United News Magazine: April Edition by Luis Barrera Publishing

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UNITED

Vol. 2 Ed. 4

Publicacion Unidos United Publication

News Magazine

Kim Davis and Marion Mathis: The women behind “I Care Cards”

Apr’09 Abril’09

On The Cover: Two local entrepreneurs create “I Care Cards” The story of Kim Davis and Marion Mathis. Special to United: United’s coverage of WonderCon 2009 And Where is Our Bail Out? Barrera Asks Business: Learn about Central Valley Gas Storage Plus Editorials by Ben Felt & Mike Murray Community: The Arbuckle Family Action Center, learn about the services they have to offer. The 2009 Colusa County Fair Coverage: Do you have what it takes to be Miss Colusa County? Also learn the fair entree deadlines

www.unitednewsmagazine.com

United News Magazine Published By Barrera Craigo Productions, A Community Bilingual Monthly News Magazine

Serving the Colusa, Yuba and Sutter Counties

Meet the I Care Cards Team!

UNITED

4 6 8 14 15 12

Vol. 2 Ed. 4

Publicacion Unidos United Publication

News Magazine

Small Business Showcase

Are You A Queen Candidate?

Where Is Our Bailout ?

Central Valley Gas Storage

United News Magazine By Barrera Craigo Productions April 2009 Edition

Local Economy

Published on Monday March 4th 2009

Editor & Chief

Kathy Craigo

info@unitednewsmagaazine.com Creative Director

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributors

Luis Barrera

info@unitednewsmagaazine.com

Ben

Luis

Jim

Chase

Mike

www.unitednesmagazine.com

From The Editor

Luis Barrera Creative Director

United News Magazine

Kathy Craigo

www.UnitednewsMagazine.coM

Editor, United News Magazine Hello, Here we go. I can’t believe the response we’ve had to UNITED. The community and the region have embraced the publication and stepped up to encourage Luis and me beyond our expectations. We have discovered that this simple idea of a news magazine has grown and taken on a life of its own. For that we are thankful. Thank you to all of our readers and our advertisers. Now that UNITED has become an insert in the Colusa County Sun Herald it is reaching even more people. We have now increased our printing and distributions numbers to 5,000 copies each month. In addition to the publication, Barrera Craigo Productions is stepping out in an attempt to support our fellow business people. On April 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, we will host our first Small Business Showcase. We are very excited by the enthusiasm and response we have received from the participating area businesses. We hope that the community takes this opportunity to visit with their area businesses and learn what we have to offer here. The event is free to the public and promises to be a great evening. We hope that you will join us.

Kathy Craigo, Editor & Chief Dear Editor I want to take a moment to thank the staff of UNITED for providing me and my business the opportunity to be featured in its February issue. I think it is wonderful that a news magazine is now available in Colusa, Yuba and Sutter Counties. What a great way to share information about our communities, our businesses and our events. I just wanted to let you know that since the cover page featuring my business hit the streets, I have seen a 40% increase in my cake orders. You just can’t beat a return like that when it comes to advertising. Thank you again,

Katrina Struckmeyer Sidewalk Café - Arbuckle

United news Magazine is now online

United News Magazine By Barrera Craigo Productions

Advertising ads@unitesnewsmagazine.com (530) 458.3704 United News Magazine Publishes Monthly Special Pricing Available On Contracted Advertisements

read it, download it or share it with others.

D E T I N U not another newspaper, a news Magazine!

www.UnitednewsMagazine.coM now with a circUlation oF

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AROUND TOWN 4

Plan to attend the Small Business Showcase in Colusa, APRIL 8TH Booth registrations are filling up, and there will be a lot to see at the Small Business Showcase in Colusa. The event is designed to provide the public with a look at a variety of small businesses, non-profit groups and colleges in our area; all under one roof. The Showcase will be open from 4 p.m.to 8 p.m. on April 8 at Festival Hall at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. - Admittance is free. Each of the exhibitors has been asked to provide samples, or other gifts for guests visiting their booths. From caterers to colleges, economic researchers, cake decorators, outdoors adventures, fitness centers, beauty care, home interior design, and many more items, the event promises to be a great place to browse, shop or just window shop to see what is new, what is available, and what services are being offered right in your own area. In an effort to boost the business economy, Barrera Craigo Productions is hosting the Small Business Showcase to feature as many area businesses as possible while providing a one-onone venue for the business owners to share information.

