April 2025

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FROM THE PUBLISHER On a recent visit to the Pacific Northwest, I entered a close friend's home and was immediately greeted by a scent I knew all too well.

It was a familiar fragrance that was once a mainstay at my home from one of the nation's larger home aroma retailers. Though I hadn't filled my house with the fragrance in some time, the nostalgia was undoubtedly there, evoking a certain warmth and plenty of pleasant memories.

As my time there carried on, I began to notice a different feeling— my eyes started to itch and water, my lungs felt tight, my nose started to run, and I found myself coughing during conversation.

I excused myself to the bathroom to rinse my eyes and pop a Benadryl, wondering what I had come in contact with that was providing such an extreme reaction. When I approached the sink, I was hit with another strong dose of the aroma from a nearby wall plug-in, and the culprit became immediately apparent—the fragrance that I had come to love was no longer welcome in my body.

As the years progress, I've found that I'm becoming more reactive to the allergens in my environment. It turns out I'm not alone. As we age, our bodies change in several ways—some obvious and others more subtle. It turns out new allergies are one of these—an unwelcome realization for someone who never got along well with seasonal allergies to begin with. As a result, I started on a path to conquer allergic reactions years ago through allergy shots, but even that foundation was no match for the home fragrance. On the other hand, two Benadryl gave me the nap I needed for my body to finally reset.

When I returned home, I found an article titled 'Tips for a Safer Spring Cleaning' by Chico Refill's owner, Sarah Trent, in my inbox.

Serendipitously, it was exactly what I needed to read. In the article, she details the VOCs and harmful chemicals inherent in so many of the products we use to clean and provide scent inside our homes. Needless to say, it was an eye-opener for me. With spring cleaning coming up quick, it's an article you won't want to miss, and you’ll find it on page 15.

This issue provides several ways to make your home a healthier and safer environment for yourself, the others who live there, and those who visit, without sacrificing those little creature comforts that make it feel like home. I'm currently on the hunt for an alternate way to get that aroma I loved back in my house without the chemicals and ensuing face meltdown they offer. I hope this issue starts you on a journey where you find the same.

UPGRADED LIVING AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher JASON CORONA Sales Director MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive SHELLY BRANDON Writer TIM MILHORN Writer MATTHEW SYLVIA Writer MELANIE WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Story Photographer

CONTRIBUTORS DOUG LOVE Real Estate

SARAH TRENT Cleaning

DOLORES MITCHELL Art

ALISA LEROUX Gardening

IN MEMORIUM It’s with great sadness that I announce the passing of my grandma Sally Dimas on February 22, 2025. Although I am devastated, I find peace knowing she is no longer suffering. Being her primary caregiver for 3.5 years I know she absolutely got to live out her life in the place she wanted to most, right in the comfort of her home. At 93, she had traveled many places, both abroad and in the country, she painted a lot of paintings both at home and on location (distance didnt matter) and she sold a lot of houses and ran two businesses. To say she lived her life to the fullest would be an understatement.

Forever missed, Sarah [Sally] Katherine Dimas 5/27/1931 - 2/22/2025

Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher

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For sales inquiries, please contact: Jason Corona, 530.591.2634 jason@upgradedliving.com

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CONTENTS | APRIL 2025 HOME & GARDEN 15 Sarah Trent of Chico Refill discusses the harsh chemicals in standard cleaning products and what can be done to mitigate their effects.

11 A Chico icon goes up for sale, and a local group arises to rescue it.

Discover the foundation determined to save the El Rey.

20 Inside Out Landscaping partners with Work Training Center to offer professional cleaning and landscaping you can feel good about.

39 North Valley Catholic Social Service is on a mission to help those in need throughout Butte County and beyond.

Find out how you can help make their dreams a reality.

22 Family-owned and operated, North Rim Furniture immortalizes memories in every item they create.

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25 Bid those single-use plastic jugs farewell with Fresh Haven, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for your laundry room.

28 The Ohannesians find a way to beat the heat and high electricity costs of Northern California with a little help from their friends at Urban Design.

30 Doug Love remembers a time when he was forced to clean up his act.

46 Seeing spots? They're easier to remove than you might think. Culligan of Chico dishes on our local water and how to clean like a pro.

61 Alisa LeRoux discusses proper garden planning this spring and how to determine which fruits and vegetables are most worthy of the space you have available.

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ART 44 Reta Rickmers dazzles with her artistry.

Explore her paintings—including her door and ravens series—in this month's artist spotlight.

58 Cool Kid Brett McGuire takes the local welding world by storm. Discover her newest project that will soon be a permanent fixture at Chico's Caper Acres.

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COMMUNITY & MORE

48 Jason Corona visits Thao's, Downtown Chico's newest restaurant offering, and as he found out, it's one you won't want to miss.

51 Yoon Chao Farm opens its doors to a dazzling array of berries this season.

Meet the incredible family behind this exciting operation.

54 Wondering what to do with all those berries? Look no further than this month's blackberry apple crisp recipe!

COVER STORY 35 Debbie Midling and Ronelle Melton offer a new take on living by design as they inspire and transform spaces across the North Valley with their construction and design company, PMS Remodeling.

ON THE COVER: DEBBIE MIDLING AND RONELLE MELTON AT PMS REMODELING

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Save The El Rey WRITTEN BY MATTHEW SYLVIA

The El Rey Theater, on W. Second Street in Downtown Chico, appropriately translates to “The King.” It has been hailed by many titles since its construction in 1905, including: “The Majestic,” “The American,” and “The National.” As a center for arts and culture in our city, the El Rey has undergone numerous rebirths while witnessing over a century of tumult and change in our nation.

Today, as the current owners of the building seek to sell, and as a nonprofit seeks to purchase and transform the space, an opportunity for rebirth arises again.

The Majestic swapped hands in its first decades of operation. In the 1920s, a San Francisco theater chain purchased the building, along with a few other theaters in Chico, and renamed it The National. In 1939, it was rechristened as The American and would prosper throughout the early wartime cinema boom in the 1940s. However, The American’s success would be short-lived, as tragedy struck, and a midnight arson would gut the theater's interior in 1946, collapsing the roof and leaving most of the space destroyed.

Originally built by the Elks Lodge's local chapter, the expansive building's floor level was leased out and would become the El Rey’s first iteration, the Majestic Theater. Its first screenings included locally filmed pictures of Chico’s Fire Department, captured film depicting the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and popular movies on the national film circuit. Having been operated from such an early date, the theater is one of California's oldest continually operated film houses and also one of the oldest movie theaters in the United States.

The owner at the time, T&D Jr. Enterprises, vowed to restore and reopen. In 1948, they did just that. For the restored theater, they borrowed signage from another property they owned, a Bay Area theater named the El Rey. For the next 57 years, it flourished, bringing popular film to the people of Chico, adorned with iconic murals of faeries by artist Martin Ravenstein and championed in residents' memories.

It was in 2005 that the first bumps of modernism arrived on the El Rey’s road.

Competition from the local multiplex

became too great, and the El Rey, as a movie theater, shut down. For a few years, it was rumored that the building was doomed to become office and retail space, with an underground parking lot to be constructed.

However, as seems to be the historical trend with the theater, new owners Eric Hart and Justin Maximov acquired the building in 2007, revamping it as a “specialty cinema house and live performance venue.” They pushed to utilize the El Rey at its full artistic potential, investing heavily in state-of-theart sound, lighting, and video production systems to modernize the aging theater.

Ultimately, they decided to sell in 2017, with Maximov stating, “To put it simply, our business model wasn’t working.”

Since its purchase in 2017, the El Rey has been a venue hosting musical acts, comedians, and a litany of public and private events, but its future is uncertain. Though it has operated well throughout recent years, no events have occurred since April 2024.

It was placed on the market in March 2024 for just under two million dollars, with the listing stating the sellers are “looking for a visionary to come in and get the El Rey back 11

Save the El Rey was created to do just that. An organization of local artists and community members representing an effort to preserve and revitalize the theater through public fundraising, they are “guided by the belief that art transforms communities.” The nonprofit has a concerted goal of raising one million dollars for the purchase of the theater, renovation of the space—including the roof and careful preservation of the theater’s historic murals—and a year’s worth of operational expenses to utilize the El Rey for the betterment of Chico’s public culture. Concerning the future of the theater as a home for local art and film, member Dustin Vaught envisions classic film showings, midnight movies, and screenings with actor/director Q&As. He says, “The possibilities are endless.”

