Despite the 100 degree weather, about 80 homeless sympathizers gathered in front of the Chico City Council chambers last night to hold a vigil for Steven Van Zandt, a homeless man who was camping at Tiechert Ponds along with many other homeless people. Van Zandt, 51 years old, a former chef, father and grandfather, was shot about 2:00a.m. Saturday morning by unknown vigilantes and probably bled to death waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Another homeless man, known to his fellow campers only as “Segue,” was also shot but survived and is at Enloe Hospital.

Mourners gather in front of city council chambers.

Vigil participants send strong message to City Council.

Message to CPD.

Another message to CPD.

It’s believed that the killers were teenagers.

Mourner bows her head during group’s moment of silence for the slain man.

Steven Van Zandt – homeless at the time of his death. Former chef (on right), father and grandfather. “May Steven rest in peace.”

The other day I was riding my bike past the Pageant Theatre and saw that the door was open. It looked like something was happening inside so I stopped to see what was going on.

                                                What’s going on at the Pageant?

A few days later I got an e-mail update from the Pageant folks and it looks like the iconic theater will be re-opening after some needed repairs have been done.

I’ve been mourning the loss of the Pageant ever since the pandemic caused its closure more than a year ago. It felt like a personal loss to me every time I rode by and saw the door shut tight. Before the pandemic, my husband and I would go practically every Friday night, sit in our favorite seats and watch some of the best “art house” films available anywhere.

                       Since the pandemic, the Pageant has been closed.

            Before the pandemic, Pageant fans wait patiently for the door to open.

You can meet some of the most interesting people standing in line at the Pageant.

                     You might even run into a famous film maker at the Pageant.

Some patrons are so excited to be at the Pageant that they break out into song.

                             Jonathan and Lin break out into song.

When it re-opens, check out the Pageant Theatre (again)! See you there!