Tag: chico

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How to Perfect Your Instagram Brand

How to Perfect Your Instagram Brand

Instagram is an incredibly important part of maintaining a successful and modern business. I mean, look at Starbucks and their 14 million Instagram followers– that’s the same amount as Channing Tatum! Starbucks doesn’t post selfies of their six-pack so they must be doing something else right. So what exactly is it that makes a successful Instagram page and attracts followers who are genuinely interested in the products or services you are selling?

Color

First and foremost, there are 600 million monthly active Instagram users so it is important to make yours stand out on the very first click. One way to do this is by choosing a curated color palette. Take Youtuber Rachel Aust’s Instagram, for example. She sticks to four primary colors: white, black, green and light pink. This has become her brand and it is quite successful. I automatically know that it is one of her posts the second it pops up in my feed. Businesses can use this tactic by making their logo colors the primary colors in their posts.

Another way to curate your Instagram’s color palette is by sticking to a consistent filter. I personally use an app called VSCO and stick to one or two filters. Another way to do this is to use Photoshop to edit out colors that do not work with your theme. This may seem like a lot of work but having a well-thought-out Instagram will attract customers and make your business more money—which, when put in those terms, is worth a few minutes on Photoshop.

Don’t forget to keep up with the latest trends in your field for color but also try to stand out and be unique. People will remember a unique color scheme and come back looking for more.

Quality over Quantity

Alright, now that your aesthetics are on point, quality photos are a must. Even though the iPhone 7 can take better photos than some point-and-shoots, most professional businesses will use only high quality DSLR photos for their Instagram. This can include shots of models wearing a company’s clothing line, photos of the city the business is located in, inspirational quotes on top of beautiful backgrounds and more. World Market does a great job curating their Instagram because they pair high-quality photos with a consistent color scheme.

If you are lacking content for your Instagram feed, simply go outside and take photos of the city for an hour and use this shoot throughout your feed to promote variety and also personalize your business. For example, if you are trying to sell sandals, good content would include photos of the beach–the perfect place to wear your sandals.

Give Your Brand A Voice

Yes, it is great to sound professional and get right to the point, but people relate to real-life stories and humor. Caption the photos with a voice that is unique to your brand. Don’t be afraid to be hilarious or respond to comments. But, be wary of controversial issues if you do not want to lose customers or followers. A dramatic example of personalized brand voice comes from Denny’s, who makes it a point to post hilarious photos with equally compelling captions.

Plan It Out

A strong Instagram brand has variety so say hello to color-coded spreadsheets! Create your brand using an Instagram content calendar. This is a great way to make sure that you are not forgetting to make content for key social media holidays. Um, hello! Are you even a reliable Instagram business if you forget about National Donut Day? Although content calendars are great to hit key points, there are apps for more visual thinkers. For example, SneakPeek is an app that allows one to plan their Instagram feed in advance and see what works and what needs to be updated.

The Wrap Up

Of course, the most important part of an Instagram brand is staying authentic to the business and what is being sold. You are selling to humans who are not only attracted to what’s beautiful, but also to what’s real. We hope you found this helpful! Comment and let us know if you have any other tips and tricks up your sleeve for curating the perfect Instagram feed.

 

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Clients That Seem Challenging Are The Most Fruitful Experiences

In a perfect world, every client you have would be, well–perfect. Whether you’re working a summer job, a rigorous internship for school or have been with the same company for years, there are certain clients that seem to take more out of you than your time and effort.

According to the article Coping with difficult clients – three common types written by Rachel Antman from LMV Group, the main types of difficult PR clients include the “busy bee,” “authoritarian” and “scapegoat.”

The busy bee is usually a great client, but so overwhelmed with other tasks that public relations falls to the side, creating slow turnaround and challenges getting critical information to the practitioners on time.

The authoritarian likes control, so much so that the PR professional is no longer seen as a strategic asset but an assistant, making the work less successful than it could be.

