Enjoy Magazine: Northern California Living — April2025

TRUE GRIT

FEATURED STORIES

16 | Making a Lifelong Impact in Redding

32 | The Best Fishing in the North State

40 | Mike Steiner’s Award-Winning Aviation Journey

45 | Mark Cable’s Quest for the Perfect Salsa

50 | Refurbished Hats from Creative Hatter Mark Dancinghawk Kunde

56 | Join the 2025 Backcountry Horsemen Rendezvous for Trail Preservation

64 | Taking the Field at Red Bluff Civil War Days

72 | Enjoying Cowboy Poetry with Roy Smith

80 | Honoring Rodeo Legend Cotton Rosser

GOOD FINDS

24 | Saving Seeds with Kalan Redwood’s Redwood Seeds

86 | Finding Nostalgia at the Callahan Emporium

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 | What I Enjoy Charlie Lampron

92 | Recipe The Duke’s Gift to Comfort Food

94 | Enjoy the View Frank Kratofil

96 | What’s Cookin’ Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

99 | Local Events Calendar

106 | Giving Back Chico Velo

Photo by Avery Bliss

Helping build bet t er c ommunities th rough phila n th ro py

Today Decides Tomorrow

Leah McConnell purchased Lema Ranch, located on Dawpom Wintu ancestral lands, from Chuck and Peggy Lema in 1993 as an investment property. When Mrs. McConnell decided to fund and create a permanent home for The McConnell Foundation, Lema Ranch with its sprawling natural setting, seemed a good fit. A working mule ranch in the 1950s, the property’s 200 acres includes five man-made ponds which have been restored and improved. The Foundation’s headquarters building provides workspace for staff to do their work and for the public to hold meetings, trainings, and retreats. Public trails are open daily from dawn to dusk to sit, walk, run, and enjoy nature.

The Shasta Library Foundation's 7th Annual A Novel Affair Gala

Hidden Gems

The Shasta Library Foundation would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, donors, vendors, staff and volunteers who made the 2025 7th Annual A Novel Affair Gala an outstanding success. Your unwavering support and contributions have helped us create a truly memorable evening, all in support of strengthening and enriching the Shasta Public Library system. Together, we are building a brighter future-one that ensures access to knowledge, resources, and community engagement for today and for generations to come. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as we shape the best possible future for our libraries!

Save the Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Scan to partner with us and bring new resources to the library

Thank You to Our 2025 Top Sponsors

Did you know?

DECADES IN THE MAKING

Our team isn’t just a group of colleagues— we’re lifelong friends.

Owners Michelle and Yvonne, along with Yvonne’s husband James, Director of New Business Development, Sales Manager Michael O’Brien and Editor-in-Chief Ronda Alvey, have known each other for decades.

• Michelle and James have known each other since junior high (circa 1983).

• James and Michael met in 1984 at James’ dad’s ranch, and started working together at KMS Haircare, the company owned by James’ dad, in 1992.

• James and Yvonne’s story began at KMS Haircare in 1986.

• Michelle and Yvonne met in 1991, when Michelle started at KMS in the customer service department, then eventually worked for Yvonne in the Marketing Department.

• And In 1998, Ronda joined the KMS circle, further strengthening the bond.

Decades of friendship and collaboration have built the foundation of our team, making us stronger together.

ON THE COVER:

Brandon Wallace

Photo by Kara Stewart

YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher

MICHELLE ADAMS publisher

RONDA ALVEY editor in chief

KERRI REGAN copy editor

CATHERINE HUNT event calendar/website

JAMES MAZZOTTA director of new business development/photography

MICHAEL O’BRIEN advertising sales and marketing manager

KEVIN GATES

CONNIE BLANC JEN VERMAAS advertising sales and marketing consultants

BEN ADAMS

MICHAEL KELLY

DIANE MORGAN

ISABELLA SCHOPFLIN

PAUL LINDBERG

BETH HUBNER deliveries

www.enjoymagazine.com

530.246.4687 office

530.246.2434 fax

Email General/Sales and Advertising information: info@enjoymagazine.com

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©2025 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising. Enjoy

EDITOR’S NOTE

Our unique corner of far Northern California embodies true grit, a spirit reflected in the stories and people featured in this issue.

First, meet Eddie McAllister and Lou Gerard, local legends whose communityshifting actions define a legacy of service. McAllister, a Vietnam-era veteran, continues to build community, while Gerard’s impact resonates through education, the revitalization of the Cascade Theatre and so much more.

Then, discover the Backcountry Horsemen of California, who maintain wilderness trails with pack stock, embodying the collaboration and hard work needed to preserve our pristine lands. We’ll also introduce you to Mark Dancinghawk Kunde, who upcycles old hats into wearable art, giving forgotten items a new story.

One of the North State’s most beloved pastimes is fishing, and it’s no coincidencethere are a whole lot of fish stories waiting in our lakes, rivers and streams. We’ll give you the rundown on some of the hottest spots.

And of course, April means Red Bluff Round-Up time, with the Redding Rodeo fast on its heels in May, so we’ve captured some fun features that shine light on the world of bulls and broncs.

Enjoy the North State’s true grit!

Barrett Williamson, 7 (photo: Chris Williamson)

CHARLIE LAMPRON

OCCUPATION

Corporal / K9 Handler, Red Bluff Police Department

YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE FAMILY

Wife, Desiree, two boys, Grayson (6) and Carson (5)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE?

The ability to be in the mountains, a lake or the ocean within 4 hours.

What’s the most creative excuse you’ve ever heard from someone trying to get out of a ticket? They thought I wanted to race.

If you weren’t in law enforcement, what career would you have chosen? Something where I could be my own boss, like a HVAC tech or plumber.

If you had to be stuck in an elevator with one historical figure, who would it be? Benjamin Franklin

What’s a song you secretly love but wouldn’t admit to your coworkers? “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Auto mechanic

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long shift? Watch a good show or movie and eat a row of Golden Oreos with milk.

If you could swap lives with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why? Elon Musk, to see what the daily life of someone with so much influence on the world is like.

What’s one place you’ve never been but have always wanted to visit? Australia

If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower and your superhero name? To know the answer to everything and I would be called Quantum Mind.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Joined the military

Photo by M.C. Hunter Photography

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MAKING A LIFELONG IMPACT IN REDDING

etirement is an aspirational time for most hard-working humans. It’s a phase marked by the time and space to do the many things working life doesn’t always afford –alarm-free mornings, leisurely afternoons, quality time with friends and grandchildren, and the breathing room to travel.

For the movers and shakers among us, retirement isn’t so much a move into a more relaxed phase of life, but a transition from paid employment to purely voluntary, community-shifting action. Making a lasting community impact becomes a motivating factor for springing out of bed every day. To change lives in a community they love – to live with the purpose of creating an enduring legacy – that is what propels them forward. That is the case for two local legends, Eddie McAllister and Lou Gerard.

“...It meant creating opportunities for people to see what assets they had in their neighborhoods,” says McAllister. “Instead of people focusing on what they didn’t have, we encouraged them to see what they did have.”

“These days, I’m not so much a mover and shaker as a slow rocker and steady roller,” says Eddie McAllister.

McAllister, a 78-year-old Vietnam-era Army Veteran, is originally from Waukegan, Illinois. He moved to Redding in 1990 with his wife, Celeste, and two sons, Alan and Adam. By 1991, he had already begun building community at Redding’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center as a Recreation Specialist. Nine years later, McAllister became a Shasta County Public Health Community Organizer, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 2018.

“Our work, as Community Organizers, was called ‘asset-based community development’ or ‘ABCD.’ It meant creating opportunities for people to see what assets they had in their neighborhoods,” says McAllister. “Instead of people focusing on what they didn’t have, we encouraged them to see what they did have.” ▶ continued on page 18

The Community Organizers worked to bring Latino, Mien and African American communities together, supporting health, wellness, and safety initiatives for groups that were sometimes marginalized due to language barriers or lack of proximity to necessities. McAllister and his fellow organizers worked to increase trust between communities, coordinated heart health and immunization clinics, looked for ways to reduce traffic in school zones, and helped develop crosswalks and bike lines that help keep school children and their families safe, even today.

“Our office looked like the United Nations,” says McAllister, fondly recalling the work he did and the people he worked alongside. “I never had a retirement party with food and people. I had one planned, but it never happened. And since I never had a retirement party, I figured I wasn’t retired. I just kept on rolling.”

Today, McAllister works with several community groups, including the Shasta Coalition of African Americans for Community Health, Education and Empowerment (SCOACHE), the Anti Racism Task Force and the Shasta County Chemical People. McAllister serves as a board member with the Salvation Army and Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect (SCCAR) and is on the Steering Committee with Shasta Equal Justice Coalition. He is on the advisory committee with Building Bridges, a new initiative pioneered by The United Way of Northern California, designed to promote community unification and respect through conversation and civil discourse.

In 2013, McAllister spearheaded a 50th anniversary celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech, one of his proudest accomplishments during his retirement. That event was the impetus for the creation of the Shasta Beloved Community, an organization that continues to carry on Dr. King’s legacy. McAllister still serves as the organization’s Facilitator.

“Building relationships is one of the keys to community development,” says McAllister.

“The second is sustaining trust and recognizing a person’s gifts of the head, heart, and hands. I always keep a seat open at the table so there is a room for others to use their gifts as we continue building this beloved community together.”

Every year, McAllister coordinates the African American Community Graduation, honoring grads of all ages. In June, McAllister, along with several community partners, will host the Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Downtown Redding on Thursday, June 19th.

“Building relationships is one of the keys to community development,” says McAllister. “The second is sustaining trust and recognizing a person’s gifts of the head, heart, and hands. I always keep a seat open at the table so there is a room for others to use their gifts as we continue building this beloved community together.”

In 2024, McAllister received the Martin Luther King Jr Humanity and Civil Rights Award from the National Education Association. In 2019, McAllister was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Redding Chamber of Commerce and the Redding Record Searchlight. He was honored as Leadership Redding’s Alumni of the Year in 2014.

“To see the success of others and be told how I influenced their growth has been the most meaningful part of my work. My greatest hope for Redding is to see all ethnic groups represented in our local elected positions, for the word ‘multicultural’ to become a more common word, and for trust to be increased in the community.” ▶

continued on page 20

Lou Gerard has always believed in the power of education and community service. Born in Oakland in 1929, Gerard, a former teacher, moved to Redding in 1959 to join his father in the car business. The Gerards’ Ford dealership ultimately became Crown Motors in Redding.

“When I retired from the dealership in 1981 or 1982, I didn’t stay retired very long,” says Gerard. “I became the Executive Director for the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce for nine years. I didn’t do anything further vocationally after I retired from the Chamber, but I stayed active in community service.”

Gerard’s tenure with the Chamber yielded incredibly high enrollment, and he went on to found Leadership Redding, an organization that has spent the last 40 years raising Redding’s leaders with a focus on excellence.

During his time with the Chamber, Gerard created the University of Shasta Action Committee, a grassroots group that lobbied the University of California to build a campus here in the North State. Redding was one of two finalists, but, ultimately, the university decided to build the campus in Merced.

Both Gerard and his wife, Diane, remained committed to supporting education in the community in which they raised four children. Dave, Amy, Alice, and Bruce. “Education has a way of raising communities up,” says Gerard.

Gerard spent 47 years on the board of the Shasta Elementary School District, a position he retired from in December of 2024. During his time on the board, Gerard was instrumental in building the New Millennium Partnership, a connection between the Shasta Elementary School District and the Redding School District. Shasta Elementary, the oldest continuously operating public school district in the state, struggled to be able to provide the best amenities to its students due to size and funding challenges. Seeing an opportunity to create a best-of-bothworlds scenario, Gerard suggested that the New Millennium Partnership take over administrative oversight of the smaller district. It meant kids in the Shasta Elementary School District could attend functions alongside students in the Redding School District. Shasta benefited economically in not having to employ a full-time superintendent. The administrative functions were handled, and Shasta enjoyed the benefits that came with being a part of the larger district while also maintaining its own school board. The New Millennium Partnership is still in effect today, positively impacting local students.

