W h i t e h e a d s P a p u l e s P u s t u l e s C y s t i c N o d u l e s
H O W C A N W E H E L P ?
1 S E E Y O U R D E R M A T O L O G I S T
S c h e d u l e a v i s i t w i t h o n e o f o u r s k i l l e d m e d i c a l
p r o f e s s i o n a l s t o d i s c u s s a c u s t o m i z e d
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t r e a t m e n t p l a n t o a d d r e s s y o u r c o n c e r n s 3
C R E A T E A S K I N C A R E R E G I M E N
W o r k w i t h o u r s p e c i a l i s t s t o c r e a t e a
c u s t o m i z e d a c n e s k i n c a r e r e g i m e n t o
k e e p y o u r s k i n c l e a r !
S E E U S F O R A N A C N E F A C I A L T R E A T M E N T
R e c i e v e a d o c t o r a s s i s t e d A c n e F a c i a l
f r o m o n e o f o u r t r a i n e d e s t h e t i c i a n s a n d
m e d i c a l p r o f e s s i o n a l s
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A C N E B R O A D B A N D L I G H T T R E A T M E N T
F o r e v e r C l e a r B B L c l e a r s s k i n f a s t w i t h o u t
t h e s i d e e f f e c t s o f o t h e r a c n e t r e a t m e n t s !
T h i s p u l s e d - l i g h t d e v i c e c l e a r s b r e a k o u t s a n d s t u b b o r n a c n e w i t h b l u e l i g h t t o
t a r g e t a c n e c a u s i n g b a c t e r i a a n d y e l l o w
l i g h t t o a d d r e s s p o s t - a c n e r e d n e s s
PIZZa PIZZa TIO S TIO
OpeningAugust 2024
FROM THE PUBLISHER
August always arrives as a bit of a surprise. For the most part, it's relatively ordinary as far as months go—it's usually not too hot and definitely not too cold outside. It isn't shockingly busy or slow around town. There aren't even any major holidays to celebrate or observe. On the outside, it doesn't have a whole lot going for it, like so many of the other months do throughout the year. However, August holds significance at the magazine as it was the month we finally completed our first issue and sent it off to print 17 years ago.
Since then, August has been the harbinger of our anniversary. Each year it serves as a reminder to look back and reflect on what we've accomplished over the past year, the stories we've told, and the things we've experienced. It presents an opportunity to compare that last year to the years that have come before it and to plan for what a new year at the magazine will bring. To say the months fly by would be an understatement. A week before your upcoming deadline is met, you're already simultaneously working on the next. Case in point, we completely missed realizing that we published our 200th issue way back in April. Yes, it took working on the August issue to look back, do the math, and realize we missed it entirely. So, here we are, celebrating our 204th issue the month before the start of our 18th year.
Though a lot has changed at Upgraded Living over these past 17 years, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to positive content. When our sales director, Jason Corona, joined the magazine back in March of 2012, I asked him what he thought of the magazine, and he replied, "It's the brighter points of our community." The tagline beautifully illustrated our mission, and we've endeavored to live up to his slightly modified "the brighter points of your community" tagline ever since.
Looking back on this past year, I feel we've managed to offer you, our reader, just that. I'm excited to say this issue is a perfect capstone to those past 11 months, focused on all of those brighter points in our communities that make Butte County such a wonderful place to live. Jason aptly named it our Rest of Chico issue, and naturally, it stuck. We hope you discover something or someone new and wonderful in the pages that follow and that it makes your August in the North Valley that much more special.
UPGRADED LIVING
JASON CORONA Sales Director
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive
SHELLY BRANDON Writer
TIM MILHORN Writer
MADDIE RODRIGUEZ Writer
DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer
ERIK BROWN Cover Design AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher
CONTRIBUTORS
DOUG LOVE Real Estate
Aveed Khaki
Owner/Publisher
NOBODY DOES Golf
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THE REST OF CHICO
Sofi’z uses the Too Good To Go system to dramatically reduce food waste.
The Tooth Fairy may not exist, but The Fridge Fairy is alive and well. Check out the Chico Community Fridge.
Serve people, not landfills! 530 Food Rescue endeavors to appropriately redirect surplus food.
Melissa Glover and Lisa Pound spay, neuter, rescue, and rehome strays.
New to town, but already ICONic: Meet the new faces of family health and skincare in Chico.
Discover the History of Durham and 150 years of the stately Durham House Inn.
Mom’s on the Ridge, and Paradise Grocery Outlet are nurturing a thriving society and helping those in need.
Principal Ed Gregorio and CPR trainer Kendall Argel foster growth and breathe life into The Ridge.
Our musical spotlight features the award-winning, world-traveling Banjo Guy of Colusa, Gordy Ohliger.
Doug Love takes the bumpy end-toend drive of the Oro-Quincy highway as he explores the Rest of Chico.
Beating the heat is no easy feat. Discover how Evans Furniture keeps their comfort with Urban Design Solar.
All The Bitter and Chico Librarian Sheryl Hubbard are lifting spirits in Chico.
Two tails of caffeinated charity with ACE Coffee Trailer and Chico Cat Cafe
Power couple Emma and Logan Todd are impacting grant services and mental health in the North Valley.
Check out the team building, confidence-boosting action that the Mud Run has to offer.
Catch up with the Tiny Pine Foundation and meet Theodore Miland, masters of heartstrings and guitar strings.
The Boysen Family Legacy: The 100-year-old boysenberry is thriving in Orland!
A pair of moms, a pair of skates, and one great way for families to socialize—discover Orland Skate Day
Add some spice to your life! Tim raises the temperature with the holy trinity of Mexican peppers.
Join us as we stop into Barney O’Rourkes for an afternoon delight.
The artistic differences between siblings Lucia and Roman Rodriguez produce a spectrum of colors.
COVER STORY
The lasting legacy of Dr. Enloe begins anew with a twist. Journey through 110 years of history and explore the many iterations of Enloe as they transition from a hospital to an entire health system.
Sofi'z is too good to go
Originally from Pakistan, Sophiya Ahmed moved to the U.S. just over four years ago and opened a restaurant in New Jersey, but the pandemic hit, forcing her to shut it down shortly after. Responsible for her dad, son, and sister, she spoke with her friend Farshad Azad of Azad’s Martial Arts, and Chico seemed like a good place to weather the storm. When she arrived, she set out to create a new life for herself. She began taking classes online to work in the medical field and landed
a job at Chico Eye Center, eventually becoming an ophthalmic assistant. Her friend and coworker, Laurie Abarca, knew she owned a restaurant in New Jersey and told her there was a lease available downtown at a location that would be great for her. The two visited, and Sophiya ended up leasing the building, opening Sofi’z Kitchen and Bar at 134 Broadway Street in Downtown Chico.
“I wasn’t sure how people would respond
since there wasn’t a Pakistani restaurant in town.” Sophiya said, “I didn’t know Chico that well, but Laurie, Dr. Arregui, and the rest of Chico Eye Center encouraged me to follow my passion. Farshad reminded me the only limits were the ones I set for myself, so I took that to heart and went for it. I’m so glad I did. I’m absolutely obsessed with my restaurant, and the community has shown so much appreciation for my hard work.”
Even though the restaurant was quickly successful and received rave reviews, Sophiya noticed food waste was still an issue. She bought fresh ingredients every day, cooked her food from scratch, and hated having to throw away perfectly good food when the restaurant closed. Having been concerned about food insecurity worldwide throughout her life and knowing it was an issue right here at home, she spoke with friends about the situation. One of her friends told her about the app Too Good To Go, a platform that connects customers to restaurants and stores that have surplus unsold food while endeavoring to curb food waste. Sophiya loved the idea and created an account for Sofi’z as soon as she returned to Chico. She filled the app with what she expected to be surplus at the end of the day, offered it at a discounted price, and by 11 am, it was all sold. The app immediately became a permanent part of her business model.
“The same food that we serve in the restaurant is going on Too Good To Go.” Sophiya said, “A number of business owners told me I was foolish for giving away food at those prices, but I saw it as a means to feed people who didn’t have the means to feed themselves at our regular prices. It also opened the door to new customers like college and high school students, allowed families the opportunity to share a meal together at a smaller cost, and gave us the opportunity to end the day without food waste. It was a win in every direction. Now, 30% of our customers are students, and mothers visit during their lunch break to pick up an order for themselves and their kids. It’s wonderful to see.”
The daily offering is an afternoon (12-2 pm) or late afternoon (3-5 pm) surprise bag for $7.99. The bag may include
one appetizer, two sides of curry, rice, and/or other surplus items as selected based on availability. As the variety and flavors are not guaranteed, each day’s bag may be different, giving customers the opportunity to try a variety of different items each time at an incredibly affordable price.
“Not only have people been thrilled with the Too Good To Go surprise bags, but many come back regularly to dine in the restaurant and purchase an item at our regular price that they tried in one of the bags.” Sophiya smiled, “Even better, they often bring a friend or family member to eat with them. I never gave much respect to garbanzo curry, but after putting it in our surprise bag, we’ve sold over 600 boxes of it. People loved it, and neither they nor I would have known without giving them the opportunity to try it at a lower cost. We don’t make much money off of the surprise bags, but they’re a
great way for people to experience what we have to offer, and there’s value to that. Everyone who wants to try the restaurant can do so for under $10, and in my opinion, that’s part of showing love for my community—the same community that showed me love and support as a complete stranger. Money is a byproduct, but the restaurant is my passion. I find success in the love and energy I get to surround myself with thanks to everyone who has been so excited to eat here. I get to feel so accomplished every day, and that type of positive energy is something you can’t put a price on.”
Making the best of several difficult situations, Sophiya has not only built a beautiful life for herself and her family in Chico but is also actively working to make her community a better place and increase food security for its residents. Drop by Sofi’z, say hello to Sophiya, and try her delicious food for yourself.
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca Lampke, fondly dubbed "The Fridge Fairy," brings joy and nourishment to her community with a contagious passion for helping the hungry. Inspired by her dad, who shared sandwiches with the homeless during his trash route, Rebecca has made feeding people a heartfelt mission.
Despite dealing with severe arthritis, chronic pain, and mobility issues, Rebecca's volunteer spirit is unstoppable. She devotes her time to food distribution efforts at the Salvation Army, First Christian Church of Paradise, and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano. But her true love is the Chico Community Fridge on Pine Street, which she keeps clean, stocked, and welcoming.
Rebecca fills the fridge with fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious homemade meals like spaghetti dinners, apple crisps, and up to 30 sandwiches a day, with help from her boyfriend, Gilbert Pinedo. She's also a savvy shopper, sharing amazing grocery deals around town to help everyone get the most bang for their buck.
Her energy and kindness ripple through the community, encouraging others to join in her mission. For more about her efforts, check out the Chico Community Fridge Facebook page.
