United Colusa County, October by Luis Barrera Publishing

FREE

UNITED

Vol. 2 Ed. 10 NEWS MAGAZINE

Colusa County

Nikki Hancock:

Shares her Secrets of Attraction

On The Cover:

.Former Colusa County reporter turned entrepreneur Nikki Hancock. What is she up to?

Special to United:

.My Mostly Unfabulous Social Life a new monthly column by United Luis Barrera.

Your Health:

Octâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;09

.Wendy explains the benefits of Essential Oils.

ALSO:

.Kathy Craigo shares her thoughts for the month.

+Plus:

.Ashley Indreiri says it is time for real solutions to real problems.

ÂŠ 2009 Luis Barrera Photography Design

www.unitednewsmagazine.com

United News Magazine Published By The Luis Barrera Agency & The Luis barrera design studio. A Community Monthly News Magazine

Exclusively Serving Colusa County

Colusa County

3 4 58 6

my mostly Thoughts unfabulous i’ve had social life

Vol. 2 Ed. 10 NEWSMAGAZINE

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: k coc n a h i nikk r e t r o p e r r forme trepreneur n e d e turn This month’s contributors

Luis

Wendy

KATHY

ashley

NIKKI

From The Editor

Luis Barrera

Editor, United News Magazine

Hello, I hope everyone enjoyed the summer. I for one am glad that fall has begun. We at United have had such a busy month. It just seemed as if September flew by in a flash. We are delighted to have Nikki Hancock on the cover this month. A lot of you might know Nikki as the former editor for the Sun Herald. She is one very multi talented entrepreneur. She has her own salon, as well as being a reputable freelance writer. We also have Nikki’s very special “Sex and the Country” column. We have a new addition to our contributors this month. Ashley Indrieri from the Family Water Alliance, she brings her insight on all of our local water issues. I’m also quite excited about my own new column “My Mostly Unfabulous Social Life” I have been so busy with new and exciting projects. I find it so fun to have an outlet to recap the month, as well as to let everyone know the exciting things that are happening around the area. Please be on the look out for United Agriculture, which will be out later this month. Have a great and safe October!

United News Magazine October 2009 Edition - Colusa County -

Luis Barrera, editor & Chief luis@unitedsnewsmagazine.com

Published By Luis Barrera

www.unitednewsmagazine.com Advertising ads@unitedsnewsmagazine.com Editorial editor@unitedsnewsmagazine.com OUR WEB ADDRESS www.unitednewsmagazine.com Our Phone

530.329.5944

Opinion

United News Magazine

Thoughts I’ve Had

has moved!...

Please feel free to contact us via email or telephone in the time being. Thanks for your support!

Contact Kathy Craigo at kcraigo66@hotmail.com.

September 3 would have been my 42nd wedding anniversary. I can’t help but wonder where we would be, what turn my life would have taken if my husband David hadn’t have passed away. My world as I know it now is far different from the life we lived in North Dakota. I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy the life I lead now, but there are moments, when I wonder. Would David have completed his master’s degree? Would we be living in some other state where he would be teaching? Would I be doing what I do now? Again I am reminded that there is a plan for each of us. There are times when I can’t help but be a little angry that David didn’t get to meet his hopes and dreams and most of all, that he didn’t live out his life. I know that he was a faithful man. I know that he is in a far better place. But there are still those times when I wish he could be here to see what

his kids and I have accomplished. I know his children miss him when they meet goals or have special events in their lives. I remember dancing with my son at his wedding and him saying; “I miss Dad”. A couple of years ago my oldest child Velvet had quilts made for her siblings Tiffany, Val and herself. Each quilt was designed with photos of the child and their dad and trimmed in motifs that match the things they each shared with their dad. There were tears that Christmas Eve, and Velvet was declared the one with the ‘best gift’ to give that year. There are moments when I know my children just wish they could share with him one more time. Life goes on for all of us. But as we come upon these milestones or what would have been a milestone, we can’t help but wonder; What if? Just a thought………………

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THIRD ANNUAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009 MEMORIAL PARK [10TH & MARKET STREET - COLUSA] PRE-REGISTRATION 9-10AM WALK BEGINS 10AM THE WALK IS

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WITH A DONATION OF: $30 you get a T-shirt or $50 you get LUNCH & T-shirt

Join us for entertainment and fun after the walk!

Drive A Derby Car!