BY KATHY CRAIGO EDITOR OF UNITED

SAVE SAVETHE THEDATE DATE

Barrera Craigo Productions and its owners Luis Barrera and Kathy Craigo has made it its mission to create, design and produce events, publications and other media as an effective way of creating profitable business opportunities for its clients. “It is also our goal to assist as many area businesses as possible in promotions that will increase revenues during these hard economic times,” said Barrera. “We came up with the idea for the Small Business Showcase after a local beauty care representative stopped by our offices with samples of her products,” said Barrera. “What better way for our area businesses to show off what they have to offer, than to bring them together in one convenient location for an evening?” “What a great way for the consumers of these products and services to see what is available right here at home? For more information or to register as a Showcase vendor call (530) 458-3704. The deadline to register as a vendor is March 31, 2009.

the stuff U care about!

U Magazine by United Publication is looking for talented youth to contribute to Colusa Counties First youth oriented, youth produced publication. if U have what it takes please let us know. A special presentation by

United News MagaziNe Not another newspaper, a news magazine!

info@unitednewsmagazine.com

It is time to plan entries for the Colusa County Fair

The June 4-7 Colusa County Fair will be here before we know it said Fair CEO Carolan Meek. Entry deadlines for a number of Fair events are nearing announced Meek. The following is a list of deadlines to mark on the calendar in preparation for the fair. April 29 • All 4-H Stills (Exhibits-other than livestock. - Entry Deadline 5 p.m. May 4 • Market Rabbit & Poultry Pens - Entry & Pre-Weigh – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Breeding Stock & Feeder Animal - Entry Deadline 5 p.m. May 6 • Open & Junior Stills - Entry Deadline 5 p.m. • Feature Booths & Create a Sheep

BY KATHY CRAIGO EDITOR OF UNITED

Fair coverage

• Baked & Preserved Foods • Clothing & Textiles • Quilts & Fine Arts • Handicrafts & School Projects • Floriculture, Potted Plants, Dry & Silk Arrangements, Table & Place Settings • Ag Mechanics & Industrial Arts May 13 & 14 •Open Photography - Entry & Receiving Deadline - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 20 • Open & Jr. Ag./Horticulture & Open & Jr. Floriculture, Cut Flowers & Fresh Arrangements. • Home brewed Beer, Wine & Cordials Entry Deadline by 5 p.m.

Looking for a creative way to advertise your business? United doesn’t just offer print advertisement, we also offer sms text messaging campaigns as well as email marketing. Find out how. email us ads@unitednewsmagazine.com e in

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Applications for Miss Colusa County and Mini Miss Colusa County Available

BY KATHY CRAIGO EDITOR OF UNITED

ENTERTAINMENT

Fair coverage

Applications to register as a contestant for Miss Colusa County or Mini Mini Miss contestants must be between the ages of 9 and 12 years Miss Colusa County are now available. The applications were sent to of age. Contestants must not reach her 13th birthday on or before all Colusa County Schools June 1, 2008. She must be in March, and they are a resident of Colusa Counavailable at the Colusa ty for at least six months County Fairgrounds office prior to the pageant and as well. a resident of the State of Colusa County Fair CEO California for not less than Carolan Meek said that one year prior to the openshe encourages the young ing date of the fair. ladies in Colusa County to There is a $100 fee to enenter this year’s Mini Miss ter the Miss Colusa County or Miss Colusa County ConPageant, and a $60 fee to test. She commented that enter Mini Miss. this is an opportunity for Meek commented that this the girls not only to make is an opportunity for the new friends throughout girls not only to make new the county, but to learn friends throughout the valuable life lessons as county, but to learn valuwell. able life lessons as well. “The pageants are valued Meek also commented that traditions at the Colusa businesses or individuals County Fair,” said Meek. who sponsor contestants “We are very excited to will be included in the procontinue this tradition,” gram the evening of the she said. “We are looking individual pageants. forward to another great This is a great way for area pageant, as well as anresidents and businesses other great fair.” to promote their busiMiss Colusa County con- Pictured are 2008 Mini Miss Colusa County Mary Catherine Marsh and 2008 Miss Colusa County ness, as well as help the testants must be between Karla Marie Girimonte presenting trophies at the 2008 Colusa County Fair Demolition Derby. contestants and contribute the age of 16 and in the to the scholarship fund. 11th grade and not older “Each sponsor’s name will than 19 as of June 1, 2008. Contestants must be a resident of Colusa be announced on stage during the contestant’s various areas of County and the Sate of California for at least one year prior to the competition,” said Meek. opening of the fair. The pageant is also open to contestants living The Miss Colusa County Scholarship Pageant is not a beauty conoutside of Colusa County, but who are enrolled in a Colusa County test, but rather a program that fosters youth accomplishments, school. community service, academic achievement, and recognition for excellence.

