Party

Chico has a very dynamic culture. In Chico we celebrate for no very good apparent reason, other than for its own sake. Parties (also called special events, or public gatherings) are a prevalent form of cultural activity in Chico.

Although there are many and varied kinds of parties, the main factor in classifying parties in Chico is whether or not there will be alcohol. Parties with alcohol have been a tradition for many years. However, in the most recent era there has been a significant increase in the problems associated with alcohol at parties in Chico. See Police riot.

Parties with alcohol

Parties with alcohol have grown smaller and more private and isolated over the years. Whereas, for instance, there used to be parties with a thousand or eleven-hundred people, today there are 10 parties each with a hundred people. Due to police enforcement, these events have grown smaller and more isolated.

Fraternities and sororities used to hold parties with alcohol. However, pressure and influence from the university administration and police on their governing bodies the Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council, have lead to a ban on alcohol at official houses. This has naturally lead to the formation of "unofficial" or "annex" houses.

Parties without alcohol

Parties with music

See also Music scene

Whether it is a band, a DJ or just a loud stereo system, music plays a large role in almost every party. See also Noise Ordinance.

How to Throw a Party

Talk to neighbors about your party well in advance, making sure they understand how long it will last and how big it will be. Be honest and give your neighbors a paper with the party date, your name and phone number. Ask them to call you if the noise gets too loud or if your guests get out of hand — they're more likely to give you a call before calling the cops! If neighbors do call, be responsible and ask your guests to keep it in control.

Provide some form of security. Have some people at the event who are responsible for the event who are sober.

Have food Provide some sort of munchies, or people become too drunk too fast. As the host, you may be held responsible for any injuries/accidents that occur as a result of somebody getting too drunk at your party.

Plan your alcohol needs. Two to four kegs should be sufficient for a large undergraduate party unless you are providing hard liquor. Make it a BYOB party if you expect minors or drunks — police will hold you responsible for supplying liquor to minors. Graduate student parties require fewer kegs and guests are more likely to contribute to your party in the form of alcohol or snacks. See also Liquor stores.

Party-proof your house. Spend a little money on some cheap wood stakes and a roll of black plastic, easily found at a hardware store, to create a wall around your yard and extend your party zone. Have your sober person monitor the entrance to be aware of who is attending your party and shield any acts of debauchery. Keep in mind that encouraging guests to party outside increases your chances of a noise violation!

Close all doors and windows Police can enter through any open doors and see through open windows — this leaves you subject to the "Plain View" law which justifies subsequent searches. Although police have used the noise ordinance as probable cause to enter, you may be able to delay their entry by meeting them at the door and asking them for their identification, etc.

Bathrooms Make sure there's plenty of toilet paper and guests have sufficient bathroom access... neighbors get bummed out to find your guests pissing in their yard.

Be proactive in dealing with problem guests. If guests get out of hand it is better if you are able deal with it immediately, rather than have it escalate to where you want police there.

If the police arrive keep in mind that you can always use the line, "Officer I do not consent to any searches." This, however, doesn't protect you if officers either enter through an open door or they have reason to search because of acts visible or audiable through open windows/doors. If you experience a legitimate violation of your rights, we encourage you to post your experiences on our Police Misconduct Stories page in addition to reporting the incident and taking legal action.

Provide for trash receptacles and clean-up. Have a plan for clean-up by a designated time early in the morning after the party. Have a clean-up committee designated before the party. Finally, you may even choose to have a "clean-up party."

Minors in possession

The Chico police have made enforcement against minors in possession (aka MIP) of alcohol a priority. Butte County does not offer a "diversion program" for this offence. The sentence for MIP includes a one year driver license suspension.

If you are under 21 and in possession of alcohol at a party, you should be mindful to find a way to ditch your beverage before police see you at all times.

Types of parties

  • pre party
  • after party
  • house party
  • apartment party
  • birthday party
  • themed party
    • XYZ-party (where the party host designates three letters of the alphabet each of which is a theme of the party)
    • Dukes-of-Hazard party - Bo, Luke and Daisy
    • pimps-n-hos party - another good scantily clad theme
    • toga party - Greek community event
  • block party - possibly arcane concept
  • working party
    • clean-up party
  • going-away party
  • graduation party

Party Supplies

Other parties

Comments

2008-10-12 14:21:54   Why is everyone giving the finger in the picture? Before I took it I hollered, "I'm with the university president's office YOU'RE ALL EXPELLED! ." —GregBard

2008-10-13 08:03:24   I seem to remember a video a few years back of President Zingg walking through 5&I on Halloween and having scantily-clad girls hugging him and such. It was supposed to be an interview for the Orion. —DavidStillman

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