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• All The Bitters
"I'm not an artist!" It seems to be the mantra of nearly every artist I speak with. They'll often complete the thought by saying, "It's just something I do," or "I do it for fun." Even if art is their chosen profession, they still seem to deny themselves the exaltation.
Over the years, I've had the honor and pleasure of interviewing some of the finest artists in the North Valley, and though they are widely thought of as masters in their field, they continue to sidestep the title. Many of the artists we interviewed in this issue echoed those same words, and I couldn't help but chuckle each and every time I heard the claim.
Art has been a core feature of Upgraded Living since I started the magazine, and I'm proud to be surrounded by so many individuals on our team who continue to push for its promotion month after month. Whether visual, literary, or performing art, there's a member of our team who sits in its corner advocating for its importance and inclusion in each issue. It isn't difficult to do either, as we are blessed with an abundance of artists to choose from in every category throughout the Northstate.
It isn't just the abundance that makes featuring artists so easy though—it's the humility that most exude when presented with the opportunity to have a spotlight pointed in their direction. Seldom have I interviewed an artist that felt they deserved to be highlighted. Again, most don't even consider themselves artists to begin with, much less worthy of note. In a world so focused on self-promotion and aggrandizement, they create out of generosity and passion, often without recognition or compensation. It is a welcome counterbalance.
As someone who is truly not an artist, I am held in awe at what our community of artists create and how lucky we are to have these individuals among us. Their work brightens barren walls, shines a light on social injustice, and provides us a door to better discover ourselves. I encourage you to use this issue to explore the art that exists all around us and go beyond it to find what speaks to you. With so many opportunities available during Artober, there's no better time than now.
Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher
UPGRADED LIVING
JASON CORONA Sales Director
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive
SHELLY BRANDON Writer
TIM MILHORN Writer
MADDIE RODRIGUEZ Writer
DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer
ERIK BROWN Cover Design AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher
DOLORES MITCHELL Art
DOUG LOVE Real Estate
THE ARTS
The DCBA reimagines Artober FEST in a month-long celebration full of special can’t-miss events.
Urban landscapes—explore some of the county's most exciting public art masterpieces
Meet six of our favorite local artists and discover their incredible work.
The annual Open Studios Art Tour is sure to delight the culture-hungry of all ages.
Asya Leslie’s quilts celebrating triumph over cancer are part of Enloe Health’s Banners of Hope display.
A look back at Chico’s music scene reveals how guitarist Dana Olsen has been with it every step of the way.
FOOD
Our resident ingredient guru, Tim Milhorn gets to the root of chicory.
Looking to tweak your morning routine? We'll show you how using our ingredient of the month.
Larb and in charge: Our monthly sustenance scavenger hunt rewards us with the bold and delicious flavors of Kathy’s Deli.
COMMUNITY
Find Pore-fection with Icon Healthcare's newest addition, Natalie Barnett, MSBS, PA-C.
Etchings in Stone: a special walking tour of the many places of rest throughout Butte County
Doug Love delivers yet again with dwellings that are as much art as they are abode.
COMMUNITY CONT'D
Touch-ups and facelifts—brushing over a different canvas with Brady Shaw Painting
A visit to Soul House Energy Healing will have you feeling recharged and in life's harmonious balance.
Elegant, iconic, and timeless: The fresh and thoughtful vision behind the first Miss Chico Pageant
Giving season is upon us! Find out how to help others while filling your cup.
Chico High Junior Mohammad Saeidah celebrates diversity as he chases the American dream.
COVER STORY
Challenge accepted: Urban Design meets increasing needs with exceeded expectations as one of the most relevant improvement businesses in the Northstate.
ON THE COVER: URBAN DESIGN
PHOTO BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Downtown Chico Business Association
Reimagines ARTober FEST
Debbie LaPlant Moseley, DCBA’s general manager, worked like a master quilter as she retained traditional ARTober FEST elements, such as The Art & Wine Walk and the Harvest Sidewalk Sale; added new elements, such as an Emerging Artists Exhibition and Art in the Plaza; then stitched it all together to form a comprehensive calendar that covers the whole month of October. You can have one for free at DCBA’s new location, 338 Broadway, next to Rawbar.
Chico Arts Commissioner Bonnie Pipkin recalls, “All the ARTober FEST planning
meetings I’ve attended have been so open to input, and Debbie’s responses to suggestions were always, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ She wanted to create an allencompassing event that any interested artist or businessperson could find a way into as a participant.”
Debbie says, “It was when I was a high school student working at Oser’s Department Store that I first developed my love for Chico’s downtown. I am just one of many who are putting positive energy into revitalizing our downtown district. Our work is made easier by our
existing mix of retail and restaurants, our public art, and having the CSUC campus as a neighbor.”
This short article can only hint at the richness of the reimagined ARTober FEST, which incorporates Laxson performances, monca exhibitions, and a free Monkey Wrench! concert on the CSUC lawn—for starters. What follows are ARTober FEST appetizers. For the complete menu, go to: www.downtownchico.org.
"Art in the Windows” will last through October. You can meet many artists who have displayed artwork and hear live music at the October 4th “Art & Wine Walk” (4-8 pm). It’s a free event other than $10 tickets if you partake in regional wine and beer tastings.
During the “Art & Wine Walk,” furniture designer Mattie Hinkley, who teaches at CSUC and Butte College, will have a “Pop Up Preview” of her non-profit gallery “Second Cousin.” The gallery is set to open next year after extensive remodeling of the former Mr. Kopy at 119 Main Street. Mattie says: “Our goal at “Second Cousin” is to engage the public in dialogue about contemporary art, craft, and design through exhibiting emerging makers and by educational programming that builds connections between California’s Central Valley and the global community. We plan to host lectures, critiques, workshops, and film screenings. Ideally, Downtown Chico should be full of activities encouraging people to linger and walk around.”
Jewelry designer Amy Waltz will also be on the Art & Wine Walk, having moved into what had been Magna Carta at 113 W. Second Street. The paintings in her windows are by Caitlyn Schwerin. Amy Waltz Designs started at a kitchen table in the foothills of Northern California when a group of women with diverse talents joined to create a business. Amy says, “Every day, we collaborate on making the highest quality, most ethical, and beautiful jewelry possible, and we imbue it all with love.” Amy is “looking forward to being part of Downtown Chico's renaissance.”
On October 12th and 13th, the first week of CAC’s Open Studios, Janet Lombardi Blixt will demonstrate how she creates a
landscape with pastels. Janet says, “I’ve used pastels for 25 years. I love its tactile nature and how I can blend pigments with my fingers. My Chico Art School & Gallery is at 261 E. 3rd Street. Look for a little gray house with a bright yellow Van Gogh door across from Farmer’s Market.”
On October 19th and 20th, Mick Needham of Needham Stained Glass Studio, 337 Broadway, will be working on a stained glass window in a style influenced by Art Nouveau. His bestknown glasswork can be seen at Sierra Nevada. Mick, who operates one of Downtown Chico’s oldest businesses (1969), is on the verge of retirement.
On Thursday, October 24th, at 7 pm in CSUC’s Laxson Auditorium, Bonnie Pipkin will host “Bonfire,” a multi-generational storytelling event. Bonnie grew up in Chico, moved to New York after high school, received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and published her first novel, "Aftercare Instructions,” in 2017. Bonnie says, “After my first child was born in 2018, my husband and I settled back in Chico. Upon having a second baby, I joined the Chico Arts Commission and began using Ama Posey’s art studio to host ‘Bonfire’ for storytelling events. On October 24th, I’ll put on ‘Bonfire’s Big Night Out!’ in an open mic, story-slam style. It’s $22 for general admission and $12 for students. There is a Free Story Slam Workshop on Tuesday, October 15th, at the Chico Women's Club.”
