Upgraded Living July 2019 by Upgraded Living

FROM THE EDITOR I am a careful watcher of this lovely city. Since my childhood, I have witnessed countless changes, some huge, others, small or subtle. I

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

believe it is ok to say reactions to change can go from a full clapping of the hands to silent head shaking. The Mall on 20th street is one,

AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner

having a full bar at Bidwell golf course, the other. What has been fascinating to watch is the changeover of beloved buildings to new

KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief

tenants. The Oser’s building is a classic example of both reactions. The removal of the grand stairway and wrap around balcony resulted in consternation and delight. Change does cause both. Downtown Chico continues to evolve and, to the naked eye, appears thriving. The Mall is in flux, hopefully for the better. Drastic changes like Meriam Park and subtler ones like the Beverage District, quietly filling up the industrial Meyers Street, appear to be both beneficial. With

NERISSA QUINN

SHELLY BRANDON

Production Director

Writer

JASON CORONA

EMILY TEAGUE

Sales Director

Photographer

you to North of Eleventh, a section of the Esplanade with places to go,

DARREN MICHELS

FRANK REBELO

clearly predetermined. It was after I shared the name with family and

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer

the future producing changes like Valley’s Edge, and the possible removal of Skyway Golf course, may end in both kinds of reactions. In all of this, I realized something about Chico, all along we have had a destination without a name. Until now. We are delighted to introduce

friends and heard a couple of different ones say, “Wait, I have been calling it by that name for a while,” I realized—we have a thing. I invite you on a tour of words and pictures down North of Eleventh. Enjoy! Our July issue is packed full of delightful reads accompanied with great pictures for viewing. The cover story introduces you to Vince and Kristina Clarkson, the owners of Hudson’s Appliance. This delightful couple, taking over the store for Vince’s ill father, have put

EMILY LEBLANC Writer JESSICA DOLAN CLARENDON Writer

MICHAEL MEJIA Photographer MICHELLE CAMY Photographer

KRISTINA BANWELL Writer

into place ways to ease the Ridge’s rebuilding efforts. I urge you to read the article. In addition to our featured articles, you will find other fun and fact filled reads. Our summer bucket list will complete your summer plans. Our Farm Fresh takes a look at Kitchel Family Organics and sustainability at its finest. What a fun and informative read. Finally, the Hazmat Training & Consulting piece includes a must see flow

CONTRIBUTORS

chart, especially for business owners. Do not pass this one up. The Back Page, always seems to come with a different turn or twist. This month’s version is no different. I took the opportunity, in our July issue, to pen a personal letter to our nation’s flag. Yes the good ol’ red, white, and blue version we will see all over on the 4th. I wish for you to read it like I am allowing you to look over my shoulder while writing it, right up to the moment I place my signature. Trust me, I am not making any attempt to make a political statement of any nature. I am definitely making a personal one. On to August, and the fact I still miss the classroom and contact with the kids.

BRETT SANDERS

JASON CORONA

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Cocktails

DR. CHANDRA PASAMONTE

KEVIN DOLAN

Health

Backpage

EMILY AKIMOTO

NATALI MUÑOZ-MOORE

Teacher Q&A

Health

GALLERY INTERIORS

NORTHSTATE PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES

Interior Design GARY SMITH Music

Health RENEE MICHEL & JOE SWEENEY

HRIQ Human Resources

Finance DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D. Skin Care

Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief

For advertising or editorial inquiries, please contact: Upgraded Living at 530.591.2634 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

CONTENTS JULY 2019 COMMUNITY

HOME & GARDEN

10 Meet Cool Kid Hayden Appel and hear

34 To DIY or Buy? Why not both?

about her bevy of books coming to the rescue for Ponderosa Elementary.

12 Our nonprofit features CHAT’s Serenity Village with a valued introduction and ways you can help.

63 Our Editor-in-Chief pens a letter to the flag.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

20 Discover just what makes checking your

38 Are those pesky squirrels our friend or foe? Read before you decide.

FOOD & DRINK 46 Fresh Twisted Cafe offers a tempting recipe for a Ranchero Croissant, complete with bison sausage.

47 Our ingredient of the month is all things melons.

cholesterol so vital.

22 So, are flip flops really killing your feet? Find out.

24 A startling look at how smoking affects the skin.

FEATURE 39 Our cover story introduces you to Vince and Kristina Clarkson, delivering the emphatic message Hudson’s Appliance is not leaving Paradise, and so much more.

52 Take a ride down a 2.5 mile stretch of the Esplanade soon to be known as North of Eleventh!

52 ON THE COVER: VINCE, KRISTINA, CABRIE, & COLE CLARKSON DESIGN BY: NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY: MICHELLE CAMY

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WRITTE BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTO BY MICHELLE CAMY

Hayden’s Dream School Library Sitting across from six-year-old Hayden Appel as she happily nibbles on a sprinkly iced cookie, you are struck by the glow of happy positivity surrounding her. This bright attitude is even more endearing after learning what she and her family have been through.

Comes True

had begun. She started by speaking to her Mom’s old elementary school in Petaluma. She spoke at school assemblies, to the Petaluma library, and to churches, asking for donated books for her elementary school. The community came together in support and donated thousands of books. Her family then borrowed a truck to transport On November 8, 2018 they fled their home all the boxes to Ponderosa Elementary’s and left their belongings behind as they future location. Hayden says she was so headed to safety from the oncoming wildfire. “happy to bring all these billions of books” Hayden’s home in Magalia was one of to her principal Mr. Gregorio so that her the thousands that were lost. Her school, classmates could begin enjoying them. Ponderosa Elementary, was one of the schools destroyed by the fire. Hayden and She is most excited about starting First her family evacuated to her Grandparent’s grade next year because she expects it to home in Sonoma County where they would be really different. Ponderosa Elementary stay for the next few weeks. The time was and Paradise Elementary will be housed understandably filled with sadness and loss. at Paradise Intermediate School and will She missed her home, her stuffed animals, decide on a combined school name closer and her books. Hayden, you see, loves to to the fall term. Hayden is looking forward read. The Cat in the Hat, Stink, Dog Man to the “Happy Break” of no school this and The Wizard of Oz are just a few of summer as opposed to the “Sad Break” her favorites. from school due to the fire. She’s been reading a book all about summer fun She realized that if she missed her books, and has plans for playing Tag, Red Light then so did her friends. She also thought Green Light, and Coin Hit. She also plans about the school that no longer had a to spend time with her two kittens and her library. She thought of her kindergarten English Mastiff, Watson. The Appel family teacher, Mrs. McCreary, who no longer had looks towards the future, hanging up bird a classroom full of books for everyone to feeders and putting up Mason bee houses share. In an effort to bring back some joy, on the land where their home used to be. Hayden decided she wanted to help others Rebuilding, beginning with the birds, bees… who had lost so much...she wanted to help and of course, Hayden’s books. rebuild her school’s library. Her mission

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WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

HELPING YOU BEAT THE HEAT The official start of summer is June 21, the Summer Solstice, but summer in Chico is already in full swing well before that. With temperatures routinely in the upper nineties, finding a respite from the heat is on everyone’s mind. There are innumerable ways to enjoy our Northern California summers—from swimming holes to indoor recreation, to quick road trips for cooler climes. Chico is loaded with an abundance of swimming holes, each with its own personality. The thousands of acres in Bidwell Park are home to many of these refreshing pools. If you are looking for a quick splash in relatively shallow waters, you can head into Lower Bidwell Park and check out Big Chico Creek as it meanders by Peterson Memorial Way and South Park Drive. There are plenty of picnic spots to drive, bike, or walk to where you can have a bite and relax alongside the rippling waters. If you’re up for a bit more of a hike and exploration, then head to Upper Park and check out Bear Hole, Alligator Hole, Salmon Hole or Brown’s Hole. Alligator hole is the first one you’ll get to in Upper Park. It’s shallower than the others and fairly calm so it’s a great place to bring the little ones to splash and explore. There’s not a lot of shoreline to set up your towels on, so be prepared to lounge in the water. Next up the trail is Bear Hole. Bear Hole is surrounded by slick Lovejoy Basalt that’s been worn away over time, so tread carefully as this is prime slipping area. The rocks also gets extremely hot in the Chico sun, so be sure to bring a towel to sit on. The main pool is deep with submerged boulders scattered about and is fed by rushing water heading down from the old Diversion Dam. The large parking area and amazing swimming hole means this spot gets pretty busy on those hot summer days, so get there early to enjoy the cool water. If you’re up for some steep climbs and a few more miles of hiking, continue up the Yahi Trail and

you can explore Salmon Hole’s pebble beach and the basalt boulders of secluded Brown’s Hole. If you’re heading out in the park, be sure to pack plenty of water, stay on the trails, and never swim alone. If swimming holes aren’t your thing, why not explore Terrain Park Climbing Center on West 5th Street. Its open everyday from 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. and is Chico’s premier bouldering gym. They offer classes, camps, and open climbing sessions. There’s no need to be a member, just pay a drop in fee, rent some shoes, get briefed on safety guidelines, and you’re off and climbing. Maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll become a member or sign your kiddos up for a summer climbing camp! When the heat in Chico gets to be too much, perhaps it’s time for a road trip. Lake Tahoe is just under three hours away where you can swing by Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. They have three locations; Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, and Tahoe Vista. Each park has slightly different offerings, height and age requirements, but all of the spectacular ropes courses take you through the pine trees and old growth cedars of Tahoe National Forest. Sliding down zip-lines, across hanging bridges, and through a variety of ropes course obstacles you’ll have an exhilarating adventure that lasts a little over two hours. There are courses which range from beginner to advanced, so there is something for everyone no matter your experience. Whether you decide on a leisurely stroll, an adventurous hike, a climb in an air-conditioned gym, or a trip out of town, be sure to take a friend with you and enjoy our amazing space here in Northern California. 11

WRITTEN BY KRISTINA BANWELL

CHAT CHICO HOUSING ACTION TEAM

Chico has several selfless organizations whose mission it is to serve those who are homeless. From the private sector to non-governmental agencies, the dedication from the members of our community to face these issues and create solutions is paramount in shifting the homeless landscape. When it comes to a deep commitment to serving the homeless population in Chico, the brightest spotlight should be focused on the consistent efforts put forth by the Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT). An all-volunteer based local organization whose sole intention is to get people off the streets, get them access to affordable housing, and help stabilize and reintegrate them into society.

During the winter of 2013, and before CHAT was an official nonprofit organization, they facilitated opening the Peace and Justice Center for two weeks to temporarily get people off the streets and out of the cold spell that had come through Chico. “The goal for me at the beginning has been to get housing for the homeless. How can we impact homelessness in our community? And out of that came CHAT,” says cofounder Robert Trausch, explaining the beginnings of the nonprofit organization. Out of those efforts, Safe Space was born—a CHAT program that offered housing during the cold winter months. It’s grown since the beginning, and this past winter was their 6th year.

CHAT volunteers visit each house once a week to make sure the participants are stable and to check in to learn of any new issues. When needed, one CHAT volunteer is assigned to one participant offering focused assistance to help them reintegrate into society. CHAT volunteers help participants develop trust. “We know that people in the street have lost trust in themselves and have lost trust in their community, and their families so we help establish trust by staying by their side. They know we aren’t going anywhere. If they call me at 3:OO a.m. with a trauma, I’m there. We’re not 9:00 to 5:00 like most organizations. We are available anytime and will respond anytime day or night,” says Trausch.

Since it’s conception, CHAT has been able successfully to house 100 people who were once homeless through their Housing Now program where CHAT leases 28 homes in the community for those facing homelessness. This intervention however, does not stop here. CHAT’s volunteers are dedicated to following through on all the program’s participants. Housing Now is not a free program; there are certain rules and regulations that participants must adhere to in order to participate. Those participants work towards stability with the help of CHAT volunteers.