Addressing Food Scarcity in Butte County: The 530 Food Rescue Coalition's Impact
In Butte County, where one in four families with children faces food insecurity, the 530 Food Rescue Coalition is making a significant impact. It is dedicated to saving perfectly good food from going to waste and redirecting it to those in need using an app and community volunteers.
The 530 Food Rescue Coalition, an initiative of the Community Action Agency, the Center for Healthy Communities at California State University, Chico, and Butte County, was created to address food waste and comply with California's SB1383 legislation. This law requires certain food generators to donate surplus edible food, preventing it from ending up in landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What sets the 530 Food Rescue Coalition apart is its use of a custom-built app and a network of dedicated volunteers. Participating businesses contact 530 Food Rescue dispatchers to inform them
of their surplus food. The Coalition then uses its app to notify volunteers who pick up and deliver the food to nonprofit organizations. This seamless system not only ensures efficient food recovery but also tracks donations, making it easy for food donors to report their contributions.
In 2024, the 530 Food Rescue Coalition aims to recover and distribute 200,000 pounds of food, building on the 94,000 pounds rescued last year. To date, the Coalition has saved 345,266 pounds of food and mitigated 915,146 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. With 64 nonprofit partners, 98 donors, and 117 active volunteers, the impact is having a significant and noticeable outcome.
The Coalition's work is not just about food recovery; it's about community involvement and empowerment. Volunteers are the backbone of the operation, making it possible to transport food donations from retailers to nonprofits efficiently. The app notifies
volunteers of available pickups, allowing them to respond quickly and ensure that surplus food reaches those who need it most.
Getting involved with the 530 Food Rescue Coalition is easy. Community members can sign up as volunteers through the Coalition’s website or app. Once registered, volunteers receive notifications about available food pickups in their area. This flexible system allows volunteers to contribute as much or as little time as they can, making it accessible for everyone.
The 530 Food Rescue Coalition believes that good food belongs to people, not landfills. By empowering community volunteers and leveraging technology, the Coalition is addressing hunger and food waste in Butte County. This initiative is a testament to the power of community action and innovation in creating sustainable solutions to food insecurity.
Ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, which is vital for health, education, and overall well-being, is an important mission. Volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness can make a significant impact. Educate yourself on local and global issues to better understand the challenges and
Durham Doggie Possee +Kittens
Melissa Glover and Lisa Pound, the dynamic duo behind Durham Doggie Posse +Kittens, have made significant contributions to their community through their innovative and heartfelt rescue efforts. When their youngest children graduated in 2016, they channeled their energy and passion for volunteering into helping animals in need. Starting by walking shelter dogs, they quickly realized that many animals struggled in the shelter environment and needed foster homes to thrive.
The devastating Camp Fire brought an influx of homeless animals, prompting Melissa and Lisa to establish their own small rescue, funded solely by private donations. Melissa, an exquisite baker, devised a unique fundraising method: baking raffles. For just $5, community members can buy a chance to win one of her delectable homemade treats, often inspired by the fruits of her garden. These raffles have been incredibly successful, allowing them to spay and neuter hundreds of kittens born to feral mothers and provide special care to animals with unique needs.
solutions. Your involvement can lead to sustainable changes and inspire others to act. Together, we can create a community where everyone has enough to eat and the opportunity to thrive. Join the fight against food scarcity and make a meaningful difference today.
Lisa contributes equally to the rescue, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support their mission. Together, Melissa and Lisa have created a compassionate and effective rescue operation that not only addresses immediate animal needs but also inspires their community through their dedication and innovative fundraising efforts.
For more information on their upcoming events and fundraisers, search Durham Doggie Posse on Facebook!
ICON HEALTHCARE ARRIVES IN CHICO
ICON Family Healthcare and Chico Derm Skincare have teamed up to deliver firstclass health and skincare in one convenient location. With a brand new campus located at 19 Ilahee Lane in Chico, they endeavor to offer more than just a clinic; they are dedicated to rebuilding our community through an experienced healthcare team intent on providing comprehensive care for your family.
Dr. Michael Robinson, a highly experienced endocrinologist, has dedicated over 40 years to clinical practice and research. Graduating from Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he completed his medical internship and residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He later earned a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, where he also served as a Mayo Foundation research fellow in bone and mineral metabolism.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Robinson has held positions as an assistant clinical professor of medicine and clinical attending physician at UCLA School of
Medicine. He has also been a director of community diabetes and osteoporosis programs in Los Angeles. Certified as a physician investigator and diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, he currently serves as the director of the Marina Diabetes Center.
Married since 1983, Dr. Robinson enjoys spending quality time with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. He is passionate about golfing, meditation, and practicing spirituality. Dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Robinson combines his extensive clinical and academic expertise to actively engage with his patients, impart medical knowledge, and collaborate to determine the best approach to their medical needs. His compassionate bedside manner and unparalleled expertise make him an invaluable asset to the ICON Family Healthcare practice and its patients.
Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy, a renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, has had a profound influence on modern plastic surgery. He has trained hundreds of today's top plastic surgeons and influenced countless others. Dr. Lesavoy has devised and published over a dozen new and improved techniques
in plastic surgery that have become the standard of care. He has authored three books on plastic surgery techniques, contributed over 30 chapters to other authoritative books, and written more than 100 peer-reviewed publications on plastic surgery. You may have seen him on popular shows like Dr. Phil, Oprah, Nip/Tuck, and Extreme Makeover.
When not practicing medicine, Dr. Lesavoy and his wife enjoy spending time at their ranch in Topanga Canyon, where they tend to their horses. His children are now all grown, and some have even made him a proud grandparent. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lesavoy is passionate about volunteering with various nonprofit organizations and traveling the world to provide treatment for children with lifethreatening and disfiguring conditions. He is also an active animal rights advocate, caring for and assisting animals whenever possible.
Both Dr. Robinson and Dr. Lesavoy are accepting patients at ICON Family Healthcare and Chico Derm Skincare, respectively. To schedule an appointment, call (530) 746-0711 or visit them at 19 Ilahee Lane in Chico.
Staffing Made Simple
At home with history
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Durham House stands as a time capsule to the city's history. It plays an important role in tying together the notable stories of many familiar names who not only made the town of Durham what it is today but also shaped other recognizable parts of California. As a stunning wedding venue, it will continue tying names together for many generations to come.
Invited west by Samuel Neal—whose name you might recognize from Neal Road in Chico—Robert Durham traveled from Durham, North Carolina, to Butte County to assist Neal with the few thousand acres he owned from Chico to Gridley. A bachelor, Neal didn’t have any next of kin, so when he passed away from pneumonia, he left a sizable chunk of his estate to the Deafblind program in San Francisco and the remainder to Durham.
Robert wasn’t equipped to care for the property alone, so he asked two of his nephews in North Carolina to join him out west. The boys agreed and moved out to help him care for the massive swath of land he had inherited. As a prominent family in the United States, the Durhams had
constant visitors at their new home, so they established Durham Station as a stop on the railroad track. The beauty and agricultural opportunities convinced people to stay, and eventually, the town of Durham was born.
When Robert passed away, he left 440 acres of his property to his nephew William along with a decent amount of money. William used part of that money to build a 4,000-square-foot mansion as a wedding present to his wife, Minnie Van Ness, whose father was responsible for the layout of San Francisco’s city streets. Unfortunately, she, too, passed away early at the age of 35 after having their first child. William eventually remarried, and the two lived in the house until 1906, when William gifted the home and property to his son.
In 1937, the property went up for auction due to a number of unfortunate circumstances. The Weilock family purchased it and cared for it until 1999 when they sold it to a developer. The developer then sold it to the Broccheuser family, who restored it to its former glory. They, in turn, sold it one last time to its current owners, James and Cheryl Fuhring.
As owner-operators of the Snowball Mansion Bed & Breakfast and wedding venue in Knight’s Landing, James and Cheryl were no strangers to properties like the Durham House. Having renovated a number of homes just like it, they set out to beautify the grounds, cementing its place in the story of many couples to come as the site of their nuptials.
Now a bonafide bed & breakfast and wedding venue, the Durham House Inn is a sight to behold, offering a piece of Durham’s unique history year-round. With three rooms to choose from—each with its own porch and no common walls—along with a separate cottage, visitors can enjoy the mansion privately. As the property is decorated in-period, visitors will feel as if they were actual guests of the Durhams. There is no minimum stay, reservations include a full breakfast each morning, and guests will find a beautiful swimming pool on the grounds as well.
Visit the Durham House Inn online at www.DurhamHouseInn.com for reservations and more information! We know you’ll love this property as much as we do.
Barney O'Rourkes
Rhonda Maehl, REALTOR®
Rhonda Maehl is celebrating 30 years in real estate. Having already been self employed with a degree in business administration, she decided being an accountant wasn’t her calling. Desiring something more exciting, she responded to an ad seeking new agents, and the rest is history. She praises Les Morrow and other mentors for their guidance. “BHGRE has been a great company to work for, and the owners share a Paradise kinship. I feel very fortunate to work with a lot of amazing people.” Rhonda has been a president of the Paradise Association of Realtors, and regular on the board, having served 10 years with the group. She quotes the late Steve Williams: “If you want to make a change, you need to be part of it.” Her dedication to The Ridge is evident, and she takes pride in welcoming folks to the area. “It’s a wonderful lifestyle and community.”
RhondaMaehlTeam
www.helpmerhondam.com
DRE License: 01178298 CA
Barney O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill is a beloved fixture in Paradise that has delighted customers since 1981. Specializing in burgers, the establishment has thrived in three different locations. After the Camp Fire devastated their site, the family collectively chose to stay and rebuild, resulting in a charming barn that now houses the restaurant. Patty Van Bibber, who turns 75 this week, has owned Barney O’Rourke’s for four decades and shows no signs of slowing down. With a dedicated staff of 15—many of whom have been with the business for years—the restaurant has a family-oriented atmosphere and has evolved into a community legend, symbolizing resilience and unity. Patty hopes more businesses will continue revitalizing Paradise, just as Barney O’Rourke’s has. Their story is one of perseverance and community spirit, making them a cornerstone of the local dining scene and a place to connect where everybody knows your name!
Based in Paradise and dedicated to connecting with every nail, shingle, and 2x4, owners Shawn Shingler, Greg Bolin, and Beth Dunn created a company that embodies honesty, transparency, and family values. Their unique true quote process ensures clients get what they want within their budget, and their attention to detail has created a stellar reputation. Trilogy treats clients like family, guiding them through every step of the construction process—from permits to paint samples and final inspections. Since 2007, Trilogy has been committed to raising the quality of builds and remodels, fostering trust, and setting an example of fairness. Their small, dedicated team and trusted subcontractors offer complete custom and pre-custom homes, also known as spec homes. Their commitment extends beyond the build. Greg has been excitedly volunteering on the chain gang for Paradise Football for the last twenty years, supporting community initiatives and even serving as mayor of the town. Trilogy builds in the community they cherish, aiming to create a lasting legacy.
