Upgraded Living - February 2023 Issue

Q&A

DERMAL FLLERS WITH DR. HODARI

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal Fillers are gel-like products that are injected into the skin in order to add volume or decrease wrinkles, primarily in the face. The products are typically composed of a substance called Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in our skin. HA is found amongst our collagen fibers and helps to support the appearance of healthy skin. Products like Juvéderm® and Restylane® are examples of commonly used dermal fillers available today.

What can filler treat?

As we age, we lose volume, mostly fat and collagen, in our faces. Dermal Fillers are typically used to treat areas of facial volume loss, such as the cheeks, smile lines, Marionette lines, under-eye tear trough area, lips, and temples. Dermal Fillers can also be used to treat superficial fine lines that are due to sun damage or excessive muscular use, like the so-called “smoker’s lines” above the lip. Unfortunately, one need not be a smoker to have those prominent upper lip lines. Fortunately, Fillers, as they are also called, are very helpful in improving these lines.

What is the difference between BOTOX® and filler?

Botox is a chemical that comes in a liquid form. It works by inhibiting a muscle’s ability to contract. Therefore Botox can be considered, and is typically effective, for any line that is a result of muscle contracting. Common areas where Botox is effective are the lines of the forehead and around the eyes, or the so-called crow’s feet area. Botox, like Filler, can also be used to treat the vertical lip lines of the upper lip, because these lines are due to both volume loss (Fillers) and muscular contraction (Botox).

How much filler do I need?

The amount of Filler needed depends on many factors, such as the patient’s age and the number of areas they wish to treat. For example, if someone wanted to treat their smile lines, lips lines, and cheeks, that patient might need 3 vials; in this case, one vial per area treated. However, sometimes, patients may need more or even fewer vials per area, depending on what their goals may be. It is not unusual to need 3-5 vials of filler to address one’s concerns. It’s helpful to remember that each vial is approximately 1 cc of volume, and a teaspoon is composed of just over 5 cc’s. In other words, a small amount of product can make a big difference. And 5 vials is not as much volume as one might initially think. All of our treatments are customized based on our patient's concerns and goals.

Dermal Fillers

I was really nervous being it was my first time for injections but everyone was so nice and made me feel so at ease especially, Dr. Hodari. He’s amazing! My daughter is a patient of his also and she is the one who talked me into coming to him as she loves his work and his wonderful personality!! I’m so happy that I made the trip to Chico and I can’t wait to see my results!

- Cindy W.

In prior years, we've stayed pretty consistent with our February issue focusing on the month of love—love for your friends, love for your family, and love for your community. Strangely enough, we hadn't invested too much time in the importance of love for ourselves. As 2022 and all of its craziness came to a close, we took a moment to reflect on the past few years and realize just how important it really was. With what has felt like an ever-changing atmosphere where each day brings a new surprise or challenge, it's easy to feel disconnected, alone, and frustrated. Not to say those feelings weren't experienced long before the pandemic started, but there's something to be said for what feels like a universally heightened presence of it now.

While we certainly continue to remain committed to our belief in the importance of loving others and being generous with your time and resources, filling your own cup should be just as important. Doing so provides you the energy and space needed to do more for others, amplifying your potential and bettering everyone's experience in the process—including your own. This issue presents a number of ways to do just that. Our cover story spotlights three incredible women whose neighboring businesses on Springfield Drive in Chico's Meriam Park are built around the importance of self-care. Each offers a unique opportunity to treat yourself to an experience that improves body, mind, and soul. Having had the chance to personally visit all three businesses numerous times, I can say they are well worth the trip, and each one of their owners is an absolute breath of fresh air.

However you decide to practice self-care this month, the most important thing is to make time for yourself and simply do it. If you have a sweet tooth, order that extra Crumbl cookie and don't skimp on the frosting. Hell, get a box of cookies and a tub of the frosting just in case! If you need to work out some kinks, make an appointment with your favorite masseuse. Even just taking the time for a half hour of peace and quiet can make all the difference in your day and consequently the way you treat others. It starts with ourselves, and as we're reminded over and over again, it's one of the few things we have control of. Let's do our best this month to make the most of it. As usual, thank you for your continued readership. We couldn't do this without you!

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher

JASON CORONA Sales Director

SHELLY BRANDON Writer

TIM MILHORN Writer

MADDIE RODRIGUEZ Writer

ERIK BROWN Cover Designer

DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer

CONTRIBUTORS

DOUG LOVE Real Estate

SWEENEY & MICHEL

Finance

DERM BAR

Beauty

PAT MACIAS

Art

COMMUNITY

14 Lauren Mesa wows with her thoughtful and heartfelt artwork.

18 Aaron Singer and his program Paradise Stronger strengthens the Ridge through promoting community service, health, and wellness.

21 Orland resident, Oscar Redes, demonstrates what it means to be a hometown hero.

25 Teri Tata dives takes charge in Oroville.

34 Brad Wannt wants to make your life more livable and enjoyable by clearing the clutter and bringing some calm to the chaos with his business, In Flow Organization.

47 Pat Macias unveils plans for the gargantuan expansion of one of our favorite local museums, monca!

63 We bid a loving farewell to one of Butte County's brightest lights—Ethan Wells.

FOOD

37 Chef Gina Giannini brings true San Francisco sourdough to Butte County, and we couldn't be more in love.

50 Resident "ingrediophile", Tim Milhorn, delivers the goods on the Apple of Grenada—our favorite fruit during Valentine's month, the pomegranate.

53 Local café patrons reveal their selfcare routines.

54 Yes, soup for you! We visit Konas on Nord Ave. and Redwood Sandwich Company on East Ave. to try their signature winter soups in this month's showdown.

57 Local artist and musician Loki Miller sits down to discuss his rise to stardom in the Chico performance scene.

POTPOURRI

28 Doug Love regales us with another tale of his time with local real estate icon, Ken DuVall.

35 Sweeney and Michel instruct on how to patch a hole in your financial boat.

57 Local artist and musician Loki Miller sits down to discuss his rise to stardom in the Chico performance scene.

60 Amaya Lewis reminds us what it really means to be a Cool Kid.

62 Our reimagined pet page comes alive with a number of furry friends currently waiting to find a loving home at the Northwest SPCA.

FEATURE

42 Self-care gurus, Tracy Riddle of Pure Hydration, Alicia Kepple of LunaSolé, and Shuree Wesley of Nutrishop Chico dish on the importance of loving yourself and all the ways their neighboring businesses provide a complete self-care package this February.

ON THE COVER: (LEFT TO RIGHT) TRACY RIDDLE, ALICIA KEPPLE, AND SHUREE WESLEY

PHOTO COURTESY: DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Finding our common humanity through art

One of the most enduring things humankind can do is create: art, textiles, pottery, even buildings. Thinking back over the centuries, the one thing that has lasted, that has told the story of the generations who have lived before us, has been the creative works the people have put their hands to. Ancient pottery continues to be unearthed in anthropological digs all over the globe, and the Lascaux cave paintings in France, which can be traced back to the Upper Paleolithic Age, are some 15,000 to 17,000 years old.

To create art is to create something that will endure long after we are gone, that will give beauty and meaning to people’s lives down the centuries—if we’re lucky.

How many untold millions of people have seen the Mona Lisa’s smile in the Louvre? Stood in horror and wonder before Picasso’s Guernica? Marveled at Michelangelo’s David? Art is a precious gift that gives us perspective, allows us to dream, and occasionally helps us make sense of history. In its own quietly forceful way, art becomes us.

At this time of year, when it’s dark and cold, Lauren Mesa, an artist and ceramicist, can be found working on the one big painting she does each year. “In the wintertime, when the weather is inclement, I feel permission to stay indoors and create. It’s a way to escape and to restore myself from

WRITTEN BY MADDIE RODRIGUEZ

whatever happens to be going on in my private world or the world at large. It can be a reflective, healing time.”

Lauren began creating art as a kid, when she realized it could be a useful escape from the horrors of mathematics and the turbulent waters of family life. She was also an avid reader, seeking solace in the world of books. “Words and images have always spoken to me,” Lauren says. “I vividly recall the sorrow I felt the day the librarian promoted me to books without illustrations. I began drawing the characters in the various books I consumed, and when an observant teacher asked if I’d draw our classroom’s incubating chicks as they hatched—and later dubbed me ‘The Class Artist’—I was not only encouraged but honored.”