Last is the scapegoat. This client tends to take all the credit for good work, then doesn’t bat an eye when blaming the PR agency for every failure.

When working with these types of clients, it’s important to remember that all of your experiences can be fruitful when you actively look for the value in them.

I. Personal Growth

Personal growth is different for everyone—it takes going through certain situations to learn how you can become a better person. Working with a difficult client is a sure way to figure out personal areas needing improvement.

The science of neuroplasticity explains how your thinking can change your brain chemistry. Staying positive can not only help you get through the work, but also rewire your brain to help you deal with it in the future. Even though during client related conflicts it can be easy to wallow in negativity, a positive attitude will be better for the situation, the client and yourself.

Learning to take your failures as opportunities for growth is beneficial in the workplace and day-to-day life.

II. Positive Change in Work Ethic

With a poor work ethic, it can be difficult to get anything done and keep the morale of your team high. Even professionals with a typically strong work ethic can struggle under pressure when dealing with tough situations. By constantly instilling a positive work ethic in yourself, those around you will most likely notice and benefit.

When dealing with a difficult client, it can be easy to get caught up in your emotions rather than logically thinking the issues through. Separating your personal feelings from the situation can strengthen your work ethic and all the components that come with it.

Work ethic is a virtue that’s believed to enhance character and contains many different traits. Professionalism, humility, dedication, accountability and respect are a few key elements necessary for a strong work ethic. These qualities include:

Professionalism: Broad because it encompasses all other aspects of work ethic—not only how you dress but how you act.
Humility: By acknowledging everyone’s contributions, maintaining a sense of humor, always being open to learning and teaching with integrity and appreciation those around your will trust and listen to you.
Dedication: Being passionate about your profession and company, and not submitting work until it reaches perfection, those around you will notice.
Accountability: Set an example for other employees by taking responsibility for your mistakes, not making up excuses and not making the same mistakes twice.
Respect: By always treating your clients with respect—even the most difficult—it will show grace and the value of your personal and professional worth.

III. Reaching Common Ground

One of the most beneficial skills to have when working with clients is communication. Establishing control of the account in the beginning will help you understand not only what the client wants, but will give you the creative freedom you need to do the work.

“I learned you have to say what you want and what the client wants up front,” said Kasey Perez, community manager at TGC, “it won’t happen later if it doesn’t happen in the beginning.”

Taking control from the start will garner respect from the client and allow you to steer negotiations in the right direction. Sometimes, conflicting ideas between PR practitioners and their clients can get ugly and defensive. Manipulating the situation to your advantage won’t solve the issue and the real reason for some conflicts may lie below the surface.

Reaching common ground takes mutual effort between you and your client. Being able to quickly realize the conflict, take control of the situation and find a resolution that works for both parties is a skill that will be beneficial throughout your entire career.

By: Josey Lonzo

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TGC in NYC

Megan McCourt– Account Supervisor, PPR Worldwide

Former Tehama Group Communications Editorial Director and General Manager, 2010-2011

It’s nearing that time of the year where graduating students frantically polish their resumes, spend hours online searching for that dream first job and, if others are like me, practice interviewing for hours in front of the bathroom mirror.

Wanting to move to New York, I reached out to two Tehama Group Communications alumnae to learn about their current experiences in public relations and the Big Apple.

 

After TGC

As an Account Supervisor at PPR Worldwide, Dell’s agency of record, McCourt supports a number of executives by managing their speaking opportunities, writing their contributed content and drafting most of their remarks, from social media to speeches. She also heads the global brand team, which embodies Dell’s efforts around entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility and diversity/inclusion.

One of the main components of her job is advocating on behalf of women entrepreneurs.

“I’m helping to change government policy, raise awareness, get more capital into the hands of female entrepreneurs, and provide women with the networks and resources they need to be successful,” McCourt said.

One of her achievements is helping launch an open letter to the presidential candidates a week before the 2016 election. Since the letter launch, she is now working with the new administration and the Small Business Administration to see their ideas put into action.

