Upgraded Living - March 2022 by Upgraded Living

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(530) 891-1900 www.northvalleyeyecare.com Life is Beautiful...See it!

FROM THE EDITOR This business has a funny way of constantly reminding you there’s so much more to life than just yourself. Indeed, with every issue we find ourselves meeting some of the most incredible individuals throughout Northern California, each doing something to better our communities in their own way. The confluence of these individual paths of life weave a beautiful tapestry, and we couldn’t be more proud to tell those stories each month. This issue is no different. Famous philanthropist and artist Shane Grammer continues to provide beauty throughout Paradise in a bid to return its name to all it once entailed, while Design Horizons owner Vern Sneed sets out to ensure all who continue to call it home are protected. Speaking of home, Nest Bedding takes it a step further, using their quickly-growing company to provide continued support and opportunity to their staff who also once called Paradise home. Chef Gabe Jensen kicks up Oroville’s culinary scene with his new restaurant, Big Red’s BBQ, while Chef Sam Watroba adds a youthful glow to one of Chico’s most iconic restaurants. Finally, Chico philanthropists Kim Hawley and Tom Van Overbeek, the new owners of Whole Body Fitness, have made it their mission to elevate health and wellness in the Northstate. As stated earlier, each individual’s efforts makes our corner of California an even better place to live. While I’m on the subject, each member of our staff and contributor team has a unique path and story of their own, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the time they invest into the magazine each month. Between families, careers, and hobbies, they continue to make space to discover, interview, and report on the people and stories that make our area so special. I could go on and on, but you didn’t pick up this issue to read my musings. Turn the page to find all that our March issue has to offer. We hope you discover something new that inspires happiness in your path as well!

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher JASON CORONA Sales Director BEAU VANDERMATE General Swiss Army Knife

SHELLY BRANDON Writer TIM MILHORN Writer ERIK BROWN Cover Designer DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer

CONTRIBUTORS DOUG LOVE Real Estate

SWEENEY & MICHEL Finance

HRiQ Human Resources

DERM BAR Beauty

RYAN STEFANELLI Tacos

JESSICA WILKERSON Mental Health

For editorial or general magazine inquiries, please contact: Aveed Khaki, 530.519.5683 aveed@upgradedliving.com

Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher

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

CONTENTS | MARCH 2022 COMMUNITY

POTPOURRI

16 How much does Kim Hawley believe in the results of Whole Body Fitness? She bought the company.

10 Employee growth, giving back, and sleeping with a clear conscious—the mission of Nest Bedding

41 The juxtaposition of beauty and devastation—journey with Shane Grammer on his mission to create hope through art

24 Survival of the fittest. Design Horizons engineers a modern solution to homeowners' greatest threat

45 Believe it or not—the swell and shrink of big business in this historical exposition of the town along I-5

48 What started as a dream with a karaoke machine—the person behind the famous walking tours of Oroville: Historian, Daniel Ballard 62 The student becomes the master: C.J. Rowe on academic achievement and the path to earning her black belt

FOOD 50 Classically trained chef, Gabe Jensen, blends California and Carolina smoke flavors in Big Red’s BBQ

52 About as rock and roll as a chef could be—Sam Watroba: the unlikely hero of Sicilian Cafe’s back of the house 54 Sinaloa-style Mexican seafood and an item from their secret menu—The Taco Tracker goes all-in on Los Betos 56 We ditch the carbs and explore the food scene for some of the best healthy on-the-go options. Lunch is served. 58 Is corned beef thanks to the luck of the Irish? Quite the opposite as food historian, Tim Milhorn explains

52 8

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28 Out for a drive with Doug Love and the traveling real estate report 60 The best of the ’70s, 80s 90’s and today. Bob FM? No—behind the music of Chico’s best party band, then and now, the Funnels

FEATURE 19 Past and resent with a glimpse into the future: California Renovation is working to simplify the ever-present issues of builder supply and demand. From dream to dream home and every step between.

ON THE COVER: CALIFORNIA RENOVATION PHOTO BY: DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN BY: ERIK BROWN

Sleep with a clear conscience The secret to getting a good night’s sleep is often more than just a good mattress. Sometimes, it’s sleeping on a mattress with a conscience. Siblings Christian and Brooke Alexander are stepping forward in the business their father started back in 2011. Nest Bedding is a revolutionary company focused on promoting a healthy environment, both from the world perspective as well as within our homes. Prior to her role as chief branding officer at Nest, Brooke had studied holistic medicine and practiced as a massage therapist specializing in sports therapy. She expanded Nest’s retail locations starting in 2014 in Los Angeles and added numerous showrooms around the country over the next six years. Christian joined his father’s business after serving in the navy as an FMF Hospital Corpsman stationed with the Marine Corps' 4th Force Reconnaissance Company overseas and after achieving a degree in healthcare administration. After 10

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living around the United States, and even the world, these two Paradise High School graduates were eager to move back to the area they loved. Christian, as the company's chief operating officer, set out to establish Nest's first office and support teams in Paradise. Following the Camp Fire, where he and most of their employees lost their homes, Christian moved the operation to Chico, settling within Meriam Park's Foundation Building. Though the move was necessary as a result of the Camp Fire, Christian and Brooke believe it was also the ideal next step in the growth of the company and its team. Christian explains, “By moving into a more visible and high-trafficked area, we are able to grow Nest Bedding into a larger presence in Northern California. Our employees are family to us, and we’ve always treated them that way. Through the fire and the pandemic, our goals were to provide stability and advancement for all

Nest Bedding employees. The continued growth and success we expect from our new location in Meriam Park will allow us to continue helping our employees and improving their livelihood.” Giving back is another important and satisfying part of the Nest Bedding company culture. Growing up impoverished, Brooke and Christian know what it’s like to go without. Christian remembers one December when they woke up to a “whole Christmas morning waiting for them on their front porch” donated by a local organization. Their sense of paying it forward is evident in their efforts to help the community. They’ve partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Chico to help furnish homes for families moving from transitional housing into permanent homes. Over the past year, they’ve helped over twenty families turn their houses into homes by donating mattresses, bedding, and furniture. Nest Bedding, one of the first bed-in-a-box brands, now sells mattresses for everybody in your home. They ship factory-direct, right to your doorstep for free, with an industry-

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY NICK HANNEMAN

leading 365-night sleep trial. Complete your bedroom with an array of luxury top-of-bed products by Nest, including pillows, sheet sets, duvet covers, comforters, blankets, toppers, and sleep accessories. Typically, affordable mattresses are constructed with lower-quality materials and break down within 2-5 years. In the last ten years, customers who bought into the one-size-fits-all mattress craze are asking themselves, “What’s really in my mattress? Why am I having trouble sleeping? Shouldn’t my mattress have lasted longer?” Nest mattresses are built to last two to three times longer and are affordable without sacrificing comfort. Nest has further bolstered their product offering, with numerous third-party certifications for low toxicity, low off-gassing, and certified organic materials since inception. Their factories in Arizona and California build and ship mattresses to order instead of stockpiling and compressing mattresses for months, or sometimes years, as their many competitors do. Christian says it’s not just about selling mattresses, “We provide a service, and we partner with our customers when they buy from us.” Nest launched the world's first lifetime renewal exchange program that increases the lifespan of a mattress two to three times. When you purchase a Sparrow, Owl, or Finch mattress, you can get a new comfort layer free of charge at any point in time, whether it’s within the 365-night sleep trial or even ten years down the line. Nest mattresses are renewable instead of disposable, and the company is doing its part to alleviate the more than 50 million metric tons of mattress waste produced annually in the USA. Brooke shares, “We continue to strive to make our mattresses, bedding, and furniture, as sustainable as possible, through increased quality and consumer-friendly policies. Our goal is to help our customers get the most life possible out of their purchase.” Whether it’s ensuring a healthy sleep experience, giving back to the community, or working to address environmental concerns, Nest Bedding is a company with a conscience. Stop by their new store in Meriam Park at 1905 Notre Dame Blvd. Suite 140 and see what they have to feather your own nest.

*Must move-in or deposit by 03/31 for this special offer *Terms and Conditions Apply

Inspired

Senior Living The Terraces of Chico

Independent Living

Live Your Way Resort-Style Senior Living

Live Your Way at The Terraces of Chico.

At The Terraces, we are here to offer you the lifestyle you desire in a luxurious setting designed for you. Enjoy letting go of home chores, and say hello to days filled with opportunity!

Ask About our Spring Move-in Specials!

Schedule Your Tour Today! 530.894.5429 theterracesofchico.com

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2750 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Chico, CA 95928 RCFE #045001756

What is femilift

CalSavers: An Overview Who? If you have five or more employees, California has passed a mandate that you must enroll and participate in a program called CalSavers. If you are already enrolled in a retirement plan as an employer, you do not have to register. Both nonprofit and for profit entities are eligible to participate as long as they meet the five employee minimum. For employees, the minimum contribution needed to enroll in the program is $10 per paycheck. Once a participant, employees can choose between different investing strategies. Sole proprietors and partnerships with less than five employees may voluntarily participate in the program by enrolling directly on the CalSavers website. Why? California passed something called the CalSavers Retirement Savings Trust Act—a law that was put in place so that every person in the state has access to financial security and retirement benefits. Prior to this law being passed, employees in the private sector working for companies that didn’t have a retirement plan wouldn’t have any access to investing in their future. The average retirement savings plan that employers administered required a lot of employer fees, administrative upkeep, and placed a level of fiduciary responsibility on the business to facilitate. CalSavers is sponsored by the State, and makes offering a retirement savings plan relatively easy for employers who otherwise would not be able to. How? After a company enrolls in

CalSavers, employees will automatically have 5% of their paycheck contributed to a retirement account. Employees can opt out, but will automatically be signed up after 30 days of employment, unless they specifically ask not to be. A company must have an employee representative managing the program and facilitating enrollment and opt-out preferences. Occasionally, CalSavers will distribute educational materials on investing options, and the company administrator must provide that advice to employees whether they choose to participate or not. What If? Unfortunately there are penalties for non-compliance. If you are reported, you must enroll and participate within 90 days, or pay a fine of $250 per employee—with an additional $500 fine if you are still not enrolled after that. When? If you’re an employer with fifty employees or more, the deadline for enrollment has already expired, and you should register ASAP to avoid future penalties. If you have five or more employees, you have until June 30, 2022 to complete enrollment. HRiq offers benefit administration packages specifically designed to manage all CalSavers employer obligations for companies of all sizes. Benefit administration packages can also be added on to any existing subscription with HRiq at no additional cost. For information or help enrolling in CalSavers, call HRiq at (530) 680-4747.

