Upgraded Living September 2023 Issue

Ramneet Basra, PA-C

Kirsten Schwab, PA-C

Ann Frisius, FNP Gagan Takhar, PA-C

ADDING ADDING TO YEARS TO YEARS

NOT JUST YEARS TO NOT JUST YEARS TO

B o a r d - c e r t i f i e d d e r m a t o l o g i s t D r . K a f e l e T . H o d a r i a n d h i s t e a m o f m e d i c a l p r o f e s s i o n a l s a t

H o d a r i M D D e r m a t o l o g y c o m p r i s e a c o m p r e h e n s i v e d e r m a t o l o g y p r a c t i c e i n

C h i c o , O r o v i l l e , a n d Y u b a C i t y .

W h e t h e r y o u h a v e a m e d i c a l , s u r g i c a l , o r a e s t h e t i c c o n c e r n , y o u ' l l r e c e i v e p e r s o n a l i z e d c a r e

f r o m s o m e o f t h e m o s t h i g h l y t r a i n e d p r o v i d e r s i n t h e a r e a . O u r p a t i e n t s c a n f e e l a s s u r e d

t h a t t h e y a r e g e t t i n g t h e b e s t , m o s t e f f e c t i v e c a r e w h e n t h e y w a l k t h r o u g h t h e d o o r

L o v e Y o u r S k i n ® a n d I m p r o v e Y o u r H e a l t h .

Kafele T. Hodari, MD

Imelda Mata, PA-C

Marianna Almanza, PA-C Jina Bryant, FNP

September bids us a farewell to summer—perhaps not the heat—and ushers us into fall. The month celebrates transition—when morning and evening walks seem more approachable, days grow shorter, and the first shift of hue meets our foliage. For those of us who are parents, September is a turning point, when our children will get a grasp on their new school year schedule, where anxiety wanes, and a relaxed learning rhythm occurs. In the rearview, we were taking in the sun, toes in the water, and dreading even the necessary yard work. Looking ahead, one can count the days until the seasonal harvest or the beginning of gift buying. September is living in today, celebrating the slow but noticeable change all around us.

This month shines with community engagement, gathering, and excitement. Calendars are quickly filled with events all across the county. Meet in the shade for Music on the Green at Magalia Community Park or check out the Friday Night Concert series in Downtown Chico.

If that’s not enough, between the first Chico Live Music Festival and Oroville’s Salmon Festival to Chico Country Fest and Butte County’s newest Car and Bike Show and Stroll, there’s plenty to celebrate in our area of the valley. If getting outside is your thing, there’s no shortage of ways to explore, discover, and dance a little while you’re at it.

If you need to take a break inside while you’re out on the town, we’ve put together a sequel over a decade in the making—a list of dishes, drinks, and desserts that you’d only know about if you were in the know. Well, now you can be, as we unveil Butte County’s Secret Menu on page 43. We heartily delighted in creations from 18 destinations, revealing items so confidential, they are by request only. To be sure every item is just as delicious as we’ve heard and deserving of being listed, we’ve taken the liberty to try them all ourselves. Please, make a dine-out meal plan. If we learned anything from this experience, it’s to stretch this out over the month, not the week. Let our caloric inheritance be your reward. This filling moment is for you.

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher

JASON CORONA Sales Director

SHELLY BRANDON Writer

TIM MILHORN Writer

MADDIE RODRIGUEZ Writer

DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer

ERIK BROWN Cover Design

CONTRIBUTORS

DOUG LOVE Real Estate

SWEENEY & MICHEL Finance

Jason Corona Sales Director

COMMUNITY

Meet the team at Anderson Lumber's newest location in Chico—your onestop shop for high quality building materials.

Northern California has more entrepreneurial success stories than you might realize, and the upcoming GrowTech conference brings a number of them into the spotlight.

New—but far from green—Brandon Walker leads TJ Farms Estates charismatically into the future.

The not-so-new kid on the block: Plumas Bank’s 40+ year commitment to community reinvestment

Cannabis for modern times… you read that right. Transparency as explained by Sweet Flower CEO, Tim Dodd

Paradise Gleaners continues their mission to provide and deliver food to thousands of residents.

FOOD

Discover a new steakhouse in Durham that's realigning cuisine with tradition.

A tangible and delicious measure of growth—a tour of Heinke Farms

The history of prunes that you never asked for, and the do’s and don’ts of your favorite stomach-soothing fruit

Chocolate prune cake—we promise it's more delicious than it sounds!