Simplicity Village, CHAT’s newest and largest endeavor to combat homelessness and provide affordable housing, is a program that’s getting a lot of traction in our community. Back in December of 2018, City Council voted, and CHAT was approved to develop at its proposed Chico location. Simplicity Village will be a private community with residential units and a community center. “With Simplicity Village, everyone will be in one place and it will make it easier for people to get services from, for example, behavioral health, because those agents will come

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to visit the premises. The advantage is that participants will all be in one spot and service organizations can make a single stop when they visit clients here,” explains Trausch. Furthermore, what this means is that CHAT’s staff and volunteers won’t be overtaxed with transporting clients to various appointments. Currently CHAT is running a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to support Simplicity Village. They need all the help they can get. Every little bit gets them closer to their goals. Since Simplicity Village’s plot of land is totally undeveloped, these monies will go towards installing infrastructure like the laying various utility lines, a sewer system, gas and electric, and installing fire hydrants. Simplicity Village’s residential units and their community center can only be built after this integral infrastructure is implemented. Here’s a great opportunity to help one of Chico’s action-based homeless support networks to offer affordable housing to some of the most vulnerable individuals— those who are homeless. CHAT’s Simplicity Village has the potential to actually alter the homeless landscape in Chico. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAT AND THEIR CURRENT CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN, VISIT CHICOHOUSINGACTIONTEAM.NET

Key Steps to Prevent Financial Fraud Online Every year, the rate of cyber-crime rises. Scammers have dozens of ways to get to your money, and many fraud scammers are intertwined. As more commerce moves to digital mediums, so do the criminals. The Internet Crime Complaint Center reports they center received more than 300,000 complaints in 2017, with reported losses of more than $1.4 billion. Below are four common fraud tactics, along with recommendations that can help prevent you from becoming a victim: Account Hacking: Many large financial institutions offer extra security through their web access. It is called “2 Factor Authentication” and requires not only your username and password, but an additional text code or phone call to verify you are the one logging into your account. Adding this feature can prevent access to anyone who has obtained only your username and password. Email Phishing: The key to avoiding phishing is to use context clues. If something about an email you received seems off key, don’t trust it. Often the sender’s display name will look legitimate, but the actual sending address is not. If the email looks urgent and provides a link- call the company directly or go directly to their web

BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA, AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP ®, FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT SWEENEY & MICHEL, LLC

address. Avoid clicking any links provided in an email—those may take to you to an identical site designed to steal your username and password. Advance Fee Scams: When buying things online, check the selling company against the better business bureau. For checkout, try to use PayPal or Visa checkout, which can provide extra protection against stolen credit card information. Identity Theft: Criminals can get the information they need to assume your identity from a variety of sources, including rifling through your trash, or by compromising your credit or bank information. Shredding private information is key, as is monitoring all financial transactions to your bank, credit card company, and credit score monthly. Immediately report suspicious activity and put a freeze on your account until it’s been resolved. Credit monitoring services are available and run around $10 per month. For more information on common types of Financial fraud, visit our blog at SweeneyMichel.com.

Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 2452 Lakewest Drive, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 487-1777 | renee@sweeneymichel.com | joe@sweeneymichel.com | www.sweeneymichel.com Advisory services also offered through Sweeney & Michel, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Sweeney & Michel, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Sweeney & Michel, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.

Moment I realized I had made it: When I was offered my first teaching job; it was an incredible moment for me. Worst excuse ever from a student: He forged his mom’s signature in pencil as “Mom.” Single biggest indulgence: Salty snacks—I love a bag of chips. Ocean or river? Beach or campsite? Why? A beach by the ocean. Something about the ocean is so relaxing Still on my bucket list: To travel to Japan My “go to” Chico spot: Coffee Ranch! I love their coffee and tea! What my life will look like in five years: I’ll be married! My wedding is in a year! And still teaching, of course.

Q&A I LY

IMO

A banner hangs in Emily Akimoto’s classroom, reading, “Defend Your Knowledge.” She exclaims, “And they can!” Emily understands inquiry's importance. She laughs at students who just want to “know the answer.” Emily has English and multiple subjects credential from Chico State. She’s taught 4th and 5th graders at Sierra View for seven years. Her drive to get better is impressive. Each summer, she tries “to change one thing and figure out how to do it better.” Apparently, her students do get inquiry because they have won the Cal Water challenge two out of three years. A true inquiry project, the result included camping trips to Yosemite and Malibu, along with money to make the classroom that much better. We celebrate Emily and marvel at her dedication to her students! 14

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If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be: A chocolatier. I don’t know…I have no Plan B. The inspiration to teach came from: The wonderful teachers I had in school. Biggest challenge I face each day: Trying to make sure that I meet all my students needs.

Teacher I remember the most from being a student: All of my WEST teachers from Chico High: they were all extraordinary. Summer break is for: Recharging and renewing. Book that left a lasting impression on me: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho—I always find a new message in it. Last thing I binge-watched: Steven Universe—I might be a kid at heart. One thing I am exceptionally good at: I make a mean Shepherd’s Pie. One thing I am especially bad at: Making smoothies. I ruin them everytime. I have zero tolerance for: Whining. My personal billboard would read: “Why be normal?”

Three qualities that got me where I am today: Perseverance, flexibility, and being a lifelong learner. One change education needs tomorrow: To focus more on getting kids to love learning rather than completing standards.

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Discovery Shoppe One of the wonderful things to discover about Chico is its wide variety of thrift stores and charity shops. Of course, it is true there are many benefits to shopping at second hand stores. Here are a few perks to doing your shopping the thrifty way. Items are priced much lower than if you were to purchase them brand new. Also, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common to find a special designer piece for a fraction of the original cost. This perk is super convenientâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;these stores are a one-stopshop where you can find most things for the whole family, and home. Plus, there are new items added daily to the sales floor so there will always be something new out on any given day. Discounted sales are also commonplace in thrift stores because 16

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with the rate at which thrift stores receive merchandise, there needs to be an efficient method,such as discounted sales, to keep merchandise moving out the door in order to get current donations on the sales floor. And lastly, there is usually a feel-good component when we spend our money at thrift stores where generally, a percentage of the sales goes to benefit the community in some type of way. The Discovery Shoppe, celebrating their 60th year, is located at 315 Flume Street just across the street from where the Chico Farmers Market is located, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been operating under the same name since 1959. What a history this organization has! Operating as a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), the shop is deeply committed to serving

Butte County and the nearby areas by donating most of their profits to benefit other 501 (c) (3) organizations. The Discovery Shoppe used to be under the Family Service League, an auxiliary part of the Family Service Association of Butte and Glenn counties, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling services for a small fee. The league was formed to provide added income to the association through sales at the Discovery Shoppe. In 1993, due to overwhelming financial burdens, the Family Service Association, and the league, had to disband. However, the desire to continue serving the community was not dead and immediately, the group of women who worked at the Discovery Shoppe at the time, formed their own Discovery Shoppe League

WRITTEN BY KRISTINA BANWELL PHOTOS BY EMILY TEAGUE

to the organization,” says Liz. 100% of the shop’s workforce is run by volunteers who are passionate about the mission of the organization, and all members are volunteers at the shop. Each member works 3-hour shifts so it’s important to know whether they’re able to work that shift comfortably due to long hours of standing and lifting heavy boxes and other items. Some members have been volunteering at the shop for up to 30 years and there is a deep connection that is built between the members that you can feel when you walk in.

and got a mortgage on the building. These women worked together, got their 501 (c) (3) status and have seamlessly operated under the same mission and goal—to give back locally and help as many organizations and people that they can. Last year, The Discovery Shoppe was able to donate about $100,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations in the Butte County area! Some of these recipients include MONCA, Chico Children’s Museum, Sierra View Elementary School, and the Center for Healthy Communities. How are they able to donate so much money to the community? In 2004, they were able to pay off the mortgage on their current building. This means they can give back more to the community since very little of the profits go towards taxes, maintenance, and any necessary upgrades to the building. “Most of the money goes directly back to the community. That’s why we’re so enthused to come to work because we know exactly what’s going to happen with our hard work, and how it benefits people. We’re always discovering new nonprofits through our members and there are so many nonprofits who need help,” explains Liz Granskog, President of The Discovery Shoppe. And since there are so many nonprofits who need help, donor recipients cannot receive money more than once every four full calendar years—so everyone can benefit. Furthermore, customers report to the shop that they have the best prices in town. This means the Discovery Shoppe moves

through product and sell items quickly which rapidly increases their revenue allowing them to offer sustained and generous donations to local nonprofit organizations on an annual basis. So, how does the Discovery shop find donor recipients amongst the growing sea of nonprofit organizations in the area? They’ve got a spot on system. Nonprofit organizations must be sponsored by one of the 105 active members and 35 associate members. The Discovery Shoppe members find nonprofit charities and organizations whom they nominate. These organizations are then invited to apply to be a donor recipient. The Discovery Shoppe Charity Committee ensures the prospective recipients meet criteria determined by the committee. And every year, come autumn, those organizations who’ve met the criteria are invited to a private event where they have an opportunity to give a 5-minute speech where they’re able to discuss reasons they want the money, for whom it will help, and where exactly the monies will go. All Discovery Shoppe members will get to vote and once that process is complete, checks are issued by the 1st of December. Those donor recipients have one year to use their donation. There’s also a process to simply becoming a Discovery Shoppe member and it all boils down to who you know. “You have to be sponsored by one of the active members because we have to know who’s coming

The shop has a front room, the sales floor, where all the merchandise is located, a second room where the volunteers clean, mend, and price the donated items, and a third room behind that where all the very recent donations are kept waiting to be sorted. They’ve even got a washer and dryer on site to take care of items that need to be cleaned. In addition, the shop has two storage units where they store seasonal and holiday items, so they’ve always got something to offer whatever the occasion. The managers work very hard to make sure new items are priced and placed out onto the sales floor. The Discovery Shoppe sells high quality second-hand men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes and shoes, household items including dishes and small appliances, books for kids and adults, toys, games, bedding, sewing supplies and notions, art, exercise equipment, jewelry, and more. There’s also a dressing room. The shop loves to accept all donations and what they can’t keep, they pass along to other organizations in need of those items. Just a stone’s throw from downtown Chico, The Discovery Shoppe is a place where you can get great prices and discover a unique organization whose members are dedicated to serving their community. You can’t help but to feel the camaraderie between these volunteers. They really are dedicated to discovering new organizations that need help.

THE DISCOVERY SHOPPE IS LOCATED AT 315 FLUME STREET IN CHICO. THEIR HOURS OF OPERATION ARE 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. ON MONDAYS–FRIDAYS AND 10:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. ON SATURDAYS. CONTACT THEM AT 530.343.1326. 17

my eyes were so sensitive to light that I had to wear sunglasses everywhere.” Dr. Barthelow suggested Sue undergo cataract surgery to alleviate the situation. Three months after turning 65, Sue went in for surgery on her left eye. “My eyes were so terrible at that point.” Sue said, “I went in for surgery at 7 a.m., and the entire thing took one hour from start-to-finish. They prepped me, took me in, and the surgery itself took maybe 30 minutes. They didn’t even put me out! It was all so easy and there wasn’t any pain to speak of.” Sue noticed a difference in her vision almost immediately. “Everything I experienced with my left eye was so clear!” She continued, “Colors were bright again, I could make out sharp edges, and the glare was gone! It surprised me that my vision got even better over the following few weeks.” Sue had the surgery on her right eye the following month, and couldn’t believe the difference. “It was just amazing!” Sue exclaimed, “It’s been one-and-a-half years since I had the surgery and it’s incredible not having to start my day by putting on my glasses. I still use readers for my computer and books, but other than that, I don’t need glasses for anything. I can read everything perfectly—I couldn’t even read labels before—and I’m able to drive at night without any issues. The whole thing is really just life changing. People tell me they don’t even recognize me without my glasses. It really has been a wonderful experience.”

FINDING THE DELIGHTFUL

Surprise of her Life Originally from Oakland, California, Sue Taber moved to Chico in 1977, following her brother in search of shorter commutes and a better place to raise her two kids. She started to experience strained eyesight while reading in her mid-40s and began wearing readers. By the time she was 53, her eyesight had regressed to the point where she needed bi-focals.

She met with Dr. Barthelow for the first time in 2011, and he informed her that her vision issues were a result of cataracts. He recommended that they keep a close eye on the situation, as cataracts develop progressively faster as time goes on.

Sue returned home and remembers that her vision worsened quickly thereafter. “When you have cataracts, it looks like you’re viewing Sue began working for Dr. Paul at Derm the world through a coffee filter. Everything Bar—our May issue cover story—in 2009, seems gray, there are no sharp lines, and and received continued exposure to how colors just don’t appear bright.” Sue said, personable a medical office could be. Finding “Eventually, I couldn’t see at night. If I was her big box optometrist to be a bit impersonal, driving, the glare from oncoming traffic was she decided to follow the recommendation too much, and I wasn’t able to make out the of a close family member and made an lines in the road. As a result, I had to stop appointment at North Valley Eye Care. driving at night. During the day, 18

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Asked about her experience with North Valley Eye Care, she gushed, “Dr. Barthelow is so great! He comes in, shakes your hand, says it’s good to see you again, and picks up right where we left off in conversation. They hire quality people, and everybody there is just wonderful. Their optical department is great too! They have fantastic frames, and it was a treat getting frames that weren’t the generic ones I always found at the big box optometrist. They swapped magnifiers into my bi-focals after the surgery, and they were just a joy to work with. They made everything so easy. If you’re having vision issues, get it checked out immediately at North Valley Eye Care, as it could be something worse than just cataracts. Most eye problems are easily correctable, and having your vision back is such a positive and freeing experience. There’s really nothing quite like it.” IF YOU’RE LIKE SUE AND HAVE EXPERIENCED CHANGES IN YOUR VISION, CALL NORTH VALLEY EYE CARE TODAY AT 530.891.1900.

