include meeting spaces, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, large refrigerators and other shared resources. There will be 15 to 20 tiny homes—suitable for singles or couples—scattered around the main building. Withuhn said that, despite the sterile “emergency housing units” tag, the dwellings CHAT has planned will be “the prettiest little tiny homes you’ve ever seen,” complete with porches, running water, cooling and heating, and each equipped with furniture, a microwave and miniature refrigerator. The Butte County Board of Supervisors gave CHAT preliminary approval for the project last month, and will vote on the final project and finer details this month, according to Johnson. The CHAT members said they are hoping for a four- to five-year site license with an option to renew. With that final approval pending, plus the need to obtain permits and the construction that needs to be done, Withuhn said he believes Everhart Village could be operational by spring 2021. All of the village’s residents will be Behavioral Health clients referred by that agency. The county also will provide infrastructure for the property, while CHAT’s job will be to provide the buildings and “to keep the place running and safe for the residents,” Trausch said. “It’s a great marriage Charles Withuhn with a model tiny home at a recent Saturday farmers market. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAT
The late Dan Everhart.
between us and the county. “We know from talking to the police that the people on the streets that have the most difficulty are those with mental illness,” he continued. “They need medicine and sometimes their medicine gets stolen, they can be victims of violence, all those things. “Our hope is they will be able to go on from here to transitional and then permanent housing. While they’re in transition here, they’ll be getting the education and treatment they need [from Behavioral Health].”
Learning curve Since it’s formation in 2013, CHAT has been successful in providing housing for homeless folks, with much of its work done under the radar. The organization currently manages roughly 60 rental properties throughout Chico that provide homes for about 160 people as part of its Housing Now program, according to Trausch. Everhart Village is not the first foray into housing people with mental illness, as CHAT currently manages a duplex dedicated to that purpose. CHAT’s other initiatives include the Camp Fire Housing Access Model Program (CHAMP), which began in February and already houses 30 Camp Fire survivors; Redwood Housing, a collaborative effort with Chico State to house low-income and homeless students; and Hand Up Supportive Housing (HUSH), which offers discounted rent and supportive services for families. CHAT recently informed the city of Chico that the organization would be interested in the land formerly occupied by Silver Dollar BMX (which is in the process of building a new facility near the Chico Municipal
Airport) for a future project and helped organize a coalition of groups and individuals interested in helping the city establish a sanctioned campground for the homeless, but Johnson said there hasn’t been further movement with the effort. CHAT’s operating model includes site managers at each location, regular check-ins, and help with life skills and connecting to social services. “We’ve come to understand that it takes most people six months to a year to overcome the mental and emotional damage done by living unhoused,” Trausch said. “So we give people the time they need and we work with them. We don’t just put people in houses and let them fail, we show them that we’ll be there to make sure they succeed.” CHAT’s track record has led the organization to receive support from all corners of a community deeply divided by issues surrounding homelessness, Trausch added. That wasn’t the case, however, with Simplicity Village, a tiny-house community CHAT was well on the way to establishing in South Chico before it was waylaid by a lawsuit filed by the owner of neighboring Payless Building Supply, Frank Solinsky. Simplicity Village would have provided housing for up to four dozen homeless seniors. “We learned a lot of lessons from that,” Trausch said. “We were a naive organization in some respects; it was a new project for us and we were excited. We still think it would have been great and [gotten] people off the street, but other people had different perspectives on what was allowed or not allowed on that property.” “In the end,” Withuhn added, “it was a matter of spending the money people had donated to us to house people or to fight in court. When people give you money to house people, there’s something sacred about that.” As for Everhart Village’s moniker, none of the CHAT members could remember whose idea it originally was, but all agreed it was perfect for the project. “Dan had such a heart for helping people who were homeless; it was so important to him.” Johnson said. “He was the one who brought [the founding members of CHAT] all together to start talking about homelessness. He was there when we started the first Safe Space [shelter] during a cold snap [in winter 2013], when it was just a warming center at Chico Peace and Justice Center and before it became its own organization. He was the one who got us talking to people about tiny houses. “Basically, he really was the spark plug for CHAT,” she said, “and we all agreed we wanted to honor him this way.” Ω MORE
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NEWSLINES The coronavirus pandemic has led to face coverings at the Saturday farmers market, though social interactions continue as usual. PHOTO BY EVAN TUCHINSKY
franchise agreement that runs for eight years with automatic annual renewals. The previous six-year lease would have expired Dec. 31; before that pact, CCFM came before the council annually to seek renewals, at meetings that often proved lengthy and contentious. “It’s a really beneficial outcome,” Coon said of the agreement, adding it will “provide local food security and stability for the market—and take it out of the political arena, so to speak, as much as possible in Chico.” Said Balgooyen: “It’s good to have that permanence.”
Gaining stability
Deepening roots Chico farmers market celebrates 40th anniversary with firm lease
by
Evan Tuchinsky evant@ n ewsrev iew. com
W of the Chico Certified Farmers Market, she comes back again and again to a theme hen Debbie Ariza reflects on the history
befitting a farmer. Growth. Ariza, who owns and operated Debbie’s Farm in Capay, has been selling produce at the farmers market since 1983, its third year of existence. A dozen vendors, sometimes more depending on the season, gathered Fine print: in the parking lot Visit tinyurl.com/CCFM-lease to read the new agreement of the now-defunct ratified by the Chico City Gold Country Council to keep the Saturday Supermarket at the farmers market at its downcorner of East Fifth town location. and Orient streets. Ariza drove into town Saturday mornings, set up an umbrella and sold kiwifruit and squash—first out of her Dodge car, then a ’67 Chevy pickup.
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In July, the Chico market turned 40 years old, and the popular Saturday market now encompasses the municipal lot at East Second and Wall streets, where it’s been a weekly fixture for 28 years. The Chico Certified Farmers Market organization, or CCFM, also operates a Wednesday market at the North Valley Plaza, where Ariza sells, and a Tuesday market in Paradise (see chico farmersmarket.com for more information). CCFM was running a market in Oroville until the coronavirus pandemic impacted attendance. Ariza now needs a three-quarter-ton truck for the array of fruits and vegetables she harvests off nearly 11 acres, converted in 1980 from an old almond orchard. For as long as she’s been making the 16-mile ride to Chico, Ariza has sold at farmers markets in Sacramento and Davis. There’s something special about Chico’s Saturday morning market. “It’s local; you get to build up friendships and customer base, which keeps you coming back; and the market has grown as my farm [has],” Ariza said. “I also supply to the Orland School District with my kiwi and cit-
rus, and the Thermalito School District, too—I like the market the best.” She and other mainstays—such as Bruce Balgooyen of Farmelot, who’s sold at CCFM for 33 years and served on the organization’s board, and Richard Coon of Wookey Ranch, an 11-year vendor and current board chair—would have marked the market’s 40th anniversary with a harvest festival this fall. Coronavirus restrictions and the resultant damper on downtown preempted those plans. Instead, they’re celebrating an increased sense of security in the form of a stable lease for their location. Last Tuesday (Aug. 25), the Chico City Council unanimously ratified a
On any given Saturday morning, even amid the pandemic, CCFM vendors and patrons flock to the downtown lot the market has called home since 1992. That vibrance belies how its 50 farmers, artisans and crafters have faced displacement multiple times over the past decade and a half. City officials considered a parking structure for the present site in 2006. Eight years later, the City Council deadlocked on renewing CCFM’s lease, and the city considered relocating the market to the lot behind the municipal center on East Fourth and Flume—but an advocacy group, Friends of the Farmers’ Market, got over 9,000 signatures for a ballot initiative to keep the market where it is, and the council ultimately approved the six-year compact. Current councilmember Karl Ory, mayor of Chico in the 1980s and re-elected to the council in 2016, led the initiative effort. He initially voted against the new agreement, asserting that voters rather than councilmembers needed to decide the matter, but ultimately joined his colleagues in the final approval voting. “Certainly they’ve had stability the last six years, and I think most people can see the results of it,” Ory said. “It seems not so crowded, better use of space. “I’m disappointed they haven’t taken the opportunity to put in improvements,” he added, citing a permanent bathroom with disability access and electrical hookups instead of gas generators—“I would like to see them do that kind of investment.” Per the agreement, CCFM’s payment to the city is $5,000 per year. Even so, Ory expressed the importance of having the market downtown, calling it “a vibrant reflection of Chico.” He described travels to cities with farmers markets, including his family’s ancestral town in Sweden, and witnessing a similar sense of community being fostered. He also pointed to markets as entrepreneurial breeding grounds, mentioning Tin Roof Bakery as just one local business
that got its start at CCFM. Chico is known for its Thursday Night Market, too. Unlike the Saturday market, which run by its own organization composed of its vendors, the Downtown Chico Business Association puts on the Thursday event, which is as much a street fair as a market, with live entertainment along with food trucks and booths for myriad businesses and groups. Balgooyen, who grows produce at Riparia in southwest Chico, said he tried selling at Thursday Night Market a handful of times but did 10 percent of the business he does Saturday mornings. He, like Ariza, has developed a loyal clientele at CCFM, where growers predominate and the market has grown into a weekly community ritual and a defining part of Chico’s identity. “For the size of our community, ours does very well,” Balgooyen said. “It’s pretty easy, Saturday morning at 9 o’clock in the summer, to think, ‘Wow, everyone is shopping at the farmers market!’ The truth is most people don’t, they buy their produce and most other items in supermarkets—but Chico has the demographics so it can support a very vibrant market.”
