THE
Ridge
Business Journal
Your resource for what ’s happening on the Ridge!
Connecting the Ridge Business Community
www.paradisechamber.com
Paradise Elementary to reopen August 12, marking a historic return to the Ridge
A rendering of the multi-Purpose entry for the new Paradise Elementary School located in its previous location at 588 Pearson Road. By Sheila Craft Executive Assistant to Superintendent, Betsy Amis Paradise Elementary School will officially reopen its doors on August 12, 2026, welcoming students and families for the 2026–2027 academic year and marking another major milestone in the continued rebuilding of the Ridge. Originally established in 1940, Paradise
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Elementary was the oldest school in the district before it was destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire. Its return symbolizes more than the completion of a modern campus, but the restoration of a cherished community cornerstone and a renewed investment in local children and families. Construction has progressed steadily since the groundbreaking ceremony, with
ELEMENTARY, continues on page A-13
A Section - Spring 2026
Piece of Paradise: A new chapter in rebuilding our community In February 2026, the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce launched the next phase of its long-term economic development strategy: the Piece of Paradise relocation campaign. This initiative is designed to help more people envision The Paradise Ridge as a place to call home. Repopulation is essential to the long-term vitality of our community. New residents mean: • Stronger support for local businesses • Increased school enrollment • A broader tax base • A more resilient local economy Attracting future residents takes more than a short marketing push—it requires consistent visibility, authentic storytelling, and a long-term strategy that builds awareness and trust. That’s why Piece of Paradise is designed as an “always-on” campaign, sustaining engagement and positioning Paradise competitively in the relocation market.
What the campaign highlights The campaign centers on the qualities that make life on the Ridge distinctive and appealing: Affordability compared to many California markets Safety and the ongoing commitment to preparedness and public protection Quality of life where nature and neighborhood intersect Sense of community that grows from people who don’t land here by accident—but come ready to contribute and build Location and access to outdoor amenities, from hiking and biking to nearby lakes and open space
PIECE, continues on page A-15
P A R A D I S E ’ S A N N U A L S P R I N G F E S T I V A L S A B O U N D — Paradise Chocolate Fest celebrates 21 years of sweetening kids’ lives
Kicking ff the 2025 parade was the Air Force Honor Guard from Beale Air Force Base, followed by Gold Nugget float.
Meet the Butte County Fire Safe Council staff and the Ridge’s four legged grazers
Gold Nugget Days:
Honoring Ridge history and tradition Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26, 2026 The Gold Nugget Museum invites you to the 2026 Gold Nugget Days celebration. Join us for an extended weekend of family-oriented festivities.
Grazers at work! The Chocolate Pie Eating Contest is free and always a Fest favorite. By Debbie LaPlant Moseley Executive Director, Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation Paradise Chocolate Fest
• When: Thursday, April 23. Doors open 6:00 p.m. Program 7:00 p.m. • Where: Paradise Performing Art Center, 777 Nunneley Rd., Paradise Candidates compete based on historical costume authenticity, poise, and personality. The winner will be crowned with the historic 14-karat gold crown, crafted by
The 21st Annual Paradise Chocolate & Music Fest will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Terry Ashe Park on the Skyway in Paradise. The family-friendly celebration features Chocolate Candy Land, live music, artisan vendors, food booths, KidzZone activities, and chocolate-themed contests — all benefiting local youth programs. Since 2006, the annual festival has raised more than $440,000 to benefit local nonprofit organizations that provide educational, recreational, enrichment, and leadership opportunities for Ridge youth. Funds help support scholarships, technology upgrades, sports
NUGGET, continues on page A-6
CHOCOLATE, continues on page A-6
Event Schedule
Gold Nugget Queen Contest and Revue
Celebrate community wildfire safety at the Paradise Grazing Festival Saturday, June 6 By Lauren de Terra Director of Community Engagement, Butte County Fire Safe Council Join the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) for the 5th Annual Paradise Grazing Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of community, wildfire preparedness, and our favorite four-legged fuel reducers. Enjoy a full day of live music, vendors, food trucks, and handson goat fun. Festival activities include goat yoga, live grazing demonstrations, a petting zoo, and story time with baby goats, making it easy and fun
GRAZING, continues on page A-6