Beduhn BuSineSS and tax ServiCe 436 Market Street ColuSa Ca 95932 (530) 458-2197 Gail A. Beduhn E.A. Owner

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Chase goes to... Wondercon ‘09

For my first “Chase Goes To” column I decided to take you on a Wonder-full Adventure. On Saturday February 28 we traveled to the beautiful San Francisco Moscone Center where WonderCon. WonderCon is an annual comic book, science fiction, and motion picture convention, held in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987. The convention was conceived by retailer John Barrett and originally held in the Oakland Convention Center, where it remained until 2003, when it moved to San Francisco’s Moscone Center. At the Center I got my press pass and I wandered with a crowd of Star Wars Jedi to the Esplanade ballroom where the meet and greets with all of the celebrities who are promoting their upcoming attractions, are held. I was rushing to get to the Moscone Center to try and catch the panel for the movie “Watchmen” but was denied entry because I was just a few minutes too late. I was deflated and

task.. More than 400 people were trying to accomplish the same goal. We were all crammed into a huge line and trying to register for their floor passes. Fortunately luck was on my side and a crewmen was letting in people who already had there passes. After hitting the floor for an hour I made my way back to the Esplanade to get a good seat for the Star Trek panel. Since I was early I got to catch the last 10 minutes of a panel for the upcoming movie “Alien Trespass”. The panel consisted of director R. W. Goodwin, and stars Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, and Dan Lauria and it was in the middle of answering guests’ questions. I went to the side, and UNITED creative director Luis Barrera sat on the floor in front of the cast and snapped of a few photos. Once the shock of walking only a few feet in front of famous celebrities wore off, I made my way to a seat so I

Stormtroopers

J.J. Abrams

BY CHASE MORGAN SPECIAL TO UNITED

entertainment

a description of an exclusive never before seen trailer that he was about to show only to the guests of WonderCon. After the mind blowing trailer J. J. entered again and started to announce the special guest panel. The first of which was producer Bryan Burke, the came writer/producer Roberto Orci. At this time I was making my way to the exit because I was disappointed in the panel so far, and halfway to the doors J. J. announced his next guest to be Zoë Saldana which I wasn’t too impressed with. I hurried to make my 2:30 p.m. exit deadline, and as I put my hand on the door handle J. J. introduced his next panel member; Heroes star, Zachary Quinto. I stopped in my tracks, turned on a dime and yelled “NO WAY!” I ran up the isle to try and snap a few photos but Luis beat me to it. After the roar of the crowed died down J. J. brought out the one and only Chris Pine, and the roar began again with 10 times more intensity. A few more pictures and I was out the door. I spent all day and all of my earnings trying to track down a select few issues of Superman, and in all of the commotion I just happen to stumble upon a simple little comic book vendor known as “All Discount Comics”. The owner was a polite man who was very knowledgeable and generous when it came to his comics. All in all it was a great adventure. I met a bunch of really nice people and a few strange ones, but it was fun all the same. This was my first experience of WonderCon and it is nice to know that once a year there is a place where I can meet people who share my interests in comics and super heroes.