What the Fork? Sarah Padilla is bringing big city flavors to Oroville in her Farm To Fork Truck.

THE SECRET MENU

If you know, you know. Does your favorite eatery have a secret menu? Find out in this month's sub feature covering 18 of our favorite restaurants.

POTPOURRI

Do you have vision that can be corrected by Lasik? Some exciting new tech has arrived. See for yourself!

Meet Heather Goodman—patient care coordinator at Rejuvené.

Finding Joy—Discover a ranch-style makeover in Chico’s westside, thanks to New Again Kitchen Remodeling.

Juggling a life worth living—Coot Wyman discusses life and his many irons in the fire.

A one (young) man band—the heart of a child and the giftedness of a symphony in Lake Wyman

FEATURE

Inspired in Rome, honored in Chico— Red Tavern owners Rich and Chris Garcia pay homage to the Lazio region of Italy and share their passion for its architecture, atmosphere, and of course, the cuisine at their new restaurant, Rione.

ON THE COVER: CHRIS AND RICH GARCIA OWNERS OF RED TAVERN & RIONE

PHOTO COURTESY: DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN BY ERIK BROWN @ HELLO FRISK

Building community

Family-owned and operated, Anderson Lumber has been providing building materials to the Northstate since 1953, when their first lumberyard in Sacramento set a new bar for business built on excellent customer service and unbeatable prices for contractors in the area. Since then, the company has grown to include Pacific Supply and operates nearly 50 building material distribution locations across the western US, including five lumberyards in Northern California, with their most recent addition being Chico in 2019. That decision proved to be a wise one as the company has grown by leaps and bounds since opening its doors. Now a one-stop building materials shop for professionals and homeowners alike, Anderson Lumber is ushering in a new era with brands like Trex that are set to take the company to the next level. Thanks to the efforts of salesman, Brandon Sharp, branch manager, Antonio Gutierrez, and a team of customer-centric individuals, Anderson Lumber has quickly made a name for itself in Chico and its surrounding communities by guaranteeing an experience rooted in safety, commitment without compromise, integrity, and treating others with respect.

Originally from Orland, Brandon graduated

from Chico State with a degree in construction management, which formalized the years of work he had already completed in the construction industry. By the time he was tapped to open Anderson Lumber’s Chico branch, he had been working in the construction industry for 19 years. “I started working in HVAC when I was 18, before moving to Lowe’s, and soon after, Meek’s Lumber & Hardware in Chico. Eventually, I took over managing Mendo Mill in Ukiah.” Brandon says, “I learned a lot of what I know during those early years—both in terms of product knowledge and management skills.

I was working in Ukiah, helping contractors rebuild after the Santa Rosa Fire, as the Camp Fire took place. When they offered me the opportunity to come back to Chico, build a new business from the ground up, and help rebuild my own community, I couldn’t help but say yes.”

Antonio also brings decades of construction experience to the table. He started his journey in the industry building roof trusses in Marysville and quickly moved up the ranks into a management position. By 2003, he was at a new location supervising over 100 employees building prefabricated walls, and his career only continued to gain momentum from there. In August of

2022, Antonio made the move to Anderson Lumber as their new branch manager, teaming up with Brandon to expand the business. “I love this business!” Antonio says, “I really enjoy working here, and every day provides a new challenge. I get to work with customers, vendors, and staff, making sure everyone gets the best quality products at the best possible price in the safest way possible. Together, Brandon and I have been able to open the doors to so many new opportunities at the Chico branch, and we’re just getting started.”

One of those opportunities has involved bringing new and exciting brands to the Chico area. Trex is one such brand, offering wood-alternative composite decking, railings, and other outdoor items made from 95% recycled materials. “We started with just framing lumber and hardware, but we’ve brought in so much more.” Brandon says, “Trex is one of my personal favorites, and we have an entire showroom to show it off. The material is wrapped in cellular PVC so it naturally has a longer life, but it’s also lower maintenance than regular wood decking, easily installed, pressure washable, and comes with a lengthy warranty. They offer hidden clips, color-matched screws, and we have four colors in stock for customers. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also wildfire urban interface (WUI) compliant, which means it is ignition-resistant to flying embers and wildfires. These days, it’s difficult to imagine building with anything else. It really is a fantastic product.”

