Upgraded Living December 2021 Issue by Upgraded Living

Q&A WITH DR. HODARI

PROFRACTIONAL

™

LASER RESURFACING

What is the ProFractional Laser? The ProFractonal Laser is a device that can address significant skin issues by taking advantage of the laser’s ability to ablate small areas of the skin while having benefits to the entire skin surface. This technology takes advantage of the “fractionated” nature of the treatment. Energy is selectively applied to small and isolated areas of the skin in order to promote the production of collagen in adjacent areas of the skin. This advanced process allows for broad long lasting improvement without fully ablating the skin and with minimal downtime.

What can the ProFractional treat or target? The ProFractional Laser treats a wide variety of skin surface imperfections such as scars, large pores, blemishes, uneven skin tone and a lackluster complexion. We call it our secret weapon because it has an extremely

...

affordable price point, has fantastic long lasting effects, and has minimal

downtime.

What is the downtime with this treatment? The downtime, which consists of mild pinpoint bleeding and swelling is approximately 5 days, with the majority of those changes occurring in the first few days after the procedure. Downtime can be managed and often shorted with selective antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

How many ProFractional treatments do I need? The benefits of a ProFractional laser treatment are cumulative. But while multiple treatments do produce better results, even one treatment in some patients can make a significant difference. For other patients, especially for indications like acne scarring, it is best to anticipate about 3 treatments. 2

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

"Rejuvené is the best place in Northern California for skincare. They offer a large selection of skincare and cosmetic products, and of course Botox, fillers, lasers and everything else you'd find in San Francisco or any other big city. The staff and Dr. Hodari are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. I always look forward to my visits at Rejuvene and I highly recommend to anyone who wants to look and feel better!"

- Cyndi A.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

8 0

D e c l a r a t i o n

C h i c o , ( 5 3 0 )

C A

D r .

9 5 9 7 3

3 4 2 - 8 2 9 5

r e j u v e n e . c o m

Welcoming Denise Abbasi, MD, Pediatrics

Now welcoming new patients at: Adventist Health River Health Center 5125 Skyway, Paradise 530-872-2000 AdventistHealth.org/DAbbasi

We provide quality healthcare to meet your child’s needs at every stage of growth. Dr. Denise Abbasi is passionate about delivering exceptional healthcare for your child. From well child exams and sports physicals to treatment of chronic conditions like asthma and allergies, Dr. Abbasi can help keep your kids healthy and growing for years to come. As your healthcare partner, Dr. Abbasi provides focused attention on children’s healthcare needs from birth and into young adulthood. That’s why patients recognize her ability to truly listen and translate what she learns into personalized care that gives you confidence and peace of mind. Joining our pediatric team

Theodore Zwerdling, MD Pediatric Hematology Oncology

Cynthia Wilson Grillo, DO Pediatrics

Kenneth Gillen, PA-C Pediatrics

FROM THE EDITOR Turning the calendar to December is also like turning on a mystical faucet, releasing kindness and good cheer into, well, the atmosphere. Ubiquitous phrases roll off people's lips spreading goodwill and reconciliation. Due to the expressions of eyes, masks fail to prevent the message from coming through. Bell ringers abound, adding to the positive vibes. People are just nicer in December. I needed to write a sentence like this; it makes me happy and hopeful. It isn’t just the 25th day of the month but actually more the build up to it, the magic around every corner, and the instinctive way we pass by each other. The passer-by's notion to look down or away is replaced with, at least, a nod. Perhaps it is because we have pointed messages to relay like: happy holidays, merry Christmas, meet me under the mistletoe, peace on Earth, and so on. You may get a knock on your door, opening to a choir of neighbors caroling away. That doesn’t happen on the 4th of July. Unlike its predecessor, basically challenging people to be grateful, December moves to its own beat and its own way of spreading friendship first. It is definitely a time to be distributing kindness and goodwill. Our cover story could stand as the poster child of distributing happiness and gathering. Golden Beaver Distillery revels in both. The story, itself, will put a smile on your face as you’ll marvel in its background and purpose. Once you meet Kris Koenig, owner and operator, you will surely book a tour with him to see the distillery up close. Our local spotlight, RJ Laffins, has a direct connection to Kris and the company’s affiliation to the community. RJ’s story is also both uplifting and eye-opening. Don’t miss either. Speaking of can’t miss, our Cool Kid Aurora Wolf is like no other who has been featured. Be ready to be wowed. I often get asked about how I come up with ideas for the Backpage. Truth is, I wait for them to come at me. I have written a piece on a random Tuesday walk, rushing to the keyboard to get it out of my head. Some at 3:00 am, resulting in tip-toeing down the hallway to take notes. I have officially referred to most of them as the “Ouija board effect.” Some mystical way, the planchette, serving as the game’s pointer, reveals the subject. Oh my, you need to see for yourself just where it pointed to this issue. Go directly to the Backpage and find out why I laughed ‘til I cried putting it together. Trust you’ll appreciate it!

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief JASON CORONA Sales Director BEAU VANDERMATE General Swiss Army Knife

SHELLY BRANDON Writer TIM MILHORN Writer

CONTRIBUTORS DOUG LOVE

SWEENEY & MICHEL

Real Estate

Finance

HRiQ

DERM BAR

Human Resources

Beauty

RYAN STEFANELLI

JESSICA WILKERSON

Tacos

Mental Health

For editorial or general magazine inquiries, please contact: Kevin Dolan kevin@upgradedliving.com

Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

For sales inquiries, please contact: Jason Corona, 530.591.2634 jason@UpgradedLiving.com

CONTENTS | DECEMBER 2021 FOOD

POTPOURRI

10 The quarterback of the kitchen, Chef Javi of Red Tavern

22 An upgrade in the foothills, with Ric and the New Again team, makes a house a home

12 Parkside Tap House opens the doors to Parkside Parlor 14 The decadence of December— chocolates that should be in your stocking 16 No Soup for you! Tres Hombres kicks off the season with warmth and comfort

18 Tacos Super Tonaya lays down the pastor gauntlet 20 Coffee, tea, and the ingredient introspective of Tim Milhorn 46 The flavors in the heart of Chico— downtown dining at its finest

COMMUNITY

28 Back to you, Doug, with the weather. The California housing forecast by Doug Love 42 Take a pause to thank the 60-plus volunteers of Butte County Search and Rescue 44 The man, the myth, the legend. We are honored to share the journey of our local spotlight, RJ Laffins

FEATURE 39 Marvel at the magic and meet Kris Koenig of Golden Beaver Distillery. Take this tour with us and learn the birth, the process and the future of the distillery’s commitment to the craft.

26 More than a century-old magazine: Better Homes and Gardens… Real Estate

28 Hippocratic oath and personal sacrifice: A special behind the scenes look at Dr. Bradley Smith and Immediate Care Medical Center 52 Alejandro Mercado and Victor Perry: Saluting Orland educators 54 A look into the beauty and history of Magalia Community Church 58 Open the gifts the Gold Country has to offer: Six reasons to visit Oroville 60 Cool Kid Aurora Wolf and the wonder of sight

54 8

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

ON THE COVER: KRIS KOENIG AND GOLDEN BEAVER DISTILERY PHOTO BY: DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIGN BY: ERIK BROWN

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN | PHOTO BY BEAU VANDERMATE

The simple truth Javier Morales is a quiet soul who wears his humility on his sleeve. Raised in the Bay Area, he moved to the Central Valley, where he attended East Union High School in Manteca. Javi, as he is known, was introduced to the kitchen at the ripe age of 11. He recalls watching the blossoming Food Network, and he got hooked. Javi flashed a big smile before stating, “I was getting tired of Hot Pockets.” Beyond the humor, the kitchen intrigue remained. Upon graduating, he headed to culinary school, choosing the Institute of Technology in Modesto. The school’s emphasis was centered on two things, the ‘Basics and Techniques.’ Javi headed into professional kitchens with the notion of “keeping food simple while using the correct techniques.” Five years ago, Javi moved his family to Chico, intent on establishing his career as a chef. It began with early stints at Red Tavern and other local eateries. Though he worked at other restaurants, Javi, like his earlier intrigue with the Food Network, always had his sights set on Red Tavern. He received that welcomed opportunity two years ago and has served as the head chef there since. Javi believes he’s found a home and continues utilizing the basics to maintain Red Tavern’s reputation as one of the finest 10

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

dining establishments Chico has to offer. Javi’s philosophical approach to the Tavern’s kitchen is to make use of fresh products from local farms. He understands keeping it simple ensures good food. When considering menus to correspond with the seasons, Javi relishes autumn and its quiet demand for hearty meals. Not surprisingly, his ‘go-to’ fall dish is duck etouffee, as preparing it checks every box. In an unexpected twist, Javi posed his own question, “Want to know what makes Red Tavern the Red Tavern?” He pointed to the owners, Rich and Chris Garcia. He marvels at their enthusiasm, energy, and care. All along, it was the Tavern’s duo that made him want to return. Javi recognizes that Rich, and his background, makes working together on most kitchen decisions a breeze. It proves both helpful and critical to his own position by removing much of the stress most experience in a restaurant kitchen. We celebrate Javi and wish him well in what will surely be a long and successful tenure as the Tavern’s head chef. Not difficult to figure the feeling is absolutely reciprocal through Rich and Chris’ eyes.

Parties at the Parkside Parlor With the holiday season finally here, there’s been a rush to book venues over the past few months. As teams begin gathering once again for holiday parties and conferences, venues have been inundated with booking requests, and those requests have only become more difficult to fill due to the number of wedding rehearsal dinners that also had to be rescheduled. Recognizing the impending shortage in venue space, the owners and management at Parkside Tap House decided to invest heavily in their banquet room, the Parkside Parlor. They even hired a new banquet manager, Kate Garey, to create a new program and ensure its most effective use possible. “I actually worked at Parkside for a bit when they opened four years ago.” Kate started, “I ended up moving to another local restaurant for a management position, but always came back to visit as I loved the owners, managers, and staff. One of my closest friends, Alyssa Arguello, started at Parkside too after being underutilized at another restaurant. She always had great ideas and is just an overall awesome person. I watched Parkside utilize her talents and value her input; as a result she flourished. She’s been there for four years, and I really wanted to work where it was clear team members were valued. When Parkside offered me the position of banquet manager, I naturally jumped onboard!” Since rejoining the Parkside team, Kate has worked hand-in-hand with 12

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

management to ensure the Parkside Parlor is exactly what customers want and need it to be. “Everyone has a different list of needs,” Kate said, “and we want to make sure we have the ability to cater to them. We’ve expanded our banquet schedule and increased the number of staff we have on-hand to provide dedicated staff for each event.” Parkside Parlor truly is a one-stop option for those looking to host events. Between Kate’s event planning, the well-appointed room with full AV capabilities, and two completely different menus—one for dinners and another more casual pubstyle, there isn’t much more you could need. It’s important to note, the Parlor also utilizes Parkside’s full bar with options for a no-host, host, or hybrid drinking experience. “Whether hosts are looking to cover the cost of beer and wine, liquor, or a specific amount of either, we can put a package together that takes their needs and budget into account.” Kate said, “Similarly, if they’d rather have guests pay for their own drinks, we can set up individual tabs for each in the room.” To top it off, Kate has even begun offering full decorating packages for holidays, weddings, birthdays, and more, making the room completely turnkey—simply drop in, enjoy your event, and leave the rest to them. The room can accommodate a total of 50 guests, and she’s quick to mention that they also have the option to host outdoors on their giant covered patio with space heaters, weather permitting.