“I have always worked for the economic, social, educational, and cultural betterment of the people of Redding and Shasta County,” says Gerard. “My greatest hope for this community is that it continues to grow in a positive way.”

Gerard’s legacy isn’t just woven into the fabric of the educational system and business community in Redding. It can be seen in one of Redding’s most exquisite venues: the Cascade Theatre. Gerard chaired the Steering Committee that raised $5.5 million for the Cascade Theatre Restoration Project, which brought the 1929 theatre roaring back to life in 2004.

Every Christmas, when the Lighted Parade makes its way through the Downtown Redding streets, Gerard smiles, knowing he helped bring such a wonderful holiday tradition to the community he loves. The Lighted Parade, now coordinated by the Active 20-30 Club of Redding, was initially started by Gerard during his time at The Chamber.

In 2001, Gerard was honored as Citizen of the Year with the Redding Chamber of Commerce and Redding Record Searchlight. Gerard is still a member of the Rotary Club of Redding and served as past president and past district governor of the service organization. He was a long-serving member on the board of Mercy Foundation North. He raised funds for Golden Umbrella and the Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs, which became today’s Dignity Health Connected Living Food Bank.

“Community service has always been important to me. I believe in consensus-building and teamwork. I have always worked for the economic, social, educational, and cultural betterment of the people of Redding and Shasta County,” says Gerard. “My greatest hope for this community is that it continues to grow in a positive way.”

With the legacies built by great men like Eddie McAllister and Lou Gerard, one thing is for certain: Redding has a solid foundation from which to flourish. •

Kimberly N. Bonéy, proud wife and mom, is a freelance writer, designer, up-cycler and owner of Herstory Vintage. When she’s not working, she is joyfully wielding jewelrymaking tools and paintbrushes in her studio. Antique shops, vintage boutiques, craft stores and bead shops are her happy place.

Photo courtesy of Leadership Redding

Sound. Secure. Safe.

Advanced cancer care for you. And near you.

Cancer can be an overwhelming diagnosis. It calls for all-encompassing care—from loved ones who step up, to providers who collaborate, to innovative treatments that make all the difference. Dignity Health’s nationally recognized North State cancer program is built on that approach, offering comprehensive services—from advanced diagnosis and procedures through supportive care and recovery—to provide care that’s personalized to your needs. And all provided with the guidance of our nurse navigator who will surround you with a healing sense of confidence and purpose.

When it comes to advanced cancer treatment, there is strength in numbers. And there is hope in humankindness. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/NorthStateCancerCare.

Mercy Medical Center Redding St. Elizabeth Community Hospital

Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta

sowing success

SAVING SEEDS WITH KALAN REDWOOD’S REDWOOD SEEDS

ver in Manton, Kalan Redwood has fields and gardens full of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. However, instead of enjoying the final product of the plants’ intended use, her focus is on saving the seeds and sharing them with fellow gardeners. Thus, Redwoods Seeds was born, and its seed packet varieties are sold in 60 stores throughout the North State, from the nearby Sweetshoots all the way up to a store in Portland, Ore.

Kalan Redwood started Redwood Seeds 15 years ago after she met her husband, who came from a livestock farming background, and became curious about collecting seeds. “I was very much going around and pulling seeds off bushes and putting them in my pocket,” she recalls. In 2005, the couple started looking to buy land in Northern California and fell in love with a 40acre parcel in Manton with a creek running through it. “I don’t think we saw the property before the Manton Fire, which totally blackened it. When we first started clearing the land, it was totally covered in soot. The creek didn’t burn, though,” Kalan says.

They bought the property, obtained a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and used it to replant 11 acres of trees, mostly ponderosa pines. Using carbon sequestration, solar power and preserving the habitat, their Manton land is now thriving. Meanwhile, Kalan learned how to process the seeds out of the plants and started working in contracts with Seeds of Change ▶ continued on page 27

Photos courtesy of Kalan

Redwood

since 2009 150-200 varieties of seeds

50,000 packets per year

“I really love getting my children and local kids involved with seed saving during the harvest.”

and Fedco before officially launching her own Redwood Seeds packet business in 2009.

The first store that carried Redwood Seeds was Orchard Nutrition in Redding, their second being Chico Natural Foods. “They were very into selling local seeds and supporting us,” she says, remembering how she walked in with a display and seed packets, and they bought everything she had onsite.

Now, 15 years later and more people getting into gardening since the pandemic, Redwood Seeds grows upwards of 150 to 200 varieties of seeds, selling about 50,000 packets per year.

“We’ve been growing the same varieties for 10-plus years. After we grow them out, we’re selecting ones that are better to grow in our climate, but some just naturally do well in this region,” Kalan says. “People buy our seeds from all over the country so we believe our seeds will do well in New Jersey, too, but buying local supports the local economy. We try to specialize in things that are heat tolerant because that’s the big thing in California right now, as well as short season cold crops. With gardening in the valley, we have to really take advantage of those shoulder seasons.”

Some of the best seeds that grow in the North State are the heattolerant Bidwell casaba melon, bred by John Bidwell himself, as well as the light-rind Desert King watermelon. Hot peppers – Korean, thinskinned, and those with prolific leaves – produce in 70 days, and seasonal cherry tomatoes, winter squash and summer squash are always a sure thing. “A couple of years ago we grew cowpeas, and those did well,” Kalan says. ▶ continued on page 29

Photos courtesy of Kalan Redwood

“We try to specialize in things that are heat tolerant because that’s the big thing in California right now, as well as short season cold crops. With gardening in the valley, we have to really take advantage of those shoulder seasons.”

She says processing seeds is much like panning for gold, but very different depending on the variety. To process out wet seeds, you let them ferment, put them in a bucket, swish them around with water and separate out the chaff.

The most common low-tech way of processing dry seeds is by hand threshing – putting them in pillowcases or bedsheets and stomping on them to break the seeds away from their husks.

While that is the simplest solution for the personal gardener, Redwood Seeds does have more sophisticated machinery now that can winnow out the chaff much faster.

“We have the Winnow Wizard, bigger fans and bigger screens. But it’s still a different process for every variety and type of plant,” Kalan explains. “It used to take an hour to clean lettuce seeds and now it takes 15-20 minutes.”

Redwood Seeds tries to carry varieties not found commercially anywhere else, and ones created in the last 50 years by independent seed breeders. All their seeds are open pollinated so they can be saved, and Kalan regularly sends out emails with gardening tips. Her goal is to turn every gardener into a seed saver.

“I really love getting my children and local kids involved with seed saving during the harvest,” she says of her 12-year-old daughter Maisie and 9-year-old son Thor. “They have grown up in the garden and saving seeds. “We often have groups of kids over to help process seeds. We grew giant pumpkins this past year and they all had ‘their’ pumpkin picked out and watched them grow all season. Just before Halloween, the kids’ homeschool class came out to the farm to harvest and process the seeds,” says Kalan.

For growing tips, recipes, seed collections, and a how-to guide on seed saving, visit www.redwoodseeds.net. •

redwoodseeds.net

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University and loves to visit her parents in Redding.

Photos courtesy of Kalan Redwood

Support these men-owned businesses built on determination, resilience and hard work. From innovative solutions to trusted services, these businesses embody dedication and perseverance, helping you succeed in every aspect of life.

A Passion for Community Development

Scott Odell is a passionate entrepreneur and community builder. Living in Redding for more than 40 years, he has been involved in more community outreach, business councils and kids’ sports programs than can be listed. His Market Street Blade and Barrel and now, The Whiskey Bar are tasteful examples of what Scott strives to bring to the table for Redding every day.

Brandon Nelson of Simply Auto Sound is known for delivering the highest customer satisfaction in Redding and the surrounding areas. With in-depth market knowledge, award-winning service, and free lifetime technical support on all products, Simply Auto Sound has built a reputation for excellence. Customers trust them to get the job done right—just check out their social media to see the rave reviews for yourself!

Inspiration for Lease

Parker & Associates Inc. is a leading expert in leasing and selling commercial retail and restaurant properties, offering unparalleled service and expertise in the real estate market. We are excited to present an exceptional opportunity at 415 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd. in beautiful Mt. Shasta, California. Call or email for more details.

Handcrafted Indulgence

Spencer James Confectioners continues the Chocolat de Nannette tradition, delighting Shasta County for more than 40 years. New owners Spencer Marcki and James Mazzotta bring fresh vision, guided by former owner Nancy Mathews. Their small-batch creations—truffles, bark, honeycomb and novelties—offer artisanal excellence for every occasion. Experience the legacy of Spencer James Confectioners today.

916. 547. 6349

949.916.8304 digitalre.com

dan@digitalre.com

DRE # 00836385

When Pie Meets Bread

Owner Nathan Maupin has been perfecting organic, sourdough bread since 2009. Assistant pastry chef, Caleb Kaiser crafts innovative treats while general manager, Royce Crisosto keeps things running. When Nathan married Adrienne, a pie shop owner, they combined their passions. Open 7 days a week, offering breakfast, lunch, and espresso drinks. Best of the Northstate winners for 2023 and 2024.

A dv Rentures eel

THE BEST FISHING IN THE NORTH STATE

here’s no need to stretch the truth or spin extra tall tales when it comes to fishing in the North State. Within an hour’s drive is a chance to hook into bass, trout, catfish, salmon and others – enough fish and fishing holes to make everybody a happy (and honest) angler.

Fishing is a year-round activity in these parts but the action picks up in the spring as the weather warms and the fish welcome the winter’s abundant rainfall. Darrick Muir, a fisheries biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, has the scoop on where they’re biting.

Parents with young kids looking to make fishing a family affair should consider a trip to Lake Britton in eastern Shasta County, Muir says. The Jamo Point boat launch and day-use area and the Lake Britton Picnic Area are great spots to spend the day, and they’re both accessible for users with disabilities. “Kids and adults can target the abundant crappie and bluegill fisheries,” Muir says. “Spring can be a wonderful time to visit this lake as these wily sunfish prepare to spawn. Bring your favorite fish taco recipe.”

As a bonus, anglers of all ages can check out the Lake Britton Bridge, made famous in the 1986 film “Stand by Me,” or marvel at Burney Falls in the adjacent McArthurBurney Falls Memorial State Park.▶ continued on page 35

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Photo

Avery Bliss Photography, courtesy of Visit Redding

Family Owned Since 1981

Robert Pitari, president and general manager at All Wheel Auto, Truck & RV, is a respected community leader and dedicated family man with over 35 years running the family business. With a reputation for excellence, the shop is known for skilled technicians, quality service, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Rave reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff, top-tier workmanship, and trusted care, making All Wheel the go-to place for auto, truck, and RV service, including motorhome repairs.

18730 Old Oasis Road, Redding 530.241.1010 allwheelinc.com

Best RV Shop in Town

Truly a family run business. It works best that way! Cord, Cory, Joe and Jeff of Safari RV have been a part of the Redding community for over 25 years. Offering RV parts and service and more than 10,000 parts in stock. Jeff and his team offer great service, guidance and the support to keep you rolling.

Redding Wheel and Brake has been taking care of families and every kind of car in Redding for over 30 years. Jeff and his crew are all about that Redding Hospitality. Greetings of happy customers adorn the walls of this business with a singular theme:

“Honest, great people work here.”

1185 Hartnell Ave., Redding 530.222.4852

reddingwheelandbrake.com

Barrett Williamson with his grandfather, Stan Williamson, on Shasta Lake. (photo: Cary Williamson)

Photo by Avery Bliss Photography, courtesy of Visit Redding

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Carrville Pond is another familyfriendly fishing hole that can be found in northern Trinity County. In addition to its gorgeous setting near the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, Carrville Pond receives regular trout plants and even a few trophy steelhead added in for good measure. The Trinity Lake Lions Club will host its annual kids fishing derby at the pond on Saturday, May 17.

Lewiston Lake, which is always full of cold, clear water from Trinity Lake to its north, also receives regular trout plants – Muir says trout weighing in at three pounds or more have been reported –and the Pine Cove launch area offers restrooms, picnic tables and a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock.

