Good morning, Chico.

The Community Action Agency of Butte County, Inc announced a free tailgate food distribution on Friday at First Christian Church (5738 Pentz Road) in Paradise from 10 a.m. to noon or until supplies run out, with attendees asked to remain in their vehicles.

A pet evacuation and disaster safety event will take place at Chico Cat Coalition on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to help pet owners prepare for emergencies before the fire season, with support from the fire department — emergency management.

The Chico Area Recreation and Park District will host its annual K-9 Classic at DeGarmo Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event features a Mutt Strut competition and a Facebook photo contest (voting is open).

The PG&E Corporation Foundation will contribute nearly $1.3 million to support 213 local restaurants with $5,000 grants as part of the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund & applications open online from June 1 to June 30.

This marks the 6th straight year of backing independent dining spots in our community.

Chico Theater Company is presenting Once Upon a Mattress, a lively musical reimagining of the classic fairy tale that runs through May 17 and features a determined princess and a controlling queen (highlighting humor and themes of self-acceptance) on stage.

Chico State’s 2026 Commencement will let selected student speakers address families, faculty, and the community during ceremonies beginning today at 7 p.m. on campus and continuing through May 17 (each speaker shares a unique journey that highlights the diverse achievements of the graduating class).

Enrollment in the TK Program is growing, and local businesses are shifting their age requirements + a daycare owner said the changes will better serve families as demand increases.

After three years of restrictions, Chinook salmon fishing will reopen on key Northern California rivers this summer and fall, with early runs on the Klamath and Trinity and mid-July openings on central valley rivers.

New rules set a two-fish daily bag limit plus measures to aid salmon recovery.

State officials reported California's population dropped to 39.5 million last year due to changes in immigration policies that reduced legal migration and cost the state 54,000 residents.

Locally, Chico saw a slight rise to 108,100 while nearby counties experienced mixed growth.

Manny Tinsley, a Paradise plumber, hands out free roses and handwritten notes for Mental Health Awareness Month near Cinemark Tinseltown Chico 14, reminding community members they are loved (he hopes the gesture sparks open conversations on loneliness and hope).

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.

Friday Night Concert Series in Chico

6:30-8:00 p.m. — City Plaza, 132 W 4th St, Chico, CA — Free entry — Enjoy free live music and a community picnic under the stars this summer.