THE
Ridge
Business Journal
Your resource for what ’swhappening on the Ridge!
Connecting the Ridge Business Community
www.paradisechamber.com
A Section - Spring 2025
RPF brings Mercury Insurance Wildfire Team to tour Paradise The wildfire team from Mercury Insurance visits Paradise. L-R Kelly Butler, VP/Chief Underwriting Officer Mercury Ins., Holly Sacks Manager, Portfolio Underwriting Mercury Ins., Jen Goodlin, Executive Director, Rebuild Paradise Foundation, Rich Lomax, Senior Underwriter Mercury Ins., Trisha Chavez – Underwriting Team Lead Mercury Ins.
Introducing RidgeBucks: Your Local Gift Card for the Ridge!
By Jen Goodlin Executive Director, Rebuild Paradise Foundation In October 2024, Victor Joseph, President of Mercury Insurance, and his wildfire team visited Paradise to witness firsthand the community’s dedication to wildfire mitigation and rebuilding efforts. Hosted by Jen Goodlin, Executive Director of the Rebuild Paradise Foundation (RPF), the tour showcased the
extensive measures residents have taken to make their homes safer and more insurable. During the visit, Goodlin highlighted several homes that were recipients of Rebuild Paradise’s gravel grant program. These homeowners had implemented five feet of defensible space—a critical buffer zone designed to reduce wildfire risk. The tour
INSURANCE, continues on page A-6
The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of RidgeBucks, our community’s own shop-local gift card program. For years, RidgeBucks played a vital role in strengthening our local economy, ensuring that dollars spent on the Ridge stayed right here—supporting businesses and fostering community connections. Following the Camp Fire of 2018, the program was put on hold as the community focused on rebuilding. Now, with new businesses opening and longtime favorites thriving, the time is right for a RidgeBucks revival!
Meet Bucky, the Face of RidgeBucks!
To celebrate the return of RidgeBucks, we’re introducing “Bucky,” our brand-new mascot dedicated to promoting local shopping. Keep an eye out for Bucky! Businesses that accept RidgeBucks will display Bucky signage, reminding everyone that shopping local means investing in Paradise’s future.
Why RidgeBucks? • Shop Local, Support Community – Keep local dollars circulating within the Ridge!
RIDGEBUCKS,
continues on page A-22
PA R A D I S E ’ S A N N U A L S P R I N G F E S T I VA L S A B O U N D — Paradise Chocolate Fest Meet Bucky - The friendly face of RidgeBucks, Paradise Chamber’s celebrates 20 years of shop-local gift card program. “Sweetening Kids Lives” 2024 Gold Saturday, May 10 Nugget Queen Grace Buzzard
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with her escort Caden Williamson.
Gold Nugget Days:
Celebrating the history and traditions within our Ridge communities, April 24-27 By Brian Gray President, Gold Nugget Days Inc., Gold Nugget and Depot Museums Join your Gold Nugget Museum and other Ridge community organizations for a family, fun filled Gold Nugget Days extended weekend, Thursday through Sunday, April 24-27, 2025.
Gold Nugget Queen Contest and Revue
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - The 2025 Queen will be selected from seven worthy candidates. Activities begin 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. at the Paradise Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the Museum, at the door, and on EVENTBRITE. The cost is just $15.00! The candidates will be judged on historical authenticity of costume, poise, personality, and portfolio. The 2025 Queen will be crowned with the historic 14 karat yellow
NUGGET, continues on page A-21
California Conservation Corps (CCC) volunteers run the goat photobooth.
The towering chocolate fountain, always a favorite, is managed by the delightful Rainbow Girls. By Debbie LaPlant Moseley Executive Director, Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation Paradise Chocolate Fest Ranked among the top festivals in the state, Paradise Chocolate Fest celebrates its 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 10th, from 9 AM to 5 PM at Terry Ashe Park on the Skyway in Paradise. This deliciously fun, all-day event promises a sweet experience for the entire family. Indulge your senses at Chocolate Candy Land, where you’ll discover a world of chocolate wonders from decadent treats to a towering chocolate fountain. Explore stalls brimming with indulgent desserts, sweet confections, and scoops of irresistible ice cream.
CHOCOLATE, continues on page A-20
Goats at Work!
Celebrate Fire-Smart Land Management at the Grazing Festival, Sun. June 1 By Lauren de Terra Director of Community Engagement, Butte County Fire Safe Council Join the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) and our favorite grazers for the 4th Annual Paradise Grazing Festival! Enjoy a free, funfilled day with activities for the whole family. Experience live music, vendors, food trucks, and of course, delightful goat activities like goat yoga, demonstrations, a petting zoo, story time
GRAZING, continues on page A-21