FemiLift is a non-surgical laser treatment to restore feminine health, comfort, and satisfaction by expediting new cell growth in the pelvic area. It is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure with immediate results. It tightens the delicate tissue by the formation of new collagen, restoring sensitivity after childbirth and for menopause-related atrophy. Studies show that most women are concerned with their pelvic health due to hormonal changes. The FemiLift rejuvenation treatments are fast, relatively painless, and results are almost immediate. It is FDA approved and proven safe for a variety of feminine issues. It strengthens the pelvic floor, corrects laxity, and increases blood flow, therefore addressing changes the female body can go through with age. The results are long-term because of the alterations to the collagen and elastin fibers, but sometimes a follow-up procedure may be necessary a year or so after the initial treatment. The technology employed with the laser has been around for years and is constantly being updated. Med-spas are adding this to their arsenal of machines to improve their clients’ sense of well-being and confidence. The use of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and an ablative laser together creates thermal injury to the tissues, causing them to rebuild and remodel into healthier, stronger, firmer tissue. Call to schedule an appointment and find out more about this innovative treatment. DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672 13

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 guidance and services specific to your needs? We understand. You want knowledgeable, clear guidance 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.

Traci Cooper

You'll have good luck finding your next home with Team Cooper. REA LT OR®

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

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DRE #01952704 Email: traci@teamcooper.net

Phone: 530 - 520 - 0227

"Moving in the Right Direction" 418 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928

Nature was made for stress! Let’s talk about stress. In today’s society, chronic stress is the endemic no one talks about, but nearly everyone experiences. A part of our brains (the sympathetic nervous system) is constantly on active duty, scanning our environments for danger, problem-solving, solution-finding, and overall helping us navigate life as we know it. This part of our brain is important! However, when it’s on all the time, we are left feeling depleted and more easily overwhelmed. There’s reprieve! Our brains have a compensatory system called the parasympathetic nervous system—A.K.A. “rest and digest”. This system takes over, dimming down the “fight or flight” stress response, giving all those other parts of your brain and body a chance to recover. We don’t need to be eating or napping to turn this on either. Sitting in deep prayer or meditation, yoga, massage, playing with animals and children, and enjoying nature are all intentional activities one can engage in, giving our stress response a chance to reset. In Northern California, we have an abundance of nature, so let’s discuss this a little deeper. When we are engaged

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

in gardening, nature walks, or even sitting on a park bench with grass and trees nearby, we evoke what’s called “soft fascination,” a passive attention that allows us to focus on things that exist and function without needing us to do anything. They perform without needing our direct involvement. It’s happening independently during a lifetime in which it feels every aspect of our individual worlds need something from us. Focusing on, and tuning into, our five senses during soft fascination further affects our circadian rhythms (sleep cycle) and ability to emotionally regulate when our fight or flight response jumps into action again to keep us safe. Spend some time outside and notice the change in your body, your levels of alertness and joy, and realize you were created equipped with the ability to calm down the inner stress by merely enjoying the world around you. If you need more help with your life stressors, talk therapy has been shown to help! Myself and our team of clinicians at Inspired Life Counseling are here to listen. Visit us at www.InspiredLifeChico.com or call (530) 809-1702.

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

WHOLE BODY FITNESS One day you find yourself stopped at a traffic light and realize your back kinda hurts. You feel a bit pudgy and not in great shape. You have an “I really need to join a gym” moment, but gyms can be intimidating and crowded, and you’re not sure what to do once you get there anyway. Whole Body Fitness (WBF), right here in Chico, is a different kind of gym. They offer a personalized and managed experience 16

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every step of the way. Chico resident Kim Hawley became a WBF member four years ago. “Even though I qualify for the senior discount everywhere in town, it is important to me to maintain an active lifestyle. I rotated through a number of gyms and thought I had a pretty good routine, but I was not happy with my results.”

Then, Kim happened to read an article about Whole Body Fitness in Upgraded Living. That same day, she scheduled a complimentary consultation with gym manager, Veto Rodriguez. “Wow, did I learn a lot in that first meeting,” remembered Kim. “I learned that my body was not well-aligned from a postural standpoint. I learned that this leads to ineffective fitness results and can even

cause injury—sometimes with just day-today activities.” In their first meeting, Veto told Kim about WBF’s Postural Programming methodology. “Everything we do here is individually tailored to the member. The program starts with bringing your body back into alignment and restoring lost function,” said Veto. “Then, building on this base, we help our members improve flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength.”

PHOTOS COURTESY KARL WEINREICH, TRES MEDIA CO

Kim started working out with Veto and began to see the changes she had been hoping for. “The experience was completely different than any gym I’d ever been to,” Kim said. “It’s different in two ways. First, it is a managed experience, with your personal trainer guiding you every step of the way. Second, it all begins with Postural Programming. The idea that you need to start getting fit by first building the right foundation is a head-slapper. Once I had a stable base, Veto moved me on to exercises that focus on functional mobility and strength. He showed me how to perform each exercise and continuously analyzed and corrected my posture and form. I can’t tell you what a difference it made.” Kim was so impressed with her WBF experience she encouraged her husband, Tom van Overbeek, to give it a go. “I’m now 72 and have always been active, but as time went on, I felt like I was getting a bit lazy and had more aches and pains,” Tom recalled. “I was NOT a gym person, but Kim kept encouraging me to give WBF a try. Within a few short months, my pains completely disappeared. My balance, flexibility, and strength have improved a great deal, and I’m now enjoying my outdoor physical activities much more.”

So who goes to WBF? “We have a varied group of members,” Veto smiled. “A few are pro athletes looking to raise their game while in Chico during the off-season. Some members are recovering from injuries or illnesses. Most of our members are primeof-life folks that have decided it’s time to live their best lives. It has been incredible to see their transformations. Being part of these journeys has meant the world to me.” Kim and Tom were so impressed with their results that they purchased the gym in June of 2020. Though the COVID years were difficult for gyms, it gave them the time to completely revamp the Whole Body Fitness facility with top-shelf new equipment, ventilation, flooring, lighting, a sound system, brand new locker rooms, and a bright atmosphere both inside and out. “In addition to improved fitness, our members really enjoy the social and community element at WBF,” finished Kim. “This is not a big box gym with thousands of members. It is a boutique, private gym with limited membership, making it a safe and personal place. There is so much camaraderie and support. I always tell people that owning this gym is a lot like owning a bar, where everyone knows your name, only healthier.” With Kim and Tom at the helm, Whole Body Fitness is once again bringing its unique approach to health and fitness to Chico and its surrounding communities. You can find out more about WBF at www.wholebodyfit.net where you can also set up a complimentary consultation. Or contact them at (530) 487-8123 or office@wholebodyfit.net. Whole Body Fitness is located at 2954 Highway 32 Suite 600 in Chico. 17

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California Renovation: Bridging the gap between dream and dream home PHOTOS BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s no shortage of contractors in Chico, but finding one that’s actually available to work is a different story entirely these days. A confluence of events have created what amounts to a perfect storm in the construction industry, rendering a shrinking supply and exponentially increasing demand with each passing year. In 2017, the Tubbs Fire destroyed 5,643 structures, pulling contractors south to assist in rebuilding the Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa areas. In 2018 the Carr Fire pulled contractors north to the Redding area to assist in rebuilding 1,604 structures. Three short months later, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history swept through Paradise and its surrounding communities, leveling a staggering 18,804 structures. The disaster not only nearly quadrupled the number of structures in need of rebuilding, but simultaneously displaced 50,000 residents, a large number of which were individuals skilled and employed in the construction industry. Many of them left and never returned. In 2020, the COVID pandemic forced the world indoors for an extended period of

time where we discovered we were less than satisfied with the homes we lived in, encouraging another boom in demand for contractors focused on remodels and renovations. Finally, 2021’s Dixie fire added yet another 1,300 structures to the long list of those needing to be rebuilt. With contractors spread thin throughout Northern California, finding an available one—let alone the right one—couldn’t be a more daunting task. California Renovation owner Kelly Mann believes he has a way to change that for good. Born and raised in Roseville, Kelly grew up in a family steeped in home renovation. His grandfather owned and operated a furniture store in Shattuck, Illinois, and the inheritance built within those walls allowed Kelly’s father the opportunity to move to Roseville, where he opened his own furniture store in 1962. As carpeting started to take off in the 70s, his father took over another building in town across from Denio’s Market & Swap Meet, and decided to expand the business into carpet sales and service. Kelly and his brother Earl learned the ins

and outs of both businesses over the years, watching their father build his empire from the ground up. He eventually gifted the carpeting business to his two boys in 1987. After operating the business for nine years, they decided to relocate it next to the original family furniture store, constructing a brand new building and warehouse on the lot the two once played in. “Earl and I knew the business well.” Kelly recalled, “We expanded to carry vinyl and other flooring options, reached out to builders, and did everything we could to make sure their projects were completed on time with excellent customer service. Our name spread quickly as a result of our attention to detail, and we began receiving referrals from one builder to another. Those referrals built the business, and our audience grew faster than we ever expected.” Eventually, the brothers decided to incorporate hardwood flooring, traveling to the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) school in St. Louis to learn all there was to know about hardwoods. They renamed their business 19

building and set out to make it beautiful once again. By 2015, the remodel was complete. Kelly, Earl, and Ken relocated Carpet One Chico across town to the new building and opened the second California Renovation location next door. To complete their offerings, they sourced cabinetry as well, making it a one-stop shop for all kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs.