The grand finale, “ARTober FEST Fall Art Show,” will be held in the Downtown Plaza on October 26th from 10 am to 4 pm and will include art exhibits, caricature drawings, Latin music by “Los Cabellitos de la Cancion,” and concerts by Butte’s Music Department. At 4:30 pm, DCBA will unveil its new Placemaking Initiative, which aims to promote the arts for community betterment.
Since childhood, Debbie LaPlant Moseley has loved to make exciting things happen. She’d pull neighborhood kids together by yelling, “Come on! Let’s make a circus!” She believes a reimagined ARTober FEST will reinvigorate Downtown Chico and spread awareness of Chico as a top-notch North State cultural destination.
Urban Landscapes
The
art that surrounds
It is often said that art exists all around us, with nature being the most prolific artist of all. In Butte County, we are blessed to not only have countless masterpieces in our topography but also a wealth of gifts bestowed by local artists. Our favorite of these offerings are murals. Vital to our communities, they transform public spaces, turning bland walls into vibrant canvases that reflect our local culture, history, and identity. This visual storytelling fosters a sense of belonging and pride, creating a shared narrative that resonates with all of us.
Murals often serve as a platform for social commentary, raising awareness about important issues, and inspiring dialogue. They can beautify neglected areas, encouraging community engagement and revitalization efforts. Furthermore, murals attract tourists, and promote visibility of our county, boosting the local economy while showcasing artistic talent.
Art in public spaces breaks down barriers, making creativity accessible to all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. By inviting everyone to experience art in their everyday lives, murals enrich environments and encourage creativity, ultimately enhancing everyone's quality of life. In essence, they are a powerful tool for community expression and connection, reflecting the spirit of the places they inhabit.
The following are some of our favorite murals and where to find them, but it is by no means an exhaustive representation of what exists throughout the county. We hope you take the time to explore your surroundings and discover the ones that speak directly to you.
Mural by Valerie Rose | Located in the 1st Street parking lot between Wall and Main Streets in Chico
Mural by Lulu Lynn Smith | Located at Taylor Hall at the corner of 1st and Salem Streets in Chico
Mural by Jedrek Speer | Located at Chico Rotary Plaza at the intersection of 7th and Wall Streets in Chico
Mural by Caira Hart | Located at Ital Imports 341 Main Street in Chico
Mural by Jesus Ramirez | Located at 1st and Broadway Streets in Chico
Mural by Fred Daley | Located at 1910 Bird Street in Oroville
Mural by John Pugh | Located at Taylor Hall at the corner of 1st and Salem Streets in Chico
Mural by Christian Garcia | Located at 5923 Clark Road in Paradise
Mural by Jedrek Speer | Located at Paradise Boys & Girls Club, 6241 Skyway in Paradise
Mural by Ted Hanson and Frank Wilson | Located at Corner of Lincoln and Bird Streets
Mural by Shyla Cook | Located at Butte County Office of Education, 1859 Bird Street in Oroville
Located at 1898 Bird Street in Oroville
Christine MacShane
Christine MacShane started painting when her mom gave her a set of oil paints. “I opened that set, and the smell of the oil paint made me want to paint right away,” she said. “I remember being frustrated at not being able to make the paint do what I wanted it to do.” These days, Christine uses acrylics and watercolors.
Acrylic paint is a popular medium at MacShane’s art classes, and she teaches a variety of people. “Coming into the studio gives the students two hours to destress and focus on a calming and
Heather Vereschagin
positive experience,” she said. MacShane has experience working with people from various circumstances. She’s worked with autistic individuals, gang kids in Oroville, and unhoused people in local shelters.
One of her crowning achievements is a documentary she made with Chris Smith called Labels, which has been shown at the Pageant Theater and monca. It follows the homeless and how art affects their lives in a positive manner. For more information about Christine and her beautiful artwork, visit www.christinemacshane.com.
You may know Heather from Chico Eye Center, where she works as a surgical counselor, or around town as an extraordinary mom to Michaela (10) and Matthew (7). However, what many don’t know is that Heather is also an extraordinary muralist with an incredible eye for detail. Whether designing sweeping murals or adding subtle accents to homes and offices, her ability to transform any idea into a stunning masterpiece is truly
remarkable. Heather began oil painting at age 11 as an outlet during her sister’s battle with Lyme disease, and her first mural was for her nephew, now in high school. Since then, she has completed many more for friends and clients, and her passion for art has only grown. She consistently exceeds expectations by bringing visions to life with creativity and precision. Her craftsmanship shines through in every stroke, making each piece a captivating work of art.
Finding Pore-fection
Growing up in Hudson, Ohio, Natalie Barnett, MSBS, PA-C, always had a passion for medicine and was encouraged to pursue it by her family of great role models and medical providers. She was raised by her father and mother, a paramedic-firefighter and CRNA. Her godparents were both physicians, and her brother became a pediatric anestisiologist in the Bay Area as well. No doubt, being surrounded by medical providers inspired her to pursue a career that combined her fascination with medicine and her desire to help others.
Keeping with family tradition, she attended the University of Akron in Ohio as an undergrad and earned her degree in exercise science pre-physical therapy. She continued her studies at the University of Toledo, earning her Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration on physician assistant studies. With this background, Natalie gained valuable experience and discovered a genuine love for skincare, which she decided to focus on as her area of expertise.
When asked to describe her experience, she described it as a rigorous curriculum preparing her to support her current and future patients while allowing her to become confident in providing all aspects of dermatological care, from preventive skincare to managing acute and chronic skin conditions in all ages. She is proud and excited to use this knowledge and experience to help individuals in her new community. She also feels very fortunate to have supportive and collaborative relationships with the physicians at Chico Derm, allowing her to thrive and excel in their primary care/skincare setting.
PA-Cs are trained in general medicine, enabling them to diagnose and treat patients in all aspects of their health journey. While her true love lies in dermatology, she is really enjoying this opportunity to treat the "whole patient," caring for all their needs and concerns.
Making the move from Northeast Ohio to Chico three short months ago, Natalie finds Chico to be reminiscent of where she grew up—not too big, not too small, and made of a loving, supportive community with many activities to partake in. She loves that there’s always something going on, and some of her favorites include the various farmers markets and Downtown Chico attractions. As a foodie, she is thrilled that Chico surpasses all her expectations for tasty meals with fantastic company. Additionally, there is an overwhelming need for providers in our area, which perfectly aligns with why she chose the field of medicine—to help those patients in need.
Natalie's patients regularly comment on her unhurried and kind bedside manner, leaving their appointments feeling listened to, genuinely cared about, and excited to return.
Ready to awaken your skin’s potential and go from dull to dazzling? Book your next appointment with Natalie Barnett, MSBS, PA-C at Icon Family Healthcare/ Chico Derm.
Pore-fection is just a quick call away at (530) 746-0711
Life After Death: Eternally at Rest in Butte County
Written by maddie rodriguez
What is interesting about a cemetery? What makes it more just than a spooky collection of headstones, a place of mystery to be thought of only at Halloween? For many people the world over, a cemetery is more than just a place for mortal remains; it is a place of remembrance, where loved ones are memorialized and where their lives are commemorated. A stone or marker at the head of a grave may contain a religious message, a quote from the deceased, or even a recipe for cookies that the person dearly loved to make. Flowers, flags, photographs, and candles stand testament to the love that lives on, heedless of the bonds of mortality. Cemeteries and graveyards are a part of what makes us human. Attempting to keep those we love close, even though their souls have departed this world, is a very human thing to do. In our culture, death is stigmatized and feared, but cemeteries can teach us that to die is a beautiful part of our story and that to be remembered is one of the greatest honors our descendants can bestow upon us. For so many people, who would know they had lived if it were not for cemeteries? What may seem like acres of sadness are actually silent places of history and keepers of memory that allow us to remember the stories of those who came before us.
