Good morning, Chico.

Yesterday, friends and family gathered for an honor walk to celebrate Chico bartender Terry Smith’s organ donation after he helped stop a fight, while IHOP returned under the same roof with Applebee’s and a dense fog advisory made driving conditions challenging from 2 AM to noon.

IHOP is sharing space with Applebee's on Business Lane and is the third combined location in California where the merger will offer a new dining option for local residents.

Applebee's and IHOP have combined in a dual-brand restaurant on Business Lane today in Chico; the new setup, only the third of its kind in California, employs over 80 workers and aims to help curb the shift from in-house dining to delivery.

Chico residents will enjoy a creative weekend with ARTH₂O MONCA’s water-themed art at Avila Pier #2 running through Sunday, Kirk McHenry’s stand-up at Carlino's Comedy Club on Saturday at 8 p.m., and film, vinyl and live music events scheduled for the days ahead.

A Chico home hosts a Christmas display with more than 50 battery-operated pieces, including a flying Santa, spinning windmills & moving trains.

Visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate stand, nativity scene and even spot the Grinch.

The Department of Water Resources is preparing for additional storm runoff as rain is forecast later this week.

Lake Oroville reached 820 feet this morning (a 54-foot rise over 10 days).

The California Highway Patrol is ramping up efforts to reduce impaired driving over the holiday weekend as New Year's Eve nears; a veteran bartender at Joe's Bar in Chico noted that younger drivers are increasingly calling Ubers & avoiding behind-the-wheel risks.

Chico Police Department's Traffic Unit reminded drivers not to use phones while driving (drivers under 18 face stricter rules) on Tuesday, Dec.

30. The message aired on Action News Now to help motorists follow the law.

A new law going into effect Jan.

1 will require car rental companies to show total costs upfront, including taxes and fees (with car type details), after many in downtown Chico reported large price differences between online and in-person rates.

California will enforce a new law on Oct.

1 that stops misleading auto sales practices— the CARS Act requires clear pricing and a three-day cancellation for vehicles under $50K. Local dealership owners in Chico support transparent pricing but worry the cancellation rule may be misused.

Chico auto dealerships are preparing for a new California law targeting dishonest car pricing, which will take effect on Oct.

1, 2026. Local owner Justin Cahoy said the new three-day return policy for cars under $50,000 may change business practices — he supports the law's call for more transparent pricing.

Chico car dealerships will face a new consumer protection law called the CARS Act that takes effect Oct.

1, which prevents misleading pricing and adds a three-day cancellation right for vehicles under $50,000. Local dealers say they must adjust their practices to meet the new rules.

Max Minardi Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — The Barn at Meriam Park — Free entry — Experience folk-pop melodies and heartfelt storytelling from singer-songwriter Max Minardi.