“We have so much capability here.” Kate said, “We want to be part of the community, accommodate everyone we possibly can, and make their night exactly how they dream it to be.” As the testimonials at the end of this article prove, they’re doing exactly that. If you’re looking for the perfect venue to host your next event, visit the Parkside Parlor at Parkside Tap House. You can request a tour or more information by calling (530) 636-4239 or emailing Kate at kate.parkside@gmail.com My sister and I had a surprise party for my dad at Parkside Parlor and it was the best experience! Kate was so helpful in the days leading up to the party and getting everything coordinated so we didn’t have to stress! The staff and service day of was phenomenal! I would absolutely recommend booking your next event with them! -Jenna Johnson I had the honor of hosting the Chico State Chicano/Latino Council fall dinner in the Parkside Parlor. The space was perfect, with adequate room that included both a touch of privacy and connection with the surrounding restaurant atmosphere. I really appreciated the accommodating staff, consistent communication, and welcoming support throughout the event. I would highly recommend reserving it for any type of gathering! - Cheryl Ordorica, Chico State

Complementar y

Shubert's First Glance: As you enter the store, Shubert’s reveals three sweet shops in one. To the left, you have an assortment of pre-bagged graband-go goodies, toppings, and jellybeans. Directly in front, you have their famed ice cream displayed in the freezer, with the signature flavors displayed proudly behind the counter. To the right, you have an assortment of chocolates and truffles in cases, glass jars of gummies, malt balls, and other treats displayed above. The walls behind are adorned with a plethora of Chico event memorabilia. The air was filled with aromatic chocolate as we drifted towards the candy case. The Experience: We chose the mocha truffle from the case, making sure we selected one of their made-in-house candies for our tasting. Each milk chocolate dome displays the marking signature of Kasey or Jayme, signaling their seal of approval. The sweet, but not-too-sweet, outer coating of milk chocolate was delicious, as you’d expect from a Shubert’s treat. The soft mocha inside was a dense Frappuccino of delight. Enjoying for a moment too long will leave you having seconds from your fingertips. 14

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

The Details: Nate, a 4th generation co-owner of Shuberts, cooks down the mocha cream ingredients in the copper candy kettle, brings them to temp, and pours them into the creamer which thoroughly mixes everything together. After resting, relying on timers, and his 30-years-plus intuition as a chocolatier, he inspects consistency, taste, and smell. Then everything goes into the depositor which forms the cream. To finish the process, the candy goes through the 3-person-led enrober coating the candy in chocolate. Jayme says, “We try to keep our prices as affordable as possible so everyone can afford to enjoy our candy.” This and other iconic treats can be shared in a 4-pack, selecting your favorite candies for your completely customized experience. Jayme warns to place only one cream per container so they fit properly, no one wants a smooshed candy. Our Take: If you like sweet cocoa coffees or creamfilled milk chocolate, this is a must try.

Confections

Joy Lyn's First Glance: Walking up to their new home reminds you of the storefront that stood before. The pink with white trim building stands tribute to the rich history that is Joy Lyn’s, complete with a timeless sign that could very well fit in the Downtowns of Saratoga or South Lake Tahoe. As you enter, the “Made in Paradise” stickers shine from the boxed and bagged goods in the retail area, and the completely visible kitchen is like walking into a brewery. The aroma bellowing from bubbling caramel drifts through the air as the Hartley family works their magic The Experience: Stout, hop salt, Sierra Nevada: those were the words that aided our selection. We enjoyed the very first batch of Narwhal caramel as soon as it was cut by the hand-pressed guitar-string cutter. The caramel melts in your mouth, soft and easy to enjoy. Now for the final product. The hop salt opens your palate, providing rich flavors without the hoppy bitterness, allowing the notes of the chocolate and caramel to set in. They’re rich, smooth, sweet, and with just the right amount of saltiness to allow you to really appreciate the complexity of the candy.

The Details: Each batch begins with a 6-pack of Sierra Nevada’s Narwhal Imperial Stout and melted sweet cream butter, adding in coconut oil for healthy fat and texture. Evaporated milk goes into the mixture and is brought to a boil, then brought to temp, cooking slowly for a proper caramelization. Glenn Hartley expresses the importance of patience and time as we watch him cut the caramel that has sat overnight on the cutting table. After the enrober coats them in chocolate, they’re topped with Sierra Nevada hop salt made at the restaurant. When speaking with Glenn about machinery found at larger operations, he laughs, “My goal is not to be the biggest candy store, it’s to be the best. Our Take: If you like salty sweet blends and/or are a sucker for caramel, go and grab these.

NO SOUP FOR YOU With autumn on its way out and winter quickly setting in, there are few things that draw us away from our homes quite like the promise of delicious comfort food, and there's no dish as comforting as a piping hot bowl of soup. Luckily, the start of the winter season and its changing temperatures are also joined by a brand new menu of soup offerings from our friends at Tres Hombres. Throughout the month of December, and stretching through the cold days of winter, Tres will once again revive their longstanding soup favorites, including both their locally-famous pozole and tortilla soup. The pozole, a soup from traditional Mexican cuisine, is made from pork butt, chicken stock, garlic, Mexican oregano, guajillo chile, jalapeño, yellow onion, white hominy beans, chicken base, and water. The tortilla soup is made of fried corn tortilla pieces, submerged in a broth of chicken stock and chicken base, with oregano, garlic, shredded carrots, tomato, white onion, 16

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

celery, jalapeno, and topped with Leah chicken. These two soups will be available all week long throughout the winter season. Though these two traditional soups seem like the obvious options for a modern Mexican restaurant, they will be joined by a rotating menu of less-than-expected vegetarian choices that prove to be just as perfect for the season. The broccoli cheddar, for example, is sweet and salty, while the cream of mushroom is hearty and filling. Both are perfect options to assist in warming up during those cold winter months! Lastly, the clam chowder is a classic tried-and-true favorite that couldn't be more synonymous with the season. Other options will also emerge throughout the winter and rotate in and out of availability. Drop by Tres Hombres and try some of these seasonal favorites for yourself. For an up-to-date list of available soups, visit Tres Hombres on Facebook or Instagram!

not just tonaya—super tonaya

Owner Jose Quintero moved to Chico in 1999 to work with his brother who owned the Tacos Tonaya truck on Nord Avenue, which has since moved to a brick and mortar location. After a few years, he began working in the local agriculture industry, but he continued dreaming of being an entrepreneur someday. In 2014, Jose and his wife, Ana, decided to make their dream a reality, and started Tacos Super Tonaya at its current location on Mangrove. TST, as my friends and I call it, has been a family operation since day one, with all five of Jose and Ana’s kids working on the truck over the years, giving their parents a much needed break from the long hours it takes to have a successful operation. Tacos Super Tonaya’s menu offers something for just about everybody, including enchilada plates, sopes, breakfast burritos, California burritos, tortas, and tacos. Each has numerous meat options available including Jose’s famous birria recipe, which he’s been perfecting for many years. The queso birria tacos are always a crowd pleaser. If you like hot and flavorful, make sure to ask for the extra hot salsa. My 18

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

go-to is pairing it with some of their amazing pastor on perfectly grilled corn tortillas. The pride the family puts into making everything is beyond refreshing, from the second they greet you with a hello and smiling face, to the preparation, quality, and delivery. They truly want to make every customer happy and will accommodate special requests—they’re even willing to try new suggestions. Recently, TST started serving keto tacos; they aren’t listed on the menu as of yet, but all you have to do is ask. Pushing the envelope to try new things is how the family thanks Chico and their customers for all their support over the years. TST is open 6 days each week from 10:30AM - 8PM, and it’s unlikely you won’t see a line of patrons. Being busy at their Mangrove location and also offering catering services meant only one thing to Jose and Ana—it was time to purchase a second truck. Now with two trucks, customers won’t find themselves brokenhearted seeing the spot empty while the couple is off serving some other lucky souls their tasty fare. If you are interested in catering for an event or just need your taco fix, I’d highly recommend visiting this amazing family and trying their delicious menu. You can find them at 1456 Mangrove Avenue in Chico, visit them on Instagram at @tacos_super_ tonaya, or contact Jose at (530) 519-2212.

WRITTEN BY TACO TRACKER, RYAN STEFANELLI | PHOTO BY RYAN STEFANELLI

Located at 1456 Mangrove Avenue, Tacos Super Tonaya (TST) might be one of Chico’s best hidden gems. I discovered the taco truck in 2015 and have been visiting weekly ever since. With how busy they are each day, I considered myself lucky to get a few minutes with the family to find out more about the truck I had come to love so dearly.

INVESTING IN YOUR FAMILY’S FINANCIAL FUTURE

Do you believe you deserve to be heard? We believe in listening to you and understanding your needs before making recommendations. Do you want financial advice and services specific to your needs? We understand. You want knowledgeable, clear advice and reliable service for a straightforward fee that reflects your vision and goals. Do you feel your financial advisor places you first? We realize it’s our privilege to help you work toward your dream of financial freedom. We’re honored to help you pursue your family’s financial future. We want to be your financial advisor. Please call for more information.

(530) 891-1133 main | (800) 472-3867 toll-free 901 Bruce Road, Suite 280 | Chico, California 95928 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com 19

Coffee, tea, and me.