The word cemetery comes from the Old French cimitiere, which in turn has its origins in the Greek koimeterion, which means, very poetically, sleeping place. Cemeteries differ from graveyards, which are adjacent to a church and provide a resting place for the devout of that specific church. At some point in history, the reality set in for folks that the churchyard would hold no more people, and places dedicated to burial were set up and called cemeteries. It’s far more common to find graveyards in older towns and cities—especially in Europe and on the East Coast—than on the West Coast.
In Butte County, each town has its place where the mortal remains of its citizens are interred and, occasionally, in multiple areas.
In Chico, the Chico Cemetery has provided the eternal resting place for many of the town’s residents since 1852. The notable movers and shakers from the 19th and 20th centuries are buried there, including our Bidwells, Enloes, Stansburys, and many others. The cemetery comprises over forty acres of land and is an incredibly peaceful, serene place one wouldn’t expect to find adjacent to busy Mangrove Avenue. Many tall old fir trees are dotted throughout its grounds, and one can even take cemetery tours organized by the cemetery association. I took one last year and learned quite a bit about the history of the burials, the origin of some of the gravestones, including the famous grieving angel of white marble whose face is hidden in eternal sorrow, and some notable names (Thaddeus Kerns was a Chico High student and the city’s first aviator). Winding paths provide access to the many areas of burial, which are roughly organized from oldest to newest, back to front, right to left. If you must walk among the gravestones, etiquette says you should not step on the markers.
Over in Oroville, the Oroville Cemetery District comprises 143 square miles around the city and oversees four main cemeteries: Memorial Park Cemetery, Oroville Cemetery, Jewish Cemetery, and Wyandotte Cemetery. Since Oroville was an early Gold Rush town, many of the burials date back to the early 1850s when people flocked to California from all corners of the globe to settle—and perish—where they would. To that end, the cemeteries in the district are home to many folks who were relocated from their original resting places due to different events, including construction of the Oroville Dam. Many sections of the Oroville Cemetery were deeded by their respective private holders, like the Catholic Cemetery, The Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #59, and the Masonic Lodge #103, in the 1880s and 90s to create the burial place we know today.
Less well-known, perhaps, and widely rumored to be haunted for one reason or another, is the Cherokee Cemetery. This cemetery is not managed by the City of Oroville, but privately by a dedicated group of volunteers called the Cherokee Cemetery Association, who keep the grounds up meticulously. Though a Native American name, in this case Cherokee is actually the name of the little community, once home to 1,000 or so people, which perches up north of Oroville about 15 miles or so. The area was home to the largest hydraulic gold mine in the world and was a regular boom town until the 1890s, when the mine closed, and the town went the way many towns do that lose their beating heart. Many of the stones in the cemetery memorialize immigrants from far-flung places, including Ireland, Germany, and Portugal—evidence of the existence of those who came to our corner of the world for a chance at a better life, and, possibly, for a chance to get rich. Walking paths and directional signage among lush oaks and blooming flowers make a wander through the grounds particularly delightful.
In Paradise, lush green grass and stately pines provide a beautiful backdrop for the Paradise Cemetery, a rare example of an area that escaped the 2018 Camp Fire completely untouched. Photographs of the fire’s aftermath show a clear line where the fire raged up to the cemetery gates, but did not enter. Call it what you will: fate, kismet, or the will of God, but the cemetery stands proudly, as it has ever since its first
burial took place in 1862. But the Paradise Cemetery would not exist today were it not for the efforts of one woman, Frances Juliet Strong Breese. Known by the residents of Paradise as “Aunt Fanny” in her later years, Frances moved with her family to Paradise in the late 1870s, when she was just nine years old. Her uncle had the first plot of land considered a cemetery in the town, and Frances took it upon herself, beginning at the age of 14, to record the names of everyone buried there. She also solicited funds and donations from the community for a cemetery fence and gate, planted trees and bushes to beautify the surroundings, and had irrigation put in so that grass and foliage would grow. According to the plaque that stands before the two iron gates set into brickwork columns that were erected in her honor, the cemetery was a life-long project for Frances, who was instrumental in getting the citizens of the town to designate the cemetery a special district in 1930. She served as the first trustee on the board of trustees, and the gate was erected in her honor in 1950, the year of her death.
Cemeteries are a physical reminder of what awaits us when life is done, but they’re also living places, places of love and remembrance that stand testament to lives brief and long, wicked and kind, rich and poor. For in death, all of us are equal.
There’s more to a cemetery than grief and sadness, though. As a matter of fact, a cemetery is a perfect place to go if a
tranquil walk is what you’re after, or perhaps an educational outing. On Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, the grounds flutter with flags and special events are often held to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the many wars we’ve helped fight in the last 160 years. Volunteers are often needed to place the flags and remove them when the holiday is over. In the coming weeks, there will even be a Dia de los Muertos celebration being held at the Chico Cemetery. On November 2nd, the Chico Cemetery Association invites the public to get together to honor our history by celebrating those who came before. There will be vendors, food, sugar skull face painting, folklórico dancers, a youth Mariachi band, a photo booth, and a costume contest to create a fun-filled day for the whole family.
If you enjoy helping others and are interested in history, www.findagrave.com is an online community of thousands of people from all over the world that helps folks connect with those who live in the same town or area as a member of their own family who has died. Users anywhere in the world can submit a request for a photo of a grave marker or memorial, which helps fill in gaps in their personal genealogical history. Findagrave users who live in the area where the memorial or headstone is can fulfill the request. All you need to do is confirm that you are going to fulfill a request on the site, go to the cemetery, find the grave, and snap a photo to upload. Many of the individuals for whom photos are requested died so
long ago that memorials and gravestones no longer exist, but it is thrilling when you do find one. The peace and joy it provides a family is priceless as well. I often go on Halloween, Veteran’s Day, and Memorial Day to fulfill photo requests, and it’s a fun and easy way to get your steps in and enjoy a beautiful, quiet place. You end up getting lost in the history, and you begin thinking about the names in the epitaphs as more than just names. Who were they? How did they die? What were they like when they were alive? Did they have a lot of friends? What were their hobbies? A day in the cemetery can take you to a meditative and calming place within a bustling, hectic world that often seems like it doesn’t have time for us, and fulfilling photo requests for people all over the country is a great excuse, in case you need one. Simply create a profile on the findagrave.com website and away you go. You can even submit your own photo requests and manage your own family memorials on the site. My great-grandmother died in Florida four years before I was born, and there’s something beautiful in the fact that someone took the time to photograph her gravesite and put it on the Internet so that her greatgranddaughter could see where she rests.
All of the cemeteries mentioned in this article are open to the public. For hours of operation, please look up Chico Cemetery, Paradise Cemetery, the Oroville Cemetery District, and Cherokee Cemetery on Google or find them in the local phone book.
Real Art
Have you heard of Earthships? They look like art installations, parked sporadically across the high desert like you might see at the Burning Man festival, but they are houses. My family and I have known of them, but only in the context of having driven past them in an area not far from our daughter’s house in northern New Mexico known as “The Mesa,” a wide-open high-desert terrain covered in sagebrush, bordered by the Rio Grande River. The skyscape and the landscape meet in the east at Taos Mountain, the pride of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost range of the Rocky Mountains, overlooking the town of Taos.
Driving past the Earthships in years gone by, one of us would say, “People live in those things?” or “They look like Dr. Seuss houses,” or “Is that Disneyland?”
The Earthships are sunken ships. That’s the point. They are typically built halfway into the earth. The early builders of Earthships, in the 1970s, tended toward unique artistic designs of the exposed portions of the house, such as turrets, towers, and domes, sometimes soaring high above ground. They used lots of recycled materials with lots of originality.
People would say, “Those crazy hippies out there, living off the grid.”
We found a newer subdivision of Earthships just up the road from their origins. We toured a model.
We learned: “The area around Taos gets about 12 inches of rain and snow, annually. Earthships rely entirely on rainfall collected in cisterns behind the house. The Earthship is totally self-sufficient. There’s no air conditioning or heater. The house hovers around 70 degrees year-round.”