YOUR HEALTH KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Millions of Americans have high cholesterol —putting them at risk of heart disease and stroke—two of the leading causes of death in the United States. High cholesterol is so prevalent that more than 95 million Americans 20 years of age and older suffer from it. So do one in five youths between the ages of 6 and 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet many of these folks don’t know their cholesterol levels are unhealthy. That’s because high cholesterol does not cause symptoms until it’s too late, making it important to know your levels. So, what is cholesterol? It’s a waxy fat-like substance your body produces to make hormones and digest fats. Our bodies make all the cholesterol we need, but we often increase our levels by eating foods that are high in saturated and trans-fats. These include cold cuts, bacon, creamy sauces, pastries, fried foods, butter, whole milk, and ice cream. A simple blood test can tell you how your levels are doing. According to the CDC, too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaque buildup, which narrows your blood vessels, putting you at risk of a heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol deposits can also stick to your artery walls in other parts of your body, causing artery diseases. The CDC recommends getting your cholesterol checked every five years. However, you may need to have your levels checked more often if you have cardiovascular disease or if you: 20

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• Have a family history of high cholesterol • Have a family history of heart attacks • Have diabetes • Are overweight or physically inactive • Smoke Be sure to talk to your provider about what’s best for you. In the meantime, you can do a few things on your own to lower your cholesterol. Start by eating right. Cut back on salty foods, and opt for fresh vegetables and fruits. When it comes to protein, choose lean options like fish, chicken and beans, and limit the amount of red and processed meat. You also want to choose low-fat dairy products. Then work up a sweat. Strive to be active for at least 30 minutes every day, at least three times a week. If you’re just starting out, talk to your provider and ease into a workout routine that’s realistic. A brisk walk, a hike in the park, a swim in the lake, or a bike ride can do wonders. Quit smoking. Tobacco use can raise your cholesterol and make it harder to control. So if you smoke, quit. There are lots of resources that can help you, including nobutts.org.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

N ATA L I M U Ñ O Z- M O O R E

Natali is the digital media coordinator for Enloe Medical Center. She has 13 years of experience covering health and e-commerce.

YOUR HEALTH A R E F L I P F LO P S K I L L I N G YO U R F E E T ?

Terminating Long Term Employees

Every company has one—the employee who underperforms, disrupts workflow, and causes drama, but whenever someone questions why they aren’t fired, you hear “Well they have been here forever”. We get it. You build relationships with people and, over time, things get comfortable, and maybe they will continue to meet the minimum requirements of the job. But is terminating them worth the hassle? Absolutely. However, terminating them doesn’t have to be your first move. Perhaps moving them into a different role would better meet everyone’s needs. Perhaps, restructuring the employment agreement in its entirety could prove fruitful. Obviously, simply by starting a conversation, you might come to find that they no longer feel the company is a fit for them either. Regardless, restructuring or talking aside, something needs to change. Overall, the moment you decide something is not right, you need to do what is best for the company. Holding onto employees for the sole reason they have worked at the company for a long time is not a valid reason. The longer it continues, the more risks involved. The more ways you can talk yourself out of doing it. Let us at HRiQ demonstrate for you how the proper process eases the end result. Contact us at 530.680.4747. HRIQ–HUMAN RESOURCES + PAYROLL 236 Broadway Suite #B Chico, CA 95928 Shelby@upyourhriq.com | Upyourhriq.com 530.680.4747

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Are flip flops good for me, or are they bad for me? Stereotypes abound for this summer loving shoe, and we hear all kinds of myths and truths come in to the office regarding this shoe. The good thing is, there can be a place in our wardrobe for this popular sandal. There are different types and quality which affect the performance of a flip flop and thus how your feet, ankles, knees, and back will feel. There are flip flops out there that do not do much justice for your body and there are those that are better than some athletic shoes. The first thing to know is what kind of foot/ lower extremity chain do I have. What do I need to support, and what can I get away with? There are some people that have too much motion through the lower extremity chain. There are others that have limited range of motion through their joints. These foot types come with different sets of problems, thus it is useful to know what kind of issues you are trying to off set. Seeing your local podiatric foot and ankle specialist allows you to determine any biomechanical discrepancies you may be dealing with. With this information you can then see what flip flop options are best suited to you.

The next thing to know is what general things do we look for in a flip flop. First off, we want the shoe to move in the correct place. We look for flip flops that have movement at the ball of the foot and don’t extend into the arch, one with minimal torque through the middle of the shoe, and for some having a little heel cup is helpful. For certain foot types, having a strap around the ankle is a useful feature. Looking at the type of material is also helpful for certain foot types that need more shock absorption or cushion. I do not tend to give out specific shoe types, because keep in mind, like a pair of pants, one may love it, others may hate it. It all depends on your foot type. In this day and age we thankfully have a multitude of well made flip flops available to allow more comfortable walking during our hot summer days and pool loving seasons! For a list of recommended brands visit our website northstatefootandankle.com.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

DR. PASAMONTE

Dr. Chandra M. Pasamonte, DPM, FACFAS,is a board certified podiatrist by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and also a Fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dermal Fillers: What & Where! Physicians and Med-Spas have been adding fillers for facial contouring for years. When we are young, our faces have smooth, plump contours, our cheeks are round and full, and no "laugh lines" have formed around our mouths. Unfortunately, the aging process depletes bone mass and flattens out our collagen cells. Our bodies don't compensate for that. Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Voluma, Vollure, and Volbella are made from hyaluronic acid,a substance that occurs naturally in our skin. Since it is not a "foreign substance", it can't be rejected, and is eventually reabsorbed into the body. The product is injected subdermally to re-contour the youthful shape we once had. The lips can also lose their fullness, and Juvederm can be injected there to regain our natural "pout." Here at the Derm Bar, we use microcannulas, thin, flexible hollow tubes with smooth rounded tips, which allow for fewer needle sticks and less pain for the client during injection. In addition, Juvederm is used for "parentheses" lines around the mouth and nose, in the lip area, as well as the lower face. Voluma has a higher expansion level and is used for the cheek area to contour and subtly lift the surrounding tissue. Down time is minimal, although bruising is a possibility with any kind of injection. Given the price of a surgical face lift and the down time required, injectable fillers are gaining in popularity because of their fast and non-invasive nature. Call for a free consultation 530.342.2672 to find out if this procedure is right for you! DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672

BEAUTY Q&A S M O K I N G & S K I N H E A LT H

As a plastic surgeon, skin health is a daily conversation. Skin texture and quality is integral to understanding how a patient will respond to a specific surgery or treatment. When patients come to my office to discuss their facial aging, we always start with a comprehensive approach. We dive into their skin care regimen, sun protection, nutrition, hydration, and overall health. There is one habit which completely undermines all efforts to sustain youthful skin. Smoking is by far the single worst thing you can do for your skin and overall wellness. Cigarettes contain a multitude of chemicals damaging to the skin. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are two bad actors in the list of ingredients. Nicotine causes constriction of the small blood vessels in the skin which saps the skin of vital hydration and nutrients including Vitamin C, a critical building block for collagen renewal. In addition, this lack of blood flow prevents the removal of waste products, oxygen free radicals, and toxins. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen, which is critical for cell turnover. No amount of skin care products can undo this damage. To support this understanding, a study in 1985 coined the term “Smoker’s Face” which links smoking with wrinkles, gauntness, and a gray appearance to the skin. This gauntness is likely due to the appetite suppressant effect leading to lower body weight and volume in the face. Losing volume in the face leads to increased facial 24

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aging, and people spend thousands of dollars a year trying to plump them back up with fillers. Lastly, there is another result of smoking people often do not consider. The effect of constant lip pursing leads to fine and eventually deep lines around the lips. Some refer to these wrinkles as lipstickbleed lines. These wrinkles are very difficult to treat with fillers or laserresurfacing and once the damage has set in are usually permanent. Outside of skin quality, there is a more ominous result of nicotine exposure. Wound healing capabilities are severely impaired making patients poor surgical candidates. In fact, some plastic surgeons will not operate on a smoker owing to its high risk for wound breakdown, infections, and poor scarring. If this information isn’t enough to steer you away from cigarettes, just picture yellow and dry nails, discolored teeth, bad breath, and thinning hair. The opposite of radiant wellness. Inside each of us is the potential for endless beauty, a supreme vibrance, the findings of which is our goal at Beauty Eternal. Treat your skin with love and it will return the favor.

B E A U T Y A D V I C E VIA N O R T H S TAT E PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES For more information, visit Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates at 1260 East Ave Suite #100 in Chico.

H A P P Y 5 4 TH B I R T H D AY, MEDICARE! Celebrating success since 1965.

Per Social Security Administration The Social Security Advisory Board “has reported that individuals are receiving scam phone calls displaying the board’s phone number on caller ID. The callers are reportedly attempting to obtain personal information, including Social Security numbers. If you receive this type of call, you should not engage with the caller or provide personal information or money in response to requests or threats.”

Do Not Engage, Just Hang Up the Phone! If you receive a suspicious call, you may report that information online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or by calling 800.269.0271, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams: https://identitytheft.gov/ssa.

For more information, visit: https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-social-security-advisory-board-related-scam/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

"This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-02-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy."

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three clients per week on Thursdays at the HICAP office between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Appointments are made through the office, so I really just have to show up and help people. It couldn’t be a better situation.

ART NEUMANN: HICAP VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH Born in Santa Barbara, California, Art Neumann moved around California quite a bit before joining the Navy out of high school. He served two tours in Vietnam before retiring from the service and finding his way to Northern California where he studied sociology and eventually received his teaching credential. Art taught 7th and 8th grade for seven years, before moving one last time to pursue his master’s degree at Chico State in 1982. He fell in love with the area and hasn’t left since.

counseling, and we get a lot of respect for what we do. The people we work with are very grateful for the help we give them, and that makes the experience even more rewarding. I run into a lot of my old colleagues from the school district now that we’re all of the age that needs this information. It’s fun to reconnect with all of them and be able to help them in retirement.

In the years since, he has served as the principal at the old Cohasset and Nord Schools along with seven years as principal at Shasta Elementary, another seven at Marigold Elementary, and a couple years at Emma Wilson. He retired in 2008 and decided to volunteer at HICAP to use his free time to help the elder community. We caught up with him to get a better idea of what he does and why he does it.

UL: What inspires you to be involved? AN: My wife, Mary! She’s the deputy director of Passages and thought I’d be good at it. I tried filling my time with golf after retirement, and eventually even selling wine as a wine distributor. After having some health problems with my back and two hip replacements, I couldn’t play golf anymore, and the wine distributor thing only went so far. She knew I needed something to do that would take up my time. She recommended that I check out HICAP, and it quickly took the place of the golf course.

UL: How would you describe HICAP? AN: Well, the program is pretty straightforward and is described by the acronym—it stands for health insurance counseling and advocacy program, and that’s exactly what we do. Basically, we just help folks who are dealing with the federal bureaucracy of Medicare. We provide a lot of community outreach and

UL: What is the average amount of time you volunteer with HICAP each month? AN: I would say I volunteer about 15 hours or so each month. I provide counseling services for three hours each week, and I participate in about three hours of continuing education and training each month. Each meeting takes about an hour, so I usually meet with

UL: What has surprised you the most while working at HICAP? AN: I’ve honestly been surprised by how many people are really struggling financially as they get older. There are many people in this community that are living on the edge of poverty, at just $900 or so each month from social security. Prior to working with HICAP, I never gave that much thought. I’ve been stunned at some of the predicaments people find themselves in during the years when they start having medical issues. When I turned 65, I had a HICAP appointment as I didn’t know anything about social security and Medicare myself. A few months later I was in training to start providing counseling services. The people that come in and are struggling affect me the greatest. It seems like one of the things we do most is coordinate Medicare and Medi-Cal as more than half of our clients are on both. Those are the low income folks that are really struggling. UL: Do you find anything about the experience to be particularly emotionally taxing? AN: Sometimes you have clients in difficult situations and that’s tough to deal with emotionally. It really strengthens your understanding that programs like these are needed, but it’s never something that causes you to burn out. If anything, it just makes me realize how valuable all of this really is. UL: What are your hobbies when you aren’t volunteering at HICAP? AN: I spend a fair amount of time at the gym to try and stay healthy, and I still play golf whenever possible. My two grandsons are eight and five, and we try to spend as much time with them as possible. Mary and I love to travel, and my eldest daughter works for United Airlines, so we don’t have to pay for flights. We try to travel wherever we can, whenever we can.

his marketing skill set. He spoke to one of his marketing professors, Jennifer Nelson, and inquired about any internships she might be aware of. Well tied into the local business scene, Jennifer introduced Eddie to Paul Sullivan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hooked on Solar, SunPower’s only master dealer in Northern California.

Eddie Hernandez H A R N E S S I N G

T H E

“Northridge was more diverse.” Eddie started, “The San Fernando Valley as a whole had a lot going on, and not always for the best. You see and hear a lot of things as a child; it wasn’t the best place to grow up. You had to develop a tough skin from a young age, and the area would knock you on your butt if you weren’t strong enough to stand up to it. The experience wasn’t all bad by any means though. I learned from it, and it made me who I am today. Moving to Chico, was the best decision I’ve made. It gave me the opportunity to grow and not fall into the mindset I had in high school.”

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Eddie arrived in Chico and began taking his undergraduate general education, but found himself continually pulled towards one specific topic—marketing. After some time at the university and getting to know the area, he decided to make it his major. “Chico is a tight-knit community, especially when you’re coming from someplace that’s a bit more fast paced like Northridge.” Eddie said, “Chico is smaller and definitely took some getting used to, but after a short time, I realized how much more I enjoyed the culture up here. Everyone acted a bit more laid back and there wasn’t the feeling of constant pressure that I had when I lived down south.”

Looking to the following months, and all that his new internship has to offer, Eddie couldn’t be more excited. “There’s so much to learn and I can’t wait to become a part of the company’s culture.” Eddie continued, “I never want to be seen as a person who doesn’t know their industry inside and out, and this is a firsthand experience that you can’t buy. It’s the prime time for solar. It’s great for the environment, advantageous for the homeowner, and is at the top of everyone’s mind with the green movement. People should be allowed to control their own energy, and solar gives you that opportunity. I want someday to be able to market any product, and marketing one as valuable to the community as solar is couldn’t be a better place to start. My generation are the next homeowners, so I’m also excited to be a valuable source of information for them in the future.”