However, coffee ice cream was on the “only once in awhile list” because (gasp!) it had coffee in it. I felt lucky to get those occasional scoops on a sugar cone, and I still enjoy coffee ice cream today. But the coffee I used to drink was a far cry from the coffee my dad drank. My taste ran to the fresh-ground French-pressed with no sweetener variety. While I did use real cream when in a coffeehouse, I flavored my brew with almond or oat milk. Sadly, due to health reasons, I eventually gave up coffee and switched to green tea. The reason? Caffeine. The strong coffee I enjoyed had way too much caffeine, and it triggered tachycardia on occasion. My doctor suggested the switch to green tea, so here we are. People argue over the benefits of coffee and green tea, but just how do they compare? For me, the switch to green tea was easy. It provided caffeine, and I enjoyed the taste. However, were the alleged benefits actually that good? For years, coffee was portrayed as the villain and green tea the healthy option. However, recent studies have shown coffee 20

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

is beneficial, and, of course, the biggest negative difference is caffeine content. Green tea has about a third of the amount of caffeine per cup as coffee, about 30 milligrams vs 96. Coffee is actually healthier than you might realize. It is rich in antioxidants that purportedly help protect against Type-2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers. The caffeine content will give you a needed boost and help with concentration. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that help your body detox, slow aging, and it has L-theanine, an amino acid which boosts dopamine and reduces anxiety. Caffeine has been the go-to breakfast drink for hundreds of years in America, while tea, both black and green, is associated with the British Isles and Asia. Each country loves its morning cuppa, and it is difficult to get people to change; it’s almost impossible to get them to stop drinking caffeinated beverages altogether. But beware: quitting caffeine abruptly can lead to headaches and other withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and even flu-like symptoms. Do I miss coffee? Heck yeah! But I don’t miss the anxiety of coffee triggering a potential atrial fibrillation event that can cause a trip to the hospital. I’m not here to advocate coffee or tea. I say drink what you like best! Just like anything these days, drink it in moderation.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

My dad drank instant coffee with “cream,” usually Carnation evaporated milk out of a can, and two heaping teaspoons of sugar. On occasion, he’d let me have a sip of the forbidden brew (It will stunt your growth!). Those sips were heaven to a little kid who wanted to be like dad. Later on, after a trip to Shubert’s in Chico, I discovered coffee ice cream; it tasted almost exactly like my dad’s coffee. I loved it!

Dan and Tammy McDonough purchased a beautiful home tucked away in the secluded and discreet woods of Magalia nearly 30 years ago, away from the noise and bustle of city life below. It was everything the couple could ask for, and they enjoyed every minute of it with few hiccups, aside from the constant bombardment of wildlife on their property. As the years passed, some small upgrades were made to the house but nothing substantial. New paint and some minor modifications were added to the home’s interior, but the kitchen continued to present itself as the elephant in the room. Over the years, conversations about how the kitchen could be would casually come up in conversation, with Tammy expressing her desire for something new. Eventually, the two decided it was time and set out to make their kitchen dreams a reality. Being avid readers of Upgraded Living, Dan and Tammy had seen the handiwork of New Again Kitchen Remodeling over the years, with each project published in the magazine further piquing their interest. They shopped around for a bit to explore their options, but found themselves at home when they met Ric Powers at New Again. The couple sat 22

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

down with Ric, went over their thencurrent kitchen situation, and discussed potential materials along with the styles they were most drawn to. As Dan was quick to note, they were amazed by the number of options available to them. After spending some time deliberating with Ric, they came up with a fun and modern twist for their rustic cabin-styled home. Dan and Tammy wanted to use materials that would complement their woodsy property, but also give a more modern feel to their house. The previous kitchen had little flow and would leave people standing in awkwardness trying to navigate through tight spaces. There was an outcropping of the countertop which created a bottleneck entering the kitchen, further tightening the already forced space. It was functional enough but certainly not comfortable. Ric understood a kitchen is supposed to invite you in, creating a space for loved ones to enjoy, so he started by advising they remove it. Together, they decided on creme Shaker cabinets paired with Cosmo Grey Quartz countertops, and the smooth blend of colors makes the combination easy on the eyes while still

brightening up the entire space. New Again’s team arrived at the home and set out to redefine the kitchen. They installed the cabinets, countertops, and a beautiful backsplash with Makoto/Kumo Grey tiles to tie it all together. Quite possibly the biggest change though started in the kitchen and expanded throughout the living area as the couple also decided to replace their flooring. Ric suggested a versatile yet beautiful option with their new Luxury Vinyl planks, giving the feel and look of wood without all the upkeep. A madera/beige oak was used throughout the space, and it complemented the rest of the home’s wood surfaces beautifully, completely revitalizing the 40-plus year old property. In the end, Dan and Tammy couldn't be happier with their new kitchen. Dan exclaimed, “I was really impressed with the level of care and precision the whole team brought to the project; it made the whole process stress free and enjoyable.” For a kitchen that looks brand new, Dan and Tammy highly recommend New Again Kitchen Remodeling. You can reach Ric at (530) 899-2888 or visit their showroom at 2502 Park Avenue in Chico!

WRITTEN BY BEAU VANDERMATE

an impressive level of care

WRITTEN BY BEAU VANDERMATE

Winter

2021–2022 A VERY CHICO NUTCRACKER CHICO COMMUNITY BALLET

FRI. DEC. 3 SAT. DEC. 4 SUN. DEC. 5

And the beat rolled on

BELIEVE

The Yardbirds came to Chico, California in December of 1965, when I was 12 years old. I got a ticket through my friend Randy Kilpatric, whose sister Karen was president of the local Teen Club. How they got The Yardbirds and Chad and Jeremy, among others, to come to Chico is a pretty incredible story unto itself. It was the beginning of an insane run of top music acts who eventually came to Chico State. But I gotta tell ya, The Yardbirds? Most of us were blissfully ignorant of the talent they possessed and the impact they would have on the music world.

INSPIRED BY THE POLAR EXPRESS

FRI. DEC. 10 SAT. DEC. 11 SUN. DEC. 12

NOCHEBUENA CHRISTMAS EVE IN MEXICO

FRI. DEC. 17

WINDSYNC

SUN. JAN. 30

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONIST THURS. FEB. 3

DEMETRI MARTIN

I FEEL FUNNY TOUR

SUN. FEB. 6

KITCHEN DWELLERS

BREAKOUT PROGRESSIVE BLUEGRASS BAND

THURS. FEB 17

MORE INFO & TICKETS 530-898-6333 chicoperformances.com University Box Office

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page played with them at some point, and when they were in Chico, it was Beck on lead guitar. He was voted the best lead guitarist of 1966 and is listed among the top five in the world today. Obviously, the crowd who attended that night in December didn’t know what was to come, but The Yardbirds led the way. History Lane awaits us, so let’s skip along to some of the many highlights over the early years. (Before we begin, a special shout-out goes to Linda Bearse Netto who helped research this article.) In the 1960’s, and not in a strict chronological order, Chico saw the more conventional Righteous Brothers and balladeer Glen Yarbrough (The Limeliters) hit the stage at Chico State, the venue of most of the following groups. Performances were held in

The acts took on a more psychedelic tone at this time. The concerts used the liquid light special effect as huge images of oil, water, alcohol, and colored dyes were projected onto the performance stage. Later, multiple projectors were utilized, giving the colors a layering effect. Appearing in 1967, were Strawberry Alarm Clock, Canned Heat, and Grass Roots. In ‘68, one of the biggest acts to appear in Chico was Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company. I had to sneak out of my house to catch the last twenty minutes of their show, and I fell in love with Janis’ voice that night. There is something about hearing a band live that impacts a person’s soul and psyche more than a mere recording. I can still hear “Piece of My Heart” to this day. It’s a Beautiful Day appeared around this time, and their hit “White Bird” stands up to ballads sung today. As a final hurrah to the ‘60’s, Deep Purple with the legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore performed outdoors during Pioneer Week of ‘69. More to come on that and the inclusions of many more rock-and-roll greats.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

INNOVATIVE, AWARD-WINNING WIND QUINTET

Laxson Auditorium, and as the attendance grew, to the North Gym or out on the football stadium. Johnny Cash made an appearance, as did Petula Clark and The Fifth Dimension. In 1967, The Association and The Mamas and the Papas performed.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

2021 END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

Thursday – December 30th Over $25,000 nCompass Promotion Friday – New Year’s Eve $15,000 Kiosk Promotion Saturday – New Year’s Day Over $25,000 Cash Drawings $50,000 Kiosk Promotion on the Casino Floor Over $50,000 Slot Tournament Over $15,000 in Grinding Rock Sunday – January 2nd Table Games Chips 22x Multiplier Super Senior Day $20,000 Hot Seats

Must be 21 or Older • Management Reserves All Rights www.GoldCountryCasino.com • 4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, California • 800.334.9400

Cindy and Evie started in the real estate business over 20 years ago, for a similar reason—they both wanted a career that allowed them time to raise their children. Evie shares, “It was one of the only ways I could earn and parent at the same time. It allowed an acceptable balance between those two.” As their careers continued, they moved from working together at a franchised brokerage to an independent office Cindy opened in Paradise. So, exactly who are Cindy Haskett and Evie Feldman? Evie is an avid reader and collector of antique books. She’s also a docent at the Chico Community Observatory. She loves being a grandma and is lucky to have her grandson nearby in Chico. Cindy was born and raised in Butte County and loves working on her mini ranch, in her garden, and enjoys her various farm animals. In her spare time, she loves riding her quad, spending time in the mountains, and enjoying the beauty of our area. These two are real people making real changes. That’s how Cindy and Evie of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate view their role in the community. They are dedicated to refining and improving their field and raising the bar for their business, one office at a time.

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Now, as Cindy and Evie open their third office, they are excited to represent the Chico lifestyle. They currently have several Jake Early pieces in their lobby and are looking for other area artists to showcase throughout the office. They want the business to be community and people focused. It definitely shows in their desire to create real connections with everyone around them, from clients to local artists, even the mailman who’s added them to his route. Cindy says, “It’s really a people business, it’s all about relationships, and the byproduct is selling real estate.” Their business philosophy is more about having the right mindset and taking care of people. Evie says, “After the fire, we helped move frightened, uncertain people into stability, and that was the deepest measure of how we are able to help our community.” No one knows better than Cindy, who lost her home in the fire. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is known as the brand with a soul. Cindy and Evie truly take this company’s core values to heart and will continue to be an integral part of the North State community. In just eleven months, the pair has opened agencies in three North State communities: Paradise, Magalia, and, most recently, Chico. That’s an

accomplishment itself, but when you take into account both were hospitalized this year—one with breast cancer and the other with medical issues of her own— you get a sense of their true dedication to their craft. They’ve been recognized by their parent company for “their tenacity and their commitment to the growth of the brand no matter what the obstacle. This is a testament to strong resolve and a willingness to stop at nothing.” Choosing to franchise with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was an easy decision for Cindy and Evie. In addition to partnering with a recognized household name for almost 100 years, they’d also never seen such a dedicated group of people with the sole purpose of enriching and uplifting those around them and the public at large. Cindy says “Just like the fire victims, we, too, want a fresh new beginning, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate offers just that.” They are also looking forward to welcoming new and experienced agents who share their philosophy. Cindy and Evie’s new Chico office is located at 1600 Mangrove Avenue, Suite 100. You can contact this dynamic duo by calling (530) 961-3400.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY BEAU VANDERMATE