Asked about her feelings on the endeavor, team member Mahina Gannet explains, “Well, this project has been a journey, that's for sure. After working on this for nearly a year, we all still believe in the theater and the mission. We still—and always will—hope for a future that supports and fosters vibrant performing arts, live events, and community-driven spaces. And the El Rey can be all of those things.”

Regarding updates on the state of the theater’s listing, she says, “For the past four months or so, we focused almost entirely on building out a business plan, putting together a full-project scope and budget, and working with major benefactors to secure a contract with the building. Establishing this contract with the building is paramount so that all the community fundraising efforts and grant writing efforts are secure. Our business plan focuses on two major pillars: preserving the historical integrity of the building and creating a multi-use, active venue that excels in both modern technical production and hospitality. The best case scenario is that we finalize our major benefactors, purchase the building, increase community involvement, renovate the theater, and reopen as an icon of Chico.”

With such an integral piece of Chico’s history hanging in the balance, it’s comforting to know a team of dedicated individuals is so focused on its preservation. While learning and writing about this historic theater, I’ve often been left with more questions than answers. The El Rey remains under rotating ownership, a passion project circulating through the hands of wealthy investors, while public endeavors to re-energize the theater are slow to gain momentum. Is the inevitable fate of the 120-year-old building to be renovated into parking, commercial, or residential property? Torn down? Will it be like the Alhambra Theater of Sacramento, when in 1973, preservation efforts failed, and the theater was demolished— despite public outcry—to make way for a Safeway? The choice is almost entirely up to us.

If you feel impassioned about saving the El Rey, as I know so many of us do, you can donate at www.savetheelrey.com. You can also support the arts and further the need for venues like the El Rey by buying tickets to local shows and supporting the local arts and artists. It’s up to us. The fate of local arts is in our hands. Working together, we can see the arts in this city flourish and continue to thrive in our time.

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TOP: THE EL REY'S FIRST ITERATION AS THE MAJESTIC THEATER. | ROW TWO: THE MAJESTIC IS PURCHASED IN THE 1920S AND REBRANDED AS THE NATIONAL ROW THREE: THE NATIONAL IS RECHRISTENED AS THE AMERICAN AND SUFFERS A FIRE IN 1946. | BOTTOM ROW (LEFT): THE EL REY AS IT STANDS TODAY (RIGHT TOP): PART OF THE BELOVED FAERIES MURAL PAINTED BY MARTIN RAVENSTEIN (RIGHT BOTTOM) TRIPLE TREE PERFORMIGN LIVE [COURTESY KEN PORDES] | ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY SAVE THE EL REY FOUNDATION AND MOSHIRIOUSLY PHOTOGRAPHY

to their vision and what it used to be.”

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Tips for a safer Spring cleaning WRITTEN BY SARAH TRENT

Many everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to our health. While they help keep homes and workplaces clean, they can also cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health issues when misused or in poorly ventilated spaces.

One of the biggest concerns with cleaning products is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals, found in aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and air fresheners, can evaporate into the air and cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to chronic respiratory diseases and even cancer in extreme cases.

Bleach and ammonia, two common cleaning agents, can be particularly dangerous.

Mixing these chemicals together creates toxic chloramine vapors, which can cause severe lung damage. Even when used separately, they can irritate the eyes, throat, and skin. People with asthma or allergies may experience worsened symptoms when exposed to these harsh substances.

Many antibacterial and disinfectant products contain triclosan, a chemical linked to hormonal disruptions and antibiotic resistance. Similarly, phthalates, commonly found in fragranced cleaners, can interfere with the endocrine system and potentially contribute to reproductive issues.

In addition to personal health risks, these chemicals can also pollute indoor air quality.

Poor ventilation allows harmful particles and fumes to linger, increasing exposure. Longterm inhalation of these chemicals has been associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.

Before you get to your spring cleaning, consider the following tips to reduce your risk: Tip #1: Read the label If the label has words like “POISON,” “DANGER,” or “WARNING,” the product is toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Consider eliminating these 15

from your cleaning routine. If absolutely necessary, use them sparingly. If a nontoxic alternative isn't available, be sure to pay more attention to the next step.

Tip #2: Ventilate to reduce exposure to VOCs Open windows and doors to reduce your exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted by thousands of products, including cleaning supplies. Concentrations of VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to 10 times higher) than outdoors, making them a major contributor to indoor air pollution. They can linger indoors for hours, days, or even months.

VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to a range of serious health problems like reproductive issues, cancer, and asthma.

VOCs can be found in natural and synthetic chemicals, so ventilation is recommended regardless of the cleaning product used.

Tip #3: Go fragrance-free Although some products smell great and are considered aromatherapy, fragrances and formula ingredients of household cleaning products are VOCs. When we go fragrance-free, we can be sure that we’re eliminating at least some of the VOCs we’re exposed to in cleaning products.

Tip #4: Simplify All-purpose cleaners can be used from the floor to the windows and everywhere in between. Not only can you use one product in many parts of the home, but you can also find an AP cleaner that is fragrance-free and has limited ingredients. When you use only one product instead of many, you reduce the risk of multiple VOCs interacting with one another. Wiping down surfaces after you clean reduces secondary exposure to kids and pets.

Tip #5: Evaluate Packaging Look for products with concentrated ingredients, refillable bottles, efficient packaging, and pump sprays rather than aerosols. This reduces carbon emissions and single-use plastic bottles, which are not reliably recycled. Take these steps and enjoy a safer, more sustainable, and economical cleaning experience.

If you need to dispose of some old cleaning products, take them to the Butte Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Chico and the Recology facility in Oroville. The Chico facility is free to all households in Butte County, and the Recology facility is for the City of Oroville residents and Recology customers.

Sure, it can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. If you're looking for an easy way to find and use safer cleaning products in your home, visit us at Chico Refill. We have a large selection of natural cleaning products and alternatives that will provide a lower chemical footprint in your home. We're located at 1372 E. 1st Avenue in Chico, and our team will be glad to help you find the products that are perfect for you. Don't forget to visit us online at ChicoRefill.com to see our product list or connect with us on instagram @ChicoRefill to see what's new in the store.

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IV NUtrition:

a convenient choice in modern health Maintaining optimal health can feel like an uphill battle in today's fastpaced world. With busy schedules, stress, and an over-abundance of processed foods, many people are not getting the proper nutrition they need. That’s where IV nutrition services come in—a revolutionary wellness trend gaining popularity at med spas nationwide. At Privvy Modern Health, personalized IV nutrition treatments deliver instant, transformative benefits to help you feel your best.

IV nutrition, or intravenous therapy, involves infusing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip. This method allows the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently than oral supplements, bypassing the digestive system entirely. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, improve immunity, enhance skin health, or combat dehydration, IV nutrition offers a fast and effective solution. Plus, it restores that glow we’re all so desperately looking for!

One of the most significant benefits of IV nutrition services is the ability to tailor the treatment to your individual needs. At Privvy, registered nurses work with you to determine your goals—whether recovering from a strenuous workout, fighting off an illness, or simply rejuvenating your skin. They craft a proprietary blend of vitamins and nutrients based on your health needs that deliver the most impactful, beneficial results.

While IV nutrition therapy is a fabulous choice for addressing immediate health concerns, it also has long-term benefits. With regular sessions, some of these can include improved skin tone, reduced anxiety, increased mental clarity, and muscle recovery. For patients dealing with more severe/chronic conditions or seeking to elevate their overall wellness regimen, ongoing sessions can boost resilience against stressors, thus enhancing their quality of life.

Privvy Modern Health prioritizes comfort and safety. Their skilled practitioners and nurses ensure your treatment is both relaxing and effective. Whether you’re visiting for a quick hydration boost or a more complex vitamin infusion, your session will be custom-designed to fit your unique lifestyle. You can lie back, relax, and soak up the benefits of IV nutrition in a serene, spa-like atmosphere.

For many, the allure of IV nutrition lies in its simplicity. Busy mamas, stressed-out students, professionals, athletes, travelers, and anyone seeking a healthy boost will benefit from a 30 to 60-minute session that fits easily into a hectic schedule. Immediately after infusions, you can resume your day feeling energized, refreshed, and revitalized.