Roseville Floor Center, joined the nationwide Carpet One co-op, brought in tile, and set out to become the top full-service flooring provider in the Roseville area. As the years went by, Roseville Floor Center grew exponentially, and the brothers’ reputation quickly spread. Though the volume of business grew, they held off on expanding their footprint, declining to open multiple locations around the region. Instead, they scaled internally, hiring more team members to accommodate the evergrowing book of business. The decision proved to be a wise one. When the housing market crashed in 2008, their one location was significantly easier to maintain than the multiple locations many of their competitors had to service. The nimble nature of their business allowed them to pivot and test new opportunities allowing them to not only stay solvent during one of the most difficult economic times in recent history, but to find new ways to grow their business as well. In 2010, the brothers set out to expand their footprint, traveling around Northern California in search of the perfect location to increase their reach. On a trip north, they happened upon Carpet One in Chico located in the Savemart shopping center on East and Esplanade. The location was owned by Ken Glaziner, an icon in the Chico flooring community, who had spent decades connecting with local businesses and creating a vast network of clients in need 20

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of continued flooring products and service. His approach to the business was similar to that of Kelly and Earl, so the two offered him the opportunity to merge with their Roseville outfit. He accepted, and together the community grew even stronger. By 2013, the housing market was starting to rebound, and contractors were getting back to building. Simultaneously, homeowners who had weathered the storm were looking to renovate their homes, both to modernize its look and increase their long-term equity. Kelly and Earl spotted the trend and decided to increase their offerings once again, identifying countertops as a key element to any kitchen or bathroom remodel. They sourced a wide selection of granite and quartz options to satisfy any taste and opened the doors to their sister business, California Renovation, in Roseville. Partnered with their Carpet One stores, it was the perfect combination to provide customers and contractors alike with the products they needed to complete kitchen or bathroom remodels. The brothers quickly saw success at the Roseville location and once again looked north to Chico. They found a building for sale at the bottom of the Skyway on Dominic Drive in need of major renovations itself. Though the remodel needed was extensive, the location—perfectly situated at the exit from Chico and entrance to Paradise—was too good to pass up . They purchased the

They hadn’t been in the location for more than two years before the first major wildfire broke out in Santa Rosa. Kelly watched the supply of available contractors in the area become strained as many found a well of new construction opportunities to the south. The following year, the Carr fire pulled many of the remaining contractors to the north, before the Camp Fire decimated Paradise and a number of surrounding communities a few short months later. Many of the area’s contractors and skilled laborers lived in Paradise, and the loss of their homes and community was understandably too much to bear. A significant number left Northern California altogether, while those that remained began working to rebuild the town. The strain Kelly noticed in 2017 quickly turned into a full-blown crisis in the supply chain. The number of available contractors had dwindled to such an extent that it was nearly impossible to build or remodel in Chico during the years that followed. As things began to ease towards the end of 2019, the pandemic complicated matters yet again, and the 2021 Dixie Fire threw yet another unexpected wrench into the industry. Kelly realized the issue was bigger than any one of these individual events, rather, it was the result of a bottleneck caused by decades of mismanagement. Though there were plenty of places you could go to find reviews on various contractors, there wasn’t a local hub that could connect you with an available contractor that was not only highly rated but also well versed in the customer’s project needs. He decided it was time to change that. Kelly began outlining a software platform that would allow California Renovation to catalog not only local contractors and subcontractors, but also those from a viable distance away. The catalog would turn the

company into a networking hub, connecting those in need of construction work with the contractors who were available to provide it. To further its effectiveness, the software platform would have an internal rating system so clients could rate their experience across a number of different crucial categories. Each rating would increase or decrease the contractor’s trust factor within the company, and with it, their likelihood of being recommended for a job. “There are tons of general contractors and different subcontractors out there.” Kelly said, “The difficulty is finding one that’s available and right for the job. You could spend weeks using any current platform, calling one contractor after the other in the hopes of just finding one that’s available. Add on the time it takes to schedule and collect bids, make sure they’re right for the job, and procure the necessary materials, and you’ll be ready to give up on the project before it’s even started. People want simplicity. They want to be able to call one place and have quality delivered with as little time spent as possible. We’re working to make sure that’s the new standard for everyone.” Their new software platform and app will provide just that, and more importantly an opportunity for everyone to get the most out of their remodeling experience. “Most of the problems in any service industry occur as a result of a technical language barrier.” Kelly explained, “By that I mean customers and service providers tend to speak different technical languages. Customers know what they want, but they often have difficulty explaining it in a way contractors will fully understand. Contractors know how to build it, but they often have difficulty conveying things to customers in a way they’ll understand. We understand and speak both sides fluently, and we can make the experience far easier for everyone from the get go by handling that communication. As a result, everyone leaves the project happier and more satisfied with the end product. The platform is a way to make sure everyone prospers. The more contractors we have in the database, the more opportunities we have to refer to jobs. If a customer calls and says they need a specific project completed, we can not only find the perfect contractor for them, but also the one that is soonest available, saving everyone time, money and hassle.”

The software platform is nearing completion, and Kelly couldn’t be more excited for what it will soon offer everyone in Northern California. “It truly will be an incredible asset to the construction industry, customers in need of work, and our team at California Renovation. When we exhaust all of our immediate local resources, the platform will allow us to look outside of the city at incremental distances to find the best contractor closest to the project and offer them the job. Doing so will give everyone access to a larger pool of contractors and ease the burden on the construction industry, returning it to a point where everyone is still busy, but wait times are no longer astronomical. Best of all it is completely scalable. When it does what we expect it to do here, we plan on launching it in other markets to help alleviate bottlenecks there as well. ” Though the addition of California Renovation’s app and software platform is truly something to be excited about, the products and services offered within the showroom are just as noteworthy. They house a large variety of options for any kitchen and bathroom remodel, including granite and quartz countertops, custom and prefabricated cabinetry, and plenty of hardware to personalize your space. Just next door, Carpet One offers more flooring options than you could ever need to tie your entire home together. Beyond the products, California Renovation and Carpet One provide an immense amount of product knowledge and more than 100 years of combined experience in the remodeling industry. They even have inhouse interior designers who can take the burden of making those difficult design decisions off your hands. Best of all, your entire project is handled at one location with one phone number. No need to find the perfect contractor or subcontractors—they’ll manage the entire process for you from start to finish. We’ll give you a minute to finish that sigh of relief. We could go on—and we will on the next page about their incredible team—but do yourself a favor and stop into their showroom to experience and appreciate California Renovation for yourself. We know you’ll be just as impressed with them as we were. You can find California Renovation next to 21

and there are lots of options out there. Quality luxury vinyl planks (LVP) have come a long way and are an excellent option for families between their waterproofed nature and scratch resistance. They can take a lot of damage, they’re easy to repair, and are often a better choice than hardwood flooring. Give us a call! We’ll be glad to walk you through the options.”

Carpet One at 2525 Dominic Drive in Chico. They’re open 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, 10am-3pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. You can reach them by phone at (530) 343-1661 and gather more information at www.CaliforniaRenovation.com

Kevin Riley An icon in the Chico flooring community, Kevin Riley has been installing floors throughout Northern California for over 38 years, and there’s a good chance you’ve walked on some of his handiwork. Kevin opened his first store in 1983 outside of the original Arco Arena in Sacramento, and he quickly saw success with the business. He scaled the company for years, before ultimately deciding he needed a break, sold the business, and moved to Oroville to take a couple years of R&R. 22

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As with most early retirees, he didn’t stay inactive for long. Missing his original calling, he began working with local flooring companies before landing a gigantic deal with Home Depot in 1999, doing all of the flooring installations sold in their stores. The opportunity grew exponentially, and within a few years’ time, he was running 20 crews throughout Northern California, installing the flooring sold at all Home Depot locations in Chico, Red Bluff, Redding, Oroville, Yuba City, Auburn, and Crescent City. During this time, he also completed countless massive flooring installations for Northern California casinos, Round Table Pizzas, and many more. He continued on with Home Depot until 2009, before meeting Kelly Mann. They’ve been working together ever since. “My specialty is anything that has to do with flooring.” Kevin explained, “I don’t want to sound egotistical, but after 38 years in this business, you better be good at what you do! At this point I’ve done it all and am the answers guy, the inspector, the installer, and the fixer. There isn’t an aspect of flooring I don’t know. When it comes to any flooring remodel, I recommend making sure you get someone who knows what they’re doing— specifically that they aren’t just a salesman but also have experience installing. There’s so much to know when it comes to floor removal, what to put down, and how to install each type of flooring properly. The knowledge usually means the difference between a beautiful installation that’ll last and one that will be a problem within a few short seasons. So much has changed in the flooring industry over the past few years,

Ken Glaziner The co-owner and founder of Chico’s original Carpet One, Ken has been in the flooring business for 35 years. He and his brother built the store from the ground up, growing the business to over $5 million within their first year. Eventually they expanded the store to Red Bluff and built an additional two locations in Redding. They eventually merged with Kelly and Earl’s Carpet One out of Roseville in 2010, creating a larger footprint and offering greater resources to residents throughout the area. Ken’s experience in large-scale commercial flooring has been instrumental in countless major building projects and remodels including many with Enloe Hospital. His knowledge about the industry, construction, and available products has made him an asset throughout Northern California. “Residential projects take considerable skill, but commercial projects are a different ballgame altogether.” Ken said, “We’re lucky to have so many incredible individuals here who not only know how to do both, but have decades of experience in executing projects perfectly.”

have to say. They’re often surprised at the difference in level of detail that they find between stores when they know what to ask.”

Michael Dreher

Kim Green

Michael is one of the flooring specialists at California Renovation, and the term isn’t used loosely. “My buddy needed help installing JCPenney’s flooring when it first opened in Chico and reached out to me for help.” Michael remembered, “It was my first big project, and I actually really enjoyed the work. I had a commercial cleaning business at the time, but found a different level of satisfaction doing flooring, so I got my contractor’s license and have been doing it for nearly 20 years now.”

Originally from the East Bay, Kim graduated from Chico State with a B.A. in interior architecture. Her design mentor, Gwen Lauridson, who works for Interface Carpeting in Sacramento, helped her along the way and got her connected in the industry. She started working at California Renovation in Chico this past November and has been growing with the company ever since.

