Y O U ’ R E I N V I T E D
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The word "home" is powerful. In my younger years, it was simply the house I grew up in. It was an address—where my family lived—where I woke up and returned to after school. Indeed, the words “house” and “home” were easily interchangeable and used without much consideration for either.
As I grew older, I began to understand that “home” meant so much more. “House” began to feel cold and inanimate, even disconnected. It was nothing more than a building. A home was something else entirely. It was alive and had meaning. There were feelings and memories attached to it—love, safety, warmth, family, friendship, trust, holidays, etc. The divide between the two only continued to grow proportionally with the years that passed.
Eventually, when people ask where I called home, I would respond, “Chico.” Our small town had left an indelible mark on me, as I'm sure it has on many of you. Though there were plenty of experiences and memories outside of it, none quite held the same weight as those had here. This town is home to many of us. I imagine I wasn't alone in feeling a strange kind of unexplainable loss when a house that wasn't my own burned to the ground on December 11th. It wasn't my home, but it had come to symbolize the town that was.
While the Bidwell Mansion was certainly relevant from a historical perspective, there was more to it than that. For many of us, it symbolized home. Watching the collective grief at the loss of something few of us had even visited recently spoke to its weight in our minds. It further opened my eyes to the many things that matter in creating that true sense of home. Often, as in the case of the Bidwell Mansion, we don't realize it until it's gone.
Dolores Mitchell—one of my favorite artists and human beings— wrote a beautiful article in memory of the Mansion, and our Home & Garden issue felt like the perfect place to publish it. You'll find it on page 41. Though the Mansion is currently in ruin, it serves as a reminder to value and care for the things we still have that evoke that sense of home, both in our immediate vicinity and in Northern California at large. One of these landmarks is the Stansbury Home. Often playing second fiddle to the Bidwell Mansion, it too holds significant historical value, and Matthew Sylvia's article on page 11 gives it due recognition. I hope you take the time to visit it during operating hours and explore one of Chico's gems that often go unseen in the Mansion's significant shadow.
This issue is dedicated to creating and maintaining that feeling of home and reminding each of us how much it takes to do just that. Show the people and places around you the love and care they deserve for creating that sense of warmth, safety, and home that we often take for granted. In my opinion, there's nothing more valuable.
Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher
UPGRADED LIVING
AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher
JASON CORONA Sales Director
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive
SHELLY BRANDON Writer
TIM MILHORN Writer
MATTHEW SYLVIA Writer
MELANIE WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Story Photographer
CONTRIBUTORS
DOUG LOVE Real Estate
DOLORES MITCHELL Art
KATIE CIRINO Flowers
ALISA LEROUX Gardening
HEIDI LANGE Gardening
IN OUR THOUGHTS
In early January, Casey Smyth suffered a rapidlymoving infection from an unknown source which landed him in the hospital. Since then, he has undergone numerous surgeries and continues to fight for his life each day. He and his family have persevered through the unthinkable, and they could use our help. Please scan the QR code to the right for more information on Casey's situation and what you can do to help at his GoFundMe page.
HOME & GARDEN
Learn about the Stansbury Home, its rich history, and its importance to Chico's future.
The Chico Horticultural Society offers an incredible way for residents to stay active and engaged.
Spring into minimalism as Michaela Gulbransen details her favorite technique to prepare any home for the new season.
Master craftsmanship at its finest, Greene Makers Cabinetry brings kitchens to life with custom cabinetry.
Urban Design helps Todd Kinney achieve energy cost: zero.
Doug Love offers advice on two of the best investments for your home.
Katie Cirino details the best beginnercut flowers for our Northstate climate.
Culligan Water does their part in supporting the Northstate with clean drinking water and so much more.
Alisa LeRoux dishes on the importance of planning ahead for the summer harvest season.
Heidi Lange reconnects with her passion for gardening in Paradise.
ART
Dolores Mitchell pays homage to the Bidwell Mansion through the eyes and talents of multiple local artists.
Cool Kid Brodie Mallincoat leaves us in awe with his musical talent. Discover this guitar hero for yourself.
TRAVEL
Discover Truckee, California, our first stop in our brand new travel series.
COMMUNITY & MORE
Melissa finally finds something that works in her search for health and vitality thanks to Dr. Nerissa Prieto and Privvy Modern Health.
A new grant allows Enloe Health to offer free and less invasive testing for colorectoral cancer. Learn about the disease and how you can receive a free test.
Jason Corona is transported to Mexico when he visits El Guayacan, a hidden gem in Chico's Almond Orchard Shopping Center.
If you're anything like us, you've fallen in love with Brussels sprouts. If you aren't, this baked Brussels recipe may just change your mind.
Discover Chico's most adoptable pets at the Chico Animal Shelter.
COVER STORY
Marc Evans and Stacie Bedford bring heritage home and restore the Evans family name at their new furniture showroom and design studio, Evans' Heritage Home. Explore this beautiful store, located on Mangrove Avenue in the old Chico Sports LTD building, and get acquainted with these two incredible individuals.
Chico’s Stansbury Home
Even as Chico changes with time, sometimes quicker than we are ready, the past and our history lie on the surface for us to see and reflect on each day. A stunning example of this is Chico’s Stansbury Home, a well-preserved archive and window into the lives of early residents of our city, stretching back over the last few centuries. The home, located on the corner of Fifth and Salem Streets, is in the heart of Downtown Chico and was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It stands almost entirely unchanged since its construction in the year 1883.
Built as a residence for the growing family of Dr. Oscar Stansbury, the house was designed by Sacramento architect A.A. Cook, designer of many historic buildings
throughout California, including Redding’s courthouse, The Odd Fellow’s Building in Red Bluff, and Folsom State Prison. Inspired by the sturdy square manor houses of the Italian countryside, the ten-room Stansbury home was built in the traditional Italianate Victorian style, which was immensely popular in the United States in the latter half of the 19th century. Tenets of Italianate architecture can be seen in the home’s intricately molded and arched windows, accented with carved rosettes at their peak and angled bay windows flanked by colonettes. Throughout Chico, one can see many examples of similar tastes, including the Victorian homes lining the Esplanade and in memory of the famed Bidwell Mansion.
Dr. Oscar Stansbury arrived in Butte County in 1875 at the age of 23, taking a hand in his cousin’s medical practice at the Llano Seco Ranch. The small town of Chico was only three years old. In 10 years, he established himself as a physician and, with his wife Libbie, parented three children: Middleton, Angeline, and Ellen. Their elegant home was built for his young family and included an anteroom for him to receive patients. Stansbury’s carriage would take him around the rural vicinity, making house calls to patients, and, as there was no hospital in the area, he ran one himself for 14 months. Dr. Stansbury was a key member of Chico’s early community, profoundly caring for public health issues. For 12 years, he served as a member of the California State Board of Health, campaigned for public vaccination
against smallpox, and worked to pass the California Pure Food and Drug Act of 1907. Stansbury also served as district surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railroad, even creating a traveling exhibit rail car that showcased better hygiene methods in the home. He died July 19th, 1926, at the age of 74.
The Stansbury Home remained in the family’s ownership and care until the passing of Angeline Stansbury, their eldest daughter, on Christmas Day 1974. She championed arts and education, attending Chico Normal School, U.C. Berkeley, and the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Returning to Chico, she was hired as an arts educator at Chico High School, where she worked for 40 years. Angeline prized the family’s estate, and “her industriousness to preserve the pristine quality of her home resulted in its use as a model of Victorian life in Chico.”
In 1976, the historic home was procured by the City of Chico, partially purchased and partially donated by the Stansbury family heirs. Since then, the Stansbury Home Preservation Association has taken up the mantle of Angeline Stansbury, preserving and maintaining the house, rose garden, and wrought-iron gazebo as an essential symbol of Chico’s Victorian heritage.
Today, the Stansbury Home is operated as a museum, open to the public, showcasing the life and history of the Stansbury family. The original interior and furnishings remain, as well as a display of Dr. Oscar Stansbury’s office and tools he used in his practice. Tours are held every weekend, barring holidays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., allowing visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. Keystone events are held annually, such as the Ice Cream Social in June, which sees the grounds filled with tables, inviting residents to enjoy a sweet treat while partaking in a memory of 19th-century Victorian life. Each December, they also host Victorian Christmas, decorating the home in traditional and historical ornamentation. As a young man, I remember myself and many of my peers performing Christmas songs in the living room of the home, by invitation of the Home’s Association, all of us warm and merry, surrounding the hearth and sharing hot cocoa.