Looking to boost your wellness routine and give your body the nutrients it craves, all in a peaceful and welcoming environment? It’s time to schedule your self-care session. Privvy Modern Health invites you to treat yourself to the transformative power of IV nutrition. Call (530) 309-0671 and discover how IV nutrition can skyrocket your overall health and wellness to the next level!

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Landscaping you can feel good about programs—Mosaic, Nexus, and Group Social Recreation—each address a different facet of service, including providing skilled nursing, practicing how to navigate independently around the community, developing enhanced social skills, and experiencing recreational activities together. WTC's extensive support is funded through donations and revenue from its businesses.

The Work Training Center (WTC) was established in 1949 to support and assist individuals with disabilities to “enhance the quality of their lives through increased independence in work and leisure activities.” Initially, a work program in landscaping was established through the WTC for adults with developmental disabilities. Liz Sheen née Coon shares that over time, due to fluctuating funding, they “brought in skilled labor to become competitive in the marketplace and acquire contracts.” Today, Inside Out Landscaping and Janitorial has transitioned into a full-service landscaping division, headed by Nico Galindo, and a commercial janitorial division led by Ray Stott.

Inside Out’s Nico Galindo graduated in 2017 with a degree in environmental studies and has worked in professional landscaping since then. He discusses some of their services, including maintenance, enhancement, installation, and irrigation. When asked about the maintenance service, he explains they offer “full service landscaping, not just a ‘mow and blow.’” Their customers can expect professional pruning, trimming, herbicide application, mowing, and leaf removal. In regards to installation and enhancement, their experienced landscapers can either plan and plant the entire yard if given a blank slate or can help customers choose what plants to add to their existing yard.

The business functions as a for-profit company, but 100% of its profits go to programs in the WTC to assist adults with developmental disabilities. The

Often, home or business owners are faced with the prospect of finding an irrigation company to repair broken sprinkler lines, retrofit parts, or even

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install a whole new system. Inside Out can take care of your watering issues as well. Nico shares, “We’re in the business of customer service. We really excel at communicating with our customers and addressing all their landscaping needs.”

The janitorial division of the company offers commercial cleaning services for churches, offices, medical facilities, and more. Ray Stott explains that their employees are trained in the five-step process for cleaning each room, from high dusting and disinfecting down to emptying the trash. Regarding residential work, they offer ‘clean out’ services such as pressure washing, steaming, and floor cleaning. Ray shares his excitement around increasing their footprint and supporting WTC. “The growth we are working towards and the challenges that come with it are exciting. Developing new methods to get things done and bring us to the next level is very rewarding.”

If your home or business could use Inside Out’s professional services, contact them for a free estimate. They can be reached by phone at (530) 343-7615 or by emailing info@insideoutchico.com.

Discover more about their story and services online at InsideOutChico.com.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

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Finding the perfect landscaper to care for every aspect of your lawn and garden can be challenging. Inside Out Landscaping and Janitorial Services makes that search a breeze, offering everything under one roof. More importantly, this professional, full-service landscaping and janitorial company supports the Work Training Center, making their mission even more critical.

Bathrooms. Kitchens. Remodels.

ARTISTRY IN EVERY BUILD 01

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Share Your Vision

Set the Budget

Let’s Goooooooo

Let’s dream together. What’s the vibe you’re looking for?

Face it, money matters! Let’s make every dollar count.

Time to meet the crew and bring the dream to life!

CSLB #1035470

530.924.4070

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North Rim Furniture: Your family woodworker

This family-run business began two years ago when David Brecheisen and his son-in-law, Kenyon Wilson, had to take a break from custom home building in the wake of COVID-19. Their talents were put to work in their homes, building garden shelves for their wives’ planting hobbies, among other things. This pause in contracting allowed them to rediscover how much they loved creating individual pieces, so North Rim Furniture was born. Amy Brecheisen handles the administration and marketing, while her daughter, Emma, handles the photography, staging, and social media. David and Kenyon are the craftsmen. Amy says, “My husband has a very creative, artistic side, and he can envision what a piece of wood can become.” Kenyon is very detail-oriented and learned the skills of furniture building from his father.

The pair don’t want to make cookie-cutter pieces; instead, they’d rather embrace the challenge of taking someone’s idea and crafting it into a spectacular work of art. Amy says they add unique features to highlight the raw lumber they’ve chosen. She explains, “They like working with the grain, live edges, and keeping it in a very natural state.” David and Kenyon gravitate towards walnut, oak, redwood, and reclaimed lumber because of the graining, visual appeal, and all the stories they seem to tell. Amy says, “It’s about using locally sourced timber, pieces that have character; that’s the most important thing to them, along with being able to work one-on-one with the customer.”

Amy explains that they’re drawn to the landscapes surrounding them for inspiration. “We have beautiful trees—the almond, the olive, and the walnut, all in our backyard.” She grew up in the walnut industry and enjoys being able to showcase local lumber related to the English walnuts of the area orchards. Black walnut has a gorgeous grain and finish, and when accented with live edges and finished with locally produced wood wax and oil, the beauty of the wood is on full display.

Recently, they had the opportunity to create an outdoor bar for a woman whose husband had passed. He loved to restore automobiles, and the bar, made of rustic reclaimed wood planks, features a few of his classic license plates. A classic blue Ford tailgate hangs from a chain and can be brought up to function as the bar ledge. Amy shares that they’ve also acquired bleachers from the old Chico State Stadium.

“This is such a part of Chico history, and we’ve been racking our brains thinking what can we do with them. We haven’t quite figured it out yet, but it’s coming.” Pieces like these showcase North Rim’s connection to their clients, community, and their stories.

In addition to their custom work, they have items featured in their virtual showroom. These handcrafted hall trees, coat racks, cabinets, and benches are waiting for a place in your home. Visit them online at www.northrimfurniture.com. You can also reach them by phone at (530) 588-1798 or by emailing info@northrimfurniture.com 22

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WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

What if you could capture memories and turn them into something you can touch? Wood grains hold the history of each tree, and sometimes, they hold our history as well. Do you have wood from the walnut tree you used to swing from, or just want a beautifully designed black walnut bench? North Rim Furniture is your family woodworker, and their focus is on creating custom-curated furniture.

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Friday May 9, 4pm-8pm Sat May 10, 10am-4pm

ART, Music & Dance art demos, crafts for kids, food trucks, margaritas, and more... on Mother’s Day weekend! at St John's Episcopal Church 2341 Floral Ave, Chico

free to the public

www.chivaa.org 24

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Cleaning up the way we clean Single-use plastics are one of the biggest environmental threats today, contributing to pollution, harming wildlife, and disrupting ecosystems. These plastics, which include straws, plastic bags, water bottles, and packaging, are designed to be used once and discarded. However, they take hundreds of years to break down, creating long-lasting environmental damage.

Land pollution is another major concern.

Single-use plastics fill landfills at an alarming rate, taking up space and releasing harmful chemicals into the soil as they slowly degrade. When burned, plastics release toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In addition, plastic waste clogs waterways, leading to flooding and disrupting natural habitats.

One of the most significant issues with single-use plastics is their contribution to ocean pollution. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean each year, harming marine life. Sea turtles, birds, and fish often mistake plastic for food, leading to choking, starvation, or entanglement.

Over time, these plastics break down into microplastics—tiny particles that are ingested by marine animals and make their way up the food chain, harming human health as well.

The production of single-use plastics also has a heavy environmental footprint. It relies on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The entire lifecycle of plastic—from production to disposal—adds to environmental degradation, making it an unsustainable material.

Reducing plastic use is crucial to combating this crisis. Governments and businesses are starting to ban or limit single-use plastics,

encouraging alternatives like reusable bags, bottles, and biodegradable materials.

Consumers can help by making conscious choices, such as avoiding plastic packaging and supporting sustainable products.

Luckily, we have one such option right here in Chico with Fresh Haven.

Founded in September 2023 by Julio Ramos, Cassidy Corboline, Nathan Davis, Nataly Chavez, Steven Gager, and George Bell—six undergraduate students from Chico State united by a shared vision to make a difference—Fresh Haven seeks to revolutionize the laundry industry.

Committed to being honest, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly, they are taking on single-use plastics one laundry sheet at a time.