New challenge CCFM had hoped to commemorate its milestone with a community event. Then coronavirus quashed the plans. Coon said he tells his board that it looks like they’ll now
Farmelot co-owner Bruce Balgooyen, pictured at the Saturday market in 2011, has sold at the CCFM for 33 years.
have a to wait for a 41st anniversary celebration. Still, he’s grateful they have reason to celebrate. Coon is in his 30th year raising livestock; he and his wife sell their meat via the Chico market. They chose CCFM at first because of proximity to their north Chico ranch, but as he got involved in the market’s leadership, he gained fresh insight and appreciation. “The farmers and the artisans and the craftspeople of the market really have a say in how its run—that’s really unique,” Coon said. “It gives the [vendors] who make up CCFM a real sense of ownership and involvement. They’re passionate about their market.” CCFM has three staff members, including a manager who started just three weeks ago, Tanner Hansen. They and the board have adapted operations to meet public health guidelines, such as increasing the space between vendors and requiring face coverings. CCFM also set up additional hand-washing stations. “COVID affected us in ways we never could have imagined,” Coon said. “It’s been unexpected and a day-by-day source of concern, for all of us in the community really. A lot of our customers who come to the farmers market are extraordinarily grateful because they feel unsafe in a closed building, so a certain number of people have come to me directly and said thank you—because without the farmers market, they wouldn’t be doing a lot of shopping.” Indeed, on a recent Saturday morning, attendees and vendors interacted with characteristic chatter, wearing masks or face shields. The social aspect is important. Coon said the farmers market may well be the only community event at the moment. For growers such as Ariza, the market long has been her social outlet—with fellow growers and with customers. “I’m kind of a loner a bit,” she said, “so that’s kind of a nice aspect, the friendships there.” Balgooyen said the market provides an opportunity for Chicoans to connect with the source of their food—learn about the people who grow it and how its grown. “People who don’t shop at farmers markets, they don’t know what they’re missing,” he said. “People only know what they’ve experienced. They see some of these wonderful varieties of lettuce that don’t make it to supermarkets, see all these varieties of heirlooms [tomatoes] … . “There’s so much joy in buying your food from the farmer, getting to know about what he grows, what’s in season, what the qualities are. Come to the market and meet your farmer.” Ω
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FARMELOT
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California reacts to coronavirus A timeline of the state’s pandemic response during the six months since emergency declaration by
CalMatters staff and
CN&R
Tdeclared months since Gov. Gavin Newsom a state of emergency in his Friday (Sept. 4) marks six
California (on March 4) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week (Aug. 28), the governor rolled out the state’s most recent coronavirus response, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a revised set of criteria for reopening the state that replaces the previous County Data Monitoring List. The color-coded four-tier system is a “stringent and slow plan for living with COVID19 for the long haul,” according the governor’s press release, that “builds on lessons learned from the first six months of the disease.” Here is a timeline that tracks how the state has tackled the evolving COVID-19 crisis since March 4. About this story:
It’s an abbreviated version of a running coronavirus timeline curated by CalMatters, an independent public journalism venture covering California state politics and government. For more info, visit calmatters.org. See full timeline at: tinyurl.com/coronatimeline.
March 11
March 4
March 17
Governor tightens restrictions; COVID-19 becomes pandemic
Governor declares emergency
Following numerous emergency declarations at the local level and positive cases increasing by the day, Newsom declares a state of emergency. The declaration institutes anti-price gouging measures and allows for out-ofstate health care workers to assist California hospitals.
Newsom signs emergency legislation for up to $1.1 billion—the initial amount is $500 million—to fight COVID-19. He also says he doesn’t expect schools to reopen before summer vacation.
Newsom recommends gatherings not to exceed 250 people and extends paid family leave and disability benefits to those affected by the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic.
Following Newsom’s emergency declaration days earlier, three California counties declare their own local emergencies: San Francisco after identifying two cases from community transmission, Yolo upon identifying its first positive infection, and Butte as a precautionary measure despite having zero known cases.
on evictions. While the order extends the time renters have to respond to an eviction lawsuit, tenants groups say it does not go far enough to protect vulnerable renters.
March 19
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise, the governor orders people to stay home. Unlike some of his previous requests, this order is legally enforceable. Violation can result in a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 in fines or six months imprisonment. Newsom also requests $1 billion in federal aid.
Schools across the state close in response to coronavirus
Butte County declares public health emergency
PHOTO BY ANNE WERNIKOFF FOR CALMATTERS
Statewide shelter-in-place order issued
March 13
March 6
In a press conference following the first COVID-19 death in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom condemns price gouging on necessary medical and safety items such as hand sanitizer.
$1.1 billion in state funds set to fight coronavirus
More than 5.7 million K-12 California children, including more than nine out of 10 public school students, are sent home from school starting Monday, March 16, after coronavirus concerns move districts to close. Newsom orders that public schools retain state funding even if they’re physically closed.
March 27
Some evictions halted
Newsom orders a “moratorium”
April 3
FEMA agrees to fund housing homeless in hotels and motels
The Federal Emergency Management Agency agrees to fund 75 percent of the cost of housing the homeless in hotels and motels. Under an initiative called Project Roomkey, California hopes to secure 15,000 rooms to help slow the spread of the virus. STATE PANDEMIC C O N T I N U E D
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Gov. Newsom declares shelter-in-place for all Californians SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Positive cases 1
Positive cases 8
Positive cases 16
Positive cases 20
Positive cases 47
Positive cases 82
Deaths 0
Deaths 0
Deaths 0
Deaths 0
Deaths 0
Deaths 1
MARCH 21
MARCH 31
APRIL 30
MAY 4
State expands local testing
MAY 13
Bars and indoor restaurants re-open
MAY 30
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First death reported
JUNE 15
JUNE 18
Gov. Newsom requires masks in public
BUTTE COUNTY TIMELINE C O N T I N U E D
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Tim White, chancellor of the California State university system, says at a meeting of the board of trustees that the system will be mostly online in the fall.
the requirements, 90 percent of California’s K-12 aged children will begin the next school year doing distance learning. “Learning is non-negotiable. Schools must provide meaningful instruction during the pandemic whether they’re physically open or not. We all prefer in-class learning, but only if it can be done safely. I believe that as a parent,” Newsom says at his Friday press conference.
June 12
July 28
The state says that if counties meet state guidelines, they can start reopening a variety of indoor businesses like restaurants, retail stores, bars, gyms, and religious services.
