Upgraded Living Magazine February 2016

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Anyone who knows me, even a little, knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach. Who says that only applies to men? I think we can all agree that few things make us feel more loved than a delicious meal (especially one that you didn’t have to make yourself). Food is undoubtedly a wonderful way to show love — love for the ones we care about, our bodies, traditions, and the artistry of flavor. We gather around it, our celebrations revolve around it, and we constantly look forward to it.

It’s safe to say that I have a love affair with great food, and lucky for me, I live in this community amongst a bounty of culinary masterminds. I think I had taken this fact for granted until putting this issue together. Once again, I’m blown away at the talent contained in our small Northern California city.

Here at Upgraded Living, we are all about giving credit where credit is due, and credit is certainly due to our local chefs. Together, their passion, commitment, and creativity has helped put Chico on the map when it comes to exceptional dining. We’re lucky to have them in our community and proud to share their stories with all of you.

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner ERIN WENHAM Editor-in-Chief

JASON CORONA

FRANK REBELO

Sales Director

Photographer

DARREN MICHELS

MICHELLE CAMY

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer MATTHEW MANFREDI

ALYSSA WORLEY

This month, we celebrate love in all its forms. Whether it’s creating a beautiful dish, honoring a loved one in an inspiring way, or restoring a forgotten piece of history, the pages that follow are proof of the passion that exists all around us.

Whatever it is that you love, embrace it, show it, and if it’s food, share it!

Writer

Writer JACOB HUTCHISON NERISSA HANSEN

Writer

Designer KYLEEN BROMLEY Writer

We hope you feel the love this month. Thank you for reading!

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Wenham Editor-in-Chief

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

DR. MATT MURRAY

RENEE MICHEL & JOE SWEENEY

BEAUTY Q&A

FINANCE

TOM HESS

DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

SKIN CARE

DR. DEBORAH PENNER

ANNABELLE PEARL

MEN’S HEALTH

COOL KID

For advertising or editorial inquiries, please contact: Upgraded Living at (530) 894-8091 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2016 COMMUNITY

HOME

13 Love-sixteen: Local tennis star Shirley Hall is this

36 Is the perfect home waiting for you? Find out with these lovely listings from our area’s realtors!

month’s cool kid.

14 The AAUW’s Career Trek encourages young girls

40 New Again Kitchen Remodeling Presents House Call: Paradise Found.

to consider STEM careers.

16 Local Legend Bud Tracy preserves our area’s

46 Fun DIY Valentine’s decor from our friends at Uptown Vintage & Shabby.

history while looking to the future.

35 Learn all about 9-Run-1, an all new charity event coming to you this May by three Chico paramedics.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 59 Love Remembers: Ilona Cronan honors her husband with a new series of paintings.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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20 We conclude Dr. Deborah Penner’s eye-opening

61 This month we celebrate the artistry and legacy of Lisa Nolta.

series on testosterone and metabolic syndrome.

22 Yoga for all! A simple yet effective yoga practice

62 Up Next: Chico Performances and Uncle Dad’s Art Collective proudly present Queen: A Night at the Opera.

from Yoga Center of Chico.

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Fancy a fill? Dr. Matthew Murray tells you everything you need to know about dermal fillers.

26 Fleet Feet helps you find your perfect shoe with their in-depth “fit” process.

63 Fill up your February with exciting events from our Community Calendar!

FEATURES

FOOD

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Chefmate! Meet the masterminds behind your favorite local dishes.

12 Inday’s Filipino serves up deliciously authentic

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Happy Valentine’s Day! We share your messages of love and give you some local gift ideas for your sweetheart.

food with a sweet love story for desert.

19 East Meets West: Our friends at Forcella introduce their next culinary adventure.

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32 Don’t miss these mouth-watering recipes from our friends at Grana and Sicilian Café!

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Growing a love for healthy eating: Farm to School takes the fear out of fruits and veggies.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

ON THE COVER (LEFT TO RIGHT): ANN LEON OF LEON BISTRO JASON CALABOVE OF CRUSH JAMES TAYLOR OF SICILIAN CAFÉ PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Tasting Room Now Open Tuesday - Sunday 11AM - 5 PM View our Calendar for Evening Events

Sleek lines, smooth flavors Experience the all new Almendra Winery & Distillery featuring Westgate Hardwoods’ custom furniture showcase.

High Quality Locally Crafted A Perfect Pairing

WestgateHardwoods.com

9275 Midway, Durham, CA 95938 | (530) 343-6893 | AlmendraWinery.com

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

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PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

By Aveed Khaki

John Geiger is a familiar face around Chico. Often seen with a hotdog perched precariously above his head, his hotdog cart, Crazy Dog, has been serving arguably the most delicious hotdog near Chico State’s campus for nearly twenty years. His name is synonymous with street food around Chico as one of the longest running local vendors and for his role in the creation of Fork In The Road, Chico’s most recognized street food event. It’s no surprise that the success of his hotdog cart has led to other ventures, but the most recent with his wife, Ethel, is especially endearing to us as it stems from a love story that began almost 30 years ago, and if you know anything about Upgraded Living, you know there’s nothing we love more than a good love story.

John met Ethel while vacationing with a friend of his in the Philippines nearly 30 years ago. Ethel, a journalist in Mindanao, was writing a piece on the influx of tourists into the Philippines, and met John at the hotel he was staying at. She interviewed him for her article and the two hit it off famously. John left shortly thereafter, but the two continued to correspond with each other by mail for the following year before Ethel decided to visit John in California. She decided to stay.

The child of parents who owned a restaurant and market store, Ethel was no stranger to the food industry. Though she swore up and down during her teenage years that she would never again work at a restaurant, what she learned while cooking in her parents’ kitchen stuck with her, and her talent as a chef was undeniable. When John proposed opening a food truck together for the Thursday Night Market, she caved, and Inday’s Filipino Food was born. Named after Ethel’s nickname, Inday’s served classic Filipino favorites to Thursday Night Market goers and, as demand for their food grew, it became apparent that they needed a more permanent location.

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

In July of 2015, John and Ethel opened their first dine-in restaurant.

Conveniently located on 8th Street, just west of the train tracks, Inday’s Filipino Food serves Filipino cuisine Kamayan familystyle, atop gigantic banana leaves and without silverware. The lack of silverware alone makes for a fun and entertaining dining experience, evidenced by the laughter that echoes through the small, 22-seat restaurant as you enter. Tables select from three options: Sari-Sari which includes BBQ pork, pork lumpia, chicken adobo, rice noodles with vegetables; Pagkaing Dagat which includes shrimp lumpia, calamari, crab claw, and wild salmon, and Vegetarian which includes mushrooms, mung beans, pansit, and vegetables. Each menu comes with dessert and prices range from just $15-$18 per person, which is worth every penny considering the sizable portions.

To top off their food offerings, Inday’s is also home to beer imported directly from the Philippines. San Miguel, San Miguel Light, and Red Horse offer the perfect compliment to Inday’s menus, and a variety of juices including mango, guava, coconut, and—our favorite—guyabano, provide a pairing for those interested in a non-alcoholic beverage.

In the coming months, John and Ethel plan to launch a BBQ lunch menu with full rotisserie chicken barbecued outside in classic Filipino style with jasmine rice and cucumber salad.

Having had the pleasure of dining at their restaurant and food carts over the past few years, we can’t wait to taste what’s up next.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Chico with delicious food and arguably one of the best desserts in Chico, stop by Inday’s Filipino Food. Reservations are recommended as they are only open Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm–8:00pm and their four tables fill up extremely quickly.

CONNECT

Filipino Fill Up On

INDAY’S FILIPINO FOOD IS LOCATED AT 1043 W. 8TH STREET IN CHICO. THEY ARE OPEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 5:30PM– 8:00PM AND RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING (530) 520-2593.

COOL KID

Caring Dentistry from Toddler to Teen Years Dr. Kimberly Lange, DDS General Dentist

650 RIO LINDO AVE. #4, CHICO 343-3137

SHIRLEY HALL

One foot in front of another, she smiles as it requires her to be dependent on only she steps into her second home. It may herself. The farthest she has traveled in not be a home with four walls and a roof, California is San Diego, and the farthest but it provides everything she needs just she has traveled out of state is Arizona. In the same. She walks onto the 78 by a game of tennis, the first person to win 27 foot court that feels all too familiar. the best out of three games advances As she warms up, she is reminded of the on, and it takes four points to win a first time she held a tennis racquet. That game. “Most games last about 45 minutes, feeling of excitement remains as strong but the longest game I’ve played took twelve years later. As she continues to almost three hours,” exclaims Shirley. She run, confidence floods her body and prepares for competitions by practicing, she knows in her heart this is where working out at the gym and running. she belongs.

Tennis is a big part of her life even when Shirley (Chelsea) Hall is a tennis player she is not on the court. who has had a passion for tennis since To Shirley, there is so much more to she was four years old. Her love of tennis tennis than just the athletic aspect. Tennis developed at a young age as she grew has given her a positive, productive thing up in a family that coached, supported, to do. There’s a song that states home, and played the game. Shirley, now 16, “[is] not just where you lay your head, it’s enthusiastically states, “tennis has always not just where you make your bed.” Home been something I’ve wanted to do.” is where we find intangible things such as As a competitor, Shirley is ranked happiness and love. Shirley’s love of tennis 30th in Northern California and an has brought her twelve years of happiness impressive 380th in the United States! To and that is something that no tangible add to it, Shirley’s training includes two thing can replace. hours at Chico Racquet Club, practicing and perfecting her technique. A typical day of tennis practice includes stretching, running, warming up and of course practicing the game!

A big part of Shirley’s life as a tennis C O O L K I D VIA A N N A B E L L E P E A R L player involves competitions, which she Annabelle Pearl writes about cool kids each month and, at 16 years old, she attends twice a month. They also happen is our youngest writer and quite the cool kid herself! Find Annabelle Pearl to be her favorite part about the sport as on Facebook to suggest cool kids you’d like to shine the spotlight on.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AAUW

Planting the Seed for STEM Careers

by Alyssa Worley

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

career. They are then guided around campus by a women’s group, usually athletic team members. Butte College professors hold a vital role during this day. Chemistry professors show exciting lab experiments with purple and yellow flames lighting up the minds of these young women; biology professors set up a whole room of organisms to look at and touch, some basic programming in computer lab demonstrates what simple technology can accomplish and math teachers beautifully explain math principles, the numbers creating theory like poetry.

After nine years of putting on this event, members of Chico AAUW hope to bring together more participants in the Career Trek than ever. Last year, 175 girls and their parents signed up, all leaving with greater awareness and support in their interested subjects than before. If even one girl leaves feeling stronger and more capable of her dreams; that is a mission accomplished for the American Association of University Women.

CONNECT

135 years ago, before women had the right to vote, the American Association of University Women was founded. It was 1881 in Washington D.C. when this diverse group of college graduates united to improve women’s education and equity across the United States. Our Chico branch of AAUW celebrates its 85th Anniversary this year and that is cause to commemorate the women who created this visionary community resource.

The goal of the AAUW is to advance equal opportunity for all women and girls through advocacy, education, research and philanthropy. Membership is open to all graduates holding a recognized degree from a qualified educational institute.

These women give free time and knowledge from their college educations to help reshape societal norms for women.

One event that helps further this mission is the Career Trek at Butte College. Held annually, this is a day for 8th grade girls, and their parents, to see how women having a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are vital to our society. Jana Lawton, who has held almost every position in Chico’s AAUW, says “women are half the population yet their numbers in these fields are low, with the exception of medicine. So in AAUW we research a problem and here we tried to understand why women aren’t choosing these careers.” It was concluded that among other things, girls don’t have enough female role models working in STEM careers.

The idea of the Career Trek is to give them these role models.

Girls who participate are first welcomed by the President of Butte College, followed by three 45 minute sessions with professional women, during which they are encouraged to ask questions and express why they may be interested in a STEM

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAREER TREK AND THE AAUW VISIT: WWW.AAUW-CHICO.ORG

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Local Legend:

Bud Tracy

by Matthew Manfredi

The gate surrounding the construction site of the Oroville Inn swings open. Erin, our Editor-in-Chief, and myself squeeze through the small opening. Bud Tracy closes it after us and the chilly January winds whip around Downtown Oroville as we gaze up at the five-story, 51,000 square foot building.

Tracy has been planning the mass renovation since August 2011, and by 2017 he hopes the newly restored Oroville Inn will lead in the rebirth what the downtown area used to be.

