Chico Takes Back the Almond Bowl Title

Chico High's #5 Trevon Reid (left) and others pour a bucket of Gatorade on head coach Jason Alvistur (right) on a victory against Pleasant Valley High in the fourth quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #5 Trevon Reid (right) rushes against Pleasant Valley High in the first quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #2 Aaron Chu (left) tackles against Pleasant Valley High's #34 Sam Savercool (right) in the first quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Pleasant Valley High against Chico High fans cheer on their team in the second quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Pleasant Valley fans cheer on thier team against Chico High in the second quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #22 Stefano Disano (right) is tackled against Pleasant Valley High's #22 Michael Gerlach (left) in the first quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #52 Steven Sullivan (left) tackles against Pleasant Valley High's #10 Eric Ascencio (right) in the second quarter during their Almond Bowl XLI football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 21, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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Run Under the Sun

Butte College's Alex Diehl (left) and Caleb Rosales (right) run in their men's cross country Invitational race at the Forebay Recreation Area Thursday, October 16, 2011 in Oroville, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte College's Cara Hoyt (left) lead against Shasta's Molly Finn (right) and others that run in their women's cross country Invitational race at the Forebay Recreation Area Thursday, October 16, 2011 in Oroville, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Accident Floods Street

I've seen a couple car accidents, but this accident really looked worse than it was. A driver of a mustang turned the corner of Hwy 32 and Forest Ave fishtailing out of control breaking a fire hydrant. The water flooded the street causing a slight traffic issue. If the driver had not hit the hydrant (which had recently been installed a couple months ago) the accident would have looked like something else. In car accidents, near misses and wrong place at the wrong time really make a big difference.

Cal Water foreman of new construction Rich Velasquez clears debris that clogged a gutter to clear the water that flooded the area after Erick Fuchs, 18, turned right onto Forest Avenue from Highway 32 and fishtailed about 4:32 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif., hitting a car then a fire hydrant, said Det. Mike Rodden of Chico police. Fuchs 1969 Mustang knocked the fire hydrant out of the ground, spurting water onto Forest Avenue and damaging the back end of the Mustang. Two other cars involved were damaged but no one reported injuries.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte Breaks Down

Even though Butte College football team came up with some big plays that included a blocked field goal attempt and a kickoff touchdown return, the defense was still broken down by a strong City College of San Francisco offense. Butte lost 44-19.

Butte College's #94 Jibrille Fewell, #95 Devin Flesher and #55 Levander Brown (top left to right) block an extra point attempt against City College of San Francisco' s#75 Isaiah Keys, #60 Ryan Hornstra, and #68 Elias Groon (bottom left to right) in the first quarter of their football game at Cowan Stadium  Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte College's #8 Jacob Corbaley rushes against City College of San Francisco in the second quarter of their football game at Cowan Stadium  Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte College's #42 Damien Borel (left) tackles against City College of San Francisco's #33 Dorian Cozart (right) in the first quarter of their football game at Cowan Stadium  Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte College's #34 Robbie Kendall (right) tackles against City College of San Francisco's #81 Caleb Holley (left) in the first quarter of their football game at Cowan Stadium  Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Muertos Masks

Ava Kuykendall, 3 (left) has her face painted by Natalie Carder (right) as people take part in Days of Dead maskmaking event at the Valene L. Smith Museum of anthropology at Meriam Library, Chico State CSUC campus  Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif.  The free family event is an early celebration of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos. People could make a skeleton mask, taste traditional foods, and help decorate the altar.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Patrick's Pumpkin Pleasures

The Patrick Ranch held an Autumn Festival for the community. The event included activities like a Scarecrow contest, pumpkins for sale, children activities, animal exhibit, and the Glenwood Farm House tour.

Alex Hasty, 4, wheels his pumpkin selection as people came out to the AutumnFest at the Patrick Ranch Museum Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Steve Rowling (left) helps Gracie Rabo, 3 (center) and Jasmine Rowling, 8 (right) select their pumpkin as people came out to the AutumnFest at the Patrick Ranch Museum Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Walking "Out of the Darkness"

People begin to walk during the “Out of the Darkness” community fundraiser for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention research and education programs at One-Mile Recreation Area Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Chico, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Terry Matthews, of Chico, places a leaf in remembrance of people she knew before they committed suicide as people gathered together to remember loved ones during the “Out of the Darkness” community walk fundraiser.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham Dominates Pierce

Durham High's #22 Chris Craven (center) rushes against Pierce High's #68 Chas Benton, #21 Andy Corona, and #44 Andrew Diaz (left to right) in the first quarter of their football game at DHS Friday, October 14, 2011 in Durham, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #13 Luke Mullarkey (right) has his facemask pulled against Pierce High's #7 Taylor Cabral (left) in the second quarter of their football game at DHS Friday, October 14, 2011 in Durham, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #22 Chris Craven (center) leaps to celebrate with #13 Luke Mullarkey (right) after Craven scored a touchdown against Pierce High in the second quarter of their football game at DHS Friday, October 14, 2011 in Durham, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #45 Erick Shanks (center) tackles against Pierce High's #15 Isaiah Garcia (left) and #55 Andy Zavala (right) in the second quarter of their football game at DHS Friday, October 14, 2011 in Durham, Calif.  

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Shopping Spree Hits Right Target

I spent some time with a group of volunteers who helps 50 kids pick out their winter clothes in a shopping spree at a Target store, partnered with Salvation Army and Chico Rotary. It was a fun event and a nice change in pace with all the "bad" news. The event gave $100 for each kid to get whatever they wanted. This event really is a bit of a kickoff to the generous holiday season. Hopefully donations and volunteering can make this time hopeful for all.