Eddie joined the new Delta Chi fraternity during his junior year as one of their founding fathers and quickly gained the trust of his fellow brothers, eventually being elected as the fraternity’s treasurer for the 2019–2020 school year. As he neared the end of his junior year, he realized he had two options: enjoy another summer break on vacation or take the time to explore another opportunity and further develop

With nothing but opportunity and fulfillment in front of him, we couldn’t be more excited for the journey Eddie’s on or for companies like Hooked on Solar that help young adults realize their true potential. If you or someone you know is interested in clean, affordable, renewable energy, call SunPower by Hooked On Solar at 855.466.5332 or visit them online at SunPowerCA.com. There’s a good chance you’ll meet Eddie as well.

P O W E R

Originally from Northridge, California, Eddie Hernandez graduated high school full of ambition and eager to discover his true potential. In search of personal growth, he applied to both Cal State University Northridge and Chico, and was accepted to both. As Chico State was far outside the area he grew up, Eddie decided it would be his best opportunity to escape his comfort zone and explore a new environment.

“I was looking to gain something that schooling couldn’t necessarily offer—real applied learning, which is something Chico State also really looks favorably on. Paul was really great, and we clicked immediately! He offered me the job and I jumped at it!” Eddie said, “I was really excited for the opportunity to work with Paul and shadow him for the summer. It just seemed like the perfect situation. It was new to me, and just like with everything else, it felt like another challenge where I could prove what I was capable of to myself and others. The internship requires me to move around quite a bit and get to know our customers. Plus, with all of the travel, I’m able to spend time with friends I have who live nearby, and enjoy some couch surfing during the summer. Most importantly, the experience will benefit my future.”

O F

A M B I T I O N

Proper Planning leads to

Positive Results After 31 years of responding to earthquakes, chemical spills, and fires in Nevada, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Burgess undoubtedly earned his retirement in 2017. As is often the case with ambitious first responders like himself, you can’t stay retired for long. Originally from Ely, Nevada, Brian started his firefighting career in 1986. He joined the United States Army the following year, and remained an active soldier for 8 years before moving to Elko, Nevada where he resumed his original career. The town was small by population, with only 23,000 people in the city and 50,000 total in the county, but the borders were vast, boasting some 17,500 square miles that relied on his fire department for emergency services. Between natural disasters, hazardous material spills, along with railway, highway, and waterway disasters, rarely was there a quiet week at the station. Eventually, Brian worked his way up to deputy fire chief and was assigned the additional duty as the city’s emergency manager, where he was tasked with creating and managing emergency response plans to ensure his community was ready to properly handle any hazards that might present themselves. During his time in the position, he pushed to enhance hazardous materials response above all others as he knew from his time as a firefighter that improper handling of such situations would be the most detrimental to his community. To further his message through education, he began a consulting business on hazardous materials and rescue operations. It was during his time as a consultant in 2007 that he met Derek Dawson, a Northern California born safety specialist, at a Nevada mine he was working. Derek was taking one of Brian’s high angle ropes rescue courses. With plenty of things in common, the two became fast friends. When the Camp Fire tore through Paradise, Derek moved back to Chico to help the community rebuild and to make his education in hazardous material safety available to those who would encounter hazardous situations while working in Paradise. He co-founded Hazmat Training & Consulting Associates with his brother Shane Dawson of Dawson Landscaping, and they began teaching a 40-hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) course through Butte College. As the classes quickly reached max capacity, it became clear they would need more instructors, so Derek reached out to his old instructor Brian, and asked if he would join. Retired from firefighting for two years, Brian jumped at the opportunity, quit his side job, and moved to Chico. With Brian’s addition to the team, Hazmat Training & Consulting Associates is expanding their scope of services to include safety program development to help businesses in Northern California become compliant for federal and state laws. Every business that employs more than ten people is required to have a written emergency response plan for employee health and safety per Cal/OSHA rules. Most do not. Businesses utilizing chemicals or materials deemed by OSHA 30

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to be hazardous in specific quantities are required to report quantities and storage information. Most do not. As a result, many businesses find themselves out of compliance with state and federal laws, which could result in hefty fines and potential jail time. More importantly, the lack of reporting and planning not only puts employees at risk, but the entire community and its first responders as well. For first responders, having a map and reporting of potentially hazardous materials can be the difference between life and death during firefighting, rescue, and cleanup. Derek and Brian are hoping their new offering will help businesses give employees, first responders, and their community a fighting chance. By developing action plans and safety programs for local businesses, and training their employees on how to operate properly in emergencies, we can all rest easier knowing in the event of another major disaster strike, many will be trained to handle it appropriately. For Derek and Brian, who have both seen the results of improper training or a complete lack of training altogether, this business is more of a mission than anything else. “Disasters are difficult enough for everyone to deal with—physically and emotionally. Having a proper action plan in place decreases the chances of serious injury and increases the chances that more people make it out unscathed. There’s nothing better than knowing the work we’re doing is helping to achieve exactly that.” With no shortage of reminders nearby that indicate just how important their work really is, we could not be more thankful for what Derek and Brian are doing in our community. If you own a business or feel the business you work at could use an emergency response plan, call Hazmat Training & Consulting Associates at 530.592.3488.

What emergency response plan, filings, or guidelines does my business need to follow in order to be compliant with state and federal laws?

No: You are treated as a small business and Cal/OSHA does not require an emergency response plan, but recommends it.

Does your business employ ten or more people?

No: Cal/OSHA does not require additional response plans or reporting for chemical or blood borne pathogens.

Does your business work with hazardous substances or work with objects that could pierce the skin (for example: hair products or shears at a salon or needles at a tattoo shop, etc)?

No: Cal/OSHA does not require a respiratory protection plan.

Does your business involve situations or substances that may negatively impact breathing?

Proper response plans ensure that employees and neighbors have the best possible opportunity to escape a disaster with little to no adverse consequences. Proper reporting of hazardous materials ensures that first responders have an inventory and map prior to showing up, and are better able to make well-informed decisions when they arrive on the scene. Perhaps most importantly, the community has a right to know when hazardous substances are being used nearby, and everyone’s health and safety should be the top priority for all businesses. Many companies attempt to use a canned program or template that most closely matches their business, but most do not have somebody

Yes: You are treated as a medium sized business and Cal/OSHA requires you have an emergency response plan. If you do not have one, you’re subject to fines.

Yes: Cal/OSHA requires you to report quantities of hazardous substances to OSHA and the state. Also Cal/OSHA requires that your business has a response plan in place for chemical spills and potential blood borne pathogens.

Yes: Cal/OSHA requires a respiratory protection plan to protect your employees against health related issues stemming from use of substances or exposure to hazardous situations. A respiratory protection plan can cost an average of $2,000, but the minimum fine from OSHA is $12,500.

on staff who is familiar enough to be able to complete one properly. As a result, the business may be out of compliance, even if they’ve filled out the form to the best of their ability. A comprehensive plan takes two weeks to build at Hazmat Training & Consulting Associates, and we train employees on how to best protect themselves and others during an emergency as well. The training and plan lowers your risk and liability as a business owner and may even save you money on your business insurance.

If you’d like to have an emergency response program built for your company or would like an audit of a pre-existing program, call us today at 530.592.3488.

Estate & Long Term Care Planning: Why it is important. Wednesday, September 11 9:30 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12:30 p.m. Butte Creek Country Club 175 Estates Drive, Chico Seating is limited. Reserve your spot online at: https://ltcplanningseries1.eventbrite.com or call 530.898.5923 Refreshments will be provided.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING Nicole Plottel, Certified Elder Law Attorney

EXAMINING YOUR DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS David Green, Edward Jones

To DIY or When decorating we always take into account how the space functions best, the personality of who’ll be enjoying the space, and, most importantly, budget. The majority of clients we assist want a styled, high end look at an affordable price. What’s the key to achieving this? Save on certain pieces and spend the money on a few that really tie the whole space together. Let’s start from the bottom up. You need a rug to ground your space. If you’re looking for one with high durability or to add softness to a hard floor, then you’ll want to consider splurging on this area and choose a wool rug. However, if it’s a space you just want to add some color or pattern and it’s not a high traffic area, then a polyester or cotton blend would work just fine. This would be a less expensive option that’ll still give you visual impact. Once you have your furniture items placed on the rug, you need pillows to make them feel more inviting. The pillows are the first thing your eye will see so this is another area where we would recommend spending a little more to give your space a personalized look. Layer your pillows, starting with the largest in the back, and vary the sizes and shapes. We suggest mixing at least three different fabrics to create an interesting and cohesive look. Next, it’s time to add the accent furniture. The location of a table could determine the 34

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Buy

amount of budget allocated. A side table next to a sofa barely seen could be an old table that you DIY, or a less expensive option. However, a coffee table that is front and center is a key piece in the design. Time to spend the money on one that fits the space and goes with the style you’re trying to accomplish. Don’t forget about your walls as they’re screaming to be adorned. Focus on your focal wall in each room. You don’t need to hang something on every wall since it’s good to have some empty space. If you have a large wall, a large canvas art piece makes a huge impact and sets the tone for the feel of the space. However understand this decision can break the budget. If you have smaller wall décor pieces, consider grouping them together to create a gallery wall. You can even paint some old frames and hang them empty on the wall with your other pieces inside and around them. This will help give the illusion of expensive art without the cost. Just remember, prioritize items to splurge on and save on the others so you’ll be able to achieve the look you’re going for, and stay within your budget!

DESIGN ADVICE

VIA

GALLERY INTERIORS

For more home styling advice, visit Robin and Jennah at Gallery Interiors located at 1954 Bird Street in Oroville.

WRITTEN BY EMILY LEBLANC

Squirrels Friends or Foes?

Squirrels are commonly seen throughout Chico, whether they are running through Bidwell Park, jumping from treetop to treetop downtown, or stealing food from students on the CSU, Chico campus. Many bypassers will write off the squirrel for being an unnecessary pest, but will rarely stop to marvel at the intricate and delicate makeup of this curious animal. As avid foragers, squirrels base their diets on nuts, fungi, berries, fruit, seeds, and tree bark. Grey squirrels, in particular, have adapted to living on the ground and expanding their diets to encompass garden foods.

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for caching nuts and seeds in the ground or in trees, often forgetting where they were cached. The seeds will then sprout into new trees and plants, helping the ecosystem flourish. These animals will also eat mushrooms and seeds, later distributing them throughout the forest via fecal matter. Though squirrels do not hibernate, they do burrow for shelter during cold spells. Burrowing, though unpleasant for a gardener, actually helps to aerate the soil. Furthermore, the shelters provide smaller animals with homes once the squirrels vacate the area. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget to appreciate these living creatures, as they can provide us with just as much joy as fascinating birds. Squirrels are playful, entertaining, curious, and rather intelligent.

For gardeners, squirrels can cause chaos and unrelenting destruction. Squirrels will eat just about anything a gardener would not want them to, including buds, flowers, stems, seeds, vegetables, and bird food. These little creatures can turn a beautiful garden into an unappealing sight by stripping bark from trees, digging holes in the grass or soil, and chewing through bird feeders to get to the food. With their fierce intellect and resilience, squirrels are able to penetrate most habitats, containers, and even homes to find food. With habits like these, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why gardeners often view these animals as pests.

Since squirrels run rampant in North America, the odds are that if you get rid of one family of squirrels, the next will be soon to take their place. Therefore, your best option may be to coexist with these animals instead of chasing them out. One thing you could try is providing the squirrels with highquality squirrel food. To deter squirrels from eating the bird food, you can buy a squirrelproof feeder or season the bird seed with chili powder. Chilis are hard for squirrels to eat but cause no reaction to the birds you wish to attract. To avoid squirrels snacking on your plants, try planting inedible flowers or placing a wire mesh over the soil of your garden after planting.

However, squirrels can be good for the environment and the food chain, as well as giving us entertainment and insight into the animal world. Squirrels are notorious

Squirrels can definitely be a nuisance to gardeners. However, if you learn more about them, you may learn to appreciate these curious little creatures.