Realtors with soul

Differentiating the Desk from the Dinner Table

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY BEAU VANDERMATE

It sounds like yet again, we are in for a long winter—potentially in isolation if there is an uptick in COVID transmission, which means another season working from home. When telecommuting started at the beginning of the pandemic, nobody was prepared for it, which meant there wasn’t a lot of thought that went into the side effects of cohabitating with work. Now that we are well over a year deep into life in isolation, we are able to identify the impacts of our revised work arrangements. Many people express they are suffering from depression, insomnia, and are attributing it to working from home. The good news is, it only takes 21 days to create a habit—good or bad. So here are some routines we suggest to combat some of the downfalls of sharing your home life with your professional life. If we all start taking these small steps today, they will be habits by the New Year! Clear off the dining room table of all of your work items at the same time every day. Make the dinner table a part of your home again at the end of the day, and turn it back into your office in the morning. Have a cutoff time for putting work down and stick to it. Since our business computers are now just steps away from our bed, it’s easy to start doomscrolling work tasks without even realizing it. If you put it down, you’ll be refreshed and able to work more effectively the next day. Work when YOU’RE productive, and expect and allow a certain level of unpredictability in your day. It’s not always possible to continue in your workflow when the baby just had a diarrhea blowout on your furniture, and the dog is trying to eat it. If your employer doesn’t understand, try to explain it’s in their best interest, too. Let us know how these small changes change your work from home life by calling us at (530) 680-4747 or writing to us on our website at www.upyourHRiq.com 27

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY BEAU VANDERMATE

A Soft place in a hard world Immediate Care Medical Center was the brainchild of local emergency medicine physician, Dr. Roy Grossman, an entrepreneur who saw opportunity within a need for the city of Chico. He founded the clinic in the old community hospital in 1984, before the advent of walk-in clinics and use of mid-level practitioners became prevalent on the West coast. He conjured a niche whose time had yet to come and was one of the first to establish an urgent care clinic in California. After six months of working nonstop, seven days a week, with an everincreasing patient load, he started looking for partners. By late 1984, there were four physicians running the clinic, extending the hours, and building up the business. In 1993, two of those early partners, Dr. Bradley Smith and Dr. Dave Ellis, bought out the retiring Dr. Grossman. As the practice grew and evolved, Dr. Smith’s presence and direction at the clinic continued and have been invariable for almost thirty years. 28

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

What began as an urgent care clinic has now expanded into four different branches: Immediate Care, occupational medicine, telehealth, and Premiere Primary Care.

its presence, businesses in the area would have to send their employees to Redding or Marysville for a worker’s compensation injury appointment.

Immediate Care is equipped to provide for the public’s acute care needs. These include illnesses or injuries that don’t require an emergency room visit but do need immediate consideration such as coughs, sore throats, sprains, minor lacerations, or other concerns that can’t be assessed by an individual’s regular physician. The availability of walk-in appointments allows the clinic to provide care that meets the urgent nature of the visit at the patient’s discretion.

The telehealth portion functions just like an office visit in that you still meet with a provider, however, it’s over an audiovisual connection. It has proven to be an excellent tool for quick check-ins on worker’s compensation cases, to evaluate progress and reassess restrictions in order to give timely updates to the employer. Another benefit of the telehealth modality is its ability to reach patients who might otherwise forgo an office visit due to fear surrounding in-person visits to the doctor’s office during the COVID epidemic. Dr. Smith says, “It’s another method of getting and staying connected to patients and providing care under the unusual circumstances we’ve been facing.”

The occupational medicine arm is ready to assist those patients who were injured on the job or who are in need of a physical or vaccinations for employment. Immediate Care is the only center within a 45-mile radius that offers occupational medicine by a primary treating physician, and without

Premier Primary Care was established in 2014 after Enloe Hospital approached

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY BEAU VANDERMATE

Dr. Smith in an effort to increase Chico’s number of primary-care providers. Prior to COVID, the area had only 40% of the primarycare practitioners needed for a community of this size, and since then many practices have closed due to the impact of the epidemic. Currently, the area has approximately 25% of the needed providers. Primary-care practices around the country have been drastically impacted by COVID, and Chico is no exception. The Immediate Care Center saw a 50% drop in patients during the first week of April following the shutdown. The avoidance of going out in public has extended to primary-care doctor offices. Dr. Smith warns, “Right now, we are unintentionally creating a massive preventative medicine debt. In the next three years, we will see cancer rates go up, along with preventable morbidity and mortality rates in diabetes because nobody is going to the doctor. People just aren’t getting their preventative or maintenance care.” This dramatic drop in patients meant the operating income of the clinic was also cut by half. Dr. Smith has had to personally support the function of the clinic financially for the past year-and-a-half in order to keep it running. He stressed he thought it was important enough for the community that he took his entire retirement savings and put it into the practice just to keep it operating. He says, “If we can’t make it, people will die because they won’t have access to medical care.” Immediate Care has been at the forefront of COVID testing from the very beginning and has administered upwards of 13,000 tests since the epidemic began. Even before Butte County Public Health had recommended testing, Dr. Smith started a drive-through testing clinic because he knew his community needed it. They continue to lead as they debut a new technology for their PCR testing machine—multiplex cassettes that test for the four look-alike viruses. When a patient comes in with any of the typical symptoms, the office can test for COVID, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV at one time, with one specimen, and have the results in thirty minutes. The test is done immediately upon arrival, and by the time the practitioner enters the room, they know what they are dealing with and can begin focusing on the appropriate treatment. Dr. Smith believes this will be enormously beneficial as a tool in treating sick patients this coming winter. Dr. Smith likes to see his clinic in the words of an early patient, “as a soft place, in a hard world.” He says, “You come here, and you know you are going to be taken care of, no matter if you can afford it or not. Our purpose is to serve the community and try to keep people as well as we can.” He realizes that without “his people, his dedicated staff,” all of his ideas and intentions would be for naught. In order to set these models in motion, it requires a league of individuals both seen and unseen who are committed to helping their community in their greatest needs. We applaud Immediate Care Medical Center's locations in Orland and Chico. The Chico site can be reached by calling (530) 891-1676 and the Orland site at (530) 865-3400. Their website www.chicoicmc.com has the latest up to date information on hours and services.

There’s something about

Sherry LandiS

"Sherry Calbert exceeded all my expectations for an agent. Her energy “Sherry Landis is by far the best real estate agent in Chico. She is and knowledge the area were the determining factors. professional,of positive, andand has market incredible follow through. She helped us Communication was excellent. If I need another agent, she'll be the first navigate our way through the sale of two homes and the purchase of one I'll contact."at-Bruce Votaw, Chico another—all the same time! She never missed a beat. She made sure we understood the process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even after all three homes closed, she continued to call, email, and text just to make sure everything was going as planned. We could not have done it without her.” — Doug anD CoLEttE RobERtS

(530) 514-4855 landis4sale25@gmail.com | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com

Stay cool with the new central heating and air HVAC system installed 5/2020. Newly placed drought landscape. The front of the house is shaded by large mature pecan and japanese maple trees that also allow a sense of privacy. Beautiful 6thick PECAN hardwood floors throughout. 3 large bedrooms with ceiling fans and large closets. Main bathroom has a shower/ tub combination. The 1/2 bath is set off the master bedroom and is tiled and freshly painted. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 1.5 SqFt: 1,506 Price: $418,500

Owned Solar!!! A BIG Shop!!! An Inground Pool!!! It's been nearly 2 decades since this little slice of heaven has been offered !!! Newer carpet, refinished hardwood floors in some rooms, there are some dual pane windows, washer/ dryer/refrigerator are included. Fireplace, woodstove, and a wonderful HVAC will keep you warm or cool in this country home! There is a wonderful newer addition of a Sunroom with large windows into the backyard! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 1.5 SqFt: 2,500 Price: $599,000

This was the model home and only one owner! There have been many A terrific Michael Galli floor plan updated and remodeled from head to upgrades including travertine tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized toe about a year ago. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, plush lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, carpets, decorator lighting, exterior and interior painting, lush park like yard, landscaped beautifully with slate water fall, flowers galore and redwood sparkling in ground gunite pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, aretruly looking a true craftsman-style home with of upgrades! charm trees. RV Access on both sides of the house master suites make SOARING ceilings welcome you to and thistwoopen concept 3 If you shows like afor model home. Open floor plan with so lots many look no further. From the extra long clawfoot tub in the spacious this home a must see! bedroom + office, 3.5 bathroom BEAUTY!! Gorgeous granite crown many$665,000 large Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000 bathroom to the tall ceilings Bed: 4.0 with Bath: 3.0 molding, SqFt: 3,675so Price: throughout, pantry, crown molding, whole-house fan and double pane windows to let plenty of sunshine in, and a vintage natural gas. OWNED SOLAR, incredible backyard 'resort Wedgewood gas stove in the large open kitchen. Some of the oasis' including Infinity edge self-cleaning pool with 'Baja updates include plumbing, electrical, newer appliances like the washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator, a double shower head shower, shelf' lighting and more! Outdoor kitchen and art studio make light fixtures, and a tank-less hot water heater. New full interior paint this beautiful home that much more special! this year, new roof in 2018 with a warranty that passes on to the new Bed: 4.0 Bath: 1.0 SqFt: 1,900 Price: $460,000 Bed: 3.0+ Bath: 3.5 SqFt: 2,931 Price: $979,000 owner.

Yikes!

My homes are selling fast! Call if I can Celebrating 31 years help by listing yourin home today! Chico Real Estate! CA-DRE lic# 01084946 Call or text me

regarding these homes and others

(530) 514-4855

SherryLinnCalbert@gmail.com

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

all

RtS

Thank you Effie for being the best at what you do—she deserved more than her commission—she’s a 10 out of 5!!! I’ve never had anyone work as hard as Effie did. You can tell she truly loves what she does. She was in constant contact with us, and if she didn’t know the answer she either got it or directed ya to the right source! She is truly one of a kind! Top notch and extremely professional, courteous, and empathetic. Couldn’t have had a better experience from start to finish!" -Dennis and Loretta Pence, Chico

com

ead to , plush ke yard, stove, grades!

