If anything good emerges from the ashes of the Camp Fire, I believe it will be a better-planned community. I’ve written in the past about Paradise’s need for a sewer system to support businesses and, finally, it looks like that might come to pass.
Last Tuesday (May 14), the Town Council voted unanimously to move forward with plans for a local wastewater treatment facility. That was not the consensus the last time the conversation came up—in late 2017—after a consultant looked over the options and reported that the local project would cost just slightly less than one that would hook Paradise in to Chico’s system. Over time, the local option would cost more, the report showed. Plus, the town would need land on which to build said facility—and the money to see either plan through.
Post-Camp Fire, everything has changed. Land is now available, and so is money. Then there are the jerks in Chico treating fire survivors like vermin. Former Paradise Councilman Steve Culleton said, in addressing the council as a current “Chico-dise” resident, “Right now, Chico is not nice to us, so I don’t want to put everything in that bank. We need to control our own destiny.”
As Mayor Jody Jones and Councilman Steve Crowder said during the meeting, now is the time. (The vote was 3-0, with Vice Mayor Greg Bolin and Councilman Mike Zuccolillo recusing themselves.)
Workin’ it Chico Mall announced last month its plans for a portion of the former Sears building—a Planet Fitness. At first, I was skeptical about bringing yet another gym to town, but upon further investigation, PF does seem pretty cool—and different from other models already here. It’s focused on the occasional user more than hardcore bodybuilders, calling its workout spaces the “Judgment Free Zone.” It also seems super affordable—prices online range from $10 to $22.50 a month, with the latter including things like tanning, massage chairs and half-off cooler drinks.
Ya heard? Chico Hearing Aid Center is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month with a number of cool promotions. First, it’s holding a drawing for free hearing aids—the winner will be announced at the end of the month—and second, anyone who buys hearing aids this month gets a $70 gift card. So, if you’re thinking about upgrading your aural senses, now is the time. Check ’em out at 1600 Mangrove Ave., Ste. 100, call 342-8132 or go to chicohearingaidcenter.com for more info.
Food game grows Rolling Hills Casino in Corning is upping the ante when it comes to dining options. This summer, it’ll break ground on two new eateries—L.A.-based chain Fatburger, and Rock and Brews. KISS fans should be well aware of the latter, which was founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Both eateries focus on American comfort food—and both are known for their burgers, which seems a bit redundant—with Rock and Brews adding craft beers to the mix. All in all, sounds like a fun expansion. Construction is expected to take 18 months.