Minutes before, the three of us were sitting in Tracy’s office located a few parking spaces away from the construction site. Pictures of Butte County business developments and real estate projects spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century hang on the office walls. Surrounded by several pictures in black and white, a large real estate advertisement from 1929 reads, “And Now a Home In Mansion Park,” like a newspaper headline. A name appears at the bottom of the large faded piece of paper: O.E. Tracy.

Real Estate and business development run through the Tracy family bloodline like Little Chico Creek runs through the heart of Chico State throughout the month of January. O.E. 16

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Tracy, Bud’s father, had been more than an instrumental force in the development of Butte County. Needless to say, Tracy took an interest in the family business from a very young age.

The doors of Tracy Realty opened in May of 1911 in the old Park Hotel, a year before construction ended on Enloe Hospital at 330 Wall Street. And coincidentally, the first baby to be born in the maternity ward was Bud Tracy’s sister, Maxine, in 1912—delivered by Newton Thomas Enloe himself. It wouldn’t be until the years following World War II, in 1948, that Bud Tracy would be born in the new Enloe maternity ward on the Esplanade.

By that time, Tracy Realty was responsible for a majority of the modern development of Downtown Chico and local housing developments — notably the Storybook Subdivision located near Ninth and Pine Street which was built by O.E. Tracy from 1925 to 1929.

These “Homes of the moment” were attractive real estate properties to families and people who may have been interested in moving to the area. All but two of these homes were sold by the end of 1929.

Even after the economic up and downs of The Great Depression and the two World Wars, Tracy Realty managed to

successfully stay open and consistently develop Chico into a thriving community.

New businesses continued to pop up in the downtown area included landmarks such as the Silberstein Park Building and the building where Cold Stone Creamery is located today.

Tracy was around the age of 12 when his father started to get him involved in real estate. As a young boy, he would participate in anything from being on construction sites to putting together home loans for future residents. His involvement in the family business continued until his departure from Butte County in 1962; his destination: Menlo School For Boys located in Atherton, California.

Coming from an affluent family in Butte County, Tracy remembers feeling like he was suddenly on the opposite end of the financial spectrum when he arrived in Menlo Park. The differences in social culture contrasting with Butte County came as a refreshing shock to him.

Understandably, this was because some of his roommates included Jimmy Briggs (Briggs and Stratton), and Scott Holden (son of actor William Holden). Tracy remembers the social difference of his life in the Bay Area as “a nice thing to learn.”

During his four years in Menlo Park, Tracy returned to Chico every summer, apprenticing at carpentry, electrical, and plumbing firms. While his friends spent their days on Lake Almanor, he would be laboring away in sweltering summer heat, adding a new trade to his real estate repertoire.

“I was so mad. Everyone was out there waterskiing and I was stuck in construction,” says Tracy, cracking a grin. “But, number one: my work ethic is immaculate from that time spent in the summers.”

Tracy brought his persistence and diligence along with him as he began his freshman year of college in 1966. The Bay Area became his new home and visits to Chico became far less frequent. He supported himself with anything from karate instruction to candle making, and, at the same time, he watched American culture change and synthesize with each passing year. Cream and Jimi Hendrix were a few of the acts that Tracy saw every weekend. “It was a completely different world,” says Tracy. “I came back with a different perspective.”

The 1970 Silicon Valley Business

School was a class of only 37 and Tracy was one of those students. He returned home on a Harley, his long hair hanging down with a business degree under his belt. Following his return, he opened a candle shop called The Sand Castle on 135 Broadway Street in Downtown Chico, but shortly thereafter, Tracy’s father began to show signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.

He began to consider what was going to happen to the family business without his father at the helm.

In May of 1971, upon closing of The Sand Castle, Tracy planned to make candles out of the remaining 2,000 pounds of wax and give them away at The Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. He invited friends over and, for a few days, they all used the sand boxes to create candles. It was in one of those sandboxes where he met his wife, Linda, and only a few months later in December, the two were married.

They have been together ever since.

The Chico Board of Realtors maintained an active role in deciding what new things were entering the community. Tracy stepped in to take the position of president the same year his first son, Edwin, was born (just like his

“If I only think about the money, I’m going to quit and go fishing”

father was president of the board when Bud was born in 1948). And much like the elder Tracy, who was also the first president in 1917, he began to use the work ethic he developed over the years to keep the Tracy legacy going, now with daughter Arwen Funk.

Though Tracy’s attention is pointed towards commercial development, his involvement over the decades has truly contributed to why Chico remains a unique town along Highway 99. Creating new jobs, new careers, and new innovations are only some of the things that are a byproduct of his determination, which continue to spread to other areas of Butte County.

The cold winds continue to beat the scaffolding hanging high above as we enter the seemingly 20-foot-tall doors of the Oroville Inn, photography equipment in tow. Construction equipment, tools, air compressors are scattered all around as we take a few more photos of Tracy in the developing interior of the building.

He enthusiastically shows us around while talking about his future plans and, when finished, how the project is going to be such a positive influence on the Downtown Oroville area. Tracy’s passion for work that serves a community is very much in evidence as he talks about the Historic Oroville Inn. It’s clearly a labor of love. “If I only think about the money I’m going to quit and go fishing” says Tracy.

–Tracy

BUD TRACY INSIDE THE OROVILLE INN, CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS (LEFT) AND IN HIS OFFICE IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OROVILLE (RIGHT).

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Sweet Dreams are on the way!

Sedation may ensure your best possible oral health

Millions of people avoid necessary dental care because of fears that are largely unfounded. In doing so, they sacrifice their dental and overall health, and minor problems rapidly become major ones. All of us here understand that despite the amazing advances in modern dentistry, some patients feel significant anxiety when faced with dental procedures. To alleviate some of those fears, we are very pleased to offer intravenous (IV) sedation.

With IV sedation, you will remain conscious and be able to understand and respond to requests from your dental team. For most people, IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what is going on. IV sedation is so effective that most patients who choose it reduce the number of visits required to complete their dentistry. Because they are so relaxed and at ease, we are able to address more than one concern and accomplish more in one visit. Remember, you can receive IV sedation for any type of dental work, even a cleaning!

Dr. Scott and Dr. Hunter have received extensive postgraduate training in order to provide you with the option of IV sedation. If you’re apprehensive about the dental office, the first step is to call us. We will review your medical history and work with you to eliminate the discomfort and fear that are often barriers to optimal oral health.

HANOSH & HUNTER DENTAL GROUP 7072 Skyway Road, Paradise, CA 95969 (530) 877-9800

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PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

East Meets West at Forcella The second phase of Jon and Aaron’s restaurant organization is titled, Hashi, meaning “chopsticks” in Japanese. Hashi will be the sister restaurant to Forcella, sharing Forcella’s chef, staff and facilities.

With an eclectic Asian to-go menu, Hashi will seek to blend authentic tastes of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China in one location. Combining the fresh pasta and the slow-simmered stocks made daily, Chef Jon will be making amazing Japanese Ramen and other Asian soups, served with pork, roasted chicken or grilled shrimp.

The new menu will also feature items such as a Japanese grilled chicken and cabbage salad, from Jon’s days at his old restaurant, Jedidiah’s, Vietnamese grilled meat and noodle bowls, banh mi sandwiches, Thai lettuce wraps, and teriyaki chicken bowls, to name a few. The Hashi menu will be offered in a walk-up ordering format for speed and economy.

Although Hashi will provide lunch as counter-service, the dining room will be open for visitors to enjoy their meal in the restaurant without table service.

This format will provide a great option

for quick lunch meetings during the week or simply an opportunity to catch up with friends. Check in about the status of Hashi on Facebook at facebook.com/ forcellabistro and for more information on the opening date.

Jon and Aaron are excited to expand the Italian Dining experience this year while bringing something brand new for you to experience as well. We look forward to seeing all of you at Hashi’s grand opening!

CONNECT

February marks the first anniversary for Forcella Italian Restaurant, the brainchild of Chef Jon Meyer and Aaron Johnson.

Voted Chico’s Best New Restaurant for 2015, Forcella quickly made a name for itself over the past year by serving delicious and authentic Italian food at a reasonable price. Rather than simply ride the wave of their current success, Jon and Aaron are using the increased visibility to accelerate the launch of the second phase of their restaurant organization.

Starting February 1, Forcella will be opening an hour earlier for dinner and removing lunch service. The new 4 pm opening will provide guests with a nightly early bird special and allow Chef Jon and Aaron to focus on new specials for the Italian dinner menu.

As part of this transition, the Forcella Dining Room will be available for business and special events during daytime hours.

This extends their event capability beyond their existing partnership with Bidwell Perk for night events. So if you need a meal and a private place for a presentation, make sure to give them a call.

By Aveed Khaki

FORCELLA ITALIAN BISTRO AND HASHI ARE LOCATED AT 1600 MANGROVE AVENUE IN CHICO. VISIT THEM ONLINE AT FACEBOOK. COM/FORCELLABISTRO OR CALL (530) 8091530 FOR RESERVATIONS AND HOURS. 19

MEN’S HEALTH UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE PART III

This month we continue Dr. Deborah Penner’s three part series on testosterone and metabolic syndrome. Last month we discussed the role that food plays in metabolic syndrome. Now let’s talk about your adrenal glands, your “stress handlers.”

When you experience stress, (which includes “bonking” after a high carb meal because your blood sugar just sky-rocketed, triggered insulin, followed by a blood sugar low), your adrenals are triggered to produce a couple hormones to remedy the situation. First, your adrenals will crank out a little adrenaline, your fight /flight hormone, to motivate you. This is followed by another hormone, cortisol, which acts on the liver to release sugars stored there back into your blood.

These stress hormones, when produced in this damaging cycle, break down tissues and weaken the immune system.

Consequently, joint pain, gut problems, and brain function concerns, etc. tend to ensue.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

4) Your body will steal the pregnenolone scheduled for sex hormone production and use it to make stress management hormones.

5) Voila! Low testosterone, low energy, low libido.

WHAT TO DO: 1) Ditch the grains, fruits, sweets, potatoes, and beer.

2) Eat as much healthy fat as possible; avocados, rib-eye steaks, nuts, and seeds.

(A fat based diet reduces inflammation and therefore blood cholesterol levels!)

3) Make your carbs colored veggies (yes, all veggies are carbs). Skip the potatoes, especially the french fries.

So, here’s the punch-line to this story; the PREGNENOLONE STEAL! It goes like this:

4) Take a look at your life stressors and prioritize.

1) All of your stress and sex hormones are made from cholesterol. Cholesterol is such an important substance to body repair and function, that about 85% is made by your liver, not eaten. (Does poisoning your liver with a statin drug that shuts down cholesterol production sound like a good idea?)

5) Get your sleep. It’s more important than whatever is on TV.

2) Cholesterol is turned into a hormone precursor called pregnenolone which can either go down the stress hormone pathway to the adrenals to be made into hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, OR it can go down the sex-hormone pathway and be turned into sex hormones, like testosterone.

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3) When you are on the blood sugar roller coaster and add the stress of everyday living, your body makes an executive decision: Staying alive is more important than reproducing.

6) Drink water during the day, NOT CAFFEINE, which stresses out your adrenals and de-stabilizes your blood sugars.

7) Be kind and grateful. Attitude IS everything and negative emotions elicit stress hormones which drive this vicious cycle.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

DR. DEBORAH PENNER

Dr. Penner practices chiropractics and whole body medicine at Chico Creek Wellness. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www. chicocreekwellness.com or call 530-342-8464.

SCHEDULE YOUR CUT & SHAVE TODAY!

HAIR CUTS TRIMS & STYLING STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVES I N S I D E F O R M A L E D U C AT I O N

334 BROADWAY STREET, DOWNTOWN CHICO (530) 809-1839

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WOMEN’S HEALTH A SIMPLE YOGA PRACTICE

A simple yoga practice done on a daily basis can change your life. It changes the way you think about yourself and the things you do on a daily basis.

At first, the awareness you gain in a yoga class will encourage you to sit up straighter when you are at your desk or driving.

When you find yourself getting a little stiff in the lower back you might get up and do a simple forward bend to relieve the back pain that is likely to occur. When you are slumping on the couch at home you might find a posture that won’t lead to discomfort later. This is what happens when you pay attention to your body. You can learn how to feel good from the inside.

If you go to a yoga class or practice at home you are more likely to take a big deep breath when encountering a difficult situation instead of reacting. This ability to go into yourself and reflect before you act is one of the things you learn when you do yoga.