65,000

SOLD Golf Course!! You will love the master suite, updated kitchen, flowing floorplan, well proportioned rooms, 2 fireplaces, and its brand new AC unit. The yard is exquisite with an in-ground Gunite pool, sauna, and more! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 2,487 Price: $787,000

SOLD Situated on a 5 acres, this home offers 2 bedrooms and a bath on the first floor. On the 2nd floor you will find the master suite with walk-in shower, soaking tub, a spacious game room (which can be used as a 4th bedroom ), a hall bath and an office area. Detached art studio unit has its own 1/4 bath. Owned solar, outdoor shower, and other unique offerings abound. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,482 Price: $569,000

SOLD Situated in the heart of the Bidwell Park, this home offers soaring ceilings and rich lustrous wood floors. 3 oversized bedrooms, a spacious master suite, and 3 bathrooms, make this home perfectly sized for nearly any buyer. The gourmet kitchen follows the home's exquisite attention to detail. An in-ground Gunite pool and outdoor patio make this home a rare find. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,152 Price: $799,500

The lake, park, and Canyon Oaks Golf Course are a stone's throw from this beautiful home!! Newer roof, wood laminate flooring, granite counter tops, fresh paint, water filtration, and more upgrades make this home a steal! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,510 Price: $499,000

One of Paradise's most charming lots. Quiet cul-de-sac location! The perfect place to build your dream home! Acres: 1.5 Price: $79,000

946 31

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

The Forecast The California Association of Realtors released their latest real estate market forecast. Here’s their outlook: California's housing market will remain solid if the pandemic is kept under control, but low inventory and affordability challenges will persist. Existing, single-family home sales are forecast to total 416,800 units in 2022, a decline of 5.2 percent from 2021’s projected pace of 439,800. California’s median home price is forecast to rise 5.2 percent to $834,400 in 2022, following a projected 20.3 percent increase to $793,100 in 2021. Housing affordability is expected to drop to 23 percent next year from a projected 26 percent in 2021. Supply constraints and higher home prices will bring California home sales down slightly in 2022, but transactions will still post their second highest level in the past five years. The forecast calls for a decline in existing single-family home sales of 5.2 percent next year to reach 416,800 units, down from the projected 2021 sales figure of 439,800. The 2021 figure is 6.8 percent higher compared with the pace of 411,900 homes sold in 2020.

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

An imbalance in demand and supply will continue to put upward pressure on prices, but higher interest rates and partial normalization of the mix of sales will likely curb median price growth. Additionally, a shift in housing demand to more affordable areas, as the trend of remote working continues, will also keep prices in check and prevent the statewide median price from rising too fast in 2022. “A slight decline next year from the torrid sales pace of the past year-and-a-half will be a welcome relief to potential homebuyers who have been pushed out of the market due to high market competition and an extremely low level of homes available for sale,” said C.A.R. President Dave Walsh. “Homeownership aspirations remain strong and motivated buyers will have more inventory to choose from. They will also benefit from a favorable lending environment, with the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage remaining below 3.5 percent for most of next year.” In other words, Real Estate will remain in short supply, prices will keep rising, and interest rates will stay low. Stay tuned. Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

Celebrate yourself during the holiday season. Crystal is both looking forward to and dreading the upcoming holiday season. She enjoys the festivities, lights, and the happy spirit in the air; she even has her ugly sweater ready to go for the next reason to wear it! While Crystal has fun with this time of year, there’s also a part of her that dreads it. There are obligations for her she’s not fond of, and she doesn’t have a rooted family system to spend time with the way it seems tv shows, movies, and colleagues seem to celebrate. Her friends and coworkers care about her and regularly invite her to their family gatherings. Crystal appreciates their compassion, but she typically declines. This causes those loving people to feel rejected, and she really hates rejecting people, so she feels lousy too. If your friend is alone, and you want to show support: It can feel awkward being the third wheel at another family’s holiday celebration, and for many people, it can highlight what they don’t have. That term, “lonely in a crowd” can apply here. Instead of inviting them home with you, invite them to dinner before the big day. Go out to lunch or dinner to get to know them better one-on-one—that’s where real relationships are made, and people feel less alone when they feel truly known.

JESSICA DARLING WILKERSON, MA, LMFT 104464 LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST EMDR CLINICIAN

Surprise them with a small gift! A gift can be a tangible reminder that someone cares. It’s not about how much it costs, it’s about the person feeling seen, known, and valued. Don’t give them pity-face. “Oh, you’re alone tomorrow on the big day? I’m so sorry!” How does a person gracefully respond to that? Yes, a person is trying to be kind and show they care, but it’s awkward to hear. “I hope you have a beautiful day tomorrow!” is easier to receive. If you’re alone during the holidays: Create a tradition for yourself. Could it be that you take yourself to the movies followed by an evening stroll and sushi? Pamper yourself the way you have been meaning to, but haven’t yet: a professional massage, luxurious meal, or quiet day-in reading and doing nothing in particular. Do something that you will look forward to in a meaningful way. Give yourself a moment to feel all the feels. If you pep-talk yourself all day, the feels will keep trying to come out. It’s liberating to release them and easier to move forward.

Jessica Wilkerson, MA, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Chico, CA. She is an EMDR clinician as well as the owner/operator and clinical supervisor of Inspired Life Counseling. For more information, visit www.jessicawilkerson.com and www.inspiredlifechico.com. Jessica can also be reached via phone at (530) 809-1702

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN | PHOTOS BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & COURTESY GOLDEN BEAVER DISTILLERY

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

The Master Class of Handcrafted Spirits golden beaver distillery WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN | PHOTOS BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & COURTESY GOLDEN BEAVER DISTILLERY

Now, about that name. Initially, Golden Beaver Distillery came about when owner Kris Koenig and his wife, Marianne, drove through Saratoga, Wyoming and discovered Beaver Liquor, home of the “best dam prices around.” After musing on what a great name it would be for whiskey, the Koenigs continued on their trip. Not surprisingly, the name stuck in the back of Kris’s mind and fully germinated some time later when the idea of distilling spirits became a reality. Having an interest in the outdoors, animal life, and the preservation of the environment, the Koenigs eventually chose the North American Golden Beaver as a fitting representation of their business. Their website explains—“Golden Beavers once filled the rivers, streams, and wetlands of

Northern California until the 1840’s when over-trapping led to their extinction. The beavers' demise affected the annual Pacific salmon runs and reduced the creation of wetlands used by migratory waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway.” Subsequently, the Golden Beaver Distillery is committed to preserving the native habitat of the beaver, and a portion of their revenue goes to the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center Water Institute located in Sonoma County. The center has been working for two decades to preserve beaver habitat in California.

lead to a more environmentally friendly and responsible company. The entire green concept is taken under consideration in the production of their spirits at the facility just off Cohasset Road. All the water used, that is not put into their products, is recycled. The water that cleans the equipment is sent to help hydrate animals at their local suppliers’ farms, and the spent mash goes to the farm as feed for livestock. The distillery uses clean burning propane instead of natural gas, which is a greenhouse gas proven harmful to the environment.

Golden Beaver Distillery not only helps fund important projects such as the Occidental Ecology Center, they also take local ecology passionately and are wholly committed to pursuing knowledge and practices that can

The Koenigs also believe in creating a product that leaves the smallest carbon footprint possible. This common goal is shared by founding partners Tom Koenig, Frank and Kasia Lewis, and Kris and 39

Marianne. Rounding out the production crew is distiller and son Nils Koenig, assistant distillers Andrew MorganHernandez and Ivan Rodriguez, and company controller Valerie Miller. Behind their craft cocktail bar are Miguel Frutos and Mikayla VanLaan and their cook is Marqui Smith. Subsequently, Kris has plenty to keep him busy these days. He has a wide-ranging and varied background helping him set the pace and possesses the necessary creativity needed to develop the spirits, distilling, bottling, and marketing needed to grow and manage Golden Beaver Distillery. Kris first came to Chico in the mid-1980's when he got out of the US Coast Guard after serving as a diver and quartermaster. He then worked at Sport Dive Operations Florida and in the Caribbean ended up at Skin Diver Magazine as the Pacific Basin representative. Kris returned to Chico to raise his family near his parents. Many may remember Kris from launching the Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory. Kris’ knowledge of astronomy landed him a role as a writer and producer on a PBS Telecourse that he was honored with a LA Area Emmy for Writing and one for Production, launching his film career. He went on to produce several PBS specials and documentaries with his partner Anita Ingrao. His last PBS special was “The Story of Vision,” narrated by Sir Elton John. Tragically, his filmmaking partner, Anita, passed away during the production. Nils stepped in and helped his dad finish the film. “I didn’t enjoy making films after that,” said Kris. “So I turned to distilling.” “Couple years after Anita passed I met my wife, Marianne,” Kris goes on, “She might have given me a whiskey still for Christmas.” Kris jokingly recalls, “And I might have started distilling, but home distilling is illegal.” He did attend several distillers courses at Moonshine University in Kentucky to develop his skills at distilling. His brother, Tom, came over one day and tasted some of the distillates Kris had produced. Right then and there, they decided to start a distillery. About the same time, they met Frank and Kasia, and the Golden Beaver Distillery was born. Obviously, operating a business on the current scale takes some serious capital and even more serious equipment. The 40

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

center of the process remains the stills. And boy, howdy, are they beautiful. The first still was purchased from a company called Liberty Pole Spirits in Washington, PA. “They had named the still ‘Harold,’ after the owner’s wife’s father,” said Kris. “I made a promise we would keep Harold’s name on the still.” True to his word, if you take a tour, you can see the name prominently displayed. Kris relays the story of still number-two, “We acquired Maude in November of last year, and when she came in here, of course, we already had Harold. So there can only logically be one name, right?” They paid a great tribute to the 1971 cult film “Harold and Maude,” an eccentric piece about a love affair between a young man and an older woman. The newfound couple is alive and well, distilling their hearts out. Next in line is Eileen, so called because she has a slight lean to her approximately 14-foot frame. Collectively, the trio of stills are vital to the multi-distillation process that helps refine and develop the various spirits. In the end, the belle of the ball very well may be Tina, the Tennessee Thumper, developed by Rick Gibson of Moonshiner fame. It is a multiple-retort still, that's a series of Mason jars, which infuses flavor into alcohol. In this particular case, the result becomes the famous Golden Beaver Moonshine. You have to see for yourself the still and its eight-step glass-jar process, as it progressively infuses the alcohol. Of course, the latest flavor is pumpkin spice, which is hugely popular right now. Though the taste of pumpkin spice is not for everyone, you've just got to give this moonshine a taste. Unlike other types of pumpkin spice that hit you over the head with a blast of flavor, Golden Beaver’s possesses just a hint of spice to give the moonshine a subtle flavor. It’s even surprisingly good right out of the jar. So, what is the distillation process? A simplified version includes the following steps: You take a starch, (in this case, rice sourced from Far West Mills here in the valley), mill it into a flour, add it to water and cook. The cooking exposes all the starch in the rice where enzymes are used to convert it to sugar. At this point, yeast is introduced that consumes the sugar and secret alcohol into the mix. This liquid is then distilled and refined into a more pure product by going through Harold and then Maude for the double-distillation process. The spirits,