August 9
Enola D. and Elliot Maldonado deliver food and other necessities to homeless individuals sheltering in place at a downtown Chico motel as part of Project Roomkey. CN&R FILE PHOTO BY KEN SMITH
May 12
Cal State goes virtual
Some businesses OK’d to reopen
June 18
April 4
California promises to ramp up coronavirus testing—again
California is finally making a dent in the backlog of tests for the novel coronavirus that, at peak, left 65,000 people waiting to find out if they were infected—but with 13,000 tests still pending, that still isn’t good enough, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said. Newsom announced a new testing task force leading an effort to create five to seven of what Newsom called testing “hubs” in partnership with UC San Diego and UC Davis. The goal is to increase high-capacity testing and end a massive backlog that, at times, has left people waiting as many as 12 days to receive results. April 7
State strikes mask deal—now “confident” it has supplies required
California will soon begin receiving shipments of 200 million medical-grade masks per month— enough to meet its needs and potentially those of other Western states. Newsom says the state struck a deal with a consortium of nonprofits and a U.S. manufacturer with an overseas supplier: “We decided enough is enough, let’s use the purchasing
power of the state of California as a nation-state. We did just that.” April 14
Newsom charts path to reopening California
Even as the death toll continues to climb, Gov. Gavin Newsom praises Californians for bending the curve and lays out a science-based approach for reopening California. Just don’t expect sporting events and concerts anytime soon. The state’s six-point framework comes as federal officials craft a national plan for getting back out. April 15
Undocumented immigrants assured $125 million in disaster relief funds
Newsom says that, with the aid of $50 million in philanthropic contributions, California will provide undocumented immigrants affected by the pandemic crisis a one-time relief payment of $500 per person and up to $1,000 per household. It is estimated that 150,000 people will qualify for this relief. May 8
Californians will vote by mail
Citing the coronavirus, Newsom signs an executive order to send Californians mail-in ballots in advance of November’s election.
Californians ordered to wear masks
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians to wear face coverings in public places and at work, as well as outdoors when it’s impossible to stay six feet apart from others—setting a state standard that overrides a patchwork of different county rules. July 13
Businesses ordered to close again
Newsom orders a stop to several kinds of businesses all over the state, including indoor dining and bars. The 30 counties on the state’s watch list have to close even more businesses, like gyms, churches and hair salons. The order to close most businesses once again follows a June 12 decree that counties could begin letting some businesses open with restrictions. Since June 12, the number of hospitalizations in the state has nearly doubled. “The virus is not going away anytime soon,” Newsom says during his press conference.
All California counties now have coronavirus cases State health director resigns
Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health, abruptly resigns this evening. Newsom refuses to tie her resignation to the recent data glitch that led to underreporting coronavirus cases, but says it was appropriate for him to accept her resignation. “We’re all accountable in our respective roles for what happens underneath us,” Newsom said. August 17
Wildfires complicate pandemic response
As of today, there are 367 wildfires across the state, many started by the previous weekend’s thunderstorms. The wildfires mean that
some parts of California are now contending with raging fires, a heat wave, poor air quality brought on by the fires and the still-uncontrolled coronavirus pandemic. August 28
Watchlist out, Blueprint for a Safer Economy in
Newsom unveils a new plan by which state officials will monitor California’s coronavirus hotspots, doing away with the previous system involving a watchlist of counties. The new system has four tiers of colors. Counties will fall into one of the four tiers, which will indicate what businesses can and can’t be open. “COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we need to adapt,” Newsom says during a press conference. “You’ll be now hearing a lot about tiers.” Ω
Sign of the times: Construction of the new science building seen in the reflection of a glass door will be some of the only activity on the Chico State campus this fall. Citing “a troubling number of positive COVID-19 cases on campus,” University President Gayle Hutchinson announced on Sunday (Aug.30)—one week after the start of school—that all classes would be virtual-only for the rest of the fall semester, effective immediately. Additionally, all on-campus residents are to be out of the dorms by Sept. 6. PHOTO BY JASON CASSIDY
July 17
Newsom orders distance learning
Newsom releases requirements for schools to physically reopen for the new school year. Under
T R A C K I N G C O V I D -1 9 I N B U T T E C O U N T Y Positive cases 175
Positive cases 268
Positive cases 437
Positive cases 683
Positive cases 1,012
Positive cases 1,537
Positive cases 2,146
Deaths 2
Deaths 3
Deaths 4
Deaths 5
Deaths 8
Deaths 17
Deaths 23
JUNE 30
JULY 6
JULY 15
JULY 22
County put on State Monitoring List
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AUGUST 4
AUGUST 20
AUGUST 30
Chico State shuts down on-campus classes and housing for fall semester
SEPT. 1*
*CN&R print deadline. For latest update see chico.newsreview.com/covid-19
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Sifting through the recovery Concow and other tiny rural communities struggle to rebuild nearly two years after the Camp Fire by
Ashiah Scharaga ashiahs@ newsrev i ew. com
I
t’s been almost two years since the Camp Fire destroyed Concow, and Inez Salinas is bathing her 4-yearold daughter in a plastic bin. River enjoys bath time with Mom, Salinas said, and couldn’t care less where she’s at. However, for Mom, life at their rural home is a daily struggle. Salinas has no well or septic on the property, and her tiny house, which she received this past winter, runs off a generator. She gets her water from a friend (many delivery companies won’t make the trek to Concow, she said) and has limited storage capacity in the tank she received as a donation.
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To make matters worse, unless a Butte County disaster recovery ordinance—which allows residents to live in temporary housing units (such as trailers and tiny homes) without water, wastewater and electricity—is extended beyond this year, her tiny home will become illegal to inhabit on her property. All the money she received after the disaster—a combination of the good will of strangers and friends, aid from the American Red Cross and her payout from the Federal Emergency Management Agency—went to purchasing her land. It was all she could afford. She can’t finance building a bigger home; the thousands she’d have to shell out
in permitting costs alone is prohibitive. “I live from penny to penny,” Salinas said. “A lot of us [in Concow] didn’t have insurance or don’t make enough to rebuild.” While some areas decimated during the Camp Fire are slowly coming back to life— especially in Paradise, where newly built homes are for sale and apartment buildings are being erected—thousands of people are still struggling nearly two years after the blaze ignited on Nov. 8, 2018. For smaller rural areas such as Concow, where approximately 500 homes (nearly 70 percent of the community) were destroyed, recovery has been much slower. Many people are living in RVs, tents, cars and sheds, and access to
The Ericksons—clockwise from left: Emilia, Chad, Ronin, Logan, Scarlett, Colin and Stump the dog—stand before their partially built home in Concow. PHOTO BY ASHIAH SCHARAGA
water, power and septic is a luxury. One critical barrier to recovery has been a lack of post-fire administration to address the overwhelming need. Thousands of struggling survivors have been waiting in a community queue to receive a disaster case manager from one of the many organizations working with the Camp Fire Collaborative (formerly the Camp Fire Long Term Recovery Group). Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic has deliv-
ered another big setback to efforts to rebuild, regain employment and reestablish community. Salinas was homeless before she moved to Concow four years ago. She was living in an RV on rental property she intended to purchase before the fire destroyed everything she owned and rendered her homeless yet again. It was extremely hard to secure the raw land she found, she told the CN&R, but she knew she needed to act fast and thought, At least we’ll have a place. Moving forward with infrastructure for her property has been challenging, however, and Salinas fears for River and her future. “[These barriers are] totally halting recovery,” Salinas said. “If I dwell on it too much—my mental health—I can’t do it.”
THEY NEED MORE TIME In Concow, folks live a slower-paced, rural lifestyle. Many turned to the area for its lush forested hills and its remoteness. It’s an affordable, peaceful place for those wanting to escape the noise of city life or settle down and raise a family. But the conditions post-Camp Fire are not what they once were, even in this region that is accustomed to wildfires. Previously, the most devastating disaster was the 2008 Butte Lightning Complex Fires. In fact, there still are downed trees yet to be removed from the that fire, which destroyed 202 homes. Most residents in the region were underor uninsured when the Camp Fire hit. The lack of financial help—added to the fact that Concow, like the rest of Butte County, already experiences a poverty rate that’s higher than the state average—has made life in the woods post-Camp Fire very difficult for many. It’s not uncommon for families to be forced to choose between necessities: propane or groceries. In addition, the county’s Camp Fire Disaster Recovery ordinance is set to expire Dec. 31—rendering temporary housing illegal and giving code enforcement the ability to deem such properties as inhabitable. However, Butte County Deputy Administrative Officer Casey Hatcher said the county recognizes that many residents still are struggling to attain stable housing in the aftermath of the fire. Staff will bring the ordinance before the Board of Supervisors in the coming months, recommending an extension. Hatcher noted that the county has to balance the need to have people in safe, standard housing with the reality that many cannot afford to relocate or rebuild right now. Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds for California communities devastated by the 2018 wildfires—geared toward addressing unmet housing, infrastructure and economic needs—have yet to be disbursed, and
neither have PG&E settlement dollars. Infrastructure is another issue. Other parts of the county, such as Paradise and Magalia, have mostly public roads, plus water systems and planning areas with subdivision maps. Concow has mostly private roads—many unpaved and with access, safety and costly repair issues—and properties that rely on well systems and septic that are in need of repair. These additional costs associated with rebuilding pose more challenges to recovery. “It’s really a big picture that has to be taken into consideration,” Hatcher said. “The timeline of two years, it feels like the blink of an eye, and so many people are not in a place to be ready to and able to move out of those [temporary] units in a sustainable way.”
