Rock concerts and recycling

When I think back to the best outdoor concerts I’ve ever been to, my mind wanders to watching Jimmy Page (and his theramin!) with the Black Crowes at the Greek Theatre in L.A., or to the first time I saw my beloved Pearl Jam at Riverport Amphitheatre in St. Louis (it’s since been renamed). And then there was Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails at the Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland—my first official date with my boyfriend, Chuck. What memories!

Compared with other places I’ve lived—St. Louis; L.A.; Riverside; Boulder County, Colo.—Chico has few outdoor venues within an hour’s drive. Well, things are about to be kicked up a notch. Rolling Hills Casino and Resort is putting the finishing touches on its new outdoor stage—named, simply, The Amphitheater. Owned by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, the Corning casino will have its first show in the new 3,000-capacity venue June 9, when War plays there. Can’t wait to see what other groups stop through. For more info, go to rollinghillscasino.com.

Reuse, recycle In the hopes of cutting back on waste as we head into camping and grilling season, U-Haul Moving & Storage of Chico is launching a reusable propane tank program. Funded through a grant from CalRecycle, and administered through the California Product Stewardship Council, the company will be selling 1-pound propane tanks that can be refilled at its store. This Saturday (April 27), head over to 600 Country Drive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free tank (while supplies last) in exchange for an empty single-use one.

The U-Haul program is part of a larger, nationwide effort—dubbed ReFuel Your Fun—to cut back on small single-use propane tanks. Retailers can sign up to sell/exchange the tanks and/or to refill them (refill stations require on-site propane). To round out the effort, many parks have been outfitted with recycling bins specifically for single-use tanks. The closest to us, according to a handy map at refuelyourfun.org, are at Black Butte Lake and Woodson Bridge state recreation area.

Free market OK, so the market itself isn’t free, but once again Tractor Supply is hosting a local Market Day (May 18), which is free for vendors to join. What’s particularly cool is that it’s open to everyone, from newbie crafters and bakers to professional tradespeople. And, there’s no fee to join—all you have to do is sign up at tsceventpartners.com by May 15. (Held at both Chico and Oroville locations.) I’ve been getting back into crafting mode, so I might just see you out there!

New URL The website LivingInChico.com has long been “making apartment searching funner,” at least for anyone looking to rent from the Hignell Companies. Last week, the local rental giant announced a virtual move—to HignellRentals.com. The site itself hasn’t changed much—you’ll still find blog posts, available rentals and a resident portal. But with properties as far afield as Sacramento and Redding (and nothing currently available in Chico, or even Butte County), I certainly see why a URL change was in order.