United News Magazine July by Luis Barrera Publishing

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UNITED

Vol. 2 Ed. 7 NEWSMAGAZINE

Colusa County

Kaylee Starr Poppinga:

colusa teen star on the rise

July’09

On The Cover: Chase Morgan interviews Kaylee Starr Poppinga. The talented teen tells United about her upcoming plans. Special to United: United’s Alexz Miller gives us a recap of last month’s fair and tell us all about our new “Queens” Community: Colusa’s Certified Farmers Market is open for business. Learn when and where. ALSO: Ben Felt give us this month’s EDC Insight Chase Morgan’s “What grinds my gears” +Plus: What are the benefits of a “hot stone” massage? Wendy Conley explains.

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United News Magazine Published By The Luis Barrera Agency. A Community Monthly News Magazine

Exclusively Serving Colusa County

4 6 8 5 10

What Grinds My Gears!

EDC

INSIGHT

Community Garden, Certified Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market Opening in Colusa

United News Magazine July 2009 Edition

: r Recap

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Colusa County Edition

Chase Morgan Luis Barrera, Co-Creative Director editor & Chief luis@unitedsnewsmagazine.com chase@unitedsnewsmagazine.com

Published By

Become a contributor! for more information email us at info@unitednewsmagazine.com you could be on our next edition.

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

KAYLEE

STARR

Vol. 2 Ed. 7 NEWSMAGAZINE

Fai

POPPINGA

UNITED Colusa County

Luis Barrera

www.unitednewsmagazine.com

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Luis

Chase

Alexz

Wendy

Ben

OUr OFFICE 430 Market Street, Suite D Colusa California 95932

From The Editor

United news Magazine is now online

Editor, United News Magazine

read it, download it or share it with others.

www.UnitednewsMagazine.coM

Luis Barrera

Hey There! So as some of you might know, we work on the Magazine usually a month ahead. I’m actually writing this letter from Mexico! I had to take a quick trip to take care of some business. While I have been here I have had some revelations. One of them is, there is no such thing as the Swine Flu. Being Mexican, I have a large extended family and neither of them or their friends or other families have or know of anyone who has or had this flu. What I have heard from people around here is how during this “swine flu” scare, the Mexican government has come closer to passing a law that would legalize and allow any citizen to carry small amounts of methamphetamines and other illegal drugs. Yep, if this law passes it will allow people to carry drugs with them with no consequences. I find this awfully similar to when during our 9/11 scare our government passed the now infamous “Patriot Act”. Even though I know the Mexican government has always been somewhat corrupted it still surprises me that the people living in Mexico, don’t stand up 1 for col. by 3 1/2 inches their rights. I think that’s what makes the U.S. a little different. Even when there is corruption whether in our Federal, State, Local or small community organizations, As the Colusa County fair came to an end we always stand up for what is right and never I had time to reflect on what it is like as young are just silence about it. So here is to always adult growing in Colusa. Generic giftsupgot youAs a child the fair was the standing up for what is right and calling down? Well, up year. Back then the fair most exciting eventwake of the whole foul play when we see it. your inner gifting genius! Well,Happy wake seemed to be endless hours of fun and food. As the years go by 4th of July to all. Don’t I have gift ideas that are havetake gift I have been stricken with a bit of nostalgia. So I returned to my happy your rights, liberty anything but blah. Gifts childhood stomping ground, where I have realized that there just isn’t that h. Gifts girls and freedom to speak girls adore. Gifts guys much for a young adult to do,have. besides riding mechanical bull and watching Any for budget. granted. gotta Anythe budget. the bands perform. Don’t getAny me wrong, I had a blastAny at thetime. fair, but I feel that there is occasion. ere to make I’m tohere toand make yourforward life to seeing some an age where you stop looking forward the rides start looking easier! Just ask! familiar faces. The fair also use to be a celebration of the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. A time where you could re-invent yourself for the coming school year with new clothes and a fresh start. Now I look back on those days with green eyes of envy, where the biggest thing that I had to worry about was, what teachers I was going to have and if I wanted pens, or pencils. AndName those carefree Consultant ‡ times are repress ‡ sented in the first week of June when the fair once again comes into town. So now that the fair has come and gone I’m left Independent Beauty Consultant ‡ ® Personal feelings of nostalgia, Web and a few more‡pounds. Marywith Kay Site

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Tel: 530.458.5525

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D E T UNI not another newspaper, a news Magazine!

www.UnitednewsMagazine.coM Dear Editor

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Thank you for featuring me on your June cover. theof I haveMaKing receivedita one greatoFdeal positive feedback from the in largest pUBlication photos and from the story. colUsa coUntY! I appreciate the time you took to make sure the photos came out just right, and I also appreciate the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the Colusa County Fair and the fact that I am truly working my dream job. Sincerely, Carolan Meek CEO Colusa County Fair.