We met a local Realtor, a very accommodating young man, at Mountain Properties in Taos. He told us about Earthships and that four were for sale.
“I actually grew up in an Earthship,” he said.
“You’re a hippie kid?” I asked.
“Yep,” he said. “I’m building a house right now.”
“An Earthship?” asked my wife.
“No,” he said emphatically, “I loved growing up in our family’s Earthship, but I like being on the grid.”
He said, “I’m showing an Earthship to a client from L.A. at 4:30 today.”
“What’s the price?” I asked.
“One-point-five million,” he said.
Earthships have sailed into the New World.
Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.
Tackling the touch-up
Walking into a freshly painted room immediately changes your outlook. However, sometimes, the cost of repainting an entire home or even a room can be too expensive to consider. Brady Shaw wants to make the feeling of new spaces more economical for everyone.
Ever since spending summers working in the family painting business, Brady has worked to perfect his trade. Both his father and grandfather owned painting companies where he spent much of his time, so he’s had a lot of experience learning the secrets behind a beautifully painted home. In his early twenties, he got more serious about the profession and eventually started his own business when he turned 22. “I enjoy being able to put puzzle pieces together in a way I couldn’t when I was just an employee.”
He initially worked independently, mainly on property management projects, where he became adept at quick and efficient turnarounds. In the early part of 2024, he
was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and had to take a step back from working during his busiest months. He decided to hire a few individuals he trusted to take over while he underwent chemotherapy. As a perfectionist, he shares, “Having to let go of that control and not be there overseeing everything was very hard for me. My employees do incredible work and are awesome, but that was a super challenging aspect for me initially.” He’s now able to return fully to the business and will be able to provide even more opportunities for the community to refresh their homes and businesses.
Brady is excited to be back at work and says, “Painting is a very creative kind of job. It’s not the same thing every day. You’re always in new places; there are always new variables and things to figure out and solve. I like that creative process.”
One aspect of home painting projects that Brady’s company focuses on now is providing touch-up work. Many painting
businesses only do complete repaints instead of fixing particular walls or areas. His early work concentrated on rental properties where speed and efficiency were paramount, so the companies only wanted specific portions of the interior repainted. Brady says, as a result, he became adept at identifying what areas need to be repainted, matching that paint, and then expertly blending the new in with the old. He shares, “We’ve become experts at making a place look 90% as good as a full repaint at 20% of the price.” Often, homeowners can’t or won’t want to pay to have their whole interior repainted when all they really want is a fresh, clean look.
Brady Shaw Painting handles interior and exterior painting, fine finish work, and some drywall patching and repairs. Visit www.bradyshawpainting.com or call/text (530) 518-7429 to schedule your free estimate and see how affordable quality work can be.
WRITTEN
SHELLY BRANDON
Effie has sold three properties for us. One took one month, and the other two took one day each. She knows the market better than any agent in the area. I would recomend her to anyone looking to buy or sell! -James Weir, Chico
You will be in awe as you enter through the charming gated courtyard of this Canyon Oaks home and into its elegant entry. Designed to entertain, the well-appointed great room harmoniously flows into the fully-equipped kitchen and to the formal dining room. The well-appointed kitchen is a chef's dream and is fully-equipped with top of the line appliances, granite counter tops, a 6-burner gas cooktop, and a walk-in pantry. The residence embraces an oversized great room, a large formal dining room, a breakfast nook, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an inhouse office and a huge media room all in over 3,900 square feet of living space. The primary suite grants a private entrance to the backyard and boasts a walk-in closet, spa-like bathroom, granite counter tops, his and her vanities, jetted tub, and walk-in shower. You'll also find 3 HVAC units, a 3 car garage, and OWNED SOLAR.
If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $37,900
4.0
4.0 SqFt: 3,956 Price: $1,399,000
Located next to many newly built homes in Paradise, the property features an ideal building spot for you to create a custom home tailored to your lifestyle. Acres: 0.40 Price: $29,500
Welcome to your dream home on Bidwell Ave. where elegance meets functionality in a prime neighborhood. This stunning residence features an open floor plan bathed in natural lights from numerous Milgard windows, offering picturesque views of the lush surroundings and tranquil creek in front. With 2,862 square feet of exquisite living space, This home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths (2 of which have been beautifully remodeled), an office, and a guest quarter. There's so much to see in this beautiful home. Call to schedule an appointment to see it today!
DRE #01417492
sam.armer@c21selectgroup.com
Urban Design Building Foundations and Breaking the Mold
This is the story of grit, determination, and discovery–how a rough upbringing brought a boy halfway across the continent to find his path. “My childhood was kind of like a gypsy’s; we moved a lot, and my home life was very unstable. At times, we were homeless,” says Sean McCreary from Urban Design.
Originally from Alaska, his childhood years were chaotic, to say the least. Instead of attending school, Sean worked as a deckhand culling oysters and sorting shrimp on a Texas shrimp boat. Barely a teenager, Sean hitchhiked from Texas to Alaska and eventually settled in Northern California. The focus and drive transforming Sean from a street kid working on a Gulf Coast shrimper to Bering Sea King Crabber, and eventually becoming a licensed Sea Captain, only covers the beginning of this journey.
Sean was the oldest of six children without parental intervention or support. His turbulent home life found him as the accidental caregiver to his younger siblings,
who at times slept on the deck of a shrimp trawler. “We even camped out in an ice cream truck for a short while.” He recalls being left in charge of the shrimp boat one night in Galveston Bay, with the family onboard, and having to figure out how to get the boat and his siblings back to the dock. The captain, his mom’s boyfriend who was drunk at the time, had grounded the boat on a sandbar and passed out. Sean recalls, “My eleven-year-old brother Tim and I somehow got that boat off the sand bar and navigated through the channel and drawbridge in the dark and eventually tied up the boat. We had some incredible luck. We were just kids, and I still don't know how we did that. I guess we had to, it's not like we were given a choice.”
Figuring it out was Sean’s superpower; it had to be. He left that storm behind him and hitchhiked his way to Seattle at the age of 13. From there, he made his way to the waters of Alaska, where he worked on fishing trawlers and crabbers. His time in the fisheries was spent growing up, being
taught about life and work ethics from a bunch of commercial fishermen. He says it was tough, but he learned a lot. “I liked fishing. It gave me a sense of belonging, It meant having a home and a community. I had people who knew me, a job I knew how to do, and a value system for myself. I liked having a purpose and becoming a valuable crew member.”
He got licensed early, became a captain, and ran a boat like those on “The Deadliest Catch” all within his 20s. Commercial fishing is an all-consuming job; you live there, you eat there, you work there, and you sleep there. Generally, the crews work 3-4 months at sea and then rotate off to spend some time with family. Since Sean had no family, he’d only take a month off here and there, which is how he moved up the ladder so quickly. Again, he had figured out how to get to where he wanted to go and did it.
“In the fishing industry, you learn that you can do much more than you think. You are pushed beyond what you think your limits
are. When problems arise, it's up to the captain and crew to find a solution. There is simply no other option out at sea. You find out you are able to do much more than you think.”
While working out of Kodiak, Alaska, Sean met a girl from Paradise, who eventually led him to Northern California. After spending the majority of his life at sea, he didn’t know how to start his life over on land. So, an interest in real estate and architecture, plus a history of doing hard physical work, led to a second career in the building industry. Once here, he started running projects for a local real estate developer building subdivisions and commercial properties. After the market crash, everything shifted, and Sean opened Urban Design in 2006.
“When we started out, the economy was terrible, so we took on just about anything that came up—real estate work, repairs, you name it. We were hungry.” Sean increased his networking and collaborations with local companies, which allowed him to branch out into new areas. As the company grew, they were able to expand their offerings to meet their increasing client base.