New York: Rodents, rejection and beauty

McCourt is approaching her four-year anniversary of living in New York and her insight on the city is one that TV does not portray.

“I’m not going to sugar coat it: life in New York is not always easy, but it’s worth it,” McCourt said. “Unless you’re backed by the bank of mom and dad, you’re probably going to live in a tiny, shared apartment; have to deal with bugs and rodents; face numerous rejections (for jobs, dates, apartments); and deal with the weather (sweltering in the summer, freezing in the winter).”

Although that seems far from ideal, New York has much more to offer– a variety of entertainment, a diverse global culture and architecture one would only think about in their dreams. Not only that, but even those on a budget can enjoy big city luxuries on a small town budget.

“There’s always cheap eats and free activities, which is why so many people can skirt by on internships and low-paying gigs,” McCourt said.

Graduating? Start networking

McCourt’s advice to students looking to get their start in PR was simple– leverage your network.

“Almost every job I’ve had came through my extended network,” McCourt said.

McCourt recommends informational interviews for companies you want to work for, buying coffee for those you know who work in communications and not being afraid to ask someone you know to set you up with someone who can be beneficial for you.

“Your network is the best tool you’ll have for the rest of your life– start growing it now!”

Stephanie Burke– Senior Account Executive, Highwire PR

Former Tehama Group Communications Account Executive and Social Media Assistant, 2012

Intern to full-time

Burke began her public relations career by accepting an internship at Highwire PR in San Francisco after graduation in 2013. After completion of her six-month internship she was hired on as an account associate.

“The transition from an intern to an account associate is one of the most exciting transitions you can make,” Burke recalls.

Burke explained that interns at Highwire are fully integrated into teams and have client-facing roles. Moving forward as an account associate offered more media, content and planning opportunities. One of the new roles and challenges Burke faced was mentoring interns.

“It’s a great time to think about the mentorship you valued as an intern and pass it on to the next generation,” Burke said.

Promotions

Since her first promotion at Highwire in 2013, she has been promoted two other times. She moved to New York in 2014 and was promoted to account executive and in 2015 was promoted to senior account executive. Today her job roles include media relations, client management, different PR writing and general agency operations such as writing for the company blog.

“You can think of an SAE as the account management’s right hand, always there to help guide the team and execute on key initiatives for the client,” Burke said.

City by the Bay vs. City of Dreams

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates New York employs 21,740 people in the public relations field, whereas San Francisco employs 3,640 public relations specialists. However, Burke believes more media is flocking to San Francisco due to tech. Regardless of the new media scene in San Francisco, New Yorkers still have an advantage to those in San Francisco.

“The news breaks in EST. New York PR professionals have the advantage of seeing the news first versus our San Francisco friends who have to wake up a bit earlier to catch the first headline,” Burke said.


Get reading graduates!

A major aspect of public relations is media relations. Reading and watching the news can differentiate you from the crowd. Burkes advice to graduating students is to do such.

“Clients want to know how to be on the cover of Forbes and what it takes to join the Good Morning America crew for a segment,” Burke said. “It’s important to understand what makes a good story for these outlets and who their audience is.”

Photos courtesy of Megan McCourt and Stephanie Burke

Written  by Benjamin Liwanag 

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The power of networking

A selfie of Michael Beadle and myself, Tina Riccio, in front of Ubisoft SF Head Quarters.

For those of you who are still in your developing collegiate years or even those who have yet to start the job hunt, I cannot stress the importance of networking and making connections enough.

Here, at Chico State the J&PR students are fortunate to be taught by a roster of widely connected professors that diligently work to lead us to an abundance of post-collegiate career opportunities. It is because of this amazing support system of professors that Chico State’s J&PR program has such successful and interactive alumni.

As a young student, I remember rolling my eyes when a professor said to us, “Networking will be the key to your success.” I thought to myself, “Shouldn’t my skills be good enough to get me a job alone?”