Moms of the Ridge is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on building a close community, not only for mothers but also for families and all caregivers. The organization fosters connections through shared events and activities, emphasizing the importance of connection and personal well-being. Its mission is to empower members to lead balanced lives and create a supportive network celebrating parenthood's joys and challenges.
Since its establishment, Moms of the Ridge has experienced remarkable growth in membership, now with over 2,000 members actively participating in its programs and events. This growth is a testament to the value and impact its organization brings to the lives of mothers and caretakers in the community.
Moms of the Ridge has organized 200 local events, providing mothers with opportunities for socializing, learning, and support. These events include workshops, seminars, playdates, and community outreach
initiatives. Through these events, they have created a strong sense of community and fostered lasting friendships among their members.
The non-profit organization is committed to giving back to the community and has actively participated in various community outreach programs, including food drives, clothing donations, and fundraising events. Through these initiatives, they've made a positive impact on families in need.
Through collaboration and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Moms of the Ridge has broadened its scope to provide a more extensive array of services and resources to its members and community. Through those joint efforts, they have built a more robust support system for families on The Ridge.
For more information about Moms of the Ridge and all they’re doing for the Paradise community, visit them online at www.MomsOfTheRidge.com.
Wayne & Livia Kurtz
Wayne and Livia Kurtz have distinguished themselves as dedicated grocery store owners and pillars of the community since 2021.
Actively addressing food insecurity, Wayne attends Feeding the Ridge meetings, collaborating with food pantries, volunteers, and stakeholders to discuss trends, needs, and strategies for moving individuals from dependence to self-sustainability.
Their store, Grocery Outlet in Paradise, not only offers affordable, high-quality food but also donates non-perishable items monthly to local pantries. Their current fundraiser, Independence from Hunger, has already raised nearly $18,000 this month, with a goal of $30,000 by July 31.
They engage in community events, such as car washes and partnerships with local businesses, to support this cause. Additionally, Wayne serves on the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce board and volunteers extensively, further solidifying their impact on the community.
Visit Grocery Outlet at 6800 Skyway in Paradise and discover the new philanthropic initiatives they're currently working on.
Buffy's Gift Barn of Paradise
When we heard Iris Natividad was closing Nothing But Love in Paradise, we couldn't have been more disappointed. As one of our favorite retailers on The Ridge, her store quickly found a place in our hearts for its myriad local treasures and treats. Imagine our joy when we learned her longtime employee, Tierza Joy (how appropriate), had agreed to take it over instead. Keeping with the same general vibe, while adding touches uniquely her own, Tierza has changed the name to Buffy's Gift Barn of Paradise after her adorable pup. Still home to local vendors and artists, you can find a comprehensive collection of Paradise and Magalia finds here including food, art, clothing, leather goods, soap, candles, cards, books, gift baskets, and so much more. Better yet, you can even order her items directly from her website if you can't make it into the store, and if you're an out of towner, she'll meet you there before or after hours. Drop in and see how Tierza has reimagined the space. We know you'll love it as much as we do!
BuffysGiftBarn
BuffysGiftBarnOfParadise
http://Buffysgiftbarnofparadise.square.site
Ridge Financial Planning
Owned by Heidi Elick, Ridge Financial Planning excels in crafting personalized retirement strategies. With a focus on individualized, hands-on service, Heidi and her team explain financial concepts, from investing to estate conservation. They understand the retirement challenges of today, particularly the fear of outliving one's savings. Their mission is to deeply understand each client’s needs, wants, and long-term goals to develop, implement, and monitor effective financial strategies. As the president of the Paradise Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the Elks, and a past Rotarian, Heidi is passionate about financial education. She enjoys making finance easy to understand and helping clients achieve their goals. Beyond balancing her professional life with her family and spending time with her grandbaby, she also cares for her potbellied pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and Frenchies. As the only financial advisor on The Ridge, Heidi’s woman-owned business is committed to building trust and empowering clients to make informed decisions while contributing to a thriving community.
With an ag mechanical and multiple degrees from Butte College and Chico State, Doug Munjar established Dadco Construction in 1989. The name serves as an homage to his father with whom he worked at his construction business growing up. It’s fascinating to see how much of Paradise has been worked on throughout the years by Doug as a result. Office Manager Shell Morley summed up: “If it’s in the dirt, we’re probably in with it.” They handle excavation, landscaping, septic installations, asphalt paving, as well as residential building pads and finish grading. Not only does Dadco support youth sports and many area organizations, their crew have extensive fire training and mobilize their heavy equipment at active fires. Their CASE 1150G had been on every fire in the area from 2008 until its retirement in 2022. “It’s a pleasure to watch Paradise and The Ridge rebuild, providing foundational opportunities for young families and children to grow here as I did”, said Doug.
DigDADCO
www.digdadco.com
5913 Clark Rd Unit G, Paradise (530) 762-2981 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Ed Gregorio
Ed Gregorio moved to Paradise from the Central Valley over 25 years ago, and this year marks his 24th year in school administration. He appreciates wildlife, being surrounded by nature, and a true feeling of community—a far cry from his previous residence in Fresno. “You might go a full year without seeing some folks you know, and here, you see a coworker or a friend everywhere you go, being in a smaller town. You have a real sense of community.”
He had been working in Thermalito and Oroville until 2018, but he always wanted to work in his community. When the principal position opened in Paradise, he jumped at the opportunity, becoming the principal of Ponderosa Elementary a mere three months before the Camp Fire.
“It was the morning of the fire, and we received a CB message that there were smoking embers moving into the playground. We knew that we had to evacuate, originally thinking we’d just go to Paradise Elementary.” That clearly wasn’t the case, as they quickly became immersed in evacuation traffic. Six hours after they left the school, they arrived at Pizza Roundup in Biggs. They were ultimately able to shelter at Biggs Elementary School, where child pickups were arranged.
With what charge he had left on his phone, he relayed information to his son, who happened to be at the fairgrounds. He relayed the information to law enforcement, keeping everyone up-to-date on their whereabouts and safety.
“I give a lot of credit to the current school district, Michelle John, Tom Taylor, and the whole administration for keeping the school moving forward. It was determined that if Paradise was going to move people back, a viable school was needed.”
Ponderosa Elementary School reopened at Durham Elementary School on December 18 with a staggered schedule. He praises Durham for their open arms and warm hearts. They were able to resume education at Paradise Junior High in the 2019-2020 school year, joining Paradise Elementary just in time for the pandemic. In the spring of 2021, they became Paradise Ridge Elementary.
“Each of these moves required teachers and staff to set up completely new learning environments. I give so much credit to that team who does such an exceptional job, supporting each other and displaying tremendous resilience.”
Their projected enrollment for the next year is 475 children, not far from their original 575. “Paradise is such a unique and wonderful community full of people who are in love with The Ridge, both returning families and new families. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it all.”
Kendall Marufus Argel is a dedicated and inspiring member of the Paradise community, known for her unwavering commitment to safety and health. As the Equilibrium activity coordinator at Paradise Stronger, she not only promotes physical fitness but also ensures the community is prepared for emergencies through regular CPR and first aid training. Her quick action and CPR skills recently saved a neighbor's life after a scooter accident, highlighting the critical importance of muscle memory developed through repetitive training.
For eight years, Kendall has partnered with Damsel in Defense, teaching family selfdefense and equipping individuals with essential tools like pepper sprays, stun devices, and striking tools. Her classes cover evasive maneuvers, situational awareness, abduction prevention, and home invasion protection, empowering participants to face threats with confidence. Kendall’s journey from overcoming personal fear and trauma to becoming a community protector is a testament to her strength and dedication.
Kendall also organizes personal safety workshops, CPR classes, and various community events at Paradise Stronger, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. Her efforts ensure that the residents of Paradise are not only physically fit but also equipped with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others. Kendall’s contributions make her a true champion of safety and an invaluable asset to her community.
Kendall Marufus Argel
The Travelin’ Banjoman
Where do you begin when the Banjoologist, Gordy Ohliger, has performed all over California, all over the United States, and all over the world? Where do you begin when Gordy Oliger has performed on television; at music festivals; and in concert series, historical celebrations, and tribute events? How about when Gordy has received the highest honors the California Arts Council can award? Well, let’s start at the beginning because we don’t have three extra pages to list all of his performances and accomplishments.
Gordy Ohliger was born in San Mateo, California. His parents were both Stanford graduates, and the family lived in Palo Alto, CA. However, despite the education and the highly regarded career his dad had established, the dream was to become a farmer. So, the family, in a reverse Beverly Hillbillies move, resettled in Colusa to start anew as farmers. Culture shock, much? “Well, we came up from the Bay Area to this small farming community,” Gordy said. “And, you know, I had to adjust my way of thinking. Colusa is a farm community.”
Gordy graduated from Colusa High School and, from there, went to art school in Los Angeles, where he earned a degree in illustration. He came back to Northern California, where he did some book illustration work and began painting landscapes and scenes with people in them. Along the way, Gordy conducted research on history, a lifelong passion. He’d noodled around on the banjo and began looking into it. The more he learned, the more the idea of being a performer appealed to him. So, in 1985, he invented The Banjo Guy. He mastered six songs, learned the history of the banjo, and took first place in a competition at the Tehama County Fair.
Gordy didn’t just test the waters with his toes; he dove right into the lake. “I thought to myself, this is my job. This is it. I began the journey.” Since he was a solo act, he had to teach himself the music business. “I had to learn the dialog and how to communicate over the phone,” he said. “This is show business, and I had to learn how to schedule and book events. I went to the Western Arts Conference to learn more. That included travel plans, car rentals, and room reservations.” He said the greatest thing he learned during that time were three words: Start the process. Thus began the 27-years-and-counting road career.
Along the way, Gordy has done his research. He’s learned about musical instruments, the history of those instruments, the local history, and the history of the locales where he would perform. “I’d read about the area so I could tailor my shows to the specific historical events,” he said. He broke down performances into pages, chapters, and an entire book, but he had to perfect and narrow down what songs to sing and what stories to tell. If you’ve seen Gordy on stage or on YouTube, you know he's a natural storyteller with all the wit, witticisms, and anecdotes. He knows how to engage and enthrall.
Gordy is especially proud of his collection of minstrel show music and books. This includes a vast collection of vaudeville sheet music and records. He designed 14 specific shows in the vaudeville genre that would appeal to adults and kids. That’s where the “banjo-ology” comes in. The banjo man knows how to put on a show. If you’d like to learn more about Gordy Olinger or find where you can catch his act, make sure to visit http://www.banjoman.info for a ton more information.
