Good morning, Chico.

Carl Johnson, a Navy veteran, spotted graffiti on a storage unit at the Chico Veterans Memorial Hall during his weekly visit and quickly covered it using matching paint.

He said he acted because helping out is part of his commitment as a lifelong VFW + member.

On Friday at Bidwell Golf Course, 166 golfers competed in the third annual Swing Fore Cesar golf tournament to honor Officer Cesar Sandoval and raise mental health awareness.

Local businesses sponsored all 18 holes — organizers plan future events to keep his legacy alive — as the community comes together.

A community group aims to secure another council vote on the Downtown Revitalization Project before a June state funding deadline.

The proposal, which would redesign downtown streets for walking and biking at a cost of about ($40 to $50 million), stalled after a tie vote on April 21.

CAL FIRE and partner agencies will host a wildfire preparedness event on May 8 at 11 a.m. at Blue Oaks Community on Bay Tree Drive in Paradise – they will demonstrate how to create defensible space, harden homes, and break active fuels to reduce wildfire risk.

Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue purchased seven acres in South Chico to build a new headquarters that will centralize training, equipment storage, and operational coordination as the team expands its disaster response; the project is funded by donations and will be developed in phases.

Butte County is inviting residents to review three wildfire mitigation plans—emergency operations, foothills connectivity, and roadside fuels reduction—by joining public meetings in May.

The first meeting is May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the DESS Condor Room at 765 East Avenue in Chico.

Butte County mental health services will change on July 1 as funding shifts from community programs to behavioral health services — a move that may force the Iverson Wellness and Recovery Center to close after its final fair.

A public hearing is set May 20 at the county department.

Sherman Lee and Jake McCullough (missing an arm and using custom prosthetics) will race this Saturday at 3 p.m. at Silver Dollar Short Track, proving that passion for motorcycle racing conquers physical challenges.

On Friday, May 1, over 800 students with disabilities competed in a track & field meet at Harrison Stadium in Oroville, as reported by Jerry Olenyn.

The event highlighted local athletic talent and gave students a chance to showcase their skills.

Paradise High School’s football team will travel to Maui for the Unity Bowl on Saturday, Sept.

5 to connect with a community recovering from wildfires. The Aaron Rodgers Fire Recovery Fund awarded a $15,000 grant to cover the players’ hotel stay (the team must raise the remaining funds).

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.

Music for Mental Health

4-8 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Enjoy live music while supporting mental health initiatives in the community.

Big Mo Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Barn at Meriam Park — Cost info not listed — Experience the energetic sounds of Big Mo and his big band in a charming Chico venue.