United’s Chase! upset to say the least when I spotted two crazed fans of Star Wars dressed as Stormtroopers so I asked if I could take a picture with them and they were more then happy to pose with me. Finally it was time to make my way onto the vendor floor. This was no easy

Eric McCormack

could catch the next panel. Now the moment I was salivating over for the previous few days had finally arrived, the Star Trek panel was about to begin. The first person that we saw was J. J. Abrams. He walked out and the air buzzed with excitement as he gave

Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto

READ MORE OF CHASE’S ADVENTURE AT WONDERCON, PLUS SEE ALL THE OTHER CELEBRITIES HE ENCOUNTERED ONLINE AT OUR WESITE WWW.UNITEDNEWSMAGAZINE.COM

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ON THE COVER 8

I Care Cards, providing a message of hope, care and concern

By Kathy Craigo, United Editor

From Left to Right Kim Davis & Marion Mathis ÂŠ 2009 Luis Barrera Photography Design

The simple act of setting off to buy a card for a friend diagnosed with breast cancer resulted in two Colusa County women launching a line of specialized greeting cards. Not only is it a new enterprise for the women, it has become a vehicle for breast cancer research fundraising. Now the cards are in production and the two women, Kim Davis and Marion Mathis not only design and market the cards; they are donating a portion of the profits to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Susan G. Komen for the Cure). Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is an organization supporting breast cancer research. Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised over $1 billion for research, education and health services, making it the largest breast cancer charity in the US. Komen has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide — 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and three in other countries. Davis said she recognized a need for the type of card their newly formed company, I Care Cards L.L.C. provides when she went to purchase a card for friend diagnosed with breast cancer. “This was the third or fourth friend to receive such a diagnosis in a year’s time,” she said. “I thought I’d stop and pick up a card for her, but I found there just wasn’t a card that really expressed to a woman what she is going through and how you want to show them support and that you care,” she recalled.

“We decided on the approach of each stage of a woman’s treatment and the phases and feelings she goes through” Davis said she thought of her friend Marion and called her with the idea of designing breast cancer greeting cards. “Marion said lets do it, and we began planning,” said Davis. The women discussed the plan a few more times deciding on what types of cards they should produce, the size, and the messages to include. “We decided on the approach of each stage of a woman’s treatment and the phases and feelings she goes through,” said Davis. The women began to write the cards’ messages for each phase of treatment. For example the message at diagnosis reads; “During this troubling time, please know that I am thinking of you. I understand you are frightened, but you are too strong to let this diagnosis keep you down. There are many people who care about you and want to support you.” Davis and Mathis each had a collection of photos they had taken over the years and it was from those photos they selected scenes of nature that they felt conveyed a calming message as well.

Each pink framed card bears the photo with a strategically placed pink ribbon somewhere in site on one side and the message of encouragement on the back side of the card. The postcard-type cards come with pink envelopes and are packaged together in sets of five cards tied together with me to an end..... our treatments have co Y ribbon. The cards were created for phases of breast cancer including diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and recovery. There is also a blank card for the times when the sender prefers to write a personal message. Davis and Mathis have taken a handson approach to the development and ….. production of the cards. They write the It’s wonderful to hear messages, select and scan the photos and send them to the printer. They then package the cards themselves. As an introduction to the cards, Davis and Mathis attended a number of breast cancer fundraising events. They donated to the events when setting up a path to recovery….. table to sell their cards. Another step down the They have just finished a website as well. View more information at www.icarecards.net. Davis said that she and Mathis don’t know where this venture may lead, but that they are hoping to provide a time….. During this troubling product that will not only bring a sense of peace to women battling breast cancer, give the people who love them an opportunity to express their care and concern, and provide a financial support to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Learn More about i care cards by visiting their web site www.icarecards.net You can also find a link from our website at www.unitednewsmagazine.com

Thinking of you…..

Don’t Miss The

Colusa Small Business Showcase What better way to see the many products and services being offered right here in Colusa County? – Come and see firsthand what Colusa Area Businesses can provide. From Caterers to Colleges and all types of other businesses They are all under one roof for your convenience Come for an hour or for the evening Visit one of the local food vendors on site for dinner!

FREE ADMISSION - FREE PARKING SAMPLES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ColusA smAll Business showCAse ColusA County FAirgrounds April 8th 2009 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

*Plan to attend* Food • Fun • Information • Samples You can also read more about the showcase on the March Edition of

For more information or to register as a Showcase vendor call (530) 458-3704. The deadline to register as a vendor is March 31, 2009.

Free Admission! Free Parking! Colusa County’s United News Magazine on stands Now!

