AN UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN CHICO

What's happening downtown - 
and what's ahead!

June 2, 2026 

Celeste Cramer has been General Manager of the Downtown Chico Business Association since August 2025. In that time, she has doubled the organization's donations, expanded downtown events and programming, launched the "We Are Downtown Chico" campaign to spotlight local business owners, and introduced a strategic plan to strengthen the organization and the downtown business community.

Celeste brings more than 20 years of experience in business operations, nonprofit management, and community development, including roles as CEO, Executive Director, and Development Director. She has a track record of guiding organizations through growth and change, and of building partnerships among businesses, local government, and community members.

With deep ties to Chico through both her work and her volunteer service—including the Chico Police Community Advisory Board—Celeste is committed to making downtown a hub for business growth, culture, and community connection.

DEEJAY LINEUP

  • Team in Charge: The Black Hearts!
  • Reporter: Jolene Church
  • Microphones: Sima Saboury & Mark Pierce
  • Thought of the Day: Dorian Dodds
  • Opening Hit: “Fame” – David Bowie

 

 


Team Report

Marteen Otway had a mic-drop performance with an incredible list of events and activities for the Black Hearts. 

In addition to their team meeting , they had socials with the Rick Rolls and Love Cats. They worked on a team project at Haven House and had a social afterwards at Joe's. They volunteered at the Chocolate Festival. They had another social with the Love Cats, followed by a social/team project where they gathered over 4,000 diapers for the Drug Endangered Children Program. They cooked and served food at the Chico High Welding Competition. They complete a family-friendly bench and landscaping at Oak Bridge Academy, and they've continued to donate to CASA. 

Holy cow, Black Hearts! You brought your A-game to this meeting! Thanks for everything you do. 

 

✨👉 UPCOMING GIGS 👈✨ 

  • Tue, June 9 - Club Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 a.m. at Mom's

  • Tue, June 9 - Enloe Cancer Center Lunch and Tour (off site meeting!). Cost is $10; sign up by Tuesday, June 2!

  • Tue, June 16 - Winning Team Party and President Rob's Post-Game Show!

  • Tue, June 23 - Demotion, 5:30 p.m., Sierra Nevada Big Room (Tickets are $60.)

  • Tue, June 30 - DARK (No weekly meeting)

  • Subscribe to the Chico Rotary calendar

Click here for the Master List of Upcoming Events 

 

GUESTS & VISITING ROTARIANS

  • Rex Moseley, Oroville Sunrise Rotary
  • Daisy Wu (Mark Johnson)
  • Kari Johnson (Mark Johnson)
  • Michael Lawrence (Evan Markey)
  • Kyle Bauer (Jessica Eagles)
  • Kelly Hudson (Philip Aviles)
  • Dan Landis (Tanya Quackenbush)
  • Audrey Taylor (Judy Katz)

 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Jolene Francis gave a rundown of the logistics for the lunch meeting field trip on June 9 to the new Enloe Cancer Center. 

There will be a quick talk, a tour of the facility, and a picnic lunch outside. 

The cost is $10, and members need top sign up in the back by this Tuesday, June 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Keith seemed especially happy to be completing his final responsibility as the most recent president before President Rob: planning President Rob's Demotion Party. 

It will be on June 23, at 5:30 pm, in the Sierra Nevada Big Room. 

Tickets are $60/person, and more information will be coming soon.

 

 

 

 

President Rob announced a need for Rotary volunteers at the CARD 4th of July parade. 

Volunteers are needed from 8:00-10:30 am, and this will be the first chance to earn points for your new team in President-elect Beau McSwain's year. 

President Rob also asked for help at the Stansbury Ice Cream Social on June 26. 

Interested members should contact Dino Corbin or Tim Colbie.

 


 

Charlotte Hall shared the exciting news that we have exceeded our club wide Paul Harris giving goal with several weeks remaining. 

She also announced that our Rotary Zone is number two in the entire world for Paul Harris donations! 

A number of members were recognized with Paul Harris pins for their generous donations.


 

NEW TALENT

Next up, President Rob welcomed the newest member of Chico Noon Rotary: Michael Lawrence. 

Sponsor Evan Markey of the Love Cats shared fascinating information about Michael's life and career, including that he played professional baseball in the California Angels' organization. 

Currently, he is an account manager at Vitalent. 

Welcome to Chico Noon Rotary!

 

FEATURED PERFORMANCE

 

Rotary Exchange Student: 
Daisy Wu

Daisy Wu treated us to a wonderful presentation on her family and the culture of her home country, Taiwan. 

She spent time explaining the geography and climate of Taiwan, as well as the culture and lifestyle of the largest city, Taipei. 

She especially noted the inclusivity and wonderful food available in Taipei. 

Daisy spoke warmly about the friends, experiences, and connections from her exchange student experience.

 

 


Walk Off Single: “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
 

Photographer: Luke Milliron
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