Thus encouraged, Lauren continued to paint, draw, and write, and in college she studied to become an art and writing teacher. “In the masters program, the dean said, ‘There won’t be any jobs for you in California.’ So I made a romantic decision and dropped out with the plan to simply live as an artist,” Lauren says with a laugh. “I worked at Santa Barbara Ceramic Design painting on porcelain pottery. There were two potters and eight artists, and we painted pottery all day long—in fact, I can paint just about any flower without effort because I painted them five days a week for ten years. It was a fledgling business at first, and then grew, and has actually become collectible artwork. I have good memories of being part of that adventure.”

A natural teacher, Lauren loves passing on the gift of art to kids. She worked in a private school for twelve years, and now offers art camps for children at Bidwell Presbyterian Church. These camps are open to the community and present a unique opportunity for children to discover their own unique creative personalities. “When the kids finish a project,” Lauren says, “We line up their paintings—each distinctly different, each a small masterpiece—and they take turns describing what they enjoy about each piece of work. There’s nothing quite like the

expressions on their faces: so filled with contentment and hope, and the certainty growing inside them that, hey, maybe I really do have talent! I just love that.”

Lauren feels strongly that we should all be sensitive to our own creative gifts and use them to be true to ourselves. She, herself, has many artistic gifts, though she has been working primarily in ceramics for the last 12 years or so. She currently works with a group of artists at the Koszis Art Studio who fondly call themselves The Claymates. Animals, butterflies, and other elements of nature figure heavily in Lauren’s pieces, and she often finds herself creating with the outdoors in mind. “The natural world is very, very beautiful to me and it gives me solace, too,” she says. “So the idea of creating art to enhance a garden is attractive to me. In my yard there is a large ceramic hare, a chicken, all kinds of sculpted birds, various pods and seeds, a kneeling St. Francis of Assisi, and many mosaic stepping stones.”

Lauren also creates with words. Many of her mosaic pieces have a quote or a saying on them, such as the large mosaic plaque I bought from her during Christmas that has an Irish proverb set above a moody dark

green Art Deco tile. Lauren uses stunning pieces of patterned and brightly colored pottery in her mosaics that, coupled with the words she uses, evoke a spirit of hope and joy. Quite a few of the quotes and sayings Lauren uses come from quote books that

Though Lauren has to make some things to sell to make a living, she feels supremely fortunate to be able to do so. Last year, she broke her arm and elbow, and was unsure if she would be able to sculpt or make mosaics again. After much physical therapy and rest, she slowly regained her ability to create.

“I want to find our common humanity in artwork and also through words,” she says.

“When you create something that the viewer is going to look at and say, ‘That gives me hope,’ or, ‘That gives me joy,’ or, ‘That makes me feel satisfied,’ that’s what I want to be part of. I don’t want to just make something that’s cool, different, or unusual; I want to create something that connects with people.”

she has been keeping faithfully since the age of 19. They contain lines from poems and songs she found particularly inspiring, and are always near to hand. “I’m not surprised that I use words in art because words have always been supremely important to me,” she says. “The words we speak, the words we see, all of it.”

Lauren’s work can be found in stores around Chico including Bidwell Supply Company and Made in Chico. She also attends many art fairs throughout the year, including the Bridging the Gap 4 Water’s annual markets held in fall, summer and winter. Many artists, including Lauren, will be selling their work at The Chico Arts Festival at St. John’s Episcopal, on Mother’s Day weekend this year, May 12th & 13th. See more of Lauren’s beautiful artworks on Facebook by searching Lauren Mesa Art.

kybella Q&A

What is Kybella®?

Kybella® is an injectable that can permanently dissolve fat cells. It is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring bile acid called deoxycholic acid that causes the lysis of fat cells by destroying the cell membrane.

What is it used for?

It was approved by the FDA in 2015 to reduce fat in the submental area commonly referred to as “double chin”.

How effective is it?

Clinical trials have shown that it is an effective treatment and that up to 82 percent of patients are satisfied with the results.

How many treatments will I need?

Typically, two to six treatments. You usually do see results after one treatment. It depends on the amount of fat.

How much does it cost?

$1,200 to $1,800 dollars per treatment.

What can I expect during and postprocedure?

It’s a quick procedure that takes about 15 minutes to perform. It is fairly pain-free. After the procedure, there could be some swelling of the neck which will go down in a few days. Some patients have a mild skin tightening effect in the submental area, and a few may have some skin laxity after dissolving the fat cells in that area. Radiofrequency skin tightening, and other laser procedures can help tighten the skin.

A stronger paradise through community wellness

Aaron Singer opened Paradise Stronger in May of 2020 and emphasizes that it's not a gym but “a place to regather, regroup, and find some reprieve.” The non-profit center follows the example of YMCA in its offerings and organization. Aaron grew up in Paradise and worked in the ministry, then as an Air Force medic, later in the emergency room, and finally as a coach. His collection of life experiences left him determined to find a way to help his community recover after the fire through mental, nutritional, and physical health. “I knew that I wanted to help people, but not just their physical health. People can exercise, but if they don’t eat right, or they don’t take care of their emotional selves, then that’s not going to be helpful for them.” This is where the vision of Paradise Stronger began. Aaron sought to aid individuals who were rebuilding their lives, their homes, and reconnecting with their community by addressing their overall wellness, and this was the modality that made the most sense for him.

There are four key elements of the center: fitness, wellness, community, and recovery. The fitness component addresses an individual’s ability to complete everyday activities with strength and cardiovascular endurance, and as such, is different for each person. Aaron says that he doesn’t have classes on Saturday on purpose, “I feel like whatever you do in the gym, whether it’s strength training or yoga, it’s to prepare you to go spend time with your kids or hang out with your friends and family. Fitness is something I do to have the fun that I want to have in life.” They offer a wide variety of classes including functional fitness, yoga, spin, senior oriented programs, and children’s tumbling.

The next piece of the philosophy is wellness, which can take on many different forms. For instance, some people’s wellness means they need a roof over their head and food to eat. One of their programs is called ‘A Simple Gesture’ which is a national non-profit

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

hunger relief program. They collect food from donors and then distribute that to food pantries throughout the area. They also have food available in the wellness center that people are welcome to take and enjoy as they need. The center offers free community lectures by area professionals on topics of nutrition, mental health, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and various other subjects.

Community is the third element of Paradise Stronger. Aaron wants to provide a place for the residents of Paradise and surrounding areas to connect and collaborate. Their community space, known as Equilibrium, is essentially a living room for the entire community. Jess Mercer has been dedicated to designing and creating this recovery space. A space where families can play pool or air hockey, grab a snack from the fridge and hang out on the couch, or visit the sensory room to focus and reset. They also have monthly hikes to bring people together and help rebuild those relationships lost and disrupted by the fire.

Recovery is the final component of the center, a place to step away from the emotional trauma they’ve endured. They offer PTSD counseling and provide connections with other entities like the Spiritual and Emotional Wellness group through the Camp Fire Collaborative.

These relationships allow them to direct clients towards the right resource to help them as they journey back from their difficult experiences.

Paradise Stronger couldn’t be where it is today without the help of many individuals who share the vision and understand where the organization is headed, from its eleven board members to the coaches who work directly with the community. Aaron credits coach and wife Shannon’s support as invaluable. “She’s very patient with me, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Visit their website at paradisestronger.org or stop in and see everything they have to offer the community at 6848 Skyway Suite P in Paradise

Fifty Years and counting

As Chris Redes says about her husband, Oscar, “When Oscar joins a club, he is all in.” Boy Howdy! During their fifty year marriage living in Orland, Oscar has been a member of just about every fraternal organization in town: Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Kiwanis, The Knights of Columbus, The Loyal Order of Moose, and Orland Chamber of Commerce. Not only a member, but Oscar has been

president of each of those organizations. He didn’t join the Rotary Club as they meet at lunch, and Oscar was always out painting a sign or back in the workshop screen printing apparel.