So, as our local community recovers from and mourns the terrible loss of Chico’s Bidwell Mansion, I believe it is more important than ever to come together, cherish, and give regard to the historical buildings throughout our city, such as the Stansbury Home. We can never take them for granted. Like our world and each of us, this city is ever-shifting and ever-changing. Let us look at those buildings and the people who built them and consider our history for ourselves. Looking back at that not-sodistant past, we must carefully reflect on ourselves and look bravely toward tomorrow. Our community and legacy are in our own hands; we each have the ability and the responsibility to guide this city toward a better future.
[Left to right] General Bidwell, General Sherman, and Dr. Stansbury played by Nick Anderson, Byron Mclaughlin, and Dino Corbin.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Butte County is situated in one of the world's most fertile regions. The Mediterranean climate and rich soil mean the area is ripe for planting and growing almost anything you can imagine, from drought-tolerant succulents to water-loving citrus. The trick is in knowing how to care for them.
The Chico Garden Club, also known as the Chico Horticultural Society, is the place for all things gardening, and they’re always looking for new members. Joanne Skeen
is the current president and has been a member since 2013. Her particular garden passion centers around succulents, with 80 of them snuggled in pots on her patio. She laughs and shares, “I call them my babies. My kids are gone, so my plants are my babies.” They require serious maintenance, not just watering but fertilizing, propagating, and planting. Joanne explains that the garden club is a fantastic source of garden knowledge and everyone learns so much from each other as well as guest speakers.
The club was established in 1921 and has monthly meetings at the Chico Library. Social time is from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, followed by club business from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and finally, the guest speakers present from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Their speakers share information on gardenrelated topics, such as tips on installing drip irrigation systems, beekeeping and the garden, and plant propagation techniques. Joanne explains that non-members are welcome to attend and can just pop in for the speaker portion of the meeting.
In addition to their monthly gathering, the Chico Garden Club offers greens workshops every year, teaching community members how to make wreaths, swag, and centerpieces before the holidays. This spring, they have their biggest event of the year, sponsoring the area’s oldest flower show at the Home & Garden Show on April 5th and 6th. They’ll have an assortment of plants for sale, organized by ones that do better in the shade or would prefer a sunny location in your yard. This year, they’ll also have vintage garden decor perfect for accenting your new plants. All the proceeds from their workshops and garden sales go back into the community. The club maintains the landscaping at the Chico Museum, donates flower arrangements to local skilled nursing care centers, and funds local school garden grants. These grants allow schools to apply for scholarships to help develop their garden programs. This year, the scholarships helped to establish greenhouses on one school campus and raised garden beds at various others.
If you decide to become a member, it’s just twenty-five dollars per year, and your partner can join for ten. Members receive a monthly newsletter full of that month’s club news and tidbits. It also includes information on how to care for your garden that particular month, planting advice, maintenance tasks, and pest and disease control tips. The club also takes a yearly trip to a nursery, garden, or other horticultural location. They will be heading to Redding this year to visit Wyntour Gardens Nursery. Joanne shares, “We learn so much from the people in the club. A lot of our members have different specialties. One raises bees; another knows how to propagate and identify every plant. It’s a great way to learn about gardening.”
So whether you have silver bells, cockleshells, or pretty maids all in a row, you’re welcome to stop in for one of their monthly meetings at the Chico Library, located at 1101 Sherman Avenue, and share how your garden grows. They are held the 3rd Monday of every month, September through June, at 11:30 am. They also have a Facebook page and a website, www.chicogardenclub.com, with more information.
finding your healthiest self
Melissa grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, wanting to become a veterinarian someday. However, her trouble with seeing animals in pain led her in a different direction. As reading and cooking with her mother were her main hobbies growing up, she found herself drawn to a more sedentary lifestyle. By the time she started middle school, that lifestyle had taken its toll. She noticed she was gaining weight; by the time she started college, she was 20 pounds heavier than she should have been.
Melissa eventually earned her MBA, focusing on leadership studies, and worked advising leaders across Fortune
500 companies as a management consultant. However, she realized she was having trouble leading herself to the healthy body she wanted and needed. She continued to gain weight that stuck around at the rate of a few pounds per year and never entirely took off additional pregnancy weight after giving birth to her two children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa reached her heaviest weight of 220 pounds, putting significant stress on her 5’2 frame. It was then that she knew something needed to change, and fast.
"For me, it really was just eating too much.” Melissa said, “I love food, cooking,
entertaining, and going on vacation where I can explore food culture. I eat when I’m happy and sad. Combined with being sedentary, you have a recipe for being overweight. I had tried several times to really address my weight, including a calorie-restricted, medicallysupervised liquid fast, joined Weight Watchers, and followed a strict low-carb/ keto diet for two years. No matter what I tried, it was always the same result. I was able to lose about half the weight I needed to lose, and then I would simply stall—not like a plateau for a few weeks or even a few months. We’re talking many months of sustained effort, and my body simply wouldn’t budge.”
Trapped in a situation so many find themselves in, Melissa’s a-ha moment revealed her unhealthy weight was causing other issues in her life as well.
"It’s always been problematic in that I know it’s unhealthy. I’ve always felt uncomfortable. I dressed in baggy clothing to disguise my size, hated having my photo taken, and despised looking at pictures of myself. Cue the pandemic—I’m home all the time, and guess what I did to entertain myself? I cooked tons of yummy food and got into the sourdough craze. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the scale one morning and saw I was 220 pounds. I’d been ignoring that slow creep, and I knew I’d let it go on too long. By then, I had high blood pressure and cholesterol, was using a CPAP for sleep apnea, and couldn’t ignore it anymore.”
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things differently. I also really liked how personalized the program was. I’m not a doctor and don’t understand how these medications work. More importantly, I’m not a statistic; I’m a human being, and I liked working with someone who based my entire program on me.”
The first medication Melissa tried didn’t provide the weight loss she was hoping for. “I was ready to give up.” Melissa said, “But while I was ready to throw in the towel, Dr. Prieto was just getting started. She reassured me this was a medical problem and that we would find the right
my before and after photos to see how much my life has changed. I look at that photo of me from before, and it’s hard to believe how long I was that person. I look better, feel better, and have so much fun shopping for clothes! I no longer shop in the plus-size store or section. My cholesterol is better, triglycerides are better, and I’m off the blood pressure medication. I am simply a healthier person!”
You only have to look at my before and after photos to see how much my life has changed. I look at that photo of me from before, and it’s hard to believe how long I was that person. I look better, feel better, and have so much fun shopping for clothes! I no longer shop in the plus-size store or section. My cholesterol is better, triglycerides are better, and I’m off the blood pressure medication. I am simply a healthier person!”
Melissa decided it was time to find someone who could help and discovered Dr. Nerissa Prieto and the team at Privvy Modern Health. Dr. Prieto took the time to ask the appropriate questions and get to know Melissa’s situation on a personal level. By doing so, she was able to take into account the factors that had led to Melissa’s weight gain and create a personalized approach to restoring her health and vitality. By combining medication and a long-term plan for weight management, Dr. Prieto and Melissa worked together to make her health goals a reality.
“Honestly, it started by accepting that medication could help.” Melissa said, “I’d already tried following food plans that relied on willpower, and when they didn’t work, I blamed myself. I was beginning to understand that this wasn’t just an issue of willpower but that there are biological differences that contribute to people being overweight. I started to think of this more as something that needed to be managed medically instead of a personal failure, and it opened me up to approach
solution. We changed medications, and much to my surprise, I started to lose weight! Dr. Prieto was very careful with dosage to avoid side effects. I checked in weekly, and we planned what I would do next week. We made decisions based on what my body was comfortable with, and when I started losing a healthy amount of weight consistently, we stopped increasing the dosage. I never had to go up to the maximum dosage—she was all about finding the minimum effective dosage for me.”
Reflecting on her new healthy weight, Melissa raved, “You only have to look at
When it comes to advice, Melissa is quick to offer it. “First, I would say stop blaming yourself or thinking that your weight problems are due to a lack of willpower or some character flaw.” She explained, “Yes, we make choices about the food we eat, but brain chemistry significantly influences those choices. When you’ve been overweight for years, there is a lot of internalized shame and self-blame. It was only when I read and saw so much success with medication working for so many with different physiology, brain chemistry, amounts of weight to lose, and personal stories that I thought maybe it’s possible it could work for me, too. It wasn’t about willpower but, instead, a medical condition that required treatment by a physician. Dr. Prieto did exactly that, allowing me to ask questions I wouldn’t have otherwise.
