Good morning, Chico.

The 16th annual Pasta on the Plaza Spaghetti Dinner takes place today from 5—8 p.m. at the Chico Teen Center, Chico Rotary Plaza and Nettleton Gym, where live music from Soul Posse, an all-you-can-eat meal, a free scoop of Shubert's ice cream, local raffles, a bake sale, a Kids Zone and a visit from the Butte County Mobile Library are offered. Tickets cost $12 per person or $45 for a family, and funds raised will support programs for more than 500 local youth.

CEO Amber Abney-Bass of the Jesus Center in Chico explained that a new $1.6 million grant-funded program will give homeless people job training.

The program will help participants build skills to secure work—further details and start dates are pending.

Chico resident Lily Mendoza denied taking neighbor Samantha Lynn Frakes' missing cat and said her allergy to cats prevents her from doing so.

She added that she has not spoken to Frakes since 2022 and offered to help search if the owner reached out—comments on social media had raised the issue.

Chico Parade of Lights is returning this year despite new city safety rules that almost forced the event's cancellation until help arrived from the Parks Department.

The smaller parade, capped at 60 entries, will be held on October 18 at 7 p.m. with a route from Third and Salem — volunteers are still needed to manage crowd flow.

California now offers transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds after expanding the program over the last three years — it gives families a bridge from preschool to kindergarten.

Chico State has reinstated the Beta Theta Pi fraternity after an 18-year break and more than 75 men joined Rush Week.

The chapter will move forward with alumni support and a national representative living on campus in the new Beta house on 4th Street—bids will be given Friday and the first alumni event is on Saturday.

Mike O'Brien took on the interim Town Manager role in Paradise on Monday—he is also a Chico City Council member and the commander of BINTF.

The town council is still looking for a permanent manager as community concerns like road repaving and payout issues remain a priority.

Chico City Council voted to keep Petersen Memorial Drive open every day after reviewing a six-month trial closure—ensuring the road stays open from 11 AM to 9 PM in summer and until 7 PM in winter for visitors to Lower Bidwell Park.

Neighbors living near the Alternative Homeless Campsite at the intersection of Cohasset Road and Eaton Road told the Chico City Council they had been put into lockdown twice in two weeks after incidents at the camp—officials said the city is looking for a different way to manage the site.

Red Bluff High School's Zay Darieck earned Play of the Week honors after scoring a touchdown on a trick play that won 91.6% of the vote for the Spartans on September 17th + the win capped Week 3 of Under the Lights.

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.

Silver Dollar Fall Nationals

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Silver Dollar Speedway — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of Fall Nationals live at Silver Dollar Speedway.

Blossom Pop-up Market

11 AM – 4 PM — Lassen Cidery — Free entry — Celebrate local talent with a vibrant market featuring handmade goods, live music, and family-friendly activities.

TopHouse Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Lost on Main — 21+ — Experience the energetic blend of folk, bluegrass, and rock with TopHouse.

The Expendables Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Entry details not specified — Enjoy a high-energy performance from one of reggae's most genre-blending bands in Chico.

Oktoberfest 2025

12-5 a.m. — House Of Rice — Celebrate with friends and family — An unforgettable evening of beer, food, and live music awaits.

Live Music with The Roy Dyer Band

7-9 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Experience a night of electrifying rock & roll and rhythm & blues with the Roy Dyer Band.

Sierra Oro Farm-to-Fork Experience

2-8 p.m. — CSU, Chico University Farm — Ticket required — Celebrate the local agricultural community with tastings, artisan shopping, and a sunset dinner featuring farm-fresh ingredients.

Live Music with Blü Egyptian

7-10 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Experience the electrifying sounds of Blü Egyptian's unique Prog-Jam fusion.

Chico Anime & Pop Expo 2025

10 AM – 8 PM — Silver Dollar Fairgrounds — Check website for ticket info — Northern California's premier anime and pop culture convention featuring gaming, cosplay, and special guests.