Urban Design has since become the community’s one-stop shop for a wide variety of services: plumbing, electrical work, solar, generators, and battery installs. They are the Generac dealer in over 150 retail locations, including Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Costco. Sean says, “If you inquire about home standby generators in one of these stores, your call will be routed to our office in Paradise.” Although they work in many trades and serve the entire Northstate community, they’re always there for their customers. Urban’s General Manager Blake Houston says it best, “We’re big enough to reach you but still small enough to hear you.”
One of the elements that Sean loves about being a business owner involves the crew at Urban Design. He says, “Mentoring the team and developing the people within the company is something I really enjoy.” They went from handling one job a week, when Urban Design first opened, to maintaining multiple crews working multiple projects every week. He says, “Managing the ‘Ps’ of permits, plans, parts, and pieces takes a real team effort, and I get a special charge out of watching our team develop and become good at what they do.” When staffing Urban Design, Sean identifies the issues that need to be addressed and finds the right individuals to own and manage the necessary processes for smooth operations. “I’ve got what I’m good at, and I depend on our highly skilled team to do their part to ensure we deliver quality work in a timely manner. You never know where you’re going to find good talent.” Urban Design’s team comes from several diverse employment backgrounds: banks, electronic retailers, and coffee shop owners, each offering a unique perspective.
Their tech specialist, Sungjun ‘Brandon’ Hwang, was temporarily working at DoorDash before joining the Urban team. Sean says, “He has taken the tech side of Urban Design to another level.” A lot of what solar deals with now is computer-based; the battery and generator integration into
solar projects can be technically elaborate. He laughs and says, “I hired him because he seemed like a hungry can-do guy. I had no idea what his background was.” It turns out that he has a BA in technology, and he is an absolute wizard at integrating and troubleshooting these complex systems.
Natalie Sheard has been with the company since 2020 and is in charge of the sales department, although she doesn’t really identify as a salesperson. “I just help people get what they need.” Natalie says that Sean is hyperfocused on excellent customer service and, as a team, “That’s what we flourish at.” General Manager Blake Houston agrees, explaining that he had worked with other solar companies before, but Urban Design was different. “Here, it’s so much more focused on providing the customer with the best solution for their needs, not just sell, sell, sell. It’s a totally different vibe.”
Sean’s work ethic is shared by each one of his employees. Every one of them is dedicated to what they do. Blake says, “We’re all work nerds. We’re super passionate about all the different technologies and ensuring the customer gets the best solution.” To ensure the best experience for their customers, it’s essential to have good communication within the company. Sara LeRossingol, their production manager says, “The team is very collaborative, if you have a question about anything, everybody is willing to stop what they’re doing and help you with that. It could be the guys out in the field or the staff in the office; it’s ‘let’s work on this together.’”
When looking for prospective employees, Sean doesn’t necessarily seek out the person with the most degrees. As an underdog himself, who as a child never really attended school, he’s drawn to people who show him what they can do. Integrity and responsibility are skills that speak for themselves. Sean says that his current team has been distilled over the years and truly represents the best of the company.
When asked about the key to running a successful business, Sean responds, “Just provide quality, exceed expectations, and do the right thing.” That’s the premise behind Urban Design, and it shows.
Sean invites the community to visit Urban Design’s office in Paradise at 4742 Skyway Road and meet the team. Head to their website at UrbanDesignSolar.com to find out more about how they can help with your home and business needs.
A Place to Heal
In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain have become all too common. At Soul House Energy Healing, Maddie Stone and Tami Stover understand the toll this can take on your overall well-being. They are excited to share a sanctuary where you can escape the pressures of daily life and allow your body to heal, restore balance, and thrive.
Located in the heart of Chico, their wellness center is home to the only Energy Enhancement System (EES or EESystem) in the area. This cuttingedge technology, created by Dr. Sandra Rose Michael, is designed to harness and amplify your body’s natural healing abilities. “The EESystem generates multiple bio-active life-enhancing energy fields, such as the grounding Schuman resonance, Fibonacci sequence, and powerful scalar waves.” Maddie said, “It helps to promote cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and boost immune function. It also helps balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and is conducive to establishing mental clarity, helping with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.” Tami and Maddie say individuals who have had surgeries, chronic pain, and various other ailments can benefit from time spent in the EESystem.
When you enter the room, you’ll immediately feel the difference. The
environment is carefully curated to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Soft lighting, plush recliners, and soothing frequency music played through noisecanceling headphones create a calming atmosphere where you can fully unwind. The EESystem technology generates a quantum bio-photonic field that bathes you in pure light frequencies, allowing your cells to charge up and perform at their optimal 70-90 millivolt level. It promotes whole-body healing from within.
Tami says most people will start to feel benefits after just one session but shares that the effects are cumulative. The more time clients spend in the environment, the more in sync they are with the healing energy.
Their clients often share transformative stories about their experiences with the EESystem. Maddie’s childhood friend was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and was projected to need dialysis within the year. After 12 EES sessions, her blood work revealed improved kidney function, and her health has continued to improve with each visit since.
An elderly client who was experiencing difficulty walking and limited mobility in her hands visited days after they first opened. Combining functional medicine with regular EES sessions, she can now grocery shop independently, and her
mobility progress has far exceeded expectations.
The Energy Enhancement System is just one aspect of what makes Soul House Energy Healing unique. With over 30 years of combined experience, Maddie and Tami offer a comprehensive range of holistic services, from rejuvenating holistic facials that go beyond skin-deep to Reiki, hypnotherapy, life coaching, emotion code, and more. They provide an integrative approach to health and wellness. Each service is designed to complement the EES sessions, offering you a holistic path to healing that addresses both the mind and body.
Tami and Maddie deeply understand the unique challenges and pressures that veterans, first responders, and front-line workers face daily. Committed to giving back to those who serve our community, they offer special discounts on EES sessions to support their well-being.
They welcome you to experience the incredible effects of EES firsthand. The first session is half-price, making it easy to discover what many others have already found: a path to better health and a more balanced life.
To book your session or learn more about Soul House Energy Healing, visit their website at soulhouseenergyhealing.com.
Paula Busch
From elementary school through high school, nothing spoke to Paula Busch like art, and it was no surprise when she chose it as her major at UC Berkeley. After completing her degree, she enrolled at Chico State, earning her master's degree in print-making alongside her teaching credential. She took a workshop on encaustics—where hot, pigmented wax is used to paint surfaces—and immediately found her niche. She’s been taking and offering classes on the subject ever since.
Linda Hemsley
An Oroville native, Linda started crafting gourds in 2003. During a camping trip with her husband, she visited a Ben Franklin craft store in Nevada City and found they were offering a gourd class. The instructor invited her in, and the rest is history. She visited Grass Valley every other month to take courses and soon found herself traveling throughout California, taking classes and offering her own.
Linda grows many of the gourds she turns
A prolific artist in Chico, she just completed an 80-piece jellyfish series, consistently using only five colors throughout her paintings. Her work is currently on display at the Rawbar in Downtown Chico and coming soon to Plumas Bank on Mangrove Avenue. She plans to move into more abstracts and collage in the near future, likely focusing on sea coral to maintain the underwater vibe. To see more of her work, visit www.PaulaBusch.com
into art—the rest she picks up in Fallbrook, CA or Casa Grande, AZ. The hard-shelled fruit provides the perfect media for painting, burning, carving, inlaying, and so much more. She has crafted them into birdhouses, bowls, vases, seasonal decorations, and thunder gourds that mimic a thunderstorm's sound. Her work is currently on display at Brushstrokes in Oroville, and it’s well worth the visit for the thunder gourd alone! Stop by and discover her unique artwork for yourself!
Chico Art Center's Open Studios Art Tour
October 12-13 & 19-20, 10-5pm
Take the self-guided CAC Open Studios tour, and you’ll meet full-time nationally exhibiting artists and part-time artists who skillfully balance “day jobs” with creative time. You'll enter purpose-built, sky-lit studios and repurposed sheds, garages, cellars, and closets. You'll see magical demos—perhaps a ceramist twirling a lump of clay into a vase or a painter conjuring up a portrait from dabs of paint.