Kokanee, which are landlocked sockeye salmon, are a top target on Whiskeytown Lake with the tasty fish averaging more than 15 inches in length. (Unlike the more well-known sockeye salmon, kokanee do not migrate to the ocean where food is more abundant.) Trolling is the typical fishing method, but Muir says some anglers target kokanee from kayaks or stationary boats using jigs.

In recent years, the Kokanee salmon fishery in Whiskeytown has been exceptional. In 2024, the average Kokanee measured was 15.4 inches, just shy of the 16 inches required to designate it as a trophy fishery. Fish as large as 22 inches have been reported. This is primarily a trolling fishery, but some people target them from kayaks or boats fishing with jigs.

Kokanee can also be found in Trinity Lake, but that alpine lake is more famous for its trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass fisheries. The north end of Trinity Lake offers good

Photo

Avery Bliss Photography, courtesy of Visit Redding

Meet the New Owner

Justin Sherwood purchased Michael’s Office Furnishings in May of last year, continuing its legacy of quality and service. Dedicated to helping businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities find the perfect furniture solutions, Michael’s offers a 4,500-square-foot showroom and an on-site warehouse for a hands-on selection of chairs, desks, and panel systems. As the North State’s leading provider, they ensure seamless planning, installation, and support while building lasting client partnerships. Your source for residential, healthcare and hospitality solutions.

5138 Caterpillar Road, Redding

530.221.3310 ext. 2

Michaels-inc.com

Calm in Chaos

Life is hard. Life is filled with chaotic storms. Karate can be the tool to navigate those moments. Most students fear being defenseless or disempowered. Some believe fitness is an obstacle to success.

Students gain confidence as they progress in their practice. KMA brings 400 years of wisdom, from its birthplace in Japan, to the Northstate. Empower yourself - join us.

Where Passion Meets Community

Derrick Rosauer opened Aquarium Pets at just 17, right after graduating high school. Now, 38 years later, his store has become a thriving and well-loved part of the community. Known for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional service, Aquarium Pets is one of the most welcoming businesses in Red Bluff. Derrick credits his success to hiring and mentoring warm, knowledgeable team members who truly care about their customers.

kellys-martialarts.net

kellysmartialarts83@gmail.com

345 S. Main St., Red Bluff 530.527.4588

“Ifyou got a canepol e with a line andahook on it,

oucan catch a fish . ”

Shasta Lake is probably ground zero for North State fishing, at least in terms of size (365 miles of shoreline!) and species: three kinds of bass, five types of trout, two kinds of catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, perch and even the occasional ancient sturgeon left over from completion of Shasta Dam in 1945.

Anglers looking for something a little quieter will enjoy Baum Lake near Burney, which Muir describes as a wonderful trout-fishing destination where bait, artificial lures and flies can all produce trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout. Located adjacent to the Crystal Lake Hatchery, Baum Lake receives regular trout plants throughout the year.

Fly fishers are very familiar with Hat Creek and the McCloud River, both destination trout fisheries with international reputations. Bait fishing is allowed on Hat Creek above Baum Lake, making it another good spot for kids with plenty of nearby camping available.

And don’t think you need the latest and greatest in fishing technology to have fun. As Steve Vaughn, who operated a sporting goods store in Burney for 27 years, was fond of saying, “If you got a cane pole with a line and a hook on it, you can catch a fish.” •

2025 fishing regulations: www.nrm.dfg.ca.gov/

Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association: www.upstateca.com/fishing-and-hunting

Visit Redding: www.visitredding.com/get-outside/fishing/

Jon Lewis is a Redding-based writer with more than 40 years of experience. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and sharing stories about people, places and things. He can be reached at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.

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FROM FARM FIELDS TO

HIGH FLYING

MIKE STEINER’S AWARD-WINNING AVIATION JOURNEY

here are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.

It’s a venerable aviation axiom and it’s one Mike Steiner firmly believes in. At 78, the Cottonwood resident qualifies as a (relatively) old pilot, but as his recent commendation from the Federal Aviation Administration attests, he’s a safe one.

In December, Steiner was presented with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, a distinction reserved for licensed pilots who have flown for 50 or more years without violating any FAA rules or regulations.

As an added measure, Steiner also was presented with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for 50 years of unblemished work as a certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic. The award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Steiner has been flying for 54 years and has been in love with aviation since he was a 10-year-old boy pulling weeds alongside his adoptive father on an Indiana soybean field. It was then that a leather-helmeted pilot in a homebuilt one-seater buzzed the two workers before being induced to land nearby in a freshly mown hay field.

Steiner says he nearly wet his pants from the excitement of meeting an actual pilot and getting to sit in the plane’s cockpit. From that moment, Steiner says he knew he’d leave the farm and spend his days in the clouds like his newfound idol. ▶ continued on page 42

Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, a distinction reserved for licensed pilots who have flown for 50 or more years without violating any FAA rules or regulations.

Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for 50 years of unblemished work as a certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic.

Mike Steiner flies past

That boyhood fantasy inched closer to reality a few years later when Steiner received a draft notice after graduating high school and joined the Air Force. After training, Steiner left on an “all-expense-paid tour” of Vietnam, where he served for 13 months as a flying crew chief aboard a C-130 Hercules based in Cam Ranh Bay.

After being discharged from active duty in 1970, Steiner picked up a bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance management from Sacramento State as well as his A&P Certificate. He earned his private pilot certificate in 1971 and continued his training up to multi-engine airline transport status.

Steiner also put down roots, building a home on 20 acres in Browns Valley near Marysville. The spread had room for cows and horses—and a grass airstrip. “Perfect for raising a pilot’s family,” he says. That family includes his wife of 56 years, Gayle. The two started as pen pals while Steiner was serving in Vietnam. They have three daughters, four granddaughters and three great-granddaughters.

Military service continued in short order when Steiner joined the Air Force Reserve in 1972 at Travis Air Force Base. He served a total of 26 years “flying sideways” as a flight engineer on a C-141 Starlifter. That stretch included 15 months of active duty during Operation Desert Storm.

In between his one-weekend-a-month Air Force obligations, Steiner started buying, refurbishing and selling small airplanes. That practice continued for more than 50 years and 45 airplanes. Steiner has settled on a pristine red, white and blue Cessna 177 Cardinal that he continues to fly. He had the registration or “N” number changed to N177MP to reflect the model and the initials for “Papa Mike,” the nickname his grandkids use.

Steiner also logged thousands of hours flying for a non-scheduled airline based in the San Francisco Bay Area, piloting Boeing 707s and 727s and the DC-8 and DC-10. He finished in 1996, the same year he retired from the Air Force Reserve. Throughout his aviation career, Steiner has flown or instructed in 105 different aircraft.

After retirement, Steiner answered a second calling, earning a master’s in pastoral ministry at Simpson University and joining Village Missions, an Oregon-based organization that helps place pastors in rural communities. Steiner has been with the organization for 35 years; he was a pastor in Manton for 19 years and has spent the past two years ministering at the Ono-Igo Community Church.

As a proud member of the Redding-based Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 157, Steiner enjoys the camaraderie of fellow pilots and promoting aviation to the next generation through the chapter’s Young Eagles program. •

Jon Lewis is a Redding-based writer with more than 40 years of experience. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and sharing stories about people, places and things. He can be reached at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.

Mike Steiner, 78, is a pilot, pastor and aircraft mechanic who has logged 54 years of flawless flying.

Photo: Jon Lewis

Above photo by William Hill, FAA Safety Team Volunteer Lead Representative

Generations of Quality Roofing

Since 1985, Wait Roofing has been your trusted local expert in roofs, gutters, and skylights. With over 40 years of experience handling new construction and remodels in all climates, they provide quality workmanship and peace of mind. Now, as leadership transitions from father to son, Dan Jr. is reimagining the company’s future while staying true to its long-standing reputation. Committed to excellence, they’re ready to grow and continue serving the next generation with passion and expertise.

1499 Beltline Road, Redding 530.221.3223

waitroofinginc.com

Father and Son

For 30 years, A&R Custom Butchering and Deli has been providing professional slaughter and meat cutting services across Glenn, Tehama and Shasta Counties. Known also for their award winning barbecue, A&R is small enough to care and big enough to handle any size crowd. As Dwayne passes the torch to his son Cole, this family tradition of quality and flavor continues. Their philosophy is to keep it simple and delicious with A&R!

Gear Up for Adventure

Dusty Janc, a licensed real estate professional with Relevant Real Estate, is also the director of the Redding Sportsman’s Expo. Held annually at the Redding Civic Auditorium, the expo has been connecting outdoor enthusiasts with top gear, activities, and local vendors for over eight years. The 2025 event takes place April 5-6, featuring boats, kayaks, ATVs, mountain bikes, and more. Admission is $8, seniors $6, and kids 12 & under are free. Tickets are available at the door.

info@reddingsportsmansexpo.com

50 Years of Timeless Artistry

This year marks 50 years since Steve Anderson began offering his goldsmithing services to our community. Trained at Bowman Technical Institute, Steve continues to evolve, using cutting-edge technology like a laser welder for repairs and 3D printing for custom designs. He was sought out by businesses, including JCPenney, for their hardest cases. In 2000, he opened Anderson’s Fine Jewelry, where his love and creativity shine through his love for his workl

Good Business Sense

Dennis McGalliard is the owner of Western Business Products, a trusted copier dealership serving Redding for more than 20 years. Western Business Products specializes in selling and servicing office equipment, including copiers, printers, and shredders, while also providing document management and IT solutions to support businesses of all sizes.

2269 Hartnell Ave., Redding 530.221.2566 westernbusinessproducts.com

Chris Young has been a trusted name in Shasta County real estate for 35 years. A Redding resident since 1973, he brings deep community knowledge and decades of expertise to every transaction. With Coldwell Banker C&C Properties, Chris provides exceptional service in residential, land, and commercial real estate, helping clients achieve their goals with confidence.

Turning —up the — Heat

MARK CABLE’S QUEST FOR THE PERFECT SALSA

hile Mark Cable was growing up in San Diego County, he developed a taste for Mexican food, especially the handmade salsas he came to love. By the time he settled in Redding, he had long since given up hope for finding a salsa that measured up to the flavors he lost with his youth. He knew neither the markets nor the restaurants in this town would yield such treasure.

But one day, he seized on a new hope. He would make his own salsa.

Many years later, broadcast personality Logan Kane of 106X saw an intriguing post on Instagram. A guy who sold something called Mark’s Salsa was announcing his hottest batch of Crazy Sauce ever. Kane sensed a perfect fit for his radio show “Foodie Friday,” where he and friends sampled hot delicacies and commented on the air.

“It’s about us just eating stuff that’s too hot, like stuff you should never eat,” he says with a laugh. “That’s how I met Mark. He came into the morning show with not only his Crazy Sauce, but also each of his other salsas, and we had a great morning trying salsa, because his stuff was so, so good.”

Take note, this man set on enduring oral inferno remembers the taste. Normally, a condiment containing the hottest peppers terrorizes one’s taste buds, and flavor rarely makes it into the critique. To Kane and his buds, Mark’s Salsa was something else.

“It was certainly hot, but the first bite I’m like, holy cow, this is an almost fruity-tasting sauce,” Kane says. “Up until then, anytime that I had scorpion peppers, it was always just for the hot stuff. With Mark’s, I actually got to taste the flavor of the pepper without a complete scorch in the mouth. I found out I like scorpion pepper a lot more than I knew I did.”

After that, Mark’s salsas and his hot sauces grew hotter. Not only from the addition of ghost peppers, but also from a jump in sales. Aficionados of flaming tonsils can now find assorted flavors on shelves in local grocery stores, Saturdays at the Redding Farmers Market or directly from Cable’s certified kitchen downtown.

The star of salsa himself claims he’s not a fan of his hotter offerings. “I had some friends encouraging me to make it hotter for them,” Cable says. “So I made it stupidly hot to the point where I wouldn’t eat it, and they absolutely loved it.”

