By Marshel Couso
Welcome to our weekly feature dedicated to covering Susanville and Lassen County’s business scene! Grand openings, new employees, renovations, new hours… each week we’ll keep you up to date with important information about the businesses you rely on.
Grappling Bear Family Jiu Jitsu
Grappling Bear Family Jiu Jitsu has announced a new community initiative designed to empower local women through self-defense. The gym is now offering a Free Women’s Jiu Jitsu Class every Monday evening, creating an accessible space for women to learn vital skills, build confidence and connect with others.
The classes take place Mondays at 5:30p.m. at the gym’s location at 2100 Main Street, inside the Lassen Axe building. The program is open to all women ages 12 and up.
For Coach Terra Avilla, the driving force behind the program, removing financial barriers was essential.
“I started this free women’s class because I honestly believe knowing how to defend yourself is something every woman should have access to, no strings attached,” explains Avilla. “Less than one percent of the world trains jiu‑jitsu, and only a tiny fraction of that are women, so every woman who walks through our doors really matters to me.”
The initiative received immediate backing from the gym’s leadership. Avilla noted that when she brought the concept to Professor George, the gym’s owner and black belt, he didn’t hesitate. “It was an instant yes, and that support from the top has helped us grow a room full of strong women and has been incredible for the culture of our whole gym.”
A “Supportive and Silly” Atmosphere
The class is designed to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of athletic background. Avilla emphasizes that the goal is simply to create a space where women of “every age, size, and fitness level” can step on the mat and walk out a little taller than they walked in.
According to Avilla, the culture on the mats is unique – supportive, welcoming and even “a little silly.”
“I’ve met some of my best friends on this mat,” says Avilla. “The room is full of women who are all here for their own reasons. Some want to get in shape, some want to learn real skills, some just need to get out of the house for an hour and do something that’s just for them.”
Building Real Confidence
Beyond the physical exercise and camaraderie, the core of the class is about realization and empowerment.
“The coolest part is watching women realize, ‘Oh, I can actually do this,’ the first time they hit a technique or escape a bad position,” Avilla adds. “That moment is exactly why this class will always be free.”
Katie Cuypers Interiors Free Community Recycle Programs
Susanville residents now have two new ways to reduce local waste and support local animals, thanks to an initiative sponsored by Katie Cuypers Interiors. The local business has launched two free community recycling programs through Terracycle, targeting items that are typically difficult to recycle: plastic pet food bags and cigarette waste.
“I started this recycling program to help both the community and the animals,” says business owner Katie Cuypers. “There is a need in our area for recycle programs and I hope people will participate in these.”
Pet Food and Litter Bag Recycling
The first program, which began last September, focuses on plastic pet food and cat litter bags. This initiative serves a dual purpose: keeping plastic out of the landfill and generating funds for a local cause.
Through the Terracycle platform, the program receives points for recycling specific brands, though all brands are accepted. Cuypers has collaborated with the Lassen Humane Society to donate these points, which Terracycle then converts into a cash donation.
“The pet food bag recycling effort supports the humane society, which in turn benefits the Lassen Animal Shelter, while also keeping a lot of plastic bags out of the landfill,” explains Cuypers. “The pet food bag program lets people who can’t afford to give money to the Lassen Humane Society contribute by recycling their pet food bags.”
How it works: Community members can drop off empty bags at four designated bin locations. To be eligible for recycling, bags must be plastic (Paper-lined bags cannot be accepted) dry and clean.
The program accepts everything from dog and cat food bags to livestock feed bags. Cuypers also has an arrangement to collect bags from the Lassen Animal Shelter weekly. Since September, the program has already recycled over 100 pounds of bags.
Drop-off Locations:
- Milwood Florist & Nursery
- Sit Spot Canine Center
- Robert’s Ranch (Johnstonville)
- Thompson Peak Veterinary Clinic
“I never imagined how much it would grow,” Cuypers adds. “What began as collecting bags for the Lassen Animal Shelter has expanded to include local cat rescues, ranchers and the rest of the community.”
Cigarette Waste Recycling
The second program, launched in November, targets one of the most common forms of litter: cigarette butts.
“I started with these two programs because they both mean a lot to me. It is impossible to go anywhere without seeing a cigarette butt on the ground,” says Cuypers. “While this program won’t stop people from littering, it might encourage people start a community clean up or recycle their own cigarette butts.”
Residents can recycle cigarette butts, filters, loose tobacco pouches, outer plastic, inner foil packaging, and rolling paper. Participants must ensure the waste is fully extinguished and placed in a plastic or Ziploc bag.
While this specific program does not generate donation points, it plays a vital role in cleaning up the local environment. Cuypers has already partnered with Diamond Mountain Casino for weekly pickups, helping divert 6 pounds of waste from the landfill so far.
How to Get Involved
Both programs are fully sponsored by Katie Cuypers Interiors, and Cuypers is hoping to add more recycling options in the future. Businesses or community members interested in participating in the cigarette waste program can schedule a pick-up directly.
For more information or to schedule a pick-up call Cuypers at 1.530.715.5324 or via Facebook Messenger.
Grand Cafe Susanville
The Grand Cafe in historic uptown Susanville, which has been undergoing a complete renovation, is now fully insulated, top to bottom, and according to owner Judith Lowry it is going to be very efficient energy-wise now.
Along with the new insulation in the walls and ceiling the sheet rock has now arrived and is almost completed.
“I would like to thank folks for their patience over the course of this restoration,” explains Lowry. “We have also had to be patient with the deep renovation and strict observance of modern codes and standards as well as many other obstacles.”
Lowry commended the Monath construction crew for their hard work and steady dedication to his project.
“Their pride for this town is evident in their meticulous work as they labor to deliver not only a quality product, but also a beautiful one. Speaking for myself and my husband, we are looking forward to hiring the best, most qualified, staff we can in order to make every diner’s experience a stellar one. Special thanks to the Sargents for trusting us with this labor of love. It’s been an adventure!”
Diamond Mountain Golf Course
As the winter frost begins to thaw, Diamond Mountain Golf Course is gearing up for the course’s 2026 season. Whether you are a seasoned local pro or a newcomer looking to refine your swing, the course is currently offering several ways to get involved – both on the green and behind the scenes.
Exclusive Early Bird Membership Savings
Now is the ideal time to secure your access to the fairways. Diamond Mountain is currently offering a $100 discount on all Annual Memberships. This limited-time promotion is designed to reward early birds who commit to their game before the spring rush.
The $100 discount off any Annual Membership tier is available through March 31st. All memberships are available for purchase at City Hall.
Join the Team: Career Opportunities
Beyond the greens, Diamond Mountain Golf Course is looking to expand its seasonal staff. If you enjoy a fast-paced outdoor environment and high-quality customer service, consider applying for one of the following open positions:
- Pro-Shop Attendant: Ideal for individuals with strong interpersonal skills who can manage retail operations and tee-time scheduling.
- Cart Attendant: A great role for those who enjoy being active and ensuring that the course’s fleet is maintained and ready for play.
These roles offer a unique opportunity to work in a scenic environment while contributing to the local golfing community. For more information visit the Human Resources page at the Susanville City website.
Is something noteworthy happening with your business? Let us know about it! Each Thursday morning, we present a round-up of interesting news from the Lassen County business scene and we want to hear from you. E-mail your business news to Marshel at [email protected].