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Talking to a real doctor about how a program like this works and the experience that she’s had with many, many patients is different from doing online research. All I had to do was commit to myself and find the right doctor to begin this journey to a healthier, more vibrant, and more joyful version of myself.”
If you’re struggling with your weight like Melissa was and feel you could use a helping hand, contact Dr. Nerissa Prieto and the team at Privvy Modern Health. You can schedule an appointment by phone at (530) 309-0671 or online at www.privvyhealth.com.
spring into minimalism
As the days grow longer and flowers start to bloom, there’s an undeniable energy in the air—a sense of renewal that makes spring the perfect time for a deep clean and a fresh start. Whether it’s clearing out clutter, reorganizing your space, or embracing a more minimalistic approach, a wellorganized home can bring clarity and peace to everyday life.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by “stuff,” you’re not alone. Life gets busy, and before we know it, our closets are
overflowing, our drawers are bursting, and our garages are packed with things we don’t even remember buying. But here’s the good news: decluttering doesn’t have to be an exhausting chore. With a little strategy, a fresh mindset, and some tried-and-true methods—like those from The Home Edit— you can turn your spring clean-out into an empowering, even joyful, experience.
Before you start pulling everything out of your closets and cabinets, take a moment to set your intentions. Ask yourself: Why do
I want to declutter? You may want to create a more peaceful home, eliminate decision fatigue, or enjoy a tidier space. A clear goal will help you stay motivated when the process gets tough.
One of the most effective ways to declutter is sorting items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash. Be honest with yourself—if something hasn’t been used in a year, it’s likely time to let it go. Items in good condition can be donated to local shelters or sold online, giving them a second life
while clearing space in your home.
Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the masterminds behind The Home Edit (which is a method I have been using successfully for many years) have revolutionized organization with their simple yet effective method:
Edit – Take everything out and assess what you truly need and love. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, let it go.
Categorize – Group similar items together so you can see what you have (and avoid buying duplicates).
Contain – Use clear bins, baskets, and labels to create a visually appealing, functional system.
Maintain – Set yourself up for long-term success by committing to simple daily habits, like putting things back where they belong right away.
This method works for every space, from your pantry to your closet to your bathroom drawers. And let’s be honest—few things are as satisfying as opening a perfectly organized, color-coded space!
Embrace a “Minimalist Mindset,” which isn’t about getting rid of everything—it’s about keeping what truly matters. When you surround yourself with items that serve a purpose or bring you joy, your home becomes a place of comfort rather than chaos. Instead of stuffing drawers full of “just in case” items, consider whether those things are actually improving your life.
A clutter-free space leads to a clutter-free mind. It allows you to focus, breathe, and appreciate the things that matter most. Whether you’re tackling one drawer or your entire home, remember every step toward organization is a step toward a lighter, more peaceful life.
So, grab your bins, turn on your favorite playlist, and start fresh this spring!
master craftsmanship
Greene Makers Cabinetry, led by master craftsman Thaddeus Greene, is redefining custom cabinetry with precision, artistry, and a deep commitment to quality. With over two decades of experience, Thaddeus has honed his skills in some of Las Vegas and Hawaii's most prestigious cabinet shops, crafting for high-end homes and luxury spaces. His journey began in childhood, working alongside his father, a finish carpenter in Chico, and developed into a lifelong passion that brought him back to Paradise, where he now creates one-of-a-kind cabinetry tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Thaddeus’s approach to cabinetry is nothing short of genius. Every project begins after the extensive and detailed planning process in his immaculate shop, where he lays out each element exactly as it will appear in the home. This lets clients visualize the final product and ensure every detail meets their expectations. His keen eye for design, flawless execution, and hands-on communication make him a preferred vendor among top contractors and a trusted partner for homeowners seeking custom storage solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. Whether designing a luxury kitchen, built-in entertainment center, or handcrafted bathroom cabinetry, he ensures that each piece is a perfect fit—aesthetically and practically.
His reputation extends beyond Butte County, with clients in Sacramento, Loomis, and surrounding areas seeking his expertise. Trusted by Trilogy Construction and contractor-recommended for his precision and reliability, Thaddeus takes pride in seeing each project through, from planning to installation, delivering results that transform houses into homes. His work is more than just cabinetry—“It’s the jewelry of the home,” says Thaddeus. It elevates each space with craftsmanship, bringing order, beauty, and timeless design.
At its heart, Greene Makers Cabinetry is a true family business. Thaddeus’s wife of 20 years, Alejandra, manages the bookkeeping, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, while their eldest son, Brandon (18), works alongside him in the shop, honing his skills under his father’s guidance. Even their younger children, Maple (11) and Bear (8) are beginning to explore the craft, making cabinetry a multigenerational passion. Along with “honorary family” employee Brodie Hutton, their deep-rooted commitment to family and craftsmanship is reflected in every project, where clients receive exceptional cabinetry and the care, tradition, and artistry of a business built on integrity and dedication.
When he’s not in the workshop, Thaddeus enjoys camping, boating, and hiking in Upper Park. His hands are always busy, whether refining a stunning set of custom cabinets or tinkering with RC cars. His enthusiasm for craftsmanship extends far beyond his profession—it’s a way of life.
Those looking for a truly custom cabinetry experience need look no further than Greene Makers Cabinetry, which offers more than just exceptional design. Whether upgrading a single room or transforming an entire home, Thaddeus Greene brings expertise and artistry that makes every project a masterpiece.
Contact Greene Makers Cabinetry at (530) 864-7928 or see more of their work online at FB.com/greenemkrscabinetry
Julie Casimir of Oroville enjoys a pleasant day near Oroville Dam recently with her dog, Bella. Casimir participated in cancer screening through the Colorectal FOCUS Grant Enloe Health received. The test detected signs of cancer, making her eligible for a colonoscopy. Casimir credits the promotion by Enloe Health Community Health for urging her to take advantage of the screening, at no charge to her.
Catching colorectal cancer
A new Grant Allows Enloe to Offer Free Testing
Colonoscopies save lives because they allow physicians to “see” inside a patient’s large intestine to spot possible cancers or other conditions—even if the patient has no symptoms.
While this technology is wonderful, it can be hard on the body, requiring anesthesia, sedation, and a colon-cleansing drink. So, if there’s an easier way to screen a patient for cancer, wouldn’t it be a great option?
Fortunately, there is just such a diagnostic available. It’s one that allows patients to collect small samples of fecal matter, safely seal them with a preservative, and mail them to a laboratory for analysis. The lab provides results directly to the patient and doctor, and if the test is clear, it often spares the patient the need for an invasive colonoscopy.
Enloe Health plays a major role in providing
these tests to patients whose insurance might not cover this testing. Enloe applied for—and received—the Colorectal FOCUS Grant from Exact Sciences, a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, in May 2024. The $50,000 grant’s purpose is simple: to screen patients who aren’t up to date on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for colorectal screenings. It also covers outof-pocket costs for patients who receive colonoscopies following positive screenings, said Gabrielle Kasza, Enloe’s Healthy Here Coordinator.
Enloe has distributed 26 screening kits to patients out of the 197 who had indicated by mid-January that they were eligible after taking a four-question survey showing average risk. Each of those candidates could receive a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit or a Cologuard kit.
Fourteen have returned the kits; six patients have received or are scheduled for colonoscopies.
Screening 1,000 patients is Enloe’s goal—a critical number because Butte County has the highest rate of colorectal cancer, 36.4 cases per 100,000 population, in the state. A lack of primary-care providers in the region worsens the problem, Kasza said.
A ‘Simple’ Process
Oroville resident Julie Casimir benefited from the screening. She is a cancer survivor, but when she noticed MyChart urging her to be screened for colorectal cancer, she called Enloe Health Community Health to learn more. “I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t seen the notice,” explained Casimir, who had been previously diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
The process for starting the screening “was pretty simple,” she said. “You call and fill out a little form. They called me within a week, set up a date for me to pick up the kit, and explained the directions. I did everything they said and mailed it through UPS.”
Casimir said the results “were pretty quick,” and she received a call from Community Health, which she appreciated. Unfortunately, the test determined she was positive for signs of cancer, and she needed a colonoscopy, which she had in February.