He ensures his less-adventurous customers they can enjoy a flavorful salsa with a lesser risk of spontaneous combustion, as do he and his wife. “My original is my medium. It is clearly my number-one seller,” he notes. “Some people like it milder, so I have a what I call salsa verde.” After the medium, he turns up the heat by adding habaneros.

Cable emphasizes his recipe is his own, and every batch of salsa is crafted by his own hand, with some help by knife and industrial blender. He takes his time to examine each ingredient, looking for imperfections he knows just where to find after years of experience.▶ continued on page 46

“I had some friends encouraging me to make it hotter for them,” Cable says. “So I made it stupidly hot to the point where I wouldn’t eat it, and they absolutely loved it.”

That experience began with a first try that didn’t quite make the Mark. “I didn’t care for it that much. It was actually kind of gross,” he recalls. “So I changed out a few of the different peppers, the quantities and things like that. Gotta make it a little bit thicker. A little bit of this, little bit of that. I started writing recipes down, and the fourth or fifth recipe, I’m like, OK, this is the one we’re keeping.”

His first opportunity to market his work came at a Chamber of Commerce mixer hosted by Home Helpers. “So most of these people started encouraging me, wanted to buy some from me. And I’m like, OK, hold on, slow down. It’s not even a business yet!” he says with a laugh. “It really didn’t start taking off until probably a year and half later, after I joined the farmers market.”

As well as finding Mark’s Salsa in his booth at this Saturday gathering alongside City Hall, those intrigued will find taste and torrid in containers displayed at Redding’s Orchard Nutrition and Farmer’s Marketplace in Shasta Lake. The kitchen to visit downtown is Sizzle, which rents certified food prep space to Cable. He also sets up his booth at events in other towns, such as Weaverville and Shingletown.

Within the past six months, Cable has added dry spice packets to his inventory, and he envisions a couple of more ways to fill his 10- to 12-hour workdays. First, he’s working on a request by a food vendor to make something “special” for them. The other is setting up and selling from his own food truck.

Cable credits his service in the U.S. Marines for his work ethic and discipline that keeps him on task. His pride in The Corps shows on every label: Veteran-Owned Business. The demand for his flavorful fare keeps him busy six days a week. Apparently, many a soul in our county believes they have too much healthy tissue in their mouth.

In this Field of Dreams, burn it and they will come. •

Mark’s Salsa, hot sauces and spices

Hand-Crafted by Mark Cable 1440 Placer St., Redding

By appointment (530) 355-9005

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Richard DuPertuis is a Redding grandfather who writes. His stories and photographs have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online. He strives for immortality not by literary recognition, but through diet and exercise. He can be reached at dupertuis@snowcrest.net

“I changed out a few of the different peppers, the quantities and things like that. Gotta make it a little bit thicker. A little bit of this, little bit of that. I started writing recipes down, and the fourth or fifth recipe, I’m like, okay, this is the one we’re keeping.”

Providing Next Level Service

Ron Marin has been delivering Next Level Service in real estate since 2004. Unlike high-volume agents, he prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring personalized attention for every client. With deep market expertise and a commitment to guiding buyers and sellers every step of the way, Ron takes pride in helping clients successfully manage their most valuable assets.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

A Celebrated FamilyOwned Institution

Established in 1982 by Nello Miele, Nello’s Place has become a celebrated landmark between Seattle and San Diego, renowned for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and unforgettable cuisine. Under the leadership of Jim Dad and his dedicated, detail-oriented staff, every visit promises an extraordinary dining experience and a night to remember.

Todd Cassidy—in a word, “family man.” For 45 years, he has been running the family-owned Cassidy’s Lube and Oil Change. Today, alongside his family and dedicated team, he operates four locations in Red Bluff and Redding, keeping you and your family on the road smoothly. Cassidy’s offers

and

and

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as

A REDDING STAPLE

a past & a future

REFURBISHED HATS FROM CREATIVE HATTER MARK DANCINGHAWK KUNDE

ark Dancinghawk Kunde has worn many hats. Over the years, he has worked as a police officer, carpet installer and cleaner, house cleaner, upholsterer and singer-songwriter in a band, among other occupations. For the past 25 years or so, fittingly, Kunde has been a hatter.

But Kunde does not simply make hats. He upcycles old, misshapen, stained hats and creates works of wearable art. It’s like cosmetic surgery for felt, straw, leather or whatever material the hat is made from.

“Every hat has a story, a past and a future,” Kunde says. “I help in restoring the past and bringing the past into your future.” Kunde promises he can upcycle “your old forgotten hat and make it something you would be proud to wear again.”

An Artist at an Early Age

When Kunde talks about his passion for hats, his eyes light up. “I’ve been creating art for a long time,” he says. “From when I was a little kid, my mom would set me down in church and give me scribble lines to keep me occupied. I’d look at those lines and come up with a picture of something out of them. It’s progressed now to hats.”

Kunde’s journey into hat-making was a natural evolution. After his band, Double Crossed, disbanded, he transformed his music studio into a full-fledged art studio. It was here that he began to breathe new life into old hats. ▶ continued on page 52

“I’ve been creating art for a long time,” he says.

“From when I was a little kid, my mom would set me down in church and give me scribble lines to keep me occupied. I’d look at those lines and come up with a picture of something out of them. It’s progressed now to hats.”

“I had so many hats that I just got tired of looking at them in their present state,” he explains. “I’d reblock them, reshape them and turn them into something new that fit my personality.”

His love for hats isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also deeply personal. One of his most meaningful creations is a hat that belonged to his father. “It was just an old cowboy hat he had in his closet. When he passed away, I got it from my brother and redesigned it. I think of my dad every time I look at it.”

Connected to His Indigenous Roots

Mark’s talent doesn’t stop at hats. He’s also deeply connected to his indigenous roots. Adopted by the United Lumbee Tribe, Mark has created indigenous artwork, such as dance shields, powwow drums and more.

His work has even caught the attention of country music stars like Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., Big & Rich and Jason Aldean.

But it’s the hats that capture his heart. “It’s nostalgic,” he says. “Whether you’re an indigenous person wanting to pay homage to your ancestors or a farmer wanting something representative of you, you can personalize it. It’s been a fun journey.”

When he is not in his art studio or hunting for used hats, Kunde enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, their four daughters, eight grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

Kunde’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and the beauty of reinvention. Each hat he upcycles is more than just a piece of headwear – it’s a statement, a memory and a unique piece of art. •

“It’s nostalgic,” he says. “Whether you’re an indigenous person wanting to pay homage to your ancestors or a farmer wanting something representative of you, you can personalize it. It’s been a fun journey.”

Live Your Purposeful Center

Life has a way of moving us off center. We don’t intend to get out of focus, but can find ourselves reacting to life rather than living from a place of centeredness and intentionality. Center is designed to help individuals, leaders and teams analyze their current reality, reconnect with their core purpose, and take practical steps to live from that space of centered alignment. Reach out for a free consultation.

530.945.3643

Scampbell@findmycenter.net findmycenter.net

Transform your Living Space with Metal Art

Revel Garden and Metal Art specializes in creating unique, durable metal art with both flat and 3D designs. Their handcrafted pieces include intricate wall hangings, garden signs, and striking 3D sculptures that bring nature to life. Whether looking for a personal touch or a statement piece, there are diverse options to choose from. Revel Garden and Metal Art is open 7 days a week, from 9am to 2pm.

Revel Metal Art

Health and Wellness

Owner Robert Andrade has lived in Redding for 23 years and has been in the hot tub industry since 2002. He believes great service sets a company apart, which is why his team installs and services everything they sell, ensuring the best ownership experience. Committed to giving back, they donate 1% of each spa purchase to local nonprofits: Hello Mister Brown, Baseline Youth Group and Elevate Camp to name a few.

885 Commerce St., Redding, 530.768.1222

affordablehottubs4u.com

JOIN THE 2025 BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN RENDEZVOUS FOR TRAIL PRESERVATION

s spaces devoid of mechanized transport, our public wilderness areas are rare places to immerse in the sounds of silence or the cacophonies of nature – wind, birdsong, rustling leaves. Wilderness trails facilitate a safer exploration of thousands of acres of pristine land. Yet trails are easily blocked by downed trees and debris from storms. A dedicated crew of volunteers helps keep them maintained and safe, and their principal transport is mules and horses.

“Wilderness trails cannot be maintained without the use of pack stock because there’s just no way to get out there,” says Larry Shuman, chairman of the 2025 Backcountry Horsemen of California Rendezvous scheduled for April 11-13 at the Rolling Hills Casino Equestrian Center in Corning. “Wilderness areas are designated foot traffic and equine traffic only. No cars, no bikes.”

The event is designed to educate and encourage people to assist our land stewards as budgets for trail maintenance wane. “We’re probably the largest advocate for trails in the United States right now,” says Shuman, noting that the Backcountry Horsemen is a national group founded in Montana in 1972 that now encompasses 33 states.

It’s been well over 10 years since the North State has hosted the Rendezvous in California, and the Shasta-Trinity unit, along with Redwood Unit, Top of the State and High Country Units, are eager to bring together members from the state’s 19 other units for fellowship and information exchange. “Basically, it’s our outreach to the community,” says Shuman. Members engage as well as the partner organizations that they collaborate with, such as the Forest Service, California Conservation Corps, Fish and Wildlife, and Bureau of Land Management.

The Rendezvous encompasses everything from trail obstacle course challenges to Dutch oven cooking competitions to education clinics and demonstrations. High school and college trail teams will have special packing competitions to help them prepare for big contests at Mule Days in May. There are three style of pack saddles, and competitors will be offered a plethora of tools and equipment to pack efficiently for the trail. ▶ continued on page 58

CLEARING THE WAY

“Wilderness trails cannot be maintained without the use of pack stock because there’s just no way to get out there... Wilderness areas are designated foot traffic and equine traffic only. No cars, no bikes.”

Of particular excitement is the addition of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center to the schedule. The team will demonstrate their work with pack mules, though they train to use any pack animal available in remote wilderness areas around the world.

The Shasta-Trinity Unit has been responsible for trail maintenance in the Yolla Bolly, Thousand Lakes and Caribou Wilderness areas, as well as Trinity Alps areas. Chainsaws aren’t allowed in these areas so the horsemen pack in cross cut saws that they are certified by the Forest Service to use. “These trails we have to go in and do all by hand,” says Shuman, noting that pack stock will carry saws, shovels, picks, rock bars and other equipment as well as food and shelter for the horsemen and their animals.

“Packing has kind of become a lost art,” he adds, noting that the California organization has been supplying the Forest Service with interns each year to help them keep up with staffing needs. The Backcountry Horsemen also assist California Conservation Corps projects by hauling gear and supplies for wilderness teams in and out of their remote work locations. ▶

continued on page 61

“We’re probably the largest advocate for trails in the US right now...”

Back in the Jewelry Business

With 58 years in the jewelry business, Ed Goehring of Redding Estate Jewelers is now at Trends Vintage Marketplace, specializing in estate jewelry, vintage watches, and pocket watches. He offers a stunning collection of Victorian, Art Deco, and other time-period pieces, along with expert appraisals for diamonds and gemstones. Like all great art, these treasures are meant to be admired for their beauty and rarity—stop by and explore the collection!

Big Ray’s Auto Glass

“Big” Ray got his start in the industry installing glass at Mike’s Auto Body, where the challenge kept him learning something new every day. Now, with over 40 years of experience serving Redding and Shasta County, he’s become a trusted expert. His skill in crafting glass for hot rods, street rods, and classic cars sets him apart in the industry. Locally owned and operated, Ray is also NGA Certified, ensuring top-quality workmanship.

The North State’s Indoor Family Fun Destination

Rare Air Trampoline Park is a family owned and operated indoor family entertainment center. They have over 10,000 square feet of trampolines. Their courts consist of an open jump area, junior zone, slam dunk lanes, an airbag pit, trapeze swing, trampoline dodgeball and a new obstacle course.. They have a brand-new redemption arcade, a full service snack bar and indoor climbing wall. They are the premier birthday party destination in Northern California and look forward to serving your family!