The yoga practice is only a little about stretching the muscles of the body. It is much more about becoming aware of the body you have and working in such a way as to create balance. There is a reason behind the positions that yoga teaches us. These postures align and balance the body so that the energy or “prana” can move more freely and equally within. When we pay attention to our bodies and breath, there is a connection that develops within us that helps us understand ourselves and our energy more completely.

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

When we come to understand ourselves better through the yoga practice, it encourages us to treat the people around us as we would want to be treated. In the yoga practice there are a whole set of moral and ethical principles that encourage non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, and ethical use of individual energies as well as personal cleanliness of body and mind, contentment, and self reflection.

These practices are to be done along with the physical postures and the breathing exercises so that when you practice yoga it touches on all aspects of your life. You are certainly challenged physically to do the postures, but more importantly the yoga practice causes you to look inside of yourself to see if you are living your life to the fullest.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

TOM HESS

Certified yoga instructor and co-founder of Yoga Center of Chico, located at 250 Vallombrosa Suite 150 in Chico. For more information, visit yogacenterofchico.com or call 530-342-0100.

BEAUTY Q&A DERMAL FILLERS

What are dermal fillers and how long do they last?

Dermal fillers are gel-like volumizing substances that are injected underneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth fine lines and deep creases, and enhance facial contours. Fillers can be either temporary or permanent and the length of time they last depends on the product. The most common fillers contain hyaluronic acid such as Juvederm or Voluma which last 6 months to 2 years depending on where they are injected and how each person processes the filler. Permanent fillers such as Artefill or one’s own fat are also available. Artefill requires allergy testing and cannot be reversed like Juvaderm or Voluma.

Where should I use dermal fillers vs Botox Injections?

the cheeks, the nasolabial folds (the crease next to your nose and mouth), and the marionette lines (the lines next to your lower lip). It is important to find a practitioner that is educated on facial anatomy and knows where to properly inject Botox and dermal fillers.

What kinds of side effects can I expect from dermal fillers?

Most side effects from fillers are mild and resolve quickly on their own. Side effects can include swelling, redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, bruising, itching, or color change. Side effects can also be reduced by proper aftercare, which includes applying ice to the area and avoiding workouts until the next day. Avoiding alcohol consumption or smoking is also beneficial. For temporary fillers such as Juvederm and Voluma, the filler can be reversed if one does not like the changes that the filler provided.

Permanent fillers such as Artefill can cause the body to form nodules that can only be surgically removed. Side effects are also minimized by choosing an experienced practitioner to help rejuvenate your face.

Botox injections relax the muscles, diminishing and prevent new facial lines.

Fillers are injected beneath the lines or in areas that need more volume. The most popular areas for Botox injections are on the top part of one’s face. These are the 11’s (the lines in between the eyebrows), the forehead, and the crow’s feet (the lines between your eyes and hairline). Botox can also be carefully injected into bands that people form on their neck, or small lines next to the nose called bunny lines.

BEAUTY ADVICE

Fillers are commonly injected into the midface and the lower face. Common areas for filler injection include the lips,

Matthew Murray DDS, MB is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, fellowship trained Cosmetic Surgeon and board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. For more information, visit chicooralfacialsurgery.com or call 530.343.1685.

VIA

MATT MURRAY

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Give your skin some

LOVE! Give yourself a Valentine this year—the gift of great skin!

Winter cold, hours spent indoors due to bad weather, stress, and temperature changes can all contribute to dull, dry, or broken-out skin. Technology has come a long way in the skin care field, and there are now so many ways to refresh, rejuvenate, and improve the skin’s appearance. Laser treatments can build collagen, resurface rough texture, repair sun damage, and remove unwanted hair. There are radio-frequency treatments to contour the face and body by releasing fluids from fat cells and tightening the skin.

Microdermabrasion can improve the skin’s tone and texture by sloughing off old, dead cells, and chemical peels can get deep into the uppermost layers to reveal the softer, younger skin underneath. We also carry a variety of skin care products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that gives you a healthy glow, and Retinol (or Tretinoin) is a form of pure vitamin A which can expedite cell turnover to refresh and smooth the skin. All of our products are medical grade, such as Obagi, SkinCeuticals, Dermalogica, and Skin Medica.

Following up treatments with at-home care is key for maintaining results.

And don’t forget the skin on your body!

We recommend massage to relax, destress, and release toxins, improving circulation and overall well-being.

Glowing skin doesn’t stop at the neck!

We do free consultations, so you can decide on the best plan to get the skin you will love!

DERM BAR MED-SPA (530) 342-2672 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

20 Years

of Serving The North State

1995–2015 Because hearing is a wonderful gift!

“So impressed!”

“You folks are so professional! From the first time I called ’til the time of my first visit, you were so friendly and helpful. I was so impressed... and very pleased! This has been a very good experience!“ — Cathy Fell, retired, Chico, CA

We’re celebrating 20 years of serving the North State!

Call us today and mention you saw us in Upgraded Living for a complimentary appointment...Because hearing is a wonderful gift!

Crystal Chalmers, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

1(888) 876-7450 Located at 15 Jan Court, off of Forest Ave, behind Raley’s Sky Park Plaza

Learn more at www.nsaudiology.com

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The interview

gait evalution

finding your size

This first step is designed to greet each customer and learn about each individual’s needs. We will ask you a series of questions about your preferred activities, current footwear, and injuries. Your answers give the FIT Expert the information needed to narrow down the selection of shoes in store.

We will ask you to take a quick walk down and back a few times in order to see your body mechanics while in movement. We are looking for natural and excessive movement (supination/pronation). This test is performed visually and pinpoints what level of support you might need in your footwear.

For accuracy, we use a Brannock device to measure your foot. The Brannock doesn’t tell us what size shoe you need rather it measures the size your foot. Having extra space in your fitness shoes is recommended in order to accommodate swelling.

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CONNECT

find your solemate

Here at Fleet Feet Sports it is our mission to take care of our customer’s needs one step at a time with care and diligence. Each person has a unique set of needs that we address individually with the highest priority and concern. We strive for a welcoming environment for people of any age or ability level. Fleet Feet is more than a “Running Store.”

We help people looking for everyday pain relief, walkers, beginning runners, and those crazy marathon runners, too. Our staff has been there and understands how to help each step of the way. Come stop by and get fit today. See the difference in your step and get the FIT you’ve dreamed of!

FLEET FEET SPORTS IS LOCATED AT 241 MAIN STREET TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PERFECT FIT GO TO WWW.FLEETFEETCHICO. COM OR CALL (530) 345-1000

Socks & Inserts

Rolling

Say yes to the shoe?

Technical running socks help prevent the number one running injury: BLISTERS! Additionally, having under foot support adds to a stable foot bed and a premium fit inside the shoe.

Now that you are committed to being active, don’t let pesky injuries slow you down.

Using rollers and stretching is a great way to keep your muscles loose, supple, and ready for your next workout. Working out knots can be painful, but running with them can be dangerous!

One last piece before you go, try on the shoes!

Let us make sure everything fits well and you love the shoes we brought you. At this point it is all a matter of comfort and sometimes fashion, too.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

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Love, hope, success, family, security.

Gayle Aylward, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0691589 1277 East Avenue, Ste 110 Chico, CA 95926 Bus: 530-895-1356 www.gayleaylward.com

Some things we all have in common.

There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

29

FIVE MISTAKES THAT CAN UPEND YOUR RETIREMENT

BY RENEE MICHEL AND JOE SWEENEY, FINANCIAL ADVISORS WITH ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are five big financial mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

1.

2.

3.

No Strategy: Author Lewis Carroll wrote “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there”. Indeed, the biggest mistake is not having a strategy. Without a strategy, you may have no goals, leaving you no way of knowing how you’ll get there. Creating a strategy may increase your potential for success, both before and after retirement.

Frequent Trading: Chasing “hot” investments often leads to despair. Create an asset allocation strategy that is properly diversified to reflect your objective, risk tolerance and time horizon; then make adjustments based on changes in your personal situation, not due to market ups and downs.¹ Not Maximizing Tax-Deferred Savings: Workers have tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. Not participating in your employer’s 401(k) may be a mistake, especially when you’re passing up free money in the form of employer-matching contributions.²

4.

5.

Not Adjusting Your Investment Approach Well Before Retirement: The last thing your retirement portfolio can afford is a sharp fall in stock prices and a sustained bear market at the moment you’re ready to stop working.

Consider adjusting your asset allocation in advance of tapping your savings so you’re not selling stocks when prices are depressed.³ Retiring with too Much Debt: If too much debt is bad when you’re making money, it can be deadly when you’re living in retirement.

Consider managing or reducing your debt level before you retire.

It’s Not Only about Money: Above all, a rewarding retirement requires good health, so maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stay socially involved and remain intellectually active.

1. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Asset allocation and diversification are approaches to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee against investment loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

2. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

3. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk.

Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Some excerpts written by FMG Suite.

Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 2452 Lakewest Drive, Chico, CA 95928 530-342-2900 | 800-333-2901 | (F) 530-342-3925 | rmichel@amgchico.com | www.sweeneymichelamg.com Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN WENHAM & EARL BLOOR

Farm Fresh: Farm to School

By Kyleen Bromley

A door to a classroom opens and the “Some children have never seen some of students turn to see who walks in. A blue the produce we bring in,” Sheila told me. shirt that reads “I heart fruits & veggies” “We always bring strawberries in May, and catches their eyes and they perk up, I can’t tell you how surprising it is when leaning over their desks to see what the the teacher emails us after the tasting visitor is holding — a bag of this month’s to thank us for our program, telling us fruit or vegetable. It’s Farm to School day there are some students who have never and never have you seen kids so excited eaten a fresh strawberry before!” While about fruits and vegetables. But that is this should be a shocking sentiment, it the norm for the interns at Farm to School is actually a reality. The program prides who bring this program to schools and itself on knowing that the work they do is create an “edible curriculum.” more than just educational and delicious, Sheila Mcquaid is the Farm to but a necessity.

Fork coordinator at Center for Healthy Farm to School reaches over 25,000 Communities. The duties, programs, and K-6 students each year throughout the work she does is so broad, we both had to community. In fact, the grants given to settle on only one thing to discuss. I knew Farm to School go directly back into it had to be Farm to School based on how the local community as Sheila gets the quickly she lit up when our conversation privilege of contacting local farmers turned to the program. Farm to School to find the produce of the month. The is a program designed to help educate positive relationships Sheila has created K-6 students about local and seasonal with these farmers is reflected in how produce. As you can imagine, the first successful this program has been. The time a student is handed a vegetable, more we begin to appreciate the bounty their instinct is to turn up their nose at of fabulous produce we have in our it. But with Farm to School, the students community, the better it is for everyone. begin to not only discover the importance of the produce presented, but the farmers who bring it to them. It doesn’t take long before fresh produce becomes more than just something the students push around on their dinner plates at night.

Studies have shown that students who CONNECT FOR MORE are educated on the importance of fresh, INFORMATION whole food tend to reach for the apple in ABOUT FARM TO the cafeteria before the chocolate cake. SCHOOL, VISIT WWW. This is more than just a fun day in class, it CSUCHICO.EDU/ CHC OR CONTACT is an important way to teach children the SHEILA MCQUAID importance of healthy eating beyond the AT SMCQUAID@ CSUCHICO.EDU food chart.

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By Grana Wood Fired Foods Ingredients: 1 cup polenta 4 jumbo shrimp ¼ cup minced sundried tomato ½ lb ramps, (substitute small leeks or green onion) 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 cup heavy cream Olive oil 6 Calabrian chiles packed in oil (available at Grana) ¼ cup sun dried tomato (chopped) ¼ cup water ¼ cup white wine 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions for shrimp, ramps, and crispy polenta: Prepare polenta, substituting one cup heavy cream for one cup water.

Add sundried tomato and one tbsp lemon juice to cooked polenta. Stir and adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Pour polenta onto lightly oiled sheet pan and spread to ¾ of an inch. Allow to cool and cut into three-inch squares. Set a pan over medium heat. Once hot add ¼ cup olive oil and fry polenta on one side until desired crispness.

Place one cake on each of the four plates. Lightly sautée ramps with salt and pepper, adding lemon juice when ramps become softened. Set atop crispy polenta. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and sautée two-three minutes per side or until cooked to your preference. Set shrimp on top of polenta and ramps.

Drizzle with two tbsp sofrito and olive oil.

Instructions for chile sofrito: Bring water and wine to a boil and add tomato. Remove from heat and cover for 20 minutes. Pour mixture into small food processor, add chiles and vinegar, and pulse until slightly chunky.