Gift-giving greatness. Generic gifts got you down? Well, wake up your inner gifting genius! I have gift ideas that are anything but blah. Gifts girls adore. Gifts guys gotta have. Any budget. Any occasion. Any time. I’m here to make your life easier! Just ask!

Jean M Charter Consultant Name ‡ 1.800.644.9539 Independent Beauty Consultant jmcharter@marykay.com Mary Kay® Personal Web Site ‡ www.marykay.com/jmcharter Phone Number ‡

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

‡

530.476.3885

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

What Grinds My Gears!

ONLY IN UNITED 4

BY CHASE MORGAN UNITED NEWS STAFF

EVENTS

The Economy

Because of the deteriorating economy I’m not able to buy a car by myself, because I don’t have established credit. To get established credit, I have to get a loan or a credit card. To get a loan or a credit card you need to have ESTABLISHED CREDIT! It is a never ending circle of reasons why I can’t get ahead in the world. Do you know what really grinds my gears?

College

When you were growing up did you ever hear this line: “You can be what ever you want to be.” Well in my experience that isn’t the whole truth. The saying should go, “You can be what ever you want to be, if you have enough money to pay for a good college!” I went online to try to see if there was a college in California, that offered a course on Greek mythology. After about two hours of looking through endless sites with a slight relation to the words, Greek or mythology, I stumbled on

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

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a college site that offered four courses on Greek mythology. Finally! I went to the homepage to see how much it would cost to go to this college and I found out two things. First is that the campus is in Rhode Island. Second is that to attend this college for one semester was going to cost $35,000! I was extremely disappointed, to say the least. Do you know what really grinds my gears?

Movie Rental Stores

This is not against any store in particular. What really grinds my gears is when I take the time to go to a movie rental store, I am all worked up about finally seeing a movie, and when I get to the store the movie is OUT! Why even try. I think that every rental store should have a calling service. One person should call you when your movie is in so that you don’t have to waste your time. If the store is going to promote a certain movie on their windows, then they should have that movie in stock. And THAT’S what REALLY grinds my gears!

SUBMITTED TO UNITED NEWS MAGAZINE

OUR COMMUNITY

Community Garden, Certified Farmers’ Market Opening in Colusa

Lynda Reynolds, is happy to show off the garden plots at the Business & Visitors Center.

In labors of love, and watchful expectation, gardeners have been watching their crops at the Community Garden located at the Colusa County Business and Visitors Center (BV &C). The Center, located at Colusa Industrial Properties (CIP) opened the project to gardeners earlier this spring. The project is the brainchild of Lynda Reynolds, chair of the Colusa County Economic Development Corporation, also located at the BV&C. She said she wanted to do something to draw attention to the center and get people to pull off the road to see what is there. “I read about the soil-less gardening, and became very interested in growing vegetables and flowers in the cinderblock garden beds,” she said. BV&C executive secretary Melanie Jacobs caught the gardening bug as well and has pitched in to help. “She’s the best,” said Reynolds. The women have become very excited with the project as it has gained momentum and other people and groups have started to show interest. “We’ve had a lot of interest in this,” said Reynolds. “People have been very generous.” “We have had a lot of help and donations just to get started,” she added. CIP donated the land, Premier Mushroom brought

in the compost, Tri Star Brick and Block provided the cinder blocks at cost and donated four huge rolls of landscaping cloth. Ed Tucker donated the delivery of the cinder block and Williams Ready Mix donated the delivery of the redwood mulch. Onsite, John James and Jake Kley have donated labor. “We partnered with the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce for supplies, and Colusa County One Stop and BV&C have each donated three picnic tables,” said Reynolds. “Of course we are still taking donations,” she said. “I’d really love to see a fountain out here.” There are sixteen 4x16 cinderblock garden spots to begin with. Reynolds said at this time all of the gardeners aside from her and Jacobs are men. She also added that because of the design of the garden plots, they can also be handicap accessible. They can be designed on a level that individuals in wheelchairs could easily garden in them. She added that there is space for additional gardens, and the supplies are available at BVC.. “These plots are seasonal or year around gardening sites. We rent then for $25 a year, but we are flexible. Some people are paying less than $2 a month.” “We have some men who come out here two and three times