The eighty artists in this year’s Open Studios work in many mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, mosaics, weaving, woodworking, and jewelry. Within each medium, artists practice many styles, as you’ll see in the painting above by
Richard Balch, a Realist; and the following page by Nancy Spinadel, an Impressionist; and Judy Kane, an Abstract artist.
Bidwell Park has long been a favored painting site for Richard Balch, who says: “This spring, I did some true plein air painting in the park and was taken by surprise by the heat—I’d forgotten my hat and got sunburned. But the wind was an even worse problem. A strong gust destroyed my French easel. My “Fourth of July at One Mile” painting was a hybrid that I started with on-location pencil studies of figures and trees. I also shot reference photos from various angles. Back in the studio, I used my sketches, memories, and
photos to develop the painting.”
In “Hydrangeas,” Nancy Spinadel used oils impressionistically to record her perceptions of color nuances. Nancy says: “My drive to paint is not as much about capturing the details of specific flowers as it is about color, form, and light. Oil is my favorite medium because it lets me think on my feet and make changes. It is a much more forgiving medium than acrylics and lets me engage in conversations with the paint.”
Judy Kane loves to put visitors at ease if they are baffled by abstract art. She explains how African, Mayan, Navajo, and Ojibwe artists expressed deep spiritual beliefs through circles, triangles, zigzags, and parallel lines. “Visitors to my studio will see my series of STRATA paintings inspired by textiles, such as blankets. Stripes of color can transmit emotions ranging from
Courtesy of Richard Balch
joyousness to distress. They can suggest terrain, elevation, and change through their placement, rhythms, and whether they blend or remain distinct. I enjoy helping visitors find their way into my abstractions by explaining the different media and techniques I use.”
CAC Gallery Director Cameron Kelly says: “When I visit an artist’s studio, I see their tools and how they care for them. I meet the pets, plants, and things that fill the artist's life with joy as they turn their ideas into tangible objects. If I’m lucky, I may see sketches, clippings, as well as experiments and ‘mistakes’ that never leave the studio. This is a tremendous gift.”
Open Studios also offers visitors the chance to buy one-of-a-kind art directly from artists in their studios. The quality is high, and prices are far lower than in San Francisco or Carmel. Plus, each purchase validates a local artist’s efforts and can pay for more art supplies.
For those who have never been to CAC's Open Studios, here are some ice-breaker questions to ask artists:
“Is there a story behind that sculpture?”
“How do you select materials for your jewelry?”
“Why is making art so important to you?”
"What are some challenges you face when working with wood?”
"How do you find enough time and energy to be creative?”
Just as an actor needs an audience, artists who normally work in isolation in their studios need periodic interaction with the public. Jana Lawton, a participating artist, says, “The true benefit you'll gain from visiting artists in their studios lies in the dialogue that takes place in each studio.” Think of Open Studios as an ecological system that stimulates the imagination of visitors as it lifts the spirits of the artists.
CAC Open Studios Art Tour is produced by (CAC) volunteers as the major yearly fundraising event that pays for free exhibits and community-building events.
There will be a reception on Friday, 10/6, from 5 to 7 p.m., exhibiting one work by each Open Studios artist (this exhibit is open all month).
Open Studios Art Tour takes place on the following weekends: October 12-13 & 19-20, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For an online preview, visit ChicoOSAT.com
Your “Passport” to Open Studios—a $15 Self-Guided Tour Book with a map, studio addresses, and photos—is available at the Chico Art Center, Chico Paper Co., Art Etc., and monca.
Courtesy of Judy Kane
Courtesy of Nancy Spinadel
A ninja warrior shares her art
The intricacies of healing are a delicate weave of medicine, environment, emotion, and more. The Banners of Hope installation at the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center harnesses the healing power of art by supporting the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of patients and the community.
The original installation has been displayed in Enloe’s hallways since 2010. As time faded those once-vibrant art pieces, new inspirations have replaced them to continue the project. Quilters and textile artists from around the North State participated in designing their panels of hope.
Asya Lesly created four of the 20 quilted art panels that line the corridor. Asya was diagnosed in 2012, at the age of 39, with stage 3B breast cancer. She started her treatment in her home state of Texas at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center and then continued her treatment at the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center. Here, she had a year of chemotherapy treatments along with radiation and will continue her
biannual follow-up visits for the rest of her life. She shares, “When I was getting radiation and when I was getting chemo, I would walk down the halls every time and look at those quilts.”
She explains that Enloe excels at ensuring its patients feel supported. “It’s not nice to be a cancer patient, but when you go there, the hospital makes you feel cared for by putting up beautiful quilts and art. Therapy dogs come into the infusion clinic, and there’s a wonderful library, so it’s a very warm atmosphere.”
Asya began practicing with needle and thread at the age of three, as her grandma taught her to sew along the curvy lines of a paper towel. Drawers full of fabric scraps held hours of creative activities for Asya, and as her skills grew, she took a community college sewing class. She was only nine. Her love of art continues as she quilts, paints, and works with ceramics. Asya was excited to be able to enter her work into Enloe’s new display.
Her four panels all center around hope. “Wish You Were Here,” with its beach scene, encourages patients to close their eyes and think of the sound of the waves and the sun on their skin. The multimedia panel “DNA” showcases brightly colored strands of DNA where researchers hope to find cures for cancer. “Finding Your Way” has local birds in flight around a compass, which Asya used to convey, “Somehow, we are all going to find our way.”
“Warrior” features a bright fuchsia silhouette in a warrior yoga pose. She shares that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, people told her she was going to be a survivor. She countered, “Oh, I’m not going to be a survivor; I’m going to be a ninja warrior princess—with battle scars to prove it!”
Asya is grateful for the opportunity to share her art as part of the Banners of Hope at the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center and hopes it will help inspire and comfort others as they walk through the halls on their journey.
A Pageant For Today: Empowerment with Miss Chico
Grace, poise, and self-confidence—that’s what you’ll notice about the young women who cross the stage at the first annual Miss Chico Pageant on November 16th. This isn’t a pageant you may remember from the past. Instead, it’s a path to empowering young women by fostering personal growth and meaningful community service.
Lora Shipley remembers traveling from her home in Southern California to Fresno to compete in a Miss California-USA pageant. “It was such a transformative experience for me. I learned about public speaking, etiquette, and poise. It helped me get out into my community.” She shares that it never “boiled down to the pageant. It was about the journey that took me there.”
Lora wants to bring that journey to the girls in our community through the Forever A Queen Academy, the Miss Chico (19-28) years, and the Miss Teen Chico (14-18) years Pageant. She appealed to the state director of Miss USA, who is also a pageant coach at Miss Universe, to bring it to Chico.
She succeeded and is now an official recruiter for Miss California-USA. The Chico pageant will consist of three categories: fitness wear, interview, and evening gown, with the interview portion constituting the most significant scoring component. She explains that she wants the contestants to embody “elegant, iconic, and timeless, like Audrey Hepburn or Princess Kate Middleton.”
Each contestant will also be enrolled in the six-week Forever A Queen Academy starting October 6th and meeting Sunday evenings from 5:00-7:00pm. The program fosters personal growth and meaningful community service. “We aim to help these young women develop and grow as empowered leaders, whether they win or not.” Lora intends to shift the primary focus away from superficial criteria and create a more holistic experience focusing on health/fitness, grace, poise, personality, and building self-confidence. Workshop participants will engage in sessions on self-esteem, communication, healthy living, public speaking, community service, and personal branding. They will learn from experienced titleholders
about overcoming obstacles and utilizing their platforms for change. The sixweek workshop provides a supportive environment for young women to explore their talents beyond physical beauty. It will equip them with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams and become the next generation of female trailblazers.