RECIPE COURTESY OF GRANA WOOD FIRED FOODS, LOCATED AT 198 E. 2ND STREET IN CHICO. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.GRANACHICO.COM OR CALL 530.809.2304

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

PHOTO BY ERIN WENHAM

Seared Jumbo Shrimp with polenta and chile sofrito

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Chicken Picante

By Sicilian Cafe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 whole chicken 8 cherry peppers (sliced) 8 pepperoncini (sliced) 6 green olives (pitted) 1 cup dry white wine 2 cups chicken stock 2 tbsp Italian parsley (chopped) Red chili flakes (to taste) Kosher salt & pepper (to taste)

Cut and separate chicken into individual portions (leg, breast, thigh). Preheat oven to 450°F for 15 minutes. Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Reduce oven to 425°F and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove chicken from oven and place in a pot. Add pan drippings.

Add wine, stock, produce, red chili flakes to taste. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes. Serve alone or with pasta.

RECIPE COURTESY OF SICILIAN CAFÉ, LOCATED AT 1020 MAIN STREET IN CHICO. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (530) 345-2233 OR FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK.

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Being there is why I’m here.

Joni Ginno, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0732591 1915 Esplanade Chico, CA 95926 Bus: 530-891-5881

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34

Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved, or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

THE BEST COUNTRY AND TALK RADIO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!

9-Run-1

By Aveed Khaki PHOTOS BY AVEED KHAKI POSTER BY DRAGON GRAPHICS

With Bidwell Park’s accessibility, it’s no surprise that Chico has such a penchant for charity runs. Frost or Fog, the Bidwell Classic, Girls on the Run, Bidwell Bark, Run For Food — the list goes on and on! However, even with the abundance of local races throughout the year, the month of May has largely been left behind. Three local paramedics are looking to change that.

Alex Van Dewark (whom you may remember from our September issue’s cover), Casey Annal, and Jason Garaventa met while working as paramedics in Chico. Having participated in their fair share of charity runs, Alex and Casey had the idea to launch a charity run to increase visibility and awareness of local first responders while raising money for a deserving cause. They approached Jason, who started producing races two years ago, and the three began developing a plan for the event.

Looking to find a new location with different opportunities for their race than the other runs that take place each year, they connected with management at a number of different locations, but ultimately found the Chico Mall to be the perfect location for the run, as it provided both indoor and outdoor possibilities.

As May can be a somewhat questionable month weather-wise, the location allowed them to also sidestep the potential pitfalls of wet fields, mud, and the safety issues they entail. With the logistics taken care of, the guys were finally ready to launch their first charity run together.

Appropriately named, 9-Run-1 will have its inaugural 5K race on May 21st at 8am. The community-oriented obstacle course run will take place at the Chico Mall and will feature classic over-the-wall obstacles, tire hops, low crawls, bear walks, pipe crawls, serpentine runs, army crawls, and obstacles related to day-to-day field operations for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical professionals. Members of the community are encouraged to take part in the run and sign up under the team of safety professionals they’d like to raise awareness for.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Enloe Foundation Cardiac Care Program. The event will fall on Chico State’s graduation weekend, giving families in town another fun opportunity to explore Chico with their graduate during their special weekend.

For families, 9-Run-1 will allow children to meet with and ask local first responders questions about their work in the community. Public education booths will be set up with awareness packets for visitors, and there will even be a mini obstacle course for kids.

Early bird tickets for 9-Run-1 will be available online at 9run1.com starting February 1st, for $55 per ticket. Ticket prices will increase after April 1st. Use coupon code RunWithUL to get $15 off. Ticket prices include a shirt displaying your emergency personnel team of choice and entrance to the event.

We couldn’t be more excited to participate in 9-Run-1’s inaugural run, and hope to see all of you out there. Join us on May 21st to support some of the bravest and most giving members of our community.

CONNECT

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 9-RUN-1 OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT 9RUN1.COM. 35

"Sherry is a wonderful agent. She is very knowledgeable and explains every step of the process to you. She is professional and friendly and will go the extra mile. Thank you Sherry!"

-Christy & Aaron Rodgers

landis4sale25@gmail.com

This property is as rare as hens' teeth! No sales out in this very popular Ch창teau East condo area in quite some time! Tucked in the very back of this complex and nestled underneath beautiful trees, this home has a very popular floor plan with fireplace, remodeled kitchen with granite counters, newer appliances, and dual pane windows, all done approximately seven years ago. Brand new carpeting upstairs, and fresh paint. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,341 Price: $225,000

Facebook.com/Landis4sale

A 300 year old native Golden Maple tree adorns this beautiful lot! Close to town and offering 2 homes, detached garage and shop, it is a buy for sure!

Each house has one bedroom, one bath and are nearly 800 square feet each.

Wood stove, all appliances, shop in detached garage, and birds singing are all included in this purchase! Relaxation is included in this price for free!

Price: $175,000

Up where the eagles fly, you will find this custom built, one-owner home amongst beautiful trees and panoramic views as far as your eye can see. Open patios with the feeling of a vacation resort - but at your very own home! Giddy-up on your horse and grab those animals because there is room to roam and explore!!! Water to the property is spring-fed. There is also well that is not being used at this time. The gourmet kitchen opens to a warm, inviting family room with a wood stove. This home features a built-in entertainment center and walls of windows for great natural lighting. Hurry, there's great value in this one of a kind home!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,201 Price: $589,000

#3 in Production for 2014!

Any closed transaction receives a gift certificate to 36

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

Tucked away in a upscale neighborhood & sheltered by majestic trees, here you will find your dream home. This beautiful home is designed for indoor/outdoor entertaining and is loaded with upgrades. You will love the generously proportioned rooms, the gorgeous wood floors, the formal living and dining rooms, the cozy family room with it’s fireplace, guest quarter, expansive master suit, large kitchen with can lighting, breakfast nook over looking a beautiful private yard, 3 car garage, gated R.V. parking all on almost one ace of total privacy.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,501 Price: $487,500

Intoxicating view! Where the eagles soar, this captivating residence sits shielded behind iron gates. This home is truly magnificent with towering ceilings, walls of glass, gleaming wood floors, a lavish living room, formal & informal dining, gourmet kitchen, granite counters, designer hood, 3 fireplaces, 6” interior walls, 2HVAC, 3 car garage and more all onan almost 2 acre parcel. The ambiance is peaceful with views of sunsets & city lights. You will breakfast on the patio watching the mountain ranges & Sutter-Buttes. At night simply relax & enjoy your unobstructed view of the star-speckled sky.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,389 Acreage: ~2.0

Expect to be impressed. Superbly appointed in an exclusive community of fine estates, this elegant home was built to exact specifications with almost no regards for cost. As you approach the house, you will fall in love with the peaceful ambiance of the beautiful koi pond and its waterfalls. The massive, double door entry will welcome you to a stunning residence offering exceptional detailing throughout.

This beautiful home features all the amenities one could want, including radiant, heated marble floors, imported Brazilian mahogany pillars, dramatic ceilings, formal living room, formal dining room, a family room with fireplace, kitchen with granite counters, double convection oven, trash compactor, and eating bar. The master suite offers dual vanities, his & her closet, a jetted tub, and a walk-in PENDING shower. You will love the fullyThe lake is only seconds fromcellar, this beautiful Tucked Pirates will squeal & scurry for units this hidden treasure! The delightful, large equipped home theater,away the wine and the home! dumbwaiter.

A away whole house fan, central vacuum, 2 A/C in,a2 quiet thisand wellsecurity maintained home offersthis a darling front porch of this home provides relaxation and a great waterneighborhood, heaters, intercom system will keep home perfectly suited to you at gorgeous all times. The gated porch, perfect for summer days to sitwith upon and relax.pool, Inside to get to know your neighbors. With soaring 10 and 12 foot backyard is centered around entertaining, a gorgeous waterfalls, place and covered gazebo.

you’ll find an open floor plan, high ceilings, tile counters, and wood ceilings, this home features walls of glass windows providing ample In addition to all of Tile this,floors thereinisthe a gated 4-car garage, which fiisreplace equipped with indoor car wash amenities.

The flooring throughout. kitchen and bathrooms, natural lighting, crown molding throughout, bamboo flooring, a cozy sits room, on 1.01walk-in acre ofcloset, total privacy.

The word “magnificent” is truly an understatement.

Make this home your inhome the living mater bath with dual sink, separate fireplace with mantel, built-in bookshelves, cabinets with glass doors, sanctuary. shower and a tub. The yard is maintenance free so you can enjoy life a darling kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a loft, indoor laundry, a beautiful by spending more time by the lake canoeing, fishing, or just enjoying patio with fountain and Zen-inspired landscaping plus 2 car garage.

Bed: 4.0 Bath:3.0 SqFt: 4,367 Price: $749,900 walking the paths around the area.

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,346 Price: $269,000 Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 1,739 Price: $309,000

PENDING Two commercial properties. The features granite Intoxicating Mt. Shasta and Mt.room, Lassen!! wellkitchen maintained Tucked in a friendly neighborhood,This thishome immaculate home offers an open floor plan,views highof ceilings, large living anThis open with first parcel has 1.6 AC with a counter tops, laminate flooring, home sits on 10 acres of total privacy. Featuring a large living room an island, a five burner gas cook top and a double ovens.

Seller has made many upgrades to this darling home which includes all new 600 Sq ft. building structure that crown molding, security system, with a free standing wood stove, a newly remodeled kitchen with appliances in the kitchen, new faucets, shower head, bathroom sink, newer carpet and some new windows. The master bedroom is located was built in 1979 and has been central heat and air, dual pane granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and newer appliances, this in the first floor and two other bedroom are on the second floor.

The yard is landscaped and offers a lushan lawn, bubbling spa, operating as a nursery for the last windows, upgraded appliances homebeautifully also provides tile and laminate flooring, overa sized bonus 2 large sheds oversize 25water years.fountain, It is partially fenced, it isand an and fixtures.side This yard. home also has a room with a wood stove, indoor laundry, water softeners, 2 balconies, on city services and is near park large basement perfect for your a private domestic well plus a shared Ag. well, central heating and air, and shopping. The 2nd parcel is wine collection and storage! barn/shop, 4 car carport Bed: and much more.

3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,516 Price: $279,900 on .29 AC and is adjacent to the Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,240 Price: $399,900 other parcel.

Price: $400,000 SqFt: 2,085 Price: $239,000 37

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

Serving Butte County

Bed:3 | Bath:2 | SqFt:1867+/- | Price:$340,000

Bed:3 | Bath:2.5 | SqFt:2331+/- | Price:$459,000

Bed:3 | Bath:2 | SqFt:1683+/- | Price:$225,000

NEWER NORTH CHICO HOME! Hard to find property in Creekside Landing, Tall ceilings throughout, formal entry, oversized great room, Centrally located laundry room, large master bedroom with en-suite bath, Grassy backyard with concrete patio and privacy fencing, corner lot, won’t last!

BEAUTIFUL BUTTE VALLEY! 3BD 2.5BA 2330+SqFt home on 7 Acres of gently rolling hills. Astounding views, open living and family room area, dramatic formal entry, exotic hardwood decking, great horse or vineyard potential! ONLY 15 MINUTES TO CHICO!

WELCOME HOME! This astounding 2007 built home is sure to impress. Open kitchen, laminate flooring, wide hallway, master suite w/ retreat, oversized garage, wrap around porch, beautifully landscaped, circular concrete driveway. Cadillac of dog houses with heat, power and carpet!

Total SqFt:64,823+/- | Acreage:7.58 | Price:$1,600,000

Bed:3 | Bath:3 | SqFt:2282+/- | Price:$289,000

Bed:2 | Bath:2 | SqFt:1440+/- | Price:$70,500

SO MANY POSSIBILITIES! Former Paradise post printing location, with Over 60,000 SqFt of warehouse space and additional 4,800+SqFt of office Space.

Existing heavy electrical and natural gas services in place! Industrial services zoning allows for many many uses! Call for more details!

EXCELLENT FIND IN NICE NEIGHBORHOOD! Pride of ownership exudes from this nicely updated home.

Newer fencing, roofing, windows, solar tube skylights, private upstairs master suite, 2nd/junior master suite, fruit trees, RV parking, living room plus large family room, quiet Cul-De-Sac location!

AFFORDABLE LIVING! You’ll love this one owner home when you see it!Gas fireplace, pantry, newer linoleum, sunporch, detached garage, centrally Located in the Paradise Pines! Don’t Miss seeing this home! It’s priced to sell And won’t last long!