a day. They watch their crops and take care of them. It is great to watch,” she said. The community garden is a place for people to grow their own vegetables. Another reason Reynolds wanted to develop this project is the economy. “We need to go back to the basics and growing our own food is one of those things we once did,” she said. Nestled among the other garden plots is the ‘vandals’ garden. The Vandal’s Garden is to deter vandals from helping themselves to the “fruits and veggies” of the other plots. The produce in that plot is free for the taking. The Community Garden is a project on its own, but as an added draw, beginning on June 1, there the will be a weekly certified Farmers Market each Monday evening. “We have a number of certified gardeners coming to sell,” said Reynolds. “We are very excited about the progress we have made with our community garden, and we are very pleased by the response of our certified gardeners supporting this effort,” she added.

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KAYLEE STARR POPPINGA

ON THE COVER

home town teen on her way to stardom

By CHASE MORGAN, CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR

KAYLEE POPPINGA ON LOCATION IN COLUSA COUNTY

Kaylee’s Photos Provided by

“My dad was in a band and watching his shows really inspired me”

Colusa County teen Kaylee Poppinga is a very ambitious, up and coming singer and all around entertainer. Poppinga got her drive to sing from her dad “...He was in a band and watching his shows really inspired me” said Poppinga. Poppinga started singing at age six. “The first time my parents actually found out that I could sing, I was singing “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crowe.” Ever since that day, Poppinga has been striving to be the best at what she loves. Poppinga has always been in the spotlight. In 2004 she was Colusa Mini Miss. She fell in love with performing in 2005 when she was cast as Wendy in her first musical, “Peter Pan”. Since then she has been cast in many lead roles, such as Jasmin in “Aladdin”, Mulan in Disney’s “Mulan”, and Alice in “Alice in Wonderland”. However much Poppinga flourishes on stage her first love will always be singing. Her band Major League toured with Xtremely Amped, a intense show that has the “ultimate combination of high voltage rock and high flying [motocross] stunts! Down-time is non-existent because the live bands are constantly pumping rock favorites” Poppinga also sings in a 80’s tribute band, Ridgemont High, they perform at fairs, festivals, and corporate stages. You can look them up at www.ridgemonthighrocks.com. Poppinga is anything short of an energizer bunny; her energy amped up the room right when she walked through the door. With her smile and care-free attitude, the day was instantly brightened by her presence. Poppinga is now enrolled in Faith Christian High School, where she says that the curriculum has helped her further develop her skills. Most recently, Poppinga was cast in FCS’s musical production of Oklahoma!. Oklahoma! is based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play, “Green Grows the Lilacs”. Set in Oklahoma Territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906, it tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. In addition, Oklahoma! features musical themes, that recur throughout the work to connect the music and story more closely than any musical ever had before. Poppinga also uses her talents to give back. She recently was a part of a benefit concert for Ken Miller. The concert was at Glad Tidings Church in Yuba city. Ken has Parkinson’s disease and the concert raised money that will help him with his medical expenses. Poppinga has been working hard to find the perfect mix of doing with she loves and helping her community. In response to what her next step will be, Poppinga explained that she is currently working on her first album. “...I want to make this a career. After the album comes out, God will take over”.

She adds, “ I would love to be famous, you know. Who wouldn’t, right? If it takes me, somewhere big like Los Angeles or where ever, I’m sure that i will move there, but where ever it takes me it takes me.” Poppinga is very driven when it comes to advancing her talents, “I sing, act, and I used take dance lessons, but I stopped like 3 years ago. I can tap a little too. I’m not a terrible dancer; if you teach me I can do it.” The next step for Poppinga, in the aspect of acting, is the play “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with FCS’s summer drama program. The play will start in the middle of July. Poppinga said, “This summer will be spent at play practice, on the houseboat, performing here and there, and of course jamming with the family at home.”