One avocation Oscar is particularly proud of is that 2022 marked the 40th year he worked as the football timekeeper in the Orland High School Press Box at the OHS

sports stadium. “The referees rely on the timekeeper to be professional,” he said. “They often consult me to make sure the time is correct.” It’s not as easy as it sounds. Mistakenly adding or deleting even a few seconds can affect the outcome of a game.

Fifty years may seem like a long time, but for Chris and Oscar the years have been filled with love, affection, and the ability to make the right decisions. It’s always fun to think about love at first sight, but for the Redes that was pretty much the case. Chris grew up in Orland, graduating from Orland High School, a happy hometown girl. Oscar grew up in East L.A., next to actor Edward James Olmos, and attended a new charter high school called Nogales High, where the mascot was the Nobles. Oscar came to know the mascot well, as he ended up painting the mascot in the gym and locker room, embellishing the handball courts with a huge “N,” and basically creating all the logos and designs for every school club. His graduating class of 350 wasn't much smaller than the entire enrollment of OHS.

After high school, Oscar joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Spain, an important posting for things down the road. He and Chris met

in Los Angeles three days after she graduated from high school. They hit it off immediately, and Oscar came to Orland for a visit. He fell in love with not only Chris, but with Orland and the surrounding community itself. “Orland reminded him so much of Spain,” said Chris. “The climate, the agriculture, the landscape—he wanted to live here.” Oscar added, “The people here were so open and friendly. Everybody said ‘hello’ on the street. You try that in East L.A., and they wonder what you want.”

Orland has been good to the Redes family. They’ve raised two great kids, Tony and Angie, and now have grandkids involved in the local sports community. Lorenzo, an accomplished athlete, is assistant coach on the wrestling team. Lucas just finished football as a state champion and is now entering the season as the defending Northern Section Champion wrestler. Their business, Oscar’s Signs and Sportswear, is entering its 45th year in May.

Something that has impressed Chris over the years is Oscar’s amenable attitude. “Oscar is always pretty calm,” she said. “He doesn’t even swear! Not once.”

Don't be afraid to cross the bridge

People are like icebergs in that you really only get to see a small facet of what they truly are, and what you know about them depends on what face of the iceberg you’re oriented towards. Teri Tata’s work in the Oroville community is extremely diverse, often done behind the scenes, and mammoth in its undertakings. What you think you know about her is just the tip of the iceberg.

Teri was born in an Italian community in Argentina but lived most of her life on the East Coast. On holiday from medical school in Argentina, she traveled with a neighbor with intentions to visit New York. Fate would have her meet her future children’s father at a tattoo show in the city and thus her new life trajectory

began. Years later, her older daughter moved to California, followed by the younger. Health issues and a desire to be close to her children led Teri to move from Long Island to Oroville ten years ago. What lies hidden from view to many in the community? Teri laughs and says, “Noone really knows Teri because I have done so much in my past.” She finished highschool at the age of fifteen and became a teacher at nineteen. Teri learned many languages growing up because Argentina is full of settlements from all over the world. So, in order to connect with her community, she learned to speak their languages. She studied medicine for three years and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She’s been an office worker,

a business owner, and always a world traveler, even in her own town. She shares, “There is so much to see in the world, here too. Oroville is a beautiful place to live.”

Her first foray into community involvement was through the neighborhood watch program. She went on neighborhood walks with friends, sat in on monthly meetings, and later helped organize community coalitions. Now, she manages her own neighborhood watch program and has become the point of contact for people who don’t know what to do or who to call. Many times, an elderly community member will call, and Teri will head over to help them contact the appropriate organization, staying with

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

them until the situation is resolved.

The neighborhood watch led to the development of her Oroville News Live Facebook page. A community member asked if she had gone to a city council meeting and if so, what she learned there. She hadn’t, but looked for a taping of the meeting. After experiencing the difficulty in finding a video of it, she took it upon herself to start attending every meeting and streaming it for the public. In addition to those meetings, Teri is also the videographer for many other community happenings; from grand openings and celebrations, to updates on the dam. “Mostly, I don’t speak. I don’t have to explain anything because it’s all self explanatory. I speak many languages—but all with an accent.” She laughs as she shares that when she knows that many people are watching and listening, she tends to talk with what sounds like a Russian accent. So she prefers to do all she does behind the camera.

Teri is also a city docent and lead docent for one of the many museums in Oroville, The Feather River Nature Center. She says while she loves all the museums, the nature center is special to her because

it’s the lost child, left behind in the woods, and has such a beautiful place right next to the river.

The most rewarding aspect of everything she does for the community is when people don’t have any idea that she did it. “I like to do things behind the scenes. It’s the best when no one knows it was me.”

When she lived in Long Island, she met a woman who didn’t have a car. The woman said, “I don't need one. There’s a grocery store, a Walmart, and I walk to work. Everything I need is right here.” Teri couldn't fathom why she never crossed the bridge off the island to explore what lay outside her small confines. She doesn’t want that for people in the community of Oroville. She wants them to ‘cross the bridge’, to get out and explore the beauty and resources that surround them; the lakes, the river, the parks, and museums. She wants them to step away from their comfort zone, from what they’re used to, and see what new opportunities can be seized. She says, “Live everyday the best you can and take any opportunity with two hands.” That’s what she’s done all her life.

Home for the holidays

Here's a look back at a holiday season of years ago, in the days of Auld Lang Syne, as it were:

Christmas music wafted through the office, emanating from the radio on the front desk counter. I was “on floor” taking phone calls.

KDV slipped through the front door in a blast of wind and rain. He fired up one of his hand-rolled cigarettes, blew a smokestream, and said, “Check out my ad.”

He unfurled the classified section of the newspaper and pointed to a display ad with a picture of a vintage house for sale and a photo of his face. The top line in bold read “There’s No Place Like (a new) Home for the Holidays.”

Just then ‘There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays’ by The Carpenters played on the radio, which I took to be a new cheesy version of the original song. KDV stood and belted out the words in his finest baritone… “If you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home!”

A floor call came in. A guy asked me about houses for sale, and he mentioned KDV’s ad. “Very clever ad,” he said. “And my wife and I do want a new home for the

holidays!” He was an incoming professor to Butte College, transferring from the Midwest, and sounded serious.

Within minutes I met that professor, Greg Blunt, and his wife, Karen, to show them the tall, narrow vintage home on 14th street. Christmas lights of red, blue, and green outlined the high-pitched roof eaves. A wreath hung over the front door glass pane.

Inside, the sellers were gone, but the stage was set. Christmas music played lightly on the stereo. A fire crackled in the fireplace, and the place smelled of cinnamon and cedar. A big orange cat stretched and rubbed against our legs as we stood taking in the feel of this home.

Using my best sales technique, I said nothing. Greg looked at Karen and said, “Home sweet home.” She smiled and held his hand as they strolled through the house.

In the background was playing my new favorite Christmas song, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” by The Carpenters.

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

Escape the noise of city life and settle into tranquility at this home nestled well into Canyon Oaks, Chico’s most sought-after gated community. This three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom getaway is located on a quiet street, closed to through traffic, directly across from Canyon Oaks Golf Course and backing up to one of Chico’s most beautiful nature preserves. With a large balcony on each floor, you’ll have ample opportunities to observe hawks soaring above, deer raising their young below, and all kinds of other wildlife in their natural habitat. In the winter months, a seasonal creek often appears, meandering through the preserve. Welcome the sun with your morning coffee on the top floor’s balcony or wind down in the evening with a skinny dip in the hot tub located on the private balcony adjacent to the primary bedroom. If a movie is more your speed, enjoy

it in your private theater on the opposite side of the home. This property offers ample natural lighting throughout with an open concept floor plan on the top floor. There you’ll find a beautiful kitchen—with granite countertops, loads of cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances— which opens to a full dining room and living room with a gas fireplace. The 2-car garage, laundry room with included washer & dryer, and first bedroom and bathroom are also located on the top floor, perfect for accommodating guests. On the bottom floor, you’ll find the massive primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom complete with dual vanity, walk-in shower with dual shower heads, privacy toilet door, his-and-hers closet, one of which with a large walking closet. The bottom floor is also home to a sizable third bedroom, bathroom with shower-in-tub, and expansive media room. With

energy rates on the rise, you’ll love this home’s energy-saving features like ceiling fans in every bedroom and dual-zone HVAC, allowing you to control each floor’s climate independently of the other. For those with attachment issues, this home offers more storage opportunities than you could imagine. If you have a dog with attachment issues, you’ll appreciate the fenced in shared yard that’ll give you the space you so desperately need. If your partner has attachment issues, the golf course is just a stone’s throw away. This home and community have so much to offer. There’s even 24/7 armed security. Unlike a customer service phone call to get your satellite tv fixed, this listing won’t last forever. Call to schedule a showing today.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0

SqFt: 2,164 Price: $539,500

"Effie's knowledge and skills are unsurpassed in her field. She is a true professional. She is patient, kind and always has her client's interest in mind. I can't say enough good things about her to do her justice except you are in good hands if you're lucky to have her as your agent."