A Barrera Craigo Production “Colusa County’s own stimulus team”

www.barreracraigo.com

United news mAgAzine Not another newspaper, a news magazine!

www.unitednewsmagazine.com

KNow your local business

Barrera Craigo Productions offering more services Barrera Craigo Productions, Colusa County’s own Stimulus Team is branching out in a number of areas. Having successfully launched UNITED, a the news magazine serving Colusa, Sutter and Yuba Counties, the team, Luis Barrera and Kathy Craigo is now in the development stages of U Magazine, a publication geared toward the interests of a younger audience. U Magazine by UNITED will feature items of interest to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. Like UNITED, the U Magazine will welcome contributors of news items, articles and columns for consideration. On April 8, 2009, Barrera Craigo Productions is hosting a Colusa Small Business Showcase at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. This event will provide an opportunity for the public to take a look at the many businesses and services available in our area.

Barrera Craigo Productions in collaboration with the programmers at The Luis Barrera Design Studio now offers website design and maintenance. As of March 11, UNITED Magazine is inserted monthly in the Colusa County Sun Herald as well as continuing onsite availability at Colusa, Sutter and Yuba County locations. Its total circulation has grown to 5,000. Barrera Craigo Productions’ mission statement reads; “To create, design and produce events, publications and other media as an effective way of creating profitable business opportunities for its clients.” “It is also our goal to assist as many area businesses as possible in promotions that will increase revenues during these hard economic times,” said Barrera.

Luis Barrera PhotograPhy 430 Market Street, Suite D Colusa California 95932 photo@luisbarrera.com www.luisbarrera.com

KNow your local ORGANIZATIONS

The Arbuckle Family Action Center

City of Colusa

Heritage Preservation Committee

SPANISH

El Centro de Acción de Familia de Arbuckle ofrece una variedad de programas y servicios gratuitos para ayudar a los miembros de la comunidad incluyendo: Asistencia de tarea después de la escuela para los niños, La academia de niños, USDA distribución de comida en arbuckle y en grimes, Clases de Ingles (ingles como segundo idioma), Clases de Diploma de Educación General, Clases de Computación, Clases de Nutrición, Clases de Crianza de los hijos, y asistencia de aplicaciones. Para más información por favor de llamar al (530) 476-0822. El Centro de Acción de Familia de Arbuckle y el Centro de Acción de Familia de Williams se an juntado para ser El Centro de Acción de Familia del Condado de Colusa, 501(c)(3) organización sin ganancias. Los dos centros están en apoyo por las becas recibidas por los Primeros 5 de Colusa y La Fundación Comunitaria del condado de colusa. También están asociadas con varias agencias a través del condado de colusa.

ENGLISH

The Arbuckle Family Action Center and the Williams Family Action Center have joined together to become The Family Action Centers of Colusa County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Both programs are supported by grant funds received from First 5 Colusa, and the Community Foundation of Colusa County. They also work in partnership with many agencies throughout Colusa County. Both Centers offer a variety of free programs and services. Some of the programs now being offered at The Arbuckle Family Action Center to help local community members include: After School Homework Assistance, Kids Academy School Readiness Programs in Arbuckle and in Grimes, USDA Food Distribution in Arbuckle and in Grimes, English as a Second Language Classes, General Education Diploma Classes, Computer Classes, Nutrition Classes, Parenting Classes, and health application assistance. For more information, please call 476-0822.

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Great things happen when dedicated community members volunteer their time and talents to make the world a better place. This is especially true for the educational programs delivered by our office to the citizens of Colusa, Sutter & Yuba Counties. The University of California provides highly trained disciplinary or commodity experts to plan and develop appropriate educational venues for the community but much of the actual responsibility for program delivery falls on often unseen and under-appreciated volunteers. A few examples will illustrate my point: 4-H/Youth Development- This program engages our young people in organized activities that teach life skills and positive citizenship experiences. The program direction is provided by UC paraprofessionals called Program Representatives, but the content and project information are provided by community volunteers. So, if a local 4-H club wants to learn about photography, someone from the community, with those skill sets, needs to express an interest in providing a photography project. This is consistent with the 4-H philosophy: The program belongs to the community and they are responsible for developing appropriate youth experiences. The University is available to interpret policies or identify sources of curricula, but the ultimate success of the program is the responsibility of the community.

