Good morning, Chico.

Chico State assistant professor Sangmin Lee received the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Award for connecting art education with community engagement.

He leads Kids@theTurner, an after-school program that offers hands-on art experiences for local youth at the Janet Turner Print Museum.

Chico State art and history professor Asa Simon Mittman received an Outstanding Faculty Award for bringing medieval maps and monsters to life in his classes today—he is planning a 20th anniversary book edition and a new project on global medieval mapmaking.

He said the recognition reflects the university’s longstanding support.

Chico State Farm held its first Earth Day Preview on Tuesday at Paul L.

Byrne Memorial Farm — students and faculty rode the student-run Jolly Trolley to explore sustainable farming and tech, and Precision Agriculture Day is planned for Nov. 4.

Chico State professor Sally Anderson, a former reentry student, was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award for her transformative mentorship.

She guided hundreds of students and secured over 300k in grants to expand legal studies and internship opportunities at the university.

Chico State University Farm held its first Earth Day Preview on Tuesday, Apr.

22 as students and faculty toured the 800-acre Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm (a hands-on learning site) to see how food science, business, and technology work together in sustainable farming.

Professor David Silveira has improved hands on learning in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department through practical labs and new courses and was recognized with the Outstanding Lecturer Award for his innovative teaching that helps students succeed.

Record enrollment in state-funded preschools continues as California's universal transitional kindergarten program has more than doubled its seats in Chico since 2022.

Local educators say the boost helps kids gain confidence for kindergarten (and plans to meet additional quality standards are underway).

Tom Villa, a seasoned sales leader and director at the Seufferlein Sales Program, has turned his class at Chico State into a career hub for over 700 students.

He earned the Outstanding Lecturer Award by blending real-world lessons with hands-on mentorship & expert guidance.

Professor Logan Smith at Chico State has been lauded for his effective mentorship and hands-on research since 2018 (he received the Outstanding Research Mentor Award as part of the 2025–26 faculty awards).

His work has opened key opportunities for students through significant grants and research projects.

Chico State professor April Kamp-Whittaker uses community fieldwork to enrich her anthropology classes and connects students with hands-on research in ethical cultural preservation.

She received the Outstanding Faculty Service Award (acknowledging her leadership in projects like the Amache Archaeology Project) that strengthens the university’s policies.

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a free workshop on brain-healthy habits on Tuesday, Apr.

28 at CARD Community Center (545 Vallombrosa Avenue) where four speakers will share tips on mental wellness, diabetes risks, and caregiving; pre-registration closes Monday, Apr. 27 at 4 p.m. while walk-ins are welcome.

Chico Wildflower Ride & Festival

12 PM – 6 PM — Silver Dollar Fairgrounds — Entry fees vary — Enjoy a vibrant family festival followed by scenic cycling routes for all ages.

Jerry & Dawg Revisited

6:30-10 p.m. — Chico Women's Club — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience the re-creation of the Garcia Grisman sound with original members Joe Craven and Jim Kerwin.

Do The Crawl de Mayo

4:30-9 p.m. — Bella's Sports Pub — Tickets required — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a bit early with a lively pub crawl featuring contests and vibrant fiesta vibes.

El Rey Prevue Fundraiser

7-10 p.m. — Chico Women's Club — Fundraiser event — Experience an exciting preview of the El Rey Theatre with music, comedy, and community.

Chico Sports Cards & Pokémon TCG Expo

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Chico — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the exciting worlds of sports cards and Pokémon TCG with fellow enthusiasts in a vibrant community atmosphere.

The Cedar Grove Scamper - 4 Mile Race

8-10 a.m. — Cedar Grove Picnic Area and Meadow — Check website for entry fee — Participate in a scenic 4-mile run featuring both Open and Master's Divisions.

Blü Egyptian at Sierra Nevada Big Room

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Sierra Nevada Big Room — Early access tickets available — Experience the energetic fusion of Rock, Funk, Reggae, Bluegrass, and Electronica from the acclaimed Blü Egyptian.