Saturday, October 17 Colusa Firefighters Association Destruction Derby, Colusa County Fairgrounds. Purchase a raffle ticket in support of the Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund and your chance to drive the pink derby car. Drivers must be 18 years of age and must have a valid driver’s license. Contact information below is provided for raffle ticket purchases. You may also purchase raffle tickets on October 10th during the third annual breast cancer awareness walk & fundraiser. Winner will be notified by phone between 1 and 3 pm on date of derby.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT SHERRI BURNS- (530)458-2111

l RALPH NEWLIN- (530) 458-2613 l CINDY CAMPBELL- (530)458-8875

ONLY IN UNITED

sex and y r t n the cou

Are You Ready for This? I spent approximately four hours getting ready for my date with Grant. Four hours. It was more for the enjoyment of truly taking my time than needing a half a day to shower and put on makeup. I showered, shaved, used my best sugar scrub, and danced around to music all the while wondering what this was going to be like. I don’t even know this guy and I’m supposed to spend all night across a table from him making small talk? I wondered to myself. This dating thing seemed like it was going to be more trouble than it was worth. I began to almost wish I had married my first love, Joey. But then I remembered his inability to hold a job and was glad that I had ended the three-year relationship five months earlier. I decided on the short white skirt and bright pink tank top. Not too dressy, but not super casual and hopefully cool enough for a warm April night in northern California. As I made my way out to the living room of the town house that I shared with my three (male) roommates, I felt a flush of embarrassment. They had made it clear that they didn’t think I should go out with Grant but I had brushed it off like I wasn’t putting any thought or effort into it – I was just curious. Wasn’t I? It wasn’t a big deal to me. I really wasn’t interested in the guy. The first time I met him he was ridiculously drunk. He had given me his number and I had never called it. He was the one that tracked me down at my place of work to insist I give him a chance to be a gentleman and take me out and he had, in fact, asked me out three times and each time I had ended up bailing on him at the last minute. To be honest with myself I wasn’t even really sure why I had decided to go this fourth time. Maybe it was his persistence. Maybe it was curiosity. Or maybe it was me hoping ‘everybody’ was wrong. Besides, I had never been on a ‘real’ date, this was as good a time as ever to give it a try, right?

BY NIKKI HANCOCK SPECIAL TO UNITED

Opinion

Contact Nikki hancock at livelifelarge24@yahoo.com

I sat on our beat up blue couch next to my roommate’s brother, James, who also happened to be a sort of big brother figure for myself as well. After a few minutes he asked “What time is this guy supposed to be picking you up?” in the grimmest toughest voice he could muster. I got the feeling that there wasn’t a guy on earth that would meet the approval of my roommates and James as far as dating went. “Seven,” I replied, hoping that he wouldn’t notice that the clock on the VCR read 7:06. James gave me a stiff frown. It was 7:23 when we finally heard a knock at the door. As I raised up from the couch James stuck his arm out, knocking me right back down on my butt. “I’ll get the door,” he said and stomped to the front door. I held back a laugh at his cute big-brother protectiveness. My smile quickly faded when I heard the door open and James simply say, “You’re late.” I jumped up and ran to the front door to save my date from the wrath of James, embarrassed. James paused in the hall to give me a hug and said “Have fun,” then sent a dirty glance over his shoulder at the doorway before heading back to the living room. How embarrassing, for me and I’m sure Grant as well. Ugh, let’s get this over with, I thought as I continued down the hall. When I reached the doorway I was shocked and caught my breath. Grant looked good. Damn good. I didn’t quite expect the attraction I felt. I was pleased that we both seemed to be on the same page as far as our dress code went – he wore nice khaki pants and a polo dress shirt. But beneath the clothes was an air of confidence and charisma. This should be interesting, I thought as I stepped out the door… Be sure to read next month’s edition of UNITED for more of Sex and the Country. Nikki Hancock may be reached at livelifelarge24@yahoo.com.

Colusa County Welcomes… Colusa County Welcomes… Colusa County Welcomes... Internal Medicine As Internal Medicine Associ Internal Medicine Associates BY LUIS BARRERA SPECIAL TO UNITED

opinion

my mostly unfabulous social life

Venu Kondle, Venu Kondle, M.D. M.D.

Subil Go, M.D. Subil Go, M.D.

Colusa County Welcomes…

Internal Medicine Associates

Colusa County Welcomes… Venu Kondle, M.D.