GOOD TO KNOW

Free Tax Help is Available

VITA, MYFTB Account, and Free Online California Tax Filing Open for Business Sacramento -The Franchise Tax Board today announced that plenty of free tax assistance is available this tax season, both in-person and online. There are over 1,000 help centers statewide with Volunteer

Preparadora de Impuestos & Consultante de Emigracion

Luz Robles

Te puedo ayudar en rembolsos rapidos, traducciones y formas para el INS

BY MIKE MURRAY SPECIAL TO UNITED

AG & ECONOMICS

The Power of One— Volunteers Rock Our World!

Master Gardeners- Effective April, 2009, a new educational program will be available in Colusa (and has been long-established in Sutter & Yuba Counties). The Master Gardener’s are community members who have gone through an intensive 16 week training to obtain the skills to answer community gardening or landscaping questions. This has the dual benefit of freeing the UC academic advisors to concentrate on issues related to commercial agriculture, and assure that the home gardeners are having a rewarding and productive experience. Commercial agriculture- One of the primary responsibilities of this office is assisting local agriculture remain competitive and profitable. This is often accomplished through conducting applied research projects in local commercial production fields. These solutions are often rapidly assimilated by producers, as the work was done under local environmental and growing conditions that the producers can relate to. This situation requires very patient grower cooperators, as the research often requires “special” treatments, separate operations and yield harvest operations. Without these dedicated volunteers we would miss learning opportunities that advance our agricultural sector. If I have whetted your appetite to raise your hand and volunteer, or you would like additional information, we may be reached at (530) 458-0570 (Colusa) or (530) 822-7515 (Sutter/Yuba). Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs providing free, easily accessible help with tax form preparation through April 15. Some sites offer services in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. “We want to make sure taxpayers get every credit available to them,” said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang. “The federal Earned Income Tax Credit alone is worth thousands of dollars to working families, and yet one quarter of all eligible taxpayers miss out on that money each year.” State Controller Chiang’s office offers free tax preparation to low income families every year. Taxpayers can make appointments in Sacramento by calling 916.445.2636.

Colusa County Economic Development Corporation is the “Front Door to the Community”

Show your support for your community businesses by becoming a member of the Colusa County EDC. Together we can insure the expansion and retention of the Colusa County businesses we already have while preparing for the economic turn-around in the future. Together we can support one another and our local governments (City Councils and County Supervisors) to see us through these times. We are able to provide Grant searches and assist with business development. For More Information Contact

Porfavor de hacer cita llamando al (530) 437-2239 480 Poundstone Street Grimes California

Colusa County EDC at 2963 Davison Court PO Box 1077 Colusa, CA 95932 (530) 458-3028

BY BEN FELT SPECIAL TO UNITED

LOCAL ECONOMY

EDC Insight

It is hard to believe that this great nation is in the mess that it is in. Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves. Some people believe that the government will come to our rescue. Others believe that the government caused this wreck. I believe that we must believe in ourselves. There is a need to recover the spirit, enthusiasm, and optimism in this Country, County, and Community. In order to do that, we need not focus on the problems of world, nation, or state, but should instead direct our attention to the opportunities available right here in Colusa County. Whether you are young or old makes no difference. Whether you just lost your job or have never had a job makes no difference. We all have things that we would like to do, should do, or must do. New and innovative ideas come from what we see and do the most. So, go out and create your own job. Think of something that you can do better than others can. Make something work better. Turn that hobby into a business. Silk screen that graffiti onto a shirt. Organize a friendly competi-

tion into a fund-raiser. Sell your pencil sketches of the historic buildings in town. Fix what is broken. Offer to help as an apprentice to learn a new trade. For those of you that want something better, now is the time to make it happen. Now is the time to follow your dream. There are many opportunities out there, but to find them requires determination and persistence. If you are motivated, there are people, organizations, service providers, and other resources within our community that are available to help you through this process. Please feel free to contact the Colusa County Economic Development Corporation and / or the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce at 530-458-3028 for more information. Remember, it is people like you, the entrepreneurs and small business owners young and old, who will get this country out of the current mess it is in, and make it strong. Besides, what have you got to lose? If it doesn’t work out, you are no worse off than when you started!