"Sherry was great. Efficiency and good communication were critical to me during this process, and Sherry was on it! Escrow was closed within one month of listing the house, which exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend Sherry to anyone. Thank you!" - Jaimie Malone
Nestled on 40 sprawling acres with breathtaking views of Butte Valley, this stunning Mediterranean-style estate embodies luxury and elegance. Designed by Sater Luxury Homes, this gated 3-bedroom + Den, 3.5 bath residence spans 3,378 square feet. As you enter, be captivated by the grandeur of tall ceilings soaring up to 12 feet with crown molding throughout. The custom windows allow for natural light and invites the outdoors in. 18-inch tumbled travertine tile flooring add to the home's sophisticated charm. The expansive living spaces are adorned with solid core doors, plantation shutters and custom drapery. The cozy gas fireplace in the living room creates a warm ambiance perfect for gatherings. The primary bedroom is a serene retreat with gorgeous views of the pool and valley, featuring dual his-and-hers closets and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with dual sinks. Each of the two guest bedrooms boasts its own private en-suite bathrooms, ensuring ultimate privacy and convenience. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delights, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, double ovens, prep sink in the island, built in wine refrigerator, with large eating bar open to the family room. Step outside to the outdoor kitchen, where you can entertain guests in style while enjoying the panoramic views. The stunning infinity pool and spa provide a perfect vantage point to take in the scenic beauty of Butte Valley. The exterior of the home is equally impressive, featuring a tile roof, koi pond, fire pit, and beautiful landscaping with palm trees and outdoor lighting. Built with 2x6 construction and complemented by 44 owned separate structure solar panels, this home is both sturdy and energy-efficient. The property includes a separate 2,000 square foot shop with garage doors, ideal for all your storage and hobby needs. There's so much more to see. Call to schedule a showing today!
Getaway retreat minutes from Chico! There's nothing like this magnificent mountain area ~45 minutes northeast of Chico, in the Sierra Cascade Mountains. The area offers year-round fishing, seasonal hunting, hiking, off-road vehicle trails, and great winter sports. Snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are at your front door. When you enter this mountain home, you'll flip on the heater switch which works very efficiently while you light your free-standing wood stove. In the summertime there is no need for a/c w/ceiling fans in every room for cross ventilation. The custom kitchen with alder wood cabinets, pull out drawers, large kitchen island/granite offers an entertainers dream space for buffets, and gatherings. You'll feel like you're on vacation as every window offers views watching birds, and local wildlife. Too much to list! Call today for a tour! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,260 Price: $489,500
: 3.0
Serenity! This custom built home with over 8 acres of planted walnuts is truly a rare find!!! Nestled amongst the trees and views out every window, is this wonderfully laid out home!! This split floor plan offering the master suite with an amazing bathroom and fancy schmancy shower is on one side of the home and the other 2 bedrooms and bath the other for privacy. Bring all the toys including boats, RV and extra autos in this 30' x 48' shop! That's right there is even 2 large roll up doors and a private bathroom. The lift, hoist and air compressor are included. There are 2 wells, one ag well with a 10 h.p. turbine pump for the walnuts and a domestic well. The walnuts are Chandler and were planted in 1991 on Paradox and there are solid set irrigation system. Sit on the front porch and listen to the birds singing and the sound of silence. Great space for entertaining and making memories with family and friends!
: $839,000
This Canyon Oaks Tuscan residence is fit for royalty. With towering ceilings, walls of windows, and custom woodwork throughout, you could easily be convinced you’re exploring a castle in the Italian countryside. The lavish living room offers a cozy fireplace to enjoy alongside panoramic views. The kitchen, built for a gourmet chef, boasts custom cabinets with endless storage and granite counters that provide plenty of room for prep. A large island makes entertaining a breeze. Outside, you’ll find an in-ground Pebble-tec swimming pool with a cascading waterfall. As you retire at night in one of 2 primary suites, you’ll reflect on the comforts of your home—a media room, owned solar system, 3-car garage, & more on .49 acres! Bed: 4.0
Nestled next to a vineyard and encompassed by orchards, this home has been loved by many Chico generations. From its well-sized kitchen with cement counter tops and new Bosch dishwasher to its dual-pane windows, waterproof plank flooring, remodeled bathroom, new doors throughout, water softener, and fully owned solar system, this home exemplifies true quality. You will love the open
on almost 1/2 acre lot, across from Big Chico Creek, this beautiful home offers an open floor plan, a large living room with gorgeous beamed ceiling, spacious family room with a fireplace, quaint dining room, kitchen with freshly painted cabinets plus its 2 breakfast counter bars, 2 primary suites, and a home office. The house boasts wood flooring, well proportioned rooms, dual pane windows, plantation shutters, security system, trash compactor, water purifier, and indoor laundry. The yard is beautiful with its colorful shrubs, sheltering stately trees, fully fenced in-ground gunite pool, a dining patio, fire pit and its fun and fenced chicken coop. This lovely forever home is also equipped with a 2 car garage and RV area. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,680 Price: $845,000
You will be in awe as you enter through the charming gated courtyard of this Canyon Oaks home and into its elegant entry. Designed to entertain, the well appointed great room harmoniously flows into the fully equipped kitchen and to the formal dining room. The well appointed- kitchen is a chef's dream and is fully equipped with top of the line appliances, granite counter tops, a 6-burner gas cooktop, and a walk-in pantry. The residence embraces an oversized great room, a large formal dining room, a breakfast nook, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an in-house office and a huge media room all in over 3,900 square feet of living space. The primary suite grants a private entrance to the backyard and boasts a walk-in closet, spa-like bathroom, granite counter tops, his and her vanities, jetted tub, and walk-in shower. You'll also find 3 HVAC units, a 3 car garage, and OWNED SOLAR. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,956 Price: $1,399,000
Situated
I have worked with Effie for many years buying and selling properties. Effie is amazing. She is knowledgeable, responsive, a great negotiator, supportive through emotional steps in buying and selling, and offers great follow through on each step along the way to closing the deal. I would highly recommend Effie to anyone wishing to buy or sell a property. She works extremely hard to provide the best deal and experience for each client. -Kathy Hayes
Welcome to your dream home on Bidwell Ave. where elegance meets functionality in a prime neighborhood. This stunning residence features an open floor plan bathed in natural lights from numerous Milgard windows, offering picturesque views of the lush surroundings and tranquil creek in front. With 2,862 square feet of exquisite living space, This home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths (2 of which have been beautifully remodeled), an office, and a guest quarter. Step inside to find a spacious sunken living room, adorned with an exposed beam ceiling and a cozy wood stove, perfect for those chilly winter evenings. The freshly painted exterior sets the stage for the refined interior, where the kitchen shines with granite countertops, a large island, pull-out drawers, and top-ofthe-line KitchenAid appliances, including a farm sink and refrigerator. The kitchen seamlessly opens to the formal dining and living rooms, creating an ideal space for entertaining. Other notable features include engineered wood floors, French doors, plantation shutters, and an indoor laundry room equipped with Samsung washer and dryer. The primary suite is a true retreat, offering a walk-in closet, his and her vanities, and a remodeled bathroom with travertine tiles, dual shower heads, and a soaking tub. The hall bath has also been tastefully remodeled. The outdoor space is nothing short of spectacular, boasting a newly redesigned and re-plastered in-ground Gunite pool, an oversized covered dining patio, a hot tub, and a peaceful Zen area all set on a generous .57-acre lot. Additional amenities include a 3-car garage, RV access, and proximity to the creek
Located just a few minutes from Chico, this 1.34 acre private estate property offers a stunning view of the canyon with a perfect spot for you to build your dream house. Prior to the Camp Fire, this was a beautiful residence with 2,500 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, natural gas, and PID water service. Acres: 1.34 Price: $51,750
If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-desac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $37,900
Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,862 Price: $899,900
Own a piece of Paradise! This .49 acre parcel boasts intoxicating views of the canyon—the perfect place for your dream home! Prior to the Camp Fire, this parcel held a 1,742 sqft, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with natural gas and PID water services. This property is a must see! Acres: 0.49 Price: $36,750
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Head for the hills!
When I’m asked about the “Rest of Chico,” as in the surrounding communities that make our North State wonderful, I start with the lesser-known jewels you find when you travel the foothills.
My own history with these places began in the ‘70s when I went to the brand-new Feather River Junior College in Quincy. My buddies and I managed to get in ample amounts of fishing time between class times, roaming the creeks and lakes from Plumas County and into Butte County. I bought my first pickup truck from a guy in the Evergreen Mobile Home Park just outside Quincy, where I lived while going to school. That ’53 GMC was a back-roads warrior, though beset by frequent overheating, lousy shocks, and plenty of flat tires.
On a weekend trip, we drove that old ‘53 over the mostly unpaved Oroville-Quincy “highway’ from Quincy, through Meadow Valley and Bucks Lake, over the mountain ridge through forests of aspens, firs, and pines, down into Berry Creek and Feather Falls. The road was paved at each end, but the long stretch in the middle was more like a dirt track. That middle part was a highelevation slice of pristine mountain beauty with nobody around.
The Oroville-Quincy Road took us downhill from Quincy, through thousands of acres of beautiful forestland into the seemingly secret communities of Mountain Home, Brush Creek, Forbestown, La Porte, Clipper Mills, around Lake Oroville and down into the booming metropolis of Oroville.
My history with these places includes the years of my career in real estate, which has taken me over, around, and through these foothills and forest lands. It also includes my limited career in recent years as a musician in my band, playing the outside stages of Berry Creek and Feather Falls. I also harken back to my first musical playing days in Quincy, back in the ’70s, in The Bank Club bar, as “Doug and Tom featuring Sheila Woods.” Sheila belted out the country hit, and Tom and I strummed guitars, competing with the cracking of pool balls and the tunes on the jukebox.
If you haven’t made the trip, get on the Oroville-Quincy highway and ride it up to Quincy. It’s a beauty!
Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.
Looking Back and Leaping Forward
110 Years of Enloe
When it comes to health care in the North State, few names are as recognized as Enloe. For most people born in Chico, Enloe was the first interaction with the world.
Growing up, Enloe Hospital was an everpresent pillar of the community. Centrally located on the Esplanade, the building was unmistakable, a prominent landmark for longtime residents as well as newcomers.
Enloe has been synonymous with health care in Chico and the surrounding area for more than 110 years. It now employs more than 4,000 people, offers 45 medical services, and has 66 service locations.
Enloe’s founder, Newton Thomas Enloe, M.D., was born on February 23, 1872, in Russellville, Missouri. One of 11 children, Dr. Enloe graduated from the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis in 1895 and set
his sights westward. In 1901, he pawned his watch for $15 to open his first hospital in West Branch, a timber camp between present-day Forest Ranch and Stirling City.
Dr. Enloe moved to Chico in 1904 and began his general practice clinic, treating camp lumberjacks for a nominal $1 monthly fee.