Ashley Donato, 7 (left) is shown a shirt by Celia O'Connell (right) as volunteers take less fortunate kids on a $100 shopping spree at Target with Salvation Army and Chico Rotary Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

I was also able to shoot a short video of the program.

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Chico High Shuts Out Oroville

Chico High's #56 Ted Staiger, #32 Kevin Young, #52 Steven Sullivan and #40 Ricky Greenwade (clockwise from bottom left) tackle against Oroville High's #44 Johnny Graves (center) in the second quarter of their football game at PVHS Asgard Yard Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #24 Kyle Twisselman (right) is tackled against Oroville Highs #24 Tyler Rose (left) in the third quarter of their football game at PVHS Asgard Yard Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #44 Mark Jorgensen (left) rushes against Oroville High's #15 Darion Johnson (right) and #88 Ryan Myers (back) in the third quarter of their football game at PVHS Asgard Yard Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Lighten Up The Night

Ricky Jones, 8 (left) and Jaron Letlow, 8 (right) ride their BMX bikes with the Silver Dollar BMX bicyclists down 3rd St. in Chico's Parade of Lights that shows its festivity with the theme of the Chico Experience through downtown Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Katherine White plays a sousaphone as she marches with Pleasant Valley High School marching band in Chico's Parade of Lights with the theme of the Chico Experience through downtown Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Zoe Newton, 3, Lisa Newton, Gary Newton, and Dax Newton, 9, (left to right) watch Chico's Parade of Lights shows its festivity with the theme of the Chico Experience through downtown Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Raise Your Stein, It's Beer Time

Taylor Smith (left) and Kylee Johnson (right) raise their steins with the others who cheer during the Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest in reference to the German event at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Toasting to the Trail

The Sierra Oro Farm Trail kicked off this weekend, and what a weekend it was. After such a thunderous storm that swept through the are a couple days earlier, today couldn't be better for people to go out and tour local wineries and farms. After traveling to Europe, I had a different perspective on the event. I realized that what event provides is really a unique opportunity for people to explore the great offerings that come from our local area. There was really a lot to see and visit for just two days. With 11 wineries and 17 farms to visit, maybe the event should loose the "trail" and become an expedition.

Teresa Barry (left) and Tracy Gassiot (right) toast to a wine sample as Maria LaRocca (back) continues to serves samples of wine at tasting for people that took a self-guided tour of LaRocca Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Forest Ranch, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Phaedra LaRocca Morill (right) shows Theresa Barry (center) and Tracy Gassiot (left) part of the process of making the wines as people a self-guided tour of LaRocca Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Forest Ranch, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

A view of LaRocca Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend which featured 11 wineries, 17 farms in the area Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Forest Ranch, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Grapes soak up the sun at LaRocca Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend which featured 11 wineries, 17 farms in the area Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Forest Ranch, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Norm Rosene (left) points out a demonstration of what fermenting white wine looks like and what yeast looks like under a microscope for people on a tour of Odyssey Winery and Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Cohasset, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Glenn Loo pours samples of wine for people that take a self-guided tour of Odyssey Winery and Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend which featured 11 wineries, 17 farms in the area Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Cohasset, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Janice Rosene (right) pours samples of wine for Kelly Billinger, visiting from South Carolina as she was visiting a friend and took a self-guided tour of Odyssey Winery and Vineyards on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Cohasset, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

PV's Football Force

Pleasant Valley High's #4 Stevan-dre Stewart (left) is tackled against Shasta High's #18 K.c. Toombs (right) in the first quarter of their football game at PVHS Asgard Yard Friday, October 7, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Pleasant Valley High's #39 Chris German, #51 Harrisson Weathers, #7 Kyle Forbis and #42 Chad Olsen (counter-clockwise from top) tackle against Shasta High's #23 Avery Holley (right) in the first quarter of their football game at PVHS Asgard Yard Friday, October 7, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Mural Maker

I had the opportunity to photograph an artist who just finished painting a mural on the ceiling of Neal Dow School library. While the process of painting the mural seemed challenging, the artwork looked effortless in its aesthetics.

Muralist Marty Parker shows off his finished piece on the ceiling of the Neal Dow School Library Friday, October 7, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Marty Parker underneath the center of his mural on the ceiling of the Neal Dow School Library Friday, October 7, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Hail Brings Havoc

A quick storm blew through the area dumping quarter size hail and bringing thunder and lightning. I was scrambling to get the lightning unaware of the hail that was falling in an small area just west of where I was. It wasn't until I drove back into town that I saw the amount of hail which had collected in the streets. I documented the effects of the storm, like the damage to schools and businesses. The freak storm was so quick and sudden, yet had such a major impact. There was even hail the next day that hadn't melted.

Lightning strikes and rain falls over north Chico as seen from Upper Park as a thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Kevin Jaradah sweeps the pile of hail that fell in front of his convenient store Spikes Bottleshop as thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Stephanie Forbis, Ken Forbis, Andshea Ray, and Kyle Forbis (left to right) walk through hail covered ground after getting a dinner from Tacos El Tapatio Express truck at the intersection of E. 1st Ave and Longfellow Ave as a thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Cars navigate through hail covered streets and light signals power outage at the intersection of E. 1st Ave and Longfellow Ave as a thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Matt Griffis (right) cleans up the water damage in the library of Marsh Jr. High after a thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Kevin Jaradah (left) and Mike Jaradah (center) take a order from Sesar Sanchez (right) who bought some Sierra Nevada beers in their convenient store Spikes Bottleshop, which lost power and used cnadles to light the store, taking cash only and using a calculator as a register, as thunder and hail storm blew through the area creating havoc and power outages Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

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