like whiskey and bourbon, are then aged in barrels for various lengths of time. An additional goal of the distillery is to develop the standard for American-style rice whiskey. Although rice was predominantly used by Asian countries to make beer and spirits, it was never readily available to the US until after WWII. Northern California was a prime location for rice fields in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. It was here that planting rice by plane was invented, right over in Willows, by Nolta Flying Service. Rice is obviously readily available locally, and Kris sees a future in the distillery's volume of rice whiskeys and bourbon not only to sell locally but export to other countries. “While brewers use rice to make beer, distillers have been almost xenophobic about using it,” said Kris. “Whiskey made here has usually been corn or whatever grains were left over after the harvest season. If a farmer had excess grain, and he wanted to turn it into cash, he made whiskey and sold it.” So, for Kris, the first step in this process is the distribution to local stores and bars. An important event in the distribution of Golden Beaver products has occurred in San Francisco, where Lazlo’s Bar, an upscale Foreign Cinema Restaurant and one of SF’s Top 100 eateries, selected High Lakes Vodka as their well vodka. This is an imperative ‘foot in the door’ for Golden Beaver products to make their way up and down the valley, into the entire Bay Area and beyond. How can you help this happen? Go out to the distillery and try some of their award winning products. Just out are the aforementioned Pumpkin Spiced Beaver Likker. The most recent entry into the distillery is grappa, an Italian-based liquor made with local grape pomace, distilled and aged for one year in a used cabernet barrel. The result is Richardson Springs Grappa, an 80-proof concoction that is smooth going down and is great for sipping. Also great for sipping is the “can’t miss” cocktails from the Craft Bar’s mixologists. Consider the BLT, that is, Beaver Likker and Tonic. In addition, on-site bottle sale is available, including the multiple award-winning spirits Butte Creek Bourbon, Chico Creek Rye, Honey Run Honey Flavored Whiskey (sales of which generated $40,000 in donations to the rebuilding of the Honey Run Bridge), Pacific Flyway Whiskey, High Lakes Vodka, and

various flavors of moonshine. Food is also served Thursday through Sunday in their special outdoor venue, under the tent, where you can count on beautiful sunsets behind the Coast Range. In the case of inclement weather, the inside distillery bar is a welcoming atmosphere. The current menu features warming soups, chowders, and stews served in bread bowls. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are also served. And then the music, starting on Thursday nights, DJ Vinyl R.J. Laffins spins the discs of your favorites from the ‘70’s through the ‘90’s. The weekends are filled with live music for sipping and listening, or to come out and get your dance on. Some recent bands include The Red Dirt Bullies, The Coveralls, Stumpjumpers, Celtic Creek, and Reece Thompson. During the week, tours are available to see the distillery in person and meet Harold and Maude, Eileen, and Tina. Call (530) 965-7281 to book one. For further information, visit the website at GoldenBeaverDistillery.com To get to the distillery, just follow Cohasset Road to the first curve and make a right. You simply cannot miss the Golden Beaver Distillery billboard giving you the directions!

What Others Think Ascot Awards Platinum Beaver Likker Moonshine Honey Spirits Competition Gold Honey Run Honey Flavored Whiskey NY International Spirits Competition California Moonshine Distillery of the Year 2021 San Francisco International Wine and Spirit Competition Bronze American Distilling Institution Bronze American Craft Spirits Association Bronze Beaver Likker Moonshine

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Friends of The Chico Community Ballet & Chico Performances present

A Very Chico

LE RED HEN

A R CKE C T U

LITT

This Magical Holiday Tradition Returns for 2021!

Performed by Chico Community Ballet and Special Guests

shop all 6 stores online or in store! go to our website for store hours and locations

ef DR. OSCAR STANSBURY ef

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

7:30 pm

1:00 pm & 6 pm

1:00 pm

December 3

December 4

December 5

2021

Tickets: Tier A $30, Tier B $24, Tier C $17

At the University Box Office (3rd & Chestnut) or by Phone at 898-6333 www.chicoperformances.com

Laxson Auditorium, CSU, Chico

soul, and disco. You can hear his show, RJ’s Vinyl Mix at 4:00pm on KZFR. Along the way, RJ decided to take up bicycle racing. Like auto racing, he won many awards and races. He rides street and mountain and continues 12-to-20 mile rides three-to-four days a week. A sidebar is the multiple concussions and road rash injuries he’s endured over the course of his riding career. Tough as those injuries can be, none prepared him for the news he received in March of 2020.

The wheels keep turning After RJ Laffins had become an established and winning (17 victories) Pure Stock race car winner at Silver Dollar Speedway (SDS), he was knocked out of a race one night by a rookie driver. As is the “custom” in the world of racing, the other drivers and pit crew expected RJ to confront the rookie after the race. RJ waited for the driver, Travis Moore, to exit his vehicle in the pits. Everyone expected a butt kicking. According to Travis, “I knew I’d screwed up, knocking a pro out of a race. RJ came up to me, and all I could think is This guy is big and mad, and I’m in trouble!” “RJ strides up and orders, ‘You and me behind the trucks!’ So, we went to the trucks where no one could see us, and RJ said, ‘Everyone in the pit thinks I’m going to kick your butt. But first, I have one question, did you mean to hit me?’” “No! No way!” Travis answered, “I didn't mean to. It was my mistake. I’m sorry!” 44

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

RJ responded, “Well, if it was a mistake, no problem. We all make mistakes.” With that, he walked back out to the audience, and said, “That’s it, folks. We’re done here.” Said Moore, “I learned a lesson and learned about the character of RJ Laffins.” A man with character. That sums up a large part of who RJ Laffins is. Along with a friendly disposition, drive, determination and a never-give-up attitude, you have the picture of Ronald Laffins. These are traits being put to the test in RJ’s life today. A native of Chico, RJ attended Hooker Oak, Chico Junior and Senior High, Butte College, and San Jose State. While in college at San Jose, RJ began a vinyl DJ career that has lasted to this day. He began by working at clubs a few hours a week—Farah’s in San Jose and Catz and Papagayo in Fresno. After returning to Chico, he was club DJ at Graduate and 3rd & Up. To this day, he specializes in ‘70’s - ‘80’s dance, funk, R&B,

Many illnesses can cause distorted speech, and RJ endured a series of tests and evaluations. However, the problem with RJ has no easy diagnosis as there is no test. It comes down to a process of elimination. The final answer was devastating: RJ had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - ALS. Specifically ALS Bulbar, a condition affecting the corticobulbar area that controls muscles of the face, head, and neck. The most common symptoms are changes in speech and voice. There is no cure. ALS bulbar affects 30% of those with ALS. Currently, RJ’s speech is the prominent manifestation. He is on a regimen of medications and takes an IV cocktail for 14 days on and 14 off. An additional issue is waiting for new medications to clear the hurdle of the FDA. There are a few, and a prominent one is AMX0035, a medication proven to increase the life expectancy of a person, but cannot provide a cure. “The waiting is one of the hardest aspects,” said Brandi. “We’re waiting for AMX to clear the final clinical trial. All we can do is wait and hope.” For now, RJ remains quite active. He can ride his bike and DJ. If you want to see him live, head out on Thursdays from 5 to 8 pm at the Golden Beaver Distillery off Browns Valley Drive near the airport and witness RJ the DJ. It’s a great show.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

It began when RJ noticed a slight slurring of his speech. His wife, Brandi, an integral and tremendously important part of his life, had heard the slurring a few times, but she wrote it off to RJ’s hectic schedule and racing. Soon, they both noticed the speech problems increasing. So, off to the doctor it was.

Wrapping beyond the gift bag Holidays are a time for giving—giving of time, giving of self, and yes, giving of gifts. It’s easy to be drawn to the convenience of the ever-popular gift bag with a tuft of tissue paper sticking out, or even the suspenseful close your eyes and put out your hands method of gift-wrapping. While these are both great options, each having their place, sometimes if there’s a little extra time, you can wrap something in a unique and beautiful way and make the gift that much more meaningful.

In Japan, the wrapping of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. It is an art form practiced throughout the year. The manner in which the gift is wrapped conveys the value of your relationship and so much more. While the intricacies of Japanese traditional wrapping may be too complex to learn quickly, the basics of the technique are fairly simple. Square cloths called Furoshiki are used. These can be made of all types of material from simple cottons to elaborate silks. You can order traditional Furoshiki online from Amazon or make your own by cutting fabric into basic square shapes or buying some thin cotton dish towels. 46

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

2. Place your gift box in the center. 3. Fold the right point over and then follow with the left point. 4. Secure this layer with a ribbon tied across the package. 5. Next, take the top and bottom unfolded corners and smooth them as you pull them across the middle of the package. 6. Tie them in a knot and you’re finished! You’ve created an eco-friendly, beautifully wrapped gift with a wrapping which can be used again and again. If you are looking for something a bit funkier, consider using a map. Maps are a unique and personal way to make your wrapping special. You can find used maps at garage sales and some used bookstores. eBay also has vintage travel maps you can buy relatively inexpensively in lots of ten or more. Maybe there’s somewhere your friend has always wanted to travel to or a place that holds special memories for a loved one. At oldmapsonline.com, you can search for a specific city during a particular year and print it out at home for free. If you’re a AAA member, you can head to your local

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

There are so many choices available in regards to media used for wrapping such as fabric, vintage maps, or even designing your own paper.

1. Simply lay your square fabric out so that it’s in the shape of a diamond.

office or get online and order free current trip maps. Once you have your map in hand, wrap your gift, tie it with some sisal twine, and that one-of-a-kind wrapping job will convey how much that person means to you. Yet another paper wrapping idea is to have your little ones fill up a roll of paper with their own unique drawings or use some water based paint to immortalize their little hand and foot prints. Don’t have any little humans? No worries, this works great on your furry family also. 1. First, make sure you clean their paws with a damp towel and dry them well. 2. Use non-toxic washable finger-paints. If it's safe for little humans, it’s safe for your pets also. 3. Put a dollop of paint onto a paper plate and then use a foam pad to brush it onto the paw. 4. Press the paw onto the paper (make sure the paper is thick enough to ensure the paint won’t bleed through). 5. Then rinse off the paw in some warm water and allow both the paw and the newly designed paper to dry. 6. Then wrap away! Who wouldn’t love a package scattered with tiny puppy paw prints or adorable human ones?! Additionally, consider topping your packages off with a little extra something tucked into the ribbon or string. Try adding some fresh sprigs of rosemary from the yard, maybe a twig of evergreen, or a tiny pinecone. You could also check out your pantry and place a stick of cinnamon or a bright candy cane on the package to tickle their senses with the smell of the season. Finish it off with a special name tag, like an ornament or a tiny chalkboard sign, and your one-of-akind gift is ready to share. Maybe this year, with a little more planning and a little less rushing, you can slow down, savor, and be present in the present-ing.

mas Merry Christ

from our family to yours

Downtown Chico

5thstreetclothingco.com 47

Downtown Chico Your holiday Dining destination When you consider the wonderfully compact six-block configuration, the ease of dining in our charming downtown becomes palpable. Broadway and Main, and 2nd Street to 4th, offer a corridor of possibilities, featuring myriad menus to fit any appetite. Couple this with the charming and personal shopping along the way, and the perfect holiday outing unfolds right in front of you. There remains but a single roadblock along the way—making a decision from the ‘can’t miss’ choices. Perhaps your first decision is to get a drink. Downtown Chico does not let you down by making the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful with their joyful happy hours. 48

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

A quick glance of the six-block walk points to restaurants such as Crush, Tres Hombres, and Bella’s Sports Pub to wet your celebratory whistle. In addition, most restaurants and bars have specialty drinks crafted specifically to complement the holiday season. So, with the drinks decision made, all that’s left is that inevitable $25,000 question—where should we eat? Starting on Broadway, from Collier Hardware, and working your way north to 4th, and then circling back down Main south to 2nd, will take you to any type of desirable cuisine you may be craving. Along the way, you will run across inviting shops to

Tres Hombres, featuring modern Mexican eats in a lively restaurant atmosphere. B Street Public House and its varied venue of delicious choices, hint—Trashy Tacos. Crush headlines a combination of traditional and contemporary Italian flavors.