Today, as a graduating senior, networking has been a major factor in my success. The greatest example of this is my PR Internship with Ubisoft, the largest grossing video game company in the world today.

One autumn day Michael Beadle, The PR Director of Ubisoft San Francisco and a Chico State J&PR alumni, gave a quick presentation on the types of PR campaigns Ubisoft often runs and I couldn’t have been more mesmerized. I spoke with him after class to ask him more questions and proceeded to connect with him on social media months after his presentation.

After a few tweets back and forth we ended up direct messaging to talk about PR fails and successes. Later, I felt bold enough to send Beadle my resume and that exact moment was when networking got my foot in the door.

Beadle is the Ubisoft Director of PR for the U.S., Canada and South America. It’s safe to say he’s a big deal and that it meant a lot that he forwarded my resume to HR. I couldn’t be more thankful to him for being so open to interacting with me and supporting me. After a rigorous interview process, I was honored to become a Ubisoft PR Intern during the summer months of 2016.

I learned things about PR I had never heard of before. For example, how to efficiently and effectively create coverage reports, media bios and how to teach other how to work with Cision and plan Ubisoft’s long-term analytics strategy.

I also had the chance to write a few press releases which received coverage from journalistic industry leaders IGN and Gamespot. Finally, I got the chance to help run the Pre-Gamescom event held at the Ubisoft SF HQ working the floor and interacting with game industry journalists.

Examples of coverage from industry leaders:

 

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The greatest takeaway from working in a corporate PR office was the extreme importance of always turning in polished work. In college, it is easy to get caught up in the craziness of balancing a million things and at times students turn in unperfected work for one class just to receive some credit instead of none. This is the greatest contrasting difference between the collegiate and business worlds.

When working in the business world you must always turn in completely polished work. If you are running late on a deadline, communicate that to your supervisor and always be sure to turn in your absolute greatest work. Because, to be frank, if you work is subpar so are you.

For my current internship with Tehama Group Communications, I am an Account Executive and I expect polished work from my team. Though TGC is a student-managed agency, our clients buy our work and time and thus they always deserve the highest quality of work possible.

So, if you are interested in joining TGC in the future, know that we hold our standards equally as high as Ubisoft and other corporate PR companies and agencies. Be prepared to run your work through edits and critiques multiple times. Our high quality of work and client relations is what makes TGC a prestigious organization that exponentially better prepares graduates for their post-collegiate careers.

Written  by Tina Riccio

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Do Creative Hashtags Earn More Engagement?


Imagine having the task of choosing your organization’s main hashtag to be used on all promotional materials. Sounds pretty easy, right?

An article by Sports Blog Nation ranked all of the NFL team’s new Twitter hashtags that are all-purpose, representations of each team. Twitter has deemed these the official team hashtags by adding an emoji of the appropriate team’s logo whenever their tag is used. Although the article ranks each in creativity, by using Social Mention, a media monitoring platform, we’ll really see if innovation in hashtag creation effects engagement and reach.

#RiseUp – Ranked one of the highest in SBNation’s article, the Atlanta Falcons hashtag has been the team’s slogan since 2010. It receives an immensely positive sentiment of 11:0, however only has a reach of 10 percent and strength of 7 percent. The team’s official Twitter account doesn’t consistently use the hashtag and focuses more on short term campaign hashtags. Since this is the team’s long-lasting slogan, it isn’t the most popular among social media, but is regularly used by loyal fans.

#FlyEaglesFly – Although there are outside influences that can cause these hashtags to fluctuate in popularity, the Philadelphia Eagles hashtag currently has a strength of 100 percent, meaning the team is definitely being talked about across social media. It’s sentiment is 16:1, greatly more positive than negative, and has a reach of 65 percent. It has a passion of 35 percent, meaning more people are likely to talk about it more than once. This hashtag is both creative yet identifiable as to which team is belongs to, which can make all the difference. Fans and non fans alike are likely to use the tag, giving it a much higher ranking when it comes to exposure.