Subil Go, M.D.

Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Associates Board Certified Board Certified

Venu Kondle, M.D.

Subil Go, M.D.

Contact luis barrera at luis@luisbarrera.com

Rober

Medicine InternalInternal Medicine Board Certified Board Certified

Robert Polhemus, M.D.

*Opening October 5, *Opening October 5, 2009*

Okay so I have to confesses something. As some of you might know my as flower stems promoting the jobs for The Sun Valley Group. Please, if Attention! Attention! degree is in Design not English or Journalism yet here I find my self you know anyone looking for work contact Kathy Craigo for an applicaUCPatients Davis Patients Let usyo a UC Davis -- Let us--assist month after month putting this publication together. tion as soon as possible. With that said here I go. This month I have two events that I have been working on for a long your medical TransferTransfer your medical records re Make an appointment Make an appointment I had a very ambitious past month. I first would like to thank Pierce time. One is the Hispanic Chamber’s annual dinner “Espectaculo GiInternal Medicine Internal Medicine Inte 1 col. by 3 1/2 inches 2High col. 3 1/2 inches Help with transportation Help with transportation Schoolby for the invitation to be a presenter on their first ever career/ gante” that is being hosted by Colusa Casino Resort. I would like to Board Certified Board Certified Bo college fair. It was great to be there and share my experiences with thank everyone on the Events Committee at the Hispanic Chamber for Internal Internal Medicine all the High School students interested in the field of Graphic Design all of their efforts and timeMedicine donated into the creation of thisInternal event. Medicine Accepting New Patie Accepting New Patients Board Certified October 5, for 2009* and Publishing. It was a great day and I think the PHS staff did a great Also this month,Board OctoberCertified 22nd at 4:00pm is Colusa County’sBoard BusinessCertified *Opening Call 530.458.3800 for an ap Call 530.458.3800 an appointm job at having a diverse group of business professional available for the Showcase that will take place at Exhibit Hall at the Colusa County Fair2967 Davison 2967 Davison Court Cou 5, 2009* students. grounds. The event is tailored as an avenue*Opening to bring togetherOctober Colusa Attention! CA 95932 Colusa,Colusa, CA 95932 What was also great was to see how many young professionals were County Businesses with consumers. We always hear about shopping Generic gifts got-- you UC Davis Patients Let us assist you: Attention! down? Well, wake up there. As a matter of fact, some were past PHS students. I also ran into local. This event will be the first of many efforts in the community to UC Davis Patients -- Let us assist your you: inner gifting genius!records someGeneric of my old teachers, who reminded of the silly things I did in give an incentive for consumers to really understand the services that gifts gotmeyou down? Well, wake Transfer your medical I have gift ideas that are Highup School.your One of theinner things I had forgotten about was the fact that are available throughout the county. I encourage you to come to the Make an appointment gifting genius! I have gift Transfer your medical anything records but blah. Gifts I wasideas the presidentthat of our FBLA Chapter in Pierce High School. Looking showcase and learn about all your local businesses. We will also have a Help with transportation are anything but blah. Gifts girls Make an appointment girls adore. Gifts guys back at it now I guess that was really my first introduction to the business lot of freebies and samples of many of the county’sHelp products. with transportation adore. Gifts guys gotta have. Any budget. gotta have. Any budget. world. I would like to thank our Chapter Advisor Mr. Frantz. He really Other things to look forward to this month is the launch of United: Any occasion. Any occasion. Any time. I’m here to make AcceptingAny Newtime. Patients gave us his guidance to make our chapter a great club to be a part of. Agriculture and United: Yuba-Sutter. These are just the beginning of a I’m here to make your life Accepting New Patients your life easier! Just ask! Call 530.458.3800 for an appointment. This month I have also been busy helping the Sun Valley Group with find- series of United publications many will be tailored for Colusa County, easier! Just ask! Call 530.458.3800 for an appointment. ing 100 workers for their farm in Arcata California. We have had almost Glenn County, Yuba County as well as Sutter County. I am still look2967 Davison Court Davison Court weekly meetings to share information. So far several people have been ing for contributors to these and other publications.2967 if you have an Colusa, CA 95932 CA 95932 hiredConsultant and are on their way to theName beautiful Northern say e-mail me ‡ California coast to interesting point of view or just something you’d like toColusa, Beauty start Independent their work. Working with both Kathy Consultant Craigo and The North‡Valley at info@unitednewsmagazine.com to become a collaborator in any of Consultant Name ‡ ® Personal Web Site Address ‡ Mary Kay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I know we will help get 100 Californians these new editions. As all these big projects start to come together I Independent Beauty Consultant ‡ Phone Number off unemployment. The Hispanic ‡ Chamber also had a great turn out on can’t help but look back at where and how it all began and how far the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site ‡ the Mexican Independence festival celebration this past month at the Magazine, the Studio, as well as myself have come. It seems it was just Phone Number ‡ Yuba-Sutter fairgrounds. We passed out so many applications, as well yesterday I quit my previous job to pursue what many saw as a silly idea and an unfabulous dream.

