COMMUNITY
Welcome to the enchanting month of February, where love is in the air, and the year starts to find its rhythm. As we bid farewell to the chilly days of January, February graces us with its shorter yet vibrant presence. This month, often associated with matters of the heart, brings forth Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love. But February is more than just a romantic rendezvous; it marks a time of transition, where winter begins to loosen its grip, and hints of spring start to emerge. Join us on a journey as we explore the diverse facets of February – from celebrations of love to perhaps uncovering some lesser-known gems that make this month truly special. Whether you’re a romantic, a history buff, or simply curious about the quirks of February, there’s something for everyone in this ode to the second month of the year.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Chico Airfield and Air Museum
Fans of aviation may be familiar with the history of the Chico Airport, but for many local residents, it’s a forgotten piece of Chico’s history. It’s been nearly a decade since it has seen commercial service and today caters to private aircraft and serves as a hub for refueling, maintenance and flight training. The airfield carries with it a story that dates back nearly a century; in fact, when it was first opened in the late 1930’s it was used in a similar manner as it is today. However, in 1941 the expansion of the airport was initiated in order to cater to the requirements of the U.S. military during World War II. On September 11, 1941, the City Council of Chico entered into a lease agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, procuring the 1,045 acres of land at the airfield and solidifying Chico’s commitment to supporting the military efforts during that time.
What started in 1942 as a location to train Army Cadets in the basics of flight quickly changed, and in 1944 became the hub to train the Army’s best fighter pilots (pictured below, Photo Credit: John Nopel Photograph Collection). The irony of that will remain unknown for nearly 80 years, until 2019, when the Chico Airfield was secretly used by the filmmakers of “Top Gun: Maverick” to film scenes throughout Butte County – but more on that later…
After the end of the war in 1945, the Chico Army Airfield was deactivated in late December, and finally returned back to the City of Chico in June of 1948. Throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and early 2000’s it served as a regional airport for various airlines; American Eagle, Hughes Airwest, Pacific Express, Reno Air Express and WestAir (operating as United Express). SkyWest Airlines was the last commercial airline to fly out of the Chico Airport, with its final departure on December 2, 2014.
One special attraction still operates out of the Chico Airport and you may have seen it without even realizing it… housed in an original hangar that dates back to WWII you will find the Chico Air Museum. Showcasing 19 aircraft and numerous exhibits, this is a must-see for fans of aviation!
The Chico Air Museum, established in 2004 by a dedicated group of local residents, emerged from a shared concern about the potential loss of the region’s rich aviation history. Founders, Vic Alvistur and Jim Babcock, spearheaded the initiative, securing the first aircraft donations in 2004, including a Lockheed P-2V Neptune and a Russian Antonov AN-2 Colt. Initially housed in a WWII Army Airfield building at Chico Municipal Airport, the museum relocated in 2015 to a more significant WWII Army Air Corp hangar. Entirely run by volunteers, the museum has attracted thousands of visitors since its official opening, with nearly 39,000 attendees in the past five years alone!
To visit the Chico Air Museum stop by Thursday-Sunday from 10am-3pm at 165 Ryan Avenue in Chico. You can’t miss it – there are several vintage aircraft housed outside the museum hangar behind fencing. Make sure to ask the docent inside to open the front yard for you to get up close and personal with the various aircraft that span nearly 100 years of aviation history.
As we briefly mentioned above, the Chico Airport was used as a home base for the filming of several scenes in the 2022 hit-movie, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, starring Tom Cruise. For nearly three years, Northgate Aviation Chico Jet Center was unable to disclose that their facility had been used by Hollywood filmmakers to house aircraft, cameras and stunt pilots used to film scenes in familiar locations throughout Butte & Plumas Counties. In an interview with Action News Now, owner of Northgate Aviation Chico Jet Center, Alicia Rock describes her experience with the crew of Top Gun: Maverick:
The team utilized Northgate Aviation Chico Jet Center as their base for approximately 10 days, turning it into a hub for planning flight patterns, storyboarding, and executing aerial scenes. The project was shrouded in secrecy, with Alicia Rock, owner and manager at Northgate Aviation, receiving a call from Paramount Pictures three years prior, but details were not disclosed until she received an email with the contract.