“14.5 million tons of plastic pollute our oceans annually, and 700 million of those 25

single-use plastics come from big bulky laundry detergent jugs,” says Julio Ramos, one of Fresh Haven’s founders. “Change has to start somewhere, and we take pride in changing the laundry game.

From our laundry detergent sheets to our packaging, Fresh Haven is eco-friendly and offers a convenient zero-waste alternative to standard liquid laundry detergent. It dissolves in any temperature water, keeping your clothes fresh and clean with every load.”

Fresh Haven’s approach to solving the single-use plastic waste problem is novel. Their detergent sheets are similar in size to the dryer sheets you’re used to but are all-natural. Each sheet carries a pre-measured amount of detergent for one load of laundry and dissolves instantly.

“There are just four ingredients in each Fresh Haven laundry sheet.”

Julio explains, “Coconut oil alcohol binds the sheet together without toxins, natural vegetable oil acts as a fabric softener, coconut oil extract removes stains and residues, and deionized water removes residue from the washing machine. It’s a simple recipe that can positively impact our homes and our environment.”

Regular liquid detergents are over 85% water, meaning concentrated detergent powder is pre-mixed with the water necessary to make it liquid. This pre-mixing of water results in large, bulky plastic jugs that are five or six times larger than the amount of detergent they contain. Powdered detergent arrives in smaller buckets but is still usually made of single-use plastic. On the other hand, Fresh Haven laundry detergent sheets utilize only the water from your washing machine and arrive in 100% compostable packaging printed with algae ink. Even better, they’re convenient and fit anywhere, making storing at home or traveling with them a breeze. Free of bleach, dyes, phosphates, or any mess to speak of, they’re the perfect way to make a change in the world today, and each box of sheets saves one plastic jug from finding its way to a landfill for hundreds of years.

Currently, Fresh Haven laundry sheets come in two options—fresh linen and fragrance-free—making them a great choice for those with and without sensitive skin alike. Best of all, for every 20 boxes of laundry sheets sold, Fresh Haven donates a box to the Torres Community Shelter.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far.” Julio smiles, “We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Fresh Haven. We received a $5,000 loan to start the business through Chico State and have already paid it back. Recently, we received another $17,000 in grants from various competitions, and we’re looking forward to using that money to continue scaling the business. We’re proud of Fresh Haven, and we’re excited for the positive impact it’s having on the world around us.”

By reducing reliance on single-use plastics, we can protect ecosystems, wildlife, and future generations from further harm.

Small changes, like how we do our laundry, can make more of a difference than you might imagine. If you’d like to try Fresh Haven laundry sheets, visit them online at www.FreshHavenLLC.com or shop their products at S&S Natural Foods and Chico Natural Foods Cooperative.

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Your Home Service Experts!

Kickstart Your Solar Journey Now To Maximize Your Summer Savings!

Start Here!

Find Out How You Can Go Solar For No Net Cost.

4742 Skyway, Paradise, CA, 95969 | CA LIC#: 893826 | (530) 345-0005

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WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

Creating Paradise in ParadisE Moving to Northern California from San Juan Bautista, where they’d lived on a ranch with acreage for over 40 years, the Ohannesians had a good idea of the type of area they wanted to live in. They narrowed it down to either Forest Ranch, Magalia, or Paradise and initially found a house in Forest Ranch but fortunately chose not to buy it, as it eventually burned down in the Park Fire.

“We also looked in Magalia, but we ended up renting a house not a quarter mile from this place,” said Robert. Almost by chance, they found the newly built home when searching homes for sale with their daughter. “I’m not a big believer in fate,” said Robert. “But finding this place was close to fate. It was like it was meant to be. We drove over here and saw the house and said, ‘That’s it.’” They even got the ok from their Terrier, Sir Winston.

The friendly and welcoming attitude of the people in Paradise and Butte County was a big selling point. “It’s a really nice community to live in,” Robert added.

We are people people and enjoy the welcome we’ve gotten.” Kathy continued, “Everyone in Paradise has been so 28

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friendly. They are just so welcoming and always greet you with a smile.”

Another selling point in choosing their new home was that the neighborhood was in a “fire-safe zone.” The area had been completely burned in the Camp Fire, so there were no trees and very little foliage. This made it much more affordable to insure. “We went through Mercury Insurance and were very happy with what we had to pay,” Robert said.

You look out the windows, and there’s nothing to burn. Restrictions are placed on what can be planted, and a wood fence cannot touch the house.

With no trees and all that sunlight, the Ohannesians have significantly benefitted from their decision to add additional solar panels to the system that was already in place. His contractor suggested Urban Design, so they made the call. “The owner, Sean McCreary, was up here right away,” said Robert. “He and Project Coordinator Natalie Sheard were always available to take our calls and help us.”

“Urban Design couldn’t have been more helpful,” said Kathy. “Everyone involved

was so nice, including the installation crew who came up.” And what an installation! Urban Design added 39 400-watt solar panels to their roof, three Enphase batteries for energy storage, and the equipment and wiring necessary to add a backup generator later. “It may be a little too much,” said Robert, “but I wanted to make sure we didn’t have to pay out to the utility company.” They both agree that the quality and craftsmanship of their Urban Design home solar installation and the service they’ve received have been top notch.

Urban Design is well-known for its solar installations on large-scale operations, alongside new and pre-existing homes.

It’s important to note that they are also available for plumbing and electrical work, making their business a one-stop contractor for many of your home’s needs. No matter what you need in terms of solar, electrical, or plumbing, you can count on Urban Design to get the job done. Visit www.UrbanDesignSolar.com or call them at (530) 345-0005 for more information.

Effie is the best and works so so hard for you. She is the best agent I have ever had.

She really came through for us and worked magic to get us our dream home. I will always use her for any home or land purchases. I just can’t say enough good things about her. She is very well respected by her clients and peers. -Cort Schreiber, Chico

Experience lakeside luxury! Nestled in the highly desirable California Park community, this exceptional property boasts a private floating dock, a vast rear deck perfect for entertaining, and the serene presence of migratory birds, including geese and ducks. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed interior, featuring a formal living room with a cozy fireplace, a formal dining room with access to a private deck, and a spacious family room.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, complete with a large island, granite countertops, glass brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a wine cooler. The primary suite is a true retreat, offering a private balcony overlooking the lake, his-and-her walk-in closets, a spa-like bath with a jetted tub, and a walk-in shower. Too much to list! Call and schedule a showing today! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,261 Price: $1,149,000

SOLD This exquisite 3,600 sq. ft. estate offers unparalleled luxury and comfort. Featuring a thoughtfully designed open floor plan, this home is perfect for both everyday living and grand entertaining. Step into elegance with formal living and dining rooms, rich wood floors, and a gourmet kitchen that seamlessly opens to the family room. The kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting granite countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, a 6-burner gas cook top and built-in refrigerators. The breakfast nook offers a serene spot to enjoy your morning coffee while soaking in the beautiful view. The living room balcony provides an amazing panoramic view, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Step outside, to your backyard oasis, complete with outdoor kitchen, and your private in-ground gunite pool. This home is a rare find!!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,625 Price: $1,300,000

FOR RENT Welcome to this beautifully maintained home nestled in the sought-after California Park neighborhood! This home offers an inviting open floor plan, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Step inside to find a formal living and dining room, a cozy family room, and laminate flooring throughout. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, a gas stove, and a refrigerator, making meal prep a breeze.

Enjoy the convenience of indoor laundry and unwind in the darling patio overlooking a spacious backyard, ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings. A two-car garage provides ample storage and parking. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to live in one of the most desirable communities! Schedule your showing today.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,705 Price: $2,600/month

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Cleanliness This issue’s theme of all things related to cleaning hit a nerve with this Realtor. I can’t help but evoke the time I often refer to when it comes to cleaning.

My clients, Jim and Eileen, brought their two kids, Andy and Darlene, along this time to tour houses. After months of looking, we had narrowed it down to three candidates.

The first candidate was a country property in the Durham area with a vintage home, a barn, and a shop. As Jim and Eileen lingered in the house, discussing the pros and cons of its attributes, the kids ran around outside, over, under, around, and through everything, unattended. I could hear the real estate trainers in my ear: keep control of your clients for their safety and your liability.

The second candidate was a newly constructed home in a subdivision. Jim and Eileen lingered, again, and the kids conducted their running tour of the house. I winced at the sight of their muddy footprints on the new floors.