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nikki hancock

ON THE COVER

Shares her Secrets of Attraction

By: Luis Barrera, Editor & Chief

ÂŠ 2009 Luis Barrera Photography Design

"If you are fair and treat people well, you will do well. I never questioned it. I always look forward "

© 2009 Luis Barrera Photography Design A familiar face in Colusa County is one-time reporter and editor of the Colusa County Sun-Herald Nikki Hancock. Hancock is now a free-lance writer and owner of a Willows nail salon called Secrets of Attraction. While with the Sun-Herald, Hancock also worked as a nail technician at Shear Class in Williams. Although she opened her own salon in Willows, she still has clients from Williams, Colusa and Maxwell. She said she loved her job as reporter/editor at the paper and that she has a lot of good memories associated with the position. “One of my fondest memories was being allowed to go along on a marijuana raid up in the hills with the sheriff’s department. I was flattered to be asked to do that,” she said. Hancock recalled watching the helicopters removing the marijuana plants and commented that the coordination between the agencies was very impressive. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a civilian and I got some amazing photos.” she said. “Another was getting to meet Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. As a kid, I used to think he was a great actor. It was surreal to meet him in person when he came to Colusa County for a press conference on the levees a few years back.” Hancock said she misses the part of newspaper work that brings a brand new experience everyday and misses attending Colusa

County events and beyond. “I felt comfortable at every event,” she stated. “I felt comfortable with my camera and I got to meet a lot of very interesting people.” When the Sun-Herald (Tri-County Newspapers) was bought out by a larger group, she decided that working for a big corporation was not what she wanted to do. That is when she decided to open her own business. She put herself through college doing nails. She said that opening the salon just seemed like the best and most logical next step for her. She is still writing and has a few books in the works: a children’s book, one about her 25 roommates and another about her grandfather who she lost this year. “Even though the economy is bad, it is still important to feel good about yourself. A pedicure, manicure or tan can do a lot for your self esteem. People can’t afford to travel as much, but they can still tan at a salon,” she said. “There’s a huge difference between journalism and doing nails.” she said, but she most definitely loves her work at the salon. “We laugh all day and most people leave the salon with a smile on their face and at the end of the day I still have energy to write.” She added that wanting to pursue her writing was another reason

Plan to attend

for her departure from journalism. At the Willows location she has two hairdressers, one of which offers color perms. “We have a color specialist that comes up once a month from Granite Bay. She brings experience and a modern technique that are hard to find.” She said. The salon also provides waxing services and two tanning beds. Hancock offers all forms of nail care: acrylic pedicures, a full range of 10 pedicures and manicures. She uses glitter acrylic and makes her own line of acrylics as well, which consists of nearly 300 different colors. She makes her own acrylic blends available to not just her clients, but provides them for other nail technicians as well. Nikki said that her vast array of custom colors comes in handy when clients are wanting to have their nails coordinated with a wedding theme or prom dress. Hancock said the Willows community was very supportive and welcomed her and her business with open arms when she opened. When asked what advice she would give someone thinking about going into business for themselves, Hancock simply stated: “follow your heart and your dreams.” “There are 18 salons in Willows and people thought it was crazy for me to open, but I’m a positive thinker.” Said Nikki. She closed by saying “If you are fair and treat people well, you will do well. I never questioned it. I always look forward.”