The production involved a pair of L39 fighter jets, a Learjet, and a helicopter, which were digitally transformed through movie magic. Grey L-39 fighter jets were painted and equipped with computer points, allowing them to be digitally altered into various aircraft. The majority of the flying scenes were filmed across the mountain range east of Chico, near Lake Oroville and the High Lakes region.
“The Navy Calls It Fighter Weapons School. The Pilots Call It Top Gun.”
— -Top Gun: Maverick
SPOILER ALERT! If you are familiar with the movie, Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell sets off on a mission of high-stakes aerial battles, showcasing his unparalleled piloting skills in what is deemed a battle “someone will not return from”. As Maverick navigates intense dogfights and maneuvers through the skies, you may have been too engrossed in the movie to notice that Maverick was flying right above our heads, right over Lake Oroville and through the narrow canyons of the Feather River. Look closely and you will see the signs… from train trellis’ to familiar rock formations, all transformed into the epic final fight scene with a little movie magic.
Securing over $1.5 billion dollars at the box-office, Top Gun: Maverick is the highest grossing movie of Tom Cruise’s career. It’s hard to believe that the film was considered for release on streaming services when the COVID pandemic delayed the film’s theatrical release in 2020. Thankfully, at the insistence of Tom Cruise, the completed film was shelved for nearly 2 years until theaters were open again in 2022. It was recently confirmed as of January 2024 that a third installment of Top Gun is in the works. Keep an eye on the skies in the coming years, perhaps our beloved Butte County will serve as a filming location again in future!
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Oroville First Friday – February 2 & March 1, 2024
Kick off the first Friday of every month with a special event hosted by the Downtown Oroville Business Association. February’s Galentine’s event brought in participating shops and eateries – there was even a necklace auctioned off for those that earned raffle tickets by supporting and shopping at participating stores. Get set for March’s first Friday event – a trip “around the world!” The ticket serves as a passport for the event, enabling attendees to explore downtown businesses by country, where each store offers tastings and cultural experiences corresponding to the represented country. ‘Passport’ tickets for the event go on sale February 1, 2024 and can be purchased online or at the door.
New Year at the Chinese Temple, oroville – February 10, 2024
The City of Oroville, along with the Oroville Docent Association and Friends of the Parks, is hosting a free community event at the Oroville Chinese Temple Complex. Attendees will receive a good fortune gift (while supplies last) and can enjoy activities such as Chinese calligraphy, live music, and fortune cookies. A special performance of the Lion Dance by Leung’s White Crane Dancers from San Francisco is scheduled for noon in front of the Temple. Due to the expected large crowd, the Lion Dance will be held on Broderick Street for better visibility, with part of the street closed for the event. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking, and some chairs will be provided for seating. This annual event attracts hundreds of people from the community.
HOME & GARDEN
GardenING Tips for February
In USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, February is a transitional month as winter starts to give way to spring. Here are some garden maintenance tips for Zone 9b in February:
- Pruning: February is a good time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs while they are still dormant. Remove dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth.
- Start Seeds Indoors: If you plan to grow warm-season crops, start seeds indoors in preparation for the upcoming spring.
- Planting: Start planting cool-season vegetables and annual flowers. Consider planting crops like lettuce, kale, broccoli, and pansies.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Weeding: Remove any existing weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: If you didn’t fertilize your plants in January, you can do so in February. Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and take preventive measures. Applying dormant oil on fruit trees can help control overwintering pests.
- Prepare Soil: Work on improving soil quality by adding organic matter. This can enhance drainage and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
- Garden Cleanup: Remove any debris, dead plants, and fallen leaves from your garden beds. This helps prevent diseases and pests.
- Check Irrigation Systems: Ensure that your irrigation system is working properly. Plants may need supplemental watering during dry periods.
