Free Coffee Frenzy

Most people love to get coffee. What they love more is getting free coffee. And nothing proved this more that the long wait for free coffee being handed out at Dutch Bros. third location that had its grand opening along the Esplanade. Chico Police had to redirect the backup of cars along W. 8th Ave from everyone wanting their free coffee. What was going to be a simple stand alone photo turned into a chance to shoot video of the overwhelming, but controlled event.

People and cars line up for a long wait as Dutch Bros. Coffee gave free coffee for everyone all day at its grand opening for its third location at 1733 Esplanade Friday, March 25, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

People and cars line up as Dutch Bros. Coffee gave free coffee for everyone all day at its grand opening for its third location at 1733 Esplanade Friday, March 25, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Dutch Bros. employee Marissa Duch serves people and cars that line up as Dutch Bros. Coffee gave free coffee for everyone all day at its grand opening for its third location at 1733 Esplanade Friday, March 25, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Cars back up around an alleyway along W. 8th St. as people and cars wait for Dutch Bros. Coffee that gave free coffee for everyone all day at its grand opening for its third location at 1733 Esplanade Friday, March 25, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Robbery Goes Wild

A simple shoplifting incident at Walmart turned into a wild scene as the suspect fled threatening with a weapon. While there was no weapon seen, a Chico Police officer spotted the suspect's vehicle nearby. Officer Frank Deshler approached the vehicle as was struck while the suspect was fleeing the scene. Deshler called for backup as he broke the driver side window. Cops swarm the nearby area in search of the suspect who had fled the scene. Other individuals in another parking lot were detained but turned out to not be the suspect.

We didn't here anything about the shoplift until scanner traffic detailed a potential pursuit. I headed out only to find Chico Police talking over the incident.

It quickly turned from a simple crime into a much more intense scene. Luckily there was no major incident, and police were able to pick up the suspect at a motel.

Chico Police officer Frank Deshler (left) talks about his injuries he received from a fleeing suspect to Police Chief Mike Maloney (center) and officer Ryon Mitchell (right) Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Chico, Calif. A suspect, a white male adult, shoplifted from Walmart when Deshler spotted the vehicle, a 1988 white Ford Festiva in the Toys'rus parking lot. Deshler approached the vehicle on foot, when the suspect used his car to assault Deshler. Deshler sustained cuts and bruises and knocked out the driver side window as the suspect was last seen fleeing eastbound on E. 20th St.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Police officers secure the area around the Skypark Plaza in search for a suspect earlier involved in a robbery and officer assault Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Windy Weather Whips Chico

Spring time is usually a short duration here in Chico, but this Spring has pretty much felt like a cold winter. The temperatures have been low and recent storms have caused havoc to the area. It is always interesting that when the storms come, people are told to stay inside, except for me, who is told to go outside and photograph it. It is always important to dress warm and dry weatherproofing not only your gear, but yourself as well.

Chanthavy May, 24 (left) and Zoua Vang, 23 (right) carry umbrellas to deal with the heavy rain waters and stormy wind hit the CSUC campus Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

The rising river waters of the Sacramento River seen from Irving Finch boat launch as heavy rain and stormy wind hit the area Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Hamilton City, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Bryan Weinmeister, of Chico, takes a look at the rising river waters of the Sacramento River at Irving Finch boat launch as heavy rain and stormy wind hit the area Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Hamilton City, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Danny Marone, of Stott Advertising, (right) looks at their damaged billboard along Mangrove Ave near 7th Ave due to the strong wind and heavy rain that hit the area Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Tipped over trash bins near E. 8th Ave and Spruce Ave by heavy rain waters and stormy wind hit the area Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Family Seeks Answers and Help

Dominic is a young 19 month old boy that looks and acts like any other 19 month old. But Dominic deals with a rare skin disease that his parents are looking for help in curing. The disease is called mastocytosis, and it causes Dominic's skin to blister along with nausea and vomiting. His parents are looking to raise money in order to travel to the National Institute of Health in Maryland. They are searching for answers and treatment to the condition.

Dominic Rodriguez, 19 month old (left) pushes his toy car like any other kid his age, yet he deals with a rare skin disease called mastocytosis Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Michele Rodriguez talks about her 19 month old son Dominic Rodriguez skin disease mastocytosis in their home Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Michele Rodriguez (center) and Ricardo Rodriguez (right) talk about their 19 month old son Dominic Rodriguez (left) and his rare skin disease mastocytosis in their home Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Fiddler's Find Fun in Competition

We have great talent in our community. It is most impressive to see young kids pick up instruments and play great music at such a young age. Oroville hosted the Fiddle and Picking Championships this last week. Photos don't do the competition justice. It is something to hear the music from the young performers. I was able to shoot some video to accompany the story and it really added to the mix.

Patrica Garrett, 8, plays the fiddle in the 45th annual California State Old Time Open Fiddle & Picking Championships at Oroville Municipal Auditorium Saturday , March 19, 2011 in Oroville, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Orland Loves to Volunteer

The city of Orland celebrated 100 years of its volunteer firefighters service. They held a parade with plenty of excitement despite the cold and wet weather. It wasn't probably the most optimal time for a parade, but it was truly a great celebration of people.