The third was a three-year-old home in California Park. As we drove up, I told the family, “In the description of this one, it says to please remove our shoes.” We could see why when I opened the door.

The living room was a huge expanse of soft white carpet under a soaring open-beamed ceiling. The place was spotless and wellappointed.

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“Let’s stay together on this one, okay?” I said.

Jim commented on the big whole-house fan in the hallway ceiling off the living room.

I explained that whole-house fans were popular in our climate. “Especially in the evening when it cools down,” I said. “You open a couple of windows, turn on the whole-house fan, and it instantly pulls in the fresh outside air. They have amazing suction power.”

Eileen admired the glass-door-fronted fireplace in the living room. I kept my eye on the kids. Andy reached for the switch on the wall under the whole house fan.

Simultaneously, Darlene opened the glass doors of the fireplace. The whole-house fan kicked on with a roar. Black and gritty ashes launched from inside the fireplace as if shot from a cannon, thoroughly covering a wide swath of the soft white carpet across the entire living room.

The whole-house fan had amazing suction power.

The cleanup involved a carpet-cleaning professional and a long hose connected to a powerful motor.

It, too, had amazing suction power.

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com.

Call or text 530-680-0817.

"Sherry has assisted us in purchasing and selling four homes over the years we lived in Chico. Her knowledge and experience of the Chico area are a must. This time selling and moving out of state brought new challenges. The fact that Sherry is a very trustworthy person set our minds at ease. We cannot recommend her enough." - Marcia Bauer

Call me today at (530) 514-4855

Envision yourself living in luxury while being right in the heart of Chico. Steps away from Chico State University. This home has all the luxuries of the modern world and the charm and character of the history it encompasses. It is warm and cozy when you first go through the front yard gates surrounded by trees. Open the front door and feel the sanctuary magic of a retreat. The inside has all the prestige without losing the feel of warm and intimate rooms. Also, preserving the originality of the Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style architecture, while meticulously sparing no expense on luxury kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This beautiful home has three levels; the space perfectly designed for everyone to spread out and connect through family rooms, outside patios, and game rooms. Every room in this house has charm, character and functionality. Original Australian hardwood in the living room and dining room, granite and marble counters, black walnut kitchens and cabinetry, steam room, wine cellar, media room, whole house Sonos sound system, high-end appliances, walk-in closets, beautiful light fixtures, built-in cabinets, stain glass, original renovated wood windows, and custom crown molding throughout.The large primary bedroom on the main floor has a huge steam shower, walk-in closet, private throne room, and built-in cabinets that connect to the laundry room through built in drawers/laundry pass through cabinets, showcasing this homes opulence and functionality above the rest. Imagine now a home with all the luxury of enjoying the backyard thoughtfully created to entertain, swim, putt, relax in a Jacuzzi, and rejuvenate in a cold plunge. With space for four cars; a two-car garage with two more spaces behind an electric push-pad gate bring security and privacy. This neighborhood also comes with four passes to park on the streets.

Bed: 5.0 Bath: 6.0 SqFt: 5,541 Price: $1,700,000

This Country-Ranch charmer with elegance was originally built in the 30's/early 40's and we are told "shorty" was an owner/builder who was a stone cutter from Afghanistan!! You will appreciate seeing his work with the amazing hand cut granite walls and foundation that he knew his craft! This wonderful design truly brings the outside in with amazing natural light just pouring through the windows. It's fun to hike on your own 15-acre landscaped estate with fenced and cross-fenced areas. The sunsets on the top of the property are simply breathtaking! If you love fruit trees, here are a few that adorn this slice of heaven - Apple, Pear, Asian Pear, Plum, Nectarine, Apricot, Peach, Pomegranate, Fig, Olive, Pecan, Blackberries and Raspberries too! Don't worry about being bored here as you are close to swimming, boating, fishing & hunting. This home is located 3/4 mile from Lake Wyandotte, 4 miles from Lake Oroville. It's off the beaten path on a secluded tranquil spot.

There is still Lots of adventure and wonder are still left for the new buyer while they explore! Gas, grocery and shopping are close by. The bus even stops for school at the corner!! With the remodeled kitchen and all new appliances, natural spring, seasonal creek, 2 water wells, large pole barn, tack barn, stone and cedar smoke house.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,030 Price: $524,900

Happy Spring!

Call me to start a new season in a new home!

(530) 514-4855

Beautiful double lot in a prestgious gated community, just minutes from Chico! Enjoy these breath taking sunsets, and Chico lights on this level building site, complete with 2 sets of house plans!!! Feel like you're on vacation, yet you are at home and surrounded by custom homes in a small community of 24 Custom Homes. There is a 10 x 12 storage unit with each lot. Beautiful pool and BBQ for the community. Wildlife can be enjoyed at this one of a kind property and opportunity.

Acres: 1.59 Price: $69,900

Sherry Landis Real Estate, Inc. Serving happy customers for over 34 years.

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MAKING REAL ESTATE DREAMS

Bloom!

Chico Native with 18 Years in Real Estate.

Where there’s a Willman there’s a way!

Serving Butte County for over 20 years.

LA and Meriam Park experienced!

Lwillmanchico@gmail.com www.WillmansWay.com

Centurion Producers Award

(530) 680-8962

1495 Hwy 99, Ste. A | Gridley, CA

(530) 966-1296

Nicole.Carter@c21selectgroup.com

NICOLE CARTER DRE #02150386

LAURA WILLMAN DRE #01931088

Helping Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate Achieve Their Goals Through Kind, Quality Service.

CALL ME ANYTIME FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME

Patrick.Riley@c21SelectGroup.com

KimberleyTonge@yahoo.com

(530) 588-6593

PATRICK RILEY DRE #01417492

Your Real Estate Expert for the Chico and Orland areas!

(530) 228-1305

Search for all homes at GarrettFrenchHomes.com

GARRETT FRENCH DRE #01402010

It’s your home... my Commitment.

(530) 755-7033 Cindy.Cosby@c21SelectGroup.com Cindy-Cosby.c21SelectGroup.com

CINDY COSBY DRE #01925817

(530) 370-0158

TERI GARCIA

DRE 01363526 | TGARCIA@C21SELECTGROUP.COM

Build Your Dream Home on 15 Acres! $550,000. Great Location between Chico & Durham. 4-yr hold Chandler Walnuts/Ag Well on Property

(530) 518-5508

KIMBERLEY “SOLD” TONGE DRE #01318330

(530) 518-1872

Contact me for all your Real Estate needs

ALICE ZEISSLER DRE #01312354

Exceeding expectations for generations!!

TOP 10 IN

(530) 570-7407

PRODUCTION FOR 2022

(530) 570-9209

Contact me for all your Real Estate needs

www.myrealtorAngie.com

(530) 521-5062

SkycreekRanch@yahoo.com

ANGIE SLOVER & GEORGIE BELLIN DRE #02153435 | #00449992

STEPHANIE MAXIMOV DRE #01450930

Providing Quality Service in Chico Areas Real Estate since 1999

Experienced in Estates, Probates, Trust, Residential, Income Properties, Relocation, Horse Properties, Vacant Land

(530) 864-0336

(530) 514-5555

Quality Service Award Winner 2017-2024

SandyStonerc21@gmail.com

SANDY STONER DRE #01131795

JENNIFER PARKS DRE #01269667

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A

PRIVATE CONSULTATION! Shelinda Bryant Doug Love (530) 680-0817 (530) 520-3663 ©2025 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited (formerly Millward Brown), a leading global market research organization, from November 17–December 1, 2024.

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WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY MELANIE WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY

A Fresh Look

at Construction There’s something about spring that sparks the urge to refresh and renew—whether it’s longer days, a deep-seated tradition, or the pure satisfaction of a fresh start.

We throw open the windows, rearrange furniture, sweep away the dust, and think to ourselves, “What’s next?”

If your ‘next’ involves a remodel, PMS Remodeling (Project Management Services) should be the first call on your to-do list.

Planning a remodel, no matter the size or scope, can be overwhelming, but PMS Remodeling makes the process seamless with professional, personalized services.

Partners Debbie Midling and Ronelle Melton are well-versed in construction and excited to bring their innovative service to Chico.