N E W AGA I N K I TC H E N REMODELING PRESENTS HOUSE CALL:

Finding The Perfect Match Originally from San Jose, Cindy Hoover moved to Chico in 1979 to study political science at Chico State. She stayed put until 1987, when she moved to Santa Cruz, but found herself missing her college haunts and decided to move back in 1998 with a job that allowed her to telecommute. She found a beautiful home in a brand new development on the northwest side of town and decided it was just right. She moved in and spent 21 years since making it her own. Over those 21 years, Cindy made small incremental changes to the home, but nothing overly dramatic. The kitchen remained as it was when she initially purchased the home— off-white tile, with beige grout, and whitewashed cabinets. It was one of the areas she most desired to see changed, so she began to look around for inspiration. Having been a reader of Upgraded Living Magazine, she was well acquainted with New Again Kitchen Remodeling, and having been a long time resident of Chico, she wanted to keep her money local. Rather than shopping around at big box stores, she asked her friends for further recommendations, and found a friend who had recently had their kitchen remodeled by New Again. With nothing but wonderful things to say about their experience, she decided to give them a visit as well. Cindy visited New Again’s showroom at 2502 E. Park Avenue in Chico and immediately saw the perfect slab of granite as she entered. She told Ric, New Again’s store manager and resident designer, that it was exactly what she wanted as it matched her walls beautifully. They discussed her kitchen in further detail and Ric recommended a Bedrosian Manhattan/Pistachio glass tile to complement the granite. “It was just perfect.” Cindy said, “Ric was so helpful in figuring out what the backsplash would be, and it honestly couldn’t match any better!” Ric visited Cindy’s home for final measurements, and quoted her a price for the entire project. “I thought it would cost CONNECT

so much more.” Cindy said, “When Ric sent the quote over, I was absolutely thrilled!” She signed the contract and anxiously began awaiting her new kitchen. New Again’s construction crew arrived on schedule, and removed the existing tile countertops from the kitchen. They replaced the tile with crystal green granite and a new Dawn sink before Victor Cabrera, their resident tile expert, completed the look with the backsplash Ric recommended. The end result? A stunning kitchen that Cindy had dreamed of. Asked about her new kitchen, Cindy replied, “The granite is my favorite. It’s like a work of art; I just stop into the kitchen every now and again to look at it. It’s incredible how many different colors are in the granite and how they all work together so well. I thought figuring out a color of granite that complimented my cabinets would be difficult, but it was as easy as walking into New Again.”

were just so wonderful to work with, and thoughtful too! I think the fact is that they really just care about their customers. Ric is so very creative. He comes up with many different ideas and then helps you narrow down exactly what you want by asking you the right questions. You can always get ahold of him, which is just wonderful. They’re very conscientious and their prices are fair. They’re very sweet people over there; you aren’t just a number, and I couldn’t be more glad to keep my money in the community. I had friends who went with big box stores and it took forever. If I had anything else to do, I’d go back out to them in a heartbeat. I’ve recommended them to everyone I know. It’s the perfect kitchen, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better!” With another remodeled kitchen on the books, New Again continues to set the standard for kitchen and bathroom renovation in Chico. If you’re looking to start a home improvement project, and are looking for a great price with plenty of options, like Cindy was, call New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888.

In regards to her experience Cindy commented, “Ric, Victor, and everyone else

NEW AGAIN KITCHEN REMODELING | 2502 PARK AVE, CHICO, CALIFORNIA 95928 | 530.899.2888

Demystifying The Departure Post Fire Positive & a Formula for the Future With the Chico store fully operational, the reality of utilizing the 1,100 square foot space there versus the 6,000 ft warehouse and 4,000 ft shop out of commision up the Skyway, almost proved laughable. During the day, finding just how to keep 18 employees moving and productive with only two computers and limited space was enough. Though no employee was going to lose their job due to the catastrophe, all of them would have to spend some time trying not to run into each other. Kitchen displays were turned into workstations, ovens became filing cabinets, and refrigerators used for storing anything but food. However, when the store closed each day, the facility would be transformed into nothing less than a refugee camp. One of the very best employees was under evacuation without anywhere to go. So each evening, blow up beds became dispersed throughout the display room, and the grateful worker, and his extended family, despite sharing a single bathroom, made it work. Fortunately, the evening melee lasted just over a week.

It is critical at the outset to understand Hudson’s Appliance has no intention of leaving Paradise. No, they have not already done so. Vince and Kristina Clarkson, along with their daughter Cabrie and son Cole, are steadfast Paradise Strong. They also have a keen awareness and deep respect for the 55 year history of the Ridge’s venerable appliance and service company. Vince’s dad, Jim, went to work for them basically for free to learn the trade, both service and sales, to give him the tools for a secure future. 35 years later, Jim bought the business in 2007. Vince and Kristina became involved in 2014 due to his dad’s health and request for help. Vince had just finished 10 years in the Marines, and admits he did not see it coming. Now sole owners, the committed couple has 40

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“zero intent to change the name,” or, more importantly, leave the ridge. In April of 2018, they opened a satellite showroom in Chico on the corner of the Skyway and Dominic Drive. The additional store serves a pair of purposes. One, to give additional room for displays and two, the ability to gain closer access to the bigger Box Stores. Some six months prior to the Campfire closed their Paradise store, this move still stirred some confusion and questions about the close becoming permanent. Any uncertainty or wondering can now be laid to rest. Although, the Paradise location, appearing relatively untouched, is far from being able to occupy. The roof melted in the intense heat, leaving no way to power the septic system. The goal is to re-open sometime in late 2019.

Kristina, however, clearly understood the magnitude of the newfound endeavor and the long amount of time it would take to make things right again. The expansion itself, by moving to the other end of the Skyway, was mostly because of her. Yes, the access to the Box Stores proved fruitful, however it was the behind the scenes work Kristina had been developing which gave the Chico showroom its clear intent. She envisioned desperate, shellshocked folks looking for more answers than questions. She also believed the builders and designers would appreciate a connection to products with the pricing and quality clearly quoted, and the whole package being handled by a competent contact person. The packages, known as “good-better-best,” emerged as a brilliant concept allowing shoppers to gain access to answers, that in their current state of mind, they were not certain what the questions were. Builders were delighted to have an organized manner of ordering and tracking, and a simple solution for upgrades and changes. It also is utmost important to have a clear idea for every detail, with each component accounted for. Kristina remains the key to organization and, quite frankly, sanity, in the wild ride for all who find themselves involved.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY & PROVIDED BY HUDSON'S APPLIANCE

So, Why is There No Price Tags? First and foremost, the answer is the fact that Hudson’s Appliance has a price match guarantee. This is but the tip of the iceberg. In preparing for the oncoming rush, pricing for walk-in customers is one thing, getting the specs out to builders and designers is an entirely different, yet connected matter. Hudson’s solved much of this equation through the “good-better-best” campaign. The Chico showroom’s proximity to the myriad shopping possibilities near Highway 99 becomes the primary reason for no price tags. For instance, a customer comes through the door fresh from one of the optional shops and wants to see how the price match works. Simply. Instantly, the computer screen shows that day’s pricing for each of the other stores. Certainly appears to take the folly out of trying to place new price tags out on each item each day. Beyond the guarantee, other advantages exist proving the worth of staying local with a such a place as Hudson’s. The advantage stems directly from the further use of the internet pricing, to searching for the very best deal for that customer on that day. Each customer receives the greatest discount available. In addition, the true timing of discounts for appliance shopping centers around the seasonal trends and the reality of homeowner wants and needs. Major holidays play an important role as well. The bigger the holiday, the bigger the percentage off. The seasonal side also affects different products such as the replacement of refrigerators in the summer versus the need for a new stove for cooking in the winter months. Hudson’s

can alert you when to “wait it out,” and cash in on big discounts during those big dates. Family oriented stores like this also will tell customers what not to look at or buy due to the difficulty of proper service, availability, or a host of other issues not covered by bigger stores. A clear example comes right from Hudson’s approach to non-selling to customers. The key for each sale is rather to “pull from the customer information to

assist in choices useful to each lifestyle.” For laundry needs, questions like the type of loads, pets, age of children all become concerns in the ultimate make and model. Are your kids getting to the age of helping with laundry could become another consideration. Answers to these questions affect the appliance which, in turn, can affect pricing, yet again another real reason to have prices available to see for comparison rather than a mere tag on a display. 41

Emphasis on Food, Fun, & the Local Scene Vince clearly understands that, for the most part, appliance buying merely fulfills a need, and can often carry with it some discomfort or pain. To help remedy that just a bit, Vince has added a vast array of choices in high end barbeques and ice chests. The Traeger wood fire grills and smokers, along with Orion coolers beckon shoppers on a daily basis with their placement right out in front of the store. Time and space belies the ability to delve in depth about these amazing products. To be sure, one such Traeger smoker comes in a bright pink pig replica. Typical of his approach, Vince did not just become a “dealer” for both products but rather has emerged as the 42

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top dealer from Sacramento to the Oregon border. Of course, this is how he goes about every aspect of Hudson’s Appliance. First and foremost, Vince is proud that 90% of the products on the floor are American made. Vince also understands the term “we service what we sell,” is not trite but rather tested and true. His true emphasis is to keep trying to find ways to plug in local products. With the huge need just around the corner, it is evident to Vince that local builders cannot carry the entire load. Thus, the importance is to reach out and gain trust from these outside builders when they arrive to understand just what the “good-better-best” plan can do for them and

our local economy and tax revenue. Vince is not only committed to the needs of now, he plans on managing the Paradise store for a long, long time. We salute Vince, Kristina, and their loyal staff for the proactive approach and care to make the rebuild a positive and cost effective experience for those sadly affected. Perhaps a pink pig Traeger in the backyard will produce some big smiles.

STOP BY HUDSON'S APPLIANCE LOCATED AT 2525 DOMINIC DRIVE SUITE #D IN CHICO TO MEET VINCE AND KRISTINA FOR YOURSELF!

When Temperatures

HEAT UP!

Backyard pool parties, misters cooling down your porch, and that all too familiar brain freeze from slurping down your margarita too fast are all great ways to make it through the onslaught of triple digit temperatures. Therefore, I am going to focus on the bartender's best friend, ice. Not only does it cool you off, but dramatically decreases the far more expensive liquid in your glass, saving you a ton of money. Here are some tips to better enjoy your summer beverages: • Shaking a drink is a fundamentally easy thing to do. However, it also makes your drink colder than the ice itself. Alcohol is known for its lower freezing temperature, so the melting of ice creates an alcohol/water combination. As a result, the temperature drops as well. Find a cocktail that you can enjoy shaken and keep your glasses cold. Together it will hold the temperature setting better for you. • Blended drinks are always fun to sip but can also be a pain to perfect. It may take some time to get it down, but this simple rule should prevent you from getting a result that is too watery or too chunky. First, know the measurement of your drink. If it is initially served over ice, then, in most cases, build it over ice and then transfer into the blender. When you have an alcoholic drink, have a little mound of ice that

isn’t submerged. Since the liquor itself melts ice, your blender will balance out the fact you have more ice than liquid. On the flip side, if you’re blending a non-alcoholic drink, the ice and liquid should be level in your blender. If you like a fruity blended drink, use cream or half-n-half to create a smoother texture. If you really want to be extra fancy, add ice cream. The end result will show complaints in a range from low to none. • Eye catching fruit filled ice cubes are simple to make and can be done in a variety of ways. First, you always want to wash your fruit to ensure cleanliness and the best taste. Mostly because of their size, berries are the easiest to use. Slicing citrus to fit also works. Avoid using melon because most of the flavor will disappear, clearly defeating the purpose. • Finally, the right vessel for your drink is crucial. Whether it calls for an insulated cup, copper mug, or frosted pint is entirely up to you. Make certain you have enough of each for your friends so their drink will always be cold and refreshing. Stay cool and keep those wonderful ice cubes working in your favor!

COCKTAIL ADVICE

VIA

JASON CORONA

For more cocktail tips, give Jason a call at 530.591.2634. 43

The Kitchels later realized they wanted to stop bringing their produce to their farmers market. “It’s hard doing markets with the set up and getting there early in the morning. Not all the produce sells, and you’re left with mush after the event is over because of the heat. There’s a lot of labor involved too,” John says explaining reasons why they decided to stop selling at their market. Instead, they now sell about 70% of their produce to a buyer in Redding—a great natural foods store called Country Organics. As well, they are starting a brand-new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box this summer.

Farming Done Right Just off Highway 99 in Los Molinos, stands a little hidden treasure. Tucked away deep behind the family home is a luscious garden and one of the most dynamic orchards. Kitchel Family Organics is home to over 20 types of fruit trees, including heirloom walnuts, pecans, peaches, apples, apricots, mandarins, cherries, plums, pluots, persimmons, pomegranates, and much much more! “It’s a nature preserve that we like to call a farm,” says Lana, sharing her love for her land. Owners Jason Kitchel, a landscape contractor by profession, and Lana Kitchel, an environmental activist, are the powerhouse couple who tend the land. When they moved into their home in 2002 with their two young sons, it was perfect. “Lana loves being outside,” explains her husband, Jason. Being a landscaper, Jason started planting immediately. And as a graduate from CSU, Chico’s horticulture program, he knew just what to do. Immediately, Jason started planting an orchard full of a variety of fruit and nut trees and it didn’t take long before he started to see the fruits of his labor. Their peaches where the fastest to produce and the couple started selling them right away. And while Jason was busy planning the landscape and planting, Lana was busy harvesting, processing, and selling at their local farmers market. 44

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They sold their produce at the Tehama Farmers Market for 10 years and it was a great way for Lana to contribute to the family expenses while still being a stay-athome mom for her children, something that she and Jason value deeply. Furthermore, it was a great way for Lana to help educate her community on food policy, GMOs, and climate change. Lana states,"58 is the average age of farmers in the United States,” and with about 88% of all US farms being small family farms, Lana is working hard to spread the word to the farmers and ranchers in her community to support the Green New Deal. She’s been speaking locally to those farmers and ranchers, and gathering signatures to petition Congress to support the Green New Deal because of its goals of creating a more sustainable food system that gives equal access to healthy food. At the time, there were no organic farms when we were doing the Tehama Farmers Market. “She politically educated as she sold produce,” says Jason as he explained how she ran their food stand. He continues, “She’d have a table full of our produce and another table full of educational material that she’d share with people who came by.” She even advocated to have a year-round farmers market in Tehama. Eventually, after she’d collected enough signatures for the petition, that finally happened.

