In Episode #3 of Season 2 of Community Builders, We sit down with Brandon Slater of Slater & Son Construction, a third generation Chico builder whose family has helped shape the city since 1948.

Brandon reflects on returning to Chico after working in the Bay Area, why his company prioritizes people over growth, and how a family business mindset influences the way they treat employees, clients, and partners. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the community that has supported their work for generations.

The conversation goes deeper into one of Chico’s biggest challenges: housing and homelessness. Brandon walks through his work with CHAT and local organizations, the thinking behind Hope Village, and the housing models he has built to create real paths toward stability. He also explains why affordable housing is so hard to build in California and how Chico can keep pushing for practical solutions without losing the human side of the issue.

If you care about Chico’s future and the people working to strengthen it, this episode offers a grounded look at how community is built through craft, collaboration, and long term care.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen

Segment jingles licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

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YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #2 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with creator and community organizer Lucia Mercado, the force behind Lunar Market, Divine Sundays, and several of Chico’s most vibrant cultural events. Lucia shares her journey from growing up in Riverside to building a life in Chico centered around creativity, inclusion, and community connection.

Lucia talks about how her early experiences shaped her compassion for others and why she believes everyone deserves a place to belong. She walks us through the origins of Lunar Market, how it grew from a small pop-up into a Chico favorite, and why she is committed to keeping her events free, welcoming, and accessible to families of all backgrounds. We discuss the power of creative spaces, the importance of “the weird and alternative,” and how her vendors, musicians, and volunteers have become a community of their own.

Lucia also opens up about her work with Explore Butte County and how she helps highlight the events, organizers, and hidden gems across Butte County. Her story is a reminder of how much can change when someone believes in community, listens to people’s needs, and creates places where everyone is invited to show up as themselves.

Whether you love local events, are curious about Chico’s creative scene, or are someone looking for your own sense of belonging, this episode offers a heartfelt look at how meaningful spaces come to life through passion, courage, and collaboration.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen

Segment jingles licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #1 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico State President Steve Perez for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about leadership, education, and what it truly means to build community in Chico.

President Perez walks us through his journey into higher education, the values that guide his leadership, and why he believes Chico State plays a vital role far beyond the campus borders. We talk about student success, the importance of listening, and how the university is working to create a supportive environment for every student who steps onto campus.

He also shares his perspective on Chico’s future, the connection between local institutions and community wellbeing, and how collaboration between city partners, nonprofits, and the university can shape real change.

Whether you are a student, a Chico resident, or someone who cares about the future of higher education, this conversation offers an honest and inspiring look at how strong communities are built through trust, communication, and a commitment to people.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen

Segment jingles licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)