9: Nov-22-2021 Christmas Preview

It  was a night of merriment and joy as people took to the streets, shops and downtown skating rink to ring in another holiday season for the  downtown business district. I took a break from the hubbub for a few beers at Duffy's Tavern. The bar was doing a brisk business with short staff, a common theme downtown and nationwide as our workforce rebounds from still lingering affects of the global pandemic. The Ice Skating rink was bustling with skaters and onlookers experiencing a downtown ice skating experience for the first time in the city's history, as Christmas music filled the chilly late November air. The  controversy surrounding the City of Chico's decision to use taxpayer funds for the project was silent as laughter and the sound of blades  filled the air. I spoke with Paul Westbecker, a familiar face downtown in his wheelchair  and Stoble Coffee hat about his thoughts on the rink. Let's take a  listen... I grew up in New England ice skating on frozen ponds and lakes and have fond memories of the thrill of the glide. Even the bruises from falls  and hockey collisions seem nostalgic with time. I'm happy for the glee  of children, especially the two-year-old who, in the arms of her dad,  skated right in front of me at the rails. We have so much that divides  us politically and economically that it's only logical that a seasonal  Ice Rink would be another divisive chapter. I largely agree and  sympathize with the impacts to the Paradise ice rink business, the  questionable use of city funds and the ugly fencing that consumed all of  the parking areas and created hazardous walking and bicycling  conditions. Yet I see the clear community benefits of fostering a public  event that brings people together for merriment and social bonding that  has been so past due during months of lock-downs, mask mandates,  vaccines and bashing of each other for our personal choices in how we  responded to Covid-19. At least for one night there was nothing but  peace and goodwill in the downtown vibe. Guillermo  Mash host of The Chico Vibe wishing you and yours a safe, happy and  gratitude filled Thanksgiving week. Please share The Chico Vibe with  your friends and family and subscribe to our daily, Chico Vibe, podcast  on all major streaming platforms. Until the next time. Always remember,  if you have a roof be grateful.