FREE event for the public! Thursday October 22nd 2009 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Colusa County Showcase

Colusa County Fair Grounds Main Exhibit Hall

Local businesses under one roof. Come and get free samples! Presented by:

UNITED News magazine

Endorsed by:

Sow your future, grow your The North Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce knowledge, and show your diploma! The Colusa County Chamber Of Commerce

SBDC Colusa County EDC

Essential Oils

YOUR HEALTH

B WENDY BY BEN CONELY FELT SPECIAL TO UNITED

Your Health

Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs. While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that smells good. The natural properties found in essential oils produce a soothing, uplifting effect on the mind and emotions. When an oil containing the optimum level of therapeutic constituents is diffused or applied topically, the result fosters a sense of emotional balance and well-being. Using Essential Oils The following methods are some of the most common and ideal ways to use essential oils and experience their health-enhancing benefits:

*Inhilation: Inhaling essential oils heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body. When the aroma of essential oils is inhaled, the scent travels to the reticular system of the brain stem where emotions and memories are connected. This enables essential oils to improve emotional wellness in many ways. Those haunted by negative memories can use a cleansing blend, and in times of stress or mental fatigue a rejuvenating oil can remove emotional stress and leave you feeling mentally invigorated. Other essential oils increase feelings of courage and determination when faced with life’s many challenges. *Topical Application: Topical application of many essential oils is safe and can offer an enjoyable, relaxing experience. *Internal Consumption: Many essential oils make excellent food flavorings or dietary supplements. If you would like to look up more information on this topic you can go to www.youngliving.com or call Wendy at Touch of Health (530)933-3933 who is an independent distributor for the Young Living Company.

Grimes Ladies Aid Celebrates 50th anniversary Dinner and Bazaar

The Grimes Ladies Aid will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its annual Dinner and Bazaar this year. The dinner, an all you can eat turkey and ham feast will be served up by the ladies beginning at 5:00pm on November 7th at the Grand Island Elementary School in Grimes. This year’s chairpersons are Emily Bradburn, Ardith Miller and Jean Malcolm. As is tradition, the event will feature bazaar booths

SPECIAL TO UNITED NEWS

Despite numerous late night meetings and many public hearings, we have missed the deadline to come up with a comprehensive water solution this year, but a special legislative session has not been ruled out. The perfect storm of below average rainfall and water cutbacks due to environmental regulations has left California farmers and ranchers with an uncertain future. Five water bills introduced this summer fell short of addressing the real issues facing the Delta. The bills attempted to deal with the governance structure of water deliveries, but would have only added more red tape to an already bureaucratic process. In recent weeks, the lack of farm water being delivered in the Central Valley has made national media headlines only fueling the frustration of Central Valley farmers. A quick drive down Interstate 5 and anyone can see the numerous signs that reiterate the frustration, “Congress Created a Dustbowl”. Many can debate the numbers of acres of farmland being fallowed because of lack of water, but whether 150,000 acres or 300,000, neither are acceptable for one of the largest agriculoffering linens and crafts. The Country Store will offer home canned items, local produce, homemade candies, jellies and baked goods. Also a tradition; the ladies will raffle off a beautiful handmade quilt made by Beverly Thayer. The Grimes Ladies Aid was founded in 1901 to maintain Grimes Community Church which was built in 1875. Today, it also supports children’s activities.

SPECIAL TO UNITED

Time for Real Solutions to Real Problems

BY Ashley Indrieri

OPINION

tural producing regions in the nation. It is paramount that farmers in the Central Valley tell their story. Our states’ water crisis is simply not pitting interest groups against each other, such as farmers versus fish; it is about our states livelihood. The environment does not have a higher moral calling than the farmers that grow the food that feeds our families and our nation. Simply saying we don’t have the money will only cause the Central Valley of California, which is known as the bread basket of the world, to have communities that cannot even feed themselves. Californians should be ashamed that political inaction and erroneous environmental policy has brought our $36 billion agricultural industry to a breaking point. Pushing a package of bills that does not address infrastructure as a solution to California water crisis is a naive attempt, that will be as successful as the” kink your hose” mentality to solving the real problem that faces our state.

