No blight here

I’m very happy to report that the site of the “old” Walmart in Oroville has not—as has been the case in many other communities—become a blight on the neighborhood. Quite the opposite, in fact. Several new businesses have moved in or are in the process of doing so, breathing new life into what was once, well, Walmart.

Harbor Freight was the first to open—on May 15—in a portion of the old big-box store on Oro Dam Boulevard. Discount grocer Smart & Final expects to open soon, with a grand opening tentatively set for July 11. And there will also be a Ross Dress for Less, which is under construction but has no firm completion date as of yet. And, finally, Fit Republic, the only business I was not familiar with when I heard of it, is hoping for a July 1 opening.

In an effort to learn more about the 30,000-square-foot gym facility, I did a little online research and chatted briefly on Facebook with one of the company’s marketing specialists, Philip Mosley. The business launched in 2008 in Modesto and now has over 50 locations in California, the closest one being in Red Bluff. According to its website (fitrepublic.com), the philosophy is based on creating a community. “We offer a health club experience that is geared towards your state of mind, your goals and a true state of wellness.”

Mosley said the company “is very excited to be in Oroville” and right now, it’s offering $1 memberships. Plus, if you bring in your cancellation confirmation from another gym, you’ll get two months free.

Stepping up It’s no secret there’s a big problem with homelessness and food access in our community. So while there’s a significant stigma attached to the issue these days, it’s particularly heartening to hear about businesses willing to step up and help out. Just last week, I was alerted to a Facebook post from La Cocina Economica announcing that the restaurant (at 905 Wall St.) will be closed the first Wednesday of every month in order to cook and serve lunch at the Jesus Center. Thank you, La Cocina, for pitching in for the health of our community.

More do-goodery Sometimes big businesses give back, too, and that’s always nice to see in our little North State community. I got word last week that Raley’s had partnered with the Sacramento Kings Foundation to help build school gardens. Among the recipients was Chico’s own Chapman Elementary. The campus’ new plot is part of a push to “encourage regional garden planning, food literacy and nutritional options.” Cool stuff!

Store openings It’s been a busy couple of weeks, so I haven’t had time to stop in all the new businesses I’ve seen opening around town. Here’s a brief rundown—please drop me a note if you see something I’ve missed! Coco’s Ramen is opening soon in the Safeway shopping center on Nord Avenue. And The Boba Stop has taken over one of the small spaces next door to the El Rey Theater (the new owners, by the way, switched the spelling from “theatre” to “theater,” probably only annoying copy editors like myself).