Now people can come directly to the farm to pick up produce. “The way CSA works is whatever the farmer has in season goes into a box and that’s what the customer gets,” states Jason as he explains their CSA. Jason says that one of the many benefits is that customers begin to appreciate what it means to eat seasonally and thereby get more ‘tuned in’ to the rhythm of the varying harvest cycles of plants. As well, he says, customers develop a more discriminate palette because chances are that there will be produced in their CSA box that they’ve never cooked with or eaten before. The contents of the CSA box helps you to explore outside of your own box, so to speak. Kitchel Family Organics grows over 60 organic commodities including a variety of stone fruits, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and homemade spice blends of which are included in the CSA box. Walnuts are one of Kitchel Family Organics bestsellers and they’ve even shipped their walnuts as far as Israel! They grow quite a wide variety of walnuts including Eureka, Franquette, Mayette, and Chandler which are all ambient air dried. Lana suggests freezing walnuts in order to maintain their freshness and to prevent the oils in the nuts from turning rancid. Processing walnuts by hand is something the Kitchel’s pride themselves on because of the personal touch they’re able to imbue into their product. “Big orchards shake the trees to get the walnuts, but we wait until they’re perfectly ripe and hand harvest them once they’ve fallen to the ground,” says Lana describing how they collect their walnuts. Not only do they taste better, they require less equipment to harvest. When the time comes, Lana diligently scours the

WRITTEN BY KRISTINA BANWELL PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MEJIA

ground underneath their heirloom walnut trees and gathers them up to be hulled and scrubbed. A few of their other bestselling items include apricots, cherries, peaches, berries, and melons. Folks tend to especially love all the dried fruits they offer. They’ve been drying peaches, apricots, and tomatoes on racks that Jason built some time ago. With roughly 10 lbs of fruit needed for

every pound of product, it’s remarkable how much volume is needed to produce the result. “We dry thousands of peaches per year,” Lana says as she shows the drying racks. And these sundried delights are some of their best sellers. For these sundried products, the Kitchel’s often harvest seconds. “We make perfection from imperfection,” she says as she explains the process of turning blemished fruit to perfect sundried delectables.

If you find yourself in Los Molinos, be sure to get lost and dig deep into this treasured organic sanctuary. You won’t be disappointed! The Kitchel’s are happy to share their love of the land with you and offer you the best of their organic bounty. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR THEIR NEW CSA? WANT TO HAVE A LOOK AROUND THEIR FARM SANCTUARY? THEY’D LOVE TO CHAT WITH YOU. CALL OR TEXT LANA AT 530.520.6573.

Forgot to grab a magazin e?

All of our previous publications can be found on issuu.com!

INGREDIENTS: • 1 Croissant • 2 Eggs • 1 Mushroom • 1 Tomato slice

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DIRECTIONS: 1. Toast croissant.

• 1 Jalapeno

2. Grill veggies for one minute, then add salsa.

• 1 Tsp. chopped onion

3. Fry sausage in a separate pan

• 1 Bison sausage

4. Fry egg to medium well in a saucepan.

• ½ Slice of cheese

5. Melt cheese by covering with a pan.

• ¼ Avocado

6. Combine all ingredients.

• Sauce of choice

7. Add sliced avocado for garnish.

FOR MORE DELICIOUS BREAKFAST SANDWICHES, VISIT FRESH TWISTED CAFE LOCATED AT 156 E. EATON ROAD SUITE #E IN CHICO.

PHOTO BY EMILY TEAGUE

Ranchero Croissant

WRITTEN BY KRISTINA BANWELL

INGREDIENT OF THE MONTH:

Melon Originating from Africa and Southwest Asia, melons are one of America’s favorite fruits. We all know them—cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. However, there are so many more varieties to try and here in the North State—we’re so lucky! We live in a place where our farmers markets are chock-full of many melon varieties to choose from. Melons grow as vines and are part of the Curcurbitaceae family of plants; its closest relatives are cucumbers and squash. The fruit takes approximately 35 to 45 days to ripen from the time the flower has been pollinated. Of course, the time will vary depending on the variety of the melon, the temperature, and the amount of water the plant gets while the fruit is developing. Any type of melon is full of nutritional abundance. They are a rich source of vitamin C, B, and have necessary minerals like potassium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese to help keep our bodies healthy. One of the most common questions folks have regarding melons is—how the heck do I tell when it is ripe? Let’s face it, what a disappointment it is to get home with your freshly bought melon just to cut it open to discover the flesh is not ripe and sweet yet! Contrary to some other types of produce, melons will not continue to ripen once they’ve been cut from the vine. What you

pick is what you get. So—here’s what to do to make sure you get a ripe one every time. For watermelons, look for that quintessential yellow spot and make sure it is yellow and not white. White would indicate it is not ready yet. Give it a gentle knock. If it gives a nice hollow thud, it’s ready. For most melons you’ll have to use your fingers and your nose. For melons like cantaloupe, canary, honeydew, casaba, and similar melons, you’ll notice the end where the fruit grew from the flower, and the end where the stem once was. Press either end of the melon with your finger and then smell the melon in those spots. If it has a strong and sweet aroma, it’s probably ripe to eat. All you have to do to enjoy your favorite melon is to cut it open and slice it up, but it’s so fun to get a little fancy and adventurous with all the melon abundance of the summer. Here’s an easy and delicious way to eat one of our all time favorites - watermelon. Cut up watermelon into one inch cubes—about three cups. Cut up about 1.5 cups of the cucumbers into small cubes too. Toss with two tablespoons of freshly chopped mint, ⅓ cups of crumbled feta, three tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and salt & pepper to taste. This will surely be a hit at any time of the day or night! Get out there this summer and select a melon that’s new to you. Some rinds are smooth, some are webbed, and some are ribbed, but they’re all delicious! From Casaba and Canary to Crenshaw and Santa Clause you’ll be sure to find a smorgasbord of melon varieties to test your palate. 47

2019 Summer Bucket List Summer is here and there’s no time to waste. Calendars get filled up fast as we load our weeks with the abundance of activities Butte County and the surrounding areas have to offer. We’ve got a great list full of ideas that’ll get you outside enjoying our beautiful North State, or that’ll keep you nice and cool inside and away from the north valley heat.

Big Kimshew Falls

Located near Sterling City, a dip at the bottom of this waterfall will no doubt give you some respite from the heat of the summer. Measuring at 89 ft, this triple decker falls lies on Big Kimshew Creek. It’s an easy drive, but expect the drive from Sterling City to take some time because the windy dirt road that’ll lead you there is about 15 miles long. You’ll find a great swimming hole at the bottom and a few rocky outcrops to jump from. Be safe! To get there, take Skyway to Sterling City. Turn right on Reston Road, and right on P Line. Let the adventure begin!

Butte Strong Farmers Market

This season, the Paradise Farmers Market is operating from Oroville as the Butte Strong Market. Come on out for an evening full of the season’s local abundance ranging from freshly picked produce and local meats to plants, breads, local honey, olive oil, and nuts. A few artisans are there selling their handicrafts and be ready to eat yummy bites too. The Butte Strong Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 2053 Montgomery Street in Oroville.

Chico Children’s Museum

Chico Children’s Museum is open and we couldn’t be happier about that! Situated in a superb location on Main Street in downtown Chico, the Children’s Museum offers experimental opportunities where kids get to learn through interactive play by manipulating the various exhibits they offer. The organization has also commissioned artists from the local community to design and build these wonderful spaces. The museum’s mission is to “learn and connect through play.” There’s plenty of opportunities for that here. Find them at 325 Main Street in Chico.

Blue Room Theater

Are you a theater buff? Want to go out but like staying cool in the sweltering heat of the summer? Make sure you catch one of the Blue Room’s live theatrical productions. Blue Room Theater also has educational opportunities for youth and adults who want to get involved in the theater arts. Be sure to connect with them on social media, and get on their email list for updates. Currently, Bloomsday will be performed until June 16. 48

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Stay connected to see what they’ve got rolled up their sleeves for the rest of the year.

Hike Bald Rock

This is a little gem of a hike is doable for all ages. The gem is at the end of the 1-mile hike through Incense Cedar, Dogwoods, and Sugar Pines. You can’t miss the beautiful granite rock formations. Once you reach the granite, the trial ends and you’re left to explore, at your will, the broad granite dome. The wide-ranging views across the Northern Sierra Nevada are breathtaking. Have a dog? Cool! They’re allowed to come explore with you! Type in “Bald Rock Dome” into your favorite map app for directions.

Sierra Nevada Big Room

Surely one of the best venues in Northern California, Sierra Nevada Brewery’s Big Room is a deluxe way to enjoy live music. They have a consistent stream of music acts ranging from rock, alternative, R&B, folk, and independent music genres. With an ample dining area, you’re welcome to bring in food from their taproom, unless of course they’re offering on-site service. Be sure to head to their website and social media for a complete list of their upcoming music performances—there’s always something great brewing here!

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Visit Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park for a whole day of adventure and exploration. Learn through their permanent exhibits that share the natural history of the region as well as through their traveling exhibitions making their way to the museum from all over the globe. Here you’ll experience an amalgamation of the arts, science, history, forestry, and horticulture. The park features the renowned Sundial Bridge, a museum, forestry & wildlife center, an arboretum, and a botanical garden. Bonus: ample A/C when you’re indoors!

Butt Valley Reservoir

Need a new place to camp, canoe, kayak, sail, or fish this summer? Look no further than PG&E’s Butt Valley Reservoir! Located in Plumas County and about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Chico, this five mile long by ¾ of a mile wide reservoir provides ample spots to pitch your tent, or park your RV or camper. Located just below Lake Almanor at 4,150 st elevation, the scenery provides strikingly beautiful mountain views. There’s even a boat launch at one of the several campgrounds.

Feather Falls

Chico is proud to have the first, and the USA's 10th sustainable sushi bar! The chef and owner, Jimmy Lee, pledges to adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch list where he only uses sustainably sourced seafood that’s not on their “Red List” or “Avoid List”. Jimmy is committed to learning more and making adjustments to his sourcing protocols to make sure the restaurants choices support a healthy future for our oceans. Cool off with a cold glass of sake and even better, become an exclusive member of their Sake Club and have your personal cup stored behind the bar—each fill is just $1.00! Find them at 128 W. 2nd Street in Chico.

Pamper Yourself (Yes, that goes for you men out there, too!) Finding the time for self care is paramount in these busy months of planning, traveling, BBQ’s, etc. Remember to slow your roll! Take a moment and do something for yourself. Here in Butte County, there’s no shortage of ways to pamper yourself. Massage is a wonderful way for both men and women to enjoy a bit of pampering. Here in Butte County, it’s easy to find wonderfully skilled masseurs and masseuses from a simple Google search. We like Sweetwater for a full spa experience, and Wendy’s Massage for an authentic Chinese massage. Get your self care on!

WRITTEN BY KRISTINA BANWELL

As one of Butte County’s famous natural destinations, Feather Falls is the 6th tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. Though, the hike is not for the faint of heart. The loop trail is about an 8-mile climb up 1,732 ft. The best time to go is from March to November. Check it out from the top, or, take a dip in the swimming hole below the falls. The whole experience should take about half a day. The closest town to the falls is Oroville.

Dine at Aonami

The Reality of your Liability Auto Insurance Driving a car is a huge responsibility. Whether a brand-new or an experienced driver, it is important you have an understanding of auto insurance basics. Everyone should know, in order to register our vehicle and legally drive it, we must obtain auto insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not a requirement in California. The State of California does require a minimum liability and property damage coverage of $15,000 per person, up to $30,000 per accident, and a $5,000 property damage limit. Therefore, a minimal liability policy will pay out $15,000 per person and up to a maximum of $30,000 per accident for bodily injuries you cause to another party. Have you noticed the costs of medical procedures recently? Do you believe $30,000 is enough to cover the injuries another party may sustain in an accident? What happens if the injuries you cause another person exceed the limits on your policy? You will be sued personally for these damages. If you do not have much in the way of assets, whatever income you have will likely be garnished at a certain percentage until the settlement amount is paid in full. Now that you can see that your bodily injury limits should be much higher, the next number to consider is the $5,000 for property damage. In other words, the most the insurance company will pay out on your 50

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behalf for damaged property of others is $5,000. It does not take long to look around and realize most people are driving cars worth well over $5,000. The last component that is not required to be carried in California is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It is estimated as high as one in three drivers in Northern California have either no liability insurance or inadequate limits. This coverage protects you and your passengers for injuries caused by someone with no insurance or carries limits too low to cover the injuries you may sustain in an accident. Make certain your policy has this valuable protection. Now that you have a better understanding about what these numbers mean, what can you do? Call your insurance provider. See what limits you have. Ask about what it would cost to increase your limits to a minimum of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident, with $100,000 in property damage and matching uninsured motorist limits. It is recommended to carry as much liability as you have in assets. As a result, look into an umbrella policy which is easily affordable and offers $1 million or more additional liability protection. Remember, driving a car is a huge responsibility. Part of the importance of this is to make sure you have the proper auto insurance, including adequate limits of liability coverage.