PARADISE AND MAGALIA

STATISTICS! Acreage:.27-1.13 acres | Prices: From $20,000$54,900 VIEWS! SMALL FARM/RANCH! SUBDIVISION! AND RESIDENTIAL! We have land and lots in many shapes and sizes! Whether you are looking to build a home, estate or small farm we have what you need! We are your local experts! Let us help you find what you’re looking for!

Paradise Sales Volume # of Units Sold Average Sales Price

Magalia Sales Volume

*Statistics are for single family and manufactured homes

# of Units Sold Average Sales Price

2014

2015

% of Change

84476602

112061443

32.65

420

490

16.66

$201,576

$228,183

13.2

2014

2015

% of Change

33965867

39189959

15.38

271

268

-1.11

125918

146231

16.13

Beds:8 | Baths:6 | SqFt:3668+/- | Price: $367,000 TWO HOUSES ON ONE LOT! Perfect opportunity for multi-generational Living, family compound, guest home, or??? Larger home is 5/4 2050+SqFt Smaller home is 3/1.5 1660+SqFt. .64 Acre lot, two carports, RV Parking, extra Storage space, Quiet Cul-De-Sac setting, nearly unlimited potential! Call Today!

39

New Again Kitchen Remodeling Presents

HOUSE CALL:

PARADISE FOUND

THE CLIENT Julie, an accountant, and her husband Mike, a software engineer, were just happy to move into a fairly new house in Paradise some 18 years ago. Both natives of Butte County, they decided that the five year old property was the perfect place to begin and have lived there ever since.

As the home was relatively new, there wasn’t much inside the house that needed work. The land surrounding the house was a different matter entirely. Without any landscaping to speak of, the couple focused their efforts on the yard, adding a pool and landscaping two-thirds of an acre.

As time went on, Mike and Julie began to fall out of love with the interior of their home, particularly their kitchen.

Old and dated, the kitchen resembled a 40

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

style that was popular a quarter-century ago. Oak cabinets hung from the walls and stood atop the floors with white ceramic tile and grout in between them. The appliances, most of which were original, had begun their slow, painful advance to the grave. They decided it was time to shake things up and revive the home they once fell in love with.

THE CALL Mike and Julie ended up at the Chico Home & Garden show and talked to a number of different vendors about

painting their cabinets and installing new countertops, trying to piece together a team who could accomplish the project for them. They came upon New Again Kitchen Remodeling, and spoke to Ric about their project. He seemed like the perfect fit for the renovation as he was the first vendor who could handle everything in-house. As Julie put it, “He was a great resource for everything we needed.” He knew where to find the best appliances, already worked with a great painter, and was able to complete the demolition, and installation of new countertops and backsplash. He even helped find hardware for their cabinets which had been without hardware pulls for eighteen years.

Marbled Counter Tops

Ric came out and measured the kitchen and put Julie in contact with John Ferrell, the cabinet painter New Again uses exclusively. The couple visited the showroom and picked out the granite and backsplash that best matched the vision for their new kitchen, and Ric’s team set out to demolish the old counter shortly thereafter, replacing the ceramic tile counter with Giallo Vermont granite countertops. Their in-house tile contractor, Victor Cabrerra took care of the backsplash by installing new 4x12 Bedrosian glass tile backsplash.

Ric helped the couple realize their dream of a gourmet chef’s kitchen by sourcing Thermador appliances as replacements for those that were near death. New Again’s work in the kitchen and bar was completed in just two short days.

CONNECT

To further tie the home in, Mike and Julie decided to have the laundry room counters match the kitchen, so New Again switched out the original, bright red formica counters with the same stone installed in the kitchen, adding only more day to the install.

When asked if they would recommend New Again to family and friends, Julie responds, “Yes we would, and already have! It’s made a huge difference in our home. I love it! It’s great and it makes me want to use my kitchen a lot more. I’m happy we did it and it’s something we’ll enjoy for a long time. We didn’t want to be one of those people who fixes their home right before they moved out and then wondered why they didn’t do it a long time ago.”

With the kitchen above, Julie’s testimonial should come as no surprise. If you have a kitchen or bathroom renovation project in mind, contact the folks at New Again Kitchen Remodeling. Just like Julie, you’ll be glad you did!

NEW AGAIN KITCHEN REMODELING | 2502 PARK AVE, CHICO, CA 95928 | (530) 899-2888

BY AVEED KHAKI PHOTOS BY ERIN WENHAM

THE CURE

41

Let Us Show You

Paradise 66 Years Serving the Ridge and the North Valley

Coldwell Banker Ponderosa Real Estate is the #1 real-estate brokerage on the Paradise/Magalia Ridge.

We work harder for you and get the job done.

Contact us today!

(530) 877-6244 NorthStateHomes.com 7020 Skyway Paradise, CA

CalBRE #01198431

Two things we love: lending money and looking out for people.

Chico Home Loan Center 2760 Esplanade, Suite 130, Chico, CA 95973 | (530) 924-6500 | homestreet.com/chico

All loans subject to approval.

42

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

A Beautiful Life After spending the last eight years designing some of Maui’s most high-end homes, Alisa Woods decided it was time for a change. A California native herself, she had two family members who were longtime residents of Chico and very active in the local art scene. Considering her love for art, and the insider information available through her family, Chico was the first place she explored when she decided to move back.

She did a fair amount of research before moving back to Chico and found that there was a void in the area for vibrant, instock furnishings that could be purchased by the majority of residents at a reasonable price. The small-town feel coupled with city-like activities helped convince Alisa that Chico was indeed the right move for her.

Alisa maintains that creating a lovely living space doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg; her new store, A Beautiful Life Furnishings, located at 250 East 1st Street in Downtown Chico is proof of that statement. Using her background in high-end interior design, and partnerships she’s formed over the past eight years, Alisa is bringing high-quality furnishings to Chico at

approachable prices. Whether you’re in the market for a kitchen table and chairs, or designer pillows made locally, she has something for everyone here. There are even a number of local finds that have been recycled or upcycled into one-of-akind pieces ready for display at home.

The furniture isn’t all that’s approachable here—so is she, and always more than glad to provide feedback and advice freeof-charge in her store to those looking to beautify their living spaces. That, in itself, is something worth heralding, as consultation services tend to be one of the pricier parts of home renovation.

She believes in making her community a better place by beautifying it, and helping enhance the homes of those living within it. She feels that if you start your morning in a beautiful environment, your morning will likewise be beautiful, and that you’ll share that mood with those around you. We couldn’t agree with her more.

Not only does Alisa’s store provide furniture and design services, but the space is also home to art openings every other month, featuring local artists with a large body of work from each individual.

By Aveed Khaki

In February and March, Paula Busch will take over the walls of the showroom with over thirty pieces of original artwork. The art opening will take place on February 5th from 5pm to 8pm, and the community is invited to visit and speak with Paula about her recent work.

A Beautiful Life Furnishings blends modern, urban, industrial, chic, natural, and classic in one environment, and does so with ease. Whether you’re looking for furniture, candles, plants, bath products, beautiful jewelry, bedding, or even just inspiration, stop in and see why this store is such a gem in Downtown Chico.

CONNECT VISIT A BEAUTIFUL LIFE FURNISHINGS IN DOWNTOWN CHICO AT 250 EAST 1ST STREET BETWEEN 11AM–6PM TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, AND 10AM–4PM ON SATURDAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (530) 487-7229 OR VISIT THEM ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/ ABEAUTIFULLIFEFURNISHINGS

PHOTOS BY ERIN WENHAM 43

NEW OR USED?

BY DAN BOSCH

There are many considerations to make when deciding whether to purchase a new or previously owned home. There are benefits and drawbacks of both choices, so it is important to weigh all of your options when making the decision of new versus used… One of the greatest benefits of buying a new home is peace of mind. Simply stated, a new home offers the buyer the comfort of knowing that they are the first and only one to occupy the property. There will not have been a previous owner that may have added on to the home, attempted a weekend repair, or even potentially covered something up about the property that could be a problem down the road. The peace of mind is further reinforced by the fact that not only does a new home provide the assurance of a builder warranty, it also means that the overall systems of the home are new and were completed correctly by professionals during the construction process. Heating and air conditioning units, major appliances and even fixtures are all calculated, purchased and installed specifically for the home and are part of the design from the beginning. This all adds up to significantly greater peace of mind than one can get when purchasing a resale home.

Another huge benefit of buying new is the ability to customize the home to your individual style, tastes and needs. Most builders provide numerous options for home buyers to choose from. Paint color, flooring, fixtures, cabinets and counter tops are just some of the items that the buyer of new construction will often have a choice of during the process.

Cost is another consideration to make when comparing the purchase of new construction versus that of a resale home. Oftentimes it will appear as though going the route of a new 44

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

home is going to be the least expensive of the options. In many areas, the price per square foot of a new home will be comparatively less than that of a similar home that is only a few years old. However, when making this cost comparison, it is very important to look at all factors and to make sure that it is truly an “apples-to-apples” situation. Window coverings, irrigation and landscaping, swimming pools, concrete walkways or patios and other amenities are all additional costs that must be added to the original price of the new home to get a true representation of what you will be paying. Conversely, these costs will have been previously paid for and thus factored into the price of the resale home. When buying new, the majority of these additional costs are directly incurred by a buyer after the close of escrow meaning that they typically must be paid for with out-of-pocket cash, as opposed to the slightly higher priced resale home where the costs are simply part of the purchase price.

Another thing to consider when buying new is the issue of neighborhood maturity. New subdivisions by nature do not offer the large trees and other aesthetics of an established neighborhood. While at first glance this may not seem like much of an issue - especially when focusing on the sparkle and shine of a new home, keep in mind that landscaping is truly an investment in both time and money.

Trees planted today will still be very early in the growth process long after the newness of the home fades to memory. It is important to make sure that this is something that you are comfortable with if new construction is the direction that you decide to take…

Dan Bosch is a Realtor Associate with RE/MAX of Chico and the team leader for the Premier Professionals Real Estate Team... Dan specializes in residential and investment properties. He can be reached at (530) 896-9330 or via email at danbosch@sbcglobal.net. You can also visit his website www.premierteamchico.com and follow him at www.facebook. com/premierteamchico or on Instagram @premier_team_chico

5771 Kenglo Drive, Paradise

1381 Nunneley Road, Paradise

5828 Ponderosa Way, Magalia

Bed: 2 | Bath: 1 | $169,000

Bed: 3 | Bath: 2.5 | $379,900

Bed: 4 | Bath: 3.5 | $369,000

Prepare to be impressed! Located on a quiet cul-desac, this 2 bedroom, plus bonus room, has been nicely updated throughout: contemporary paint colors, crown molding, hardwood flooring, remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets and appliances, plus, solid surface countertop. The fully-fenced backyard is nicely landscaped with mature trees, spacious shed/workshop, patio and extra parking.

Pride of ownership abounds! This estate offers a formal living room, formal dining room, oversized family room and open kitchen with large window overlooking the well-manicured, fully-fenced backyard which offers an in-ground pool, hot tub, outdoor shower and the town’s largest maple tree! Additionally, there is a large garage, workshop area, studio and hobby room.

Beautiful, secluded setting on 2.9 usable acres! This wellbuilt, single-owner home has a nice clearing, fruit trees, garden areas, waterfall, multi-level deck and miners’ half inch of water. The family room is conveniently open to the kitchen which boasts “Jenn-Air” grill, breakfast bar, garden window and pantry. Enjoy the extra space in the garage and two storage barns.

8064 Skyway, Paradise

1407 Stonehurst Drive, Paradise

6900 Zenith Lane, Paradise

Commercial Office Location | $129,000

Bed: 2 | Bath: 1 | $140,000

Bed: 3 | Bath: 3 | $272,500

Excellent central Paradise location for your business. Main building (approx. 906 square feet) offers reception area, 3 private offices, bathroom and slider to back patio. Features and additional detached office area (approx. 300 square feet). Ample parking in front and on both sides, extra storage shed.

Great value! Central, in town location for this two bedroom home which features hardwood floors, updated bathroom with concrete counters, central heat and air, plus woodstove in brick fireplace. Spacious living room with picture window. French doors lead out to large deck. RV parking area, plus attached garage and storage/workshop.

Nicely updated home offers open floor plan and remodeled kitchen and baths. The great room boasts cathedral ceiling and natural light. Additional features include: whole house fan, newer roof, circle driveway, oversized 2-car garage with shop/office area. The fully fenced backyard offers mature landscape with garden and patio areas.

45

CROCHET AND CRAFT PAPER GARLAND

Valentine’s DIY Get crafty this Valentine’s Day! With a little glitter, some craft paper, and items you may already have around the house, you can create sweet Valentine’s Day decor that will make your heart flutter. These adorable little goodies make the perfect handmade Valentine’s Day gift and are an easy way to add some festive whimsy to your home.