-Pamela Fuller

"We've used Effie Khaki in four previous real estate transactions over the past few years and have been very happy with her service every time. We would never consider using anybody else but Effie. She is always very responsive and very knowledgeable about the local market. We honestly think she is the best real estate agent in Chico."

Jim & Janice Peplow, Chico

SOLD

Bidwell Park is right by your doorstep in a location so rare and beautiful, the word "magnificent" seems like an understatement. You will be in awe when you enter this stunning home. Recently updated, this residence offers an open floor plan, generously proportioned rooms and peaceful ambiance. The family room is spacious and boasts a beautiful gas fireplace perfect for snuggling up during those cold rainy days. The lavish living room and the formal dining room are perfect for large gatherings and entertaining families and friends. You will marvel at the gourmet kitchen and love the master suite. From its cork flooring, to its tankless water heater, central vacuum system, security system, whole house fan, plantation shutter and finally its OWNED SOLAR system, this Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,486 Price: $795,000

SOLD

If you are looking to build an elegant home in an upscale neighborhood, then this is the place for it!! Located in a great cul-de-sac location, this 1+ ac lot once held a stunning home which offered a 3183 sq.ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath and much more. There's plenty of room for a large home, a multi-car garage, pool, garden, yard etc. Acres: 1.02 Price: $49,900

Tranquility!!! Where the eagles soar above, you will discover this magical place. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 1+ acre lot once boasted an elegant 3100+a sqft, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, newer 10 years old home prior to the camp fire. Awake to the sounds of singing birds and commune with nature here!

Acres: 1.02 Price: $65,000

Situated in a great neighborhood in lower Paradise with easy commute to Chico. Prior to the Camp Fire, this amazing property once held a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1370 sqft home with a 2 car garage. The previous home was on the PID water, septic tank and had a natural gas. The seller does not have any information about the condition of the septic tank, buyer is advised to investigate to his / her own satisfaction.

Price: $44,500

SOLD

Own a piece of PARADISE!!! If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $59,000

Your Life in flow

It’s February, and the holidays are over. Yet, we’re all looking around us at the remains of the holidays and the clutter that they’ve brought us thinking, how did I get here? Or, perhaps, we’ve just inherited yet another functionally-uselessbut-emotionally-priceless item to add to a mountain of such things accumulating in the garage or in the attic that we’re definitely going to sort out…someday. Or, perhaps, you’re in that unenviable position most of us will find ourselves in sooner or later: you’ve inherited a whole house full of such things, and you’ve no idea where to even start making sense of it all. Enter Brad Wantt, of In Flow Organization. He has dedicated his life to helping other people sort theirs out. Whether it’s a small space or something quite a bit larger, Brad can help get down to the nitty gritty so you can start living your life in clutter-free simplicity.

“Clutter is hard, clutter can give you anxiety, and it can give you this feeling like something’s looming over you,” Brad says. “My job is to come in there, be your wingman, and help you really get your arms around what it is that’s going on in your house, or your space, or your business, and then figure out how we can shrink things down, how we can

put things in better places, and, most importantly, filter out the things you don’t need anymore.” Brad’s goal is to help his clients sort through and find better uses for the things they want to keep, and to get the things they want out of the way and into the hands of people who could benefit from them, like community organizations and nonprofits.

His approach is simple. First, he schedules a free consultation to walk through the space with you, pinpoint the problem areas, and understand your goals. After that, he will send you an email with a comprehensive list of bulleted points that illustrate what was talked about in the meeting. A date is then put on the calendar and hours scheduled for Brad and his team to come in and work with you to put things right. It could just be a desk in the den that’s lost its identity under mounds of paperwork, and you need someone to spend a couple of hours getting down to the business of tidying it with you. It could be a garage filled with so many boxes that you can’t park your car in there, and it’s becoming problematic. Whatever the issue, Brad knows with care and attention to detail, he can help you make the space workable again.

“All those little movements we make in our house, no matter what room, it’s about streamlining it and making things make sense,” Brad says. “Where should they be, should they be labeled, why do I have all of my Costco toilet paper shoved in my son’s closet? Where should that be? Anything in the house that is out of control, we tackle. It’s not just doing somebody’s closet, it’s anything and everything in somebody’s life, and it’s very therapeutic for people in a lot of ways. It's all about the process of flow; it’s about making sure that people’s lives are flowing properly.”

In Flow Organization offers a comprehensive list of services, including downsizing, estate processing and organizing, junk removal, moving assistance, preparation for selling your home, general clean-up, and even monetization services to help you receive the best price for your more valuable items on EBay and Facebook Marketplace. There’s no need to suffer from an overabundance of stuff when help is just a phone call away.

Check out In Flow Organization online at www.infloworganization.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram. You can also call them directly at (530) 591-2832.

Is There a Hole in Your Pocket?

Sounds like it could be the chorus to a country hymn; instead, it’s a question we all seem to be asking today. The current rise of inflation can feel like every extra dollar you earn somehow ends up in that pocket and immediately disappears. Therefore, YOU must tell your money where to go, or you will be asking it where it went.

I’m guessing I’m not the only one with the annual resolution to save more and spend less. So, to ring in 2023, let’s discuss a few ways to save on some everyday and one-time expenditures that could be a few threads towards patching up the hole.

Clean Out Your Tech Cupboard

Edit your apps and subscriptions – truth is I did this recently and realized I’ve double subscribed to multiple streaming services (embarrassingly). It is so easy to buy or add apps and services via your phone, remote, or Voice/Alexa. And, turn on family sharing for streaming apps so your immediate family doesn’t duplicate purchases either.

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

Curbside Pick-Up Not Just for Pandemic Times

Are you a shopper that goes into a store with a list (if you remember it) and comes out perplexed not just by the total but the cart full of all the things we ultimately end up throwing out or donating. During the pandemic, curbside pickup was sometimes the only thing available. It took getting used to, but I soon realized I was saving money by having to plan out meals and not going in and getting excited by the wine sale or the quick meals.

Stop Loaning Your Dollars to the Government

If you are receiving a large tax refund annually, it might be time to review your tax withholdings. When you withhold more than you are required to pay, the funds are then borrowed and spent by the government until you file your taxes and ask for it back. Personally, I feel as if I am a better steward at budgeting than the government and would prefer to keep my money in my pocket for today.

Gina's Heavenly Bread

When Gina Giannini grew up in San Francisco, you could locate the neighborhood bakeries by following your nose. “You could find the bakery by the smell. This is something people don’t have today,” Gina said. She arrived at the interview with three rounds of sourdough, one of which had come out of the oven that morning. It was still very warm, and the unique sourdough aroma with its tangy notes wafted out of the bag.

Sourdough bread is a sensory experience: You see it in the deep, golden brown crust and smell its fantastic aroma—it’s unlike any other bread; you pick it up and feel its heft

and density, the ridges of blistered crust, the swales and valleys riven into its surface. Then you cut into a loaf—be sure to use a good serrated bread knife because the outside has a life of its own. The greatest goal is achieved when you have cut all the way through and see the interior texture of the bread, the gaps and concaves formed by the gasses and fermentation process, all the better to hold the creamy butter after toasting or dipping into a savory tomato sauce. That’s what it’s like to cut into a loaf of Gina’s SF Sourdough.

Gina’s journey began growing up in San Francisco. Her Italian family bonded through

family dinners in their home and the weekly trips to local restaurants. She had the opportunity to enjoy true sourdough bread from a young age at the family’s dining table as it was a staple of their nightly dining experience.