Michael shifted gears within that 20 year span and dove into commercial sales. He met Ken Glaziner along the way as Carpet One was located a few doors down from where his daughter attended kindergarten. He asked if Ken needed help, and the rest was history. The two have worked together ever since. When Ken’s Carpet One in Chico merged with Kelly’s in Roseville, Michael was glad to go along for the ride. “Most folks don’t have a good understanding when it comes to flooring.” Michael said, “And how could they? It’s a gigantic industry. We make sure each person here specializes in the area they actually know rather than having people who float through each category and know a little about each. The more balls you have in the air, the more chances you have at dropping them, and truly specializing makes sure we don’t run into that issue. We’re huge on customer service and make sure that our customers are educated every step of the way. In fact, we recommend they talk to other companies and see what they

Brenda Groteguth Originally from Lodi, Brenda moved to Chico after her last daughter enrolled in junior college. Her husband received a great job offer in Chico, and she discovered California Renovation, the perfect place for her to put her background in interior design to work. Brenda is now the project manager of kitchen and bathroom design at the Chico office and has been working with the team at California Renovation since July 2020. With her expertise in sales and project management, she is the ideal person to lead customers through their project’s design from start to finish. “I spend about ⅓ of my time working on design and the rest on project management.” Brenda said, “75% of my work is in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and we do a ton of projects each month. I always recommend that customers stop into our showroom first and have a look around to see the variety of materials we offer. Get some inspiration and ideas by looking online at the usual suspects—Pinterest, Instagram, Houzz, etc.—then call one of us and book a consultation at home. We do just about everything here and have the option to do custom as well as prefabricated, which makes a huge difference when it comes to creating a unique identity for any space. We love working with clients to hone their design, both in looks and budget, and find a way to make their space exactly what they always dreamed it would be.”

“I’ve been so lucky to have had incredible mentors throughout my time in interior design and architecture.” Kim said, “Gwen taught me so much, and I had the opportunity to train with Kevin Riley, who is a guru of flooring in Northern California. Now, I get to work with Brenda who is so experienced and knowledgeable in interior design—it really is the perfect fit. I love talking with clients, going out to measures, and bringing new youthful faces into the business. I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!” Kevin, Ken, Michael, Brenda, and Kim are just a sampling of the many individuals that make California Renovation and Carpet One Chico the powerhouse that they are. They’re always looking to bring talented, customerfocused professionals into the fold to grow their business and offer the best level of service possible throughout Northern California. If you’re interested in working with them, call (530) 343-1661 or stop by with your résumé to set up an interview!

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LICENSE #0680951

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

www.Dahlmeier.com Chico

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530.533.3424

305 N. Culver Ave. (Lambert Insurance Agency)

530.934.3361

4 Strategies To Reduce Taxes With Investments

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

It’s springtime again, which means patio lunches, baseball season, and the IRS knocking at the door. We have yet to meet anyone who enjoys paying taxes. Mark Twain opined, "I shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes." We understand the feeling—a California couple earning $100k annually would pay over 30% in state and federal taxes before deductions. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to shelter income from taxation. Below are four common strategies: IRA Contributions: An individual retirement account (IRA) is a savings account with tax advantages. Individuals can open and fund these accounts up until their tax deadline to take a deduction for 2021. The limit is $6,000 per person per year, or $7,000 if you’re over 50 Years Old. Workplace Retirement Plans: A company 401(k) or 403(b) allows you to put aside $20,500 in 2022, or $27,000 if you’re over 50. If you’re self-employed, the deductible limits can be even higher. Deferring income from working years into future retirement years can allow you to withdraw that money at potentially lower tax rates. HSA Plans: High-deductible health plans allow you to open a Health Savings Account, which allows for fully deductible contributions of $3,650 for singles or $7,300 for families. The money can then be withdrawn 100% tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses. Charitable Donations: You can avoid taxes and support your favorite 501c3 nonprofits with gifts of stock, property, or other appreciated assets. Donors receive a deduction of fair market value, while avoiding paying tax on the unrealized capital gain. If you’d like to explore these or other tax and investment strategies, give our team a call at 530-487-1777. Remember, everybody’s situation is unique (and this is a magazine column, not advice), so speak with your CPA about your specific tax situation! 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. 25

Farewell to a dear friend Though we wanted to write a farewell of our own, we didn't have the words to express the sheer loss the Chico community experienced after hearing of Miyagi Pocock's passing. He was loved by so many, and his memory will never be forgotten. His wife, Elizabeth, and close friend, Nick Land, set pen to paper to commemorate his life and time with all of us. Miyagi 41, was a dedicated husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He loved being a dad more than anything in this world. He always gave good advice to the kids, to me, and to his friends and family. He was more than just a husband to me, he was my best friend, my childhood crush, and my soulmate. To his kids, he was a hero, their playmate, and a walking book of jokes and fun. He knew how to bring joy and laughter into any situation. Miyagi loved theater—he was a great actor in his early twenties at Cynthia Merrill in Fresno. He was looking forward to starting a new career in real estate, recently passed the state test, and was waiting on his license. He could do anything he put his mind to. He was very good at adapting to 26

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whatever situation he was in, and he made the best of it. I love you Miyagi, and you will be missed by everyone—gone but not forgotten. -Elizabeth Pocock Miyagi loved the beer industry. He loved beer too, but he loved the beer industry. One thing he always said was, “Keep the assholes out of beer. Beer is meant to be enjoyed, and people in the industry are meant to enjoy each other. You don’t need to compete; it’s just beer.” Miyagi lived that life everyday. Nothing brought him more joy than talking beer, or learning beer, and he really enjoyed sharing beer with people. When people came into his work at Burgers & Brew and weren’t sure of what beer they wanted, he would get a sparkle in his eye and regale them with his knowledge, opening people up to new beers and new beer experiences. There is a solid beer community in Chico, and Miyagi stood out in that group for sure. From his time serving beer, to the time he spent as a brewer at Sacrament Brewing, and the time he spent posting funny beer related videos on Chico Beer Enthusiasts' page, he was the

“beer industry” to a lot of people. He was a beer ninja that was loved by all. He had a way of making anyone that sat at his bar feel like a longtime friend and loved to tell a great tale from a time past. He set the vibe, and it’s our place to keep his vibe going. Cheers Miyagi, we love you! -Nick Land Miyagi is survived by his wife of 14 years Elizabeth Pocock; his daughter Arya Pocock (15); his 4 sons Miyagi Pocock (14), Haiden Pocock (13), Kymani Pocock (9), and Jude Pocock 6; his parents Miyagi Baker and Sabrina Evans, his brother Sequoia Hughes, his sibling Red, and step-brother Jay Cee Cole; his nieces Anya Harper, Monica Burbano, and Cali Burbano; Grammy Huff, his grandmother; and many other friends and family, including the Chico Beer Enthusiasts family. We will all miss his warmth, humor, and smile dearly. We will be having a celebration of life in Cohasset at Sorenson’s pond. More info will be given at a later date on the Foodies of Chico and Chico Beer Enthusiasts’ pages on Facebook.

East Side

My wife and I drove out to Bishop, California to rendezvous with our daughter from New Mexico for the handoff of her little coyote-type dog, Anu, who we had been care-taking for a few weeks. This trip might double as our annual Real Estate Research Road Trip, whereby we report on market activity and prices of Real Estate throughout our great land. Therefore, no matter how much fun, the trip is a business tax write-off, right? Here's the report: Rolling down Highway 70, it’s a sunny morning, the rice fields are watery and the hills are green, classic California North Valley wintertime. Up Highway 20 to Highway 80, to Highway 395, then south, hugging the east side of the Sierras, and we are on the road to Bishop. The majestic snowy Sierra mountains rise abruptly to our right, reflecting brilliant sunshine. The two-and-a-half-hour drive down 395 is a visual feast of giant mountain landscapes that rival any post-card, screensaver, or painting you’ve ever seen. Our jaws hurt from all the dropping, as we round each bend in the road and take in the next spectacular view. In Bishop, we take in the high-mountain, small-town feel of this quaint town. Mostly quiet and down-home with no “For sale” signs to speak of.

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Same with the nearby ski-resort town of Mammoth Lakes—some touristy action, but not on the scale of Tahoe, Donner, or other ski areas you might think of. And we don’t see the upper-market homes and housing developments we expect to see around an exclusive tourist spot. Daughter and dog are happily reunited, and we spend a day or two romping around the frozen high lakes and crunching through the snow. Back home in Chico, I see my friend Kim, local Realtor, and former restaurant owner in Mammoth Lakes. I tell her we were surprised we didn’t see the big chaletstyle homes and high-dollar Real Estate we had envisioned. “Oh, they are there!” she said, “They are there! “Bishop looks so quiet and down-home,” I said. “Don’t be fooled!” said Kim. “That whole area has jumped in Real Estate values, and inventory is low.” Here’s the report. California Real Estate is low on supply and high on demand, with rising prices, all over this great land. Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

"Sherry Calbert exceeded all my expectations for an agent. Her energy and knowledge of the area and market were the determining factors. Communication was excellent. If I need another agent, she'll be the first one I'll contact." -Bruce Votaw, Chico

OWNER WILL FINANCE This Well built craftsman style home with nice layout. The master bedroom is downstairs with two bedrooms upstairs on opposite sides of the house. Nice size living room with kitchen and dining area. Oak cabinets with tile counters and breakfast bar. Indoor laundry room conveniently located next to the kitchen. Nice covered rear patio and decent size fenced backyard. Landscaped front and rear. No through street.

This remodeled home has fresh interior and exterior paint, you'll notice the new front door as soon as you walk in. The living room has vaulted ceilings and new vinyl wood-flooring. There a dining room off the kitchen with French-doors to a large, covered patio. The kitchen has freshly painted cabinetry and new Samsung appliances including a stove, dishwasher and micro-hood; refrigerator included as well!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,585 Price: $419,000

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 953 Price: $340,000

This would be a great parent student investor option for students planning to attend Chico State University for the Fall 2022 semester. Rents are low and have upside potential. Inside there is a laundry room, tall ceilings, newer carpet in the living room, open living to kitchen space, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms downstairs and a large bedroom upstairs. Entertaining area in the back yard that is fully fenced and there is a 10'X20' outbuilding that is being used for bike and misc. storage. Newer porch in the front and side of the house,

Owned Solar! Enjoy the humming birds while eating at the dining

and so much more! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,300 Price: $350,000

"Psssssst...........sellers I need you!!! Are you aware of what the current value of your home is? I can help you with a free market evaluation and no obligation. 32 years with Century 21 Select Real Estate and serving Butte, Tehama and Glenn Counties. 30

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table and the natural lighting coming in through the large dual pane windows. The open kitchen to family room makes entertaining easy. The living room has a wonderful warm and cozy fireplace and is a great place to read a book and enjoy something hot to drink on the cool days! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 1,965 Price: $454,000 Call or text me

regarding these homes and others

(530) 514-4855 SherryLinnCalbert@gmail.com

"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

Here is an opportunity for you to own a piece of Paradise and build your dream home on this one acre lot. Prior to the Camp Fire, the property held a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1500+ sqft home, a detached 2 car garage, a shop, and was in such close proximity to the nearby creek, you could hear the sound of running water. The property previously had electricity, natural gas, and city water. Buyer is advised to verify the availability of all these utilities to their satisfaction. Price: $59,900

SOLD Bring your blueprint and build your dream home on this 1.5 acre lot! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will only take one look to know this is where you want your dream house to be. According to the seller, property is zoned for having horses with a permit from the town of Paradise. Also, prior to the Camp Fire, the property was on septic, well water, and PID water. Buyers are advised to verify this information with the town of Paradise personally. Seller does not have any information regarding if the well or septic are functional presently. Buyer to investigate to their own satisfaction. Price: $79,000

SOLD As you step through the massive double-door entry, you will be immediately drawn into this home's warm and happy aura. With soaring ceilings, numerous glass windows, and rich wood floors, you could easily be convinced this is your dream home. At 2152 square feet, no expense was spared and no consideration forgotten in the building of this estate. With 3 oversized bedrooms, plus a spacious master suite and 3 bathrooms, this home is perfectly sized for nearly any buyer. The kitchen, built for a gourmet chef, follows the rest of the home's attention to detail. Beautiful cabinets adorn the walls with endless storage, while the granite counters provide plenty of room for prep. There's so much to this home! Call to set up a showing today! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,152 Price: $795,000

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design horizons keeping the california dream alive One thing Design Horizons owner Vern Sneed cannot do is watch any films or documentaries on the Camp Fire in Paradise. “Someday I’ll be able to sit down and watch one,” he said. “But not yet.”