Photo •InterIor •GraPhIcs See more photos from Kaylee’s Photoshoot visit our online portfolio

www.luisbarrera.com

Poppinga lives with her family in Colusa, California. The Poppinga household is full of music, but no all of it comes from Kaylee and her dad. She adds, “Kyle, my younger brother, plays guitar. My youngest brother Luke is a little drummer; he is definitely the loud one. We have played at church, but not Luke, he is seven. Kyle and I played at a Saturday night church service, which is more of a rock & roll kind of service.” When asked if she has ever encountered criticism Poppinga replied, “No criticism, not really. People make fun of my middle name, it’s Starr, but thats it.” From getting to know Kaylee for a few hours from our interview, the one thing that can be agreed on is that she is a determined young women which is something that lacking in a lot of people her age. Her determination, combined with her multiple talents and loving support of her also talented family, is a sure recipe for her to truly become a “Star”.

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EDC INSIGHT

On May 15, 2009, I attended the Colusa County Economic Development Strategic Planning Process work session conducted by Chabin Concepts, an economic development consulting firm hired by the county and two cities. Chapin Concepts will use the information it gathered in Colusa County this May to create an economic vision for Colusa County, and then refine that vision into an economic development plan, with specific actions and initiatives designed with the goal of job creation and to strengthen our local economy. This extensive study will result in a thick, three-ring binder probably called: Colusa County Strategic Action Plan: A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (or something to that effect). It will be a master plan outlining regional and local goals, strategies, and objectives for economic development within Colusa County and its two incorporated cities. This planning process will be driven by two or three key motivating factors: First, the extremely high unemployment rate within the county; Second, deteriorating and inadequate infrastructure for domestic water, storm drainage, and sewer; Third, Colusa County’s vision for a balanced economy and community, which is built upon its assets: low-density population, agricultural heritage, culture diversity, outdoor recreational opportunities, friendly businesses, I-5 and Hwy 20 corridors, safe environment, and family-oriented communities. These motivational factors will lead the consultants to conclude

BY BEN FELT SPECIAL TO UNITED

OPINION

Opinion

the following as the top three action initiatives: 1. New Job Creation through Industrial Business Development; 2. Bring all industrial sites up to “construction-ready” status and maintain infrastructure for adequate water, sewer, and drainage capacity. 3. Revitalize the downtowns in all communities to active economic centers that will draw local shoppers, visitors, and tourists. Since the county and the cities do not have the funding necessary to accomplish the above, the consultants will most likely suggest that an “Action Team of Volunteers” be created to work on these specific initiatives. No, I am NOT a visionary when it comes to this kind of stuff. I just read the “Strategic Action Plan, A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy” that our county paid Chabin Concepts to prepare back in 1999. Nothing has really changed over the past ten years. The same action initiatives need to be addressed, and our leaders, residents, and volunteers are still unable to implement effective programs for these priority initiatives. However, this is a perfect opportunity to realize that we must begin doing things differently, if we wish to achieve different results by the end of another ten year period. (Reference: “1999 Strategic Action Plan, A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy” by Chabin Concepts and the SAP Committee Members.) For additional information please call Lynda Reynolds, your volunteer CCEDC executive director at 530458-3028. By CCEDC member Ben Felt. #25

BY WENDY CONLEY SPECIAL TO UNITED

Your Health

Hot Stones

What is a Hot Stone Massage? Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release. The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat. The stones are heated in an electrical heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control. The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you. Hot stone therapy is highly detoxifying. The stones themselves actually become the tools that you use, and the heat helps to

Try

! s e n o t S the hot

relax the muscles and assimilate the circulation, allowing the toxins to come up to the surface of the skin. At the same time, you incorporate a Swedish massage technique, or Shiatsu Massage, and depending on those two, you can help to release the muscle even further because of the heat. I use probably about twenty to twenty-five stones within a session. They vary in size so you can work different areas of the body. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation. Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It’s also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure. Overall Benefits: Promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation, Alleviates stress, Releases toxins, Relieves pain, Improves circulation , and calms the mind.