Sourdough starter has been around for 5,000 years, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient Egypt. San Francisco sourdough bread became popular when it rose to familiarity during the California Gold Rush, with miners bringing it over from the East Coast and Europe. Although sourdough was made in other Bay Area locales, people took specific notice of the sourdough from

San Francisco. Isadore Boudin, founder of Boudin Bakery in 1849, attributed it to the foggy weather and the local water. These days, scientists have discovered a specific bacteria, lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, is where the special flavor derives from. Whatever it is, we all know that San Francisco is the true home of sourdough bread.

Gina relocated to Magalia from the Bay Area to care for her aging and declining father. She asked him, “Where do you get your French bread?” He replied, “You don’t!” She inquired, “What do you mean?” He responded, “There isn’t any!” She finally asked if the giant hot dog bun that said

‘French bread’ on it was really the French bread they had out here. He said, “Yup, that’s it.”

As a student of sourdough bread making, Gina had two choices, either make the seven hour round trip to get a proper loaf of sourdough or finally apply all the years of breadmaking science she had acquired. She chose the latter. What started out as making bread for the household and neighbors, turned into a cottage business.

As the sole proprietor, Gina has to wear every hat in order to operate a successful business. Her permit and licensing allows her to sell person-to-person and person-

to-business, and as of last year, she is now able to ship her products within the state of California. Her products are reminiscent of the old-time tradition of San Francisco breads such as Boudin’s, Larraburu Bakery, Raymond’s, and Columbo Bread Company.

Sourdough bread making is a labor of love. It takes time, patience, and practice. San Francisco sourdough is made with San Francisco starter. It requires longer fermentation, and Gina’s method takes three-to-five days from start to finish. This is what gives the bread its crust and crumb quality as well as its longer shelf life and signature flavor. Her favorite part of having a bakery is hearing the feedback from native San Franciscans who tell her, “You nailed it; this is it!” Her customers aren’t just getting a loaf of bread delivered to them, they’re meeting an old friend.

While the typical native San Franciscan likes a batard shape (oblong), Chicoans tend to favor the boule (round), a festive, 2.5 lb loaf. “People often objected that my loaves were too big, there was no way they could eat all that; then they’d call me the next day to tell me the bread never made it to the table.” They’re large loaves, but they do go fast because you keep going back for more. For those who prefer a sandwich style loaf, that style is also gaining popularity after people asked for something easier to cut. The slices fit better in the toaster, too!

Recently, Gina acquired a set of commercial ovens to meet the growing demand for her signature loaves and pastry wares. She offers a full range of bread varieties and viennoiseries. All menu items are made with the highest quality, local and organic ingredients.

I absolutely love this bread. The taste and texture are amazing. You get the special feel of the “grip and rip” piece or slices for sandwiches, dipping into soup and chili, alongside pasta dishes, toasted, or eating the slice with fresh, organic butter. You can be assured the loaf will not stick around as long as you anticipated. Gina prefers calls over texting because she can talk and work, but reading and texting slows her down. She’s always multi-tasking and juggling. Remember, she wears all the hats. Give her a call at (530) 815-4501, and be sure to check out her Facebook page, Giannini’s San Francisco Sourdough.

One of the most important teachings to surface in recent decades is the concept of self-care, activities that individuals undertake to improve or restore their own health. There are whole industries in this country devoted to helping people take time to essentially recover from their lives, which have become more stressful and demanding in recent years. Many of us work until we burn ourselves out, or

care for others—aging or sick relatives, young children, animals—when we don’t adequately care for ourselves. This can ultimately take a toll on the body, showing up for different people in different ways. Some may experience a change in their sleeping habits, laying awake half the night or waking intermittently. Others experience burnout as a physical pain somewhere in the body, and still others may experience

a change in their mental health state as anxiety or depression begin to show up in unexpected and unwanted ways.

To take time for oneself is an unselfish act. When you take time to relax and do the things that make you feel good, you create space for the challenging emotions and situations that life always finds a way to put you through. There is a growing body of

evidence that supports self-care as a balm for mental and physical well being, and increasingly more people are beginning to understand how important it is to book it in and show up for it. However, what one does to care for oneself looks different from person to person. Some find a long visit in the quiet of the public library to be just the thing they need to make them feel whole again, while others look to nature or meditation. Many more look to beauty treatments for a feeling of physical regeneration, and if the latter is more your thing, there are three women who have helped make Meriam Park in Chico just the place for your self-care needs.

Alicia Kepple of LunaSolé, Shuree Wesley of Nutrishop, and Tracy Riddle of Pure Hydration know how important it is to look after yourself. Their businesses are built around the concept of making people better versions of themselves by understanding their own unique physiology and making decisions based on their health needs or the goals they want to achieve. “I believe to be the best human we can be, and the best version of ourselves, our health is where it all starts,” Alicia says. Her business, LunaSolé, offers a variety of beauty services including red-light therapy, infrared sauna treatments, sunless and UV tanning, teeth whitening, facials, and professional skincare and makeup. “Health is the new wealth,” she says. “I fully believe that.”

Alicia started her business after she had her two children, who are now five and seven, back-to-back. After their births, she suffered from fatigue and adrenal issues that were outside of the norm, as well as chronic insomnia. “I started reading about how I could naturally help myself out of that,” she says. “I went to a naturopathic doctor, did my own research, and discovered that infrared therapy is amazing for sleep issues.” She knew there were other people out there, especially mothers, who could benefit from the knowledge that sunlight can be vital for recovery from chronic issues. “There are a lot of benefits from sunlight that we don’t realize exist, and that’s why I started the business,” Alicia says. “Sunlight is so much more than UV rays, and infrared therapy goes beyond just heating up the body; it’s the warmth we feel from the sun. We’ve created technology to mimic that, and what we get from it is stimulation of vitamin D production.” Though we often hear how

bad the sun is for us, Alicia argues that there are benefits to exposure that go beyond just getting a tan. “We’re so focused on not aging that we hide from it, but to keep our immune system functioning at its best, we need sunlight,” she says. “If you’re not overexposing yourself and practicing safe sun exposure, there’s more good for your health than bad.”

The red-light therapy LunaSolé offers stimulates mitochondria and can also help with hyperpigmentation and psoriasis because it possesses wound healing benefits. “It helps the body to heal a little

faster,” Alicia says, “And it also helps with dark scars, allowing them to lighten over time with cell turnover.” The full-spectrum sauna with chromotherapy lights offers a unique experience for the body based on harnessing the beneficial effects of sunlight. “There’s that whole aspect of the sun that people aren’t familiar with,” Alicia says. “When we see a rainbow, those are color wavelengths from the sun. Each color stimulates the body and mind in a different way and has its own health benefits as well. In our sauna, not only are you getting the full spectrum infrared heat, but you’re getting the color wavelengths as well.”

WRITTEN BY MADDIE RODRIGUEZ | PHOTOS BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you’d like a spray tan with an FDA-approved organic spray tan solution or something more intensive for comprehensive wellness, LunaSolé is just the place for pampering your body. “Our services are very complementary and essentially address the same things: selfcare, self-love, and helping your body to be able to function at its best,” Alicia says.

A few doors up Springfield Drive at Nutrishop, Shuree Wesley and her husband Marc are promoting wellness through exercise, healthy eating, vitamins, and

supplements. “We help people with overall health and wellness, but we also love helping people transform and feel their best,” Shuree says. “We sell health and wellness supplements, do meal planning for people, and we LOVE working with all the local trainers and gyms. As we get to know people’s personalities and where they are in the process, we try to keep in mind who in the area would be a great fit for them.” A significant distinction exists between different kinds of trainers and gyms, and Nutrishop is happy to help people find the one that best fits their

training needs, whether that’s bodybuilding, crossfit, kickboxing, or just overall health and wellness. “There are so many wonderful gyms and trainers in this community that we like to try and pair them with people who work well for them, because everyone has a different goal, including the trainers,” Shuree says. “We work hand-in-hand with the community to get the best results for our customers.”