E YEAR

IEST PP

2.35" W x 4.86" H.

We offer this peek into what is found around each corner by riding up elevators to the floor above, walking down mystical hallways to doors revealing the magic inside, and wide open spaces beckoning you to enter. A random walking tour of the entire cityscape takes you by the following:

THE H A

duck in for a bit of holiday shopping or just look-see browsing. In between, let your nose and ears lead the way, one to lure you in and the other to gauge the ambience your gang is drawn to. You will come upon the expected, the bustling, the spirited, and refreshing. The quaint city setting belies its diversity of food varieties—and, for certain, really great meals.

ME OF

Shop for Fun - Downtown Chico

La Salles offers a warm & welcome setting to enjoy indulgent eats. Broadway Heights, overlooking downtown, with easygoing bites from pizza to soup. The Rawbar, a vibrant sushi house, providing a wide range of rolls and PanAsian dishes. Bella’s Sport Pub is a game-day hotspot delivering pub fare like burgers and wings. Parkside Tap House and its self proclaimed “Creative Comfort Food” to share. There's so much more: between BBQ, cafes, vegan, and cultural cuisine, the options are nearly endless. We fully celebrate our dining and drinking options and marvel at the wide range to select from. We also wish you a happy holiday while you answer that $25,000 question time and again.

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN | PHOTO BY TIM MILHORN

The Student Becomes the Master Victor Perry and Alejandro Mercado traveled different but similar paths to get to where they are today. Both graduated from Orland High School, and both became teachers before becoming administrators. They each participated in a sport they later coached at Orland High. They are homegrown products who grew up in Glenn County, and each entered the education profession to make a positive difference. Both even took on a new position in the Orland Unified School District during what has become one of the most contentious years in education ever. Victor Perry grew up in Orland and became involved in athletics at an early age. He began wrestling for the Orland Takedown Club at 11 years old, and the sport eventually took him to third place at the California State Wrestling Finals. From there, Perry went to Sacramento City College where he earned All American Honors and rounded out his wrestling career at Southern Oregon University. He sees wrestling as a primary reason for the discipline and structure that formed his adult world.

“Wrestling taught me many things about life. It gave me discipline, motivation, and it also gave me role models. I saw my wrestling coaches, as well as my football coaches, through the eyes of a little kid at first,” he said. “I remember thinking that I wanted to do what these guys are doing. I didn’t realize until later they had to teach at the same time. I thought they just coached!” After college, Perry came back to Orland and ended up with his own roofing business, but he kept thinking back to his coaches and teachers—like Jeff Patch and Bob Rinehart—and the influence and impact they had on he and his teammates. Finally, he got into coaching, and from there began to work as an Orland High campus supervisor. When a position for a woodshop teacher opened up, he began working on a Regional Occupational Program credential so he could teach while earning the credential. “So many things in teaching came down to timing,” said Perry. “The woodshop job opened up, and then I decided I could better serve the kids and community as an assistant principal.” As he worked 51

“I wanted to move to the Bay Area or LA after I graduated. I thought the bigcity experience would be good after growing up in Orland.” But lo-and-behold, after getting his teaching credential, an English job opened up at his alma mater. He interviewed and beat out five other candidates, and there he was, back at OHS. “After I taught a bit at Orland, I began to see how staying in the North Valley was actually a good thing,” said Mercado. “This was my hometown and my school. I knew I could make a difference here, and it made me feel a sense of accomplishment.” He went on to say how he thought about making this a forever job and serving his community. Like Perry, he earned an admin credential, and the timing was great—the assistant principal job opened up when Perry became the principal. Mercado was chosen and served in the topsy-turvy world of the pandemic.

on an admin credential, the assistant principal job opened up, and he was hired for the position. After a few years as the AP, the principalship of OHS became available, and, as timing would again dictate, he interviewed and won the job. “I felt, as a local Orland guy, I could support the staff and the parents,” he said. “We need to form a partnership of students, teachers, parents, and administrators in order to better serve our schools.” To further that goal, Perry became the Assistant Superintendent of OUSD, and as our old friend's timing came into play, the superintendent resigned and Perry became the new superintendent. He’s a great fit: a local kid who knows the community, is dedicated to the job, and who wants to stay for years to come. “Some people have used Orland as a stepping stone to bigger districts,” he said. “I get that, but I want to be here for the long haul.” When asked about misconceptions people might have about his job, Perry replied, “We don’t have nearly as much power as people think. We can’t just make any changes we like. A principal and the superintendent answer to the school board, and the board answers to the county, who answers to the State. That’s the way it is.” 52

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Born in Mexico, Alejandro Mercado immigrated to the United States at a young age. He grew up in Orland and attended local schools until he graduated from Orland High School. At OHS Alex earned excellent grades and played on the soccer team as a goalkeeper for four years. After graduation, he attended Chico State and earned a B.A. in English and then a teaching credential. He did his student teaching at Hamilton City High School and was hired by Orland Unified in 2014. While teaching at OHS he attended classes in the administrative program at Chico State and eventually became the assistant principal at Orland High in 2019. A year later, he found himself at the helm of Orland High as the principal. It has been a quick and challenging transition. Like Victor Perry, Alex Mercado had role models growing up in Orland as well. “I saw teachers like Jason Bragg and Steve Morgan up in front of class having fun while they taught,” he said. “I thought back then that they were lucky to have a job they obviously enjoyed,” he added. When he went to Chico State as an English major, it seemed that teaching just fell right in place, but as a young man he felt staying in Orland wasn’t in the cards.

“I never saw teaching as work. I loved every minute in the classroom, but I still thought I could give back more and be a big part of the educational system in Orland.” Part of that would be taking on the AP role by taking the next step into administration. As timing—or perhaps fate—would dictate, when Perry moved to the district office, the principal’s job at OHS became vacant. According to Mercado, although he knew his limited experience might be an issue, he felt he had to apply for the opening. And here he is, along with hometown kid Victor Perry, tackling tough issues in an often contentious environment. “It’s definitely a trial by fire,” said Mercado, “but I’ve been given great support from many community members and teachers. This is a great job and a great opportunity. We will get through this and be better for it.” These days, it’s not often we see a story like this—two local kids growing up and taking the reins of the high school and school district, who know they want to be in it for the long haul. We think it’s exactly what our communities need.

WRITTEN BY BEAU VANDERMATE | PHOTO BY GLEN HARRINGTON

The Building Tells the story Through all the changes and adversity Paradise and Magalia have endured in recent years, there are still a few spots that have remained the same. This includes the historical Magalia Community Church, standing tall for over 100 years. The church may be old, but even so, it is in fabulous condition and readily provides multiple services every week. Having been built over 100 years ago, the church appears like a time machine, giving a

clear glimpse into an era that's long past. From a visual standpoint, it’s absolutely beautiful. The architecture, itself, tells a story all its own. It is often said that the things which last the longest are those that were the most difficult to start. The Magalia Community Church fits into that category, as its start was far from perfect, but its journey bestowed upon it a rich history and many

stories. It was started by Christian Minister Albert Samuel Parsons, who made the journey from Cherokee, California in 1850 to what's known today as Magalia. In fact, it wasn't until 1957 that the quaint town was even given its name. People often speculate the name was originally “Magnolia” insinuating a simple spelling error was made. At any rate, the name has been nothing but Magalia ever since.

WRITTEN BY BEAU VANDERMATE | PHOTO BY GLEN HARRINGTON

Albert Parsons wanted to make a safe haven for all locals to congregate while enjoying their faith together. Unfortunately, Parsons was unable to finish the project and sold his land to a new owner. With a half-built church that was still needing essentially everything, the new owner, George Mclean, felt it was his duty to pick up where Parsons left off. This entailed moving the church to a more suitable central location for the townspeople, as well as raising funds from a good number of locals. The biggest help came from Annie Bidwell who donated hundreds of dollars to help complete the historic site. Annie also paid for the church’s bell which, to this day, still rings the sound of prayer every morning. The church was eventually finished in 1904, but would undergo many location changes while operating. It was moved a total of 3 times until finally coming to rest where it stands today—13700 Skyway in Magalia. It wasn't until August of 1982 that the church was deemed a historical site. There have been some add-ons to the small church, such as a dining hall that serves many different functions. The lower sections of the church are also currently being developed into an amphitheater/field. Whether you practice a religion or not, Magalia Community Church is a great place to visit and witness a slice of history. Also, if you're looking for an outlet, the church is an amazing place to gather one's thoughts. Magalia Community Church is open daily from 11AM-3PM and Sundays from 10AM-12PM. It is closed on Mondays and Fridays. You don't need to be religious to enjoy history! I encourage you to get out and enjoy this awesome historical site.