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

In a business specializing in building and installing prefabricated homes in the North Valley and beyond, Vern has heard countless gut-twisting stories about the horror endured by people during and after the fire. He has talked to people who suffered a complete loss of their lifelong belongings and some who had the only home left on the block after the inferno swept through. “No matter how many stories I’ve heard, I still cannot come close to comprehending the depth of the tragedy,” he added. However, Vern Sneed knew there was one thing he could do: provide reasonably priced, quality dwellings that families living in fire zones could feel safe in. “Our homes are primarily built from steel, aluminum, and sheetrock—flame resistant materials,” he said. Even the window frames are metal, replacing the often used vinyl frames that easily

melt. “Our homes aren’t fireproof, but they stand a better chance of surviving.” For example, during the Bear Fire near Oroville in September of 2020, an entire hillside burned including a home and outbuildings. The only standing structure: a Q Cabin Kit by Design Horizons. Vern Sneed grew up in Missouri and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in architecture from the University of Kansas. Do not call him an architect though (even if he basically fits the bill). Architecture associations need higher degrees than a BS. Vern is a design engineer though. You can see the excitement and passion light up his face when he talks about designing the Q Cabin Kits. “This is the kind of thing that keeps me going when I get up in the morning.” Putting together the perfect custom design is a challenge: the permutations are truly endless. While the design process may be difficult though, Q Cabin Kits are special in that they are tailored to each individual. The Q Cabin Kits are fully customizable, with window and door choices, window location choices, and insulation level up to you. It is truly an owner’s home because you become

personally invested in the kit’s design and appearance. Q Cabin Kits are the standard in sustainable, disaster-resistant housing. The steel structure does not consume forests and is manufactured with 80% recycled material. Q Cabin Kits use steel studs, 2x12 floor joists, and 18-gauge quonset material and have been approved in California’s strictest wildfire areas. Standard models are also rated for 30 pounds per square foot snow loads and 100 mph winds. Furthermore, being made of metal, Q Cabin Kits are more “earthquake friendly.” Metal gives and moves while wood cracks and shatters. Design Horizons has teamed up with Taynr to design your structure using AutoCAD and digital fabrication machinery. The building design is fed into the computer system, and steel studs are labeled, pre-drilled, and pre-dimpled to make the construction process simple and flawless. Even the cutting process for the exterior walls is flaw-free. The precisely engineered process reduces costs and creates a tightly fit product. Pricewise, Q Cabin Kits are a viable alternative to stick built homes. The larger your Q Cabin Kit, the less expensive the 37

kit becomes per square foot. Installation is speedy, with the prefabricated parts being erected quickly. The largest kit can be installed in seven days—completely dried in and ready for interior finishing. Q Cabin Kits are primarily built to be regular homes, but Design Horizons also has designs for backyard casitas, tiny homes, art studios, commercial storefronts, green houses, and even yurts! Design Horizons can also include site amenities like decks, patios, and garages in your project. Your Q Cabin Kit comes with a full set of architectural drawings and calculations ready for permitting. Design Horizons’ staff will also work with local agencies to handle corrections and will work with consultants to produce the correct building permits. So where did all this begin? A suggestion by Dan Rockhill, a University of Kansas architecture professor, set the wheels spinning long ago in Vern Sneed’s mind. The idea came with him to California where he and wife, Tonya, lived in the city of Mt. Shasta for 14 years. They eventually moved to Chico with their daughters Piper, Camryn, and Chloe. After relocating Design Horizons to Chico, word got to the Chico EnterpriseRecord, who printed a feature article on the company. This led to articles in the San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Weekly, and eventually, the New York Times. However, an even bigger story is about to hit the airwaves: The CBS Sunday Morning Show with Jane Pauley is going to air a segment in the near future featuring Design Horizons. Now that is the big time! Vern says the phone hasn’t stopped ringing since those stories came out. However, for Vern, helping local customers is still the most important thing. He likens his company to “good people doing good things,” and Vern Sneed is indeed a good guy. The Q Cabin Kit is an amazing and astounding concept that will enthrall you. If you want to give Vern a call, just dial (415) 533-7094 and he will be happy to answer your questions. Additionally, you can visit Design Horizons online at www.theqcabin.com.

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WRITTEN BY AVEED KHAKI | PHOTOS COURTESY SHANE GRAMMER

Hope Through Art There were few instances of beauty amidst the rubble left behind by the Camp Fire. New life signaled by a flower budding out of the ashes and colorful wildlife returning to the area, juxtaposed against environments totally devoid of color, were the few glimmers of hope we all needed and clung to in what felt like a sea of hopelessness. When local artist Shane Grammer saw the destruction for himself, he felt called to commemorate what was lost and return beauty to an area where there was none. Creative from a young age, Shane Grammer found his first foray into art when he was 10 years old. He began sketching characters from a Walt Disney book and discovered it was the perfect outlet for his creativity. Sketches turned into crafting, and crafting led to building. Eventually, he found himself making Pinewood Derby cars, sculpting a 6-foot African mask, and drawing whenever he could find the free time. “I didn’t think I would be an artist.” Shane remembered, “I certainly never had aspirations to be one, but as I started making things and

taking classes from Mr. Simmons at Chico High School, I began to realize I had a knack for it.” Though Shane was naturally gifted at art, basketball was his identity throughout high school. After graduating, he found himself without direction. He attended Butte College and chose to major in art but only lasted a semester and a half. After getting cut from the basketball team, he decided college wasn’t the path for him after all. He returned to building things, working jobs in construction and taking any opportunity he could to explore outlets for his creativity. “A friend was doing a documentary on New York graffiti.” Shane explained, “He was watching the Style Wars documentary, and it blew me away. I started doing graffiti legally for youth groups and business owners—I even practiced inside a bee keeping company in Durham. The owner told me I could come in and paint all day and all night. It was a freedom like none other.”

Youth With a Mission opened doors to the outside world for Shane, offering him a position to work at an inner city youth ministry in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. The stark contract from Chico’s atmosphere opened his eyes as well. Immersed by graffiti and hip hop, he was constantly exposed to street and contemporary art wherever he went. Shane found the early 90s street art scene in San Francisco to be far more amazing than the art he saw documented in Style Wars. “There was a free wall area for artists called Psycho City, and I was absolutely blown away by the art I saw there. Street artists were always on hand painting incredible murals. It hooked me like nothing else had, and I began seeking out mural projects from youth pastors. They’d pay me a couple hundred dollars and provide me with food to paint a mural. My first paid job was in San Jose which led to painting a graffiti mural on stage in front of 5,000 people. That opened the door to Dallas, Texas, and people started asking me if I could do props, so I transitioned into stage sets.”

The transition into stage sets led to scenic art, which became the lionshare of Shane’s life’s work. He opened his own shop and began creating art for private clients but was soon noticed by larger outfits like Universal Studios, Disney, and many others. He designed and helped fabricate numerous environments for their theme parks which, although awesome to outsiders, was not what he was passionate about. “I felt like I was losing myself a bit.” Shane explained, “I was having a bit of a mid-life crisis. I told my wife, Missy, I needed to get back to being creative, and she encouraged me to do just that. I loved the work of photographers who shot abandoned locations, so I began following street art again and traveling to paint murals in abandoned buildings and distressed locations. There’s something amazing about creating something beautiful in a place that’s been destroyed. My travels took me to Cambodia, Mexican orphanages, and a number of locations that were wrought with drug addiction and despair. One day, while I was painting 42

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at an abandoned water park, I looked at my phone and started seeing photos and videos of the Camp Fire in Paradise, and I couldn’t believe my eyes.” Shane drove north and met with his close friends Shane and Jennifer Edwards. He saw a photo of their chimney left behind by the fire and asked if it would be ok with them if he painted a mural on it; the two agreed. A month later, they met at Cozy Diner in Chico, and the two shared their survival story with Shane. They drove up to Paradise together, and Shane completed the mural within three hours. He titled this first piece Beauty Among the Ashes. “I honestly thought no one would care.” Shane said, “We documented it with photos and a video which Shane Edwards posted to the Paradise Camp Fire Survivor’s page, and it went viral. I completed five more murals within the first week, and all of a sudden, I was bombarded by international media.” Shane’s murals quickly found their way to the covers of the LA Times, NY Times, and Washington Post. They were even featured on the A.P. and CNN’s weather

channel. In all, Shane completed 26 separate murals for the Town of Paradise, returning hope and a sense of community to the embattled town and using the murals and press to raise money for Camp Fire survivors. The experience prompted Shane to take things a step further. He created a foundation called Hope Through Art in 2021 to raise money for Paradise and areas that had been through similar disasters. He originally expected to complete 3 to 6 projects during the first year but ended up doing 14 projects instead, all of which were fully funded. Some of his most notable projects have been an art installation in the middle of a forest to bring attention to child trafficking and three separate projects for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, one of which was at the railroad tracks near Chico State. In the coming years, Shane hopes to extend his foundation to provide a number of educational projects for students where they can learn the

business behind art and take part in a weeklong project together that benefits a community. Last year, he was able to lead three of these as a proof of concept. “I still run into people that will fall into my arms and cry.” Shane said, “It’s incredible how much art can affect us and leave a lasting impression. We have a new book coming out called Beauty Amongst the Ashes that shares survivor stories and photos. Every year we do a calendar signing at the Paradise Arts Center, and they now have their own line of prints and apparel of the original murals. All of the proceeds go directly back to them, and it’s wonderful to see the change it's able to make on The Ridge. Nowadays, giving is what I’m most passionate about.” To see Shane’s most recent work, visit his website at www.ShaneGrammer.com and don’t forget to check out his Hope Through Art Foundation on Facebook. We have no doubt we’ll be seeing incredible things from him and his foundation in the years to come.