Nutrishop stocks a variety of health and wellness supplements that provide a myriad of benefits from muscle recovery after exercise to meal replacement. Hundreds of items crowd the shelves of the store, and Shuree and her team seem to know everything about each one of them. If you’re looking to lose weight, try Gamma Lean. If you’re interested in building muscle, Hydrapro might be the right option for you. Having trouble falling asleep? They’ve got supplements for that, too. What might be most incredible about the offerings at Nutrishop, though, aside from the highquality supplements and vitamins, is the Body Scan analysis—a full-body scanner that provides a comprehensive picture of your body’s health to help keep you on track to reach your goals. “It’s a great way to track the effects of the new life choices you make after committing to bettering your health and wellness,” Shuree says.

Many people don’t understand what kinds of nutrition or dietary supplements they need to live a healthy life and can feel overwhelmed by the choices available. At Nutrishop, Shuree wants people who come into her store to feel like they’re in a place where they can open up about their needs and about the goals they have for their bodies and minds. ”We’re trained to make this a family setting,” Shuree says. “You can ask us questions and talk with us, and we want to have that conversation with you and treat you like an extended family member. Talking with one of us is like getting a nutrition coach. We talk about your sleep and your daily activities because all those things coincide with how your nutrition should evolve, just like your age and your stress level.” Shuree and her highly-trained staff make Nutrishop a must-visit community resource, offering great service and highquality products to help you reach your loftiest goals.

Next door to Nutrishop is Pure Hydration,

Chico’s very first IV hydration clinic. The business was started by Tracy Riddle in 2020 and provides hydration services in a spa-like setting complete with incredible amenities you likely won’t find elsewhere, like a built-in movie theater and beverage center. “I experienced IV hydration back in 2019 and felt amazing! The results were so profound that I researched and tried other IV hydration spa experiences from North Carolina, Texas, San Francisco, and multiple other spas in California,” Tracy says. “Each time I felt refreshed and energized!” In 2022, Tracy partnered with Dr. Barthelow of North Valley Eye Care, and the two moved Pure Hydration to Meriam Park, expanding its footprint to better serve its customers.

For those who are wondering what IV hydration is, it’s basically exactly what it sounds like. A trained nurse inserts an IV catheter into your arm, and you receive a drip containing vitamins and other beneficial supplements. You may be wondering, why would I want to do this? Pure Hydration’s customized IV infusions and boosters deliver fluids, vitamins, medications, and other supplements that can help complement an active, healthy lifestyle. Tracy said IV hydration can be beneficial for people who are experiencing the aftereffects of a hangover, are jet-lagged after a long flight, or have a chronic condition that affects how much water they’re able to drink to stay hydrated. “When you get an IV, your body is going to get 100% of what we’re giving you when we give it to you,” Tracy says.

Pure Hydration is operated daily by trained and licensed healthcare providers in a safe and healthy manner. All IVs are inserted by registered nurses (RNs) who have, at minimum, several years experience under their belts starting IV drips for patients in critical care, emergency rooms, operating rooms, and in recovery rooms. Tracy, herself, is IV nutrition certified and a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). She is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the National Board Certification of Nurse Anesthesia. Dr. Barthelow, her partner in the business, is an M.D. and surgeon, as well as a board certified ophthalmologist. Together, they form a team whose credentials and experience are second to none in the North Valley’s IV hydration industry.

From immune boosts to athletic recovery and headaches to hangovers, IV hydration can benefit many people. Pure Hydration even offers vitamin B12 shots, vitamin D shots, and beauty boosts to help make skin glow. Both Tracy and Dr. Barthelow hope that if you’re on the fence, you’ll come in and take a look at their beautiful new space, which had its official grand opening in September of 2022.

Meriam Park has become a mecca for those seeking wellness in all its many forms, from pure juices to vegan ice cream, yoga,

pilates, nutrition, and spa services, you can find it all in one place just south of Bruce Road.

For more information about LunaSolé, Nutrishop, and Pure Hydration, drop in and say hello or visit them on the web. You can also find all three on Facebook and Instagram.

Fall in love with Monca: act 2

Five years ago, in 2017, the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) fulfilled a dream by creating a community space not only for art but for being an inclusive arena bringing all people together for healing and “safe” conversations. During those past years, we have created 44 exhibitions focusing on Northern California artists and their work and also concentrating on making the space inclusive by reaching out and hosting exhibitions from the Hmong community; the Black community historically and contemporarily; the Spirit of Pacific Western Traders; Stonewall and the LGBTQ community; the Veteran community of artists; and the educators that teach and promote the groundwork of providing the next generation the desire and knowledge to attend and support art museums.

The museum’s permanent collection was started with a generous donation by Reed Applegate from his large personal collection of Northern California artists. Since that first gift of art, the collection has grown to reach approximately 250 works including paintings, printmaking, photography, sculpture, fiber, and ceramics. With the somewhat limited exhibition space, we are currently unable to exhibit this collection as often as we would like.

monca’s concentration and efforts over

the many years of creating excitement and wonder have always kept education in the forefront, whether that is in the youth or adult worlds. Foremost in every exhibition is the opportunity to stretch the mind and keep open the paths for ongoing learning. Whether this is through field trips from K-12 schools, Upward Bound students in the summer program, Chico State and Butte College interns and volunteers or Olli classes for Adult Learning, monca is there and always eager to “teach.”

Through a VETART.ORG grant in partnership with MHSOAC (Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission), monca has reached out to the Chico Veterans offering opportunities to exhibit their artwork, have conversations over music and food, participate in a “crochet jam,” or watch and converse with a veteran ceramic artist from the Bay Area. This year, we will be working with unhoused and recovering veterans through the avenue of interacting with art. We will also be hosting another Veteran artist exhibition coinciding with Veterans Day in November and December of this year.

The museum is housed in a county-owned building and has been generously provided encouragement and support by its owner in the renovation of the first four-thousand

square feet that we have called “home” for the past five years. In that space, in conjunction with the art exhibitions, we have also hosted weddings, celebrations of life, holiday and birthday parties, concerts, board retreats, and a summer camp for youth and grant workshops. Under the careful guidance of David Griffith of Griffith Architects in Chico, we have preserved the beautiful Classical Revival architecture of this 1927 building while updating and refreshing the overall use as a museum.

monca has now reached the point where we are outgrowing the initial space and are finding difficulty in fulfilling all the requests and needs of an expanding museum. Our lease with the county has allowed us to begin plans for the renovation of the large nine-thousand square foot space behind our existing exhibition area. We are excited to imagine the new uses and opportunities that will be made available with this pursuit and hope you will partner with us in this journey.

We ask you to close your eyes and imagine the creative needs that can be fulfilled with added space and a carefully thought through renovation plan. Already housing a stage with seating for 230, you can hear concerts, view theatre and dance programs, or host a seminar for your business. When the seating is rearranged, you have the

ability to have a wedding or birthday celebration. Two classrooms will provide much needed space for teaching classes for all ages and ensuring that art is more ingrained in our lives rather than just a quick stop in to see what is happening at the museum. Summer art camps for kids and adult opportunities to explore art knowledge and practice are what the museum is yearning to provide and grow for the community.

The Chico area lacks a space to conduct business conferences, strategic planning meetings, and educational arenas for students to present their learned knowledge. This new space will not only offer expanded space for exhibitions and art related activities, but it will be the catalyst for allowing business, education, and the arts to grow within the Chico and Northern California area. With the addition of a kitchen, restrooms, and ADA compliant facilities making it accessible to everyone, the area becomes an even more necessary community hub.

At present, we are a completely volunteer-

run nonprofit whose passion allows the museum to exist. As we continue to grow, we realize that a more standard arrangement will have to be created. Our members, donors, and grants have carried us to where we are today . . . voted Chico’s Best Museum every year since 2018! Having hosted over 48,000 visitors since our move to the Esplanade, we notice more and more out-of-town visitors are finding us, not only enjoying their visit to the museum, but then proceeding downtown to shop or eat. We are a vital entity that invites relaxation, learning, and a chance to heal.

We are eager to find partners who believe in this project and see themselves as becoming a part of the journey. Families, individuals, companies, and social groups all have an investment in making this dream come true. Leaving a legacy and investing in the future are such positive ways to navigate through this complicated world of which we are all a part. We are creating naming opportunities for rooms and areas in the new space which lend themselves to honoring, remembering, or commemorating special people or businesses in your life.