PMS Remodeling started in June of 2024, but their collective experience began long before that. Debbie Midling’s first exposure to the remodeling business was when she helped open Quality Design and Repair in Chico. She says, “I was very hands-on, and that’s what taught me all phases of construction. It gave me the foundation, and when I returned to the construction business, it felt like I was home.” Before opening PMS Remodeling, Debbie worked

at KP Design and Construction for 8 years.

She had been working on rebranding that company when the owner needed to close the doors. Debbie says, “I realized that what I’d been creating all along was my own company. It was an epiphany; all this time, it was for me. It seems like a dream.”

Ronelle Melton joined Debbie as a project manager at PMS Remodeling. Before her move to Chico, Ronelle was a custom closet designer in Idaho, and her family’s businesses have all revolved around construction. She and Debbie met at In Motion Fitness, connected, became friends, 35

and began working together at KP Design. They laugh and share that they are “always networking” and making connections. Ronelle says she was at a crossroads after KP Design closed, and joining PMS Remodeling offered a chance to jump in and fully commit to a new venture with Debbie.

They explain that their business is uniquely positioned among designers, general contractors, and suppliers. PMS Remodeling is the hub that handles everything from initial concept to design to pairing clients with the right contractor, all while managing every aspect of the project. Their expertise ensures each project is executed smoothly, on budget, and with minimal stress for homeowners and business owners alike.

What can you expect the process to look like?

First, they’ll meet with you and measure out the space to get an accurate representation of the area. This way, they can input everything into their design program for 2D and 3D rendering, making visualizing different layouts and options so much easier. They can fluidly change and orient walls and fixtures to explore what works best for you in your home. Next, they’ll get to know you, your needs, and your lifestyle.

Ronelle says, “It’s all about building relationships.” Debbie agrees, “We want to learn how you want to live in this space. Let’s see how this kitchen, bathroom, or office needs to function for you.” She explains that the idea of examining the function of a space around the client’s everyday life is what their philosophy is all about, ‘live by design,’ working with the client to develop the best plan for them. The time and attention PMS Remodeling gives to its clients is its greatest asset. They take the moment to stop, slow down, and really be mindful of the space.

The next step will be to have them return to their office to work up a rough design of the plan based on the client’s budget and needs. Once that plan is finalized, PMS Remodeling will pair them with one of their vetted contractors. Rather than focusing on one specific individual, Debbie’s home improvement salesperson license allows her to connect to a variety of contractors and offer a more flexible and personalized connection to home and business owners. Ronelle points out that they work hard to vet every contractor they partner with. They also focus on matching sub-contractors with the best skill set for the particular job required for the client’s project and budget.

Once the contractors and timelines are in place, it’s time to focus on the specific design elements. Debbie points to one of a few mood boards they’re working on in the office. It has a soft palette of beige and off-white paint samples, a layout of the room, and photos of fixtures, tiles, and room ideas. She explains that the mood board helps solidify what ‘look’ the client is hoping for and focuses on the aesthetics of the remodel. Ronelle explains, “We handhold through material selection, from tile to paint color to furniture. We don’t just call the client and say we need this item by Friday. We’re there to help them select the material by the due date, and we will take care of ordering it and ensuring it’s to the site on time.” Both she and Debbie agree that this should be a stress-free experience, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, or even a whole house remodel. Debbie emphasizes that they love to support local small businesses and look nearby for suppliers of tiles, fixtures, and even furniture for the new spaces. Dave’s Tile City, PBK Supply, and Esplanade Furniture are just a few of their community partners.

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PMS Remodeling demonstrates its undeniable value, not in just one aspect of the remodel, but throughout the entire process. They ensure everything remains on schedule from the first meeting to the project's final completion. There’s no worrying or wondering about deliveries, licenses, permits, inspections, or timelines.

It’s taken care of from the start. Their website has a personalized client login with project management software called BuilderTrend.

Clients can access the budget, project schedule, daily updates, and logs there. Debbie says, “Even if they’re on vacation, they can check in and see how their project’s doing. You can see what’s being done every day.”

Debbie’s excitement about her company is contagious: “We’re on this amazing trajectory and having so much fun with this business.” PMS Remodeling has a hard-working collaborative team that helps transform visions and ideas into concrete plans and beautifully designed spaces.

They execute those visions in a well-planned timeline that is always expertly managed. PMS Remodeling provides a new way of looking at construction and remodeling—one we’re sure homeowners and business owners will love.

If your spring refresh includes knocking down walls or reimaging your space, PMS Remodeling is ready to make it happen—stress-free. Visit www.pmsremodeling.com, where they have extensive information about the company and its processes. Call them at (530) 321-4919 to discuss your future remodeling plans.

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Where Community and Recovery Meet

WRITTEN BY MICHAELA GULBRANSEN

For almost 40 years, Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS) has been inspiring change through its extensive outreach programs. Serving more than 85,000 people annually across six Northern California counties—from Butte to Siskiyou— NVCSS is dedicated to providing essential resources, encouragement, and stability to those in need. As part of its mission to break down stigmas surrounding mental health, the organization is excited to host its upcoming Iversen Wellness Fair on May 15th, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

This free event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their parking lot at 492 Rio Lindo Avenue in Chico, promises to be interactive and engaging. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch, hands-on activities, educational resources, and opportunities to connect with people who understand the challenges of mental health and wellness.

With a mission rooted in compassion and inclusivity, the Iversen Center welcomes all to “come as you are” and explore resources designed to uplift and support every individual.

NVCSS is well-known for its housing assistance, mental health, and advocacy programs. Through more than 60 initiatives, NVCSS provides several crucial services.

The Iversen Wellness and Recovery Center offers mental health support groups, covering topics such as grief, addiction, depression, and wellness through creative outlets like art and ceramics and a twicemonthly food pantry.

The Northern Valley Talk Line is a nonemergency service offering encouragement and guidance from people with lived experience—individuals who have faced hardships and are now helping others navigate similar challenges.

NVCSS also provides disaster relief services and psychological first aid, offering urgent care and emotional support during natural disasters. Refugee services, senior housing, addiction support, food pantry assistance, and nutritional education ensure marginalized and underserved communities also receive the help they need.

One of the goals of the Iversen Wellness and Recovery Center is to become a household name for those seeking mental health and social support. NVCSS thrives on generous donations and dedicated volunteers, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through grants and community support. Attendees of the Wellness Fair will be able to learn about volunteer roles and how they can directly impact lives.

Donations to NVCSS allow individuals to choose where their contributions go, ensuring transparency and a direct impact on the programs that matter most to them.

Whether you’re seeking resources, looking to give back, or simply want to learn more, the Iversen Wellness Fair is the perfect place to start. Mark May 15th on your calendar for this day of connection, education, and empowerment to join a community that believes in hope, transformation, and the power of support.

For more information, visit NVCSS.org.

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WRITTEN BY DOLORES MITCHELL | PHOTOS COURTESY RETA RICKMERS

Reta Rickmers: Flights of Imagination Imagine walking through the door in this painting that hangs in the dining room of local artist Reta Rickmer. What do you discover? An entry lit by a chandelier?

A tiled staircase with a carved banister?

A courtyard glowing with orange

bougainvillea? Decorators use mirrors to make rooms look larger, but the door in Rickmers' painting lets you break through the wall with your mind.

Reta credits a love of travel as the

inspiration for her door series. She says, “I grew up in Arlington, Texas, until I was 14, then attended high school in Kaiserslautern, Germany and London, England, where my father taught at a school for military dependents. I also explored many other 41

countries in Europe with my family. Those years turned me into an avid traveler. I loved it!”

Reta says, “From 1990 to 2019, when I was teaching art at Pleasant Valley High School and raising two sons, I didn’t have much time, energy, or money to travel, but I’m making up for that now. Since retirement, I can travel longer and in the less crowded ‘shoulder seasons.’ On my quest to fulfill my wanderlust, I've discovered evocative doors to photograph and paint in Mexico, Norway, Bosnia, Morocco, and other countries.”

The painting that hangs in Reta’s dining room is of a door from Merida, Mexico, in the Yucatan. She was drawn to the distressed door surrounded by peeling stucco with multi-colored layers of old paint visible beneath recently painted walls. She says, “These layers of history speak of a culture that values renewal rather than destruction of what has aged.”

Each door that Reta chose to depict expressed unique aspects of the culture from which it emerged. In Bergen, Norway, the finely crafted ironwork attracted Reta, and in Venice, the startling sight of canal water lapping at the doorstep appealed to her.

