Downtown Secrets

Secrets live in the basements and attics of the old brick buildings in Downtown Chico and Oroville. One man knows of a few such secrets, sealed off and abandoned in dark dusty rooms, untouched and unseen for decades. He is Jim the Inspector, who is hired by buyers and sellers of houses and buildings to check for problems with wires, pipes, wood, concrete, and all things structural. He owns a reputation of thoroughness. Jim says he took to heart his mentor’s words: “People pay us to do this job the right way. The job of going where other people don’t go. It’s where we find the big stuff. If we can get there, we go.”

Jim had finished inspecting the main floor and second story of an old downtown building and asked the owner where he could find access to the basement. “We don’t have a basement,” said the owner. Jim knew better. He was sure the whole block of buildings on that street stood over a basement area. He went below the adjoining buildings and found old openings through the foundation wall into the basement in question, but the openings were sealed shut with brick and concrete.

Jim searched the perimeter of the building, and then the interior again, finding no sign or clue of any door, hatch, or secret panel to the area below, but it had to be there. Jim focused on a back room on the main level that had a section of floor covered in pre-war linoleum, a likely spot for an access door. Buried under that linoleum, perhaps? He told the owner of his hypothesis.

“Well, now I’m curious,” said the owner. He produced a flat-bar and hammer and chipped up the old linoleum straightaway. There it was, a hinged square hatch-cover cut into the thick sub-flooring. The hatch cover lifted smoothly, exposing a narrow iron circular stairway spiraling down into the darkness below. Jim descended, and came upon a half-circular bar and eight bar stools.

“It was as if they had just left,” said Jim. “I could picture the scene in my mind.” The picture of women in flapper dresses and pearls, men in jazzy suits and fedora hats, laughing and drinking illegal booze in their private prohibition-era speakeasy.

“Where is this treasure?” one might ask. Jim’s answer would be, “Somewhere beneath an old building in the Northern Sacramento Valley.”

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

We interviewed three agents and by far, Sherry Calbert shined above the others. She was very friendly, personable and upbeat with a very positive attitude. I could tell she had a lot of experience and she was very energetic.

In addition to the excellent way that she handled every aspect of selling our house, her communication skills are top notch. She kept me informed right away and thoroughly. Also, what I really appreciated was her continual upbeat positive attitude which helped me stay positive throughout the selling period.

Sherry Calbert's honest and professional approach to all matters and attention to detail was very impressive." -

Vikki Gillett, Chico

New Construction Ranch Style Home on 1 1/4 acre in Paradise, CA. 2,869 square feet, 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 5 Car Oversized Garage, Gas Fireplace, Hot Tub, Covered Decking, RV full hookups, view of Ponds out back. Garage has Epoxy finished flooring (over 1,600 square feet of garage space), Concrete circular driveway, Full decking front and back with backside wrap around (over 1,200 square feet of decking), New Hot Springs 6 person Hot Tub, RV pad with full hookups (20' x 45' concrete pad) with gravel wrap around drive makes for easy RV access. This home has so much to offer and not enough space to list it all! Call today for a showing! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,869 Price: $695,000

This is a beautiful country property near the Sacramento river in Glenn County! There is a gorgeous 2005 custom built home sitting on a 20 acre parcel with income producing Almonds (Nonpareil (50%), Carmel (25%), Aldrich (25%)) planted in 2005. You are going to feel like you are at a luxurious resort when you walk out through the tiled patio to the swimming pool surrounded by the beautiful landscaping and almond trees. Inside the house you will find a large living room with high ceilings, a spacious kitchen with an island, pantry, and a walk-in bar area. The master bedroom has a door to the back patio, nice built-in cabinets, a master bathroom that has a jetted tub, a walk-in shower, and a huge closet! This is a special property! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,328 Price: $1,300,000

How can I help you? Call me today!

(530) 514-4855

SherryLinnCalbert@gmail.com

Acreage: 65.31 Price: $1,690,000

Almond orchard in a prime spot in Orland near the freeway. Approximately 65 total acres in 3 separate parcels. About 60 acres planted with 5th year Independence, a self-fertile almond variety. Root pack R. The orchard should be in full production this coming season. There is a well that was installed when the trees were planted (around 5 years ago). Irrigated with micro sprinklers. All new fences and gates. There used to be a house on the front parcel (3789 County Rd 99) that was torn down.

#2 in Production for 2022 and a consistent Centurion Award winner!

"Our whole family has worked with Effie on many occasions. She always stays on top of things and looks out for our best interest. She is a wonderful real estate agent and most importantly a beautiful person, inside and out. Our whole family loves her and appreciates her truthfulness and her ability to make things run smoothly during the saw of our home(s)."

-John & Kathy O’Donnell

Escape the noise of city life and settle into tranquility at this home nestled well into Canyon Oaks, Chico’s most sought-after gated community. This property offers ample natural lighting throughout with an open concept floor plan on the top floor. There you’ll find a beautiful kitchen—with granite countertops, loads of cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances—which opens to a full dining room and living room with a gas fireplace. The 2-car garage, laundry room with included washer & dryer, and first bedroom and bathroom are also located on the top floor, perfect for accommodating guests. On the bottom floor, you’ll find the massive primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom complete with dual vanity, walk-in shower with dual shower heads, privacy toilet door, his-and-hers closet, one of which with a large walking closet. The bottom floor is also home to a sizable third bedroom, bathroom with shower-in-tub, and expansive media room. With energy rates on the rise, you’ll love this home’s energy-saving features like ceiling fans in every bedroom and dual-zone HVAC, allowing you to control each floor’s climate independently of the other. For those with attachment issues, this home offers more storage opportunities than you could imagine.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,164 Price: $539,500

Price: $44,500

Situated in a wonderful neighborhood in lower Paradise with an easy commute to Chico, this amazing property once held a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1370 sqft home with a 2 car garage. The previous home was on PID water, septic tank and had a natural gas. The seller does not have information about the condition of the septic tank—buyer to investigate.

Located on a private cul-de-sac, this Paradise lot was once home to an elegant residence. Still remaining are the beautiful wrought iron entry gate with its brick work, a pond, paved driveway etc. The property is connected to PID water and condition of septic is unknown to seller. Buyer to investigate.

Price: $55,000

Own a piece of PARADISE!!! If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $59,000