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WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

bars, churches, and modern changes Most of us know the city of Orland, California as the small town you breeze through on your way to Interstate 5 to head north or south to more populous regions. You pass by the Sav-Mor on Walker Street, Andy’s Butcher Block, Napa Auto Parts, the Honeybee Discovery Center, and head out toward the freeway. Along the last stretch are a CVS, Walgreens, and the ubiquitous Dutch Bros. It’s mundane America at its best with a few local exceptions.

Like all the “Westside” towns along Interstate 5 and Old Highway 99W, Orland has undergone many changes since the freeway was completed in 1965. Traffic that used to go through the western edge of town now bypassed Orland altogether. Long gone is the Arch Motel, Gardner’s Frosty, and Prince’s Trading Post. While nearby towns such as Corning and Willows eventually utilized the I-5 traffic by building gas stations, fast food businesses, and a huge truck 45

stop (Corning), for years the City Fathers of Orland wanted to keep the town insulated. Back in the 1950’s and ‘60’s for example, Orland was a self-sufficient city. It had everything you needed right in the downtown area: JCPenney, SprouseReitz, three large grocery stores, an auto parts store, drug stores, a movie theater, and food establishments. Content to keep it that way, Orland moved along through the years as the slower moving, sleepy little town people enjoyed. Chico was a hectic, bustling, traffic-jammed metropolis in comparison. As the years moved forward, people took their shopping to Chico in greater numbers. Eventually, stores and shops in Orland closed down. In the 1990’s a number of vacant buildings dotted the downtown area. It seemed lonely and sad to many, especially those who had grown up in Orland during the mid-century. Many wondered why Willows and Corning had taken advantage of I-5 by letting new chain businesses build along the freeway. Each town had fast food, gasoline stations, and other businesses catering to traffic flowing up and down the central corridor of the Sacramento Valley. Residents began to question Orland’s seemingly self-chosen isolation. However, change did come about, and today we can see many new businesses along the freeway, along with a continuing revitalization of the downtown area with new shops and small businesses. Also, Orland has become a bedroom community for Chico, and homes 46

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can be purchased for much less. The “modernization” of Orland has continued, but an interesting facet of the area is Orland’s historic past. One of the most intriguing examples of Orland’s past is its inclusion in the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” series which was published yearly. In the early ‘60’s Orland had, per capita, the largest number of bars and churches in a town its size. Pretty incredible, right? This may not be the type of celebrity the townspeople desired, but there it was. These days, not one of those bars is in existence as a business: The Richelieu, The Orlando, The Orchard Club, and Dalton’s have faded into the past. However, most of the churches have survived and thrived: the First Christian Church, the Federated Church, St. Dominic’s, and the First Lutheran Church all hold Sunday services today. You could say the forces of good still reign supreme. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Orland, there are publications to read and landmarks to visit. Among those are the Alta Schmidt House Museum, Colusa County Historical Society, and the Orland Historical & Cultural Society. Publications include The Land of Orland and Orland’s Colorful Place Names by Gene H. Russell and Orland’s Patriots by Gene H. Russell and Jay D. Russell. For a better historical understanding of Orland, I highly recommend each. **Correction: In the February issue the Hicks-Chaney Building was called the Hicks-Charly Building.

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328 Broadway Downtown Chico 5thstreetclothingco.com

Danny Ballard isn't your typical 20-something-year-old that's overly saturated with social media frenzy and the constant obsession over material things. It's a breath of fresh air when you meet someone with passion for their work, especially when you can see the love for their craft radiating from them. You know the typical saying about history, “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” Danny is sure not to let that happen. It isn’t that the past is bad, but it's ever so important to remember where we came from, what we’ve experienced, and what our past can tell us about the future. With his program, Walking Tours of Oroville, you are able to experience a glimpse into the town's past, giving you a newfound perspective on a different time in life. Growing up, Danny could be described as a historian-in-progress. Today, Danny is a full-blown historian for the City of Oroville. He first began unveiling history during his teenage years and has since curated a library full of knowledge over the years that followed. He started his walking tours with a dream and a karaoke machine; he now hosts tours with 100-plus people. It's safe to say the walking tours have grown to be a staple in Downtown Oroville, 48

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and it's a wonder to think what kind of information he will uncover in the future. Community outreach is something Danny feels a personal connection to. By hosting these walking tours, he is given a direct relationship to business owners and the locals that comprise this quaint Northern California community. Lola’s Boutique in Oroville is one of the many shops featured on the walking tours as it is rich with history! During the prohibition era, what's now Lola's Boutique was the old Ritz Club and Speakeasy. You would never know it though, as the room that proves it is hidden in the back. For a while, the tours were just a one man show. Thankfully, the Oroville Downtown Business Association has hired an assistant that makes the workload much more palatable. Carlos Ramirez works alongside Danny on his journey to educate the community and its visitors. Every first Saturday of the month, Danny and Carlos happily guide visitors into the town's lost past, hoping to help them discover something that rings true to their heart. This coming October, Danny plans to offer a different variation of the Walking Tours—

WRITTEN BY BEAU VANDERMATE | PHOTOS COURTESY DANNY BALLARD

Tours of the past

my personal favorite—his long awaited ghost tour. As you probably guessed, the tour features many buildings and areas that have a past sinister in nature. If you're anything like me—a true crime aficionado and storyteller—you will surely not want to miss it. The experience is something you can bring the whole family to as the stories are more Ghostbusters in style than Exorcist. When looking for a fun outing or just wanting to learn something new, the Walking Tours in Oroville are a great place to start. You’ll accomplish your daily step goal while being regaled with a boatload of random facts that will surely come in handy for conversation. Join our good buddy Danny as we wish him continued success in his maintaining of local history! You can find Danny on Instagram at @downtownoroville_walkingtours and on Facebook by searching Downtown Oroville Walking Tours. If you’d like to schedule one for yourself, plan on penciling out the first Saturday of the month and meeting at the Oroville Municipal Auditorium at 3pm, 6pm, or 8pm. 49

BIG RED'S

BBQ We could start this article by saying Oroville is experiencing something of a cultural revolution, but it would simply be repeating what we’ve been saying since the June 2021 issue. New restaurants seem to pop up monthly and continue to succeed long beyond the period of novelty that carries most businesses. Entertainment options haven’t been far behind, creating a selfsupporting ecosystem that makes the town a hotbed for budding entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and entertainers alike. Gabe Jensen is one such entrepreneur, and though his restaurant, Big Red’s BBQ, seems as if it should have been available in Oroville for years, it is strangely the only one of its kind. Gabe grew up in Susanville before moving to Chico to attend the Butte Culinary Academy under the tutelage of Chef Michael Iles, whose lengthy résumé is likely known by many Chico foodies. He spent his years at the academy learning the ins-andouts of restaurant management, running a kitchen, and serving a wide variety of individuals. After graduating in 2001, he 50

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WRITTEN BY AVEED KHAKI | PHOTOS BY AVEED KHAKI

traveled the United States taking up various kitchen positions, including head chef at Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Lassen National Park and executive sous chef for Nick and Tony’s Italian Kitchen in New York. He ran a Peruvian restaurant in San Diego; cooked at Michelin-starred Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California; helped run a restaurant on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and eventually traveled to Venice, where he spent six months working at various Italian restaurants and learning the art of Italian cuisine. Gabe returned to Chico, and opened Donut Rising with his original mentor, Chef Iles, to significant fanfare. It was, and still is, one of the most ambitious donut shops our area has seen. Needing a change in scenery, Gabe moved to Portland and worked at A Cena Ristorante before opening his first food truck called Island Barge. He relocated the truck to Southern Maine, partnered with a couple friends, and started the first food truck pod in the area, renaming the truck Taco Cat. He continued operating it with his friends before returning to Chico to care for his ailing mother. The truck and partnership are still intact, and they plan on opening a brick and mortar this coming fall. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Susanville with a father who loved to barbecue, Gabe wanted to open something that honored his roots. “I looked around and was surprised there wasn’t a traditional BBQ house anywhere in Oroville.” Gabe said, “There were so many people living here, and yet, no barbecue. It was the right place at the right time.” Longtime friend and manager of Union Restaurant in Oroville, Jordan Vogel, encouraged Gabe to follow his vision, reminding him of the success Union had seen over the past few years. He listened, and opened the doors to Big Red’s BBQ a few months later.

but the benefit of his training shines through in each dish. We sampled the smoked prime tri-tip, smoked St. Louis ribs, pasta salad, and elote. Each had a flavor profile that perfectly complemented the others. “I wanted to have a menu where customers could easily mix and match everything to their choosing and not have anything clash.” Gabe explained, “All the sauces are my own recipe and made in-house. The menu is based around how I like BBQ to be—a fusion of California-style and the southern-style BBQ I experienced while living in Asheville, North Carolina. Whether you’re ordering our beef, chicken, pork, or portobello mushrooms, you’ll find all of our sides and salads match up perfectly. Our pinto beans are like chili, our baked mac-n-cheese is some of the best you’ll find, and our collard greens bring a level of southern authenticity to every plate.” Four months into the new restaurant, Gabe is already on the lookout for a second location, and though we wish it was in Chico, he’s setting his sights to the south. Big Red’s BBQ is located at 1096 Oro Dam Blvd E, Suite A in Oroville’s Food Maxx shopping center. They’re open 11:30am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and not only offer an incredible dine-in experience, but cater and provide take-out as well. Give them a call at (530) 854-4175 or visit them online at www.BigRedsBBQ.com to see their menu. You won’t be disappointed! A stand-up guy who you’ll love to support, with a menu so delicious you’d have a difficult time doing otherwise, Gabe is furthering the evolution of food in the Oroville area, and we couldn’t be more excited for what he’s literally bringing to the table. Drop by Big Red’s BBQ, try it for yourself, and let Gabe know you heard about it in Upgraded Living.