VALENTINES GIFT IDEAS
Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection, is just around the corner! Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a personalized token, or a shared experience, the essence of Valentine’s Day lies in the joy of expressing your love for one another. Many couples don’t exchange gift for Valentines; sometimes, distraction-free, alone time is all you need to re-connect and show your love for one another. The ‘love coupons’ above are the perfect way to say ‘I love you’ without breaking the bank. Print them for your sweetheart this Valentines Day! If you’re still in the market for something for your loved one, here are a few gift ideas to consider:
For Her:
- Jewelry: A piece of jewelry like a necklace, bracelet, or earrings can make for a timeless and thoughtful gift.
- Spa Day: Treat her to a spa day or a pampering session with scented candles, bath bombs, and luxurious skincare products.
- Personalized Gifts: Consider personalized items such as a custom-made piece of art, a monogrammed accessory, or a photo book capturing special moments.
- Subscription Box: Subscribe her to a monthly subscription box tailored to her interests, whether it’s beauty products, books, or gourmet chocolates.
- Fashion Accessories: A stylish handbag, a cozy scarf, or a pair of designer sunglasses can make for a great addition to her wardrobe.
- Weekend Getaway: Plan a surprise weekend getaway to a romantic destination or a cozy bed and breakfast.
For Him:
- Tech Gadgets: Consider gadgets like smartwatches, wireless headphones, or the latest tech accessories based on his interests.
- Gourmet Gift Basket: Put together a basket of his favorite snacks, chocolates, and drinks. You can also include some gourmet items or a selection of fine wines.
- Personalized Items: Personalized gifts like a custom-engraved watch, monogrammed leather goods, or a personalized whiskey decanter.
- Outdoor Gear: If he enjoys outdoor activities, consider gifts like camping gear, a high-quality thermos, or a new set of golf clubs.
- Sports Memorabilia: If he’s a sports fan, consider getting him memorabilia from his favorite team or tickets to a game.
- Cooking or Grilling Accessories: Upgrade his kitchen with high-quality cooking utensils, a new grill, or a set of professional-grade knives.
ROADTRIP CALIFORNIA
FORT BRAGG, CA
Positioned along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Fort Bragg is a charming and sleepy beach town with a unique and popular attraction. This coastal town is renowned for its Glass Beach, where waves have transformed colorful sea glass into a unique natural spectacle, drawing nature enthusiasts and beachcombers alike.
Sea Glass Beach
While you can find sea glass at various beaches throughout the Fort Bragg area, the aptly named ‘Sea Glass Beach’ is actually located at MacKerricher State Park. This site was once a trash dump where the broken bottles from the garbage of local residents have been transformed into little treasures to be found and photographed. Trek down to the water to be amazed at just how much sea glass there actually is! We recommend visiting at low tide as most of the sea glass is found in the waves and close to the water. It is actually illegal to remove the glass from the beach, but that has not stopped people and over the years, so the amount of glass has significantly reduced. There is still an unbelievable amount of sea glass, so it’s crazy to imagine what it may have been like when it was untouched all those years ago. There is a parking lot and several trails that wind through the bluffs that make for a beautiful stroll along the ocean.
Wildlife Viewing & Hiking
Coastal Trail:
Stretching the length of Fort Bragg, The Coastal Trail winds you through 6 miles of stunning oceanfront trails. This area was once home to the bustling Georgia Pacific lumber mill that ran from 1885-2002. In 2004, the community voted on what they would like to see happen to the 420 acres of oceanfront land that the lumber mill encompassed. The vote was a landslide, with thousands of people vying for a coastal trail. Remediation of the contaminated areas began in 2007 and the idea of the Noyo Headlands Park was born. It was finally in 2015 that the park opened to the public. Spanning 104 acres along the California bluff top, the trail at Noyo Headlands Park connects the Noyo River bridge to the Pudding Creek Trestle in Fort Bragg. The trail, frequented by walkers, joggers, and cyclists, features 18 unique benches, scenic bird watching spots, a recreation field, a dog park and restrooms.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve:
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, located on the Mendocino Coast, offers visitors a captivating experience with breathtaking ocean views, serene forests, and a 2.5-mile trail that reveals half a million years of ecological history. The trail explores three wave-cut terraces shaped by glaciers, rising seas, and tectonic plates, showcasing a record of geological, soil, and plant changes over time.The park features a diverse array of plant species and notable landmarks, including a 1930s-built bridge. Visitors are urged to stay on designated trails, exercise caution near cliff edges, as they can be unstable and potentially dangerous. This area includes various hiking options:
Headlands Loop (0.5 miles, flat): The Ecological Staircase’s initial seven stops form a short headlands loop, showcasing Bishop pines, prairies, rugged Pacific Coast views, and interpretive signs identifying various plants. A descent to the beach just north of the picnic area offers grand scenery despite the rough and cold water.