The Grimes Civic Association will also sponsor a number of donated raffle items during the event. Proceeds from this raffle will benefit the maintenance of the Grimes Scout Cabin. Tickets are available at the door. Adults are $10, children 6-13 are $5 and children 5 years and younger are free. For more information contact Evelyn Jansen at 437-2493

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COMMUNITY

Three Chico State University (CSU) students and one CSU graduate recently completed an internship program with Gemma Power Systems California, Inc. located near Maxwell, CA. That has proven to be a win-win project for the students and for Gemma according to the students, their instructor, and the company. The students; Janet Torrez, Javier Diaz, Jaime Pena and Steve Moore entered the program through the collaboration of their CSU instructor David Shirah, Colusa County One Stop Partnership Employer Service Coordinator Karen Peters and Gemma Subcontract and Permit Administrator Kristy Santucci. Through the Colusa County One-Stop’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these participants were provided a paid work experience/internship. During the course of the internship program Santucci facilitated weekly meetings with the interns and entry level Gemma employees on site. Gemma personnel from varied levels of management and trade hosted a portion of the meetings and fielded questions. Two project managers, PG&E’s Project Manager, Gemma’s construction manager, assistant project manager, procurement manager, scheduling manager, safety manager, and one Gemma field engineer assisted. At the conclusion of the project, Santucci conducted a resume workshop for the interns. “The meetings and workshops provided the interns with such an incredible opportunity to gain information and ask questions of these incredibly busy managers,” said Santucci. “That was really the foundation of the program,” she added. Shirah also commented on the benefits of the program stating that the construction industry’s investment in providing internship opportunities is a win-win situation for the industry, individual companies recruiting and developing future leadership, higher education and the student intern. Shirah commented that internships furnish students with opportunities to experience and explore the many varied segments of our industry. “This provides them opportunities to realize the industry that have a genuine interest and passion for, while saving a company the hardship of hiring a new student and investing substantially in their professional development only to have the student leave the company within two to three years for another industry,” he said. Moore is an example of the success of the program. He commented that the six-week internship gave him a chance to prove his abilities at no risk to the employer. Now that he is finished with the internship, Gemma has invited him back as a full-time employee and he has accepted. “Moore recommends the placement process, and commented that he wouldn’t have found a more well-suited project on his own merit. “I had no idea that there was a program like the One Stop Work Experience Program and Gemma program within driving distance from my home,” he said adding that he would recommend it to anyone looking to gain knowledge and experience in the industry. Diaz has returned to classes at CSU, but has been offered a part-time position with Gemma also, which he has accepted. Like Moore, Diaz heard about the program from Shirah and went through the One Stop Work Experience Program to apply. “The

SPECIAL TO UNITED

Kristy Santucci

press release Gemma, Colusa County One Stop and CSU Collaborate on Internship Program in Colusa County

benefits of the summer intern program have been many,” said Diaz. “I have been able to apply the tools and the knowledge that CSU Chico has provided for me and I have been able to apply them in the real construction world,” he said. He added that his time with Gemma was a true learning experience. “I have learned the many aspects of the construction world that we have talked about in class and now have had the opportunity to see it all in action,” he said. “As an educator, I am excited at the opportunity for students to apply what they are learning in academia to the industry and for them to bring their experiences back to the classroom to enhance the learning experience,” added Shirah. “The best education to prepare students for the industry is a combination of academia and on-site experience during the education process. We encourage our students to get on a construction site in any capacity to enhance their learning and increase their marketability,” he said Shirah said that he is starting to see a trend in the industry to recruit student interns early in their education, and if the student is a good fit for a company, to maintain the internship throughout their education. “This is an excellent opportunity for companies to evaluate a possible future candidate for hire without the expense and burden of the hiring process. It also provides companies the opportunity to indoctrinate and train a candidate in a way that when they do sign a contract they can literally hit the ground running as a viable contributing member of the project team,” he said. Shirah also admits that not all internships are a good experience in learning, self-esteem, and career and professional development. “An internship should be looked at by companies as a responsibility to afford the student intern an experience that builds their self-esteem and confidence, enriches their learning, develops their professionalism, and enhances learning and knowledge of the industry,” he said. However, he said that he believes that at the Gemma Power Systems Maxwell PG&E project, Gemma should be proud of their intern program. “Gemma provided internship opportunities for the summer for three of our CSU Chico Construction Management students. Two of the students are at the beginning of their degree program in Construction Management with only a few construction management classes undertaken. The other had more upper level coursework and was at a junior status in our program,” he explained. “Although I am not sure of the exact internship program Gemma provided the students, I can say that during my site visit the interns spoke with enthusiasm, confidence and passion for the work they have performed, the project team they worked with and the project it” he said. Shirah said the students returned to school with enthusiasm for learning and a passion for our industry. “All indications are the students did a good job and are being asked to return for work during the semester, winter break and next summer,” he said.