These fun ideas come to us from Jonna Hord of Barbed Wire & Bling, one of the 14 amazingly creative gals behind Uptown Vintage & Shabby in Chico. Grab your glue gun, put on a romantic movie, and craft away!

CRAFT PAPER, GLITTER, AND RAFFIA CANDLE

CONNECT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PROJECTS AND UPCOMING POP-UP MARKETS, CALL 530-514-0776 OR VISIT UPTOWN VINTAGE & SHABBY ON FACEBOOK.

DECORATED WOODEN BLOCKS GOLD FRAMED FABRIC HEART

46

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

Antiques, collectibles & the BEST in mid-century modern furnishings

Collectible vintage vinyl & music memorabilia 260 E.1st Street, Downtown Chico | 530-899-8443 BUY ● CONSIGN ● GIFT CERTIFICATES 47

872.5880

(530)

6635 Clark Rd. Paradise, CA 95969

CalBRE#01991235

Of Paradise

Serving all of Butte County

www.RemaxOf Paradise.com

MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN! 3BR/2BA on 2.5 acres. Oversized two car det.

Garage, shop w/office. Beautiful kitchen with new stainless appliances & granite counters. Two covered patios, in ground pool! Master bedroom w/ walk-in closet, new master bath. Tons of storage. So much more.

CUSTOM ITALIAN VILLA STYLE ESTATE! One of a kind Paradise property on 40 Acres.

Own your own part of Little Butte Creek w/ waterfall/swimming hole. Private full detached guest house, a second full guest set up across the breezeway from the main house. To many amenities to list.

Appointment only!

SPECTACULAR CALIFORNIA SUNSETS! 4BR/3BA, formal dining, family room & living room. Floor to ceiling windows, two fireplaces, two HVAC units. Gourmet kitchen, loads of cabinets, breakfast bar/buffet table, convection oven & a walk in pantry! Lovely circular drive, landscape is established and fairly low maintenance!

SOUTHWEST FLAIR!! 3 BR/2 BA home with newer flooring , fireplace and a sweeping circle drive and plenty of RV parking Detached 2 car garage with a 2 car carport.

Large covered back deck and beautifully maintained yard. Spacious master suite with its own private balcony.

$499,900 #265 Julie Rolls 530-520-8545

$989,000 #320 Brian Voigt 530-514-2901

$588,000 #976 Jamie McDaniel 530-872-5891

$239,000 #634 Rhonda Maehl 530-873-7640

AMAZING SUNSETS! Beautiful custom 4BR/3.5BA home in lower Paradise, views of the valley, mountains and Sutter Buttes.

Hardwood floors in main living area, kitchen features multiple upgrades, breakfast nook & large dining room. Luxurious master suite. Minutes from Lake Oroville, Lime Saddle Marina

CHICO CHARMER, 3 BR/ 2 BA, 1488 sq.ft home with sunken living room, fireplace, and beautiful private yard. Covered patio, fruit trees and room for a garden. Great location! New underground utilities, Move in ready. Close to shopping and convenient location.

4 BR FLOOR PLAN w/ family rm. living rm, dining rm. Spectacular arch ways, designer tile floors, dream kitchen w/walk in pantry & stainless appliances. Eating nook off kitchen. Master bathroom w/jetted tub, two sinks and walk in closet. Large laundry room with extra storage. Dynamite home! Terrific location, close to Lime Saddle Marina!

NORTH CHICO LOCATION! Close to park, schools and shopping. Brand new kitchen range and dishwasher. Large sized living room, built-in window seat, shelves and ceiling fans. Lots of tiled counter space and breakfast bar in the kitchen. 3/BR/2BA, nice sized patio and a large wood deck, nice sunny garden space.

$489,000 #518 Kandice Rickson 530-872-5892

$275,000 #1050 Susan Doyle 530-877-7733

$399,000 #718 Heidi Wright 530-872-5890

$255,000 #270 Annette Gale 530-872-5886

HUD HOME IN THE PINES! 3BR/2BA, nice sized living room with a cozy woodstove for those cold winter nights. French doors in the dining room leads you out to the large deck and back yard. Two car garage.

This property sits on a half acre. PRICE REDUCED, waht an amazing deal!

11.1 ACRES OF PRIVATE SIERRA NEVADA FOREST! Spacious dining & kitchen. Living room w/vaulted wood beam ceilings, wood stove & picture windows. Bonus room w/ Sauna & bathroom. Guest quarters w/ kitchen area, living room, bedroom & bath!

2 covered horse stalls, large greenhouse, garden area & an open sunny pasture.

CUSTOM BUILT 4BR/3BA home on quiet cul-de-sac. Wonderful curb appeal, hardwood floors, kitchen w/granite tile countertops & custom cabinets. Living room w/ gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings & custom windows. Master BR w/ gas fireplace & walk-in closet. Spacious master bath. Fully landscaped back yard. Lots of upgrades.

BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH 3 CAR GARAGE!!

3BR/2½ BA, spacious living room with gas fireplace. Newer on-demand water heater for the whole house, newer carpeting, central heat & air, a security system, roll out awning over the sliding glass doors, aggregate concrete back patio. Extra storage shed & room for RV parking!

$146,250 #1264 Shannan Turner 530-872-3822

$439,900 #336 Christina Souther 530-520-1032

$489,000 #335 Nikki Sanders 530-872-5889

$194,900 #628 Summer Hughes 530-227-5729

48

Nobody in the World Sells more ÂŽ Real Estate than RE/MAX

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

Each office is independently owned and operated.

896.9300

(530)

1834 Mangrove Ave, Chico CA 95926

Of Chico

CalBRE#01991235

is Pleased to

! e m o c l e W (530)

Ron Matz Ronnie Owen

Brandi Laffins

321-9562

Amy Bean

Of Chico

&

is Plteoased

! e m o c l e W Shane Collins

Carolyn Fejes

Realtor

Realtor

(530)

966.4457 518.1413 (530)

1834 Mangrove Ave, Chico CA 95926

49

CHEFMATE “What’s for dinner?” Around here, that question is almost

impossible to answer. With so many options for incredible dining, choosing just one can be quite the task. At least you can rest easy knowing that whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. We have our amazing local chefs to thank for that peace of mind! Hailing from all corners of the country to share their love of different cuisines with our eager palates, these men and women are artists in their own right, creating the masterpieces we look forward to enjoying time and again. They’re constantly keeping us on our toes—changing up menus and pulling off daring yet delicious new creations. This month, we share with you the faces behind our favorite eats around town, and pay tribute to their culinary genius. So the next time you’re enjoying your favorite pasta dish, fresh sushi roll, or filet mignon, be sure to give your compliments to the chef.

Written by Jake Hutchison and Alyssa Worley Photos by Frank Rebelo, Michelle Camy, and Erin Wenham

SARAH SCHLOBOHM OF MOMONA 50

PHOTO U P G R A D EBY D L IFRANK V I N G . C REBLO OM FEBRUARY 2016

ann leon leon bistro | 817 Main St, Chico Living in Berkeley, Ann Leon dreamed of one day working for Chez Panisse. After extensive training, she achieved that goal and went on to be the Restaurant Chef at the Claremont Resort Hotel. Eventually she found her way to Chico where she opened Leon Bistro.

In owning her own restaurant, she has remained dedicated to one hundred percent organic ingredients in every meal.

Leon also has a love and talent for working with chocolate, meaning it is definitely worth trying out that dessert sampling plate with your party.

Leon Bistro’s kitchen is particularly interesting as Leon likes to train her own culinary staff, drawing students from nearby culinary schools and high school ROP programs, and has taken on many young cooks in the area. She began this endeavor when she felt that aspiring chefs might not be getting the preparation they need to enter the restaurant world.

Beyond teaching hopeful chefs, she also hosts bi-weekly culinary classes to anyone who wants to spice up their home cooking.

Art and food collide beautifully at Leon Bistro. Whether you’re a potential student looking to make it as a chef, a Chico resident eager to learn new culinary techniques and tastes, or someone looking for a great place to dine, Ann Leon will certainly deliver.

jeff king

Sean mindrum

grana | 198 E 2nd St, Chico

ready chef go | 980 Mangrove Ave, Chico

From building restaurants to owning and operating his own, Grana’s Jeff King has had an unconventional journey to being recognized as an exalted chef.

The long trek to owning his own restaurant began in his grandparents’ restaurant in central Illinois. Hanging out with his grandmother as a child, he experienced cooking from “scratch” and was encouraged to be creative with recipes. After working in construction, he knew he had to follow his heart. When King came to Chico 15 years ago, he resolved to open Grana and did so through no shortage of hard work and perseverence.

King’s passion is also evident in his selection of fine wine and masterful pairings. He is adamant about using locally sourced food, simple yet robust flavors, and continually experiments with new dishes.

Grana is a welcome stop for any party exploring great cuisine and Chico’s nightlife. Its unique architectural history, during which the corner of 2nd and Wall was transformed from “Grand Auto” to a restaurant, is an interesting conversation starter for what will no doubt prove to be an exceptional night out..

Ready Chef Go’s Sean Mindrum attended the California Culinary Academy and has since attained a rich background in culinary arts, training under chefs in the Bay Area with prestigous names like Wolfgang Puck.

Mindrum believes in purely seasonal food.

His attitude toward local farms has entered into every aspect of his business, which has created a farm-to-table model with only the freshest local ingredients.

Mindrum’s future endeavors for the restaurant include a small brewery that is expected to open in February and a “Farmer of the Month” event that will feature local growers.

51

jason colabove crush italian cuisine and lounge| 201 Broadway St, Chico In a kitchen overlooking Broadway and West 2nd Street, Jason Colabove will often be found cooking or prepping for yet another busy night at Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge.

Colabove, being mostly self-trained, began cooking at a young age.

Paying his dues through bussing tables and washing dishes, he eventually joined the navy, where he would get his first dose of official chef training while stationed in Hawaii. After his time in the navy he moved to Chico after getting a job as a chef at The Black Crow.

He enjoyed his time there as he was given a great amount of freedom to experiment with food and create his own recipes. Eventually, however, it was time to move on to new opportunities, and he found these by opening Crush.

He puts a lot into instilling the values of hard work into his team. As Chico is a college town, employees have a tendency to come and go. This creates a challenge for business owners to keep their staff motivated.

Colabove looks for workers that, above all else, are enthusiastic and motivated, which in turn creates a better experience for the customer.

Not only does Colabove create amazing food, but he has also created an atmosphere and mood perfect for a night out. Complete with a full bar, Crush offers both lounge and dining style seating coated with romantic lighting. If you’re looking to take someone new out on a date, this locale should be at the top of your list.

christian steinbach

saraH schlobohm

christian Michael’s | 192 E 3rd St, Chico

momona noodle & bao |230 W 3rd St, Chico

On the corner of East 3rd Street and Wall Street is Christian Michael’s, a restaurant that has become a staple in local cuisine.

Chef Christian Steinbach is no stranger to fine Italian dining as he worked under multiple Bay Area chefs as well as owned and operated four restaurants throughout California. It wasn’t until starting a family that he decided to slow down a little and run only his two Chico locations, Christian Michael’s and California Pasta Production.

At Christian Michael’s, his menu goes beyond Italian food, creating a menu full of fusionstyle dishes ranging from seafood ravioli to his popular bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

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Momona isn’t your traditional noodle house.

Executive chef and co-owner, Sarah Schlobohm, not only specializes in ramen but multiple recipes of bao as well. Schlobohm, 26, runs the business with her husband, Michael Lee, and friend, Mahina Gannet, who introduced bao to the kitchen. Being a native to the Paradise/ Chico area, Schlobohm saw Chico as the perfect hub for her restaurant after completing her studies at The Art Institute and serving as executive chef at another downtown restaurant.

Additionally, Schlobohm fosters an inclusive

kitchen that differentiates itself from others by promoting a healthier work-life balance for her staff.

thomas galligan red tavern | 1250 Esplanade, Chico

jorge vasquez raw bar | 346 Broadway St, Chico

Thomas Galligan was a semester away from receiving his dual bachelors degrees in political science and history at Chico State. It was his love for food that made him realize that he wanted something more.

As the son of a chef, and working at his father’s restaurant, Galligan arrived full circle when he left school to pursue a job in the food industry.

He spent much of his time finding success in the Bay Area before making his way back to Chico. After getting substantial training at Rawbar, he was given an opportunity to be the head chef at Red Tavern.