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BY ALEXZ MILLER UNITED NEWS STAFF

2009 FAIR RECAP

Follow up

the new miss Colusa County

In this small community, being awarded Miss Colusa County is among the greatest honors. The 2009 Miss Colusa County pageant had 6 contestants whom all seek the same prize. The young women were scored on many attributes such as: poise, beauty, personality, speaking skills, academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement. Victoria Margarita Lopez was awarded Miss Congeniality 2009. Victoria is the daughter of Paul and Lorena Lopez. Victoria plans to go to college to major in education, become a teacher, and later become a principle. First runner-up went to Brittani Gomez. Brittani is the daughter of Kimi Kagehiro and Phillip Gomez. She is seventeen and is a senior at Colusa High School. Brittani’s current interest is Business Communications and Real Estate. The new 2009 Miss Colusa County was awarded to Anastasia Rae Cristier. Anastasia is the daughter of Richard and Annie Doyle. She recently graduated from Pierce High School. Now she plans to attend Butte College and then transfer to a four year college to be an agriculture teacher. Anastasia said, “I ran for Miss Colusa County because I want to make a positive impact and be a role model for

photos courtesy of Kathy craigo media consulting , colusa ca

younger girls. As Miss Colusa County I will be the best that I can possibly be.” Anastasia’s favorite part about the Colusa County Fair is the destruction derby. When asked about her experience running for Miss Colusa County, Anastasia responded, “I had a blast! I’m so glad I did it because I go so mush out of this experience.” Anastasia’s favorite part about the pageant was meeting and getting to know the other contestants. She would like to advise any girls who may be considering running for Miss Colusa County in the future, “ Just go for it! It’s so much more than the gilts and glamour. Is an amazing experience, so don’t pass up the opportunity.”

photos courtesy of Kathy craigo media consulting , colusa ca

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

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

Follow up

Mini Miss

Pageant

Stardust Dance brought Disneyland to the Colusa County Fair. As a preview to their up coming recital, Disneyland: one day admission, Stardust dancers preformed some of their dances. Dance instructor and owner of Stardust Dance, Jyl Perry said, “I’ve always wanted to do a Disney themed recital, and now it is finally happening.” The dances in the performance are inspired by the many attractions at Disneyland and also some of your favorite characters like Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbelle, and all the Disney princesses. The dancers came from all different age groups and performed different genres of dance, bringing something new to the stage with every performance. This recital has group dances, solo dances, and Stardust’s first every boy girl duet with Kelsey McKinley (Cinderella) and Sam Alcaraz (Prince Charming). Seven year member, Lauren Boyes said, “Stardust Dance has had a great impact on my life. Through dance I am able to express myself and have fun!” These dancers along with the others have been working hard for months to prepare for this performance and it showed. Stardust will perform their recital on June 13th with even more dances than preformed at the fair. It should be a fun and entertaining event to all who attend.

photos courtesy of Kathy craigo media consulting , colusa ca

For weeks, seven eager contests have been awaiting the 2009 Colusa County Mini Miss pageant. The girls prepared to be judged in the categories of public speaking, interview skills, talent, and poise. On Wednesday June 3, the night the girls had been dreaming of finally came, pageant night. All the contestants preformed well and put on a wonderful show. As the pageant drew to an end, a nervous and anxious smile was on every girls face while they waited for the results to be announced. The first award that was given was the friendship award. This award is special in that it is decided by the contestants. Ashley Danielle Bell was the recipient of the friendship award. Ashley is the 11-year-old daughter of Mike and Amy Bell. Ashley enjoys playing sports, scrap-booking, baking, and photography. Ashley wants to someday attend Harvard and become a lawyer. The first runner-up was Shelen Scout Boyes. Shelen is the daughter of Vance and Nancy Boyes. She is 12 years old and attends Maxwell Elementary School. Some of her hobbies are riding horses, basketball, volleyball, softball, hanging out with friends, shopping, and singing. Shelen has also taken dance class for 4 years, which

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BY ALEXZ MILLER UNITED NEWS STAFF

Disneyland in Colusa County

BY ALEXZ MILLER UNITED NEWS STAFF

Follow up

was what she preformed for her talent. Lastly, the winner was announced. Carissa Anne Cabral is the 2009 Colusa County Mini Miss. Carissa is amongst the younger contestants at the age of 10. Carissa is the daughter of Allen and Karen Cabral. She will be a 6th grader in the fall at Arbuckle Elementary School. Her hobbies include softball, basketball, riding horses and motorcycles, swimming, and reading. Carissa raised a goat for the Colusa County Fair. Along with her goat, Carissa also has a horse, 2 dogs, and 4 chickens. With all her pets, it is no surprise that Carissa one day hopes to become a veterinarian. Carissa left the audience in awe after an amazing gymnastics routine to “Walking on Sunshine.” In addition to winning the pageant Carissa also received and award in personality interview. Carissa is very excited for her rein as Colusa County’s Mini Miss 2009.

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