Chico was prominent in logging in the early 1900s. Trees were cut in the mountains, and the logs floated down a water flume to the Chico mills.
Dr. Enloe opened the original Enloe Hospital on Flume Street in Downtown Chico in 1913, with 25 patient beds, three doctors, and five nurses.
It was a welcome addition to the community and an important point for its logging industry. With hospitals at the top and bottom of the mountain, Dr. Enloe would transport lumberjacks down the flume to the valley in a log ambulance. That log ambulance inspired the new Enloe Health logo.
Enloe’s founder, Newton Thomas Enloe, M.D., sits at the back of a log ambulance with his son and sister.
He opened a training school for nurses in 1917, and it became the first state-accredited program between Sacramento and Portland. Enloe Hospital temporarily closed later that year as Capt. Enloe entered the U.S. Army to serve in World War I. It reopened in 1918 to provide care during the Spanish flu epidemic. Dr. Enloe continued serving his community after returning and until his death in 1954 at the age of 82. He invested his life in the North Valley, making sure residents received excellent medical care. His mission and legacy live on today.
What started in that Flume Street facility has grown into a vast organization, including a 298-bed acute care, Level II trauma center, an inpatient rehabilitation campus, and more than a dozen ambulatory clinics. The organization has begun construction on a 97,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center. It also runs the only hospital-owned and -operated air ambulance in California.
In 2023 alone, Enloe Health provided $2.5 million in charity care, saw more than 75,000 emergency department visits, managed nearly 45,000 prompt care visits, and provided more than 8,700 same-day surgeries.
Enloe embarked on a rebranding effort in late 2023 to better represent its scope of services and its commitment to the region it serves.
“More than a century ago, we were Enloe Hospital. As time has passed and our organization has evolved, our name has changed slightly to reflect that growth,” said Mike Wiltermood, Enloe Health’s President and CEO.
“Enloe has an incredibly strong brand in the North State. We have solid values, and we enjoy tremendous goodwill within our region.
“The significance of this rebrand in the historical context, given the fact that we've been here for 110 years, is an affirmation of our purpose and the relationship we have with our community. We want people to know that we value our relationship with them and that we're going to work hard to meet their needs for the next 110 years.”
Selected clinical and nonclinical caregivers, new and seasoned employees, and volunteer board members participated in various focus groups to gather data used to develop the new elements. As a result, Enloe Health’s rebranding not only exemplifies what the organization offers, but how its community feels about it as well.
In addition, Enloe Health has long been an active member of outreach programs, philanthropy, and education throughout the North Valley.
The original Enloe Hospital opened on Flume Street in Downtown Chico in 1913.
The Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center broke ground May 10.
The Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center will open in 2026.
At the heart of Enloe Health’s success has been its dedication to five core values: safety, engagement, trust, excellence, and belonging. Each of these is rooted in principles the organization has championed for years. Through these values, Enloe Health has committed to embracing the shared responsibility of safety for all; empowering active participation and ownership of results; fostering trust with competency, character, and honesty; relentlessly pursuing innovative improvement; and cultivating an environment of belonging with compassion, acceptance, and respect.
To that final point, Enloe Health adopted the slogan “You belong.”
“For us, belonging is a very important cultural concept, and we wanted language that was truly reflective of who we are now,” said Jolene Francis, Enloe Health’s Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications. “The definition of 'belonging' will never change. We were striving for something that had a long-lasting impact, and we truly want people to feel like they belong here.”
Jolene continued, “I think our new brand is going to help the region understand the depth and breadth of the services we provide right here in the North State. Rather than having to travel for a high level of care, we hope people recognize that we are a robust health system, and they can get most everything they need close to home.”
As the entire organization contributed to crafting the new brand and its messaging, it’s unsurprising that caregivers report feeling seen and heard in the outcome.
Arah Barham, a clinical resource nurse, raved, “In the 38 years that I've worked here, I've seen a lot of historical changes in Enloe, from name to name to name, to different computer programs – I think this is probably the most significant. … I love the whole new brand because it speaks to who we are. We care about our patients. We have compassion, and we all belong.”
Community Health Coordinator Teresa McEwen added, “Well, it really gives me goosebumps. I'm excited. I'm at the end of my career here at Enloe, and I've seen a lot of things change over 32 years. I think this is just one major step to include the entire community. It makes everybody feel like they belong under one umbrella. I'm proud to be an Enloe employee.”
Paulette Wooley, Enloe Health’s Manager of Policy & Procedure, said, “Enloe has been around for over 110 years, and I feel very honored to have been here for 40 of those years. We have grown so much in the time that I've been here. We really needed a name that encompasses and embodies who we are and what we are. Enloe Health is that name.”
With a reinvigorated vision, brand, and mission, Enloe Health and its caregivers are excited to meet patients at their level. Having risen to the challenges posed by the Camp Fire and COVID-19 pandemic, while navigating thoughtful growth to fill gaps in services needed to meet the growing needs of the community, they are united in continuing to deliver a level of service our communities can be proud of.
To discover all that Enloe Health has to offer, visit www.enloe.org/about-us.
Kassie Houser, a registered nurse at Enloe Health, takes a blood pressure reading from Shirley Campbell during an Enloe Health in the Community event in April.
Long-time caregivers Paulette Wooley, Arah Barham and Teresa McEwen are excited about Enloe’s new chapter as Enloe Health.
Cindy Llewellyn and Jonathan Cruz are among the many caregivers who have shared why they enjoy working at Enloe.
Enloe Health Breast Imaging was one of the departments recognized during Enloe’s recent Spirit of Planetree Awards.
Creating a greater level of comfort
Evans’ Furniture is no stranger to Upgraded Living, having been a staple in the magazine since 2013. Whether you’re looking for a stylish dining room set or the perfect sectional for your living space, their furniture galleries are an excellent place to explore. They even have patio furniture. While searching for the right fit, you can enjoy all they have to offer in their air conditioned showrooms, especially desirable for this time of year.
With nearly 100,000 square feet of floor space at three different Evans’ Furniture locations, air conditioning and heating expenses are astronomical. Fortunately, Marc Evans and Evans Furniture achieved the perfect energy set-up for each of their unique building styles thanks to Urban Design Solar. Speaking of Sean McCreary, Urban Design’s proprietor, Marc said, "Sean is a bit of a MacGyver when dealing with historic buildings.” A case in point is Evans’ Furniture in Grass Valley, a 150-year-old facility with significant building restrictions due to being listed on the state’s historic register list.
Marc is full of praise for Urban Design and the work they do in all phases of
the business, from beginning to end. “Sean explained everything really well,” said Marc. “He was easy to talk with and fully walked us through the process and what construction would entail.” He added, “The Urban Design quote was quite transparent with no hidden fees or add-ons.” On top of that, after doing his research, Marc discovered that Urban Design was a solid, trusted, and wellknown construction company with scores of positive endorsements. And while Urban Design didn’t submit the lowest bid, theirs was the most detailed.
“What’s attractive about Urban Design is that they’re a commercial contractor who is competitive in both residential and commercial properties,” said Marc. Basically, there isn’t anything that Urban Design hasn’t seen, not only in solar installations but everything else they do. This includes solar, plumbing, and electrical service and installation at locations all over Northern California, from Sacramento to Redding and beyond. The solar division includes residential, commercial, agricultural, and home standby generators. Marc was so pleased with the installation in Grass Valley that
making the call to improve the comfort and efficiency of Evans’ Yuba City location was a no-brainer. He says the solar installations atop his businesses have lowered his energy costs by up to 80%.
Urban Design’s owner, Sean McCreary, attributes his success to his time in the industry that spawned the hit TV show Alaska’s Deadliest Catch. He started out in king crab fishing and eventually became a captain before retiring and moving to Chico to start a family and a business. He runs his business by educating and counseling instead of focusing on selling. Marc and Sean bonded over their shared ocean-going background, as Marc was in the United States Coast Guard for over 20 years and was also a ship captain.
If you have a need for solar, plumbing, electrical service or installation—whether residential or commercial—visit Urban Design at www.urbandesignsolar.com Don’t forget to head out to any of the Evans’ Furniture locations and take a look at Urban Design’s work for yourself. Be sure to say hi to Joy, a literal rescue dog you will see following Marc around.
Growing up in the small mountain town of Three Rivers, CA, Bruce Hart quickly discovered his love for the great outdoors, though he rarely had the right gear for his adventures. Armed with that passion, he made it his mission to ensure others could enjoy the outdoors comfortably and to their fullest potential when he purchased Downtown Chico’s Mountain Sports in 1977. Offering customers the best possible gear alongside first-class customer service, Mountain Sports has earned a reputation as one of Chico’s best retailers, while their level of product knowledge has made them a destination for advice, hardto-find answers, and safety. Mountain Sports carries Patagonia, Kuhl, Osprey, Nemo Equipment and many other hard and soft good brands synonymous with quality. They have anything and everything you could possibly need to properly enjoy the outdoors and the knowledge to make your experience unforgettable. Visit them at 176 E. 3rd Street and discover why Chico has loved this store for nearly 50 years.
Paloma Arrambide started her food journey with a small grill and a small menu of taco offerings in Los Molinos five years ago, but her passion for making food with love quickly caught on, eventually turning into Mas Amor Mexican restaurant in Downtown Chico. Located in the Phoenix Building, Mas Amor took off immediately, and it should come as no surprise as Paloma’s love for food and attention to detail is only matched by her customer service and the incredible flavor each dish offers. Decorated beautifully, the atmosphere will transport you directly to Mexico, while the handmade plates and clay cups set the tone for the authenticity of each dish. Known for their guacamole, Mas Amor tacos, taquitos dorados, and enchiladas, Mas Amor is inspired by Paloma’s parents, who believe things made by hand are made with love. Pair their homemade aguas frescas with one of their dishes—many of which come from recipes passed down by Paloma’s 99-year-old grandmother—and prepare to experience Mexican food as it should be, with love.
Search: Mas Amor Mexican Food MasAmorMexicanFood www.masamormexicanfood.com
176 E 3rd St, Chico (530) 345-5011
Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm | Sun 11am-4pm
Mike Orognen purchased The Cookie Shoppe in Chico in 1999 and set out to take the cookie world by storm. Originally working in Yuba City’s agriculture industry, Mike wanted his own gig and found it during a holiday visit to Chico. Coming from a family who loved spending time in the kitchen, the bakery seemed like a perfect fit. Using recipes just like Grandma would have made, Mike and his team have baked their way into the hearts of customers for the past 25 years. Serving up an average of 1,000 cookies each day, the Cookie Shoppe can accommodate orders large and small, with their largest ever day amounting to nearly 4,000 cookies sold. Their most popular flavors are chocolate chip, chocolate crackle, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, and oatmeal, but they have something for everyone. They can even print a logo or image on cookies, perfect for business needs or celebrations alike. Stop in and try this delicious Chico staple for yourself!