HAVE AN OPINION? WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? LET US KNOW! INFO@UNITEDNEWSMAGAZINE OR CALL US AT (530) 458.3704

For information on the more than 1,000 VITA locations throughout California, visit ftb.ca.gov and click on the free filling assistance link. Taxpayers can also access a number of resources online at FTB’s home page, including: · E-file your tax return for free using ReadyReturn. Qualified taxpayers have a completed tax return ready and waiting for them. · CalFile, California’s free and direct e-file program available to more than 6 million taxpayers. It is available in both English and Spanish. · Use MyFTB Account to check for estimated tax payments, recent payments made to your balance due or to look up your California wage and withholding information. Set up email reminders for estimate tax payments.

· Make your tax payment online through Web Pay or a credit card. · Check the status of your tax refund. · Apply for an installment payment plan. · Find answers to frequently asked questions. · Get tax forms and publications. One last tip: not everyone has to file. Each year we get thousands of tax returns from people who have no filing requirements. We base our filing requirements on income amounts and exemption credits. For 2008, you will generally not have to file if: ·The taxpayer is single or head of household and your total income was less than $14,845. · The taxpayer is married with total income of less than $29,690.

Not Another newspaper, A News magazine!

www.unitednewsmagazine.com

I Care Cards

Breast Cancer Greeting Cards Designed by Kim R. Davis & Marion C. Mathis

Breast cancer greeting cards especially designed in packs of five with matching envelopes to tell that someone special that they are in your thoughts. Each pack includes a card for diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery. There is also a blank card to personalize your own special message. To order, please visit us online at

www.icarecards.net

La Plazita Mexican Bakery • Tortilla Factory

Mexican Specialties • Public Notary Translations • Electronic Money Transfers • Mejico Express • Airline Tickets to Mexico

787 Plumas Street Yuba City, CA 95991

Phone: (530) 671-5590 Fax: (530) 671-2435 Juan & Debbie Porcayo Owners Monday to Friday 9:30am - 7:00pm Saturday 8:30-3:00pm Closed on Sundays

COLUSA INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTIES

Donations Appreciated

Business Consulting & Grant Writing

• Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund • Colusa Mural Project Fund • Lenard Green Sr Scholarship Fund • Eddie Johnson’s Heart Disease Fund

Serving Colusa County & Northstate Agri-Business 50 SUNRISE BOULEVARD COLUSA, CA 95932 (530) 458-2118 - Fax: (530) 458-2110 Email: ehulbert@cipcorp.com

Telephone

530.476.3885

Post Office Box 871 Arbuckle, California 95912 www.communityfoundationcolusacounty.org Respect the past • enRich the futuRe • staRt today

2967 Davison Court, STE C Colusa, CA 95932 (530) 458-4222 bfelt@economicoutreach.com cwhite@economicoutreach.com

OPINION

Our Bailout is in our Wallets

Yet again today I heard the news of another corporation that is going under, giving away the bail out money, that we as taxpayers gave them, for million dollar bonuses. How? The last time my small business came in the negative numbers I didn’t give out a huge bonus to myself for not making money. Did you? Unfortunately there won’t be any bailouts for design studios, coffee houses or restaurants in Colusa California. Yet, it doesn’t mean that our communities’ small businesses have to go under. Even when the economy is in a depression we are still spending money to buy needed items; we have to. So why not help each other? Now is the time start buying local and supporting our small businesses. Let’s stop talking about it and do it. I see photos and hear stories of another Colusa County, not too long ago; One that had ice cream parlors, clothing boutiques, multiple restaurants and locally own and operated banks. How awesome that must have been to live in a town with everything you needed. Yet, at one point we chose to stop going to the ‘drive ins’ and chose to go to the ‘drive thru’s’. We were sold the idea of bigger is better and we abandoned our small businesses for big box stores with cheaper prices and cheaper product quality. We supported these business that paid minimum wages to their employees, our neighbors. We bought from them and stopped supporting our small town America. As a result we supported other countries, where the products were imported from. Did you hear the largest big box store actually made millions