#Chargers – These basic hashtags are categorized under mundane yet identifiable – boring, but straight to the point. Almost every NFL team has a hashtag like this, however, it stands as some teams’ official tag on Twitter. It’s easy-to-use when spreading news about teams instead of using their witty, fun and sometimes long slogan hashtags. The Los Angeles Chargers hashtag receives 100 percent strength, a 2:1 sentiment, 40 percent reach and 79 percent passion. This basically means that most uses of the tag are neutral and are somewhat equal when swaying positive or negative. The team’s recent relocation is definitely getting it some attention with its strong passion and strength, however even similar hashtags receive the same awareness. #Chiefs (Kansas City Chiefs) also has 100 percent strength and 124 percent reach, also likely due to the tags simple nature.

So, to answer the age-old question: Does Twitter hashtag-naming creativity effect engagement? Through this investigation, it doesn’t seem like it – the simpler, the better. Something that’s recognizable and short receives far more engagement than the slogan-like tags that seem to only be used by fans of those teams. Even if the hashtags sentiment sways closer to neutral, simpler tags greatly receive more exposure.

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PR and Marketing in Chico

When thinking about public relations and marketing, most people relate these types of businesses to big cities such as San Francisco, Seattle or New York. When in reality, public relations and marketing firms exist in smaller towns all across the US, in cities such as Chico as well. Many graduating seniors will be looking for jobs in this field all over the US, forgetting that there are places of employment right here in town.

The world is packed with public relations and marketing opportunities for graduating seniors, here are a few available in Chico for those who don’t want to leave:

Social High Rise LogoSocial High Rise is a local marketing and public relations firm that focusses on restaurant social media management. They take on all aspects of social media for these restaurants including Yelp, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Trip Advisor and Linkedin. With a generally young staff, Social High Rise stays up to date with current social trends to ensure the clients’ needs are met.

half-a-bubble-out

With the quirky name locked down, Half a BubbleOut has been providing public relations and marketing services to the Chico area since they opened shop in their guest bedroom back in 2002. Founded by Michael Redman and his wife Kathryn, Half a Bubble Out focuses on business consulting, web design, internet marketing, traditional marketing and advertising. They refer to themselves as a one stop shop for your small business needs.

Burghardt + Dore Logo

Burghardt+Dore is an award winning marketing, advertising and design firm who impacts multiple brands throughout California. Based in Chico and with over 40 years of combined experience, Burghardt+Dore is a key player in the resort niche of the business. Some of their clients include The Downtown Chico Business Association, Visit Napa Valley and the Seascape Beach Resort.

Some students fall in love with Chico and never want to leave after graduation, others can’t wait to move away. If you’re one of those graduating seniors who loves Chico and can’t imagine leaving, take a look at these companies and see if they would be a good match for you!

Written by Nick Bragg, Public Relations Director Assistant

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Suiting Up for Summer

Photo credit: Ashley Allison
Photo credit: Ashley Allison

June 21, 2014 marks the first official day of summer. However, with temperatures already hitting highs ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s, Bikini Season seems to have already begun in Chico.

And while many welcome the early opportunity to float the Sacramento River in summer’s hottest swimwear fashions, there are those of us who can’t stand the thought of donning a bikini in public.

I’m one of the latter. I start spring the same way every year. I have well-intentioned plans for working out and tanning my stark-white body into something like a Greek goddess. However, as summer nears, I realize that all  I’ve managed to accomplish is overeating at Easter, leaving me looking closer to a centaur than a goddess.

So, if you’re like me and you find yourself needing that swimsuit-ready body, I’ve compiled five quick tips to get you in tip-top shape, ASAP.

1. Watch what you eat.

It sounds simple enough, but for many of us maintaining a healthy diet on a student’s schedule it can be tough.