Ecological Staircase (5 miles roundtrip, 300 foot elevation gain): The 2.5-mile Ecological Staircase Trail explores diverse habitats on wave-cut terraces rising from the Pacific Ocean, beginning at the Jug Handle parking lot, leading through Bishop pine, grand fir, and redwood forests, and culminating in a visit to the rare pygmy forest in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, where acidic soils and geological uplift have resulted in stunted tree growth. A brochure is available here to learn more about the different stops along the trail.
Skunk Train & Railbikes
Another top attraction in Fort Bragg is the “world-famous” Skunk Train. Originally designed to make transporting lumber easier, the Fort Bragg Railroad was established in 1885 and has made its way through the old-growth redwood forest ever since. The nickname “Skunk” was coined years later when the use of railbuses were introduced for passenger transportation. The combination of the gas powered railbus engines and the burning of crude oil in stoves (used to keep the railbuses warm) created a pungent and noxious smell. According to historians, people who lived along the path of the railway would exclaim, “you can smell them before you can see them,” prompting locals to nickname them “skunk trains”.
There are a few options for riding the rails these days. The Redwood Train Tour is a 75-minute round trip tour along 7 miles of the Pudding Creek Estuary. There are indoor railcars with seating and an outdoor car with standing room only. It’s a slow moving train and the sides of the car are plenty high to take children and feel comfortable – this is a very family friendly activity. For those of you looking to elevate your train ride, there is a bar car with beer, hard seltzer and wine and they accept cash and credit cards.
Another fun option are the railbikes on Pudding Creek. Follow the same 7-mile path as the Skunk Trail, but on a 2-person railbike – Don’t worry, your legs won’t get too tired, these railbikes have ‘electrical assist’, phew! At the end of the first leg of the train and railbike journey you’ll reach ‘The Glen’. There you’ll have a few minutes to wander among the giant redwoods and snap a photograph or two. You’ll follow the same path for your return, so we suggest moving to the other side of the train for a different view on your return trip.
Dining Options
Glen Blair Bar:
For an extra special experience… Friday and Saturday evenings, starting at 6:30 you can hop aboard the Skunk Train at the Fort Bragg Depot and journey back along Pudding Creek to the Glen Blair Bar. There you’ll find firepits, heaters, games, live music, and a one-of-a-kind bar offering local beer, wine, and signature cocktails. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes and the bar closes at 10:30pm. Don’t miss this unique experience if you visit the area!
Eggheads:
Located in downtown Fort Bragg, Eggheads Restaurant is a 42 year old staple in the community and a gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Their eccentric Wizard of Oz themed interior and menu offers a unique spin on classic breakfast items. Open at 7am, it is highly recommended to get there early – there can be quite the wait as it is a very popular breakfast spot.
North Coast Brewing:
North Coast Brewing in downtown Fort Bragg has been serving pints of craft beer to locals since opening its doors in 1988. What started as a small brewery has grown exponentially and is considered to be one of the leading independent breweries of the craft beer movement. With popular brews like the Red Seal Ale, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, and the Scrimshaw Pilsner, your taste buds will not be disappointed!
On site is both a restaurant and shop, where you can take home a t-shirt and a pint to remember your visit. The restaurant offers a wide variety of lunch and dinner pub fares, but we recommend starting with a beer sampler and their fresh fish and chips or a bowl of hot clam chowder – no trip to the coast is complete without it!