The Miss Chico Pageant is honored to be sponsored by Marc and Shuree Wesley, the owners of The Lion's Den Gym and Nutrishop Chico. The Forever A Queen Academy program will also provide participants with access to individuals who will guide them throughout their process. Dallas and Austin Stahl will lend their expertise in holistic nutrition, mental and physical well-being, and self-defense. Janice Keene will teach etiquette to refine social skills, grace, and poise. Lawna Dunbar, a specialist in walking and posing, will work closely with the contestants. Raquel Wells and Ian Anderson, the owners of Artistic Aesthetics, have a team of healthcare and medical esthetic professionals who are passionate about skincare, beauty, and health. Heidi Ann Ferguson, a motivational speaker, will teach the young women in the Forever A Queen Academy to understand their behaviors and emotions. By helping them become their authentic, awesome selves, she will empower them to avoid giving emotional power to external influences. Through her talks, the young women will discover how to manage stress, peer pressure, challenges, and make healthier choices by unlocking their inner strength. These speakers and coaches come from diverse backgrounds, but they all share one core mission: to empower the next generation of young women to live their best, most authentic lives.
Lora is thrilled that the pageant will be held at Neighborhood Church in South Chico. She invites young women to register and find their unique strengths and passions to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Tickets are available now. To register as a contestant or for more information on the academy or the Miss Chico Pageant, go to www.misschico.org or call/text (530) 826-6936.
Steve Ferchaud has been creating the surreal for the past 40 years. “I’ve had a pencil in my hand since I can remember,” he said. “My father once told me, ‘Anyone can draw, Steve, but you have ideas.’”
He took these ideas with him through high school and art classes at Shasta Community College, where he illustrated for the school publication, The Lance. He then took his ideas to Chico State, where he showed his portfolio to an art professor. The professor
Steve Ferchaud Nick Landon
When you look at Nick Landon’s photography, you find yourself immersed in a far-reaching beauty, a phantasm of colors, and the full total impact of nature streaming into your consciousness through your eyes. “The great outdoors is my passion; I think everyone should experience it.” Nick said, “My goal is to share the beauty of the natural world through my lens and ultimately bring awareness and inspiration to others.”
From the time Nick was a boy, and
told Steve he didn’t need classes; he just needed to find work because he already had the talent.
He has illustrated many books, articles, and newspapers. He has also written and illustrated five books of his own and is working on a new one, The Ray of Hope: The Journal of Nigel Frog. It is a story for all ages, and he says it inspires hope. Check out www.steveferchaud.com for more of his wonderful illustrations.
continuing to this day, he wanted to be around nature and the fascination that accompanies it. He was born in Kansas and moved to Orland, CA when he was seven. “That was a deciding factor in my introduction to the outdoors,” he said. “My best friend’s family loved the outdoors, and I quickly became interested in nature.”
Landon bought his first camera in 2019, and he was born to it. He “has the eye.” Visit www.nicklandonphotography.com to discover more of what he sees.
Your time Makes a difference
Donating your time to charity is a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re passionate about helping the less fortunate, supporting the environment, or working with animals, there are numerous opportunities for volunteering in Butte County that align with your interests and skills. Here’s how you can get involved and make a difference.
Volunteer
at Local Food Banks and Shelters
One of the most direct ways to help those in need is by volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters. Organizations like the Jesus Center and Torres Community Shelter always need volunteers to assist with meal preparation, food distribution, and donation organization. Your time can help ensure that individuals and families have access to essential resources, especially during times of crisis.
Assist
with Disaster Relief Efforts
Given our recent history with wildfires, disaster relief efforts are an important area where volunteers are needed. Organizations
like the American Red Cross of Northern California often require emergency assistance. You can help with tasks such as providing support at evacuation centers, distributing supplies, or helping with cleanup efforts after a disaster. Volunteering in this capacity is a powerful way to offer comfort and aid to those affected by natural disasters.
Work with Animals
If you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at local animal shelters or wildlife rescue organizations. Butte Humane Society, Chico Animal Shelter, and the Northwest SPCA welcome volunteers to help with animal care, socialization, and adoption events. You could also support wildlife rehabilitation by volunteering with organizations like the Feather River Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where you can assist in caring for injured or orphaned wildlife.
Mentor and Educate Youth
Mentoring and education are impactful ways to contribute to the future of Butte
County. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte County, Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley, and Reading Pals offer mentoring opportunities where you can help guide and support young people in the community.
Engage in Community Development
Volunteering with organizations focused on community development is another way to make a lasting impact. Groups like Habitat for Humanity of Butte County, CHAT, and Tiny Pines work on building affordable housing for those in need. Volunteers are essential in tasks ranging from construction to fundraising and event planning. By donating your time, you can help provide safe and stable homes for families in our community.
Join a Service Club
Service clubs like Rotary International or Lions Club International have chapters in Butte County and offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. These clubs focus on community service and humanitarian projects, providing members with numerous ways to get involved in local and international efforts. Joining a service club is also an excellent way to connect with likeminded individuals and build a network of community-focused peers.
Offer Professional Skills
If you have specialized skills in healthcare, law, finance, or communications, consider offering your expertise to local non-profits. Many organizations need help with tasks like managing finances, legal advice, marketing, and public relations. Donating your professional skills can have a profound impact on a charity's operational success, allowing it to focus more on its mission.
Donating your time to charity is a powerful way to contribute to our community, support important causes, and build meaningful connections. Whether you choose to help at a local food bank, support environmental efforts, mentor youth, or offer your professional skills, your time and dedication can make a significant difference. Volunteering not only benefits those you serve but also enriches your own life, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose. With so many diverse opportunities available, you can find a way to give back that aligns with your interests and passions.
Guitar Legacy
Chico is a music town. You’ve got the spectrum of rock to reggae, rap to symphony, metal, and everything in between. Part of this sublime music history is thanks to Chico State which has been bringing in a swath of acts and entertainment since the ‘60s through today. Chico’s music scene has a spoken and unspoken hierarchy and an echelon of talent and ability. Seasoned music listeners, and the bands themselves, acknowledge the gifted among the many Chico acts. Few performers are as gifted and experienced as Dana Olsen, guitar master, aficionado, tactician, and rhythm master of many genres.
Dana’s inclusion goes way back to the burgeoning local rock groups of the 1970s, with acts like the Blues Movers, the Butte Creek Family Band, the Ralph Shine Band, and Chico’s own Spark and Cinder Band. Dana has played with arguably some of the best musicians Chico has had to offer, and he trained with one of the very best, Charlie Robinson. He has played at several venues,
many long gone—Caffé Malvina, Nellies, Cabo’s, and Blue Max. The old timers will recall the names of Steve Cooley, Jimmy Fay, Larry Peterson, Kim Gimbal, and Stevie Cook to name a few.
Dana Olsen grew up in So Cal and attended Palos Verdes High School. He planned on attending Cal State Long Beach, but he accidentally missed the deadline, so his dad recommended Chico State. Dana’s girlfriend, at the time, was coming up to attend college in Chico, so Dana followed her in August of 1975. He didn’t begin playing music until 1977, but he fell into some great bands when he did.
For a minute, he played with Ralph Shine Band, and they opened up for The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Albert King. (A side note is Ralph Shine opened for Stevie Ray Vaughn out at Butte College.) With Spark and Cinder, they were offered a gig as the opening act for Bob Dylan when Dylan saw them perform in the Bay Area. “The only time I ever stopped playing is when
I looked over in the wings and saw Bob Dylan nodding his head to our music. Pretty incredible,” he said. Due to fate or poor timing, the chance to open for Dylan never happened, but it is a testament to how good Spark and Cinder was. “We were well regarded as the real deal here in California,” Dana added.
These days, Dana plays with Spark and Cinder, the Stevie Cook Band, and played in the tribute to Charlie Robinson a while back. Along the way, he has mastered the blues, reggae, rock, and country music, which he says shares many similarities with the blues. “I feel very fortunate to have played with so many great musicians,” he said. “I’m happy to still be able to get up there and play now.”
You can catch Dana Olsen playing with Spark and Cinder and Stevie Cook at a venue in Chico. Stay tuned into both bands on Facebook.