Kristi Stephenson wears a decorative hat as the community of Orland celebrate 100 years of volunteer firefighting service with a parade winding through town to the Glenn County Fairgrounds Saturday , March 19, 2011 in Orland, Calif. Old and new engines from Orland and nearby communities will take part.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Tim Kraemer was a "Fire Chief in Training" in the parade as the community of Orland celebrate 100 years of volunteer firefighting service with a parade winding through town to the Glenn County Fairgrounds Saturday , March 19, 2011 in Orland, Calif. Old and new engines from Orland and nearby communities will take part.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

A 1894 Ladder Cart is wheeled by Orland Fire 2nd assistant Ron Goings (left), 1st Assistant Lonnie St. Louis (right) and other volunteer firefighters as the community of Orland celebrate 100 years of volunteer firefighting service with a parade winding through town to the Glenn County Fairgrounds Saturday , March 19, 2011 in Orland, Calif. Old and new engines from Orland and nearby communities will take part.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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After Being Shaken, It's Good to Be Hugged

The recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis that Japan has felt in recent weeks at time can seem a very distant event with no local angle. But the impact of Japan's disaster has been felt all across the world. Bryony English was a American citizen who used to live in Chico, but was teaching in Japan during the time of the crisis. She was finally able to make it home after what seemed like an eternity for her. It is always tragic to loose a life and much more tragic to have such devastation, but it is so grateful to have a loved one to hug.

Lily English (left) embraces her daughter Bryony English (center), as she returns home to family and friends, including Michelle Martin and son Walker Martin, 4 (right) at Chico Airport Friday , March 18, 2011 in Chico, Calif. Bryony was in Japan during the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that hit last week.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Making the Rainy Weather Beautiful

As a photojournalist I am always looking for creative and interesting images. When cold and dreary weather comes, it is hard to find something that packs a bunch. The recent rains have left Chico a gloomy and damaged place. But I chose to focus on the beautiful things.

On her way to grade papers, CSUC English and Business Communication Professor Linda Rogers, carries her rainbow umbrella through the rain in Downtown Friday , March 18, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Jo Lillis (top) watches Big Chico Creek atop the bridge at Sycamore Pool at One Mile Recreation Area Friday , March 18, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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St. Patrick Day Brings Out the Characters

Every holiday in Chico is usually filled with characters roaming the streets. Chico loves to have fun and it is most seen in the people that come out to the downtown and south campus area. In past years, the out-of-towners have added a problematic environment to the festivities.

With Chico State placing their Spring Break week off along the same timeframe as St. Patrick Day, it has alleviated the issues with large crowds. This year's "green" day was a "clean" day. Not much activity occurred during the afternoon which is normally filled with issues. While the night brought its fair share of situations, overall the holiday was tame.

But it didn't mean there wasn't plenty of characters roaming the street. I saw the usual pedicabs, questionable clothing options, Irish dancers, and green costumes. What was really great was the range of ages of everyone out. There were older people partying to the younger crowd and even some smart entrepreneurs out selling girl scout cookies.

Butte College student Kristonda Pryor, 27, waits in line at the Madison Bear Garden as people celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

B-Line bus driver Paul Dodd wears a green hat to work as people celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Deryl Northcote (left) buys girls scout cookies from Daisy Girls Scout - Hooke Oak troop Mia Pedersen, 5 (center) alongside her mom Marlo Pedersen (right) as they decided to sell cookies to people that celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

The Oliver Academy of Irish Dance group entertain Jaime Ramon, 24 (far right) and the public along Broadway at W 2nd St. as people celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

The Oliver Academy of Irish Dance group, Lindsay Chamberlain, Maddie Mikles, Cara Cannon, Nile Reed, Abby Zuppan, Rose Trulin and Shannon Sullivan, (left to right) the public along Broadway at W 2nd St. as people celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

People celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities outside of Riley's bar in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Mike Griffith waits with his pedicab to give people rides who celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities outside of Riley's bar in the south CSUC campus area and Downtown Chico Thursday , March 17, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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FFA Kids Put to the Test

Butte County is a big farming community. Each year we host a statewide championship that brings in FFA groups from all over the state to be tested in their future careers. It is always impressive to see the 1800 or so kids that come in and test on their practical professions. They are the backbone workforce that powers our nation.

Aaron Ramirez, 18, of Clovis FFA (left) and Jordan Isaacs, 17, of Elsie Allen FFA (right), study different cuts of meat as they compete in meat contest the 43rd annual FFA Field Day at Chico State University Farm Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Chico Enterprise-Record)

Nathan Corchero, of Bear River FFA, competes in electrical contest the 43rd annual FFA Field Day at Chico State University Farm Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Chico Enterprise-Record)

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The Case of the Yellow Grass

DeGarmo Park has been in development as a great open park for the north side of town. When the newly laid grass began to show a yellow dried out look, people began to question the integrity of the fields. As it turns out, it is suppose to look like that. The grass goes dormant in the winter, which presents its yellow color usually associated with dried dead grass, and will regain the color back in the spring and summer months. So not to worry... hopefully. Because the yellow really doesn't look right.

Bobby Henry walks her dog Holly past the soccer field grass that has turned yellow at DeGarmo Park Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Chico Enterprise-Record)

The soccer field grass can be seen as a dried yellow in comparison to another batch of green grass at DeGarmo Park Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Fitting In With The Fans

The local basketball season had its last game at Chico High and I decided to get in to the excitement. Literally, I hoped up in the stands with the fans. I have the joy of having a pretty good access and used it to cover the last basketball game of the season. It was a different perspective that the usual court side and gave a real personal view of the game from the fans point of view.

Chico High's #24 Sterling Smith (right) rebounds against Antelope High's #44 Isaiah Ellis (left) in the fourth quarter of their boys basketball game at CHS Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #24 Sterling Smith (right) dribbles against Antelope High's #42 John WInters (left) in the first quarter of their boys basketball game at CHS Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High fans cheer against Antelope High in the fourth quarter of their boys basketball game at CHS Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High fans cheer against Antelope High in the fourth quarter of their boys basketball game at CHS Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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