“When you survive cancer, you assume all those tests would’ve seen everything, but that wasn’t the case,” she said. “I’m glad I called Community Health.”
“This project was inspired by our FIT/flu clinic, where—in addition to offering free flu vaccinations—the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center and our staff provided colon cancer screening education to those who qualified by age,” Kasza said.
“The most concerning challenge we had in this pilot program was that some positive screens that should have led to colonoscopies did not, primarily because of the cost burden,” she said. “This screening opportunity provides our community with another way to gain access to care before it leads to a potential late-stage diagnosis.”
Finding energy cost: zero
Known for producing some of the North State’s highest quality soil, Kinney Nursery initially started in 1969 on Hicks Lane in Chico before moving to its current location, a 100-acre plot of land just north in Vina. The business quickly grew, providing soil amendments, custom soil blends, organic fertilizers, bagged soils, and gardening supplies to customers as far south as Stockton and north to Portland, Oregon. When the business demands became too much for the owners, their son Todd Kinney returned to help.
“Our main business is local.” Todd says, “We work with a lot of landscapers, sell bulk soil to some retailers in Oroville, and sell directly to homeowners as well. We have a small nursery, but our soil and fertilizer have become so popular that we focus on that more than anything else.”
With Todd’s help, the business overcame the challenges of exponential growth and has continued to succeed, but Todd also faced challenges at home.
“We have a large house, and our electricity demands are high.” Todd explains, “When we built the house in 2015, we went all-electric with our home’s equipment and appliances. We had 36 solar panels installed on the roof, which we believed would be enough to cover our needs. Our True-Up from PG&E in
the first year was $3,200, and as PG&E’s rates continued to climb, so did our TrueUp. At the end of 2023, our True-Up was approaching $12,000, so we knew we had to do something.”
Todd called various solar providers in Butte County to get quotes, but as regulations were quickly changing and the solar tax credit looked like it would decrease dramatically, everyone was busy. The only provider that seemed interested in his project was Urban Design.
“Sean McCreary, the owner of Urban Design, came out on a Sunday in the pouring rain to take measurements.” Todd raves, “He was the only one out of everyone we called that acted like he wanted the job. He gave us three options—one would get us close to zeroing out our True-Up, the second would provide us with a cushion for the future, and the third would essentially cover any increases for the remainder of the time we planned to live here. We went with the middle option, which offered 48 panels. Sean suggested a ground-mount system because we had no space left on our roof, and he was very competitive on price. Urban Design’s bid was 20% lower than the nearest competitor, and they were the most attentive to our needs, so we went with them.”
Todd installed his 48-panel solar array in March of last year, and it’s already paying dividends.
“We’re producing around $700-800 worth of additional energy each month throughout the late spring and summer, so it looks like our True-Up this year will finally be close to zero.” Todd says, “We should recoup the cost of our solar installation in four to five years, and once that’s done, we’ll be looking to Sean to install batteries at our home as well.”
Regarding his experience, Todd has nothing but praise to offer. “We had a really good experience with Urban Design. Sean took care of any problems I had personally. I had his cell phone number from day one; anytime I needed anything, I called him, and he got right back to me. I would gladly use him for any other jobs, including electrical or additional solar work. He’s very approachable, and he takes care of you. I would certainly recommend him to others as well.”
If you’re looking for some of the best soil you can buy, visit Todd at Kinney Nursery in Vina. If you want to save money on your energy bill, look no further than Urban Design. Visit them online at www.UrbanDesignSolar.com for more information.
Effie has sold three properties for us—one took one month, the other two took one day each. She knows the market better than any agent in the area, and I would recomend her to anyone looking to buy or sell.
-James Weir, Chico
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home nestled in the sought-after California Park neighborhood! This home offers an inviting open floor plan, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Step inside to find a formal living and dining room, a cozy family room, and laminate flooring throughout. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, a gas stove, and a refrigerator, making meal prep a breeze. Enjoy the convenience of indoor laundry and unwind in the darling patio overlooking a spacious backyard, ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings. A two-car garage provides ample storage and parking. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to live in one of the most desirable communities! Schedule your showing today.
Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,705 Price: $2,600/month
Step inside this beautiful home and you’ll find an open floor plan with a spacious living area, centered around a beautiful fireplace. The expansive kitchen features double ovens, a 6-burner gas stove-top, plenty of cabinets and counter space with an eating bar open to the living room. The large primary bedroom provides a private retreat with en-suite bath, walk-in closet and direct access to your backyard oasis, complete with a saltwater swimming pool with pebble tech finish, an above-ground spa, and a built-in BBQ. Plus, with owned solar, you’ll enjoy energy efficiency year-round. Call today to schedule a showing! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 2,564 Price: $875,000
Seven units that are each 1384 square foot, 4 bedroom, 2 bath and fully rented in a great location, close to Chico State University and just a few short steps away from grocery stores, restaurants, bus lines and other conveniences. Each unit has it's own HVAC system, water heater, dual pane windows and a fully equipped kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal and a builtin microwave in some of the units. There is the added bonus of a private laundry room in each unit too. There are three units in one building and two in each of the others. Too much to list! Call for a showing today! Bed: 28.0 Bath: 14.0 SqFt: 9,688 Price: $1,750,000
Home Save
The Home and Garden theme of this month’s issue blends well with this column's ongoing real estate theme, which includes homes, of course.
Saving homes is the storyline this time, meaning saving homes from fire. Considering the horrific recent wildfires and incineration of thousands of homes in Southern California, this little story is on a tiny scale. This is about one house and one fire; a cautionary tale I hope will inspire people to make two small investments that could save their home, as they did my daughter’s home, which is about 50 feet from the home I live in with my wife, separated by our garage.
At almost precisely midnight last Tuesday night, my daughter burst through the front door of our house, screaming, “FIRE!”
“WHERE?” my wife and I yelled together.
“In my house!” she screamed. “The stove!” I sprang from my bed and sprinted to the garage, where I knew I had a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall. I unclipped it and pulled the firing pin.
I sprinted into my daughter’s house, through the smoke cloud billowing out the front door, into the kitchen. Flames leaped from behind the kitchen stove. I squeezed the trigger and blasted the fire down and out.
The wall was scorched, and the back of the stove was melted, but because the flames did not penetrate the ceiling and ignite that old, dry tinderbox of a house, we lucked out. It was an electrical fire caused by the stove’s power cord.
The fire extinguisher was effective because our daughter had the foresight to purchase a “Prepared Hero Fire Blanket " and stick it to the wall beside her stove in its compact packet, which includes a sticky pad and hook for attachment.
With flames rising 6 feet above her stove, she threw the fire blanket over the stove, preventing the flames from reaching the ceiling. There was just enough containment for our daughter to run for help and the fire extinguisher to finish the job. If there had been no fire blanket or fire extinguisher, no more house.
The two investments: 1. Prepared Hero Fire Blanket (preparedhero.com), $19.99 each if you buy six. 2) Fire extinguishers. I bought five at Costco for $29.99 each.
Both items will now be in multiple locations on our property. Invest, please.
Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.