The Cookie Shoppe
All The Bitter
Ian and Carly Blessing met while working as sommeliers at the famed French Laundry in Yountville. Experts in wine service and wine and food pairing, the two elected to stop drinking alcohol when they had kids, and the decision started them on a brand new adventure.
Though they lost their interest in alcohol, they still loved the flavor of the cocktails they once enjoyed. They dove into non-alcoholic beverages as consumers, starting with non-alcoholic beers before making their own non-alcoholic cocktails at home. Using a range of 0% ABV spirits, they found something was consistently missing— the nuanced flavor provided by bitters. As most cocktail bitters are 35-45% alcohol, they didn’t have a place at their home bar, and the two found many others were omitting them for the same reason. In that realization, they saw an opportunity.
After moving to Chico from Napa during the pandemic, they spent a year in their home kitchen creating core flavors for their new line of non-alcoholic bitters that were not only delicious but held health benefits as well. The journey took them to Meriam Park, where they perfected their recipes for two years before officially moving into their own facility in a nearby suite.
Now sold in 500 stores across the country and in 10 countries internationally, the couple just shipped their first order to Total Wine which will launch the product line in 100 stores over the next couple weeks. Locally, you can find their products at Made in Chico and Little Red Hen Home in Downtown Chico, Marigold Marketplace in Durham, and both Daycamp Coffee and Roselle Bar & Lounge in Meriam Park. Whether flavoring seltzer at home, complementing an exquisite cocktail, or used for their health benefits, All The Bitter’s line of bitters is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Visit them online at www.allthebitter.com to learn more and for recipes you’re sure to love.
Sheryl Hubbard
Sheryl Hubbard, a cherished member of the Chico Branch of Butte County Library for 20 years, brings an infectious joy to the library. Known for her warm greetings and remarkable memory for names, Sheryl makes every visitor feel special. Her vibrant personality shines through in her children's programming, where she's been a perfect fit for the past 15 years.
Sheryl’s Preschool Storytime on Tuesdays and Toddler Storytime on Thursdays are community favorites. Her summer Sensory Sensations program features delightful activities like Giant Bubbles, Flyswatter Painting, and the hilarious Shaving Cream Messtival, turning the library into a hub of excitement and laughter. She also invites local music celebrities like Papa Z’s Jamtation and Kevin Barry & Friends to rock the library with their tunes.
Her dedication to making the library a magical place fosters a love of reading and community spirit in everyone who walks through the doors. Adept at organizing and making the library user-friendly, Sheryl relies on a dedicated team of volunteers, including Jan Wonzong and over a dozen teen helpers, to execute her creative ideas. Her warmth and kindness make the library a special place where every visitor feels at home.
Visit the Chico Branch of Butte Community Library at 1108 Sherman Avenue and see Sheryl in action for yourself!
Chico's NationalMuseumYo-Yo at Bird in Hand
Some might be surprised to learn that the National Yo-Yo Museum exists right here in Downtown Chico's Bird in Hand. As home to the world's largest public display of yo-yos, yo-yo memorabilia, and yo-yo contest awards, it is well-known amongst the evergrowing population of yo-yoers worldwide but has managed to fly under the radar to residents.
The National Yo-Yo Museum is open during Bird in Hand's regular business hours and is free to visit as a self-guided tour. Guided visits are available to groups by special arrangement and are the perfect opportunity for school field trips.
Their centerpiece, the Big-Yo, is a scaled-up working version of the iconic No-Jive 3-in-1 yo-yo from Tom Kuhn. At 256 pounds, Big-Yo officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 1982, claiming the title of ‘World's Biggest Working Wooden Yo-Yo’. Yes, you read that right—it works. With the assistance of a large crane and an equally skilled crane operator, Big-Yo can successfully make its way up and down the string. A demonstration is not offered during the tour to minimize the chance of an Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom scenario. Stop by and see this fantastic piece of history for yourself!
ACE Coffee Trailer
Active Community Endowment (ACE) endeavors to enrich the lives of at-risk youth through community engagement, mentorship, and empowerment. Founded with the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive, ACE has been dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where young people can grow and develop essential life skills.
Their Coffee Trailer Initiative embodies this mission by providing a mobile hub for community interaction, mentorship, and support. The trailer will serve as a catalyst for positive change, offering job opportunities for at-risk youth while fostering connections with local police and fire personnel through joint community events. By working alongside these role models, youth will gain valuable work experience and develop relationships that build trust and mutual respect.
Additionally, proceeds from the coffee trailer will directly support ACE’s various events and programs, further expanding their reach and impact. These events, which include educational workshops, recreational activities, and community service projects, are designed to provide at-risk youth with opportunities to learn, grow, and give back to their communities.
ACE’s commitment to holistic development means that it addresses not just the immediate needs of at-risk youth but also works towards long-term solutions that promote active citizenship and community cohesion. By engaging with the community and leveraging local resources, ACE aims to create a sustainable model of youth empowerment that can be replicated in other communities.
Join ACE in this transformative journey and be a part of the change. Support its initiative by scanning the QR code and visiting its GoFundMe page to help them brew a brighter future, one cup at a time.
Chico Cat Café
You may remember Chico Cat Café from an article in Upgraded Living’s November 2022 issue where we profiled the new venture on the Esplanade in Chico. The part coffeehouse, part lounge, part cat adoption center has made some remarkable strides since, as a temporary cat and kitten foster home, and we felt it was worthy of a follow-up.
To date, Chico Cat Café has found homes for nearly 200 cats and kittens by connecting small underfunded nonprofit rescues with customers and remains a home for many more currently awaiting adoption. The Chico Cat Café currently works with six different rescues, guaranteeing that another cat in need finds a proper foster home within hours of one being adopted from the café. Visitors pay a small admission fee—$18 for adults; $13 for children, students, and seniors—which covers coffee and non-alcoholic beverages along with ongoing care for the cats living at the café. They’ve partnered with Trailblazer Pet Supply to offer cat-centric classes to customers, and there's even a wine lounge available for adults.
Whether for a school field trip, Harry Potter trivia nights, or just to get some much-needed cat therapy, there are few places quite as relaxing as Chico Cat Café. Drop by 1725 Esplanade or visit www.ChicoCatCafe.com for reservations and more information on this incredible organization.
Leaders in Community Mental Health and Grant Services
Emma and Logan Todd have become prominent figures in the Chico community, dedicated to improving mental health services and grant availability. Their commitment and hard work have significantly impacted many lives.
Emma, a passionate social worker, moved to Chico from Sonoma County to pursue her master’s in social work at Chico State. She envisioned creating a place where mental, emotional, and physical health services would be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her vision materialized into Tula Therapy, a thriving mental health collective that just celebrated its second anniversary.
Tula Therapy has grown beyond what Emma ever imagined. It offers a comprehensive range of services, from talk therapy to whole mind and body health practices. Her biggest goal was making mental health care accessible and affordable. The collective works with various insurance plans and offers a sliding scale fee structure to ensure
no one is turned away due to financial constraints. Recently, Tula Therapy expanded by opening a small clinic in Paradise, further extending its reach and impact. The clinic has also partnered with local schools to provide specialized counseling services, making mental health support readily available to students.
Originally from Kentucky, Logan came to Chico to work for the Enterprise-Record. With a knack for connecting people and resources, he found his calling in designing grants and grant programs. Logan’s work involves engaging with donors who have funds to give and matching them with individuals and organizations in need. His expertise has helped pivot standard emergency help towards more specialized and formal support options, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of grant programs in the North Valley.
The Todds’ journey began when they were introduced by their dogs.
Discovering they were neighbors, they immediately started discussing social policy and instantly clicked. Their shared passion for social issues sparked a connection that still fuels their relationship today. They often debate social policies, constantly bouncing ideas off each other and dreaming big about the changes they want to see in their community and how to implement them.
Logan has played a crucial role in structuring and educating Tula Therapy, particularly on the nonprofit side. While they work on specific projects separately, they continuously collaborate, discuss community issues, and inspire each other. Logan’s experience with charitable funds and nonprofit work, coupled with Emma’s expertise in mental health, allows them to see the bigger picture, address challenges, and overcome obstacles.
Emma’s involvement with NVCF and the Homeless Connect program during her internship helped her follow a path that eventually led Logan to find his dream job. He has been working with NVCF since 2016, contributing to the community's well-being through his expertise in grant writing and program design.
Despite their busy professional lives, Emma and Logan cherish their time with their two sons and dogs. They enjoy exploring nature, camping, and spending time close to the water. Their love for each other and their work is evident in everything they do, and they are immensely proud to raise their family in Chico.
As they continue to make a significant impact through their work, Emma and Logan Todd remain committed to their mission of improving mental health services and grant availability in the North Valley. Their dedication and collaborative spirit make them a true power couple in the nonprofit sector, inspiring others to dream big and work towards a better community.
To reach Tula Therapy and see how they can help you or someone you love, reach out to them at (530) 212-0266 or visit them online at www.tulatherapy.org
GET READY FOR THE MUD RUN
The Lord’s Gym Kids Mud Run is the premier summer kickoff event for families in Northern California. Started in 2016, the Kids Mud Run is organized by the Lord's Gym Oroville, which is a nonprofit, volunteer-run gym dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Oroville and neighboring communities in Butte County. Over the years, this family event has grown from 183 runners in 2016 to an event that attracted over 3,000 registered runners in 2024.
The Kids Mud Run is open to all children ages 4-17 to participate in and is FREE to register and attend. It includes 25+ challenging obstacles, three separate course trails, over a mile of total length, and parent/child heats. The event also includes some paid attractions, such as concessions, inflatables, and a giant sled hill. Proceeds go back into the community to support community endeavors such as a local food bank, homeless outreach, and a local recovery program.
The event’s growth over the years is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Lord's Gym team and all of its community and business partners. Each year, the race course is meticulously designed to challenge the kids while ensuring their safety. Participants navigate a variety of obstacles, including mud pits, climbing walls, and pond obstacles. The standout favorite obstacle is the giant mudslide. The result is a thrilling adventure that not only tests their physical abilities but also fosters resilience and perseverance for both parents and children alike.
While the Lord’s Gym presents the event, its community partners also have a huge impact on making this FREE event a reality. Over 40 local businesses and organizations come together to support
the Kids Mud Run through donations, volunteers, and advertising to help them continue to offer this incredible event for FREE to the community. The list of generous partners includes businesses such as Deer Creek Broadcasting, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Recology, Parkway
Realty, Comer’s Print Shop, and Oroville Auto Center.