“We found this perfect location on Oro Dam Boulevard in the Food Maxx shopping center.” Gabe started, “It seemed like it was meant to be. There’s so much traffic through this parking lot, and we just continue to have a steady stream of incredibly thoughtful customers each and every day. We wanted to bring something new to Oroville, and everyone has been so welcoming!” As a classically trained chef, one might be surprised to find Gabe making barbecue, 51

Visitors can count on more of those opportunities, with a new special being added to the menu each day. The remainder of Sicilian Café’s menu remains relatively constant, with the occasional special finding its way onto the dinner menu permanently. Their recent arancini special was one of these.

Chef sam watroba Chef Sam Watroba greeted me at the door of Sicilian Café in Chico with a warm smile and a friendly handshake. “Thanks for coming down!” He said as he pointed to the table he had set for us at the front of the restaurant, “Let’s grab a seat.” It was his birthday, and he was kind enough to take the time before prepping for dinner service to meet and discuss his journey. Sam’s youthful appearance took me by surprise—bleached blonde hair, tousled and spiked, complemented his piercings and the Dua Lipa concert tee he wore under his espresso-colored blazer. He reached for his bright green Rebel energy drink from the nearby Dutch Bros with fingers polished to match, sat back in his chair and asked, “Whaddya wanna know?” The answer was, naturally, “Everything!” Perhaps Sam’s youthful appearance came as such a surprise because of where we were sitting. As a frequenter of Sicilian Café over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing its owner, Chef James Taylor, a stately man who presents a significant juxtaposition to Sam’s rockstar styling. Though their appearances are worlds apart, one thing quickly became certain, they are both driven by the same purpose—to provide world-class customer service and a dining experience unique to Chico. 52

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Sam grew up in Paradise and made his way down the hill at 16 to work specifically for James at Sicilian Café. His father, also a chef and close friend of James, had spent many a year cooking with him at the restaurant’s original location on Walnut Street. “I started working as a dishwasher and within a few short months, James said, ‘Hey, you’re going to be working in the kitchen like your dad!’ I wasn’t going to argue, and I’ve been there ever since. Over the years, I’ve worked my way up to the chef position and been blessed with the opportunity to work with some of Chico’s best chefs throughout the process.” Though Sam received the majority of his culinary training from James, he was also trained by Nathan Birdsill, one of Sicilian Café’s veteran cooks, and Will Brady of Banshee, B Street, and Bill’s Towne Lounge fame. “I was a picky kid.” Sam said, “I would barely eat anything. Working in a restaurant encouraged me to explore new flavors and develop my palate. I don’t know that there’s anything I haven’t or wouldn’t try at this point. I love putting complex flavors together and creating menu items that I would have never tried myself, like combining citrus and savory to build a prosciutto wrapped salmon with lemon beurre blanc or seared scallops with a blood-orange citrus glaze. I’ve served both as a special, and nothing

When pushed for his personal favorite cuisine, Sam responds, “I love authentic Japanese cuisine. There’s something about the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare authentic Japanese food. It’s the complete opposite of Sicilian cuisine, where the beauty is found in its simplicity. In the future, I would love to bring some of those elements—Japanese and Spanish inspired cooking methods—into some Italian dishes. I feel like the fusion of the styles could bring about something really special.” Sam is also looking forward to making Sicilian Café’s menu more relatable to a younger crowd. Known for its 5-course dining experience, Sam would like to add the opportunity to experience their authentic Sicilian cuisine with an à la carte approach that also offers smaller bites and a tasting menu. Asked what he loves most about working at Sicilian Café, Sam explained, “It’s a unique and magical experience you won’t get anywhere else in Chico. I hope to do my part to make that better and evolve that experience as time goes on. It’s a two-hour dining tradition that encourages you to truly be present with the people you love and appreciate their company. I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of it or for the trust and opportunities Chef James has provided me while working here. I couldn’t do what I do without my incredible Sous Chef Xavier and Prep Cook Brenden. They hustle to make sure our service is as close to perfect as possible each and every night.” Sicilian Café is open from 5pm-8:30pm Tuesday through Thursday and 5pm-9:30pm Friday and Saturday. Stop by and see how the combination of talent from Chefs Sam and James creates a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

WRITTEN BY AVEED KHAKI | PHOTO BY AVEED KHAKI

is more satisfying than watching customers enjoy them!”

Los Betos!

After moving to the area and working in both the local agriculture and restaurant industries for a few years, Humberto’s family encouraged him to go into business for himself. On November 6th, 2021 he opened the doors to Los Betos with the help of his wife, Hilda, and son, Angel. Together, they are offering some of the most flavorful Mexican-style seafood in the area. Humberto’s Marisquera sauces are truly a work of art unto themselves. He imports the chiles directly from Sinaloa, and I can’t quite put my finger on what makes them so unique. Their menu includes delicious ceviche and cooked options like the Seafood Tower with cooked shrimp, cooked octopus, shrimp cured in lime juice, shrimp ceviche, fish ceviche, red onions, cucumber and your choice of marisquera, chiltepin, or mild sauce. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, I recommend the Shrimp Ceviche Tostada. Another fan favorite is the Botana 54

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Sinaloense consisting of cooked octopus, cooked shrimp, shrimp in lime juice, red onions, cucumber, avocado, and your choice of sauces. While the mariscos may be the spotlight of this food truck, they are offering traditional style taco truck offerings as well, and the barbacoa is not to be missed out on. One item that is not on the menu, and you will have to ask for, is The Governor—two yellow corn tortillas with melted cheese, grilled shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro in one amazing taco with a side of chipotle sauce. It’s a secret menu item worth ordering each time you visit. Not only is this family operation putting down some of the best mariscos in the area, they also play in a band together, and their music is a hit at parties and local events. In the future, the Sanchez family is looking forward to opening a brick-and-mortar location; I wouldn’t be surprised if it also had a stage so they could showcase some of their talents. With their convenient location at 2049 Fair St. and hours from 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, there’s plenty of time to try them out for yourself. If you’d like to order to-go, simply call them at 530-774-5510. If you are interested in catering for an event, they’re one of the best around. Drop by today and see why we can’t get enough of Los Betos!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY TACO TRACKER, RYAN STEFANELLI

Los Betos may be new on the food scene in Northern California, but Humberto Sanchez has a long history in the food industry. By the time he was 12, Humberto was working alongside his father in the shrimp farms of Sinaloa, Mexico. It was there he learned the traditional style of Sinaloan cooking that has made their seafood recipes so popular around the world. Within a few years, he was ready to spread his wings and decided to bring the refreshing taste of Sinaloan seafood to our neck of the woods.

Caffeinated Chatter What do you do for good luck?

AL AVA H I C O

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ROASTERS

Think Global, Drink Local

Steve Caldes I'm not sure if I believe in good luck

Order your beans online! www.caljavacoffee.com

as I'm not that superstitious, but I do focus on working hard and believe there's good karma in that. The harder I work, the luckier I get.

Kathleen McFarren I'm not particularly religious, but I do pray every now and again, whether that's to bring me good luck or clear my head for the day. It does seem to help. As one of my favorite sayings goes, “You breathe in calmness; you let go of fear.”

Maro Lee Being a political science teacher, I am always adjusting my lessons to accommodate for the ever changing political climate. It's my duty and responsibility to give the students accurate, reliable information that they will think on. I believe if I'm doing these steps, good luck or karma is sure to come my way.

Christiane Maertens Going on daily walks and runs is a must for me to start my day—finding that time to plan your day and get your thoughts squared away. If you're prepared for every day, good luck seems to fall into your path. Do good in the world, and good will come back to you in one form or another. 55

Healthy Food

OM FOODS I can’t say I’ve ever been this excited to do a healthy food feature, but it should come as no surprise since we were sampling two of Chico’s biggest names in the category. OM Foods became our first stop on the trail. To best describe OM would be to analogize it to a yoga studio that decided to transition into a restaurant, leaving its decor behind, but retaining an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Even while the downtown streets are bustling with people on their tight lunch schedules, it’s a very calm place with world music playing in the background. I’m certain, if the Saturday Farmers Market had a signature restaurant, this would be it. I was immediately intrigued by the Kale Caesar, having indulged in the kale salad from Crush numerous times. Experience? Mind blown. This completely vegan salad checks all the boxes. The kale is finely cut and tastes as though it’s been massaged—an acid and oil technique that breaks down the fibrous nature of the leaves, making them far more delicate than raw. The dressing has all of the salt 56

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of your typical anchovy Caesar but truly creative. The finely chopped cashew acts as both crouton and cheese, creating a texture mix that is soft and well-balanced. I like simplicity, and OM’s Kale Caesar seems to have very few ingredients, making it easier to keep them working together harmoniously. It’s light, leaving you motivated, not sluggish. I remember thinking, “Heck, I’ll have my daily walk right after this.” What impresses me most is OM makes eating vegan easy. I didn’t feel at all like I was missing a meat protein, and even the half-size was satisfying. Their team member, Summer, informed me that OM opened in 2016 but has been in its current location on Broadway for three years. Their commitment to sustainability is displayed to their diners with a separate compost bin beside their waste bin. Word is, their fish offerings will be moving to their newest location, OM on the Range, in order to be truly vegetarian. I guess I’ll have to try them soon as well.

On The Go

BACIO CHICO WRITTEN BY JASON CORONA | PHOTOS BY BEAU VANDERMATE

Known for some of the best food on-thego, and for years as a premier catering company, Bacio Chico’s delicious Power Salad was the inspiration for this month’s feature. I don't recall when or why I decided to order a beet salad, but boy am I glad I did. We sat under the canopy of the patio umbrella, enjoying the sun and our meals. A few picnic tables allow for minimal seating but the outdoor plants, brush, and ivy offer a welcome retreat at the back of the restaurant, just off of Park Avenue. If you eat with your eyes first, you’ll be twice satisfied, just as I was. My plate was delivered, and its vibrant hues were stunning. It's as though the earth opened itself and presented a bounty of health and robust color. There’s so much to unpack in this salad. The beets were full of moisture. A snappy texture from the broccolini was complemented by a sweet addition from the plump blueberries. The carrot would be best described as al dente—I know it’s not a normal thing for a vegetable, but it tastes like it's at the moment where crisp becomes smooth.