Check out our brand new web site www.unitednewsmagazine.com

Now you can: •View monthly stories •view center fold photo shoot out takes our new interactive website is loaded with special •comment on the united columns features. Be sure to comment on out cover stories as •view contact information for the columnist well as view out takes of our photo sessions. •view back issues

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Wednesday, Oct 7, 9am-11am Wednesday, Oct 14, 1pm-3pm Wednesday, Oct 21, 9am-11am Wednesday, Oct 29 4pm-6pm

Arbuckle Medical Office 900 King St., Arbuckle (530) 476-2440

Walk-In Well-Woman Exams for $20:

Thursday, Oct 8, 1pm-3pm Thursday, Oct 15, 10am-12noon Thursday, Oct 22, 1pm-3pm

Pink & Denim Days Wear denim & pink ribbons on Fridays, October 2,9,16,23,30

Saturday, October 10 - Breast Cancer Walk

Williams Urgent Care

3rdAnnual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk & Fundraiser

501 “E” Street, Williams (530) 473-5641

Fun and entertainment after the walk. Registration at 9 am, walk at 10 am starting at Memorial Park, 10th & Market Streets, Colusa. (Contact info below)

Walk-In Well-Woman Exams for $20: Tuesday, Oct 13, 9am-12noon Tuesday, Oct 27 9am-12 noon

Saturday, October 17 - Drive A Derby Car!

Colusa Firefighters Association Destruction Derby, Colusa County Fairgrounds. Purchase a raffle ticket in support of the Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund and your chance to drive the pink derby car. Drivers must be 18 years of age and must have a valid driver’s license. Winner will be notified by phone between 1 & 3 pm on date of derby. Contact info is below, you may also purchase raffle tickets on Oct 10 at the Breast Cancer Walk.

Thursday, October 29 - Senior Health Fair

10AM-2PM, Colusa County Fairgrounds, Main Exhibit Hall, Colusa Regional Medical Center’s annual event for all, fun and informative! Free health screenings, guest speakers and more! For information phone Mary Jane Tait, 530.458.3239

Low-Cost Mammograms

CRMC Radiology 199 E. Webster St., Colusa. Phone 530.458-3263 for appointment. Uninsured or Underinsured $20 Cash Payment. October Flex Schedule for Mammograms – Let us meet your appointment scheduling needs, early morning/after work. Please phone CRMC 530.458.3263.

Colusa Regional Medical Center 199 E. Webster Street, Colusa, 95932 P(530) 458-5821

BREAST CANCER EVENT CONTACT INFORMATION

SHERRI BURNS- (530)458-2111

l RALPH NEWLIN- (530) 458-2613 l CINDY CAMPBELL- (530)458-8875

También en español An Evening with

the Legends of music Sonny Turner Oct: 22nd & 23rd at 8pm

32 Piece

ORCHESTRA

El 16 DE OCT.

October 16th - 18th, 2009

9pm

Do you make amazing chili and salsa? Put it to the test and register today!

Musica en Vivo

• Stop by the Colusa Rewards desk. • Visit www.colusacasino.com For details, rules • Call Phil Robertson at (530) 458-8844 and to register: ext. 6856 • or email probertson@colusacasino.com

$25 Ringside - $15 Reserved

e e Liv inm ta ays ! r e k t En 7 dWee a Oct: 1st - 3rd, Oct: 8th - 10th Oct: 15th - 17th

h 10 Fig

Juan Lazcano autographs in Jacks at 5:30pm

Heading Due West

Tickets

Preferred $35 Reserved $25

Live Music

Th. 8 - 12:30 Fri. & Sat. 9 - 1:30 PM

COVNO ER!!

“The Dutchess of Doom”

Allison Fisher

WPBA W rld Champion

Hwy 20

Oct: 22nd - 24th

Northern Heat

Oct: 29 - 31 th

Monday Night

Football

Oct 15th • 8pm

Oct: 2 F Featuring:

Sun: 9pm -1am Mon. Tues. & Wed. 7pm - 11pm

Tickets ONLY $10!

Brewery

Harry Basil!

October 20 th • 6pm m

Tickets $45 5

with your Colusa Rewards card!

Must Be Over 21 Dress Code Enforced

8pm

Headliner:

$5 Admission or

9pm - 1am FREE

October 10th

Opening Act:

Stephanie Blum!

Your Chance to Challenge the Champ for Charity

Live

In Person! n!

(530) 458-8844 • www.colusacasino.com We’re easy to find! Just 3 miles north of Colusa on Hwy 45!