A SLOW REBUILD Even for families who have been able to move forward with rebuilding in Concow, the process has been slow going. Take Emilia and Chad Erickson. They have the framework of a home erected on their property. But the process has been far from easy—Emilia, a mother of four, said she’s had to fight to get little things accomplished. Her husband is building their home for about $90,000 and is progressing thanks in part to allowances under the county’s Title 25 ordinance, aka the “owner builder code,” which waives some costly requirements, such as an indoor sprinkler system, for homes under 1,200 square feet. Since moving back to their property in April 2019, they’ve lived in a tent and then in a trailer. Emilia has been a community leader in recovery as the Camp Fire zone captain for Concow, part of The Camp Fire Zone Project, a group of volunteers dedicated to helping their neighbors rebuild. She said her family
has doggedly pursued their recovery, yet still faced hurdle after hurdle when it came to expenses and acquiring assistance. Even with Title 25 provisions, their permitting fees alone cost between $5,000 and $6,000. “I jumped through 25 million hoops on fire to try to get this house built. And meanwhile, there’s people who still have piles of debris on their property and they haven’t even had their cleanup happen yet,” she said. “People just need help in every way shape and form and the biggest help is money. It is so expensive to do things legal.” Hap Hathaway, a fixture in the local music community who has lived in Concow for about 20 years, also is rebuilding—slowly. He and his wife and son are still living in an RV. They were able to get financial assistance through their disaster case manager to install and fix their well and pumping system. However, they’ve experienced delays in their progress due to disaster case manager turnover. It’s a big task trying to navigate the rebuilding process with the county on top of working, raising their kid and trying to take care of their mental health, Hathaway said. It’s a financial hardship to pay permit fees, even with both of them working full-time Hathaway remembers how hard it was to
get resources in Concow even before the fire. He and his wife tried for years to secure home insurance after the 2008 Butte Lightning Complex Fires. They hit dead ends continually while pestering adjusters and insurers. Then they lost everything to the Camp Fire. “Everybody needs food, clothing, shelter, medicine and energy … and [that’s] all lacking up here,” he said. “Everybody’s still struggling to get basic water and power. … They can barely afford to keep gas in the generator and food in the cupboard.” It’s not as simple as packing up and finding another place to live. “With what resources?” he said. “There’s still people out here falling through fissures. It’s not cracks out here, we’ve got canyons.” Hathaway added: “People’s sense of home is something they don’t want to lose. … No one should have to leave that because of a fire.” Coronavirus has further impeded the progress of community leaders when it comes to rebuilding a sense of community—Hathaway, who helps plan and coordinate events at the Lake Concow Campground, said its post-fire grand reopening was canceled this April. Then the annual summer festival had to be canceled, too. “That community sense and collective momentum and collective enthusiasm has definitely been affected by the shutdown of our gatherings,” he said. It’s a lot to go through in two years, and he doesn’t think it’s all caught up with him yet. “I’m still dealing with flashbacks from the fire,” Hathaway said. “[The pandemic] just feels like a pile of hot coals on a fire I was trying to put out.”
WHO’S ON THE CASE?
Though Inez Salinas owns land in Concow, she fears for her daughter (pictured bathing in a plastic bin on her property) and her future. She cannot afford to build a standard home, and county deadlines are approaching. PHOTO BY ASHIAH SCHARAGA PHOTO OF DAUGHTER COURTESY OF INEZ SALINAS
As of Aug. 26, approximately 3,000 households impacted by the Camp Fire still were waiting in line to be assigned a disaster case manager, according to Tara SullivanHames, executive director of Butte-Glenn 211, a call center that provides referrals to local resources. Disaster case managers provide resources families need based on their individual recovery plans, which include steps such as drilling a well, getting a power pole installed, filing building plans, etc. As of July, there were a total of 32 fulltime and 19 part-time case managers across several local organizations that were being facilitated by the Camp Fire Collaborative. Recently, 55 (of 57 total) additional case managers were hired by Butte County via grants from AmeriCorps and the North Valley Community Foundation—the latter of which hosts the Butte Strong Fund specifically for Camp Fire recovery. Shelby Boston, director of the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services, said this expanded effort by CONCOW C O N T I N U E D SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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the county runs through June 30, 2021, and is aimed at tackling the backlog of applicants. Case managers are targeting serving a minimum of 1,400 individual survivors who’ve been left out, but hope to be able to help more. “We’re very mindful of the unmet needs still in the Concow area,” Boston said. “We’re here and want to be able to assist folks. We recognize that everyone recovers at their own pace, and it’s not an easy load [to bear].” Bobbie Rae Jones has seen the issues in Concow up close. She’s been a disaster case manager for Camp Fire recovery since May 2019, working through the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a humanitarian organization that has been providing relief and assistance since the day the blaze ignited. The nonprofit has two disaster case managers who have taken on a total of 60 households, most in Concow and Yankee Hill. The organization made a shift to focus on these smaller communities this year, Jones said, identifying a greater need in those areas, where living situations like Salinas’ are not uncommon. “We meet people—some of them are in tents and some are in trailers—and they were homeowners. And there’s not enough resources to get them back into stable housing, and so it’s frustrating,” Jones said. “We have a lot of families that would like to build their home and they lack the financial resources right now to do that.” The case managers work hard on connecting families to available financial and material resources, Jones said, but the housing crisis and sheer volume of the need makes it challenging. “Most everybody we work with is lowincome and doesn’t have any money on hand. So then it’s sort of problem-solving and taking small steps,” she said. “A lot of people are just busy with surviving.” Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation disaster case manager Bobbie Rae Jones (center) meets with a Camp Fire family to help create a recovery plan. The family has since secured housing. PHOTO COURTESY OF HUAN XUN CHAN/BUDDHIST TZU CHI FOUNDATION
Hap Hathaway, whose family has been rebuilding in Concow, says the coronavirus pandemic “just feels like a pile of hot coals on a fire I was trying to put out.” PHOTO BY ASHIAH SCHARAGA
Surviving involves living with trauma every day. That’s why Tzu Chi’s mission of providing emotional and spiritual comfort is important, Jones said. It’s something she witnessed firsthand during a recent visit with a family in Concow. She’d arrived prepped for talking about the steps to rebuild and how to set the process in motion. “When I got there, we sat down and said our greetings, and she went right into the day of the fire,” Jones said. “It was very emotional. She had been trapped in the fire some time before rescue crews got her out. … She didn’t need to hear about how to build a house right [then]—she just needed a friend to sit and listen and care for her.” Salinas—the mother struggling to rebuild in Concow—has faced barriers with disaster CONCOW C O N T I N U E D
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September 3, 2020
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Jenny Lowrey and her partner, Bruce Matthews, stand at the planned future site of Recovery Village, a place at Lake Concow Campground for 12 Camp Fire families needing a safe space to stay while they rebuild. PHOTO BY ASHIAH SCHARAGA
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case management. She came away frustrated and with the impression she was “too poor to be helped.” As an independent cosmetologist and worker of odd jobs, she has nontraditional income sources, she explained, and was told she could not receive assistance because it did not appear that she could afford to maintain her property. She does all the work she can, but it’s hard not feeling stuck and helpless, she said, especially handling everything as a single mom. “I cry a lot because of it. I haven’t had the patience with my daughter as much,” she said. “It’s really hurtful to be told you’re not worth the money that’s been donated to us.”