Exceptional Locations. Unrivaled Lifestyle.

“Most people don’t realize that you can plant fish by horseback... And it’s a lot of fun.”

The group has also helped plant 14,000 fingerling fish in the Caribou Wilderness with California Fish and Wildlife. “Most people don’t realize that you can plant fish by horseback,” says Shulman, who notes that survival rates of the fish are about 98 to 99 percent when planted from horseback. “And it’s a lot of fun.”

While education and collaboration are the focus of the rendezvous, many other events may also appeal to the public. An art show and cowboy poetry will be featured, as well as a wild horse auction and vendors, along with group dinners.

For outdoor enthusiasts such as Shuman, joining the Back Country Horsemen was just a “natural course of action” to keep the trails he loves so much available for use. The public, whether horse people or not, are encouraged to rendezvous and see how they do it. •

Backcountry Horsemen of California Rendezvous

April 11-13

Rolling Hills Casino Equestrian Center www.bchcalifornia.org/rendezvous.html

Melissa Mendonca is graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

Parallel Tax is a full-service tax planning, tax preparation, and bookkeeping company with a Certified Tax Coach and Enrolled Agent to help craft a tax strategy for your family and your business so you can keep more of what you earn! We will design a strategic and comprehensive tax strategy that complements your life, goals, and financial plan.

HARLEN AT SALT CREEK

APRIL26-27,2025

ECHOES OF THE PAST

“WE HAVE IT PLANNED OUT TO GO ONE WAY AND HAVE SAFETY THINGS IN PLACE, BUT THERE IS SOME IMPROV...”

TAKING THE FIELD AT RED BLUFF CIVIL WAR DAYS

lash back to the early 1860s when men rode horses, carried muskets and charged each other with bayonets wearing hot wool laden uniforms on American soil all in the name of abolishing slavery. The Union – aka The North – ultimately beat the Confederate south, with more than 620,000 soldiers losing their lives in the Civil War.

To preserve this important time in American history, the Civil War Days-Red Bluff Reenactor Group will host Civil War Days at Cone Grove Park in Red Bluff on April 26-27. Two battles on Saturday and one on Sunday will feature multitudes of reenactors sharing a glimpse of what life was like during that time.

Civil War Days started in Red Bluff in 2005, but the reenactment club itself has been around for more than 30 years. The founders lived in Chico, but members hail from Sacramento up to Southern Oregon. The club takes part in five or six events per year, having held reenactments in Red Bluff, Yreka, Graeagle and Corning in the past.

The Reenactor Group generally has around 75 soldiers out on the battlefield, and maybe another 100 civilian actors. To prepare for Civil War Days, the club practices drills, with people playing the parts of the Union, Confederate, infantry and artillery. The battle scenarios take place at the actual event, and a lot of new soldiers/ reenactors are recruited there, too.

The commanders discuss who is positioned on the battlefield, then they go out and play it by ear. “We have it planned out to go one way and have safety things in place, but there is some improv,” says Civil War Days Event Organizer Rick Barram. “The reenactments are made up of individuals…you take your man and tell him to go in one direction, and then the side you thought was going to win found themselves in a position to lose,” he says with a smile. “I’m a captain with the Union infantry; we go out there with our muskets and there’ve been plenty of times when we lost battles.” ▶

continued on page 66

With “We Want You”-style recruitment posters around the camps and loaner uniforms, people are welcome to show up and participate or just stay and watch. Everyone who goes out on the field learns how to load and fire a weapon, only using black powder (no projectiles) and keeping 30 feet from other soldiers.

“We’re especially cognizant of distances to maintain around the cannons, and making sure no one is putting bayonets in the field,” Barram explains. While the young guys tend to like to fire weapons (one Red Bluff reenactor said the club was like “Boy Scouts with guns”), Barram says, “I like to think we have something for everybody in the roles they can play. How early one shows up determines how much training they can get. Maybe they’ll carry a flag instead of a musket or be a part of the civilian crew if they don’t want to be on the field.” ▶

continued on page 69

“I LIKE TO THINK WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY IN THE ROLES THEY CAN PLAY. HOW EARLY ONE SHOWS UP DETERMINES HOW MUCH TRAINING THEY CAN GET.”

Steve’s A-Z Appliance Since 1977

Meet Steve Inns of Steve’s Appliance in Cottonwood. Steve has been providing top-quality service and carrying all major brands for years. Backed by hometown service and packed with expertise, Steve’s A-Z is one of those businesses you’ll love walking into— offering a truly welcoming and friendly environment. Yes, they still do home service calls! Steve’s A-Z services and sells all major brands.

20802 Front St., Cottonwood

530.347.1024

A Powerful, Positive Force in the Community

Brothers Yamil and Ronnie Rocha, along with their brother-in-law Jose in the center (pictured left), are the heart of Rocha’s Auto Service, a business built on family values and community spirit—nothing gets more “Redding” than this! Whether you’re walking into the office or the garage, you’re greeted with a warm hello and a friendly smile. Now in their 30th year of business, Rocha’s was proudly voted Best Auto Repair Shop in the North State.

California’s Western Adventure Ranch

Marble Mountain Ranch offers an authentic cowboy-themed dude ranch vacation, combining horseback trail riding with exciting activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, sporting clays, ATV rides, paintball, and fall fly fishing. Their all-inclusive “saddle and paddle” experience features superb dining and a youth buckaroo program, creating the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and family fun in a true Western setting.

Pack Leader Dog Training

Postive and permanent, Redding Pack Leader Dog Training, led by Steven James, offers personalized at-home training services using a balanced approach. Specializing in building calm, confident dogs, Steve helps create a more harmonious relationship between pets and their owners. His methods empower owners to enjoy a well-behaved, happy dog, making everyday life more enjoyable for the whole family.

and

“I LIKE TO THINK WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY IN THE ROLES THEY CAN PLAY. HOW EARLY ONE SHOWS UP DETERMINES HOW MUCH TRAINING THEY CAN GET.”

The battles are the main attractions of Civil War Days, but attendees are welcome to go into the camps afterwards to talk to the soldiers and 1863 civilians. They demonstrate loading and firing cannons, and they’ll have a woman who is a sutler, selling uniforms and equipment to the actors as well as little books and pop guns to the attendees.

When asked about some of the interesting questions he’s gotten, Barram says people ask things that show a lack of understanding of the Civil War, like, “Which side were the British on?” Or, “is it hot in that uniform?” But most of the time, people don’t know what to ask, so Barram prompts them with, “Want to see how to load a musket?” And all of a sudden six people will be watching the demonstration.

“We grab people and start a conversation, and that puts them at ease. It’s so different from what you’re used to. It’s kind of intense and overwhelming, so we make it as easy and welcoming as we can,” Barram says.

The end of a battle normally involves acknowledging the sponsors and asking for donations for the American Battlefield Trust to preserve sites for future generations. •

Red Bluff Civil War Days

Battles: Noon and 3 pm April 26, 1 pm April 27

Camps open April 26 and 27 from 9 am to 5 pm

Cone Grove Park, Red Bluff

Free parking onsite

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“WE GRAB PEOPLE AND START A CONVERSATION, AND THAT PUTS THEM AT EASE. IT’S SO DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU’RE USED TO. IT’S KIND OF INTENSE AND OVERWHELMING, SO WE MAKE IT AS EASY AND WELCOMING AS WE CAN...”

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University and loves to visit her parents in Redding.

Fact-Based News & Music With Heart

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Valerie Ing

Geoff Riley

hen you’re bailing hay or at the height of boredom, things just start running around in your mind,” explains Roy Smith, a Shasta Valley cattle rancher with a dry sense of humor who has gained local acclaim as a cowboy poet. “You know, they started calling me that. I don't know that I would have considered it myself, but I am a cowboy, and I am a poet, so I guess that goes together.”

Cowboy poetry is unique to America, a traditional rhyme and metered form that celebrates the distinctive landscape and culture of the American West. Its typically colorful practitioners also draw on a rich tradition of balladry and campfire stories. “Sitting around the campfire, you have to tell each other something. They might think you’re full of it, but if it rhymes, they seem to accept it a little better. Plus, they listen longer,” Smith notes with a chuckle. And, while cowboy poems often explore familiar emotional landscapes like joy, grief and humor, the subject matter generally comes from the everyday experiences in their world. ▶ continued on page 74

"They’re really good at drawing you a picture of what the cowboy life is like, and they have a way of putting unexpected humor into it..."

Roy

Smith Cowboy Poet

“They can explain the cowboy way of life, and the things that they experience in a picturesque way. Maybe it's the cows or the animals when they're out in the wilderness, but they bring those animals to life. For example, if you didn’t know, you'd think a horse would just cross water. It's no big deal. But some animals don't like to cross water, and so that could become the subject of a poem. They’re really good at drawing you a picture of what the cowboy life is like, and they have a way of putting unexpected humor into it. Sometimes you’re laughing along with them when maybe you should be crying,” explains Mary Beebe, the treasurer of Valley Oaks, Inc. who helps put on an annual cowboy poetry event at the Avery Theater during the first weekend in November. Smith puts it more simply. “You just look around. I mean, you got a dog, a horse, and a cow, and you just make up a story about 'em.” Smith does abide by a few rules, however. “It’s gotta rhyme. It’s also got to be clean and family-friendly, or at least subtle enough that no one gets mad.”

While there are national gatherings of cowboy poetry that take place throughout the year in faraway places like Elko, Nevada, Valley Oaks, Inc. in Greenview has made sure that Northern California’s poets can also be heard locally at least once a year. Perhaps best-known for their broad community stewardship and longstanding work with seniors, Valley Oaks holds an annual fundraising event at the Avery Theater on the first Saturday of November. “We first started doing it in 2009 or 2010, and we’ve held it every year since, except for a year or two during COVID. This year we’ll be doing an afternoon event just because it better suits the cowboys who travel from places like Happy camp, Montague and Big Springs. Everybody has a great time, and it's very impromptu.” Smith, who has participated in the event a number of times agrees on the oft spontaneous nature of performing poetry. “There's a little group here that’s been doing it together for 20 or 25 years. We don’t really practice beforehand because we’re too disorganized. But we’ve been doing it long enough we know each other’s poems. I’ve performed many times with Bill Roberts, and if I got stuck, he could always remember what my words were, so he’s saved me a couple of times.” ▶ continued on page 77

Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou

Master of Smokin’ Flavor

Joe Sells, pictured here with Marlena, his right-hand woman, is the heart and soul behind Smokin’ Joe’s Barbecue in Redding. His love for cooking sparked at just 13 years old, leading him to launch the first and only Perko’s Grill. Now, a decade into running Smokin’ Joe’s, he’s still firing up the best barbecue in town—one mouthwatering bite at a time!

Step Into Virtual Reality

At just 26 years old, Addam Yount is the visionary behind Area 151 Virtual Reality. He created a unique space where families can bond and connect to create unforgettable memories through exclusive games that he has helped develop. Specializing in corporate team building, group events, and birthday parties, Area 151 brings people together for moments that are both thrilling and memorable. Addam’s dedication to the community makes it the go-to spot.

1518 Market St., Redding

530.395.9746

area151vr.com

area151vr

lovesmokinjoes.com

Your Local Printing Experts

Jack and Joe Vine founded the Copy Center nearly 30 years ago at the corner of Antelope and Main Street in Red Bluff, later joined by technician and printing expert Gordon Wilson. Serving the North State community, Copy Center specializes in everything from book publishing to large-scale 30-foot main street banners. If you can dream it, they can bring it to life. Stop by to meet the rest of the crew, Jessica and Mike, and let them become your go-to print shop. Thank you, North State!

job.

One Stop Shop

Jon Stayer, owner of Hansen Pressure Washer and Machinery in Shasta Lake, offers far more than just pressure washers. Hansen’s provides rental equipment, residential and commercial shop solutions, generators parts and service, backed by expert technicians to handle every need. With fast service, same-day special orders, and reliable on-time delivery, Hansen’s ensures customers get the right equipment when they need it.