Open to the general public, Anderson Lumber in Chico truly is your one-stop shop for building materials and hardware including Trex products, lumber, James Hardie siding, fencing, and so much more. They work directly with over 40 contractors currently building homes in Butte County and utilize a header saw to create customcut packages, saving builders the time of cutting each board onsite. It’s just one of the many services they offer to provide a customer experience unlike any other in our area. To further that mission, they’ll even deliver your product up to 100 miles from Chico. Located behind Pacific Supply on Hicks Lane, they’re easily accessible right off Highway 99. Stop by and ask them for a quote or feel free to email Brandon at brandon.sharp@paccoast.com or Antonio at antonio.gutierrez@paccoast.com. You can also call them at (530) 809-3670.

See clearly now with lasik

If you have poor vision, are over the age of 21, and have good eye and general health with a stable prescription for at least one year, you may be able to make significant improvements to your vision and see more clearly with Lasik or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery. As a reader of Upgraded Living Magazine, you may remember reading about ophthalmologist Dr. Phil Smith, who returned to Northern California in 2022 and joined the team at North Valley Eye Care. In that article, we touched on Dr. Smith’s expertise in both Lasik and PRK surgeries as well as what the future of eye surgery would look like in the North State thanks to the pairing of his skills with North Valley Eye Care and their partnership with North Valley Surgery Center in Meriam Park. With all of the aforementioned pieces now in place, that future is now a reality, ushering in a new era in Lasik and PRK surgery for patients throughout Northern California.

A member of North Valley Eye Care/Ridge Eye Care Inc. for the past 12 months, Dr. Smith now serves Chico, Corning, and Redding as a general ophthalmologist with an emphasis on cataract and refractive surgery. “One nice thing about North Valley Eye Care and the system we have is our incredible surgical facility.” Dr. Smith raved, “We have the most up-to-date equipment and advanced technology lenses to offer our patients. We’re on the cutting edge of technology for cataract surgery, and I’m excited to bring over 15 years of experience in refractive surgery to the practice with both Lasik and photorefractive keratectomy surgeries. We recently brought in two of the top-of-the-line lasers which will allow us to provide the very best in available treatment plans.”

The Wavelight EX500 and Contoura Vision lasers are the two newest additions to North Valley Eye Care’s offerings, and

as Dr. Smith said, they truly are the most advanced technology currently available. The Wavelight EX500 and Contoura Vision provide the most advanced and rapid form of laser vision surgery on the market. Where standard Lasik surgery maps 2,000 points on the cornea to correct refractive errors, Contoura Vision maps 10 times as many at 20,000 points, delivering the sharpest vision possible. Further, the Wavelight EX500 provides 500 laser bursts per second, correcting refractive errors in a fraction of the time of prior laser surgical treatments. In the end, that means better results with shorter surgical times for patients.

Dr. Smith couldn’t be happier with what this new duo of lasers bring to the table. “For most patients, we’re treating nearsightedness and astigmatism—the two most common refractive errors. They can see up close, but not at a distance without correction.” Dr. Smith said, “It's rewarding to see the change they experience immediately after the procedure at our surgery center. They sit up and see across the room without glasses or contact lenses. It really is instant gratification, and by the next day, most are able to see at or near 20/20. Some folks can’t walk across their bedroom safely without glasses or contact lenses, and these lasers cure that problem.”

For those that are noticing vision changes, Dr. Smith recommends making an appointment with a specialist to have your eyes screened and see if you’re a good candidate for Lasik or PRK surgery. “If we can catch issues early, we can protect the eyes from further vision loss. For those looking to get out of glasses or contacts, Lasik is the most common procedure. It’s safe with long-term stability and has been successfully performed on millions of people throughout the world with minimal risk. Best of all, the change people experience from it is truly life-changing. With the Wavelight EX500 and Contoura Vision, there’s never been a better time to recapture your vision or a better place to do it than right here at North Valley Eye Care.”

If you’ve experienced changes in your vision or are looking to make a change for the better, call North Valley Eye Care and set up a screening appointment today. They can be reached by phone at (530) 891-1900 or online at www.NorthValleyEyeCare.com.

Love Your Skin

It is often said that the most rewarding jobs are those that allow you to help others. Heather Goodman feels blessed to have just that. As Rejuvené’s patient care coordinator in Chico for the past five years, she has been responsible for helping patients find the best versions of themselves that they are most comfortable with.

Growing up in Redding, Heather worked in food service and retail jobs before finding her way into the health and aesthetics field. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school.” Heather says, “I just decided to go into that field temporarily, but I had so much fun that I couldn’t help but keep going.”