BY LUIS BARRERA CREATIVE DIRECTOR

My Opinion

more than last year? Did you also hear that it actually also cut jobs? They made money and cut jobs? What if our locally own and operated grocery stores made millions more this year than last? Do you think they would cut jobs? I don’t. We have the power to change our local economy for the better, now, today. As consumers we need to stop going to these ungrateful large chain stores/restaurants and start supporting our local business. We can improve our schools and communities by helping increase the business that is done here. As small businesses we need to realize we have an advantage over the large chains. We are small! Yes that is an advantage. We have fewer products to move, we don’t have some of their huge overheads. We can create new products or services for our clients as we see fit. Ask your customers; what don’t you get in this county that you wish you could? See what they say, see how you can offer it. Think of it this way; we are sailboats, with the ability to change direction with a short notice. Think of them as a large cruise liner. How long does it take for them to change course? Yes, as small boats we feel the roar of the seas more and many times it can take us down, yet we can more easily get ourselves back in the race, especially with help from others in our community. Think of this “recession” as an opportunity to grow your business, to expand and provide new services. To shop local or create your own job you recently lost. We can all go further if we help one another. We can improve the way we live and where we live by thinking twice were we spend our hard earned dollars.

UNITED NEWS MAGAZINE IS LOOKING FOR CONTRIBUTORS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18-30. IF YOUR INTERESTED CONTACT US INFO@UNITEDNEWSMAGAZINE OR CALL US AT (530) 458.3704

Nicor Developing Central Valley Gas Storage in Colusa County Nicor Enerchange, a subsidiary of Illinois-based Nicor Corporation, is in the initial stages of developing an underground natural gas storage field in a proposed site located south of Princeton in Colusa County. Prior to this proposed project, the location was a depleted field that produced natural gas until the 1980s. The development of this type of facility takes time and requires that stages of the project to be completed in a certain order. Nicor is currently in the process of negotiating with landowners to finalize gas storage rights, and pipeline rights of way. The next stages of the process include obtaining land

BY JIM KIEFER SPECIAL TO UNITED

BUSINESS

rights, setting up public information meetings and applying for necessary permits. Once the procedural objectives have been met, construction could begin. If all goes as planned the new facility, which will be called Central Valley Gas Storage, could be in operation as early as 2010 and provide work for six to eight full-time employees. The goal is to have the new facility designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with all county, state, and federal environmental and natural gas safety standards. Nicor is one of the largest natural gas storage operators in the country, and has operated similar fields for over 50 years.

DO YOU KNOW OF A GREAT COVER STORY FOR UNITED? ARE YOU THE NEXT GREAT COVER? LET US KNOW!

United News Magazine is now Online www.unitednewsmagazine.com

read it, download it or share it with others.

D E T I N U Not Another newspaper, A News magazine!

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INFO@UNITEDNEWSMAGAZINE OR CALL US AT (530) 458.3704

Operating safe and reliable storage fields for over 50 years

Colusa Rewards members will be eligible for Hot Seat Drawings everyday of the week from April 1st - 15th!

ALL INCLUSIVE

April 1st - 15th Every 100 points earned on your Colusa Rewards Card gets you a Ticket.

Includes deluxe room, two custom embroidered robes, champagne with two collectors glasses, $25 meal credit in any food outlet and $10 credit in the gift shop.

Colusa Casino Resort will pay the tax on your Buffet ALL DAY!

That’s Right... Steak and Eggs, Steak Sandwich or Steak and Fries ALL KIDS 12 and under eat FREE!

Beer and Wine Specials all day for

$1.40!

Beer and Drink Specials for

$1.40!

5 Special Entrees which include soup or salad.

Plus a Special Tax Relief Dessert!

Su Supe Super uper per p er Game er Game me Show S Sho how

Western Rib Eye Steak Special April 27 - 29 at 7pm

$9.99 12oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak with Bread & Butter, Soup or Salad, Vegetables & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Colusa Rewards members join us for a chance to win cash and prices like Hotel Stays, Show Tickets, Dinner at Wintun, Seasons, and Jack’s, and other GREAT PRIZES each night starting at 7pm in Jack’s Lounge & Grille.

$1000

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530-458-8844 • www.colusacasino.com

We’re Easy to find! • On Hwy. 45, Just 3 miles North of Colusa