Upholstery On and Off the Water

Daren Cardona started in upholstery work for his Uncle Jim and now Uncle Jim works for him! In 2011, Daren picked up Steve’s Upholstery and hasn’t looked back. In business now 40 years, Daren’s focus has turned heavily to boats including vinyl seats, Bimini covers, house boat side curtains and tops. You will often see him out on Lake Shasta as he enjoys making boats beautiful. If you have a car, boat or houseboat in need of canvas or upholstery give Daren a call!

Ridin’ EasY

The sun peeks up o’er the mountain line, Paintin’ the sky in a golden shine.

Saddle is tight, my boots fit right, Feels like a mighty fine day to ride.

The trail is dusty, the breeze is light, Coyotes yappin’ from hills in sight.

Creek’s runnin’ lazy, birds take wing, Ain’tnothin’likewhattheopenplainsbring.

Reins in my hand, my horse knows well, We ride in rhythm, a tale to tell. Norush,nofuss,justtimetoroam, Asaddle’sthebestkindofworkin’throne.

The world slows down out here, you see, Where the land and sky both set you free.

Acowboy’swealthain’tgoldorfame, It’s ridin’ trails and knowin’ his name.

So let that city life keep its grind, I’ll take the dust, the sun, and time.

A good horse, the land, and peace so wide, That’s what it means to enjoy the ride.

These days, Smith doesn’t perform nearly as much as he used to. “I’ve kind of run out of poems, and when you do the same one over and over, it’s kind of like telling the same joke, like ‘I’ve heard that one,’” he says. But as an audience member, Beebe appreciates the familiarity. “There’s another local poet named Butch Jones, and he does this poem where he’s making fun of his life, telling you all about going to Walmart to get a gift for his wife. But when he gets to the parking lot, it’s total chaos. And once he’s inside, he's not used to crowds. Cowboys don’t do crowds. So, he leaves the store, and just goes back to the local grocery store, to buy her a chocolate candy bar and a chocolate rose. And that's her gift because he made the attempt, but he couldn't follow through. It’s a really good one. Have you heard it?”

In terms of his own most-requested poems, Smith has a couple. “There’s one called the Trip to Elko. It’s really about a trip to Reno because we were headed to Elko but never made it past Reno. There’s also one about a dog named Ol’ Blue that people usually like.” When asked whether Ol’ Blue is a good dog or bad dog, Smith is quick with his retort. “Well, now, that’s up to your discretion.”•

Megan Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, and she always relishes a touching human story. Aside from Enjoy, she’s typically busy writing and producing for television, having created more than 220 hours of on-air content on networks ranging from National Geographic to Netflix.

Photo

hometown honors

HONORING RODEO LEGEND COTTON ROSSER

t only seems right that a man with special honors in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and three distinctions in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Okla., should have honors in his own hometown.

for his opening ceremonies. He was always very patriotic. He was a promoter of the western lifestyle, for sure.”

Last September, rodeo icon Cotton Rosser of Flying U Rodeo received the distinction of being cast in bronze at one-and-a-quarter life-size and now stands as a grand statue in Marysville’s Washington Square Park. “There’s just something about it that’s just so historic,” says David Read, executive director of Yuba Sutter Arts and Culture. “There’s something grand about this huge metal sculpture that rises up out of the ground in a high traffic area of Marysville.”

Rosser, a producer of professional rodeos and provider of world-class livestock, was a champion of the sport and his hometown of Marysville, a place that helped pick him up in one of his darkest times.

“Cotton became known as the one that cared about the people in the seats,” says his wife Karin Rosser. “He never forgot a face. He would always take time to visit with people. Cotton was famous

Born in 1928, Cotton had a promising career in rodeo as a young man when tragedy struck in a ranching accident that left him with severely disfigured legs. He was on track to be a world champion rodeo cowboy and had purchased a ranch in Marysville. While the accident left him in a wheelchair at the time, it did not knock him out of the sport. He judged local rodeos from his chair and then took up an opportunity to provide livestock to the Hollywood production of the Misfits. Along the way, his community held a benefit that allowed him to establish Cotton’s Cowboy Corral, a western wear store in Marysville that provided an income and is still open today.

His stature continued to rise in the sport throughout a long and storied career that ended at age 93 when he died in June 2022. “He was riding until April 2022,” says Karin, noting that “he proved doctors wrong and walked. Unless you knew there was an injury, you wouldn’t know.”▶

continued on page 82

Photos courtesy of Yuba County

While Rosser didn’t see the installation of his statue, he was involved in its development, and he approved its construction after seeing a maquette developed by artist Jeff Wolf of Spanish Fork, Utah. Taking the creation of the statue from concept to completion was a joint effort of the family, community and Yuba Sutter Arts and Culture under Read’s direction.

The call for artists revealed Jeff Wolf, a former rodeo cowboy who had both his first and final professional rides on Flying U Rodeo stock. “His resume spoke for itself,” says Read. “Phenomenal work. And he speaks fluent rodeo.”

Wolf, now a full-time artist, notes that he grew up idolizing the likes of Cotton Rosser and the Western lifestyle and spent much of his eight-year professional rodeo career competing in rodeos produced by Flying U. He began playing with modeling clay at 5

Cotton became

known as the one that cared about the people in the seats,” says his wife Karin Rosser.

“He never forgot a face. He would always take time to visit with people. Cotton was famous for his opening ceremonies. He was always very patriotic. He was a promoter of the western lifestyle, for sure.

cowboys and longhorn cattle. “My first sculpture that I had cast was in 1975. I was 17,” he says. “That went on to be the highest-selling bronze at an art show in Prescott, Ariz.”

While he’s seen his share of honors as an artist, he says his highest was hearing from Karin Rosser, “I never thought I’d see Cotton” when she first viewed his maquette. Cotton also saw himself in the piece and approved it going forward for production as a large piece. “You couldn’t get a better compliment than that,” he says.

“If Cotton hadn’t have seen it, I probably wouldn’t have had it finished,” says Karin, noting the large undertaking of creating a large piece of public art.

Still, the large coordinating and fundraising efforts have been worth it in terms of providing an art installation for the community and tribute one of its larger-than-life sons. ”I think the

community was yearning for something special and different,” says Read. “I see it every time I go from Marysville to Yuba City,” says Karin.

Wolf, who spoke at the statue reveal in September, describes the day as emotional as well as a reunion of rodeo friends he hadn’t seen in 40 years. “It was just an honor of a lifetime,” he says. “Anytime you can be selected to do an image for a legend like Cotton is like a lifetime opportunity. Cotton was a legend and he still is a legend. He’ll always be a legend.” •

Melissa Mendonca is graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

Savor5 5

l THE

GREAT EATS BEING DISHED OUT IN THE NORTH STATE

★ Drive through ★★ Walk in or curb side delivery

Butter Up & Smile

6400 Westside Road, Redding Mon-Th 7am-2pm / Fri-Sun 7am-3pm (530) 276-0111

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Mon-Th 11am- 10pm / Fri-Sun 9am-10pm (530) 338-2219 thebantamkitchen.com On Facebook and Instagram

Free or nominal fee delivery

536 N. Market St., Redding Sun-Th 11am-9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-10pm (530) 275-4455 pizzafactory.com

835 Browning St. B, Redding Daily 10am-9pm (530) 276-8850 jerseymikes.com

1901 Hwy. 273, Anderson Sun-Th 11am-9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-10pm (530) 378-1110 Find them on Facebook

1636 Market St., Redding

1154 Hartnell Ave., Redding Tu-Sat 7am - 3pm / Closed Sundays and Mondays (530) 605-1611 Find them on Facebook KOOL PLACES FOR GOOD EATS!

Mon-Wed 11am-8pm / Th-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat 9am-10pm / Sun 9am-10pm (530) 246-2190 postofficesaloon.com

22020 Palo Way, Palo Cedro Daily 8am-1pm (530) 547-4290 Find them on Facebook

2914 Churn Creek Road, Redding

Closed Sundays / Mon-Sat 4pm-9pm (530) 276-0306

1313 Shasta St., Redding

Open 24 hours 7 days a week (530) 243-6790

Photo courtesy of Chelsee Barnes

Photo courtesy of Discover SIskiyou

Photo courtesy of Discover SIskiyou

Photo courtesy of Chelsee Barnes

Photo courtesy of Chelsee Barnes

FINDING NOSTALGIA AT THE CALLAHAN EMPORIUM

HAPPY

ou’d be forgiven if you’ve never heard of Callahan, an unincorporated community along State Route 3, population 50 or so. The nearest “bigger” town is Etna, about 11 miles to the northwest with a population of 700. “We’re pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so we have to do a lot of our own repairs because you can’t get services out here. If you look at it from an aerial view, there’s not a whole lot of things surrounding Callahan other than wilderness,” explains Chelsee Barnes, owner and operator of the Callahan Emporium – a restaurant, bar and general store that’s always been a destination in its own right, and makes any visit to Callahan worth the stop. “We make sandwiches and serve wine and cold beers. We have scoop ice cream seasonally. We also sell beer, snacks and ice in the store, so it’s like a last-minute stop with all-encompassing retail. If you ask me what I do, I suppose I would say I’m a cook, a bartender, a server and a checkout clerk.”

• SPACE

Built in 1854, the Callahan Emporium has been around for 170 years. “Originally it was the Baker Hotel, and then the bar was added in 1956. It’s definitely the last stop before you hit the Trinity County line, or if you’re a Pacific Crest Trail hiker coming off the trail, it’s one of the first things you see. People usually have a reason for coming to Callahan, sometimes just because their grandma used to shop here 70 years ago. There’s a lot of nostalgia around it. We also provide live music in the summertime. We even pulled this old truck off the ranch and converted it into a stage. People have been really drawn to that,” says Barnes. And, after several requests, Barnes has also started offering event catering. “When I was approached about it, I was just like, ‘Sure, I can feed more than three people at a time. I can do whatever you want. You want 125? Great, let’s go.’”▶

continued on page 88

Photo courtesy of Chelsee Barnes

How Barnes and her husband Brian Barnes came to own the Emporium is rooted in a love story. “I’m not going to lie to you, it was straight up impulse. I was 22 years old with shiny eyes and was like, ‘I can do anything.’ Brian and I were dating at the time and I was living in Ashland, so we would drive back and forth to see each other. After about a year working for Fran, who used to own the Emporium, I’d learned she’d put it up for sale. By that point, I’d grown a connection with the building and was like ‘Wait, if I bought it, this could just be my job here!’ I know that sounds silly, but that’s really what happened. I had previous experience working in the restaurant, bar and barista industry, so I had that part down, but it’s been very humbling at times learning how to be a business owner in the State of California. I mean, at first it was just things like trying to figure out sales tax after coming from Oregon. Like, what’s a quarterly?”

Ten years later, and now with a set of twins thrown into the mix, Barnes says there’s never a dull moment. “It’s chaos. Absolute chaos. Some of the characters that come through here are really wild. We had a guy show up with a truck full of parrots one day so there were parrots hanging outside all day, and I was like ‘Okay, we’re opening a zoo today.’ And, between running two businesses, because Brian also has an alfalfa ranch, and then just trying to get to school and do baseball, soccer and jiu-jitsu, it’s organized chaos at best, and sometimes we’re better at it than others. It’s exhausting, yes, but it’s also really exciting because I have to wear so many different hats.”

Of course, not every hat is pretty. “Some of them are pretty dirty, and you just want to shove them into the back of the closet,” she says.

HEALTH WISE

“Like today, I had to be a plumber. And, then sometimes I’ve just sat down and cried on the floor. It’s the hardest freaking thing I’ve ever done in my life aside from raising children.”

But Barnes loves it because she loves her community. “Certain people will come out there several times a week just to get things like a six-pack of beer or motor oil. And they’ll check in with us first before going into town because they tell us they want to keep us here. And, a lot of people don’t make a lot of money anymore, so if they’re coming out here and spending their hard-earned money to take their wife out to dinner or have some beers and play pool with their siblings, it’s really cool. To see people happy in a space that you’ve created, that’s more than enough to keep you going.” •

Callahan Emporium

12511 S. State Highway 3, Callahan (530) 467-3395

Winter hours (November-May): Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-7pm; summer hours (June-October): Tuesday-Sunday, 7am-7pm (open for breakfast)

Megan Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, and she always relishes a touching human story. Aside from Enjoy, she’s typically busy writing and producing for television, having created more than 220 hours of on-air content on networks ranging from National Geographic to Netflix.