Let your creativity run wild—plan an event like game night or a social with your best friends. We challenge you to have your event rent free and use the museum as your backdrop with all your fundraising going to monca and its future space.

Our vision for the future of monca is evident in the graphics created by Griffith Architects which depict the entire building including the present gallery space, art library, and museum shop. The new grand approach to the entrance on the Washington Ave. side of the building will provide ADA access to an interior lobby before entering the large space beyond. Also, contained in this newly renovated area will be a catering kitchen, restrooms, and a lounge area for meetings and special events.

The museum is eager to call you a partner in this collaboration. We can be reached at: www.monca.org or by calling the museum at (530) 487-7272 for more information on scheduling a fundraising event, a tour of the space or having a conversation about our future.

WRITTEN BY PAT MACIAS PHOTOS COURTESY PAT MACIAS & DAVID GRIFFITH

The Apple of Grenada

To paraphrase the late, great comedian Mitch Hedberg, “The pomegranate: for people who like 1,000 of the same thing.” Now, your pomegranate may not have 1,000 seeds, but it will have on average between 250 and 1,400. Those tiny red jewels resemble rubies ensconced in beige stone, but when you cut into them, the juice is a bright, visceral red that stains your fingers, your face, your lips, or anything it touches. So, how do you extract the seeds without your hands looking like you decided, on a lark, to ram your fingers down the garbage disposal?

Well, a bowl of water helps. First, you have to cut the exterior. Can’t get around that (unless you want to try and peel the rind off with your teeth). After scoring the fruit into quarters, place it in the bowl of water and begin the separation process. The seeds sink, the inedible pulp floats to the top, and the juice is diluted and not as stainy. You can also freeze the pomegranate and dissect it. Or you can cut the fruit in half and hold it over a bowl and whack the back side with a wooden

spoon. You can also…just throw it against the kitchen wall as hard as you can while screaming…! (After all, pomegranate means “grenade” in French.) Or you can go to the store and buy the seeds in handy glass containers all ready to eat. Of course, that costs about a nickel a seed.

However you end up with the seeds— remember, copping out and buying the juice is cheating—what you gain for all your labor is rewarding both in taste and nutrition. Pomegranate has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B5. It’s full of polyphenols and flavonoids. It’s also great for sun-induced skin damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pomegranates are also a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This helps your bowel movements become as smooth as a goose’s out at California Park!

The biggest benefit of pomegranate products is the positive effect they have on fighting cancer. Studies have shown

their effectiveness in fighting colorectal cancer, prostate, and other cancers through the key ingredient urolithin A, which eradicates damaged T-cells and helps promote new ones. Further studies indicate pomegranate hinders various tumors’ growth and immensely helps the immune system. Also, (cover your children’s ears!) it can also help alleviate erectile dysfunction.

Whatever reason you have for consuming pomegranates, its benefits far outweigh the challenge of extracting the seeds from the husk. A last piece of advice is to NEVER bite into a pomegranate! The bitterness is beyond comparison.

In the last issue, Anthony Bourdain was mistakenly identified as “Andrew” Bourdain. It was not his completely unknown and never before spoken of brother; I swear it was the spell check’s fault! I sometimes hate it. Can I get an amen!!?

Caffeinated Chatter

How do you practice self-care?

Bailey Bacon

I care for myself by spending time with friends. Being able to laugh and have a good time makes such a difference in how I feel! Investing in some comfort food, or spending some money on retail therapy, hair, and lashes helps me feel good on the inside and outside. I also read whenever possible, and it provides the escape I’m looking for.

Shane Dubin

For me it’s really a number of things, but the biggest one is writing. Making my journal entries, brainstorming, and getting it out of my head and onto paper makes a huge difference in my day. It allows me to step away from the thoughts and become more present for everything else in my daily life.

Carolyn Simbirdi

I practice self-care by doing the things I find comfort in, like watching my favorite comfort show Modern Family, or going to the gym. It’s a great way to make some time or space for myself whenever I need it. Little things like doing my nails goes a long way too. Hanging with the people I find comfort with is also one of the things that brings me the most joy.

Food For the Soul

Kona's on Nord Avenue

Given the recent string of insane rain and cold temperatures we’d been seeing, I thought soup would be a great idea for this month's focus. I’m not sure about any of you readers, but we had been hearing a bit of chatter about the clam chowder from Kona’s on Nord Avenue. Of course, when you want good chowder, where else does your mind wander than a sandwich shop that has a Hawaiianthemed water feature? The surf-inspired shop, complete with island merchandise and adorable student-drawn art aligning each wall still has your favorites, the “Destroyer”, “Full Boat”, and “British”. They had this chowder we kept hearing about though, and offered a bread bowl, so we dove right in.

First bite: With steam escaping from my lips, I exclaimed, “Damn, that’s good.” This chowder is thick, and I mean stand-yourspoon-in-it thick. What I admired most is that it had salt, but it wasn’t overdone in a way as if to mask a lack of flavor or seasoning. I can taste the celery. I can taste the boiled potatoes and feel the

texture of the light pieces of bacon. I can also sense that the chowder has had the clams cooked in for quite some time, with the vegetable broth and cream. It just doesn’t feel like it was an afterthought and brought in later. The unpeeled red potatoes bring a new layered mouthfeel that blends the soft potato with a finish of the skin that requires a slight bite. Finally, the clams are neither unnoticeably small nor obnoxiously large, allowing for everything to come together in each bite.

Anthony, the shift leader, greeted us with a welcoming smile before giving us the lowdown on their specials. He said their chowder is only served Fridays, and is made fresh daily like each of their soups. He went on by showing us the soup of the day menu that only duplicates on Sunday and Monday, which features their biggest hit, the tomato pesto garlic. It looks like we’ll be returning for more, especially if the rain keeps up.

or By Bowl

The Redwood Sandwich Co.

One of the things I enjoy about this feature, if I haven’t said it before, is that the duty allows me to look to places I don’t always go. Whether time permitting or proximity to work, there are just a lot of places I have yet to try out. Enter The Redwood Sandwich Co. in the Safeway shopping center on East Avenue. This, one of many eateries in the strip to each side of the grocer, is a modern-interiored, clean, and ample-seated place I just had not before visited. The huge chalk menu to the right of the sleek wooden bar/ counter as you enter clearly displays their 18 specialty sandwiches as well as the salads, soups, and sides like mac and cheese or pesto pasta salad.

The soup special for Monday was loaded baked potato, and what a wonderful winter treat it was! It had the consistency of a light puree, like potato and vegetable stock with flour to add density, which warmly coated my throat and stomach on the way down. If I’d had a blanket and a recliner, I may have called the day quits with no regrets. While the soup

wasn't filled with many slices of potato, as they were sparsely mixed about, it had every bit of flavor of a loaded potato from the blended potatoes themselves, with salt from the rich cheesiness as well as the bits of bacon. Color and texture were provided by chopped parsley and hints of soft yellow onion. Don’t let the picture fool you, the modest beauty lies in its taste, not the presentation. After all, everything that glitters ain’t gold. The 12-ounce cup was wholly satisfying, though I wouldn’t mind having a delicious sandwich and the smaller soup together anytime.

In summary, our Monday search for lunch was a hit. Food is often better when you don't prepare it yourself. The vibe was energetic, upbeat and friendly as the group of five or so worked the lunch assembly line. It’s always great to walk into a place and feel like the workers are happy. It makes the meal that much more enjoyable. We invite you to experience it yourself.

FEBRUARY

CHICO COMMUNITY BALLET: Sleeping Beauty

PILOBOLUS BIG FIVE-OH!

NEIL BERG’S

50 Years of Rock & Roll

TREELOGY: A Musical Portrait of California’s Redwood, Sequoia and Joshua Trees

MARCH

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: NOLA LIVE!

Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr. & Jon Cleary

PINK MARTINI featuring China Forbes

LOS LOBOS with special guest Gaby Moreno

BANFF MOUNTAIN

MASTERWORKS 3: HAYDN’S DRUMROLL

Guest Soloists, Young Artist Winners: James Johnston, violin; Sarah Harris, soprano

MTAC Youth Orchestra; Shasta College Youth Strings

Join local youth orchestras and Young Artist winners in a humorous and quirky, upbeat performance showcasing the young performers in our communities.