I find counting my calories and keeping a food journal keep me cognizant of what I’m putting into my body. After counting calories for a few days, I naturally shy away from carbohydrate-heavy meals and opt for foods lower in calories that I can eat in high volumes. Meals combining lean proteins like egg whites, chicken and turkey are great choices when combined with fruits and vegetables as these meals tend to be much lower in calories than high carbohydrate meals.

2. Start interval training.

Research shows that interval training, which switches between bouts of very high intensity workouts like sprinting and very low intensity workouts like walking, burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than sustained high intensity workouts.

3. Fake it, don’t bake it.

Suntanning can cause skin cancer. Be kind to your skin this summer and opt for a sunless tanner like Jergen’s Natural Glow. It tans and evens your skin tone while hiding imperfections without all the harmful rays!

4. Find a suit that suits you!

Not all swimsuit styles are flattering on all body types. What may be flattering on someone else may not be flattering on you. Accentuate your body type by choosing a suit that is right for you and ignore the trendy swim styles that do nothing for your figure. Not sure which suit style best suits your frame? Check out Glamour magazine’s swimsuit guide!

5. Love the skin you’re in!

So what if you don’t look like a Victoria’s Secret model? Even Victoria’s Secret models don’t look like Victoria’s Secret models in real life. Don’t believe me? Google “celebrity photo retouching” and see what you find.

The point is, no one is perfect, and everyone has imperfections. So celebrate your figure. Whether you’ve got lots of curves, no curves or you’re somewhere in the middle, we’re all beautiful. Celebrate your womanhood!

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What’s in Your Emergency Go Bag?

Photo credit: Karen, Creative Commons. Original photo
Photo credit: Karen, Creative Commons. Original photo

Suffice to say that spring has come and gone and summer is officially upon us. With summer comes a very harsh reality to most of us: fire due to drought.

California has seen intense drought this semester despite the rainfall we’ve experienced in this last month. The closest reservoir to Chico (located in Oroville) is 14 percent lower than its historical average, according to the California Data Exchange Center. At the same time last year we were 12 percent from capacity.

Given the heat and lack of water, summer fires are becoming more of a guarantee than a possibility. While most fires seem to take place away from large areas of population, there is always a risk.

What happens if a disaster hits Chico or wherever you live when you leave Chico for vacations? What is in your emergency go bag?

What do I mean by emergency go bag?

I am not referring to the bag you keep with the water and spare pair of clothes with some power bars to get through a few days of chaos. I am talking about the metaphorical bag you keep with your five or six items you cannot live without.

For instance, my emergency go bag would have my computer and subsequent charger, a sketch book, the pearl necklace my mother made for me on my 20th birthday, my Nikon camera and the typewriter key necklace my sister gave me for my high school graduation.

This is not a bag you would normally think about, most of the time nothing bad will ever happen. But when you have to get out of the house quickly, it is a good idea to know what is in your emergency go bag before you have to assemble it.

So with the warm weather here and temperatures only to rise, what is in your emergency go bag?

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Birthday Freebies in February

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22! Well, not yet at least.

I won’t be the worthy number in Taylor Swift’s award winning single until February 19, 2014!

Even if your birthday isn’t this month I thought I’d share some freebies available only on your birthday.

Birthday_candles
Photo Credit: Ed g2s, Wikimedia Commons, Original

Everyone likes free things and it’s even better when its on the day you graced the earth. After all, a celebration is in order for every year survived so why not make it cheaper than expected?

