Group items tagged

CHICO — The Arts Commission and Sustainability Task Force will continue as they are, at least for now, the Chico City Council decided last week. As the city faces budget-induced staffing challenges, the council is looking closer at its committees and commissions to find efficiencies while still meeting the city's and public's needs. Several councilors said the Sustainability Task Force, which was put on hold for restructuring earlier this year, is necessary to complete the Climate Action Plan, as required by the General Plan.

Mark Stemen of the Butte Environmental Council said the Sustainability Task Force is the best way to complete a climate action plan that identifies necessary action and engages the community. He noted the council promised to address climate change in 2006, with 25 percent target reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020. "To be clear, our efforts so far have not reduced greenhouse production levels in Chico; they have simply slowed the rate of increase," he said. "As a community, we are still producing more and more greenhouse gases each and every year."

A free workshop on how to make the large and small puppets featured in the Procession of the Species, an annual puppet parade that is part of the Butte Environmental Council Endangered Species Faire, will take place Jan. 26 From noon to 5 p.m., master puppeteers Kathy Faith, Jessica McDougal and Cheetah Tchudi will give instruction and assistance in designing and creating puppets ranging in size from hand-held papier-m chŽ stick puppets to multi-person puppets that tower more than 10 feet.

Participants are encouraged to bring materials and art supplies, cloth remnants, glue, newspaper, dowel roads and other craft elements. Instruction will also be offered in mask- and costume-making. The session will be held at Habitat Lab, 199 E. 13th St. This is the third year the Procession of the Species (www.facebook.com/ProcessionOfTheSpecies) will be part of the faire, put on by Butte Enviornmental Council's on May 4. Besides puppets, there will be costumes and masks that represent the most vulnerable creatures. The workshop is open to all ages. Pre-registration may be done at susan@turkeytailfarm.net or by calling 781-4122.

Chico >> Butte Environmental Council will kick off its three-part Citizen Science Series Saturday with an On-Water Citizen Science Adventure. The council’s Watershed Program is partnering with the Forebay Aquatic Center and Outdoor Education for All to give a tour of the fall-run Chinook salmon in the Lower Feather River Watershed.

Last spring the Citizen Science Series highlighted the Big Chico Creek from the confluence of the Sacramento River to the forested spring headwaters. This fall series will feature other watersheds of Butte County, including an upcoming tour of Butte Creek Canyon.

The council’s Watershed Program seeks to protect and enhance the ecological integrity of watersheds throughout Butte County. The council is working on projects in the Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, Butte Creek and Feather River Watersheds to foster watershed education, restore habitat, and advocate for responsible water management.

A public forum about where our water comes from and where it goes during — H20 Origins — is planned 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, in Room 111 of the new Arts and Humanities building at Chico State University.

Becky Holden, assistant director of the Butte Environmental Council, will lead the forum, part of a larger monthly education series

Endangered Species Faire to return to its original (shadier) location in Lower Bidwell Park

For the 35th anniversary of its Endangered Species Faire, the Butte Environmental Council is returning to where it all began. The May 3 event will take place in the One-Mile Recreation Area in Lower Bidwell Park—site of the inaugural festival in 1979. Specifically, the booths and stage will be at the group picnic area next to the playground, across from Sycamore Field.

BEC, which has held the fair at Cedar Grove for decades, decided to move back to its first location for better accessibility as well as more shade.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., ChicoBag, Klean Kanteen and Butte Environmental Council will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day at the Sierra Nevada Big Room with a premier of a new film, “The Little Things” at 5 p.m. on April 22. Prior to the feature film, two short films will be shown: “The Big Pick” and “Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables.”The Earth Day Movie Night is an Earth Day celebration intended to leave attendees inspired by environmental activists, all while supporting environmental organizations and sustainable businesses.

A $5 donation is encouraged and students get in free with valid student ID. All proceeds benefit members of the Environmental Coalition of Butte County. Raffle prizes will be provided.In order to encourage all attendees to travel to this event on their bicycle, there will be a free and secure bike valet located directly outside of the entrance to the Big Room, courtesy of Chico Velo.

In north Chico (3163 Esplanade) is the Asylum of the Dead, where the crazed Charlie killed his folks and conducted his human experiments, and now the house’s old barn is home to the abominations he created as well as various tortured spirits. The Barbee family runs the attraction as a fundraiser for local charities (suggested donations: $3 for kids, $5 adults) and opens it to the public for the entire month, Fridays and Saturdays, plus Halloween, 7-10 p.m. This year’s recipients are Butte Environmental Council and the Hamilton City Fire Department.