Injur y P re v e nti on

The most common unintentional injuries result from motor vehicle crashes, falls, fire burns, drowning, poisoning and aspirations. According to the Indian Health Services (IHS), despite improvements in health status over the decades, among American Indians and Alaska Natives between the ages of 1 to 44 years old, injury remains the leading cause of death. Compared to the United States (U.S.) All Races population, AI/AN people continue to have disproportionately higher rates of unintentional injury and injury-related mortality. It only takes a moment, a child or a weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen. Death and injury from drownings happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach or in oceans, lakes, rivers and streams, bathtubs, and even buckets. By working together to improve water competency, which includes swimming skills, water smarts and helping others, water activities can be safer and just as much fun.

The mission for our community is to raise the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest possible level by decreasing the incidence of severe injuries and death to the lowest possible level and increasing the ability of tribes to address their injury problems.

Greenville Rancheria strives to reach out and educate our community in efforts to minimize injury. Our Community Health Representatives (CHR’s) are available by appointment, to meet one-on-one to go over water safety, safe car seat installations and safe riding, bicycle helmet use. Our CHR’s are Certified Car Seat Technicians, and even if you do not need a car seat, they can perform a car seat check to make sure that they are installed correctly.

You can also find us at local community health fairs and events. Reach out to one of our CHR’s with any questions.

Arileni Mubarak (530) 965-6077 or Lizeth Macias (530) 782-7819.

“To see people happy in a space that you’ve created, that’s more than enough to keep you going.”

Rancheria

HEALTH PROGRAMS

Family Practice

Pediatrics

Medical Facilities

Dental Facilities

Medical transport within Plumas and Tehama Counties

Community Health Representatives

Indian Child Welfare Worker

Diabetes Services

Mental Health Services

Drug, Alcohol and Family Counselor

Addiction and Medication-Assisted Treatment

8 Sub-specialties: Women’s Health, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Pain Management

Se Habla Espanol

PARTICIPATING IN PARTNERSHIP AND MEDI-CAL MANAGED CARE

AS A COURTESY, WE WILL BILL MOST INSURANCES NATIVES AND NON-NATIVES

Open for Walk-ins. 8am – 5pm.

Medical - Dental Monday - Saturday 8am-5pm

Photos courtesy of Chelsee Barnes

Red Bluff

JOHN WAYNE CASSEROLE

f there’s one thing Americans love just as much as a good cowboy movie, it’s a hearty, no-nonsense casserole that satisfies hunger and brings folks together.

The John Wayne Casserole is an unabashedly hearty dish that combines the flavorful goodness of seasoned beef, creamy cheese and a crunchy topping – all served in a single dish. Named after the iconic actor, this casserole is as bold, flavorful and as distinctly American as the Duke himself.

But what is it about this humble casserole that has earned it the right to bear the name of a Hollywood icon? Let’s explore the history, the recipe and why this dish has become a staple in kitchens across the country.

The Birth of a Legend. The origins of John Wayne Casserole are as mysterious as a classic Western plot. No one knows for certain who first created the dish, but its connection to the famous actor is generally accepted as more of a tribute than a direct creation. Wayne, known for his rugged roles in films like “True Grit” and “The Searchers,” embodied the spirit of the American West: uncompromising, bold, hearty and straightforward.

While it is a mystery who first put these ingredients together in a casserole dish, or when, we know one thing for sure: Wayne directly contributed the recipe to a 1979 cookbook titled, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends,” compiled by Cara Connery. Some say the recipe had been around for decades before Wayne’s recipe submission. Regardless of its origin, the John Wayne Casserole has become an enduring part of the American comfort food scene, celebrated for its simplicity and big, bold flavors.

The Anatomy of John Wayne Casserole. At its core, John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex dish that packs a punch. It begins with ground beef, browned and seasoned with green chiles and cayenne peppers. This savory base is then topped with heavy cream and cheese. Two pounds of cheese!

A Dish for All Occasions. John Wayne Casserole’s versatility makes it the perfect go-to comfort food for nearly all casual occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family of hungry ranchers, a group of friends gathered around the TV, or just looking for an easy weekday, this casserole fits the bill.

It also takes well to customization. Some versions of the casserole call for green chilies or jalapeños for an extra kick, while others swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can throw in some beans, add a handful of olives, or even mix in a little bell pepper – whatever suits your taste. The beauty of John Wayne Casserole is that it’s designed to be as flexible as a cowboy’s sense of adventure.

Why We Keep Coming Back for More. Ultimately, the John Wayne Casserole is more than just a dish – it’s a tradition. A tradition that calls to mind the simpler days of family get-togethers, where the most important thing wasn’t what you wore or how you looked, but how good the food was and how much fun you had with the people you loved.

So, the next time you need a filling, flavorful and easy-to-make meal, remember the Duke. Whether you’re wrangling up a hungry group or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, a dish named in honor of John Wayne will surely make you feel like the hero of your kitchen. •

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 1 can (4 ½ oz.) chopped green chilies

• 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, grated

• 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• ⅔ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream

• 1 T flour

• ½ tsp. salt

• Cayenne pepper to taste

• 4 eggs, separated

• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced thick

• Optional: 2 cups corn chips (crumbled)

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef and set aside.

Step 2: Butter a 2-quart, oven-proof casserole dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3: Toss the ground beef and chilies with the cheeses and place into casserole dish.

Step 4: Combine the egg yolks, evaporated milk (or heavy cream), flour, salt and cayenne, and beat thoroughly.

Step 5: Whip the egg whites until stiff and fold into the yolk mixture. Pour over cheese mixture in dish and pierce with fork to allow liquid to absorb into cheese.

Step 6: Bake 40 minutes.

Step 7: Place tomato slices in a layer on top and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Optional Step 8: Sprinkle crumbled corn chips on top of the casserole.

Servings: 8-10 | Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes

Terry Olson loves culinary arts, adult beverages and hiking in the North State wilderness. You may find him soaking up the scenery at one of our area’s many state or national parks or sitting in a barstool sipping a cold locally brewed craft beer.

RED HOUSE FINCH

Frank Kratofil enjoys spending time with his family, friends and patients and he enjoys time in the outdoors. As a young man, Frank was legally blind. Two successful corneal transplants encouraged him to photograph the magic in nature... beautiful colors and the delicate balance of nature, animals and humans. Find him on Instagram @frankkratofil

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP SKILLET COOKIE

SERVINGS: 8 SLICES (EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 8 LARGE COOKIES)

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES || COOK TIME: 18–22 MINUTES || TOTAL TIME: 30–35 MINUTES

This rich, gooey, peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie is packed with the perfect balance of peanut butter and melty chocolate. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it delivers crispy edges with a soft, chewy center—ideal for sharing (or not!).

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. salt

• ¾ cups chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg.

Step 4: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in peanut butter chips (or chocolate chips).

Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the skillet.

Step 7: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden and set in the center.

Step 8: Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

local events

CALENDAR

APRIL 2025

FEATURED EVENTS

April 4th

anderson

April 5-6

• Craft Faire and Swap Meet, Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 9am-3pm, www.shastadistrictfairandeventcenter.com

April 9

• Easter Eggstravaganza – Special Needs Egg Hunt, Anderson River Park Splash Pad, 2800 Rupert Road, 5:45pm, www.facebook.com/AndersonCAParks

April 12

• Easter Egg Hunt, Anderson River Park Soccer/Softball Fields, 2800 Rupert Road, 9:30am, www.facebook.com/AndersonCAParks

chico

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Chico Wednesday Farmers Market, North Valley Plaza Mall parking lot, Pillsbury Road adjacent to Trader Joe’s, 7:30am-noon, www.chicofarmersmarket.com

April 5-6

• Chico Home Show, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., 10am-5pm, www.chicohomeshow.com

April 5, 12, 19, 26

• Chico Saturday Farmers Market, Downtown Chico municipal parking lot, 2nd and Wall streets, 7:30am-1pm, www.chicofarmersmarket.com

April 10, 17, 24

ROBERT CRAY

• Thursday Night Market, Downtown Chico on Broadway Street between 2nd and 4th streets, 6-9pm, www.downtownchico.com

April 12

• Spring Jamboree, Caper Acres, 500 South Park Drive, 10am-1pm, www.chicorec.gov

• Woofstock Chico, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., 11:30am-5pm, www.woofstockchico.com

April 19

WarrenBandHaynes

• Chico Exchange Brewfest, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., 1-4pm, www.chicobrewfest.com

April 26-27

cascadetheatre.org 530-243-8877

• Chico Velo Wild Flower Century Ride and Festival, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., www.wildflowercentury.org

dunsmuir

April 12

• Dunsmuir Second Saturdays, Downtown Dunsmuir, 11am-9pm, www.dunsmuirsecondsaturday.com

• Art Walk, Downtown Dunsmuir, 4-8pm, www.discoversiskiyou.com/events

April 13

• Volunteer Fair, Dunsmuir High School Gym, 5805 High School Way, 1-3pm, www.dunsmuir.com

magalia

April 12

• Kids Free Fishing Day, Paradise Lake, 6800 Lucretia Road, 6am-2pm, www.paradiseprpd.com

mount shasta

April 26

• Earth Day Festival, City Park, 135 Nixon Road, 11am-5pm, www.mountshastaecology.org

oroville

April 4

• Spring Fling Downtown Oroville First Friday, various Downtown Oroville locations, starts at 4pm, www.downtownoroville.com

April 5

• 17th Annual Wildflower and Nature Festival, Riverbend Park, 50 Montgomery St., 10am-4pm, www.frrpd.com

paradise

April 19

• Easter Egg Hunt, Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, 9-11am, www.paradiseprpd.com

April 22

• Earth Day, Aquatic Park, 5600 Recreation Drive, 10am-2pm, www.paradiseprpd.com

Don’t miss out on a fun filled evening.

April 26

• Gold Nugget Days Parade, Skyway from Tri Counties Bank to Birch Street, noon-1pm, www.paradiseprpd.com

April 26-27

• Gold Nugget Craft Faire, Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, 9am-5pm, www.paradiseprpd.com

April 27

• 29th Annual Horse Festival, Moore Road Horse Arena, 6705 Moore Road, 11am-4pm, www.paradiseprpd.com

red bluff

April 5, 12, 19, 26

• Downtown Farmers Market, River Park, 9am-noon, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 10

• Round-Up Cowboy Coffee, Red Bluff Dodge, 545 Adobe Road, 7:45am, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 12

• Round-Up Chili Cookoff, Downtown Red Bluff, Washington and Pine Streets, 9am3pm, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 14

• Cowboy Poetry, Round-Up Museum, Tehama County Fairgrounds, 650 Antelope Blvd, 6-8pm, www.tehamaarts.org

April 17

• Round-Up Cowboy Mixer, Reynolds Ranch and Farm Supply, 501 Madison St., 5:3010pm, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 18

• Chamber Cowboy Golf Tournament, Wilcox Oaks Golf Club, 20995 Wilcox Golf Road, 8am, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 19

• Round-Up Parade, Red Bluff Madison to Washington to Walnut Streets, 10am-noon, www.redbluffchamber.com

redding

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• Luna Fusion’s Trivia Night, Luna’s Fusion, 2914 Churn Creek Road, 6-8pm, www. lunasfusion.net

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• Karaoke Night, The Tropics, 2555 South Market St., 8pm, www.facebook.com/ reddingtropics

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Kelly’s Trivia Night, Kelly’s Pub and Wine Bar, 2144 Hilltop Drive, 6:30pm, www.facebook.com/kellyspubandwine

April 3, 10, 17, 24

• Trivia Night at the Tropics, 2555 S. Market St., 7pm, www.facebook.com/reddingtropics