Bird-watching has become Reta’s other major inspiration. She says, “I have been attracted to ravens since the 1990s when I saw them flying above ‘Newspaper Rock’ in Utah’s Petrified Forest. Ancient Native American petroglyphs combined with soaring black birds made an indelible impression on me. I now like to bird-watch wherever I travel. I will identify a bird and then paint it, which helps me learn about the bird. I also love to hike in Upper Bidwell Park through an area where ravens nest.”

She continues, “I paint ravens somewhat realistically, but I am aware of raven symbolism in many cultures. In particular, I’m fascinated with Alaskan First Nations and Norse mythologies. In my ‘Intergalactic Ravens’ series, the birds fly into outer space, and some bring back messages for humans, like Odin’s ravens, Hugin and Munin, in Norse legends.”

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“The ravens in my ‘Eclipse’ series were inspired by my experience of a total eclipse. In April 2024, I went to visit my brother and his family outside of Austin.

They were on the path of totality for the eclipse. We stretched out on deck recliners at my nephew's lake house while wearing eclipse glasses and looking upwTechniard.

The eclipse hit totality; frogs and crickets started to chirp, and automatic lights came on around the lake. Suddenly, the sun hit a crater on the moon and caused a burst of light. I thought of the Native American legend in which ravens bring light—the sun, the moon, and the stars—to mortals. It was a magical experience for me.”

“I always encourage people to collect original art to stimulate their imaginations and satisfy a need for color and expressiveness in their environments. I advise them to start small Accand to look for something that grabs their attention.

In contrast to art that is generic and mass produced, art that springs from an artist’s expressive urge can stimulate the buyer’s creativity. Original art reflects the owner and creates a stimulating ambiance to a room.”

Reta believes an effective method of “decluttering” a home is to ask yourself whether existing photos and paintings on walls look scattered and hung haphazardly.

Often, a well-chosen painting can connect existing possessions into groupings in which elements enhance each other.

Leaving space between groupings is essential, too; it has a similar rhythmic effect as when rests separate notes of music. Creating intentional groupings as focal points can work better than purging possessions when you want a more organized look in your home.

While Reta created her own art throughout her teaching years, she now channels her creativity into her acrylic paintings. She says, “Painting really energizes me. I paint two to three hours every night after dinner in a little studio I designed in my garden—distractions fall away when I am there.”

You can meet Reta and see her paintings, greeting cards, posters, and cups at The Chico Art Festival on May 10th and 11th (Mother’s Day Weekend). She will also exhibit at Beatniks in June and July and at The Upper Crust in August.

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There's no spring cleaning like one with culligan

Butte County’s water is hard, meaning its dissolved mineral content, mainly calcium and magnesium, is above 80 ppm, sometimes even in the 200s. This high mineral content leaves that annoying film on your shower doors, windows, and countertops after you clean. When the water and cleaning product evaporate from the surfaces, the calcium and magnesium are left behind, leaving a streaky residue. Those sunny spring days aren’t helping your windows look any clearer because those mineral deposits are often baked on by the sun, making them even harder to remove.

Culligan can help get your spring cleaning off to a streak-free start with their popular 46

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Smart HE Water Softener for the whole house. Clay Farrell of Culligan of Chico speaks of the benefits of this particular equipment. “This high-efficiency system offers a lot of functionality. It allows us to use the optimal amount of salts and water during regeneration, so you know you aren’t overusing anything.” The system has an Aqua-Sensor that monitors the incoming water and adjusts the added salt to maintain the optimum softness level. Clay explains that some softeners can fluctuate with an overly soft water feeling or back towards too hard water.

He raves, “Ours is the most consistent, thanks to the best technology on the market.”

Soft water will make your household cleaning much easier, and you’ll notice a big difference in your skin and hair. Your Culligan water is gentler on the skin and helps to leave it more hydrated, locking in that much-needed moisture. The lack of mineral buildup means you won’t need to

buy special toners, clarifying shampoos, or pH-formulated products to counteract the effects of hard water. You can use 75% less shampoo, soap, and shower gel because the products will lather up and then rinse away much cleaner.

Instead of battling hard water and using excess cleaning products in your home, why not switch to Culligan and let your water work for you instead?

Spring cleaning can be much easier and streak-free with your Culligan team behind you.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Culligan can help you with your water, contact Clay Farrell or William Bocast at Culligan of Chico at (530) 343-5100 or go to their website at www.culliganofchico.com and schedule your free water test to start your Culligan clean spring cleaning.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Does washing windows and glossy countertops have you sounding like Lady MacBeth, muttering “out damn spot” to yourself? Those spots are likely from the very thing you’re using to clean—your water.

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WRITTEN BY JASON CORONA

The warmth within It’s Thursday, March 13th. The sky just tore open over Butte County, unleashing a blanket of hail throughout South Chico and even snow on Elliot Road in Paradise.

Inside Thao’s, a new restaurant at 119 W. 2nd St in Chico’s downtown, I’m escaping the madness nature has created. While the dark skies undoubtedly evoke dreary emotions, I’m at ease, calmly staring at a rice cooker as I patiently await the warm delights that will present themselves to me inside to-go boxes.

In each of these monthly outings, I expect to try something new and be compensated in blue light as I glare at my screen while trying to come up with the correct non-repetitive words to describe what I hope is food you’ll soon be encouraged to try. What I had not expected was how much my choice of lunch would provide a poetic balance to my day.

As my earlier text would suggest, I did have white rice. Half was topped with yellow curry, decoratively peeled and sliced carrots, and—from a textural standpoint—the most perfectly cooked potatoes I’ve ever had. Atop the other half, thickly coated katsu chicken with even more curry drizzled on top. While 48

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the outdoors offered chaos, within those walls and on my pallet was nothing but peace. The chicken was tender, and the breading had a wonderful crispiness, besides the horizontal line where the curry had been applied. The curry, in and of itself, was warmly spiced, neither overpowering the chicken nor undetectable. By contrast, it sings with the rice and vegetables, giving audible sounds of delight.

Troy and our friends at Chico Paper Company suggested that I also enjoy a side of their fried potatoes, which had the sweetness of plantain and were delicious as well.

At $14, the katsu curry could feed me twice, and it’s worth noting that I was impressed they could even close the lid on the to-go container. Photos of each dish can be found online and are also located in the restaurant beside the ordering station.

Visit Thao's at 119 W. 2nd Street in Downtown Chico. If there's one thing I can promise you, it's that you won't leave disappointed.

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Advanced imaging expertise is back on the Ridge We’re investing in your care with advanced imaging at the Adventist Health Feather River Health Center, including MRIs, mammograms and DEXA scans. These tools help detect health issues early. Talk to your primary care provider about getting a referral for imaging services in Paradise.

To learn more, call 530-332-1901 or visit AdventistHealthFeatherRiver.org/Imaging

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This Is the American Dream WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

Imagine arriving in America in 1987 with little to nothing except a sponsorship to get you to the land of opportunity. You have a wife and two young children in tow and end up in San Jose, California, a far leap from a refugee camp in Thailand. This is what Yoon Chao faced upon arrival in America. Thanks to their hard work and determination, the family eventually moved to rural Oroville and bought a few acres where they started a strawberry farm. The result of that move is astounding.

The business grew from a few acres to a larger farm outside of Marysville, where the family now grows strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and other produce that can be purchased at 14 farmers' markets in Northern California and Nevada. These include markets in Chico, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Sacramento, Susanville, Reno, and on the family farm located at 2567 Woodruff Lane north of Marysville, to name a few.

Partner and son Kao Saechou said, “We sell at all the farmers’ markets from April

through August. It’s a very busy time of the year, and I’m lucky to get four or five hours of sleep a night.” He and his wife, Mouy Meng, operate the Marysville location with their future helpers, kids Kobe and Kayla.

Kao is also responsible for overseeing the other markets.

Kao’s father, Yoon, still has a hand in the business, but a run-in with COVID-19 has left him with lasting symptoms. “My father raised all five of us with a strong work ethic,” said Kao. Their college degrees are proof 51

of that family work ethic. The family has three nurses, a teacher, and Kao, who has a bachelor’s degree in business. He spends the “off season” working in real estate. He spent years in the corporate world before returning to help lead the family business.