LICENSE #0680951

Protect your goodies. Insurance & Risk Management Services for: Farm & Business • Home & Auto • Life & Health

www.Dahlmeier.com Chico

Oroville

Willows

1368 Longfellow Ave

2080 Myers St

530.342.6421

530.533.3424

305 N. Culver Ave. (Lambert Insurance Agency)

530.934.3361

The Risk-Reward Quotient

BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA, AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP ®, FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT SWEENEY & MICHEL, LLC

What is the definition of risk? As a noun, it means “the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil.” As a verb (action) it is “to take a chance on.” In the case of investing, it’s anything that causes a market pullback which you didn’t plan on. Risk and reward are two sides of the same coin, and in today’s 0% rate environment, you can’t have one without the other. We’ve learned assessing and assigning the correct risk/reward mindset for an investor is instrumental to their financial success. Earning long-term returns requires enduring short-term risks. For decades, investment websites, 401(k) enrollment forms, and advisors have all helped investors determine their risk tolerance by taking 3 main things into consideration: how many years you have to invest, how much you already have saved, how much you can save every year. This calculation would work beautifully IF we were not humans. If who you’re investing for is yourself: what, where, and why are still missing from the equation. As humans, our behavior is influenced heavily by emotions and our history with money. We have seen investors of all backgrounds make big investment decisions that go against their own long-term financial plan and goals. Fearmongering and FOMO (fear of missing out) are emotional culprits. To be a successful investor (setting and meeting your own goals) you must set realistic goals built around a portfolio and plan you can stick to. Choosing an investment strategy is not as easy as checking a box for conservative, growth, or aggressive growth. Each of these terms is defined individually. The risk reward quotient that we recommend has multiple inputs: current age of investor, what you’re saving/investing towards and why, investment experience (recovering emotional investor, family history with money etc.), current financial situation (Net worth, savings rate, debt/income, experience with money), how much you can commit to saving/investing regularly. To make sure your quotient is properly aligned, feel free to schedule an appointment with us today. Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 196 Cohasset Road, Suite 100, Chico CA 95926 (530) 487-1777 | renee@sweeneymichel.com | joe@sweeneymichel.com | www.sweeneymichel.com This is not tax advice. | Sweeney & Michel, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. This brochure is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Sweeney & Michel, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Sweeney & Michel, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. 56

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

A Special Six-Pack of Oroville GiFts

Oroville Dam Construction on the dam began in 1961 and finished in 1968. Not only is it the largest of features in the Oroville area, it has had the biggest impact in terms of economics and tourism. Initially, dam construction brought in hundreds of workers to the Oroville area. These numbers increased local business profits and increased population. Many families new to Oroville decided to stay put after the completion of the project, and descendents of the original workers still populate the area. Oroville Dam is the tallest dam in the U.S at 770 feet 58

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

high, and also its largest earth-filled dam. It serves mainly as a water supply, hydroelectric generator, and flood control; it is capable of storing more than 1.1 trillion U.S gallons.

Oroville Wildlife Area Established after the completion of the dam leading the way for Lake Oroville, the Oroville Wildlife Area has over 11,000 acres of riparian woodland habitat. It is located next to Highway 70 and incorporates the Feather River. You can enjoy hunting, its shooting range, and fishing for a variety of fish in the river and Thermalito Afterbay. Wildlife includes coyote, deer, dove, quail, foxes, bobcats, and porcupines among others. It is also a wonderful location to bird watch osprey, egrets, and woodpeckers.

Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum “Remove the dust but leave the rust” is the steadfast motto of Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum. Officially founded in 2006, Bolt’s is home to over 12,000 of the most important tools ever invented. Bolt’s is indeed unique as it is a one-ofa-kind museum. The museum has tools

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

If the city of Oroville had a Christmas tree, surely wrapped the brightest and placed ever so carefully beneath the lower branches would be these six distinct and distinguished gifts. The places featured span the years from 1968 to 2020. The oldest feature is the “elephant in the room,” due to its sheer size and magnitude, while the newest has rekindled excitement and revitalized an intricate area of Oroville proper. So, let us put on our seater and muffler and take the written tour of these celebrated places from the oldest to the most recent.

thought to be made by the Egyptians and the Roman Empire. They have tools representing 51 different railroads and one heckuva barbed wire collection. It is located at 1650 Broderick Street and open from 10:00am to 3:45pm Mon-Sat.

River Bend Park This beautiful 210-acre park is located next to the Feather River at 60 Montgomery Street. Riverbend is a beautiful and scenic park with river access and numerous activity areas. It includes four pavilions: Eagle Point, Big Bear, Little Bear, and Salmon. Each contains a barbeque pit and seating. There are two restroom facilities and plenty of parking. Riverbend also has play structures, disc golf, and multi-use fields. And, certainly do not forget the dog park!

Harrison Stadium A longtime locale for local sports contests, Harrison Stadium took on a new look starting in 2009, when it underwent a complete facelift. The grass field was replaced by sports turf with football and soccer lines sewed in place. An all weather track replaced the dirt oval, and brand new bleachers were installed with a seating capacity of approximately 4,800 people. Also included were a new snack bar and public restrooms. The total cost of the renovation was nine million dollars. It is truly the envy of high schools throughout Northern California.

Downtown Oroville You just can't say enough about the revitalization of the downtown area. It is a soon to be uncovered hidden gem in the North Valley. With its newly designed restaurants and businesses, it is a major attraction. Holding court over the area is the magnificent State Theater and the impressive Oroville Inn. Downtown is a perfect place to eat a tasty lunch or lavish dinner, have a nice cold drink, or browse the many stores. Everything is within easy walking distance in Downtown Oroville and parking is free.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up on Christmas morning and unwrap each of these magnificent and magical gifts? 59

Eyes of Wonder Catching up with Aurora Wolf isn’t always an easy task. Whether she’s at a Phish concert, attending school, or hanging out with her pets, she’s a busy individual. She’s also looking forward to turning fifteen. She has two super friendly dogs, Molly and Trixie, and a flock of chickens all named after characters in the beloved Harry Potter series.

When she’s not at Inspire, Aurora enjoys reading and watching movies. Currently, her favorite book is The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir. Aurora wants to be a doctor when she grows up, and this book describes the experiences of a group of emergency medicine physicians. She is enthralled reading all the interesting stories they have to share. 60

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

When asked about Inspire, Aurora says “It’s a very accepting [place], which means anyone can come to this fantastic school. If you like science and/or any type of art, you should probably come to Inspire!” We celebrate Aurora and look forward to tracking her obviously bright future.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Aurora is a freshman at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, drawn to the school because of her interest in the digital arts, along with the fact her older sister attends and has always shared great things about her experiences there. Her favorite class this year would have to be her physical education class, Dance 1. She says she loves the fact it gets her moving and active, just like one of her best high school experiences this year, their sole pep rally. With all the cheers, music, and dancing she says, “It was fantastically fun to be there!!!” and she’s looking forward to experiencing more of these memorable high school events.

Inspire’s principal, Becky Brown, shares that Aurora is “one of Inspire’s resident ‘cool kids’ and an absolutely delightful young woman, who happens to be paraplegic. She communicates through non-verbal signals and using a special keyboard she manipulates with her eyes.” Aurora wants people to know while she is in a wheelchair, she understands everything you say and uses a communication device to respond. Actually, she uses three different keyboards, each one specifically designed for a particular use. The keyboards are on a screen, and she ‘types’ by using her eyes to navigate around each keyboard. A light shines into one of her eyes and a camera picks up the reflection from her retina and cornea. As her gaze moves, the position of the reflections change, and the computer recognizes this and completes the intended action. She uses one board for talking with people and one for internet access. Aurora says,“Technology is pretty amazing nowadays!”

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

By Kevin Dolan

T'was Moments Before Print Day

(with appreciation and apologies)

Based on The Night Before Christmas by Henry Livingston Jr., published on Dec. 23, 1823

T'was moments before Print Day, when all thro' the place, No keyboard was tapping, no screens in any face. The printer was filled, stuffing paper with ease, With hopes of soon spitting out the mag, yes, please. The whole gang was slumped in comfortable chairs, With nightmares of comma splices raisin’ neck hairs. And Aveed, sporting plaid, with the boys in comfy attire, Each expecting the printer to soon catch on fire. When out of nowhere Jason broke into a harried chatter, And Aveed dropped his phone to see what was the matter. J chortled, “Kevin mumbled something about coffee at the Perk,” “Just wondering if he is returning and actually ready to work.” The retort clearly distorted the face of new hire Beau, “Who could treat our beloved EIC with spite, I simply don’t know.” When, upon readying ears, a welcoming sound did emerge, As page after page became printed with unexpected surge. Right then, the back door flung open with the twist of a key, They all knew in a moment it must be the cunning KD. While suddenly the pages stacked up, this time for reals, KD stood by the printer shouting and pointing from his heels. "Now! Parkside, now! Liberty, now! Sweeney, and Tres, Then Jason exclaimed, “Where’s the one that’ll fix your face?” KD implored, “Spit out all pages! Don’t stop ‘til you get us a mag,” "Now print away! print away! Print away—our favorite shiny rag!" As copies were placed before us, our hearts beat with stress, When readers turn proofers, does tension grow; oh, hell yes! So each one of us scattered to our favorite working spot, Where editing turns revision—and almost all miscues caught. And then in a twinkling in our blood shot eyes, the magic took flight, As oohing and awing turns to sighing when punctuation isn't right. As KD shook his head, and was openly fidgeting around, From his office, Aveed emerged with a purposeful bound. Dress'd in his corporate lumberjack attire, covering each arm, His wardrobe, impeccably kept, with no wrinkles, spots, or harm. Earbuds appeared like matching globes on a stark tree, And he look'd like a model from a billboard, a must see. His eyes—how wide they open, so intent and certainly aware, Getting our attention with a bit of wonder and uncertain scare. The facial hair, so full and dark, forebodingly hid any happiness, We all stopped reading, each armed and ready to talk business. He paced the long hallway, here and there striking an odd pose; Hard not to ask oneself, could he tread water in a garden hose? Though he looks thin yet coyly cut, right healthy and strong, KD laugh'd, still left wondering if anything had gone wrong. A narrowing of eyes and flash of a smile from the daunting head Soon led to relief, leaving us aware we’d nothing to dread. He opened his laptop and shared the lit screen, December’s cover, gloriously placed to be seen. And raising the picture thus sharing with joy, Aveed gave a nod, and said “Nice job, boys.” He sprung to his office announcing,”Let’s put this thing to bed.” And then we can celebrate by drinking and being well fed. But we heard him exclaim, as he cleverly slipped out of sight, “Salute to a great print day, and perhaps, a better food fight.” 63

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Upgraded Living December 2021 Issue

Articles inside

Open the gifts the Gold Country has to offer: Six reasons to visit Oroville

A look into the beauty and history of Magalia Community Church

Cool Kid Aurora Wolf and the wonder

The flavors in the heart of Chico

Alejandro Mercado and Victor Perry Saluting Orland educators

The man, the myth, the legend. We are honored to share the journey of our local spotlight, RJ Laffins

No Soup for you! Tres Hombres kicks off the season with warmth and

Marvel at the magic and meet Kris Koenig of Golden Beaver Distillery. Take this tour with us and learn the

The decadence of December

Tacos Super Tonaya lays down the pastor gauntlet

Parkside Tap House opens the doors to Parkside Parlor

More than a century-old magazine Better Homes and Gardens… Real

Coffee, tea, and the ingredient introspective of Tim Milhorn

The quarterback of the kitchen, Chef Javi of Red Tavern