“We’re very mindful of the unmet needs still in the Concow area. We recognize that everyone recovers at their own pace, and it’s not an easy load [to bear].” —Shelby Boston, director of the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services 20
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Kate Scowsmith, the Camp Fire Collaborative’s disaster case management systems facilitator, said any survivors who have experienced issues like this should reach out to their case manager again or, if necessary, their case manager’s supervisor. Then, if they still experience issues, consider filing a grievance with the organization providing their case manager. “This is a system that we’re building that’s never been built [in Butte County] before,” she said. “And we’ve done so much over time to try to address the needs as best as we can with the resources we have.”
A VILLAGE FOR RECOVERY When Jenny Lowrey arrived in Concow in 2012, she had already lost everything. Her husband had committed suicide, she’d suffered seven heart attacks, and she’d lost her job. There was nowhere for her to turn but to the little community, where her son, Hap Hathaway, had settled down. She set up an RV at Lake Concow Campground, in an idyllic forest leading down to the shores of a glistening lake. Concow is where Lowrey found herself, she said—her health, her sanity and her spirit. It’s where she founded From the Ground Up Farms, a nonprofit that distributes fresh, garden-picked food to low-income and poor families. And, in 2018, it’s where she lost everything again. After the Camp Fire, Lowrey relocated
to Durham out of necessity, but she’s been working hard to return home to Concow. She was driven right away to help her community rebuild—visiting distribution centers and handing out supplies to fellow survivors. With the help of her partner, Bruce Matthews, along with her son and other volunteers, From the Ground Up has launched several recovery efforts. They secured several grants from the North Valley Community Foundation for a mobile sawmill, tractor and back hoe, and have been volunteering their time and labor to help clear and develop people’s fire-ravaged properties. Hathaway has been operating the sawmill, going property to property in Concow and offering to cut dead and downed trees. This wood has since been used to make storage sheds, bathrooms and livestock housing. Lowrey also has been coordinating food deliveries and distributions to Concow and surrounding communities, an area that’s considered a food desert. Most recently, she gathered more than a dozen agencies to distribute 22,000 pounds of free food to low-income families and Camp Fire survivors. In addition, From the Ground Up is embarking on a housing project, Recovery Village. Even before the fire, the campground served as a safe place for people who were struggling—homeless folks, including Salinas, who stayed there when she first moved to Concow, and refugees of disasters such as the Oroville Spillway crisis. But when the Camp Fire came through, the campground was hit hard. It took Lowrey’s family 18 months to finish debris removal and restore power to the campground—and that’s with insurance, New apartments are being constructed by The Hignell Companies on Elliott Road in Paradise, where rebuilding has progressed faster than it has in more rural areas like Concow. PHOTO BY ASHIAH SCHARAGA
Lowrey added. Need a disaster They are part of a case manager? group of Concow Butte-Glenn 211, a call residents who are center that provides referrals to local resources, leasing to own the assists Camp Fire survivors. campground. Dial 211, text your zip “My phone rings code to 898211, or email every single day helpcentral@ncen.org to get connected. Visit with people crying helpcentral.org to learn saying, ‘Please, I more. have nowhere to go. Is the campground ready?’” Lowrey said. “Our connection to the campground made us realize we have a moral obligation to this community.” The family’s vision is to create 12 spots for RVs or tiny homes with hookups to power, water and septic. The village would house families who need a safe place to stay while they work on recovery. “We’re the only place they have to go. It’s critical this place gets opened,” Lowrey said. It’ll include a free community tool-lending library and food pantry for all community members in Concow, as well as a children’s playground at the site of the old campground manager’s home. “We’re trying to make a difference that’s going to be there for years to come, for a community that does matter,” Lowrey said. “Somebody has to help. Somebody has to step up and say, ‘I’m going to raise my voice, I’m going to use my voice for good, I’m going to help these people.’ And that’s our volunteers.” From the Ground Up has to secure over $200,000 to get Recovery Village established—just in design, permitting and installation fees—through grants and/or donations. Lowrey knows that’s a big ask, but she and her team are driven to help. People don’t have any money to rebuild or anywhere else to go, she said. “This is what motivates us. This is what’s unacceptable to us,” she said. “We’re going to hunker down and we’re going to change things for Concow.” Ω
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September 3, 2020
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Arts &Culture BIDWELL PARK & CHICO CREEKS CLEANUP Sept. 26-27
HOOKER OAK PARK
THU3 COLD WAX EXPLORATIONS: Antidote, a two-person
FARMERS MARKETS: Butte County’s markets are open and selling fresh produce and more. Chico: Downtown (Saturdays, 7:30am-1pm & Thursdays, 6-9pm); North Valley Plaza (Wednesdays, 8am-1pm). Paradise: Alliance Church (Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.). Oroville: Riverbend Park (Saturdays, 7:30am-2pm); Dove’s Landing parking lot (Wednesdays, 9am-2pm). downtownchico.com; chico farmersmarket.com; orovillechamber.biz/ calendar
GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM: The museum is physically closed, but it’s still offering its Gateway at Home series of virtual activities like folding paper airplanes, learning in the garden, wildlife art and reading and lectures from previous seasons that cover a variety of environmental topics. csuchico.edu/gateway
OPEN STUDIOS TOUR—CALL FOR ARTISTS: The center is temporarily closed but artists can still register for a virtual version of the annual Open Studios Art Tour. Register at chicoosat.com. Chico Art Center, 450 Orange St., 530-895-8726. chicoartcenter.com
MUSEUM OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ART: The Changing Landscape, a virtual pop-up tour of new works as well as pieces from the museum’s permanent collection that look the ever-shifting current global landscape. Next up: Those Who Teach … Can, featuring media created by Butte County visual-arts educators, past and present. 9/17-11/1. 900 Esplanade. 487-7272. monca.org
PARADISE ART CENTER: Virtual Gallery Members’
SEPT. ALL MONTH
Show. Work by gallery members. Through 2/16. 5564 Almond St, Paradise. paradiseart-center.com
PARADISE CHOCOLATE FEST: Virtual festivities spotlighting regional chocolate makers, chefs, chocolate recipes, contests and prizes, concerts, vendor marketplace and more throughout most of the summer. Ends 9/12. Online event. chocolatefest.us
CALL FOR YOUTH ART: An invitation for all young people to
CHICO ART CENTER: Flora, the Other Endangered Species, a
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
BUTCHER SHOP 2020: This year’s theme is “The Social Contract,” based on Trevor Noah’s poignant monologue following the murder of George Floyd. The production will be made up of multiple stories including an animated narrative with words and music by local hip-hop artist Cory Hunt; a comedic, cosmic play by Johnny Lancaster featuring Butcher Shop alumni; short films by Eden Martinez; and music by musical director Webster Moore accompanied by various members of the Chico music community. The pre-recorded video segments will be presented online and at a live drive-intheater-style showing over two nights. Sat, 9/5, 8pm. slowtheatre@gmail.com; facebook.com/ slowtheatre
CARS AND COFFEE: Check out cool cars and converse with collectors and enthusiasts over a cup of joe. Sat, 9/5, 8am. Starbucks Coffee, 2009 Forest Ave.
COLD WAX EXPLORATIONS: See Thurs., Sept. 3. Through 9/5. Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe, 130 Main St.
SUN6
SAT19
submit art for display at the library. Email to oroville bclibrary@buttecounty.net or mail it directly to the library. Butte County Library, 1820 Mitchell Ave, Oroville.
CN&R
SAT5
USE YOUTUBE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS: Best practices for understanding different video formats, how to setup a YouTube channel, making creative content and how to target and measure results. Wed, 9/9, 10am. Chicostart, 411 Main St. meet.google. com/czh-trqc-mst
patreon.com/BlueRoomChico and sign up to to watch already filmed productions of Treasure Island and Blue Stories, plus an ever-growing list of vintage performances from 1990s on. Blue Room Theatre, blueroomtheatre.com
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Through 9/5. Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe, 130 Main St.
WED9
BLUE ROOM DARK SEASON: Visit the theater’s Patreon site
outdoor shopping hosted by Fork in the Road and Chico Mall. Sat & Sun, 12pm. Chico Mall, 1950 E. 20th St.