"Sherry has assisted us in purchasing and selling four homes over the years we lived in Chico. Her knowledge and experience of the Chico area are a must. This time selling and moving out of state brought new challenges. The fact that Sherry is a very trustworthy person set our minds at ease. We cannot recommend her enough." - Marcia Bauer
This Country-Ranch charmer with elegance was originally built in the 30's/early 40's and we are told "shorty" was an owner/builder who was a stone cutter from Afghanistan!! You will appreciate seeing his work with the amazing hand cut granite walls and foundation that he knew his craft! This wonderful design truly brings the outside in with amazing natural light just pouring through the windows. It's fun to hike on your own 15-acre landscaped estate with fenced and cross-fenced areas. The sunsets on the top of the property are simply breathtaking! If you love fruit trees, here are a few that adorn this slice of heaven - Apple, Pear, Asian Pear, Plum, Nectarine, Apricot, Peach, Pomegranate, Fig, Olive, Pecan, Blackberries and Raspberries too! Don't worry about being bored here as you are close to swimming, boating, fishing & hunting. This home is located 3/4 mile from Lake Wyandotte, 4 miles from Lake Oroville. It's off the beaten path on a secluded tranquil spot. There is still Lots of adventure and wonder are still left for the new buyer while they explore! Gas, grocery and shopping are close by. The bus even stops for school at the corner!! With the remodeled kitchen and all new appliances, natural spring, seasonal creek, 2 water wells, large pole barn, tack barn, stone and cedar smoke house. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,030 Price: $539,000
$1,700,000
Envision yourself living in luxury while being right in the heart of Chico. Steps away from Chico State University. This home has all the luxuries of the modern world and the charm and character of the history it encompasses. It is warm and cozy when you first go through the front yard gates surrounded by trees. Open the front door and feel the sanctuary magic of a retreat. The inside has all the prestige without losing the feel of warm and intimate rooms. Also, preserving the originality of the Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style architecture, while meticulously sparing no expense on luxury kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This beautiful home has three levels; the space perfectly designed for everyone to spread out and connect through family rooms, outside patios, and game rooms. Every room in this house has charm, character and functionality. Original Australian hardwood in the living room and dining room, granite and marble counters, black walnut kitchens and cabinetry, steam room, wine cellar, media room, whole house Sonos sound system, high-end appliances, walk-in closets, beautiful light fixtures, built-in cabinets, stain glass, original renovated wood windows, and custom crown molding throughout.The large primary bedroom on the main floor has a huge steam shower, walk-in closet, private throne room, and built-in cabinets that connect to the laundry room through built in drawers/laundry pass through cabinets, showcasing this homes opulence and functionality above the rest. Imagine now a home with all the luxury of enjoying the backyard thoughtfully created to entertain, swim, putt, relax in a Jacuzzi, and rejuvenate in a cold plunge. With space for four cars; a two-car garage with two more spaces behind an electric push-pad gate bring security and privacy. This neighborhood also comes with four passes to park on the streets.
Beautiful double lot in a prestgious gated community, just minutes from Chico! Enjoy these breath taking sunsets, and Chico lights on this level building site, complete with 2 sets of house plans!!! Feel like you're on vacation, yet you are at home and surrounded by custom homes in a small community of 24 Custom Homes. There is a 10 x 12 storage unit with each lot. Beautiful pool and BBQ for the community. Wildlife can be enjoyed at this one of a kind property and opportunity.
Acres: 1.59 Price: $74,900
NOBODY DOES LIKE WE DO! RVing
THE RV PARK
AT ROLLING HILLS CASINO AND RESORT
Nobody Does RVing better than Rolling Hills Casino and Resort conveniently located off I-5 in Corning, CA. Great gas rates at the Travel Center and home of ninety-six 75 foot pull throughs makes it a nice place to stop and play. Fun is just steps away from the Casino, fine dining, casual cuisine, sweet treats and tasty grub at Fatburger. All nestled next to The Links championship golf-course and the hunting-fishing club.
TRUST
The Heart and Soul of Heritage Home
Trust comes to us in many forms, from a loved one, a friend, our caregivers and doctors, and even the places we shop. You build a level of trust and expect to be trusted in return. Marc Evans, owner of Evans’ Heritage Home, looks to establish trust with his customers. He and Chief Creative Officer Stacie Bedford have logged hundreds of hours planning, researching, and creating a business that is genuinely based on valuing the people who walk in the door of Heritage Home looking for that special piece of furniture, unique gift, or the mattress of their dreams.
Located in the prior home to Sports LTD at 698 Mangrove Avenue in Chico, Heritage Home is a brand new venture honoring a
family furniture history that began in the late 60s. Marc’s grandfather, also named Marc, started in the furniture industry as a partner of Larry Garten at Towne Furniture, located on the corner of 2nd and Wall St in Downtown Chico. In September 1966, he expanded to open Evans’ Towne Furniture in Yuba City alongside his wife, Joyce. Keeping with the tune of the family business, eldest son Art joined the company in 1970 after graduating from Chico State. With new energy and ambition, Art helped expand the business to multiple locations across Northern California. However, tragedy struck in 1980.
Sadly, Marc Sr.’s middle son Lyman died in a motorcycle accident in Magalia, and
less than a year later, Art perished in an automobile accident near Nevada City, leaving behind his wife, Diana, and three young children: Marcus, Jill, and Jana. In the aftermath of these losses, Marc Sr. and Diana sold the business to his daughter, Annette, and her husband, who continued the legacy of home furnishings until Annette’s passing in 2000.
During the ensuing twenty-two years, Marcus Evans joined the United States Coast Guard and served until retirement. Having grown up in the family business, he moved back to Chico with his wife Angela and twins Oliver and Alexa. He took over as COO for Evans’ Furniture Galleries, which at the time had stores in Chico, Yuba City, and
Grass Valley. In August 2024, due to economic challenges, the decision was made to liquidate the business. That action was Marc and Stacie’s cue to move on and explore a new venture.
Marc continued the family legacy by establishing Heritage Home, and for the first time since 2000, an Evans was back at the helm. Heritage Home takes a different approach to selling home furnishings and decor. This begins with the superb quality of furniture they offer customers and an innovative experience in providing fantastic decor and hand-picked products. “We don’t want people to pay more,” said Marc. “We want people to get more and are hyperfocused on providing total value for our customers.”
Trust is an important word to Marc. He trusts himself and his business partner, Stacie Bedford, to build the unique vision from the ground up. He is pleased that local lender Golden Valley Bank has supported Heritage Home every step of the way. “We wouldn't be here today if it weren’t for Golden Valley,” he said.
It isn’t just Golden Valley Bank but also a host of other vendors who have trusted in the success of Heritage Home. These vendors include CES Electric, Lenny’s Concrete Grind and Polish, Chico Signs and Graphic Design, Crabtree Painting, Chico Design Center, Petra Counters, Sherwin Williams Paint, Sohnrey Family Farms, and Buttacavoli Window and Door. Master Craftsman Joey Garcia completed the interior construction that transformed the aging space into the beautiful showroom it is today. Joey’s stunning work can be seen throughout the showroom.
“Large-scale independent furniture retailers are closing by the hundreds nationwide,” said Marc. But local businesses believe in Heritage Home and our future success.” There’s that trust component. Heritage Home will employ about 15 people, a combination of new hires and seasoned local furniture industry professionals who already have established connections within the community. “Chico loves to support local businesses,“ said Marc, and no one connects better than Stacie Bedford, the lead designer and co-manager who will work closely with customers.
“We’re not trying to compete with the huge furniture chains,” she said. “We offer an approach where we want people to come in and buy an entire room for their home.” Heritage Home will offer a variety of interior design plans and options to help their customers. Stacie, who has quite the backstory and years of experience with interior design, comes to the partnership with previous employment at The Address for Home Interiors in Chico and Plumas Interiors in Yuba City. “The first person I went to with this plan was Stacie,” said Marc. “I knew she’d be the perfect fit for the new venture and that there was no way I could do it without her.”
“We really complement each other,” said Stacie. “He
takes care of the operations, and I take care of the design and creative aspects of the business.” The two are definite yin and yang, representing each aspect of the business that melds into a positive force.
Stacie comes from Elwood, a small town outside of Joliet, IL. She later moved to Oregon, where she attended college at Eastern Oregon University and met her soon-to-be husband, Dillon. Although she chose to major in psychology, her career aspirations were always in design. After college, Dillon and Stacie moved to Chico, where Stacie landed her dream job downtown at The Address for Home Interiors.
In 2019, she and her husband, Dillon, had a son, Bohden. Complications occurred during delivery that nearly took Stacie’s life, but thanks to the exceptional professionals at Enloe Maternity Center, she and baby Bohden pulled through! This near-death experience is a testament to her determination and tenacity and drastically changed her perspective on life. A short time later, Stacie met Marc, who offered her a position at a brand new boutique in Yuba City called Plumas Interiors. Following Marc’s uncle’s decision to liquidate the current stores a few years later, Marc approached Stacie about becoming a business partner at Heritage Home.
Soon after, the two were lucky enough to obtain the Mangrove Avenue location before it went on the market. They have spent months working 14-hour days in the 21,000 sq ft space, creating the perfect venue for their clientele. Marc and Stacie are committed to establishing a home furnishing store that is not just a shopping stopover but a total home decor and gift destination where customers can buy everything they need for their home, friends, or loved ones.
“We are bringing in an array of products and styles that not only look beautiful but offer sustainability and fair trade stories,” said Stacie. “I hand-picked each item in the store and strive to cater to every style so that your emotional temperature will change as you walk through our hand-curated vignettes.” A few of their highlighted companies include Stanton Furniture out of Canby, Oregon, where they make upholstery from dimensional lumber sourced in the Northwest and offer a true lifetime warranty. Porter Designs and Napa Furniture focus on solid, renewable woods like mango and Indian rosewood. Heritage Home is proud to highlight its large, industry-leading sleep center, filled with beds from the nation’s oldest and most recognizable brands, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic, and Sealy.
