Good morning, Chico.

Downtown Chico Business Association has put tickets on sale for Taste of Downtown, which will be held on Sunday, September 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—locals can enjoy offerings from over 25 restaurants, bars, and breweries as well as a concert by Monkey Wrench at City Plaza from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Educators from across California met in Rancho Cordova to assess a 10% drop in chronic absenteeism (a drop noted from 2022 to 2024) while Chico Unified School District improved attendance by hiring extra counselors and upgrading facilities.

Chico State distributed free bike helmets to the first 250 new students who registered their bikes with the University Police Department on Wednesday—$5,000 was used by the Associated Students Sustainability Fund Allocation Committee to purchase the helmets and extra ones will be donated to the department. The helmet booth will open today at The Hub in the Éstom Jámani Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chico Unified School District will select a contractor tonight to repair fire damage at Pleasant Valley High School—proposals were submitted by Modern Building Company and United Building Contractors.

A recent report by Cotality ranked Chico 14th for homes at moderate or severe risk of wildfires — a sign that many local properties may face high danger.

Homeowners are urged to clear nearby vegetation — an easy step to help reduce their risk.

The Iron Canyon Fish Ladder on Big Chico Creek is set for major upgrades — failing concrete will be removed to use the bedrock for a better fish passage — with construction starting soon and finishing by 2027.

Fire victims gathered in federal court in Paradise as part of ongoing lawsuits against PG&E and alleged that the settlement process is not transparent while thousands are still waiting for full payouts from the Fire Victims Trust for the Camp and Tubbs Fires.

Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder doubted that a local group of survivors will recover the remaining 30% of their claims — a common outcome in bankruptcy cases — and PG&E said it does not influence trustee decisions.

Butte County recorded 11 mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile virus in Biggs, Gridley, Palermo, Honcut and near Chico, and six chickens tested positive in Palermo and Honcut.

Public health warned that residents in mosquito-endemic areas should use repellent as some people have experienced flu-like symptoms and one person in their 30s or 40s is hospitalized.

More than 100 golfers gathered at Canyon Oaks Country Club on Wednesday for the second annual Kyle Larson Foundation Golf Tournament, and Kyle Larson raised $40,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley—helping support local youth amid federal funding cuts.

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers at The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

7-9:30 p.m. — Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. — Tickets go on sale July 11th — Experience the legendary blues guitarist live on his 'Closer To The Bone' tour.

Hazy Little Happening: Smokey the Groove & Blü Egyptian

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Sierra Nevada Big Room — Free entry — Celebrate the last day of 'Hazy Little Happening' with live performances from local bands.

Joe Samba and Wheeland Brothers Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Tickets from $23.62 — Enjoy a night of lively music with Joe Samba and Wheeland Brothers in Chico!

Stories by Starlight

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Chico Community Observatory — Free admission — Experience an enchanting night of celestial storytelling and music beneath the stars.

The Record Company Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. — Check for ticket prices — Experience the soulful sounds and family-like bond of The Record Company during their Big Room debut.

Aaron Wolf’s My People Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night of music with Aaron Wolf, Triple Tree, and DJ Cootdog at a family-friendly show.

Trevor Lloyd’s Violin Tendencies

5-7 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Experience a captivating blend of jazz rock fusion with electric violinist Trevor Lloyd.

Rock, Gem & Jewelry Show

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Silver Dollar Fairgrounds — $6 Adults, under 16 Free — Explore vibrant gems, jewelry, and family-friendly activities at this mineral showcase.