Arts Devo

Give hope A few nights after Donald Trump gained the requisite electoral votes to win the presidential election, Last Week Tonight host John Oliver made the very important point during his show that we cannot normalize our president-to-be and his various racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, climate-denying, free speech-attacking cronies and the policies that they threaten to pursue in the coming years. He also suggested that we support those organizations that will be at the forefront of the fight to defend social progress, starting with “actual journalism,” encouraging viewers to buy subscriptions to papers like the The New York Times and Washington Post and donate to groups like investigative nonprofit ProPublica. Within hours of his plea, subscriptions to both papers spiked significantly, as did donations to ProPublica.

While this column doesn’t have the reach of HBO, the CN&R does have a circulation of 41,000, with more than 100,000 readers. I can’t think of a better use of this space than to put this information in front of all those potential eyeballs searching for hope and a good cause to get behind in the name of their favorite conservative uncle for the holidays. Here’s Last Week Tonight’s suggestions of worthy causes (and if you’re thinking about donating to investigative journalism, here’s a shameless plug: Consider the Chico News & Review Foundation, www.nvcf.org/fund/chico-news-review-foundation):

• ProPublica: www.propublica.org

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: www.naacpldf.org

• The Trevor Project (crisis intervention and suicide-prevention support for LGBTQ youth): www.thetrevorproject.org

• Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund: www.maldef.org

• Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org

• Center for Reproductive Rights: www.reproductiverights.org

Some more important causes:

• Sacred Stone Camp (Dakota Access Pipeline protesters support fund): www.gofundme.com/sacredstonecamp

• 350.org (grassroots climate action): www.350.org

• Union of Concerned Scientists (“science for a healthy planet and a safer world): www.ucsusa.org

Plus, local organizations doing good work for those at risk in the community that need our support right now:

• Chico Housing Action Team: P.O. Box 4868, Chico, CA, 95927; www.chicohousingactionteam.org

• Jesus Center: 1297 Park Ave., Chico, CA, 95928; 345-2640; www.jesuscenter.org

• Safe Space Winter Shelter: www.goo.gl/jCN8d1

• 6th Street Center for Youth: 130 W. Sixth St., Chico, CA, 95928; 894-8008; www.6thstreetcenter.org

• Stairways Programming: P.O Box 3086, Chico, CA, 95928; 809-2322; www.stairwaysprogramming.com

• Torres Community Shelter: 101 Silver Dollar Way, Chico, CA, 95928; 891-9048; www.chicoshelter.org

And, a few more worthy local causes:

• Rock for Rachelle: Saturday, Dec. 10, Maltese Bar & Tap Room. Benefit concert for longtime Chico/Seattle rocker Rachelle DeBelle to raise funds to help her with mounting medical bills from her fight with cancer. Performances by Fred Zeppelin, Alli Battaglia & The Musical Brewing Co., Linden Wood and more.

• Save the Blue Room Theatre: Chico’s beloved black box theater needs to raise $25,000 to keep the doors open. Donate today at www.gofundme.com/blueroom

• Novembeard Bash 2016: The annual beard competition wraps up with a finale Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., at the Maltese, with performances by The Rugs and Pat Hull. All proceeds benefit music and arts programs at local high schools.

Nobody puts Krampus in the Korner! “Won’t you help us ruin Christmas for everyone?” That was part of the Kickstarter plea from the creators of Krampus in the Corner—Virginia husband-and-wife team, writer Justin and artist Lindsay Cristelli—for their picture book and plush toy spoof of the ubiquitous Elf on the Shelf. Arts DEVO is totally down for anything involving the season’s naughty party beast, especially if it involves my favorite Austro-Bavarian demon kicking that creepy, spying elf’s ass in the holiday marketplace. With Krampusnacht nigh (Dec. 5!) and my soul glowing red with spirit, I hold out hope that the current back orders will be swiftly filled and Li’l DEVO will get his wish come Christmas morning. Keep tabs on Krampus in the Corner at www.silentorchidstudio.com.