“This store is life 2.0 for us, so to speak,” said Marc. “We have an opportunity here to bring in the best, to offer a quality designer with concierges to assist customers, and to create a whole new experience for the community.” Heritage Home also plans to offer events and workshops in addition to its swanky lounge, where people can relax while enjoying the space. “We want people to walk in and feel at home,” said Marc. “We are offering the best furniture value only blocks away from where my grandfather started, right in the heart of Chico. We could not be more excited to share what we have created with our beloved city!”
Heritage Home is now open at 698 Mangrove Avenue. Be sure to drop by and give company pups Joy and Penelope the attention they so desperately crave.
beginner cut flowers that love the heat
It’s easy to become inspired to try growing cut flowers. Contrary to what you may think, you don’t need a ton of space to grow enough flowers to have and share all season long. You don’t even need to have an extensive background in gardening. Here are some beginner-friendly choices that thrive in our Mediterranean climate.
Cosmos are the quintessential cottage garden flower. These whimsical flowers add movement and dimension to your bouquets. They can be sown directly into the ground after your last frost date and thrive in poor soil, making them one of the easiest flowers for beginners. They are considered cut and come again, which means that after you cut the first flush of blooms, they will bloom again all season long until frost.
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, and these days, they come in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. These are heat-loving and drought-
tolerant. A little trick called “the wiggle test” will let you know when these are ready to cut. Grip the stem a few inches down from the flower and gently wiggle it back and forth. If the flower wobbles around on the stem, you should wait to cut it. The flower and stem should remain stiff. If cut in the floppy stage, your flowers will wilt in the vase, but if cut at the proper time, you can expect a vase life of two weeks or more.
Celosia can add a unique texture to your bouquet. They come in various shapes, from long feathery plumes to tightly coiled cauliflower-like heads. While our hot summers can make some flowers hit the pause button until cooler weather arrives, these beauties hit their stride the hotter it gets. They prefer hot and dry weather and don’t appreciate too much water, making them a drought-friendly option.
Is there another flower out there that screams summer more than the sunflower?
Many sunflowers are heavy pollen producers, so look for varieties for cutting, like the pro cut series. Flowers the size of your head are impressive but not the most practical for fitting into a bouquet. My favorite spacing is between 4-6 inches, which forces smaller blooms.
Upright sedums make great cut flowers. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in the heat. They are also easy to divide— purchasing one or two small plants can quickly propagate to make large drifts of flowers in a couple of four-inch pots.
There are many more varieties that I could list, but these are some of the best beginner and heat-loving options in a variety of shapes to make beautiful bouquets that are interesting and well-rounded. For more tips and inspiration, come grow with me at @indigowildflowerfarm.
Learning from the Mansion
Artists ranging from school children to some of Chico’s most accomplished painters have depicted Bidwell Mansion for decades. It has been used for such things as a teaching aid, for computer manipulation, and as a “quick draw” competition challenge.
Surrounded by lawn, it offered artists multiple viewing angles. Its visual appeal included a tower with a widow’s walk, dramatic contrasts between pink stucco and green trees, and a sunlit facade above a shady veranda. A painting of Bidwell
Mansion—whether taped to a fridge or hanging in a gallery—was sure to be recognized and admired.
Carol Preble-Miles, who teaches watercolor at the Chico Art Center, recalls: “When I was
in second grade, Mrs. Robin Blomquist, our fine arts teacher, showed us her drawing of Bidwell Mansion that looked absolutely perfect to me. I told her I loved to draw too, and she said I might grow up to be an artist—a possibility I had never dreamed of before. I’ve remembered Mrs. Blomquist’s drawing all these years, and it inspired me to paint the Bidwell Mansion myself.”
Carol painted on location starting in the morning and finishing in the afternoon. “I used my camera’s viewfinder to make sure I could get the whole Mansion within my watercolor paper. I keep my palette full and ready to go, so I placed it and my water on the grass and settled down in a low chair to paint.” From childhood, Carol could judge
proportions by eye and was able to draw the Mansion’s brown trim without using a ruler. After completing the architecture, she took pleasure in freely splattering on the green foliage.
Artist and teacher Marvey Mueller often brought students to Bidwell Mansion to sketch. After it was destroyed by fire on December 11, 2024, she says, “I had to make do with photos of it to demonstrate perspective drawing to my OLLI Watercolor Sketch Journaling class. Enrollees learned how to draw this complex historical building by using both one and two-point vanishing lines or by building on spatial relationships.”
Cris Guenter says: “I taught art education
at Chico State for 32 years, and my campus office was in Modoc Hall with my window overlooking the back lawn of Bidwell Mansion. For my entire CSUC career, I parked my car in the Aymer J. Hamilton parking lot next to the Mansion and sometimes stopped to make quick sketches with colored pencils. On the morning of December 11, when my phone flashed a news notification of the fire, I did not want to
believe that Bidwell Mansion had gone up in flames. I feel like I have lost an old friend.”
Cris recalls: “I wondered what would happen if I applied new computer techniques to an oil I'd done of Bidwell Mansion. Using the software Affinity, I colored the major shapes in my painting to make an image. Then, I kept making new images with different colors—all done digitally on my computer.
I wanted to give viewers a completely different way of seeing Bidwell Mansion than they were used to.”
In 2015, from July 20 through 23, Avenue 9 Gallery put on a nationally advertised plein air painting competition to celebrate Bidwell Park’s Centennial. The event culminated on July 23 with a 90-minute “quick draw” at Bidwell Mansion. By 8:45 am, 25 artists had set up on the lawn and begun loading their palettes as spectators gathered around them.
Participating artist Lois Perkins recalls: "I chose a spot on the front lawn looking up at the tower that rises above the mansion. I was captivated by the window reflections and the wonderful filigree elements supporting the roofline. The play of light and dark was perfect for my graphite wash pencils. Working in competition added extra energy and excitement along with the camaraderie of my fellow artists."
9 am, a whistle blew, and artists began to rough in the Mansion’s blocky shapes. Viewers were mesmerized as the villa’s overall form materialized on canvases and pads of paper. 10 am, and artists added details—urns on balustrades, brackets under eaves, a lone palm that soared higher than the Mansion’s tower. 10:30 am, A whistle blew, and art making ceased, followed by judging on the Mansion’s steps, live music, picnics on the lawn, and an auction.
It had been a day that fostered pride in the Mansion and the art community. For nearly 20 more years, hundreds of local artists, alone or in groups, continued to draw inspiration from the Chico icon that was Bidwell Mansion. Currently, The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) is working on an homage that will run from July 10 through August 24 and feature photographs, paintings, and artifacts of Bidwell Mansion. More information on the upcoming exhibit can be found at www.monca.org.
As with so many historical locations in our county, the Bidwell Mansion stood as a reminder of those who came before and the legacy they left behind. Support these locations, like the Stansbury Home, through visits, appreciation, and continued funding whenever possible.
A Pinnacle of Business and Community Service
In the heart of Chico, California, a remarkable enterprise stands out for its entrepreneurial success and profound community involvement. Culligan of Chico, under the stewardship of William Bocast and Clay Farrell, has recently earned a spot among the Mayor’s Top 100 Local Businesses—an accolade that speaks volumes about its impact and commitment to quality service.
Culligan of Chico is renowned for its dedication to providing superior water quality solutions to its customers. William and Clay, the dynamic duo at the helm, ensure that their offerings—from water softening to advanced filtration systems— are nothing short of the best. Their commitment, however, extends beyond
just business operations. They are equally passionate about giving back to the community that supports them.
Culligan of Chico has taken a proactive role in supporting community health and engagement through a notable partnership with the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD). By providing clean water stations at various CARD events, Culligan of Chico is ensuring that participants stay hydrated and healthy while enjoying activities and gatherings. This initiative not only underscores Culligan’s commitment to community welfare but also enhances the experience at local events, making them more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. Their involvement is a prime
example of how local businesses can contribute positively to community wellbeing and sustainability.
One of their notable contributions is donating cases of bottled water to local schools, which students sell at sporting events to raise funds for youth sports. This gesture enhances the learning environment by addressing basic needs and sets a precedent for corporate responsibility.