April 4

• First Fridays in Downtown Redding, Downtown Redding stores, 5pm, www.visitredding.com

• North Valley Art League Reception, Carter House Gallery, 48 Quartz Hill Road, 5-7pm, www.nval.org

April 4-5

• Redding Cultural Cruise, Shasta County Arts Council, 1313 Market St., 5-8pm Friday, 10am-3pm Saturday, www. shastaartscouncil.org/ redding-cultural-cruise-2025

April 4-12

• Week of the Young Child, Multiple locations in Shasta County, www. first5shasta.org

April 5

• Hops and Shops 2025, IOOF Hall 1504 Market St., 2-6pm, www.facebook.com/ events/577361501740178

April 5, 12, 19, 26

• Redding Farmers Market, behind City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave., 8:30am-noon, www.reddingfarmersmarkets.com

• Sipp’n Saturdays, Branch House Riverfront Bistro, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, 5-7pm, www.branchhouseredding.com

April 6, 13, 20, 27

• Trivia Night, Branch House Riverfront Bistro, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, 5:30-7:30pm, www.branchhouseredding.com

• Ball Breaker Bingo, The Tropics, 2555 S. Market St., 7-9pm, www.facebook.com/reddingtropics

April 7, 14, 21, 28

• Music Mondays, Mosaic Restaurant, 826 Sundial Bridge Drive, 6-8pm, www.mosaicredding.com/events

April 19

• Earth Day Festival, Caldwell Park, 3 Quartz Hill Road, 11am-4pm, www.seashasta.org

shasta lake

April 27

• Community Ukulele Club Meetup, Shasta Lake Community United Methodist Church, 1509 Hardenbrook Ave., 2-3:30pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

weed

April 12

• Chinese Auction, Sons of Italy Memorial Hall, 155 Clay St., 5:30pm, www.weedchamber.com

anderson library

www.shastalibraries.org

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• Color Your World, 10am

April 3, 10, 17, 24

• Knitting Club, 10am

• Storytime, 3:30pm

April 10

• Down on the Farm, 3:30pm

April 16

• Adult Board Games, 4pm

April 25

• Kids Puzzle Day, 4pm

axiom theatrerepertory

www.axreptheatre.com

April 11-19

• “Antigone,” 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

burney library www.shastalibraries.org

April 4

• Yarns at the Library, 2pm

April 5, 12, 19, 26

• Burney Mixed Media Art Class, 11am

April 9

• Paper Doll Storytime, 11am

April 24

• Adult Book Club, 11am

cascade theater www.cascadetheatre.org

April 11

• TayTay Dance Party, 7:30pm

April 30

• Robert Cray, 7:30pm chico performances www.chicoperformances.com

April 4-5

• Banff Mountain Film Festival, 7:30pm

April 10

• Book in Common Lecture: from Héctor Tobar, 7:30pm

April 12

• Good Medicine: An Evening of Live Native Stand-Up, 7:30pm chico theatre company

chicotheatrecompany.csstix.com

April 25-27

• “Oklahoma,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

gold casinocountry resort www.goldcountrycasino.com

April 19

• Pure Combat, 7pm

April 25

• Niko Moon, 8pm jefferson center for the arts

www.jeffersoncenterforthearts.com

April 4

• JCA Comedy Night, 8pm April 5

• Eptás - Seven Piece Jazz Ensemble, 8pm April 10

• Scottish Fish, 8pm kool april nites www.koolaprilnites.com

April 19

• Lithia Chevrolet Show and Shine, Lithia Chevrolet, 200 East Cypress Ave., 10:30am-1:30pm

April 21

• Willow Springs Memory Care Show and Shine, Willow Spring Memory Care, 191 Churn Creek Road, 9am-noon

April 22

• Hilltop Springs Senior Living Show and Shine, 7 Hilltop Drive., 10am-1pm

April 24

• WCP Solutions Show and Shine, WCP Solutions, 4041 Eastside Road., 11am-2pm

• Shasta High School Show and Shine, Shasa High School, 2500 Eureka Way, 11am-1:30pm

• Simpson University Show and Shine, Simpson University, 2211 College View Drive, 4-7pm

April 25

• Enterprise High School Show and Shine, Enterprise High School, 3411 Churn Creek Road, 10:30am-1pm

• The Cruise, Hilltop Drive, 6:30-8pm

April 26

• The Big Show and Shine, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive, 7am-4pm

• Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive, 8am-10:30am

April 27

• Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive, 8am-10:30am

redding auditoriumcivic

www.reddingcivic.com

April 5-6

• Redding Sportsman’s Expo, 9am-5pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday

April 11

• Steel Panther and Buckcherry, 7pm

April 13

• The Psychology of Dogs, 7pm

redding performing arts center

www.reddingpac.com

April 3-5

• “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” 7pm Thursday-Friday, 2pm and 7pm Saturday

April 11-12

• Broadway Cabaret, 7pm

April 17-26

• “The Lion King Kids,” 5pm and 6:30 pm Thursday-Friday, 3pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm Saturday

riverfront playhouse

www.riverfrontplayhouse.net

April 4-13

• “Shrek Jr. The Musical,” 6:30pm Friday, 2pm Saturday-Sunday

rolling hills casino

www.rollinghillscasino.com

April 5

• Joe Machi, 8pm schreder planetarium

www.shastacoe.org/programsservices/planetarium

April 4

• Looking into the Future (Two Small Pieces of Glass; The Future is Wild), 7pm

April 11

• ET Night (Cosmic Safari; Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), 7pm

theatre on the ridge

www.totr.org

April 3-13

• “The Foreigner,” 7:30pm ThursdaySaturday, 2pm Sunday

state theatre red bluff

www.statetheatreredbluff.com

April 8

• Sara Evans, 7pm

April 24

• Tehama Concert Series Presents: Barbara Lica, 7pm

red bluff round-up

www.redbluffroundup.com

April 18

• Friday Evening Performance, Frank Moore Arena, 7pm

April 19

• Saturday Afternoon, Frank Moore Arena, 2:30pm

April 19

• Saturday Night Concert, Pauline Davis Pavilion, 7pm

April 20

• Sunday Afternoon Performance, Frank Moore Arena, 1:30pm

redding library

www.shastalibraries.org

April 1-30

• Storytime, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 11am

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• Teen Advisory Board, 6pm

April 1

• Shasta Master Gardeners Q&A, 11am

April 2

• Seed Packing Party, 10:30am

April 2, 16

• Teen Book Club, 4pm

April 3, 17

• Prescription Pets READ, 10:15am

April 5

• Friends of the Shasta County Library Book Sale, 10am

April 6, 13, 20, 27

• Color your World, 3pm

April 9

• The Library Book Group, 11am

• Kid Time, 3pm

April 11

• Kid Nintendo Switch Time, 3pm

April 12

• Rev, Rumble, and Roar, 10am

• BINGO, 2:30pm

April 13

• Family Storytime, 2pm

April 17

• Shasta Master Gardeners Q&A, 4pm

April 19, 21

• Drop-in Craft Time, 3pm

April 24

• Teen Chess Club, 4pm

April 28

• Drop-in Family Game Night 5-7pm the dip www.thedipredding.com

April 25

• Finom, Loose Choir, and V.V. Lightbody, 8pm

trinity alps performing arts center

www.tapaconline.org

April 11

• Scottish Fish, 7pm

April 27

• Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane, 4pm

turtle bay exploration park

www.turtlebay.org

April 1-30

• Water Wonders, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am

• Emotional Support Beverages, museum hours

• West Coast Biennial Art Exhibition, museum hours

• Famous Artist Children’s Art Exhibition, museum hours

April 1-20

• Mission Aerospace, museum hours

April 1-13

• Open Training, 11:30am-noon, 2-2:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays

April 4

• First Fridays with First 5, museum hours

• Cultural Cruise, 4-8pm

• Spring Plant Sale Members Night, 4-7pm

April 4-30

• Glowing Wild, 7-10pm

April 5

• Charlie Rabbit and Friends, 10-11am

• Spring Plant Sale, 9am-3pm

April 3, 10, 17, 24

• Little Explorers, 10-11am

April 2

• Homeschool Day at Turtle Bay, 1-4pm

April 5

• Paint Night at the Museum Calla Lilly, 4:30-7pm

April 8

• Week of the Young Child Pop-up Story Time, 9am-11am

April 9

• Week of the Young Child Take Flight with Turtle Bay!

April 12

• Family 2nd Saturday, 11am-2pm

April 19

• Science Saturday, 11am-2pm

April 26

• Guided Garden Walk, 10-11am

• Plant Talk – Tree Pruning, 10am-noon

• Art Lab, 11am-2pm

win-river resort & casino

www.winriver.com

April 1-30

• Overtime Live DVJ, Friday and Saturday, 9:30pm

April 12

• Fight Night, 7:30pm

April 18

• Darryl Worley and Mark Wills, 7:30pm

SCAN THIS TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

GO DIRECTLY TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE GO DIRECTLY TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

HOW TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR

If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine,please post it on our website www.enjoylocalevents.com by the 1st of the month— one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a May event will need to be posted by April 1.

GIVING BACK

ENJOY Q&A, with Whitney Garcia, Chico Velo Co-Manager

QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE MISSION STATEMENT OF CHICO VELO?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATION’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

WHAT IMPACT DO EVENTS LIKE THE WILDFLOWER CENTURY HAVE ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY?

ANSWERS

CHICO VELO

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING CYCLISTS IN THE CHICO AREA TODAY, AND HOW IS CHICO VELO ADDRESSING THEM?

WHAT PARTNERSHIPS OR COLLABORATIONS DOES CHICO VELO HAVE TO ENCOURAGE CYCLING AS A WAY OF LIFE?

WHAT PROGRAMS OR INITIATIVES DOES CHICO VELO OFFER TO PROMOTE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE CYCLING FOR ALL AGES?

WHAT PROJECTS ARE AIMED AT MAKING CHICO A MORE BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY?

HOW CAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET INVOLVED WITH CHICO VELO?

We promote bicycling for transportation, recreation and health through public education, advocacy and community stewardship.

Some of our most significant accomplishments include 44 years of the Wildflower Century Ride & Festival, the first-ever Butte County Gravel race, the Decide and Ride landmark at One Mile, and our Trailworks Program.

These events are a part of eco-tourism – recreational activities for people to enjoy while they are away from home. Since it is a staple, the local community expects an influx of visitors. This repeated pattern of generous and fun hospitality is what brings people back to Chico. Our events are our largest fundraisers, and they directly impact the local economy by providing advocacy and service for bicyclists, making Chico a nice place to live and visit for riders.

Safety and education. Distracted driving is always an issue, and there are so many modes of transportation that don’t all follow the same rules. We advocate for recreational spaces closed to cars, we share information regarding rules of the roads and we participate in educational series with local collaborators to teach young children about bike and road safety. .

Chico Velo coordinates with many different organizations, as our Trailworks program gives us the opportunity to also be in the trail building industry. We collaborate with the Chico Area Recreation and Park District, Butte County Public Health, California Mountain Bike Organization, North Rim Adventure Sports, Performance Bicycle, Explore Butte County, Butte County Resource Conservation District, Adventure Outings and more. For cycling to be a way of life, people need to have a reason to cycle. People ride for two main reasons: Recreation and transportation. By having a trail maintenance program, we are a tools-in-the-ground influence for civic and recreational opportunities.

Our Bike Valet offers free and secure bicycle parking. The Chico Area Recreation and Park District hires Bike Valet for its spring events, and we park at the Thursday Night Market & Saturday Farmers Market in Downtown Chico. Ride your bike to these awesome community events and don’t be weighed down by a lock.

The Chico Bike Park is one of our favorites right now, a world-class bike park for our town. There is also the E. 20th Street Overpass and the Esplanade Corridor Safety Improvement Project. The City of Chico is working really hard to get these projects finished.

Visit our website, chicovelo.org, to sign up for our newsletter or for volunteer opportunities, like Trailworks in Upper Park. Or visit www.wildflowercentury.org to volunteer at the 44th Wildflower Ride, one of Chico’s premier events.