Red Tavern is known for their decadent dishes and ever-changing menu, which incorporates traditional dishes and Galligan’s own experimental adaptations. He has a taste for an abundance of flavors including Italian, Mexican, and Asian, all of which can be found in his signature recipes.

At Red Tavern, the ingredients remain fresh and seasonal, changing every six weeks to ensure that every entrée comes straight from the farm.

Rawbar has become one of the foremost sushi and fusion restaurants in Chico. Chef Jorge Vasquez is the talent behind many of the dishes served there.

Vasquez grew up in Orland, where his first experience with food was barbequing at his uncle’s house. He went on to graduate from culinary school in San Francisco and diversified his skills at several venues along the way.

Vasquez has always loved making food completely from scratch. When he started at Rawbar, his passion for the clean and fresh preparation of the food made him fall in love with the process.

andy shepherd

amanda leveroni

pop’s wood fire pizza | 2033 Forest Ave, Chico

bacio catering|1903 Park Ave, Chico

Some people go to culinary school for knowledge of what ingredients make the best dishes, but Andy Shepherd’s knowledge of food came completely from experimentation.

Andy and his three roommates all worked at a butcher shop, where they had access to plenty of tools and food to teach themselves. Later, working at Celestino’s in Oroville, he became interested in the art of making the perfect pizza pie. His dad, “Pop,” found a mobile pizza cart and helped Andy turn it into his first venture and one of Chico’s favorite haunts for woodfired pizza. He followed this with a full-service restaurant, Pop’s Wood-Fired Pizza, which opened in December of 2014.

“We wanted this place to feel like you are eating at our kitchen. The whole family is involved,” Andy says. His dad comes in to help with dishes, while Andy’s mom works the register and makes conversation with customers. Once you bite into that first intricately created slice, there’s no doubt you’ll want to kick back and stay awhile.

Even though wedding season is still a few months out, it’s never too early to start planning the meal. But how do you get the passion of a restaurant in your venue?

Amanda Leveroni has left her mark on Chico with her 31 year old business, Bacio Catering.

Catering many of the city’s events over the years has helped her develop a trustworthy brand, experienced staff, and diversity throughout her menu.

Leveroni and her team have consistently provided their expertise to countless clients throughout Butte County, making Bacio a great place to start when you want to bring the restaurant to you.

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james Taylor sicilian cafe | 201 Broadway St, Chico Italian cuisine is not hard to come by in California, but when you walk into Sicilian Cafe in Chico, you become engulfed in the Italian experience.

For Chef James Taylor, authenticity began with the early sights, sounds, and aromas of his grandparents’ family-run restaurant. From that time on, he was set on where he wanted to go and what he wanted to achieve.

When Sicilian Cafe opened in 1984, James’s goals were not limited to fantastic food. He aimed to create a mood for patrons that would be unlike any other.

His skills may have developed during his time working in the family restaurant, but he has since worked in many other kitchens, gaining a variety of experience with different cuisines. Although he specializes in Italian food, his background allows him to be creative with almost any dish.

Today, James strives to source local, organic growers and producers as well as cater to his guests’ requests or any necessary alternatives, such as gluten-free options and allergy substitutions. With over 38 years of cooking experience in the community, he combines the taste of the Mediterranean with old world hospitality.

john dean

david gomez

MIchael Iles

the wine room & Pub | 6256 Skyway Rd, Paradise

roots catering | 3221 Esplanade, Chico

two twenty restaurant| 220 W 4th St, Chico

When The Wine Room’s Chef John Dean was young, he would help his grandmother cook during holiday meals. His interest in food grew during his time in the Peace Corps, where he started putting together a recipe book based on African foods.

As a kid, David Gomez and his buddies would sneak into a cornfield, light a fire in an opening, and cook. When your version of a rebellious phase revolves around the culinary arts, it’s safe to say your future is set in stone.

If you dine at Two Twenty Restaurant, you’ll likely meet Chef Michael Iles. He revels in knowing that patrons are enjoying the food and is always looking for feedback. It’s this kind of dedication that lets guests know they are getting nothing short of a quality meal.

Once back in the States, Dean attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York and began working at restaurants including the famous James Beard House.

Dean recently settled down at The Wine Room in Paradise where he enjoys the freedom of crafting his own menu. His goal for The Wine Room is to create an exciting environment for those who want plenty of diversity.

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

When David and Kelly Gomez opened Roots in Chico, it was strictly a catering service.

They eventually opened a brick and mortar restaurant that recently celebrated its third anniversary.

In the kitchen, David specializes in fusion cuisine. He enjoys combining ingredients and flavors from many regions to create unique dishes.

Before arriving at Two Twenty, Iles taught culinary and food management classes through Butte County Education and Chico State. He also led the kitchen at Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Iles has a keen ability to pick dishes apart by the ingredients and their origins. He uses this knowledge for all dishes he creates to ensure authenticity with every bite.

michael hall 5th street steakhouse | 345 W 5th St, Chico At 5th Street Steakhouse in Chico, the man behind that perfectly plated dish is Chef Michael Hall. “Big and Rich” is his philosophy, aligning seamlessly with the upscale steakhouse setting and notoriously mouthwatering menu.

After enjoying a year abroad, working at an armed forces recreation center in Germany, Chef Hall’s mother Kathy, long time pastry chef for 5th Street Steakhouse, made a call to her son that would change his future.

In 2001, he applied for the open position as sauté chef. Now, after 14 years, Chef Michael Hall has secured his position as executive chef of 5th Street Steakhouse.

Serving upwards of 350 dinners on a busy night, the kitchen has to be managed and organized with near perfect efficiency. With the help of Sous Chef Morgan Ferguson, Chef Michael Hall and his team have the art of cooking down to a science.

When creating a new menu item, Chef Hall starts with the protein. Once that is decided, the ideal side, vegetable and sauce are chosen. Selecting what is available locally at the time allows for creative experimentation using the freshest ingredients.

Holding a BA in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wells in Rhode Island has allowed Chef Hall to create the experience and quality that people have come to expect from 5th Street Steakhouse. “I cook because I love seeing that first bite and the look that comes after,” says Chef Michael Hall. The focus on big presentation accompanied with the richness of the food’s flavor is why people come back to the restaurant time and time again.

lenny klishis

jon meyer

rallo’s west | 234 W 3rd St, Chico

forcella | 1600 Mangrove Ave, Chico

Joining our family of Chico’s new restaurants, Lenny Klishis is bringing “California French food with an East Coast twist” to downtown. Rallo’s family restaurant opened in 1941, in Baltimore,

by Lenny’s great grandfather, Louis Salvator Rallo. Lenny spent much of his childhood learning the ins and outs of running a restaurant from his grandparents Frank and Marie Rallo.

The original Rallo’s catered to blue collar workers that worked at the nearby shipyards.

Crab cake was a favorite family recipe, one of many that Lenny has carried across the

country to Rallo’s West. Lenny has had a long standing relationship with all genres of food: owning franchises in Tahoe, a farm in Capay, and working in the Currant Brasserie inside the Sophia hotel in San Diego. When his sister Jen invited him out to Chico, they decided it was the right place to set down Rallo’s new roots.

Their partnered effort focuses on food you wouldn’t previously have found in Chico, with dishes built using multiple levels of flavor. Drop into Rallo’s West and say hello to our newest chef!

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jon Meyer got his start in the kitchen at a young age, cooking for his family as one of six children.

He worked his way through high school and college in restaurants and even cooked a dinner for the governor of Iowa when he was 16. He began catering BBQ in Chico in 2000 before opening Jedediah’s in Downtown Chico in 2004. He sold it in 2008 and bought La Cocina Economica in 2009 before partnering with Jeff Akers to open Sol Mexican Grill. He sold his shares in Sol and opened Forcella with partner Aaron Johnson in 2015. As a chef, Asian food has always been his favorite, and he plans to show us why with the opening of his next venture, Hashi, in a few short months.

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From chico with love Treat your special guy or gal this Valentine's Day with local gifts that are sure to make them feel extra loved!

TRUCKER 32 BROADWAY ST CHICO, CA NIXON SENTRY SS WATCH $250

TOMFOOLERY 126 W 3RD ST CHICO, CA WALLET

JOY LYN’S CANDIES 1183 BILLE RD PARADISE, CA ASSORTED HANDMADE CHOCOLATES

FORMAL EDUCATION 334 BROADWAY ST CHICO, CA GANT GLOVES $79

POWELL’S SWEET SHOPPE 121 W 3RD ST CHICO, CA BACON SOAP & BACON CANDY NECKLACE

for him

TOMFOOLERY 126 W 3RD ST CHICO, CA LAB TOP SLEEVE $99

FORMAL EDUCATION 334 BROADWAY ST CHICO, CA GENTLEMAN’S HANDBOOK $17.95

FORMAL EDUCATION 334 BROADWAY ST CHICO, CA VODKA SHOOTER SET $39.95 56

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

JOY LYN’S CANDIES 1183 BILLE RD PARADISE, CA ASSORTED HANDMADE CHOCOLATES

AICORA GEMS 1334 MANGROVE AVE CHICO, CA STERLING SILVER HEART PENDANT $68

HEAVENLY BLUE FINE LINGERIE 240 MAIN ST #220, CHICO, CA NATORI BRA $76 NATORI PANTY $30

for her

ART ETC 122 WEST 3RD ST CHICO, CA HAND PAINTED CARDS

BY ILONA CRONAN C$4.00

HARLOW & HEART 212 MAIN ST CHICO, CA BATH DROPS $5.50

HARLOW & HEART 212 MAIN ST CHICO, CA BARR-CO. CANDLE $29.95 BARR-CO. BATH SALTS $29.95

BIRKENSTOCK 333 BROADWAY ST, CHICO CA VALENTINE’S SOCKS 3 FOR $15

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My Handsome Hunk Of Hotness, I Love You With All My Body, My Heart, & My Soul! Thank You For Endlessing Loving The Boys & I! I Love You Forever & Always!

Your Beautiful Angel

Every day with you two is a wonderful adventure.

We love you to the moon & back.

Love, Mom & Dad

Adam Konyn—You are my rock, my constant. You love our girls with a soft heart. Without a doubt you are one of the sexiest farmers I know…

Thank you for sharing this adventure with me.

I’m incredibly blessed to have you, our life, our love!

Tonya Duran…you picked up my broken heart and put it back together again, I love you so much and can’t wait to meet our beautiful baby Emma Grace! Happy Valentines Day baby <3

Amanda

Kwame—Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you to the moon and back. Thank you for your laughs, love, and friendship. Cheers to love!

My best friend. Worlds best dad. Firefighter.

Snowboarder. Adventurer. My past, my present, my future. My husband. My home. The one who washes away the bad and holds me into the good. The one who isn’t afraid to be caught watching Grey’s Anatomy with me. He’s all mine.

Here’s to you, love.

Mara D. Matt Smiley, I want to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for making me smile and all the fun new family traditions we share with our girls. Thank you for being our “Redneck Crazy! We love you!

Love, Angela, Gracie, Madelynn and Sonnie It’s for Chris: Bubba, it’s pretty gross how much I love you. You are perfect for me. I’m crazy, and you are so laid back it blows my mind. We are AWESOME. I love you. Buy me chocolate and we’ll call it good.

Beth Kimberly! You were a risk, a mystery and the most certain thing I’d ever known. Growing our love together is the greatest adventure I’ve known & I look forward to building our future together too. XOXO Danny Every year that passes I want to shout from the rooftops ‘I love Jeff Branham’, on our 8th Valentine’s Day together I get the chance to let the world know. Thank you for your love all 365 days of the year.

Your loving wife, Danielle To Chris: Every day I’m amazed by you!

Trish 58

Happy Valentine’s Day Jackie & Brandon! Thank you for bringing us so much happiness & joy.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

Brandon D.

G Keith kids, you inspire me to be a better person, you’ve had to grow up faster than your friends, you’re doing amazing and I’m so proud of you.

Xoxo, Mom Donald, I love you so much, Happy Valentine’s Day babe!!!

Babes, you make me so incredibly happy. I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. I can’t wait for the countless adventures our future has in store for us. I love you.

Love, Me To Jacob: You are the maple on a donut, the eggo to a waffle, Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, popcorn at a movie, chocolate in milk, and ketchup with French fries! That means you are the best. Happy first Valentine’s Day HUSBAND. I love you.

Morgan Camy-Darr To my favorite boys, I’m one lucky mama and soon-to-be wife. Every day you make me smile and remind me how precious our time together is. My heart is so full and thankful to have both of you in this crazy whirlwind of a life. Happy Valentine’s Day Scott and Liam!