Culligan of Chico has been actively involved in "Culligan Cares," the charitable arm of the Culligan organization dedicated to providing clean, safe drinking water to communities in need both locally and around the globe. Through their participation in Culligan Cares, Culligan of Chico has demonstrated a profound commitment to humanitarian efforts, contributing resources, expertise, and support to ensure access to potable water following disasters and in underprivileged areas. Their efforts have not only alleviated immediate needs but have also fostered a sense of solidarity and support within the community, highlighting the impactful role businesses can play in addressing global challenges through local actions.
Moreover, Clay has extended his involvement in the community by dedicating his spare time to volunteer coaching. His commitment to nurturing young talents and fostering a sense of teamwork and discipline among the youth is commendable. This engagement showcases the true spirit of leadership and community service that Culligan of Chico embodies.
As Culligan of Chico continues to thrive as a business, their story is about more than just water—it's about nurturing a healthier, more connected community. Their recognition by Mayor Andrew Coolidge highlights their business achievements and their integral role in building a better Chico. William Bocast and Clay Farrell exemplify how businesses can flourish and, at the same time, profoundly serve and uplift their community.
To donate to Culligan Cares, go to culligancares.org
The Party on Pillsbury
After multiple views online and a ton of favorable posts on social media, I made the long overdue visit to El Guayacan in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center. As I entered, I found myself in awe of the handpainted multi-scene mural that lights up the right side of the room. Lively mariachi music complemented it perfectly, following me through the room and to my table. Highback booths and chairs with decorative carvings celebrate the restaurant's name throughout the main dining room, with plenty of overflow seating in the next room over. The mahogany wood tone, deep maroon walls, and clay-colored tiles juxtapose the mural and music, creating a cozy environment perfect for any visitor.
My experience began with freshly made tortilla chips and a serving of both their mild and spicy salsas. I was told a habanero salsa could be brought upon request, but I wanted to save my taste buds from an untimely end. Though I sat alone, the energy in the room made it easy to forget. There was plenty of laughter, conversation, and the sounds of trumpets and accordions playing for the horseshoe of occupied tables.
How do you appropriately illustrate all of the flavors of a restaurant in one dish? The short answer is you can’t. I felt that a single
plate of enchiladas, tamales, or a chile relleno wouldn’t tell enough of the story, so I decided upon a combination platter with a salad instead of the refried beans. As much as I love sauces, I didn’t miss them one bit. Fluffy Spanish rice with mild flavor danced among juicy marinated grilled chicken and tender carne asada as I placed them in one of the warm flour tortillas. I topped it with some of the salsa I had saved for exactly that moment. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and mixed with soft yellow onion and sauteed mushrooms, which was a pleasant surprise. The combination made for a fantastic surf-and-turf taco during my second go at the plate.
Owner Jesus “Don Chuy” Gomez passionately brings his recipes to life through flavor, presentation, and seasoning. Looking around, the vibrancy of each plate echoed the mural, standing out among the room's darker tones.
As lunch progressed, the space continued to fill, and more people joined the everevolving fiesta that is El Guayacan. Whether solo, out for a date, or visiting with friends or family, you can’t go wrong here. Visit El Guayacan at 2201 Pillsbury Road, Unit 124, in Chico. You won’t be disappointed!
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planning ahead
My bare feet touch the dewy morning grass as the sweet scent of wisteria drifts through the air. By afternoon, the temperature will soar past 100°F, but the morning is glorious. I wander through my small orchard, weaving between 15 fruit trees, heading straight for the spring rose white peach. I pick a few and place them in my basket before making my way to the main garden.
Spinach and kale for an omelet, maybe some chives, and definitely a few heirloom
tomatoes for the afternoon delight of BLTs. I poke around, seeing what else is ripe, gathering the day’s bounty into my basket. This is my early summer routine, but the real key to success begins long before this moment.
In late winter, countless hours are spent elbow-deep in soil—amending, managing weeds, and fixing irrigation. From February through April, when frost still creeps in at night or sudden hailstorms roll through,
plants aren’t yet ready for their summer homes, but the garden is calling, begging to be rejuvenated and prepared for what’s to come. It’s tempting to head to the garden center on the first sunny March day, but time spent tending to the soil now will reap unmatched rewards down the road.
February and March weather in Northern California can be unpredictable. Torrential rain, heavy winds, and freezing nights often give way to bright, spring-like sunshine the
next, only for the cycle to repeat. When the weather lifts and those precious clear days appear, garden prep becomes my go-to activity.
Soil health is at the top of the list. It’s simple: replenish what was depleted last season. Local nurseries, worm farms, and bulk rock yards offer compost and nutrient-rich amendments to choose from. Whether you till it in or spread it on top, revitalizing the soil is essential. Weeding is crucial at this stage, too, and by far the easiest. The moist, unbaked soil of late winter makes pulling weeds far more manageable than during the peak of summer.
If you’re like me, your gloves have disappeared by February, your snippers are rusty, and your irrigation system needs repair. Now is the time to take care of these
things. Oil those garden shears, organize your shed, and check your irrigation lines for broken heads—casualties of last year’s harvest. Stepping outside on a crisp latewinter morning, with birds overhead and green drenching the landscape, let the desire to nurture your garden take hold.
By early April, garden centers are brimming with six-packs of every plant your heart desires. Storefronts overflow with flowers, and spring fever is in full swing. The urge to start planting is strong, but frost is still a real threat for those in Northern California’s Zones 8 and 9. Hold steady. Redirect that excitement into final preparations. May 1 will arrive right on time, and the garden will soon burst with joy and bounty. Take this time to nurture, plan, and enjoy the process. Your plants will thank you, and your harvest will be their letter of gratitude.
Baked Brussels
There are few vegetables that have achieved the kind of about-face that Brussels sprouts have over the past decade. Whoever they hired to run their PR deserves a raise, and we're certainly thankful for their efforts, as this once rejected sprout has become a highlight of our meals. Though it's nearly impossible to recreate the Brussels sprouts appetizers served at some of our favorite restaurants—specifically Chico's Red Tavern or Crush (believe us, we've tried)—baked Brussels is a great every-day dish you can make at home that's sure to delight those at your dinner table. That being said, we have to confess we regularly opt to visit the restaurants instead. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
- 16 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- black pepper, to taste
- olive oil spray
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup chopped shallots
Directions
- 2 tsp all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup fat free milk or milk substitute
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 oz grated Gruyere cheese or cheese of your choosing, grated
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray an 8"x12" casserole dish with olive oil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Spray additional olive oil over the Brussels sprouts and place in the lower third of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, toss dish, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
2. While baking, heat a medium nonstick pan over medium heat. Melt butter in pan and cook shallots in melted butter until softened, around 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the shallots, and whisk 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are incorporated. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens. Add fresh thyme, Parmesan and half of the grated cheese into the white sauce and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
3. Pour bubbling cheese over the Brussels sprouts, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until top is lightly browned and bubbly.
This Kid Walks the walk
Just his name evokes the image of an electric guitar hero— Brodie. He’s going to be that kid people talk about in ten years. “Brodie Mallincoat picked up the guitar at seven years old. Now look at him.” And Brodie just doesn’t talk the talk (he can and does). He walks the walk in the repertoire of instruments he’s learning to play.
When Brodie talks about his favorite bands—Rancid, The Descendants, Slayer, Sepultura, Anthrax, Metallica, and the Kings of the Hill, he knows their music. He names songs and band members. He even knows who Jimi Hendrix is (God bless him for that). “I want to keep on improving and getting better on the guitar,” he said. “I would like to make a living playing.”
Brodie, who is 11 years old and a fifth grader at Park View Elementary, saw his dad playing the guitar as a toddler and knew he wanted to learn to play that axe. He currently plays an Ibanez Jem six-stringer. On top of that, he plays the bass, and the ukulele; he is also teaching himself to play piano. Musicianship runs in his family, and his grandfather won a Battle of the Bands event in high school—his group got to open up for Carlos Santana.
The best story, however, is the one about his greatgrandfather, Eugene, a stand-up bass player who knew Sammy Davis, Jr. Because Davis was Black, he couldn’t gain admission to a “white” party. Well, Eugene snuck Davis into the party in a stand-up bass case. Very cool!
Brodie’s immediate family consists of his dad, Benji; mom, Tasha; and little sister, Ada. We can’t forget about his fiveyear-old tabby, Happy Cat. Along with music, Brodie enjoys flag football, CARD basketball, and Little League baseball. He enjoys math, science, and hanging out with his friends at school. His teacher, Bailey Lawrence, said, “Brodie is the kind of kid who effortlessly lights up a room with his infectious energy and warm presence. Exceptionally talented and quickwitted, he inspires so many of those around him. Whether performing on stage, lending a helping hand, or making others laugh, his impact is truly undeniable.”