Yoon Chao Farms began 29 years ago and has been at the Chico Farmers Market for the last 25, selling their ruby red strawberries, juicy ripe raspberries, and giant blueberries. Look around on social media, and you’ll be challenged to find anything but the most positive reviews. The farm is certified in Butte and Yuba Counties, and the family farm sells thousands of pounds of produce each year.

Let’s get back to the American dream.

Yoon Chou Farms began with three acres

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and now sells produce all over Northern California. Yoon put five children through college, and they all earned degrees and now enjoy successful lives. This is truly a case of an immigrant coming to the United States and taking advantage of what America stands for: The fact that with intelligence, drive, and motivation, you can succeed.

Find a farmers’ market in your area, and you will undoubtedly find Yoon Chao Farms selling their excellent produce. Support them and hundreds of farmers like them in our area who are doing their best to not only provide for their families but also provide healthy options for all of us in Northern California. We couldn’t be more thankful or inspired by the work each of them continues to do.

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Blackberry Apple Crisp After discovering the world of Yoon Chao Farms, we haven't been able to get berries off our mind, and few recipes deliver berries quite like a good fruit crisp. Though Yoon Chao Farms offers myriad berry options to choose from, their blackberries were our pick for this delicious recipe.

Complemented by the tart zing of granny smith apples, we know this blackberry apple crisp will be one you serve after dinner, time and again.

Ingredients Fruit filling

- 2.5 cups fresh blackberries - 2.5 cups apples, peeled and sliced - 2 tbsp lemon juice - ⅓ cup white granulated sugar - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour - ½ tsp cinnamon - pinch of salt

Crisp Topping

- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour - ⅓ cup light brown sugar - ⅓ cup white sugar - ⅔ cup rolled oats - pinch of salt - 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Directions 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl combine all fruit filling ingredients.

Set aside.

2. In another bowl combine all topping ingredients except the butter. Mix and add butter. Use your hands to pinch the butter into the mixture to create clumps until it becomes crumbly.

3. Pour the fruit mixture into a prepared baking dish or cast iron skillet. Cover the fruit with the topping mixture. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until the fruit bubbles and the top starts to brown. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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bring us home Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by calling the Chico Animal Shelter at (530) 894-5630.

You can also visit their website at www.chicoanimalshelter.org

Amelia

Jamie

1 year old neutered male

Sandy 56

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1 year old spayed female

1 year old spayed female

Debbie

Leo

2 year old spayed female

5 year old neutered male

Sugar

8 year old spayed female

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Empowered by welding The first time Brett McGuire put on a welder’s mask and put the stick to metal, she knew she’d found her dream job. She knew the idea of being a welder could become a reality, even though she was a girl breaking into a heavily male-dominated industry. As a matter of fact, she had to advocate and lobby to be accepted into the Chico High welding class as a freshman, and she eventually gained admittance. No one has secondguessed that decision. “I’ve always worked with building things,” she said. My dad works on the construction side, and I’ve always enjoyed putting things together.”

That idea was bolstered by her participation in the Butte County Office of Education’s Girls in Manufacturing Program, where Brett first participated at age 12. She enrolled again at 14 and became a youth leader the following year at 15. “I love giving back to my community,” she said. “I see myself as an advocate for young people getting involved in the manufacturing industry.” She sees the process in the long run: She helps people get involved, and when they get older, they help recruit young people into the manufacturing and building trades.

The sixteen-year-old junior has gotten herself involved in a very important endeavor locally, the redecoration of Caper Acres Park at the One Mile Complex in Lower Park. Brett’s area of expertise is fabricating many designs that will be used to enhance the exterior of Caper Acres.

“Students in the graphic design class at Pleasant Valley created some very nice signs to be installed at Caper Acres,” she said. “Aaron Souza from the Rotary Club teamed up with Lauren Green, art teacher at PV, and her students designed the signs.” The designs were sent over digitally, and Brett went to work.

The designs were eventually worked over in FlashCut, a design program that allows visual editing for CNC machines. Brett cut each design out of metal on a plasma table, smoothed out the edges, cleaned the metal, and powder coated the pieces. The tricky part has been figuring out how to attach the pieces without damaging the coating. They are looking at an adhesive/epoxy to do just that, and Brett can’t wait to assemble the finished pieces and see them installed at Caper Acres.

Brett’s prior experience in fabricating various projects has helped her through this incredible endeavor. She began her journey by creating and selling beaded key chains, rings, and necklaces. After making enough money to buy her own welder, she started fabricating sculptures, designs, decorations, and ornamentation pieces, which she now sells on social media. Her business is called McGuire Metal, and you can see what she has to offer on Instagram, TikTok, and other sites.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

Brett quickly attributes her success to the guidance of her parents, Matt and Bree McGuire. “My parents have been very supportive of my choices,” she said. She also appreciates her welding teacher, Ron Cockerill. “He’s always there when I have questions and need advice.”

In the future, Brett plans to apply her skills at Butte College, where she will enroll in the Advanced Manufacturing Program alongside business classes. Head out to Caper Acres in April and see the completed designs for yourself. They’re the perfect complement to this Chico icon, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to know her work will soon be a permanent feature.

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Cleaning Up the Garden WRITTEN BY ALISA LEROUX

My two young boys climb awkwardly over the cattle panel gate into the lush green garden. Their bare feet and tan skin are still dripping with pool water as they traverse through the summer foliage of a full, bountiful garden, digging their small hands through the dense leaves in search of the perfect watermelon. Ripe and sweet, it was, but I will likely never grow watermelons again. Allow me to explain why.

The reality is that available space is crucial to a home gardener. What do you enjoy eating? Can you buy an equally fresh

local version inexpensively? What about something new and exciting? Whether you have two small oak barrels or a large patch of in-ground soil, we all have a capacity.

Even in my seemingly endless expansion, I still must consider space constraints. So, what makes the cut?

Watermelons, in particular, produce well but are in seemingly endless supply for a few bucks at our local farmers market and require ample space. Instead, I have replaced watermelon varieties with the hard-to-find, family-favorite Crenshaw

melons. This sweet, firm fruit resembles honeydew and cantaloupe, and they are a favorite treat, earning their stronghold in my garden. Heirloom tomatoes also top our list. Our youngest will devour them like a peach, juice rolling down his chin in blissful enjoyment. Our middle son will sit in the shade, vining snap peas, happily munching their crunchy pods. These things always make the cut. Strawberries, basil, dill, and cucumbers make the list, too, for our household desires. Remember, this is my list, but the method is broadly applicable.

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First, select plants with known and intended uses and make sure the most important find their plot in your soil. Consider how many you produced versus how many lay to rot on the counter or still on the vine because they lacked excitement to make it to the dinner table.

I grow one zucchini plant annually—my children's worst nightmare on the dinner table. A lone zucchini plant supplies a year's worth of zucchini relish and plenty of zucchini noodles for my favorite dishes.

Often, the extras get tossed to the chickens.

Crops like cayenne can only be used sparingly with children incapable of handling their spice, and with no other discovered favorite use, they are currently cut from the roster entirely. Crookneck squash bores me. They cut strangely and lack flavor. In a pinch for a recipe, the store sells them for change, and in my opinion, the store-bought variety offers little less than a homegrown counterpart. Space fills up fast with things you love. If you find yourself lucky enough to have a corner to spare, I consider it room to experiment.

When and if there is still a little space to be had, have a little fun and let newness and discovery lead you somewhere you may not have known you wanted to go.

A few years back, I grew a boatload of habanero peppers with absolutely no plan.

I found myself googling “what to make with habeneros” when my summer baskets overflowed with them. I landed on habenero pepper jelly, and within one year, it became a staple in my pantry. My husband puts it on everything one might flavor with ketchup.

Golden spicy jelly speckled with orange bits over cream cheese and a box of crackers is a crowd-pleaser at any party. This particular experiment ended up making the team.

I hope this article sparks your thoughts when planning your gardens. Beyond a simple graph of inches and feet, it is more like a literal living, growing representation of your thoughtfulness—an ability to think about the past, present, and future. It is an evolving and “growing” process. Watching 20 zucchini rot on the counter last year because no one likes them isn't successful just because they grew. Gardening is exciting, fruitful, and beneficial to all who consume the fruits of labor from a wellplanned, thoughtfully grown home garden.

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