For more information and a full list of their partners, please visit their website at www.LordsGymMudRun.com or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
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Jake's Burgers
You can taste the flame-broiled goodness the moment you walk through the door of Jake’s Burgers. Known for their breakfast burritos, chicken sandwiches, and of course, their signature burgers, they have unwavering quality and attention to detail. Whether you take yours plain or with grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms, Jake’s offers a delicious consistency that will make you a regular after the first bite. They first opened their doors in 1996, and current owners, Justine and Jeff Jacobsen, are so confident in their product that they offer their Mini Jake for only $2.50 after 3 PM, so those with almost any budget can give them a try. But it’s more than great flavors. Justine says, “I grew up coming here—the fun memorabilia and energy always made it a family destination. We hope to continue that vibe for future generations.” Come visit the Jake’s family and bring home a taste of Oroville tradition.
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Jakes.Burgers
www.JakesBurgersOroville.com
Antonio and David Cisneros
The Cisneros family has been in Oroville since 1999 and is a proud member of the community. Antonio and David are a father-son team that is well-known and respected throughout Butte County. Antonio, a former real estate investor, has worked in customer service and technical fields for over 25 years, applying his hard work and knowledge to help those who dream of owning a home. He is dedicated to engaging with and giving back to the community, donating a portion of all sales to St. Jude, as well as a number of local charities and schools. Both are aeronautic enthusiasts, and David is a private pilot on his way to obtaining his commercial license. They are driven toward the success of their family and those they serve. "We became REALTORS® to do work that matters, is meaningful, is impactful, and helps our clients and others in our community!
1751 Oroville Dam Blvd E #11, Oroville (530) 534-8588 Mon-Sat 6:30am-8pm | Sun 8am-8pm
David E. Cisneros REALTOR® C2EX DRE #02201736 530-353-9415
Antonio D. Cisneros REALTOR® SRES®, RENE, ABR®, SRS, PSA, LHC, C2EX DRE #02165262 (530) 370-4389
All Cleaned Carpets
Coming from the flooring business and wanting to go out on his own, Shawn Webber started All Cleaned Carpets in January 2015. “I did a lot of installing, stretching, and cleaning, so I just decided to start my own business that allowed me to focus on cleaning, not the installations.” Working as both sole proprietor and operator, he knows that he can provide a premier service without the worry of others misrepresenting his work. Whether hot water extraction for residential cleaning, or a polymer, very low moisture (VLM) agitation process for commercial applications, he works to get you back in your environment quickly. Shawn also prides himself in providing great value for the price, which has helped clients make those cleaning investments without breaking the bank. “We’re just a family company that wants to take care of people.” Try them out, and experience the quality and integrity for yourself.
Originally from Roseburg, Oregon, Theodore Miland moved to Oroville in 2000 to care for his father, who had muscular sclerosis. He found a retreat with his friends in music— specifically nu metal—and it quickly became his focus. He started playing guitar at 18, singing in choir, and involving himself in all things music, eventually being picked up by the local band Kemical X.
As time went on, Theodore watched the music scene in Oroville start to wane. He wanted to provide a place for kids and teenagers to get back into music rather than falling into drugs or other negative situations, so he worked closely with the YMCA and several other organizations to bring music competitions to Oroville, where kids could showcase their talent in a clean and positive environment. He continues that mission by being a positive role model for youth throughout Oroville and showing what can be done when you focus your efforts in a positive manner.
When Theodore isn’t providing music lessons, he’s taking care of dogs at the SPCA—his other passion—and doing his part to learn their personalities to connect them with their perfect human. He can also be found as the lead singer in the band The Gypsy Bones, working with the folks at Brushstrokes, and helping raise money for bikes for kids at various bike runs. Look his band up on Facebook to see where to catch them next!
Tiny Pine Foundation
Tiny Pine Foundation (TPF) began building tiny homes on wheels after the Camp Fire in 2018. To date, they have gifted 48 tiny homes on wheels to fire survivors. These 200-squarefoot homes are built using donated materials and volunteer builders at a cost of approximately $13,000 to $15,000.
TPF began building tiny homes on foundations (small-footprint homes) in 2023. These 400-square-foot homes are built on survivors' properties. Volunteers and subcontractors work together to make these foundation homes possible.
Their newest endeavor is Tiny Pine Construction Company (CSLB #1090328), formed in 2024. This for-profit arm of TPF will bring a host of new opportunities to the foundation as a whole and further assistance to the Paradise community.
This new for-profit arm will enable the foundation to invest its profits into providing much-needed tiny homes for fire survivors and continuing its community outreach and disaster relief missions. Discover everything it's doing by visiting it online at www.TinyPineFoundation.org.
Three Little Birds
Broken Oak Acres
Owned and operated by Lyndsay Mann, Broken Oak Acres is a delightful farm stand that offers an array of seasonal produce, local goods, and cut flowers. They also stock Marigold Marketplace in Durham with fresh flowers weekly. During pumpkin season, the stand is open daily from dawn to dusk. Lyndsay is planning on opening the pumpkin patch on September 14th with a wide variety of specialty pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds. Flower subscriptions are a standout feature offered February-May and are sold by the month. They consist of a unique variety of seasonal flowers ready weekly for each member. The farm also provides floral arrangements, blooms by the bucket, DIY wedding florals, classes, and U-pick days. The venture began as a side project and has grown into a full-time operation, supported by her husband and daughters. Broken Oak Acres is not just a business but a testament to family tradition, continually bringing joy and beauty to those who visit.
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www.brokenoakacres.com
Tiffany Schulps, a dedicated mom of her 3 children, opened Three Little Birds in 2019 and filled the store with her own handmade eco-friendly soy candles. In honor of her children, she added unique high-quality toys, new and gently used baby and children’s clothing, handmade local goods, and gifts. The store was an instant success, saving people in her community a trip from driving out of town for baby shower and birthday gifts. Three Little Birds has continued to grow ever since. Tiffany is intensely involved in the Orland community as well; she runs the Downtown Orland Facebook page, is in Orland Rotary, and sponsors youth sports. Most recently, she and Amy Raymondo, the president of the Orland Otter swim team, re-launched Orland Skate at the Orland Fairgrounds. Stop by and see why Three Little Birds is a family favorite of Orland residents and outof-town visitors alike! Check-in on Facebook every time you visit to receive a complimentary handmade candle with your purchase!
Search "Three Little Birds"
@ThreeLittleBirds530
708 4th Street , Orland (530) 354-3358 Wed-Sun 11am-4pm
1792 State Hwy. 45, Glenn (530) 519-7087 Tue-Sat 9am-dark
Baugher Ranch Organics
Founded by Chris and Marcie Baugher, Baugher Ranch Organics has provided high-quality organic almonds for the past 40 years. Now owned by sisters Nisha and Rania, what started as a small operation has grown immensely into a second-generation family farm and trusted provider for businesses of all sizes. By combining the best in traditional methods and modern technology, along with meticulous attention to detail, Baugher Ranch Organics has created a reputation for consistently meeting or exceeding the highest standards of quality. This coming harvest year, they will process millions of pounds of almonds for their partners, delivering whole nuts and all types of manufactured almonds. Sustainability is a core value at Baugher Ranch Organics, and they believe strongly in ethical land stewardship and long-term viability. Their focus on eco-friendly farming practices, water conservation, and reduction of their carbon footprint make their almonds more than just a delicious and healthy choice—they’re one you can feel good about ethically as well.
There’s a rumor that Orland is the birthplace of the boysenberry, and though we wish we could confirm this rumor, it’s not quite true. We are happy to confirm that the original boysenberry is alive and well in Orland, thanks to the efforts of Janette “Nettie” Boysen, her husband, Tom, and a number of important helpers along the way.
In 1923, Nettie’s grandfather, Rudy Boysen, was managing a prune ranch in Napa. He loved cross-pollination experiments and began crossing vines from different berries in the hopes of creating a super berry; he found it when marionberry and loganberry vines met. Large, juicy, and full of flavor, he planted the new vine near a creek where it would have constant access to fertile soil and water. When his recently-widowed mother-in-law convinced him to move to Orange County, he left the original vine growing in the creekbed that ran through the prune ranch, but took root starts with him and replanted them there. Though he knew he had something special and attempted to sell the berries through a number of avenues, he couldn’t get the new berry to take off. A nurseryman attempted to help, but Rudy moved on, eventually taking a position as parks superintendent for the city of Anaheim.
As luck would have it, the USDA heard about the new vine producing giant juicy berries in California and went in search of Rudy in 1932, enlisting the help of Walter Knott. As the famed founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, and a bit of an expert in the field, Walter agreed to help them in their hunt for the legendary berry. He eventually tracked Rudy down and, though initially unimpressed with the vines, offered to grow them at his berry farm when Rudy claimed the berries grew as big as his thumb. The rest, as they say, is history. The berry was so successful at Knott’s Berry Farm that Walter tore out all the other vines from his 20-acre berry farm and replaced them with Rudy’s boysenberry vines, pushing the new berry to stardom and cementing its place in berry history.
The original boysenberry vine, created by Rudy and planted in the creekbed, continued to grow in place over the next 30 years. After Rudy passed away, his brother returned to the creekbed in Napa, dug up the original vine, and replanted it at his home in Merced, preserving the heritage boysenberry vine and Rudy’s legacy.
Decades later, journalist Chris Jepsen went in search of the boysenberry’s origin story. A dedicated historian, he left no stone unturned, eventually discovering a 1958 article in the Napa Valley Register about the original vine being moved to Merced. Using that article and no shortage of sleuthing skills, he managed to track down Rudy’s brother’s family, the heritage vine, and pieced together the tale of the boysenberry itself. Through that chance interaction, the heritage boysenberry would be born again commercially.
Rudy’s granddaughter, Nettie, who you may remember from the beginning of this story, was living in Las Vegas in 2016 when Chris called looking for stories and photographs of her grandfather. Through those phone calls and his research, Chris reconnected Nettie with her grandfather’s heritage vines growing at her cousin Alice Masek's home in the Bay Area. Alice and her husband Mike had been given root-starts from Rudy's original vine at a Boysen family wedding in 1976. They maintained the heritage vines for years and were thrilled to give them to Nettie.
One of Nettie’s close friends offered her vineyard in San Diego County, some five hours away from Nettie and Tom’s home in Las Vegas, as the foster home for those heritage vines. With the perfect growing conditions, Nettie, Tom, Alice, and Mike met at the vineyard in San Diego, replanted 24 original vines in 2017, and set out on a new adventure. Nettie and Tom drove the 10-hour round trip from Las Vegas every other weekend to care for those vines until Tom was able to turn those 24 original vines into 900. Knowing the richness of flavor in those heritage boysenberries, Nettie and Tom decided to sell their dream home in Vegas and began searching for the perfect place to further grow Rudy’s legacy. They found that place right here in Orland.