Rogue hints of salt, barely present, danced throughout, and the earthiness of the almonds ensures a varied mouthfeel in each bite. Each ingredient tastes as its healthiest version of itself, highlighting how delicious on-the-go food can be. So many choices can be found within Bacio’s modern commercial kitchen. Their takeout counter offers cooked meats and fish along with an abundant array of side dishes. As always, they still offer both pre-prepared options and sandwiches, even a few sweet treats, that will satisfy everyone at the office or home. Their newest case has gourmet cheeses, meats, and other select grocery delicacies. Try Bacio for yourself. The experience is sophisticated, not haughty or prideful—just experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly.

importance of beef to the Irish economy is centuries old, and even during The Great Potato Famine, the Irish did not eat much beef. (It is rumored that when Queen Victoria was told the Irish had no bread to eat and millions were starving, she allegedly said, “Let them eat potatoes!”)

It Ain't Irish!

This St. Patrick’s Day, millions of gallons of Guinness and Harp will be quaffed, hundreds of thousands of shots of Irish whiskey will go down the gullet, and tons of corned beef and cabbage—the quintessential St. Patty’s dish—will be consumed. The irony is that corned beef and cabbage is not a traditional Irish dish. To understand why it’s so popular these days, you need a short history lesson. (DO NOT skip this section! There will be a quiz at the end!) To be blunt, the Irish couldn’t afford to eat beef in Ireland, even though the country is teeming with cattle, especially County Cork, an important beef-producing area. Irish beef forms the biggest source of beef in Europe and is fifth in world beef production. The 58

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To clarify, the vegetable corn has nothing to do with corned beef unless you buck traditional fare and serve a cob or two with your St. Patrick’s Day feast. “Corned” comes from the large salt crystals—the size of kernels of corn—that were used to cure the beef. It is a cut of beef similar to the brisket and has been salt cured. (These days, salt brines are the favored method.) Corned beef is traditionally served with cabbage (another cheap product) and potatoes. It is simple in preparation as it is put in one pot and left to simmer for hours. I’ve prepared it in the oven, on top of the oven, in a slow cooker, and, yes, over a wood fire in a fireplace—a major undertaking and not worth it! In the end, the corned beef and cabbage always turned out pretty much the same. The Irish population, forced to live in slums alongside Jewish and Italian groups, discovered corned beef in Jewish delicatessens and lunch carts. They also got a taste of pastrami in the Italian section, and they noticed a similarity in taste to Irish bacon in both forms of the brisket. Ta-daaa! Corned beef and cabbage became a staple in Irish-American households, and the rest is history. If you desire a recipe for corned beef and cabbage (C B ‘n C - I wish I’d thought of that earlier), just hit up the old internet and you will find hundreds of options. To make the repast complete, don’t forget the Irish Soda Bread. And about that quiz? I prevaricated.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

A foreign exchange student once told me, “There are no Americans in America. They’re all Italian-American, GermanAmerican, French or Spanish, and IrishAmerican.” And he was correct. Americans identify with the lands of their forebears and none quite so much as Irish-Americans. It seems nearly everyone has a wee bit of Irish blood somewhere down the line. March is the Month of the Irish, where people anticipate the 17th with expectations of glee, potential drunkenness, Tullamore Dew, Guinness, and corned beef and cabbage. People wear funny little hats, speak in bad Irish accents, and pretend they’re leprechauns. Hey, even the Chicago River gets dyed green!

As a result of “The Great Hunger,” millions of Irish left Ireland and settled primarily in the United States, where they were promptly seen as lower-class citizens, slightly higher than African-Americans on the racist scale but below Italian-Americans and JewishAmericans. The relationship between corned beef and the Irish and Jewish populations developed because the Irish were relegated to the poorer sections of the cities, usually next to Jewish enclaves. And in the Jewish districts, corned beef was a popular dish.

Re-introducing: The funnels!

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

BOOK IN COMMON LECTURE There There, by Tommy Orange TUESDAY, MAR. 1 TOMMY ORANGE

NOBUNTU Zimbabweanrooted music

THURSDAY, MAR. 10

BLACK VIOLIN PARSONS DANCE

MELISSA ETHERIDGE One Way Out Tour SUNDAY, MAR. 20

BLACK VIOLIN Impossible Tour

TUESDAY, MAR. 22

ROBERT CRAY

BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR FRIDAY, MAR. 25

SUNDAY, APR. 3 MERZ TRIO

ROBERT CRAY Grammy Awardwinning blues guitarist and singer FRIDAY, APR. 8

NASSIM

MERZ TRIO Artistic chamber ensemble SUNDAY, APR. 10

NASSIM Off-Broadway Smash

TUESDAY, APR. 19

PSS PSS Part mime, part clown, part acrobat TUESDAY, MAY 10 PSS PSS

TICKETS 530-898-6333 chicoperformances.com University Box Office 60

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Sadly, the death of Jim Richards in 1995 brought about the demise of the popular group. The band tried to move forward with a new guitar player, but it just wasn’t the same. Jimmy, along with Tom Atmore, were the original members of the band who had come up from Ventura, CA to attend Chico State. “There were many moments on stage where the music became spiritual,” said Atmore. “Jimmy was a part of that.” Richard’s passing could not be overcome. Haws added, “We lost something special; something we knew we couldn’t get back.” So why now, after twenty plus years? “I’ve been asking that question all along.” Said Haws, who often urged, “Let’s get back together.” However, since Haws lived in Sacramento, and Bruce had moved away, it just wasn’t going to happen. Then, “Hawsie” moved back to Chico where he eventually persuaded a not-so-reluctant Atmore to get some people together. They recruited local musicians Brian “Gravy” Asher, Aaron Pico, and Bobbie Wickland to join the group, and they started playing gigs. Since their fan base comprised thousands of Chico State Alumni, they played before big audiences in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe, the home town areas of many Chico grads. In 2019, they played gigs in those areas and

felt the old vibe returning. “It’s hard to describe to people what happens when you’re on stage,” said Haws. “You hit a certain moment where you’re transported to another place. It’s kind of like a nirvana experience.” Jokingly dubbed “The Mid-Life Crisis Tour,” the group kept playing until our old friend Covid shut things down. However, the band didn’t disperse and decided to resume when life was back to normal—or as normal as it can get. In the fall and winter of 2020, life opened up enough so The Funnels could play live again. It was during that time they acquired a key addition to the band: Megan Schwartz. “Megan opened up a new door,” said Haws. “Now we can bring Joan Jett, Blondie, and The Pretenders to our sets.” Not only is Schwartz a premiere vocalist, she also plays keyboards and trombone, an addition that gives a new perspective to the band’s staples from the ‘90’s, like “Get Lost,” “Tijuana Vacation,” “Stoned and Stupid,” and “Life is Fun,” to name a few. Also in their sets are “B” sides to popular songs. “We like to mix it up,” said Haws. “We’re not playing ‘Old Man Music’ on stage.” The latest iteration of The Funnels needs a BIG stage. It’s a six-piece band with a keyboard, a drum set, and a huge percussion array. Currently, the band is in the studio refining old favorites and writing new compositions. They plan on a few Chico shows in the late spring and a road trip to SF, Tahoe, and Sacramento. “It’s a kick in the pants to see young people dancing to ‘70’s, ‘80’s and ‘90’s music,” said Haws. At the New Year’s Eve show at Mulberry Station, after playing “Rock ‘n Roll” by Led Zeppelin, they overheard a young woman say to someone, “I really liked that song! Who sang it?” Her friend replied, “Some guy named Robert Plant I’m pretty sure.” All is not lost.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

PARSONS DANCE Contemporary American dance

If you attended Chico State in the late 1980’s to the mid 1990’s and were even semi-conscious of the music scene, you knew who The Funnels were. If you were a patron of the many venues where music provided Chicoans with quality entertainment, you not only knew about The Funnels, you had probably seen them play live. From the Reddengray Pub to The Ping Pong Palace and Canal Street to frat parties—even people’s backyards and The Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, The Funnels were arguably the best party band in town. Made up of Tom Atmore, Jim Richards, Steve Haws, and Paul Bruce, the band played a collection of their own collaborations and covers of popular rock music of the time.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTO COURTESY MICHELLE ROWE

Dreams of A Black Belt President Big dreams start with little steps on a path of self-discovery, and this month’s cool kid is well on her way to achieving those goals. Meet President C.J. Rowe or rather future President, a determined 14-yearold middle schooler from Oroville. In accordance with her goal of becoming such an important part of our nation’s government, she loves American history and says it’s probably her favorite class at Stream Charter School. “It focuses on the history of our country, and we cover the constitution, which I’m really interested in.” Next year, she’ll be attending Las Plumas High School and is planning on taking all honors classes along with an automotive class as her elective, which she is very excited about. In addition to being a straight-A student, C.J. is working towards her black belt in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Karate. She’s been training formally for the past three years but says that it’s always been part of her life. “My dad had always wanted to do karate since he was a little kid and ever since I was little, he would always take me to Kyoshu Pat Haley’s place in Chico. So, it’s always been there, but when the [family] Dojo first started is when I really got into karate.” C.J.’s father, Wayne, is sensei at Ro Kazoku Karate. 62

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When asked what she loves about martial arts, C.J. says, “Everything! I love being taught, and I love teaching it. I’ve been taught so much, and it’s time to give back.” C.J. had helped and provided minor teaching in past years, but now has a designated class where she instructs 7–12- year-olds at Ro Kazoku Karate. When asked if she has any advice for others looking to get into karate she says, “Do it now. Karate is a lifelong journey and it’s harder on your body as you get older, especially when you get up to 5th and 6th degree black belts.” Regarding challenges with karate, she says with a grin, "There is one minor minus, you get sore.” C.J. hopes to travel to Okinawa, Japan someday to see the place where her style of karate began. That dream could very well tie into her career plans. She wants to be a U.S. Marine and work either as a drill instructor or teach hand to hand combat to the troops. After serving her twenty years, maybe with some time in Okinawa, she wants to be President of the United States of America. C.J. says of her future plans, “They may seem radical now, but they will happen.” With that type of grit and determination, C.J. Rowe can do just about anything.

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Upgraded Living - March 2022

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