AUTO ADVICE

VIA

BRETT SANDERS

For more information, visit Brett at 25 Jan Court Suite #120, call 530.891.7900, or farmersagent.com/bjacobson.

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NORTH OF ELEVENTH:

YOU KNOW YOU GO We salute and celebrate Chico. As avid travelers, we come back on occasion with comments like, “Oh! Chico should have one of these!” Things like Santa Barbara’s fabulous Funk Zone, a dizzying array of brews, wine, and food clustered in once abandoned industrial buildings across from East Beach. Austin and its downtown Dirty Six. Six enchanting blocks of rooftop bars, loud music, inviting eats, and an intriguing way of making you forget about time. Therefore, we understand the fact we very well make it “a thing” by giving a moniker to a particular part of this city we love. North of Eleventh begins at the intersection of West 11th Avenue and the entrance to Chico Nut Company. The bridge over Sandy Gulch begins the trek North and continues all the way to where the Esplanade joins Highway 99. The Esplanade, itself, has its beginning back at the Bidwell Mansion. From that point, it is ten miles to Highway 99. The well chronicled promenade the Esplanade is known for stems from the beautifully landscaped, delightfully architectured, and

your cruise control to 26 mph and hit-allthe-lights-without-braking kind of traffic the early blocks promised. Eleventh Avenue itself, proved the forerunner of the travel tribulations when a timed light was replaced by traffic sensitive sensors. Yes, travelers know what they are in for crossing that bridge and revel in the prospect. To a plethora of prospective diners, North of Eleventh is a destination, a predetermined one. The place to go has already been selected, chosen, bantered about, even argued over how-long-it’s-been-since-weate-there kind of discussions. Phrases like: “How “bout the IC?” “Or La Ha.” “Let’s get a drink at the Inn!” “Haven’t been to Blossom in a while.” “Want to meet at the barn for a glass of wine?” and the... “Let’s go to the best restaurant in town tonight.” —are everyday conversations for the North of Eleventh crowd.

Just in case there remains those of “you,” the singular and plural versions, out there who have not yet ventured past Eleventh, the entire lingo above can be translated. Of the ten miles making up the Esplanade, our North of Eleventh trek is 2.5 of them splendid nature of the 14 blocks comprising beginning with one icon and ending with the stretch from the Mansion to the bridge another. A total of four such recognizable over the Gulch. The unavoidably spectacular classics anchor the stretch, two on each thoroughfare with its two story mansions side. The first, no doubt, is the Italian and historical buildings, includes a feed Cottage replete with its sawdust floors and store, high school, hospital, and Veteran’s chatty comfortable booths. La Hacienda, a Hall. Most mansions have now been given long time favorite, with its stucco arches, way to commerce without giving away palm trees, and of course, the renowned any of the beauty. A small red tavern and “secret” recipe. The Rice Bowl, the old a world wide known burger joint beckon fashioned mainstay with its bona fide travelers to pull over and stay awhile. triumph of serving authentic Japanese and The thing is, most travelers heading north Chinese classics. At the end of the 2.5 miles have their minds already made up. They sits Basque Norte, a treasured throwback of are heading across the bridge to a true restaurateur, with its unique service, predetermined destinations. family style servings, and longtime devoted diners. The trail of eateries joining these So, maybe it is already a thing. Crossing the four time-honored establishments share the bridge engages travelers in an exceedingly same qualities of knowing how to delight, different climate. The splendor and charm please, and leave visitors with a hankering are stripped clean revealing tire shops, to return time and time again. The sum of lube joints, gas stations, car washes, smog these places define the aura and mystery places, and a spattering of motels and of North of Eleventh. Let’s take a verbal trip markets. The foliage, too is gone, and the ‘seeing’ just what makes this menagerie landscaped median removed, leaving a so inviting. different kind of traffic. Not the gentle, set 53

From Cohasset Road to East Avenue

The Italian Cottage opens the trip with its delightful menu ranging from sandwiches to pasta dishes, pizza to a fresh array of salads. A bustling atmosphere makes for the perfect time to order a beer or a glass of wine and begin a conversation while waiting for your food. The Sin of Cortez offers a kith and kin air with its open tables, intriguing choices of hot and cold drinks, and breakfast items for the bold and timorous. The weekend wait times are worth the wait. Farm Star, the veritable fresh-from-the-fields pizza producers, wows its faithful followers with its blend of local color and neighborhood charm. Whether it is a sweet salad with heat or an ice cold beer in a frosty glass, the horde of hungry folks always get their fill. Ricardo’s Mexican Cocina offers appealing and dependable Mexican food to their loyal locals since 1974. The ambiance of home, with its comfortable feeling and caring service, adds to the ‘locals only’ vibe. Kalico Kitchen is a rewarding throwback to a fast, friendly, and comfortable environment with reasonably priced food and an attentive staff. Known as a place where it just feels right to take family and friends out for a tasty meal, it is a small wonder their clientele consists of both frequenters and newcomers on a daily basis.

From East Avenue to Lassen Avenue

Hula’s Chinese Bar-B-Q is tucked away on the corner strip mall. No problem for the dyed-in-the-wool fans who consider the prize a feast of Mongolian cuisine where the diner designs the dish. On the other hand, Priya Indian Cuisine creates an otherworldly experience of delicately blended spices for people looking to step into another realm. Priya means “beloved” and to its avid fans, this place is just that and more. The Studio Inn, one of two stand alone bars on this stretch, remains staunch as a delightful step back in time. Where the fixtures and patrons become patrons and fixtures in a fascinating fashion. The historic La Hacienda has endured entire generations making their way to long tables and celebrations of important dates. The promise of a long line of descendants will most assuredly continue the traditions already in place. Hudson’s Gastropub, a downtown diner’s spin-off, brings to the forefront a menu from a time when ‘comfort’ and ‘food’ were synonymous. The lineup of servings guarantee to satisfy every taste and desire.

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Lassen to Eaton Road

the experience. Speaking of experiences, a short distance away resides a left turn worthy of a weekend stay or a single trip. Four diametrically opposed places offer the sum of their varied parts, or can simply accommodate a lone encounter. Five establishments surround the deep parking lot, each with varied visitors. The boutique Hotel James, featuring streamlined guestrooms & suites, resides as the centerpiece. Wine Time sits adjacent to the hotel with its interesting architectural motif, including a tiny appalachian of grape vines, and a perfect place to test your palate. Across the way is the Lost Dutchman with

its bevy of brews served on a constantly rotating schedule. The off-the-beaten-track aura begs beer connoisseurs to belly up and imbibe at will. If you can locate the metal blue heron perched outside the heavy, closed door, your instincts and water will instantly get stronger. The illusion is the intrigue. Whether you spend the night or not, right out front on the road itself, sits Roots. Known as both an amazing catering service and restaurant, the breakfast and lunch eatery is a must try. The worldly and varied menu becomes an invitation to go where you have never dreamed of ordering. Oh yeah, and loving it.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN DESIGN BY NERISSA QUINN PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MEJIA

Dueling destinations by geography, but surely not in competition with one another, begin this part of the trek. The forebear of Chinese and Japanese food, the Rice Bowl adorns the eastern most corner while its earthly counterpart, Japanese Blossom resides just down the way where the sun sets. The Rice Bowlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lasting qualities ensures its enduring patronage due to the diversity and delicious choices. Japanese Blossom pitches a placid atmosphere with its bountiful bar and grill. The byzantine structure of the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior belies the commercial exterior. The rich, sumptuous colors plays beautifully off the exquisite metal structures, combining to occupy the attention of each and every visitor. The addition of a full bar with an adjoining niche to relax, surely will further

North of Eleventh obviously is comprised of so much more than this breakdown of well known destinations. Food trucks, and Taco trucks resembling full restaurants, possess their own niche along the way. The treasured bowling alley, several local coffee shops, and an iconic donut shop in its own right, join the fray. Yes, this is undoubtedly a thing. However, a thing with a different ring to it than the isolated areas of the beachfront Funk Zone or the downtown blocks huddled together in their own dirty way.

Eaton to DeGarmo Drive

Crossing Eaton Road, the Esplanade reduces to a rural two-lane road, which most assuredly will not remain narrow for much longer. In this stretch, reside three more establishments, each unique in their own way. Fresh Twisted, a clever twist on the fresh trend, sits on the corner between a gas station and Chico Theatre Company. The amazing food, custom wraps, and, of course, fresh squeezed juices invite visitors to sit awhile. Sol Mexican Grill and its ever changing way just seems to keep getting 56

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better. The always fantastic food now comes with a full bar and, built in event center, ensuring full fun, fun, fun. The trip comes full circle reaching the expansive parking lot and understated exterior of Basque Norte. The Spanish and Mediteranian offerings including the famous steaks, tapas, and cocktails continues as the staple of success for this venerable friend of Chico diners. It is safe to say the twin steakhouses in our beloved downtown would not exist without Basque Norte.

Perhaps what we have here is more like the Rockridge neighborhood at the foot of the Oakland Hills. This area is known as a ‘burby-like haven where Cal grads come to live when they exit their 20s. As a result, ‘Twitterites and Techies’ feel fortunate to find a place to live. These new residents changed Rockridge from a collection of historic cottages nestled at the bottom of the hill into a pedestrian friendly hub of high end shopping and eating. Similarly, Shasta Elementary, a short distance from Basque Norte, seemed like a remote rural country school. Now it is shadowed by three story apartment buildings hiding the vast neighborhoods pushing at Mud Creek’s bank. You now have much more than just a thing. Like Rockridge, a throng of Chico State grads, who never intended to leave, and with jobs at the hospital, the university, Build, and the like, will prove to be legitimate influencers within this “thing” they have chosen to reside. These residents are part of all these destinations, they are crossing the Sandy Gulch bridge and picking up dinner on the way home. Rather the food is being delivered by a variety of online options. They are not looking to change any of the marvelous choices contained in this piece. What happens naturally is the subtle changes in shopping. Abandoned commercial buildings will give way to chic boutiques, upscaled places to meet and greet, and of course, a more bike friendly manner to travel. New eateries will arrive and be fully embraced by all the existing ones we so willingly celebrate here. Surely visitors to Chico will travel home and say things like “I wish our town had a stretch like that North of Eleventh.” We could not be happier our town already has this treasure trove of delightful destinations spanning a mere 2.5 mile stretch. Yeah, our very own “thing.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GARY SMITH

A Joyful Amalgamation Who are the Chico Latin Orquesta? They are the beat that moves your body, and a collection of highly trained Chicobased musicians bringing the sounds of Afro Caribbean music and culture to our community and dancers. Chico Latin Orquesta is also the joyful amalgamation of Katarra Shaw’s lifelong fascination with Afro Caribbean rhythm, her undergraduate degrees in music, and the skills she developed as an undergraduate. The band started rehearsing in early 2019. It took almost a year of preparation on her part with the choosing of music and the people, ensuring the band would be so strong. Speaking with Katarra Shaw, the lifeline of this ensemble, I asked just how this amazing band came together. “I started dancing salsa in Chico as a young teenager after seeing Buena Vista Social Club perform at Laxson Auditorium. I took lessons and danced at every available opportunity.” Years later, Katarra realized she wanted to further explore her love of music, she enrolled in the music department at Chico State earning an undergraduate degree in General Music and Audio Engineering. As if she is not busy enough, she added, “I opened my private midwifery practice in Chico while I was a music student.” The Chico Latin Orquesta is made up of ten talented musicians. Rocio Guido, lead singer, has a beautiful smoky sounding mature voice and absolutely loves this music. Webster Moore, their versatile, agile pianist, possesses talents which consistently amaze all of the members of the band. Aron Linker, bassist and Anthony Paneno, 58

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percussionist at Chico State, have both quickly learned these rhythms and beats. Jose Antonio Morales, timbales player, is an extremely gifted percussionist from Venezuela who keeps the band's rhythm organized. Jeanne Kristofferson, a Chico State faculty member, is the band's conga player with an abundance of experience. Chris Ivey, also Chico State faculty member, is one of their gifted trombone players. Alexis Barragan, trombone, grew up playing in his father’s salsa band in Monterrey, making him extremely well versed in this music and helps him shape their sound. Evan Goodson, trumpet player and the bands' resident genius, grabbed a flute in rehearsal the other day and started playing! "I had no idea he played the flute.” As for Katarra, herself, she plays tenor, baritone saxophone, flute, and accordion. Their next live show is a fundraiser for the Arc of Butte County on July 20th at the Lounge at Apollo, located at 936 Mangrove, Ave, Chico. The show includes Salsa dance lessons prior to the show for VIP ticket holders. Looking forward, Katarra states her goal over the next year is to play several times a month in Chico and surrounding communities, primarily for salsa/Latin music dancers. “We will expand our repertoire into different types of tropical music, including cumbia, merengue, and bachata.” To book a private or public show, contact Katarra Shaw at 530.774.4430

MUSIC ADVICE

VIA

GARY SMITH

For more information, visit apolloschoolofmusic.net.

