Anyone who has lived in Chico — who has walked through Bidwell Park, crossed the Chico State campus, listened to local bands, or spent time downtown — knows what a special place Chico is.
That did not happen by accident.
Chico became a special place, and remains a special place, because tens of thousands of Chicoans have poured their heart and soul into this community — into their small businesses, restaurants, schools, nonprofits, music, art, activism, and neighborhood life.
That love and sweat is what makes Chico.
And every year, it creates a new “Best of Chico.”
Since 1985, beginning with a simple paper ballot in the Chico News & Review, Best of Chico has given the community a way to show appreciation for the people and organizations that make this town great.
Best burrito.
Best teacher.
Best coffee.
Best band.
Best bar.
Best charity.
The categories go on and on because Chico itself is so rich in character and community participation.
And the public response has always been remarkable.
Last year alone, Best of Chico generated over two million page views and 230,000 votes.
Let me repeat that:
Over two million page views.
230,000 votes.
In a community of just over 100,000 people.
The Chico Best of is truly a “Best of the Best Of” contest.
But the deeper truth is this: Best of Chico only works if the community trusts the organization behind it. People participate because they believe the contest belongs to Chico itself — not to outside investors or corporate media.
That is why KZFR is the right organization to carry this tradition forward.
KZFR shares the same community DNA that built Best of Chico in the first place: local ownership, independent culture, civic participation, support for the arts, support for local businesses, and a belief that community media matters.
For decades, KZFR has helped hold Chico together by amplifying local voices, local music, local culture, and local conversations.
As traditional newspapers continue to shrink across America, preserving trusted local institutions becomes even more important.
This transition is not simply about transferring a contest.
It is about passing stewardship of a Chico tradition to an organization deeply rooted in Chico’s civic and cultural identity.
And there is no organization better suited for that role than KZFR.
Jeff vonKaenel is the longtime publisher of the Chico News & Review.
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