Here’s Your Chicory Daiquiri, Doc
The title is a punchline of a joke told about 40 years ago. Suffice it to say, “Doc” ordered the daiquiri. Now, could you make a daiquiri with chicory? Heck, yeah! Chicory is a versatile, flavorful, and healthful plant used for centuries but came into its own during the 18th century in Europe, particularly France. A coffee shortage led to the French experimenting with roasted chicory root as a coffee substitute. It produced a beverage similar in taste to coffee but less expensive and easier to obtain.
Chicory is native to northern Africa, western Asia, and Europe. It is also called chicory root, curly endive, and succory. The plant's leaves and flowers are used in food, such as salads and flavored vinegar. However, the roasted taproot makes chicory coffee. Chicory can also be boiled and eaten like a vegetable; however, its popularity today is as a coffee substitute or additive.
That popularity began in earnest in the
U.S. around 1840 when embargoes were put in place around the harbor of New Orleans, and coffee importation was blocked. Reverting to their French roots, the people of “Nawlins” began to use chicory instead of coffee. The use increased significantly during the Civil War when Southerners could not get coffee at all, and chicory coffee is still a popular drink today.
The one ingredient you won’t get when drinking chicory is caffeine. It has zero caffeine, and while that may put the kibosh on the drink for some people, it comes in handy if a person has caffeine sensitivity but still wants a coffee-like drink. (Yes, I know—there is decaffeinated coffee. Just bear with me.) There are definite health benefits to drinking chicory: It is a good source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber which supports digestive health, heart health, and helps manage blood sugar.
If you want, you can use chicory as a
coffee additive. Its roasted, deep flavor gives your coffee a little kick in taste, and its low cost compared to coffee can make your favorite coffee beans last longer. Chicory can give your coffee a different depth of flavor and provide variety and novelty in your morning brew, as it offers a somewhat woody flavor with an underlying sweetness reminiscent of caramel. Plus, it’s easy to make because it’s pretty much like brewing coffee.
If you want to go full throttle with your chicory, you can buy chicory root, roast and grind the root, and brew it yourself. For most of us, that’s quite an undertaking. It would be for me. Fortunately, you can buy pre-roasted chicory by itself or blended with coffee. The brands are as varied as coffee, so you can try a few before you find the one right for you.
Try out the recipe provided after this article. We think you will find chicory a delicious and unique coffee alternative.
WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN
New Orleans Cafe Noir
If you've had the pleasure of spending a cool autumn day strolling the streets of New Orleans with a hot cup of cafe noir in hand, it probably comes as no surprise why we would feature it in this issue. Much like Turkish coffee, cafe noir is more art than it is beverage. Soulful and spicy, it's the perfect complement to a plate of beignets or just about any other breakfast food you could imagine. It's also the perfect way to kickstart an afternon when that unavoidable slowdown hits. Unlike Turkish coffee, it's incredibly easy to make —so easy you'll likely wonder why you've made coffee any other way all these years.
Though you can make this in a drip-style coffee maker, we elected to use freeze-dried coffee to simplify the experience.
Ingredients
(makes two cups)
- 2 tablespoon freeze-dried coffee (we recommend Mount Hagen's)
- 1 tablespoon ground chicory
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water, filtered
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Directions
1. Add one tablespoon of freeze-dried coffee to each cup along with 1/2 tablespoon of ground chickory and a dash of salt. Want a bolder flavor? Add another tablespoon of freeze-dried coffee to each cup.
2. Bring two cups of filtered water to a boil and pour equally into each cup.
3. Stir for 30 seconds to allow the salt, ground chicory, and coffee to combine.
4. Once combined, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar to each cup and stir for another 30 seconds until disolved.
5. Serve with a plate of beignets and revel in the tastes of NOLA.
Larb Have Mercy
Food is an art form in every sense. Its culture is visual and textual, delighting the senses and, at times, even teleporting a person to a specific place in the past. A blend of creativity and tradition, a recipe is a story that is passed down through generations like a song, and how one interprets the flavors of another's cuisine is subjective at best.
Enter Kathy's Deli, neatly tucked away in a corner of Chico’s Collegetown. This unassuming gallery of grub presents itself with a simple sign, juxtaposed by an Obey-style rendition of the business. Once you enter, a large mural is displayed on your left, and the menu curator is on your right ready to delight you with Hmong and Thai cuisine.
The sign indicates that they are known for their cheesesteak sandwich. However, the most prominent items on the menu were the rice, vegetable, and meat platters and bowls—as well as pho. Having previously reviewed menus online, I also noticed fried delights like egg rolls, potstickers, and crab Rangoon.
Another item that I hadn’t seen stood
out—“larb,” even my spellchecker noticed, and they had a beef or chicken option. When I asked about it, I was assured it was good. Spoiler alert: it’s amazing! And so I went with the chicken while adding the sticky rice.
The sticky rice came in a small plastic bag placed within an equally small traditional bamboo container, while the main dish was presented as displayed with three large Romaine lettuce boats for me to place the rice and large mixture within. The larb is shredded chicken with roasted chili powder intertwined with lime juice and bright green ingredients like onion, cilantro, basil, and mint. The initial heat is met with a cooling from the herbs as the two battle for supremacy. A word of advice: take what you know about spice and throw it out the window before answering how hot you want it. It won’t be bland either way, but it may be so hot that you’d consider it stolen. One thing is certain, I’ll be back to further explore their menu.
Be adventurous and try something new at Kathy’s Deli. You can find them at 671 Walnut Street in Chico.
WRITTEN
Bringing people together
senior Mohammad Saeidah has a specific goal in mind. The 17-yearold son of Palestinian parents wants to bring people together. He has begun the process by creating a multicultural club at Chico High, and if his positive, ebullient, and happy personality has anything to say about it, he will get the job done. Just sitting across from him, you can feel his energy and determination. He has an infectious smile and possesses that positivity of youth where anything can be achieved.
“I want to bring diversity to our club and bring people together,” said Mohammad. “We’ve already had a big potluck dinner where people brought dishes from their heritage. It was so much fun.” Mohammad was born in Berkeley, California, and moved to Chico in kindergarten. His father, Nizar, and his mother, Kahitam, were born in Palestine. They have pursued the American Dream, and Nizar is a business owner in Chico. Mohammad also has five siblings, and his sister, Fayza, is a sophomore at Chico High.
“I went to Bidwell Junior High,” he said, “and was ready to go to P.V., but during the pandemic, our landlord sold our house, and we moved across town.” This move put him in the Chico High School district, so he ended up there instead. “I had many friends at P.V., but coming to Chico High has been great,” he said. “The students are so nice. I haven’t had one
problem since I’ve been here.”
The principal, Erica Sheridan, has been supportive of Mohammad and the multicultural club. “Ms. Sheridan is a perfect fit for Chico High,” he said. “She is so supportive, and she cares.” Another administrator Mohammad points to is Assistant Principal Sara Pasillas. “Ms. Pasillas encouraged me from the beginning. She’s been so positive.” Mohammad is hoping to stage a multicultural rally for the entire school. “We are in the planning stages now,” he said. “We need to get ASB approval and hope there are enough non-instructional minutes to hold a rally.”
As far as the situation in Palestine, Mohammed feels fortunate his relatives are not in the middle of the fighting. “My mom’s family is on the other side of Palestine,” he said. They are near the city of Ramallah. The area where they are located is home to many falahi, or farmers. “We are farmers in Palestine, and where we live is agricultural.” He laughed at the idea that most Americans think Palestine is a desert. “It doesn’t snow over there, but the weather is a lot like Chico.”
Mohammad plans on going to Chico State and majoring in business. “I’m not going to follow exactly in my father’s footsteps, but I do want to own a business in the future.”
Chico High
bring us home
Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by calling the Butte Humane Society at (530) 343-7917. You can also visit their website at www.buttehumane.org
