Good morning, Chico.

The PG&E Foundation announced it will donate $1.2 million to food banks, tribal food banks, and senior meal programs across Northstate and Central California.

The donation is expected to provide roughly 3.13 million meals to help families in need—supporting more than 50 local groups.

Samantha Willingham of the Parade of Lights Board joined Action News Now anchor Linda Watkins-Bennett to promote the upcoming 32nd Annual Chico Parade of Lights—set to take place in Downtown Chico on the evening of Saturday, October 18th.

Chico State will break ground on a new 28600 square foot forensic anthropology building for its Human Identification Laboratory on November 14 at 11 a.m. at West Second and Cedar Streets — the facility will expand lab capacity to support over 638 investigations and enhance training for law enforcement and emergency personnel across the state.

Chico State students completed building a racecar after two years and over 10,000 hours of work using mostly custom-made parts—testing it last Friday.

The club will take the car to the NorCal Shootout at Thunderhill Raceway this weekend and will compete at Formula SAE Michigan in May with about 20 students.

A bear unexpectedly visited a home on Saint Augustine Drive Sunday night, prompting Chico police to deploy drones to track the animal and guide it safely back into its natural habitat—no one was hurt.

CAL FIRE crews burned about 174 acres—part of a 433-acre Phoenix Vegetation Management Project—to remove hazardous fuels and lower wildfire risks on Oct 7.

PG&E reported that since 2023 it has undergrounded 1,000 miles of powerlines in California, permanently reducing wildfire ignition risk by 8.4% across its electrical system (a key safety milestone).

Tuesday night, the Chico City Council voted unanimously to keep the alternative homeless camp at Eaton and Cohasset Roads where city staff had recommended it remain.

The council asked staff to develop improved security after residents raised concerns about a possible move to a site at Eaton Road and Hicks Lane—near a busy roundabout.

Chico City Council will consider moving the alternative homeless site even though city staff advised against the change—if approved, one plan will relocate the site to a plot on Eaton Road at Hicks Lane near the Highway 99 roundabout.

Voters in Butte County can submit ballots in secure drop boxes available 24 hours from October 6 until November 3—with drop boxes placed at Chico State BMU, the Butte County Library on Sherman Avenue, and the Department of Employment and Social Services in Chico, along with sites in Durham, Gridley, Oroville, and Paradise. Ballots will be accepted until 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 4.

Hospitals across Northern California will light up pink in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month—raising funds and promoting early detection.

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.

Steely Dead Concert

7:30-11:00 p.m. — Lost on Main — Tickets on sale — Experience the unique musical fusion of The Grateful Dead and Steely Dan.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

6:30-7:29 p.m. — Chico Women's Club — Tickets selling fast — Experience Halloween classics performed by candlelight in an enchanting setting.