Saturday, Feb. 11 | 7:30 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico

Sunday, Feb. 12 | 2:00 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

MASTERWORKS 4: RACHMANINOFF & DVOŘÁK

Guest Artist Charlie Albright, piano

Join North State Symphony as they capture in sound the iconic beauty of nature’s endless charm.

PROGRAM:

BAJZER - Lassen Awakes! *World Premiere*

RACHMANINOFF - Piano Concerto No. 2

DVORAK - Symphony No. 8

Saturday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

Sunday, May 14 | 2:00 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico

Scott Seaton

Sarah Harris, soprano

James Johnston, violin

THI BUI

Pink Martini

The Balourdet Quartet

Pilobolus: Big Five-Oh!

Sleeping Beauty

Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll

The passion of Loki miller

It’s difficult to tell what drives Loki Miller the most, acting or playing music. He’s extremely gifted in each genre, but another thing that stands out about Loki is his thankful attitude about his abilities and his welcome back to Chico after a few years on the East Coast. “I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to be back in Chico,” he said.

Always independent as an actor, musical artist, and individual, Loki got an introduction to acting at eight years old through his father, local acclaimed actor and director Jerry Miller, who heads the Theatre on the Ridge in Paradise. You couldn’t ask for a more experienced person to introduce you to the world of acting. Another huge

influence on Loki’s career has been Denver Latimer, past director of the Blue Room Theater in Chico. It was Denver whom Loki lived with after he dropped out of Fairview High School at 18. Isn’t it usually the super talented and very intelligent who find a way to bypass regular public education? (Calm down, teachers! I taught in public education

for forty years.)

During his late teens and early twenties, Loki played in a number of bands, acted in productions at The Blue Room Theater, and directed the kid’s program there for a few years. At 18 he adapted a play about teen suicide into a musical where there were around twenty songs he wrote. The play, Tender Yellow Sky, had been written by a local teacher whose school district banned it from production. The musical sold out every performance, and included the late actor, Quentin Colgan.

Eventually, Loki ended up teaching children actors at Theater on the Ridge, where teaching kids became another passion. “I wanted to make sure every kid who has that spark knew they could act.” A satisfying aspect of teaching kids is that you can get a kid who nails the performance from Day One, a truly gifted performer. Then you have some who come along more slowly, but by the last performance have truly evolved and become a great success. “It’s so satisfying to see a young actor transform during the theater process,” said Loki.

And Loki Miller knows this process intimately. He has “the chops” as they say, and he has the experience and credentials to back it up. His ambitions and expectations have always been high. At 17, he applied to the Juilliard School, the prominent acting conservatory. He didn’t get accepted, but he kept at his craft, all the while playing music. He eventually moved to San Jose in 2018 where he acted in the San Jose State Theater Department. During this time, the Camp Fire tore through Paradise and the Ridge. However, a nexus point appeared for Loki, and he received a letter from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts offering an audition. He went to San Francisco to audition and was accepted.

“It was really a dream come true,” said Loki. “I’d always wanted to go to a disciplined school for actors. It was kind of a Hogwarts for the acting community.” He lived in Midtown Manhattan and witnessed Black Lives Matter protests outside his apartment window. Of course, Covid also happened with all its dubious attributes. “I’d run through Times Square and wouldn’t see anyone,” Loki said. He graduated from the AADA in 2021 and moved to New Jersey. There, he became a “creative octopus”

of sorts, reading for audio books, doing social media for a cafe around the corner, and other pursuits. He was on the verge of forming a band when he came out to act in a show in San Jose. This led to another performance at The Pacific Repertory Theater.

Since making the transition back to Chico, his latest passion is to star in a one-man show, much like he did with his Hank Williams, Sr. show ten years ago, called Lost Highway: the Hank Williams Story. (You can find an interview he made with Denver Latimer on YouTube where Loki describes the challenges of portraying Williams.) He also envisions a show depicting Vincent Van Gogh, and another far-reaching production based upon a poem by Shel Silverstein, The Devil and Billy Markham. “It’s an epic poem,” said Miller. “The devil gives a down-and-out Billy Markham the opportunity to roll the dice. It eventually becomes sort of a game for the Devil, as he takes a shine toward Billy.”

Whatever he does, theater-wise, Loki wants to perform some kind of open-ended show where people come back more than once. He envisions going beyond regular theatrics, and utilizing masks, dance, live music, unseen narration, and puppets.

On the music side, Loki is concentrating on playing with his trio, The Loki Miller Band, which has two iterations. One has Sparky Smith on drums and Chris Henederson on bass. The other includes Jeffrey Burkhart (Jeffy B) on bass and Jose Meme Lopez on drums. No matter whom he chooses, Miller keeps his “little black book” of local musicians to call upon. He attributes this

book to his guitar instructor, Michael Dodge, who passed away a few years ago. “He didn't just teach me music theory, he taught me how to become a musician,” said Miller. “It was real world advice,” he added.

For now, Loki Miller is concentrating on his music, which spans blues and rock ‘n roll. He’s also delving into a bit of country music as well. “I'm definitely focused on playing the blues and getting better,” he said. “It’s how I’m wired: I’m always focused on learning and getting better.” The band performed at the Chico Summer Fest and has appeared at the Eagles Hall, the Paradise Ice Skating Rink, and The Studio Inn.

Whatever Loki Miller does in terms of performance, you can bet it will be an all out endeavor, because whatever he does, he does with true passion. “I’d like to thank the people who have followed me and stuck with me all these years. Whatever I do my whole heart is in it.”

An overall great kid

When Amaya Lewis said the novel Blood on the River was one of her favorites, the title caught our attention and imagination right away. What type of story is this? Well, it’s the story of 12 year old Samuel Collier and his exploits with Captain John Smith in the Virginia Colony during the 1600’s. It is definitely a good read!

Since reading is one of Amaya’s favorite pastimes—along with anime, gaming, and playing the trumpet—it’s easy to see why this diverse 10 year old does well in school and enjoys being a student at McManus Elementary in Emily McEnaney’s class. “I want to become a better reader,” said Amaya. “To do that I need to practice reading every day for twenty minutes at least,” she added. Principal Chris Weaver seconded this example of dedication and described Amaya’s presence at school.

“She’s a quiet leader and everything we look for in a student at McManus. She raises the bar here, being a leader both in terms of behavior and leading by example,” he said.

A perfect example of Amaya’s personality is when the band teacher asked her to join the school band. She instantly agreed

and went home to inform her parents. “She came in and told us she was invited to play in the band and was going to play the trumpet,” said her father, Jordan. Her mother Jasmin, sister Ava, and brother Jordan, Jr. complete the family.

Attending McManus since kindergarten has enabled Amaya to make quite a few friends. Many of those friends share reading and math classes with her, which happen to be her favorites. “We’re studying mixed fractions in math, and with the bigger numbers it can be a challenge,” she said. Other challenges are being on the school yearbook staff, where she helps with the page layouts, interviewing kids for articles, and covering the many school clubs. She also enjoys being part of the school news team, both behind and in front of the camera, where broadcasts are sent into every classroom. One aspect of school Amaya is definitely proud of is never having found herself in trouble at McManus. “I’ve never had a detention or been sent to the office,” she said.

As far as outside of school interests, she loves anime, especially Naruto, a show about a young ninja, and Romantic Killer (nothing like its title implies), featuring high schooler Anzu Hoshin. A special favorite is My Hero Academia, where a young boy enrolls in a school where all the students have special powers. When asked what power she’d like to have, Amaya replied, “I’d like to be able to turn into different animals.”

As for the future, Amaya would like to become a pastry chef and travel the world. “I’d like to go to Japan and create a pastry no one has ever made before,” she said. “I’m a funny person,” she added. People should get to know me and be my friend.”

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

bring us home

Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by contacting the Northwest SPCA at (530) 533-7636. You can also visit their website at www.northwestspca.org

Huck

Q 11 months spayed female

11 months neutered male PRINCE 10 months neutered male

moo 9 months neutered male

Pearl 6 years spayed female

Suzie