F I N D I N G YO UR

WRITTEN BY EMILY LEBLANC PHOTO BY MICHELLE CAMY & PROVIDED BY ANDY COLENZO

Happy Place We all need our outlet from life’s many stressors, or as Andy Colenzo calls it, “our happy place.” For Andy, a full-time father, husband, and UPS driver, his “freedom from the world” is in his photography. Andy invested in a professional camera two years ago and has been teaching himself photography ever since. Though he still calls himself a “rookie,” his photos speak volumes on how much he’s improved since he bought his digital camera. His wife, Sarah, said that he has always had “a good eye for photography.” Andy agreed that “it’s always come easy” for him. Paired with his vision for the perfect shot is his enthusiasm to continue learning. Andy is constantly watching YouTube videos, taking note of other photographers’ methods, and asking friends for input. He often asks Sarah which style she prefers, although she has trouble with deciding on just one. Andy and his family had been in Paradise for 20 years when the Camp Fire seized their property along with their beloved town. Throughout the struggles that followed, Andy and Sarah stayed positive. Though

they lived in a trailer on a friend’s property until March, they were grateful for good friends and to be surrounded by beautiful vineyards. The family has finally settled in their new home, right here in Chico, and are excited about the fresh start. Just last week, Andy was able to take out his camera again, for the first time since the fire. Though the fire halted Andy’s art for six months, he was able to return to his photography because of its meditative qualities. “You’re not thinking about anything else” when you are shooting or editing. “You’re just thinking about what you’re seeing.” The fire “can’t stop me,” Andy said, not allowing it to take away his biggest stress reliever. The Camp Fire actually opened some doors for Andy’s future. After realizing that life is too short to worry, he overcame his fear of flying and decided to start developing his travel photography portfolio. A recent trip to Florida with his family showed him how much the world has to offer. He is looking forward to an upcoming trip with his son’s school to New York and D.C. Andy has always been an avid admirer of the arts and the creations of others, and now he gets to produce his own artwork which others can admire. And, because he’s “still learning,” Andy’s photography is

consistently improving. He wants to work more on his nature photography, showing others why he’s passionate about the beauty of the outdoors. Andy’s process begins by seeing a scene in a unique way or catching a different angle. Then, he takes a break from his photos, returning to them a few days later. When he’s ready to edit, Andy likes the serenity in being alone with the moments he’s captured. He’s able to take a photo and turn it into something remarkable. “That’s the most satisfying part.” Once he’s completed his work, he’ll print his photos and keep sharing his joy by giving them away to friends and family. In his Paradise home, Andy kept prints on his table and “if someone wanted one, they could just take it.” Andy looks forward to continuing his passion throughout his life and into retirement because it allows him to live in the moment—to escape to his happy place. If any other photography rookies are reading this, Andy advises you to “just dive right in—just do it.” He is a leading example of how hard work and persistence pay off. While walking your path to photographic expertise, you might even find your own freedom along the way. If you’re interested in seeing Andy Colenzo’s artwork, visit his Instagram @mirror_less_shotter.

Alex Marshall Studios

Alex doesn’t use a wheel here; she doesn’t throw clay as she’s not a potter. She hand builds forms out of clay and slip casts them. Nothing is perfect. All of her designs are asymmetrical and freeform. Slip casting is a ceramic building technique used in the mass-production of pottery for shapes that are not easily formed on a potter’s wheel. The first step in slip casting is to design the piece and make a basic structure out of clay. 60

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Sometimes clients will send in sketched ideas or come in and work out the basic design with Alex in the studio. The forms are hand sculpted. These are then placed into a mold and an original rubber form is completed which can then be used to make multiple productions. In this way, Alex is able to design the piece, make a one of a kind original, and freeze it in time. The resulting mold is then filled with liquid clay, known as slip. The porous nature of the plaster mold pulls the moisture out of the slip and leaves a solid shell lining in the shape of the cup, bowl, etc...The remaining liquid is then poured off after about an hour and the shell is allowed to set up for a day. The mold is removed and the seams and edges left on the piece are cleaned and it heads to the kiln for the first firing. The enormous brick lined gas kiln, still warm from the morning’s emptying stands open to accept the next load. The shelves are stacked according to the height of the pieces being fired. They will usually stay in the kiln for 24–36 hours. The location of the studio’s new home on Nelson Street enabled them to purchase and install a gas kiln, which helps to reduce their costs as well as increase their production. Following the first firing, they are placed on shelves where they await the glazing process. Thirty barrels of glazes line the perimeter of the studio. Alex uses the glazes in a variety of ways, from making the

Alex and Andrew love meeting their customers as they visit the showroom. Here you can order a mug or plate and come back a few days later to pick up the handcrafted piece knowing it was made right there just for you. They use their space as a hub for maker events and find it incredibly rewarding to be able to give vendors a setting to connect with the public. Keep your eyes open for another maker’s event in the near future or head out now to 1095 Nelson Street. They’re open everyday and welcome the chance to show you their space, their designs, or simply just connect. WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MEJIA

You sense you have found something special the moment you pull into the lot tucked in off Nelson Street and see the orange glass-paned garage door framing an amazing studio. Alex Marshall Studios has evolved over the past eighteen years into this space where ceramic designs are envisioned, crafted, and sold. The building holds the office, gallery and production studio thoughtfully ‘grown’ over time into the perfect platform for Alex and her husband, Andrew Barry to showcase their business. Her organic and thoughtfully designed ceramics in a pallet of natureinspired colors fill the showroom. The shapes invite you to hold them and to use them…not just admire them on the shelves. Alex remarks that “a plate is a plate until you see how its used,” that seeing how restaurants display their food on it, or how people use the item in their homes lends to the artfulness of each piece.

piece all one color to using multiple glazes layered in different combinations. The result is an amazing artisanal product that is available in stores, online, or directly from the studio.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 30–JULY 28

Map It Out 900 Esplanade, Chico 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursday–Sunday Cost: Adults $5, Students & Children Free Info: Map It Out is an exhibition of Northern California artists presenting works invented and inspired by the theme of maps. Thirty artists will be showcased in this exhibition juried by the monca Exhibition Committee. Selected works will represent the Chico Area, the Bay Area, and Northern California. More info, monca.org.

JULY 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

4th of July Celebration in Paradise 5570 Black Olive Drive, Paradise 3:00–6:00 p.m. Info: Bring your folding chairs and join the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, the USAF Band of the Golden West, and speakers commemorating the resilience and independence of our great community! The entire community is invited to attend.

JULY 4–8

High Sierra Music Festival 2019 204 Fairground Road, Quincy July 4th 8:00 a.m.–July 8th 12:00 p.m. Tickets: varied prices & packages Info: highsierramusic.com

JULY 6

Inversions & Arm Balances 707 Wall Street, Chico Cost: $25 Info: In this two hour workshop we will warm the body up for inversion and arm balance play. Learn the stages of each posture to find success in each level and set yourself up safely. All levels welcome! Come & play!

JULY 12–13

Slice of Chico 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Downtown, Chico Cost: Open to the public Info: A summertime tradition! Come downtown for a family-friendly, fun-filled day exploring the charming shops and quaint eateries in Downtown Chico. Guests are guaranteed to discover something unique and will always be treated to hot prices and cold slices of watermelon courtesy

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of ProPacific Fresh! Some highlights on Saturday include: merchants offering great specials, bargains, entertainment, and refreshments, restaurants offering watermelon-themed menu items, family friendly activities including face painting and caricatures, music and more. More info, downtownchico.com.

JULY 13

13th Annual Blessing of the Grapes 26240 Seventh Street, Vina, California 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Cost: Free and open to the public Info: The winery will celebrate its 13th annual Blessing of the Grapes ceremony— a Trappist-Cistercian monk tradition that is nearly 1400 years old—at the Abbey of New Clairvaux in their St. James vineyard. More info, newclairvauxvineyard.com.

Comedy Slice 2359 Esplanade, Chico 7:00–8:30 p.m. Cost: Free Info: Farm Star Pizza is proud to present its first ever comedy showcase featuring a fine lineup of local comedians. Come enjoy some delicious pizza along with a slice of comedy. Jerm Leather, Jason Allen, Travis Dowdy, Sam Mallett, Robyn Alana Engel, & Corey Finnegan. Hosted by: Dillon Collins.

Cost: $45 VIP, $25 General Admission Info: Chico Latin Orquesta plays at the lounge at Apollo to benefit the ARC of Butte County, Chico. More info, apolloschoolofmusic.net.

JULY 22–26

Unicorn Glitter Camp 1950 E 20th Street, Chico Cost: $100–$125 Info: Celebrate the magic of unicorns! This five day camp will feature lots of sparkly crafts, singing, dancing, and make believe. Let your little ones imagination fly as they create their own unicorns to name, take care of and play with for years to come. The last day of camp includes a unicorn transformation as each camper gets a glitter hairstyle, face paint, and sparkle nails! More info, chicorec.com/unicorn-glitter-camp

JULY 25

The Kelly Twins Dueling Pianos Colusa Casino Resort, Colusa 9:00 pm–midnight Info: All request music soiree, come tell the Twins what you want to hear!

Elephant Parent and Me Painting Party: CWC Solar Benefit 592 E 3rd Street, Chico 6:00–7:30 p.m. Cost: $45 for one parent and one child, add on additional family members for $22 each Info: Get your ticket now for a fun evening of elephant painting with your young artist. We'll be helping raise money as part of the Solar Series for the Chico Women's Club and also making creativity and family time happen! Includes a 10 x 20 canvas for each participant, all painting materials, and guided instruction by Bri Kerr of Sienna Joy Painting Events. Kid approved snacks and drinks will also be provided. More info & tickets, squareup.com/store/sienna-joy

JULY 20

JULY 27

JULY 19

Bidwell Bump 375 Centennial Ave, Chico 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Info: Call it rising from the ashes or a fresh new start like the coming of Spring. Bidwell Bump has a new date on the calendar. Please spread the word and get signed up on BikeReg.com. Registration will be open soon. Due to all trails not being open, categories are not yet decided.

Apollo School of Music: Chico Latin Orquesta 936 Mangrove Ave, Chico 6:00 p.m. VIP, 7:00 p.m. General Admission

Community Family Fun Day 999 Yosemite Drive, Chico 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Cost: $15 per person, 5% proceeds go to local charity Info: Come join the fun! There will be music, bounce house, slip and slide, beer & food garden, face painting, and balloon tying! $15 per person 5% proceeds go to local charities. More info, canyonoakscc.com

No Story Is A Straight Line. My Dear Flag,

The geometry of a human life is too imperfect and complex, too distorted by the laughter of time and the bewildering intricacies of fate to admit the straight line into its system of laws. –Beach Music by Pat Conroy

It’s long been on my mind, the haunting fact I have not heard from you. It’s not like you haven’t answered a couple of texts. Obviously, I am aware of your status on social media. Brings me right back to that nagging from not hearing from you. You are front and center at many events on the calendar, seemingly to celebrate you. You have dedicated weekends in May, July, and November. In addition, the first fortnight of June is marked as your day, though because of conflicts with another flag, you’ve been granted the entire week. Still no words from you. You’ve been pledged, anthemed, revered, rejected, protested, burned, recovered, and lived to be burned again. You have been replicated into teeny bikinis, soiled bell bottoms, and every other way you can be displayed. You hang high, low, and sometimes in the middle, and still, no words from you. You were fashioned by Betsy and brought into the spotlight by Francis. Your design remains complicatedly simple. Stars, stripes and the colors red, white, and blue. All designed as an affront to the Union Jack and a statement of the newly formed Republic. Though you started with a baker’s dozen, now 50 stars appear on a deep blue background. Those original 13 are accounted for in the red and white stripes. The top and bottom stripes are enduringly red. The corresponding white revealing your peaceful and pragmatic sides. It is, however, those 50 stars, each representing one of the 50 states, which shine through. None of them shine brighter than another, appear bigger, better, or bad. As a whole, you quietly and confidently flap and wave for the entirety of it all. But I haven’t heard from you. Perhaps the best way to hear you stems from those recurring face-toface encounters you have with irony. Irony meaning “the opposite of what to

expect.” These confrontations allows your voice—without emotion, bias, remorse, or sensitivity—to emerge. Then I realized. You and I share one such encounter. It emerged from a family tragedy. I am sixth of seven children, two brothers and four sisters. My oldest brother graduated in 1966 and enlisted. The tumultuous time brought fear and burden to our hearts. These emotions worsened with news of his 30 day furlough to SouthEast Asia. On the 19th day, his plans were changed and he served out his time in Germany working for a civilian dentist. Not long after returning home, noticeably distraught and confused, my brother died in a horrific crash with a tractor trailer. It was the end of a Memorial Day weekend. At the graveside, my mother received a neatly folded you, fresh from his casket. As a family, we needed to grieve, be angry, feel hopeless, and needed each other. You proved confusing, serving as a reminder of my brother’s struggle over the loss of his best friend while he was safe in Europe. The triangle of white stars and blue background resonated somehow as a heavy weight, an unnecessary symbol. It felt like you finally spoke when we weren’t listening. Until now. My now was this past Memorial Day when all this cacophony of emotions collided in my head, and I heard you. Before, I heard the rote and perfunctory voices of school children. Before, I heard my inner voice trying to cut through the rhetoric and alarming actions to get to your voice. You’ve been speaking all along. You’ve been the constant in a diabolically changing world. Communicating mostly in whispers, rarely with fervor. You speak words we merely repeat. “One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” My brother was as important to you as anyone else. Just like the sameness of your 50 stars, the line emotes a beautiful and poignant use of the absolute. I’m sorry it took so long to hear you. Hang in there, Kevin 63