In Season 2, Episode #6 of Community Builders, we sit down with Katrina Woodcox, Executive Director of The ARC of Butte County, for a heartfelt conversation about advocacy, inclusion, and what it really takes to support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Katrina shares the powerful story behind the ARC’s founding, how a small parent-led movement grew into one of the region’s largest service providers, and what it looks like today to serve over 1,700 individuals across Butte County and beyond. She explains programs like respite care, independent living skills, supported employment, and why human connection is just as important as funding.

On a personal level, Katrina opens up about raising a daughter with autism, the challenges and breakthroughs along the way, and how her journey as a parent shaped her leadership and purpose. Her message is simple but powerful: be kind, be curious, and step outside your comfort zone to build a more inclusive community.

This episode is a reminder that community is strongest when everyone belongs.

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 #5 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Mike Ramsey, Butte County’s longtime District Attorney and one of the most influential figures in the region’s criminal justice system.

Mike shares what it really means to “do justice,” breaking down the often misunderstood role of the District Attorney as the filter between law enforcement and the courts. He walks us through how charging decisions are made, why discretion matters, and how the goal is not simply punishment, but fairness, accountability, and protection for the community.

We also trace Mike’s unconventional path to public service, from growing up in Oroville, to studying math and physics at Berkeley, to working as a newspaper reporter, and ultimately finding his calling in the legal system. Along the way, he reflects on formative moments that shaped his philosophy, including a single case that cemented his belief that justice must always be human.

The conversation widens to the bigger picture, exploring how Chico and Butte County have changed over the decades, why trust and discretion are essential in a functioning system, and what makes this community such a special place to live and serve.

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 #4 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Muir Hughes, the longtime owner of Chico’s beloved downtown bookstore and one of the creative forces behind Chikoko.

Muir shares why bookstores still matter in a world built for speed and convenience, and how simply walking through the door can reconnect people to curiosity, empathy, and each other. She reflects on what she has seen from behind the counter over the years, including how browsing habits and our relationship with discovery have changed in the internet era.

We also dive into Chikoko’s 20 year legacy, including their recent show Beast, how the group built an experimental fashion show from the ground up, and why it resonates so deeply with Chico. Muir breaks down the audition process, the power of local models, and the permission the show gives people to be bold and expressive. She also highlights the Bizarre Bazaar, one of Chico’s most iconic local maker events.

The conversation expands into the bigger picture, exploring how loneliness, screens, and the loss of shared spaces have reshaped connection, and why acts of service may be the clearest path back to community.

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 #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!

Instagram

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)

In Episode #13 of Community Builders, we sit down with Bryce Goldstein, Chico City Council member representing District 7 and a longtime transportation planner, for an in-depth conversation about civic engagement, housing, and what it really takes to make change at the local level.

Bryce shares her journey from attending council meetings as a concerned resident to becoming an elected official. She talks about the importance of showing up, the realities of campaigning, and how she brings together her background in environmental science, her work in the arts, and her deep connection to local advocacy.

Throughout the episode, Bryce opens up about housing affordability, the role of service providers in addressing homelessness, and how the political landscape of the council has shifted toward more collaboration. She also shares her vision for public transportation in Chico, including bus rapid transit and improving access across neighborhoods.

Tune in for a grounded and thoughtful conversation about public service, city planning, and how local leadership can shape a better future for everyone.

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 #12 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge to explore what it takes to lead a modern fire department and protect a growing city in the age of climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving community needs.

Chief Standridge shares his personal path from the Army to the fire service, why he believes firefighting is a calling, and what makes Chico’s department uniquely connected to the community it serves. We talk about the impact of new fire behavior research, the critical importance of training and trust on the job, and the reality of fighting wildland and structure fires in Chico.

He also opens up about the pressures facing today’s firefighters, from arson investigations to wildland fire mitigation, and how community support and city resources play a vital role in public safety.

Whether you’re a resident, policymaker, or just someone who appreciates the work of first responders, this conversation will give you a deeper look at what it means to serve with heart, grit, and humility.

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)