This website has a list of freebies nationwide. I chose to highlight places you can find in town. Some items include:

Cold Stone Creamery: Join their club to receive a coupon for free ice cream on your birthday.
Denny’s – Grand Slam with photo identification proof.
Disney: Register for Disney Movie Rewards and you’ll receive a credit for a free Blu-ray movie on your birthday.
Dutch Bros. Coffee – Birthday drink.
IHOP – Pancakes or meal.
Krispy Kreme – Birthday doughnut.
Logan’s Roadhouse – Nutter Butter Fudgeslide dessert.
Old Navy: Sign up and you’ll receive a free surprise on your birthday.
Olive Garden – Birthday dessert or appetizer.
Outback Steakhouse – Free Aussie-tizer.
Redbox – DVD Movie Rental.
Red Lobster – Appetizer…
Sephora – Benefit Real Birthday Turn-ons set.
Smashbox – Gift Set: transparent bag, lip product, and make up compact.
Starbucks -Handcrafted beverage.
Tully’s Coffeeshop – Barista beverage.
Victoria’s Secret: Sign up and receive a coupon for $10.
World Market – $10 Birthday items.

It is wise to call a store or restaurant before heading out to receive a freebie. Only certain locations allow it.

Reading the fine print is also important.

Starbucks gives you a free birthday drink, but only if you’ve signed up as a card member at least one month before your actual birth date. I made that mistake last year.

When it’s not completely free, some things may still be worth the free membership sign up.

Spam may be a result but who really cares? A good deal is a good deal.

I would recommend the birthday freebie planning now so you don’t miss out when the golden time arrives! Happy future birthday freebie finding, friends!

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Keeping it Local

For many of you, like myself, graduating in 67 days, the countdown until the “real” world is a scary thing. This looming pressure to graduate, get good grades, look for a post-graduation job all while battling that never-ending senioritis bug can be overwhelming. We get wrapped up in this consuming saga of stress and countdowns and we forget to step back and appreciate what is around us. Never fear! I have devised a fall bucket list of events that are not so known in the Chico area. We live in a beautiful town that has a lot to offer. Let’s take advantage of this before it’s too late.

1. Run for Food: Thanksgiving is amazing in all its gluttonous glory. However, I have learned that in order to fully participate in over-indulging myself, a pre-workout is necessary. Thanksgiving day, Chico hosts an annual Run For Food in Bidwell Park. This charity event supports the effort to raise money and food for those in need from our community. There are several different categories in which you can participate. So, if you’re a competitive runner or leisure walker there is a spot for you. It is an incredibly popular event! Tickets and sign ups are encouraged prior to the run. I assure you there is nothing more rewarding than getting in shape to help others!

Register at: Chico Run for Food

2. Sierra Nevada Tour: For those of you over 21, our local Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. hosts weekly tours of its facilities. This local gem highlights its craft beer, brewing capabilities, sustainability education and the tasting room. It is a great way to educate yourself in the world of one of the industry’s finest. The brewery is located on 20th Street, so make sure you take a sober driver if you’re planning on tasting the beer.

3. Pug Sunday: One of the lesser known events (nonprofits) in the area is the rescue pug Sunday events. Devoted to finding these abandoned furry friends good homes, the organization invites lovers of this smashed-faced dog to come out and mingle every Sunday at Hooker Park. Last Sunday I attended the Halloween costume contest with my pug dressed as a Ninja Turtle. We were not victorious, however, I did end up getting lots of humorous pictures of a variety of costumes including a minion, cowboy and Indian duo, flapper pug,and vampire. If you have a pug or just love animals this is a great way to meet future play dates in the community. Half-breeds are also welcome!

Make new friends – like them on Facebook too: Pug Sunday

minion pug costume contest
First place goes to Ellie, the minion pug! Photo credit: Kiely Nelson


4. Saturday Farmer’s Market: To most of the Chico locals, the Thursday Night Market is a scheduled routine. The coveted booths of locally grown delicacies make this one of the go-to events of the season. However, most people do not know that on Saturday mornings, there is an equally plentiful farmers market. For those serious organic lovers this is your next destination for your shopping ventures. Located in the parking lot off of East Second Street on your way to Bidwell Park, it is a perfect destination to bring the family or your roommates on a relaxing Sunday. Parking is easy and located a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown. Also, make sure you bring your appetite because vendors are always looking for you to sample their product.