In 2018, Nettie and Tom purchased a property at 6282 County Road 23 in Orland complete with sandy loam and a well deep enough to irrigate all of their boysenberry vines. They planted, propagated, and planted some more until the farm was finally home to 2,400 vines, all from that original heritage boysenberry vine. “The significance is in the flavor.” Nettie said, “Heritage boysenberries have a very specific flavor; it’s nearly impossible to duplicate and definitely one that people remember. I never expected to be a farmer, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to secure my family legacy. My grandfather died before I was born, so I never had a chance to meet him, but it’s amazing being able to keep his memory alive in this way.”
Nettie and Tom appropriately named the property Boysen Berry Farm — Home of Rudy’s Original Boysenberries and opened it to the public. From May to early June, visitors can stop by the farm for U-pick festivities and get their hands on boysenberries that are direct descendants of that first heritage vine. Potted boysenberry plants are also available during that short period at the farm, and Rudy’s Original Bare-Root plants are available in 3-packs from late winter through early spring so visitors can further propagate Rudy’s legacy in their own gardens. “We want to get boysenberries growing in as many backyards as possible.” Nettie said, “That's out dream.”
Though the window for optimal boysenberry picking is short, Nettie, Tom, and their team keep the flavor alive year-round through boysenberry jams and syrups made from those heritage boysenberries and simple ingredients like pure cane sugar, fresh lemon juice, and pectin. Customers continue to rave that it brings back childhood memories associated with that unique boysenberry flavor. The jams and syrups can still be purchased directly from their website at www.rudysoriginal.com. You can also find more information there about root start sales and the upcoming 2025 U-pick season. Subscribe to their newsletter and try these delicious heritage boysenberries for yourself. We’re quite sure you’ll agree there’s nothing quite like them.
Orland Skate Day
As a mom of three and owner of Orland’s Three Little Birds boutique, Tiffany Schulps was constantly looking for adventures in Orland to keep her kids engaged. Unfortunately, she usually had to look outside of town to find them. Her friend and fellow Rotarian, Amy Raymondo, a mom of four and president of the Orland Otters swim team, was having the same lack of success. Committed to their community and intent on giving parents the ability to stay local, the two decided to bring back an old town favorite, Orland Skate Day.
Taking place at the Glenn County Fairgrounds once a month, the fun community event opens the door to an indoor skating rink for all to enjoy. Families have the opportunity to rent skates or bring their own and glide around the rink to the sounds of local DJs who volunteer their time for the day. Skatemates are even available for those who need assistance! A full snack bar and food trucks are on hand to keep everyone’s energy up while local vendors and businesses showcase their goods and help sponsor the event.
Usually taking place on Sundays from 126pm, Orland Skate Day is a fun event the whole family can enjoy together. Upcoming dates include September 15, October 6, and November 17, 2024. Find them on Facebook by searching "Orland Skate" for more information and how to participate!
La Santisima Trinidad
Translation: The Holy Trinity—specifically, the holy trinity of Mexican peppers. The most common of the trinity is the Ancho chile, a dried poblano. Then we have the Guajillo, a dried Mirasol chile. Last, we have Chiles de árbol, known as the bird’s beak and rat’s tail chile. You can recognize these by their long, slender appearance and bright red colors. While you can get them fresh, they are almost always purchased dry in stores and markets.
“Árbol” means tree in Spanish, and this refers to the woody stems the chiles grow on. Árboles add spiciness to a dish and colorful red flair. They are known for their “bright and acidic flavor, are nutty, smoky, and have a grassy flavor that…” Okay. Stop. Who writes this stuff? I’ll tell ya what they taste like, and that’s a mouthful of hot. I know from experience.
When I was six years old, I went into Wentz Market on East 1st Avenue with my dad—old people from Chico know where this was. I’d noticed many people strolling through the produce section smelling
melons, prodding avocados, and popping grapes into their mouths. Well, those skinny red chiles had always intrigued me, so I went over to the pepper section, grabbed an árbol chile, and took a crunchy bite. Big mistake. In five seconds, my mouth began to burn—bad. I still remember spitting out tiny seeds. I ran to the drinking fountain. It proved useless. I ran to my dad for help. He laughed at me and said, “I bet you won't do that again.” And I did not.
While the Chile de árbol was a faceful of lava for Little Timmy, it’s not that hot of a chili according to the Scoville Scale. It comes in at 15,000 to 30,000 units— spicier than a jalapeno but not nearly as hot as a Scotch Bonnet. They bring some heat but not too much, and they’re comparable to cayenne pepper. The most common use of árbol is as a dried, shelfstable ingredient that can last up to six months in a sealed container or up to a year in the freezer.
The mid-level heat of the árbol pairs well with sour flavors, tomatoes, chocolate,
chicken, and pork. It is often paired with the “fruitier” chiles like Ancho, Pasillo, and Guajillo. You can grind the dried peppers into flakes or powder. Another method is to rehydrate them for use in Mexican rice, eggs, salsas, and more. To maximize the flavor, toast them in a dry pan to release their aromatic oils.
Another use of árbol chiles is decoration. Their brilliant red color makes them perfect for chile ristras, wreaths, and other arrangements. You’ve probably seen them hanging in clusters on restaurant walls or columns.
Other uses are to add whole pods into a bottle of olive oil along with garlic cloves. The brave among us can make Chile de árbol infused vodka and other beverages. The tiny-sized chiles can adorn the drinks as a garnish.
A great recipe is Huevos Divorciados. Look it up. But please, do not eat them in the raw and crunchy form!
Boysenberry Apple Crisp
For our money, there are few dishes that bridge the gap between summer and fall quite like crisps. Crunchy, sweet, tart, and a little salty, these baked treats are not only delightful, but unbelievably easy to make. With boysenberry season ending and apple season taking off, there's no better time than now to bring these two delicious fruits together. Better yet, between the Boysen farm in Orland and Noble Orchards in Paradise, you can have a uniquely local baked dish the whole family will be thrilled to devour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sliced apples
- 2 cups boysenberries or boysenberry filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch baking dish of your choice.
2. Mix sugar and butter together in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Sift in flour, then add oats, and continue mixing.
3. Place sliced apples into the baking dish, followed by boysenberry filling and cover lightly with cinnamon. Pour in water, then evenly cover top with sugar, butter, flour, and oat mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F until apples are soft, boysenberry filling is lightly bubbling, and the crust is golden. This should take 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Allow to cool before serving. We recommend pairing it with a vanilla bean ice cream.
Kalfinated
What do construction workers, pairs of old friends catching up, and a guy with a laptop taking a video of his burger talking all have in common? They were at Barney’s on the afternoon of July 12th. Barneys has been a gather-and-grub hit since its inception in 1981. Their familyfriendly atmosphere has made each visit a pleasant one, and despite their full bar, the restaurant lacks the rowdy and raucous crowd, allowing you to have lunch or dinner without the “show” most everyone wants to avoid.
A couple of months earlier, I had lunch with our friend Glenn Hartley of Joy Lyn’s. When the server arrived, he proudly ordered the KALF Burger, which I noticed was not on the menu. “What’s that?” I asked. His shoulders settled as he sat back with satisfaction and anticipation, “Oh man, it's got bacon, jalapeños, and onions; it’s so good.”
I was sold. I ordered mine with onion rings, and to say the burger was memorable would be an understatement. Having had a few meetings on The Ridge scheduled, I carved out some time to go back and give this burger the
honor it deserves. It turns out the KALF went by a different name once upon a time, but it was renamed after the local radio station upon winning their burger contest. It’s a large S&S Produce singlepatty burger with cheddar cheese, house-made 1000-Island-like special sauce, and a heaping pile of soft, parcrisp bacon. Beneath the patty is a daily serving of vegetables, including lettuce, diced tomatoes, gently cooked purple onion, pickle, and jalapeño slices. The burger comes with kettle-style potato chips, providing a great texture balance between bites. Their onion rings were amazing, but I couldn’t finish them last time—plus, I had many more places to visit.
Inside the large red barn exterior, you’ll find plenty of cozy seating between the 13 tables and 20+ barstools that surround the large horseshoe bar, all with a great view of one of their large televisions. Soft pine wood accents and patriotic and Western decor sing to the tune of the Paradise tradition. Check it out for yourself. If you’re looking to meet some new friends, gather your appetite and stop for a bite at Barney’s.
A Bit of sibling rivalry
When you’re a brother and a sister who are two years apart, there can be some sibling rivalry, and while there is, Roman and Lucia Rodriguez try to avoid the natural brother/sister squabbles. Roman is 16 and will be a junior next year at Chico High; Lucia is 14 and will be a freshman there. However, they don’t think they’ll be running into each other on campus. “Chico High has over two thousand students,” said Lucia. “I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other very much.” Roman added, “Yeah, a lot of my classes are on the other side of campus. So we probably won’t see each other.”
Roman and Lucia’s sibling life is partially dictated by Roman's being “on the
spectrum” or autistic. This is not a secret, and the kids’ parents, Jesus and Claudia Rodriguez, know it’s just another part of life. “We learned very early that Roman was on the spectrum,” said Jesus. We have always discussed this with him and have been open with the kids.” As for Roman, he has no problem acknowledging his unique personality.
“I’m intelligent and pretty high on the spectrum,” he said. “Lucia and I get along pretty well, but we have our own ideas.” One of their common bonds is art. They both love various aspects of drawing, and Roman’s favorite classes are art classes. “I love nothing but art classes at school,” he said. His specialty is drawing in 2D digital
art, and he showed some excellent pieces with Mega Minion and his own creation of Groot as Wolverine.
Lucia likes pen-and-paper drawings and recently placed second at the Silver Dollar Fair. She is in advanced art classes and attended the local “Chalk Walk” event to have her creation displayed on the sidewalk in front of Chico Junior High. She looks forward to learning more about art at Chico High this coming year.
Another thing the siblings share is a love of athletics. Roman ran track at Chico High this year and plans on running again next season. He trains with his dad, running long distances in the mornings. Lucia played basketball at Chico Junior for three years and is practicing with the local AAU team this summer. She has played volleyball and plans on trying tennis at Chico High. She and her dad go out and practice every week.
Another bond the siblings share revolves around their cell phones. Currently, Lucia does not have a cell phone, although almost all of her friends do. While she expects to get one in the near future, don’t expect any social media time, because mom and dad think it has adverse effects. Many teachers and other parents agree! Roman does have a phone, but he only has Snapchat as a social media app. His mother, Claudia, has a commonsense approach. “Roman and Lucia don’t have to have straight As in school. We want them to grow up to be good people.” Limiting social media is part of that goal.
While Lucia looks forward to high school, Roman has his sights set on an excellent school in Sherman Oaks, CA, the Exceptional Minds Training Academy. This school specializes in artists on the autism spectrum and offers an animation program Roman is especially excited about. “I want to become an animator and work on television shows and movies,” he said.
Whatever is in store for the Rodriguez kids, we are sure it will be a positive experience.
WRITTEN
bring us home
Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by calling the Butte Humane Society at (530) 343-7917. You can also visit their website at www.buttehumane.org