COLD WAX EXPLORATIONS: See Thurs., Sept. 3.
theatre@gmail.com; facebook.com/slowtheatre
of this Time, an ongoing exhibit displayed in the gallery windows and online. It’s a collection of objects that chronicle the tumultuous first half of this year: protest signs, poems, drawings, compositions and more. Electronic submissions also accepted. 1710 Park Ave. 1078gallery.org
CHICO MARKETPLACE: A wide variety of food trucks and
FRI4
BUTCHER SHOP 2020: THE SOCIAL CONTRACT: See Saturday, Sept. 5. Sun, 9/6, 8pm. slow
1078 GALLERY: Timestamp 2020 Artifacts and Ephemera
virtual exhibit that focuses on native, threatened and endangered plants. Through 9/25. 450 Orange St., 530-895-8726. chicoartcenter.com
art show featuring works by Leslie MahonRusso and Lori Stevens in the cold wax medium. Through 9/5. Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe, 130 Main St.
DRIVE-THRU LUMINARIA CEREMONY: Remember lost
PARADISE CHOCOLATE FEST Through Sept. 12 ONLINE EVENT
loved ones and celebrate those who have survived cancer. Please remain in your vehicle as you drive through to look at the glowing luminaria display. To purchase a luminaria bag, contact Relay For Life of Butte County on Facebook. Sat, 9/19, 6-8pm. 2080 E. 20th St.
RELAY FOR LIFE: Fundraising event for cancer awareness and research. This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Relay For A Cure” and will feature Hollywood-themed laps and activities. Followed later in the evening, by luminaria ceremony (see listing above). Sat, 9/19, 10am. DeGarmo Park, 199 Leora Court.
SIERRA NEVADA OKTOBERFEST HAUS PARTY: The event may be virtual this year, but it will still feature live music (by The Polka Brothers and Empire Strikes Brass), beer and whatever dirndl- and lederhosen-wearing chickendancing fun you create at your haus. Sa, 9/19, 4-5:30pm. Reserve free tix: at eventbrite.com. Check the website for updated info. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 E. 20th St., 893-3520, sierranevada.com.
WED23 CHICO PRIDE 2020: Celebrate diversity and the uniting, strengthening and affirming the LGBTQ community. This year, Pride will be fully physically distanced and events will be exclusively online. Check the Stonewall Chico Pride website for updates on Pride Week events happening Sept. 23-27. Wed, 9/23. Chico Pride and Stonewall Alliance. 893-3336, stonewall chicopride.com
THU24 CHICO PRIDE 2020: See Wednesday, Sept., 23. Thu, 9/24. Chico Pride and Stonewall Alliance. 8933336, stonewallchicopride.com
FRI25 CHICO PRIDE: QVC: QUEER VARIETY CHANNEL: An internet variety show for Pride Week that will feature performances, comedy and a tour through the “virtual marketplace” of local, queer-friendly partners and vendors. Fri, 9/25. Online event. See event page for link and updates: facebook.com/events/587902368558013. Chico Pride and Stonewall Alliance. stonewallchicopride.com
SAT26 BIDWELL PARK AND CREEKS CLEANUP: Join Butte Environmental Council and community volunteers to help pull trash, recyclable materials and large toxic items from Bidwell Park and Chico waterways. In compliance with COVID-19 safety measures and mitigation efforts, BEC is asking volunteers to pre-register as a group of 3 or more. Sat, 9/26, 9am. Hooker Oak Park, 1928 Manzanita Ave. bec.net
CHICO PRIDE 2020: See Wednesday 9/23. Sat, 9/26. Chico Pride and Stonewall Alliance. 893-3336, stonewallchicopride.com
COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY & HOUSING CONCERT: A virtual concert benefit for CHAT, featuring performances by MaMuse, Scout, Diane Garner & Stevie Cook, Anna Meehan and more. Live on CHAT’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Sat, 9/26, 7-9pm. facebook.com/chicohousingactionteam
IS YOUR EVENT ONLINE?
So is the CN&R calendar! Submit virtual and real-world events for the online calendar as well as the monthly print edition, at chico.newsreview.com/calendar
CHICO PRIDE 2020 Sept. 23-27
STONEWALL ALLIANCE CENTER
VIRTUAL OKTOBERFEST: See Friday 9/25. Sat, 9/26. Sierra Nevada, Online Event. sierranevada.com
SUN27 BUTTE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL BIDWELL PARK AND CREEKS CLEANUP: See Saturday 9/26 Sun, 9/27, 9am. Hooker
WED30 CSU’S GOT TALENT LIVE WEBCAST: “Indestractable,” a live presentation on ways you can control your attention span by author Nir Eyal. Access the link 5-10 minutes early to ensure a spot. Join as “Guest” by typing “CHICO/[your full name],” then view via computer or join from your mobile device at calstate.adobecon nect.com/cgt (after downloading Adobe Connect app). Wed, 9/30, 10am. Chico State. Questions prior to webcast day: jwicks@calstate.edu; 562-951-4525.
Oak Park, 1928 Manzanita Ave. bec.net
CHICO PRIDE 2020: See Wednesday 9/23. Sun, 9/27. Chico Pride and Stonewall Alliance. 893-3336, stonewall chicopride.com
INSPIRE PERFORMANCES & PLEDGE DRIVE: Dance, band and theater performances, and robotics and science demonstrations online to raise money for the school. Search “Inspire School of Arts and Sciences” on YouTube and subscribe to the channel. Fri, 9/25, 7pm.
EDITOR’S PICK
PARTY AT YOUR HAUS THIS YEAR
Let’s be real: We all could use a beer. In normal years, the coming harvest season would provide its usual excellent excuse to raise glasses with the community at the biggest two-weekend party in Chico—Oktoberfest at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. That kind of fun ain’t happening during this shelter in place, but the hometown brewery is offering an opportunity for everyone to get together for a virtual prost during an Oktoberfest Haus Party on Sept. 19. There will still be live music (provided by The Polka Brothers and Empire Strikes Brass), but the party will be streamed online (register at eventbrite.com). You and your lockdown crew just have to stock up on beer and create whatever dirndl- and lederhosen-wearing, chicken-dancing fun you can at your haus.
©2020
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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SCENE
Newsprint group show
O
ne of the many cruel realities of sheltering in place during the coronavirus pandemic is the fact that, while many artists have had more time at home and in studios, the galleries and cafes that normally host them are not open for in-person viewings of the work they’ve created. Local venues—such as the 1078 Gallery, Museum of by Northern California Art and Chico Art Center—are making Jason do with online-only exhibits that are a great lifeline, if not Cassidy quite as satisfying of an experience. jasonc @ Newsprint isn’t a proper substitute either, but it is somenew srev iew.c om thing physical. So with the intention of getting more works in front of the eyes of the community, the Chico News & Review has put together this small group exhibit to rescue some lockdown art from quarantine and get it into your hands.