Brodie is named for a long line of Mallicoats whose middle names are Clifford. “When I grow up and have a child, I’m going to name him—or her—Clifford to keep up the tradition. Recently, he played the National Anthem at an assembly where nearly 700 people attended. “I was nervous at first,” he said. “But once I started playing, all that went away, and I just played.”
Playing music is the focus and center of life for Brodie. He and a few friends played on the stage at The Commons on Park Avenue. He was extremely excited about that opportunity and can’t wait to do it again. We are sure he will return and can’t wait to see him hitting those licks up on stage.
WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN
bring us home
Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by calling the Chico Animal Shelter at (530) 894-5630. You can also visit their website at www.chicoanimalshelter.org
gardening life
Gardening has always been something I loved, but before the Camp Fire, I never had enough sun to make it work. Now, with all the trees gone, I suddenly have more sunshine than I know what to do with, and I have decided to take full advantage of it. Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of things—some worked, some didn’t—but I’ve enjoyed the process as much as the harvest. Gardening is relaxing; even on a stressful day, just taking a few minutes to water or pull weeds makes me feel better.
Growing my food has become important to me. There’s nothing quite like making a meal from things I grew myself. To keep my soil healthy, I’ve been adding mulch, worm dirt, and compost to my in-ground garden for the past three years. My chickens help out a lot, too—between their poop, the shavings from their coop, and all the kitchen scraps they break down, they’re basically little composting machines. Plus, they love
eating all the garden clippings, so nothing goes to waste.
The wind has been one of my biggest challenges. It dries everything out so fast; no matter how much I watered, my plants still struggled. I finally planted raspberries on a trellis along the south side of my garden, which has helped block a lot of the wind, and I have a steady supply of fresh raspberries. The afternoon heat can be brutal on my plants without any trees for shade. So, I planted beans and grapevines along the west side; once they fill, they'll create the perfect natural shade.
I have twelve fruit trees now. Most were planted after I rebuilt my home, and all but one produce fruit. I can’t tell you how much I love picking fresh fruit from my yard. During summer, I love canning everything I grow to preserve it. There’s something special about opening a jar of home-canned fruit in the
middle of winter knowing exactly where it came from.
Another thing I’ve gotten into is saving seeds. It just makes sense. Why buy seeds yearly when I can collect them on my own? It also feels like completing the gardening cycle, and I enjoy sharing them with friends and neighbors. I try to stick to organic fertilizers and pest control. I had a mole problem at first, but I put in some windmills, which worked well to keep them away.
More than anything, gardening is my therapy. It’s my way of unwinding, getting my hands in the dirt, and feeling connected to something bigger. Watching things grow, knowing I had a hand in it, and seeing the results of my work is really satisfying. Gardening isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a way of life. In many ways, it’s a lot like life; it doesn’t always turn out the way you want, and you get out of it what you put into it.
TRAVEL: TRUCKEE
As a snow sports enthusiast, there’s nothing I look forward to more each year than winter storms and my return to the mountains. Though the first hint of snow has me pining for the untouched powder in the pines, the early weeks of March are always my favorite. Home to bluebird days with unfettered visibility, these weeks offer a perfect blend of winter activities and spring temperatures—a combination unlike any other. Few places deliver these days quite like Truckee, and lucky for all of us in Butte County, it’s only a short drive away.
Truckee is a charming town that effortlessly combines rich history with modern adventure. March marks a unique time when the snow begins to soften, and hints of
spring bring new life to the landscape. This transitional month offers a blend of winter sports, emerging spring activities, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit.
Founded in the mid-1800s during the California Gold Rush, Truckee boomed as a critical stop on the transcontinental railroad. The town retains much of its Old West charm, most evident in its historic downtown. Strolling along Donner Pass Road, visitors can explore well-preserved buildings that now house unique boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Don’t miss the Truckee Railroad Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on the town’s railroading past, or the Old Jail Museum, a glimpse into Truckee's rough-and-tumble history. In
March, the melting snow adds a picturesque backdrop to the historic architecture.
As mentioned earlier, March is an exciting time for outdoor enthusiasts. The ski and snowboard season is still in full swing at Northstar California Resort and Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), where spring skiing is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Warmer temperatures and sunnier days make the slopes more inviting, and visitors can often enjoy their snow sport of choice in lighter clothing. The resorts host spring festivals with live music, outdoor barbecues, and themed ski events, turning a day on the mountain into so much more and the perfect experience to share with friends. Keep an eye on their calendars
for costume contests and pond-skimming competitions—a tradition where skiers and snowboarders attempt to glide across a pool of water at the bottom of the slopes.
For those seeking alternative winter activities, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing remain popular in March. Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort and Donner Memorial State Park provide serene trails where visitors can appreciate the snowy scenery before it gives way to spring. Donner Lake, still partially frozen, offers unique opportunities for photographers to capture the stunning transition between seasons. Adventurers may also try late-season ice fishing if conditions are safe.
As the snow melts, lower-elevation trails open, providing opportunities for early spring hikes. The Tahoe National Forest offers scenic trails with views of the Truckee River and surrounding mountains. In March, look for early-blooming wildflowers that begin to dot the landscape. For a more leisurely experience, consider taking a stroll along the Truckee River Legacy Trail. This paved path winds through meadows and forests, offering beautiful views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Truckee’s culinary scene is a treat in any season, but March offers the added benefit of fewer crowds and seasonal menu changes. Start your day with artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries from Coffeebar or Dark Horse Coffee—both local favorites. Jax at the Tracks remains a go-to spot for comfort food, with hearty breakfasts and burgers that hit the spot after a morning on the slopes.
For dinner, Stella continues to impress with farm-to-table dishes featuring early spring ingredients. If you want a relaxed evening, visit Old Town Tap for wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. Truckee Brewing Company offers a taste of Truckee with their beers, which often reflect the changing seasons. Finally, Bar of America delights with thoughtful dishes, experienced bartenders, and a cocktail list you’ll love. My recommendation is to order one of their piled-high burgers with a Trader Vic’s Mai Tai—the two never disappoint.
As the weather warms, Truckee turns up the beat, coming to life with art shows and community gatherings. I advise subscribing to local event calendars for pop-up markets and workshops celebrating Truckee’s vibrant arts and crafts scene. I have no doubt you’ll be surprised by just how much this small town has to offer in the way of artisan offerings.
Convinced that Truckee is worth the short trip? You’ll be pleased to find a range of accommodations that cater to March travelers. For a historic experience, the Truckee Hotel provides vintage charm and modern comforts. Vacation rentals with fireplaces and hot tubs abound on Airbnb and VRBO, especially for those looking to relax after a day outdoors. Luxury seekers can opt for the Ritz-Carlton at Northstar, which offers ski-in/ski-out access and spa treatments to rejuvenate tired muscles. The hotel’s outdoor fire pits and hot drinks are perfect for crisp March evenings. A quick peek at Expedia
will reveal so much more available, but pros know to call the hotel directly and ask for the best price they have to offer. Many have negotiated rates with online travel sites and are willing to provide a lower price than you’ll find online. In doing so, you save money on your stay, and they save money on paying commissions—it’s a win-win.
Located just off Interstate 80, Truckee is a short trip from Butte County—between two and two-and-ahalf hours, depending on your starting point and road conditions. If you want to experience it in a unique way, opt for the California Zephyr train, which provides endless views of snow-capped mountains and thawing rivers along the way.
Truckee is committed to preserving its natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, use reusable containers, and support local businesses with eco-friendly practices. March travelers should also be prepared for varying weather conditions, from snowy mornings to sunny afternoons. Carrying layers and checking road conditions before traveling is essential. Download the QuickMap app from the App Store to keep an eye on road conditions, and if 4-wheel drive or snow tires are required, seriously consider your travel plans before venturing out. It always seems like a good idea until the elements eventually take over, and the freeway becomes a giant ice luge.
March in Truckee offers a unique blend of winter and spring activities, creating a versatile travel experience. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring thawing trails, or savoring the local cuisine, Truckee’s charm and natural beauty shine during this time of year. Pack your layers, bring your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Sierra Nevadas!
Some of the delicious finds at Truckee's Bar of America
