Steve O’Bryan - Class of 1973

steve obryan thumbIf you have ridden a bicycle in Chico, you have benefited from the tireless activism of Steve O’Bryan. Steve and his wife, Katy, have owned and operated Pullins Cyclery since 1984. One of the oldest bicycle establishments in Northern California, the shop was originally purchased by Vern Pullins in 1918. Steve worked for Vern Pullins through high school while participating in cross country and the Letterman Society at PV. After graduating in 1973, Steve attended Butte College and became active in Chico’s fledgling cycling community.

Steve has been a part of Chico Velo Cycling Club since its inception in 1980. He has served on the Bicycle Advisory Committee, advising the City Council on the implementation of the City's Bike Plan and promoting bicycling and bicycle safety in the community. The Bicycle Advisory Committee has also played an integral role in obtaining grant funding for the creation of bike paths around town and schools, allowing for safe and fun bike travel through Chico. Voted Chico's Best Bike Shop seventeen times over the years, Pullins Cyclery has supported multiple non-profits with bicycle and merchandise donations.

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Randy Gilzean - Class of 1977

randy gilzean thumbGrowing up in Chico, Randy attended Sierra View Elementary, Bidwell Junior High, and Pleasant Valley High School, graduating in 1977.  He credits his many outstanding teachers throughout his childhood as well as two parent educators for his interest in pursuing a teaching career.  After completing his BA Degree at CSU-Chico, Randy returned to Bidwell Junior High for student teaching and where he began his coaching profession.  Later he was hired as a full time instructor at Chico Junior High School where he taught History, Geography, Physical Education, and Human Biology.  It was during this time that he helped inaugurate and coach the girls’ volleyball program at Chico High School. 

In 1993, when ninth graders were transferred from the junior highs to the high schools, Randy began teaching at Pleasant Valley as well as serving there as Athletic Director.  Randy spent 15 years in this position and during this time was elected President of the Northern Section Athletic Directors Association.  When he transferred to PV, Randy began coaching girls’ varsity volleyball there, serving 11 years as a head coach.  He also worked for 10 seasons as an assistant for boys’ varsity basketball with Coach Denny Varley, whom he considers the most influential person in his career. 

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Roger Steel - Class of 1967

roger steel thumbRoger began his career as a teacher in Lassen County. He became a 5th-6th grade teacher at Richmond Elementary School with his wife, Suzanne, who became a first grade teacher at Janesville Elementary School. While living in Lassen County for ten years, Roger and Suzanne had two great kids, a daughter, Barbara, and a son, Zachary.

In 1985 Roger was hired by the Chico Unified School District as a Principal/Teacher at Forest Ranch School. He remained there for five years before becoming principal at John McManus School in 1991 and later principal at Chapman School and Sierra View School. While at Chapman School, the school was awarded the California State Achieving School Award for three consecutive years and was named a National Achieving School for one year.

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Jane Dolan - Class of 1967

jane dolan thumbAs a member of Pleasant Valley’s first graduating in 1967, Jane Dolan took advantage of her time at PV to begin a lifelong commitment to serving the Chico Community. While at PV Jane served in Student Government, helped form the Girls Block Society, was assistant yearbook editor and served on the Student Advisory Council. Jane attended CSU Chico where she was elected the Associated Student's President in 1973. She then joined the family business, Dolan Appraisals, and has been a small business owner for over 20 years. First elected as a Butte County Supervisor in 1978, Jane has tirelessly represented Butte County residents for 32 years. Jane has provided strong, consistent support for the preservation of agricultural lands through the Chico Greenline and has served with numerous local agencies ensuring Chico’s quality of life for generations to come. Jane is a fourth generation native of Butte County and married to Bob Mulholland.