Artist statements Jacob Troester “untitled” (7) clay sculptures
During lockdown I have been working alongside my partner, Mattie Hinkley, in preparation for an exhibition of our work, which is scheduled to be on display Oct. 15-Nov. 1 at the 1078 Gallery. The show, titled We Live Here Now, will be a contemporary craft exhibition … and will explore how and why the cultivation of sculptural and utilitarian objects can inspire universal feelings of home: comfort, safety, familiarity and love. Troester currently works as a Ceramics Lab technician in the Butte College Arts department and devotes much of his free time to an artistic practice centered around traditional craft materials including clay, textiles and wood. Instagram: @goodgodamn Seamonster
Sexy hot dog postcards (2) watercolor
[I’m] continuing to hone my figurative sexy hot dog rendering skills via any surface possible, and mailing out donation-based original custom love letter wiener paintings postcard style ... basically regressing into dick/poop/sex/weed jokes thru my “art” like a 12-year-old kid. It’s been relaxing. Find Christine “Seamonster” Fulton on Instagram: @sea_monstie
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Michelle Ott
“The Bookstore” (10) ink on Bristol board
My primary project since the pandemic began is called Current Occupant. … I’ve drawn my memory of each of my past residences, and sent the current occupant of each a copy of the drawing and a brief story about the time I lived there. The project is a meditation, an autobiography, a mail art project, and an offering to a stranger. ... The next stage is to draw my memory of each of my workplaces. Ott makes illustrations and handcut photographs focusing on observations of our physical and social world. michelleott.com
Christian Garcia
“New World Order” (1) spray paint, watercolor, acrylics on mural paper
This piece was created during shelter in place. It clearly depicts the way we are all currently living, with the utmost uncertainty. Mysterious happenings and events leading and occurring still. Garcia is a Northern California based mural artist heavily influenced by Bay Area graffiti/street art. Instagram: @594evah Kandis Horton-Jorth “Writer’s Block” (9) assemblage
During these trying times … I stopped thinking about what the thing is or represents, and started focusing on form and texture. Juxtapositions. Painting the entirety in black, while initially to provide cohesion, ultimately came to express my mood since COVID entered our lives. Horton-Jorth is a Chico-based mixedmedia artist who incorporates her love of travel, found objects, paper and photography into multiple incarnations. Instagram: @ kkhorton
Dolores Mitchell
“Chico Mythology: North Star” (3) oil painting
In July of 2020, I finished an extensive reworking of my “Chico Mythology: Northern Star,” a 12-by-24-inch oil painting from 2018. I heightened color contrasts and added rhythmic patterns to give the painting a more supernatural look. Dolores Mitchell worked as an art history professor at Chico State for 30 years. In retirement, she’s recommitted herself to painting and supporting local arts, co-founding the Avenue 9 Gallery and publishing a monthly Art Talk email newsletter. dolores mitchellart.com Tatiana Allen
“Sunnyside Up” (8) mixed-media
“2020 #5” (5) enamel on steel sculpture (10 1/2 feet by 4 feet)
[This piece was] created as a reminder to look for the sunny side when trying to navigate through life’s storms. Tatiana is a self taught artist and owner of Chico Art Studio. She transplanted to Chico in 2001 to complete her bachelor’s degree in Health Administration. During her time at Chico State, she suffered a severe trauma, which led her to art as the first step in her healing process and her career as an artist. facebook.com/chicoartstudio
Erin Wade Death Count Flyer Project (11)
“Dog Portrait” (6) oil on canvas
James Woronow
Art is a vain attempt to justify the life I lead. Woronow has been making art for 47 years— the first 35 in wood, the last 12 in metals. neutralgray gallery.com
Leslie Mahon-Russo
“As Seen From Space” (4) cold wax, oil paint and oil bars
This piece is many layers of cold wax tinted with oil paint, lines drawn with oil bars and carving into the wax on a deep canvas. Mahon-Russo is a registered nurse who upon retirement began taking art classes from Sal Casa, Ruben Herredia and James Kuiper.
this project to be more design activism than “art”—but that’s where it started. Wade is an artist, designer, Butte College instructor and President of the Board of Directors of 1078 Gallery. erinwade.com
photocopy
I began this project in April because I felt the need to respond somehow to the steadily rising death toll. After some thought, I decided that documentation was an important function of art, and could provide a structure to respond. I consider
Michael Bone
I have been painting a lot of dogs lately; here’s my most recent one. I tried to keep it windy and light. Bone is a Chico musician, founder of the 1Day Song Club songwriting group, a co-founder of the Uncle Dad’s Art Collective and a newly prolific painter. bone-made.com
A CN&R exhibit featuring artists creating during COVID times
3. “Chico Mythology: North Star”
6. “Dog Portrait”
7. “untitled” 1. “New World Order” 4. “As Seen From Space”
9. “Writer’s Block” 8. “Sunnyside Up”
2. Sexy hot dog postcards
5. “2020 #5” 10. “The Bookstore”
11. Death Count Flyer Project
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CHOW A rainbow of handmade paletas. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LA FLOR DE MICHOAC ÁN PALETERÍA Y NEVERIA
What did you study at Chico State?
Business marketing. I wanted to do marketing to expand my skills and try to apply that to the business. So far it’s been pretty good. It’s not necessary to study business to have a business, but it helps. What makes La Flor’s ice cream stand out?
Probably the ingredients. We always use fresh fruit. Not a lot of people use fresh ingredients like we do, so I think that’s really important—using the highest quality possible. You offer so many options. Any recommendations for people who might find themselves overwhelmed by choices?
The most popular for us is one with mango and chamoy sauce [the mangonada special]. We have a lot of flavors that you wouldn’t think would be good, but they’re actually popular, like avocado, tequila and other interesting exotic flavors you wouldn’t really expect to see. You recently opened a shop in Yuba City. What’s it like to open a new store during a global pandemic?
Legado del helado Family-run La Flor de Michoacan ice cream shops take over Chico
by
Trevor Whitney t r evor w@ newsrev iew.c om
AChicomanages four ice cream shops in and one in Yuba City. La Flor t 23 years old, Marco Arreguin
de Michoacán Paletería y Neveria is his family’s business, which started in 2012 with one pink-walled shop in the Nord Safeway shopping center, and Arreguin worked there
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throughout high school and while earning his bachelor’s degree at Chico State. He’s the eldest son of Dr. Antonio Arreguin-Bermudez, an author, Chico State Spanish and Spanish Literature professor and owner of La Flor de Michoacán. Dr. Arreguin-Bermudez grew up working in his own parents’ ice cream shop in El Rodeo de San Antonio, Michoacán, Mexico, in the early 1980s before coming to
California at the age of 14. The colorful La Flor shops have spread out across Chico—with additional locations in Safeway shopping centers on East and Mangrove avenues, and the justopened spot it the old Cold Stone Creamery building—and are jampacked with more than 50 flavors of ice cream and freezers overstuffed with traditional, hand-packed ice cream bars and juice pops formed with fresh slices of fruit or chunks of cookies. The menu also includes aguas frescas and all kinds of antojitos Mexicanos. As Arreguin settles into his larger role in the business, he spoke to the CN&R about his family’s growing ice-cream legacy.
We did. We’ve been struggling a bit with the pandemic and having new rules and procedures to follow. But so far it’s been pretty good. People are starting to find out that we’re there through word of mouth. It has been tough to rely on takeout only, since we can’t have customers eat inside, and having everyone wear face coverings. Obviously dealing with some customers who don’t want to wear a face covering. And then definitely, when this whole thing first started, a lot of supplies were sold out and a lot of suppliers weren’t selling products like gloves or hand sanitizer because of the shortages. You also have a new location in the old Cold Stone/Doc Burnstein’s spot downtown. Where are things at with that?
That place was most recently Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. My dad drove by one day and saw the space was available. It
happened to La Flor de Michoacán be like a day Paletería y Neveria Multiple locations: after they put the sign • 1008 W. Sacramento Ave. out, and we • 1354 East Ave. • 668 Mangrove Ave. called them • 146 Broadway right away facebook.com/ because we lafloricecream knew it’s the perfect spot. We knew we wanted to be there since we first came to Chico—downtown is the perfect location. A lot of the things we need are already there because it was an ice cream shop, so there are just a few details that we need to finish to make it how we like it. [The new shop has since opened.] There are still concerns, especially with college students not being here. We’re a little worried about that—not having as much foot traffic in the area right now—but I think things will go pretty good. What other plans are in the works?
Our plan is always to try to grow. If anything, we want to look for a place maybe in Sacramento. And if we were to open up out there, maybe have a sort of factory where we can produce more. Right now we make everything at our store on Nord, and it’s kinda small. If we were to expand further, we need a bigger space. Other than that, I don’t know. We just hope everyone can continue to stay safe and always wear their face covers to keep everyone else safe, too. Ω
La Flor de Michoacán manager Marco Arreguin.
ARTS DEVO by JASON CASSIDY • jasonc@newsreview.com
THREE-DAY WEEKEND?