Erin W.

Love, Ashley

Valentine’s Day shout-outs

from local lovebirds.

CUPID GRAMS

Love Remembers

By Alyssa Worley

PHOTOS BY ERIN WENHAM

Paintings, in a way, are like a flower Similar to a plant growing under soft light blooming. Each step, each petal, unfurls and sound, Ilona’s home studio is the in perfect timing with the necessary place in which she creates. “My husband combination to mature the plant. The will be listening to music in the front same is true of a painting. Ilona Cronan room and I will paint to it. It’s new agey — has an innate relationship with both. no words.” Her paintings have a whimsical It was a love story that would feel, inspired by her favorite impressionist inspire many paintings, musings, and artists and likely the melodic music that stories for the rest of her life. Ilona was soothes David. a college student sitting on her front Using acrylic paint and sometimes lawn, concentrating not on the nearby mixed media, Ilona’s art captures feelings house where her future husband lived, that are often times unexplainable but on the yellow Victorian across the through words. As a full-time artist, her street. Majoring in art, Ilona’s natural portfolio is at Nantucket Home in Chico eye for beauty and detail continued from along with some displays of her work. “I girlhood dreams to classes in college. am incredibly grateful for the five year That particular day, David Cronan marriage I have had with Nantucket,” boldly walked across the street to a wide- Ilona says. She also has her new line of eyed young woman sitting with a pad “Love Remembers” paintings and cards on and pencil, and asked her out on what sale at Art Etc in Chico. would be the first of a lifetime of dates.

Romancing Ilona every step of the way, he once tugged off one of her bamboo CONNECT sandals and wrote “To My Favorite Shoe.” BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ILONA’S PAINTINGS These moments are ones Ilona treasures, IN THE WINDOW OF ART ETC. AT 122 W 3RD especially since her husband’s diagnosis ST. IN DOWNTOWN CHICO DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY. ILONA WOULD ALSO with left frontotemporal dementia in 2011. LIKE TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO ANYBODY The two have spent their lives CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA creating and growing. Their nursery, TO MEET UP AND TALK ABOUT THEIR Chico Propagator and the Plant Barn, has EXPERIENCES AND RESOURCES TOGETHER. CONTACT ILONA VIA EMAIL FOR MORE been a 31-year relationship. The over INFORMATION, OR FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT one hundred year old refurbished barn, HER ART, AT ILONACRONAN@YAHOO.COM. home to countless flowers and botanical wonders, was sold within the past few years so that Ilona could develop her love for color, this time on canvas instead of on stems.

Artistically, Ilona found herself reflecting on the palettes of Chico landscapes and the flora she tended for so many years. “Everything seems to be rooted in the ground in a lot of my work,” Ilona says. Her newest line of art called “Love Remembers” is also rooted in the deep love she has for David. Her work is now symbolic of the dedication to a man she has loved the majority of her life, who is slowly slipping away from her.

Her most recent paintings were created to encourage caregivers not to give up and to commemorate love that can never be forgotten.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADELEINE NOLTA

A Sparkling Legacy

by Aveed Khaki

An artist from an early age, it was clear that Lisa Nolta had something special, that little spark that is so innately noticeable, that characteristic that emboldens others to say, “That girl is going places.” At six years old, Lisa was handed a ball of wax by her mother, Madeleine, and told to mold it into something that she hoped to see at the fair they were to attend later that afternoon. A task most parents would give their children to simply keep them busy, Madeleine believed that the task would allow Lisa’s inherent artistry to shine through. Lisa returned the ball of clay to her mother a short while later as a finely detailed clown figurine. Madeleine had the clown cast in bronze, and it has served as a reminder of Lisa’s early start ever since.

As Lisa grew up in Chico, she fell further in love with the world of art and fine jewelry making. Her creative outlet of choice, she began designing and crafting her own pieces, each more intricate and stunning than the one before. During her high school years and through college, she apprenticed for a jeweler in town, and the experience only further enhanced her love and dedication to the art. After college, she attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco; it was here that she studied the technology of jewelry business and learned how to turn her natural talent into a career. She was later accepted into the prestigious Gemological Institute of America where she learned all there was to know about creating fine jewelry.

She eventually returned to Chico and, when she turned 27, decided to start a jewelry store with Madeleine to showcase her work and share her talents with the public. Opened in 1989 on Main Street in Downtown Chico, Gabrielle Ferrar Diamonds and Exceptional Jewelry quickly became a downtown favorite for those looking to express their love.

Jewelry making wasn’t just a creative outlet for Lisa, it became her connection to the world around her. Each piece was unique in her mind and made specifically to tell the love story that prompted its commission. The storefront gave Lisa the opportunity to work with clients one-onone, taking their hands in her own and exploring those love stories, with the intent to create art that mirrored the beauty of the stories she was told. The faces of clients, when presented with the items they commissioned, proved she had a knack for doing just that.

As Lisa’s work became better known locally, so too did it resonate both nationally and internationally. In 2004, Lisa was awarded the coveted American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Award for a custom designed piece she titled, “Creation.” An 18K yellow gold and platinum necklace featuring a 13.5mm yellow south sea pearl surrounded by 114 hand selected ceylon yellow sapphires, the word “breathtaking” simply doesn’t do it justice. Most recently, she was recognized for her excellence in jewelry design by Bentley Rolls-Royce and St. James House in London. Her work will be celebrated in the coming months within the pages of Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club 2016 Yearbook.

Sadly, as with so many young artists who give their heart and soul to the world around them, Lisa passed away long before her time and, still, with so much left to give. Having battled cancer with relentless determination for the past eight years, Lisa left behind a legacy of love on January 6th. The pieces she painstakingly crafted to embody the adoration her clients had for those closest to them remain as a testament to that legacy. We look forward to the chance to experience her art and love again someday on a plain other than this one. Until then, she will be missed.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF CHICO PERFORMANCES

by Matthew Manfredi

CONNECT

1975 was a legendary year in rock and roll history; The Talking musical acts will conclude the night. Surrogate, Solar Estates, Heads appear in a small dive called CBGB in New York City, Led Bogg, Stereosparks and Maurice “Big Mo” Huffman are few of the Zeppelin witnessed the pinnacle of their career, and Queen acts that will cover songs from the album on the Laxson stage. release their fourth album: A Night At the Opera.

In early 2015, Heg, his band mate from Bogg, Michael Bone, The symphonic-pop masterpiece flooded record store and the rest of Uncle Dad’s Art Collective began arranging and shelves in November of ’75 and debuted at number four on the transposing material for the tribute show: “We chose this album Billboard Top 200 in the United States. Over 40 years later, A because it was far reaching and fun to arrange,” says Hegg.

Night Of The Opera is still played on radio stations, YouTube “When transposing, we started to hear little intricacies and channels, and this February, songs like “You’re My Best Friend,” nuances that make this huge, pop-smash album complicated and “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be heard on the stage of Chico and sophisticated.”

State’s Laxson Auditorium.

As rehearsals began, Hegg sent out the arrangements to the Chico Performances, Chico State’s AS Productions, and rhythm section and diligently worked his way through the rest of Uncle Dad’s Art Collective have teamed up to bring a night the orchestra: horns, strings, and choir. He and his partners made teeming with local musicians, acrobatic dancing, special effects sure that no part of the production went overlooked, which is an and multimedia performances. This Valentine’s Eve is going to element that has helped the art collective significantly grow—in be a night of musical fantasy: a romantic real-life experience of artistic quality—over the last few years.

Queen’s icon double album.

Uncle Dad’s Art Collective has thrived to showcase the In November of 2013, Uncle Dad’s Art collective was formed talent of Chico’s performing arts community. Queen: A Night and has continued to grow as a musical team featuring members At The Opera will be a performance that will give audience of some of Chico’s well-known bands and performers. The members the chance to hear beloved songs like “Bohemian collaborative group has done many performance productions, Rhapsody” and “Who Wants to Live Forever” performed and including album tributes of Led Zeppelin IV, and Prince’s Purple played in unexpected ways by the vast, talented landscape of Rain (which, turned out to be a sold out event in late 2014). local musicians and performers.

Compared to past Uncle Dad productions, Queen: A Night At The Opera is going to be performed on a much larger level and will showcase not only local musical talent, but will also feature local writers, actors, and dance groups.

“This show is definitely our biggest [show],” says Uncle Dad’s Art Collective Art Director, Joshua Hegg. “We have a huge cast.

Our last count included over 70 [performers].”

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR QUEEN: A NIGHT AT The Uncle Dad Orchestra, 15 pieces comprised of a rhythm THE OPERA ON FEB. 13 AT 7:30 P.M. AT LAXSON AUDITORIUM. section, a string quintet, a horn quintet, and a vocal quintet, will FOR ADDITIONAL TICKET INFORMATION AND SALES, CALL 530begin the evening. After intermission, performances by 16 local 898-6333 OR VISIT WWW.CHICOPEROMANCES.COM. 62

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM FEBRUARY 2016

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2:

FEBRUARY 14:

Knit-Crochet Club 4:00–6:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoons Butte County Library, Oroville Branch 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville Free and open to the public For more info, visit www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary

Valentine’s Day! <3

FEBRUARY 5: Mardi Gras Celebration in Paradise 7:00–11:00 p.m.

Paradise Senior Center 877 Nunnely Road, Paradise For more info, contact Julie Cooke at admin@ paradisecsl.org or 530.877.5673

FEBRUARY 6: Moscow Festival Ballet: Giselle 7:30 p.m.

Laxson Auditorium Cost: $44 Premium | $36 Adult | $34 Senior | $26 Youth | $10 Chico State Student For more info, visit www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/moscow-festival-ballet.php

FEBRUARY 7: Super Bowl Tailgate Party 1:00 p.m.

Atria Paradise 1007 Buschmann Road, Paradise For more info, contact Shell Morley at michelle. morley@atriaseniorliving.com or (530) 872-3344

FEBRUARY 13: Oroville Rotary Club’s Sweethearts of the Rodeo 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Municipal Auditorium 1200 Montgomery Street, Oroville Cost: $30 in advance $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Oroville Holiday Inn Express, Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, or Any Rotary member.

For more info, contact Tina Pruitt 530.538.2542 Queen: A Night at the Opera - Uncle Dad’s Art Collective ‘80s Rock/Multimedia 7:30 p.m.

Laxson Auditorium Cost: $15 adult | $13 senior | $10 youth | $10 Chico State Student For tickets, visit http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/ performance/

3rd sunday Country Breakfast & Bake Sale 7:30–11:00 a.m.

Eagles Hall 2010 Montgomery Street, Oroville For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ events/965790316844186 “That’s Amore” Italian Brunch 12 p.m.

Atria Paradise 1007 Buschmann Road, Paradise For more info, contact Shell Morley at michelle. morley@atriaseniorliving.com or 530.872.3344

FEBRUARY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 25: LEGO Club at the Library 3–5 p.m.

Butte County Library, Oroville Branch 1820 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville Free and open to kids under 18 and their families.

For more info, visit http://www.buttecounty.net/ bclibrary/OrovilleLibrary.aspx

PRESIDIO BRASS FEBRUARY 3 | 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 26: Chico Cioppino Feed and Auction Every dish fulfills a wish!

Benefitting: Peg Taylor Center, Esplanade House, and Boys and Girls Club Silver Dollar Fairgrounds 11:00–3:00 p.m.

Advanced tickets only For more info, visit www.chicocioppinofeed.com

MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET: GISELLE FEBRUARY 6 | 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 26-27: Local Nursery Crawl 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (both days) For more info, visit www.localnurserycrawl.com

FEBRUARY 27:

SIR KEN ROBINSON FEBRUARY 9 | 7:30 PM

11th Annual Chico AquaJets Crab Feed 6:00–11 p.m.

Chico Elks Lodge 1705 Manzanita Place, Chico Cost: $50 For more info, visit chicoaquajets.org

FEBRUARY 26-28: Chico Stage Race California’s season opener for the 2016 cycling season!

For more info, visit www.chicostagerace.com

QUEEN: A NIGHT AT THE OPERA FEBRUARY 13 | 7:30 PM For more information and tickets visit: WWW.CHICOPERFORMANCES.COM or call (530) 898-6333 63

Ear, Nose and Throat Chuck Stewart IV, MD ear problems sinus disorders facial reconstruction transoral robotic surgery thyroid and parathyroid tumors head, neck and face tumors/trauma

Accepting New Patients

(530) 538-5634

2809 Olive Hwy., Suite 210 Oroville, CA 95966 All insurance plans accepted.