We live in this naturally beautiful place where creative exploration and having a good time can become a way of life. The Butcher Shop, for me, is the ultimate celebration of that, where Chico’s extended tribe gathers by the thousands in one spot to drink beer and watch a bunch of weird original theater, music and art. Let that sink in, if you can bear it. That was from last year’s column when Arts DEVO was anticipating the 2019 edition of the annual Labor Day Weekend theater/arts festival at the End of Normal. Can you imagine how intense the experience would be if we could all come together this weekend after nearly half a year of COVID-induced separation? It might be too much of an emotional release. Just seeing each other would create a blubbering wailing sea of raw humanity. We’d be bruised from all the hugging. All kegs would run dry in an hour. Performers would literally levitate. Several children would be conceived. No one would go home until dawn. Chico might need the Butcher Shop now more than ever, and even though we can’t gather in an orchard-side meadow in person this year, the show is still happening. Slow Theatre, the producer, is making pre-recorded videos of the various segments and will be debuting the show Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, at 8 p.m., on its Facebook page (facebook.com/slowtheatre) and YouTube channel (tinyurl.com/slowtheatre). Plus, at the same days and times, there will be a socially distanced drive-in movie screening of the show (tickets $25; follow Slow Theatre on Facebook for location info). This year’s theme is The Social Contract, which was inspired by a video monologue (tinyurl. com/noahmonologue) by The Daily Show host Trevor Noah in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. Presentations will include an animated narrative with words and music by MC/poet/ activist Himp C; a comedy set in outer space written by Johnny Lancaster; short films by Eden Martinez, and music by house band Dave the Butcher.
“Butcher Shop,” by Haley Hughes
/QBERTANON/ Anonymous ID: tiNyjoYstick Thu 3 Sept 2020 21:33:16 (From Q*bert Patriot) My fellow Americans, over the course of the next several levels, you will undoubtedly realize we are taking back our great colorful pyramid from the evil snake (Coily), who wishes to banish me off the edge of the last cube and into the black abyss. Confirmation (to the players) of what is the final score will result in funds transferred (follow the money) and the beginning of a new battle. Rest assured, the path forward is illuminated. Stay in the light. The right choices must be made: Take the red ball and die, take the green ball and the world stands still (take the purple ball and get the snake). The magic disc floats upon the winds of the storm. Everything has meaning (follow the crumbs) How does Wrongway shift narrative? Who is greatest rival? >Ugg Coily goes? >“sproing!” What happens after level 4? WAKE UP! The storm is upon us Final score: Game over. Where Goes Q*bert Goes Us All SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY For the week oF Sept. 3, 2020
Is your event online? So is the CN&R calendar!
‹
Submit your virtual and real-world events at chico.newsreview.com/calendar
Good To-Go
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “A new idea is
rarely born like Venus attended by graces. More commonly it’s modeled of baling wire and acne. More commonly it wheezes and tips over.” Those words were written by Aries author Marge Piercy, who has been a fount of good new ideas in the course of her career. I regard her as an expert in generating wheezy, fragile breakthroughs and ultimately turning them into shiny, solid beacons of revelation. Your assignment in the coming weeks is to do as Piercy has done so well.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Every
day I discover even more beautiful things,” said painter Claude Monet. “It is intoxicating me, and I want to paint it all. My head is bursting.” That might seem like an extreme state to many of us. But Monet was a specialist in the art of seeing. He trained himself to be alert for exquisite sights. So his receptivity to the constant flow of loveliness came naturally to him. I bring this to your attention because I think that in the coming weeks, you could rise closer to a Monet-like level of sensitivity to beauty. Would that be interesting to you? If so, unleash yourself! Make it a priority to look for charm, elegance, grace, delight and dazzlement.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Author
Renata Adler describes a time in her life when she began to notice blue triangles on her feet. She was wracked with fear that they were a symptom of leukemia. But after a period of intense anxiety, she realized one fine day that they had a different cause. She writes: “Whenever I, walking barefoot, put out the garbage on the landing, I held the apartment door open, bending over from the rear. The door would cross a bit over the tops of my feet”—leaving triangular bruises. Upon realizing this very good news, she says, “I took a celebrational nap.” From what I can tell, you’re due for a series of celebrational naps—both because of worries that turn out to be unfounded and because you need a concentrated period of recharging your energy reserves.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I like people
Who’s open? ■ Who’s doing curbside? ■ Delivery? Dine-in? ■
Visit the CN&R’s new dining listings page to find out what options are on the menu at local eateries.
chico.newsreview.com/local-dining
who refuse to speak until they are ready to speak,” proclaimed Cancerian author Lillian Hellman. I feel the same way. So often people have nothing interesting or important to say, but say it anyway. I’ve done that myself! The uninteresting and unimportant words I have uttered are too numerous to count. The good news for me and all of my fellow Cancerians is that in the coming weeks we are far more likely than usual to not speak until we are ready to speak. According to my analysis of the astrological potentials, we are poised to express ourselves with clarity, authenticity and maximum impact.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Of all the mournful
impacts the pandemic has had, one of the most devastating is that it has diminished our opportunities to touch and be touched by other humans. Many of us are starved of the routine, regular contact we had previously taken for granted. I look forward to the time when we can again feel uninhibited about shaking hands, hugging and patting friends on the arm or shoulder. In the meantime, how can you cope? This issue is extra crucial for you to meditate on right now. Can you massage yourself? Seek extra tactile contact with animals? Hug trees? Figure out how to physically connect with people while wearing hazmat suits, gloves, masks and face shields? What else?
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Like any art,
the creation of self is both natural and seemingly impossible,” says singer-songwriter Holly Near. “It requires training as well as magic.” How are you doing on that score? Now is a favorable time to intensify your long-term art project of creating the healthiest, smartest version of yourself. I think it will feel quite natural and not-at-all impossible. In the coming weeks, you’ll have a finely tuned intuitive sense of how to proceed with flair. Start by imagining the Most Beautiful You.
by rob brezSny LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I propose we
resurrect the old English word “museful.” First used in the 17th century but then forgotten, it meant “deeply thoughtful; pensive.” In our newly coined use, it refers to a condition wherein a person is abundantly inspired by the presence of the muse. I further suggest that we invoke this term to apply to you in the coming weeks. You potentially have a high likelihood of intense communion with your muses. There’s also a good chance you’ll engage with a new muse or two. What will you do with all of this illumination and stimulation?
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Each of
us has a “soul’s code”: a metaphorical blueprint of the beautiful person we could become by fulfilling our destiny. If our soul’s code remains largely dormant, it will agitate and disorient us. If, on the other hand, we perfectly actualize our soul’s code, we will feel at home in the world; all our experiences will feel meaningful. The practical fact is that most of us have made some progress in manifesting our soul’s code, but still have a way to go before we fully actualize it. Here’s the good news: You are in a phase of your cycle when you could make dramatic advances in this glorious work.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
“Life is the only game in which the object of the game is to learn the rules,” observes Sagittarian author Ashleigh Brilliant. According to my research, you have made excellent progress in this quest during the last few weeks—and will continue your good work in the next six weeks. Give yourself an award! Buy yourself a trophy! You have discovered at least two rules that were previously unknown to you, and you have also ripened your understanding of another rule that had previously been barely comprehensible. Be alert for more breakthroughs.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
“If you’re not lost, you’re not much of an explorer,” said rambunctious activist and author John Perry Barlow. Adding to his formulation, I’ll say that if you want to be a successful explorer, it’s crucial to get lost on some occasions. And according to my analysis, now is just such a time for you. The new territory you have been brave enough to reconnoiter should be richly unfamiliar. The possibilities you have been daring enough to consider should be provocatively unpredictable. Keep going, my dear! That’s the best way to become un-lost.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
“Dreams really tell you about yourself more than anything else in this world could ever tell you,” said psychic Sylvia Browne. She was referring to the mysterious stories that unfold in our minds as we sleep. I agree with her assessment of dreams’ power to show us who we really are all the way down to the core of our souls. What Browne didn’t mention, however, is that it takes knowledge and training to become proficient in deciphering dreams’ revelations. Their mode of communication is unique—and unlike every other source of teaching. I bring this up because the coming months will be a favorable time for you to become more skilled in understanding your dreams.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In June 1876,
warriors from three Indian tribes defeated U.S. troops led by General George Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana. It was an iconic victory in what was ultimately a losing battle to prevent conquest by the ever-expanding American empire. One of the tribes that fought that day was the Northern Cheyenne. Out of fear of punishment by the U.S. government, its leaders waited 130 years to tell their side of the story about what happened. New evidence emerged then, such as the fact that the only woman warrior in the fight, Buffalo Calf Road Woman, killed Custer. I offer this tale as an inspiration for you to tell your story about events that you’ve kept silent about for too long.
www.RealAstrology.com for Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888.
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