Heather attended school for massage therapy and officially became a massage therapist in 2003. Since then, she has earned numerous licenses in the aesthetics field including her esthetician license, cosmetology license, and barbering license. Each has provided her with a different way to help her clients and visualize their various needs. “Aesthetics is all about helping people build their confidence and showing them options they might have never thought possible, whether that be changes in their skin or changes in their body composition.” Heather says, “Each training and certification has given me another tool in helping my clients.”

At Rejuvené, her favorite is Coolsculpting as the results are often both dramatic and lifechanging. “Coolsculpting is a fat-freezing method that aims to get rid of stubborn fat in certain areas of your body.” Heather says, “So many people struggle with stubborn fat. You can exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and still find there are areas of your body that just don’t seem to respond like you wish they would. Coolsculpting provides what exercise can’t— localized fat reduction at an average of 20% with

each round of treatment. It shouldn’t be seen as a replacement, but rather a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, helping you achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of and worked towards. It’s incredible to watch the confidence it instills in our patients! Suddenly, they’re able to do things they wouldn’t have done or wear clothes they’ve always wanted to wear but never felt they could. They feel more confident in their daily lives. It really is an incredible procedure and one I’m happy to say we do a lot of at Rejuvené. The testimonials I hear from our clients afterward honestly couldn’t be more rewarding.” Heather is truly a Coolsculpting master with over 10 years of experience and thousands of treatments performed.

Heather performs the consultations for every service offered at Rejuvené including Coolsculpting, HydraFacial, chemical peels, laser tattoo removal and hair reduction, laser resurfacing, injectables, Botox, skin tightening, and more. Consultations are complimentary and individualized, allowing clients the opportunity to sit with an expert and thoroughly discuss their wants and needs. “Our clients are blown away by the experience.”

Heather raves, “It’s very private, and sometimes I’m the only person aside from our client who even knows they had a procedure done. Those around you don’t often notice exactly what changed physically, but rather the change in confidence, and that’s what matters most. Rejuvené is truly a great place—we’re always striving to give our patients the best, whether it be in education, the treatments we offer, or our level of service. I believe it speaks for itself in Chico. We have a great team, it’s a fantastic place to work, and everyone here is just wonderful!”

Take the first step in loving your skin by setting up an appointment with Heather at Rejuvené. You can do so on their website www.Rejuvene.com or by calling (530) 342-8295.

Photo by Hank Hansen

GrowTECH FEST 2023

The ONLY Entrepreneurial Conference North of Sacramento

Just by entering the ChicoSTART entrepreneurial offices you are immediately given a lesson in motivation and positivity. There are no blank spaces. Every wall, column, and partition is covered with quotes, aphorisms, and maxims that focus on creativity and success. The business area is a confluence of working spaces, from small cubbies, offices, larger work spaces, and conference rooms. The entire environment imbues a person with a desire to succeed.

At the helm of this enterprise is Executive Director, Eva Shepherd-Nicoll, also the Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at CSU Chico. “I just really love helping people, and the best way to help people in this region is to help businesses start, grow, and thrive. To do that, you have to create awareness, educate, deploy resources, and provide access. Our GrowTECH FEST conference is an annual celebration of entrepreneurs and the industries that are growing or moving here and calling this region home.”

GrowTECH FEST is a celebration of the entrepreneurial culture in the North State and will take place on October 11-12, 2023. Participants will hear from iconic business

leaders, discover the next new startups, learn from industry experts, past presenters, and connect with other entrepreneurs and startups. ChicoSTART’s Marketing and Biz Ops Manager, Heather Ugie, echoed Shepherd-Nicoll’s sentiments. “GrowTECH FEST is an awesome opportunity for participants to see what’s going on business-wise in an energizing two-day setting,” she said. “This year we are excited to host both days at Sierra Nevada Brewery’s Big Room. GTF attendees will be able to walk away with something they can use for their business or career, right now.”

Thanks to sponsorship by Chico State College of Business and Far North Regional Consortium of Community Colleges, faculty and students from any university, college, and even the high school will be able to register free of charge.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet and listen to investors, startups, local business owners, and leaders from throughout the North State. Startup presenters range from e-commerce, electrification, SaaS products, to education tools, hydrogen, and professional services.

The keynote speakers this year are investor,

social innovator, and global executive Jeff Spence; and Andrew Gazdecki, CEO of Acquire.com. Both of these entrepreneurs are graduates of CSU Chico and bring local and global knowledge and experience with them. The moderator for this year’s events will be Peter Straus, the highly regarded and respected professor emeritus in the School of Business at CSU Chico.

For more information on the partners, sponsors, and conference agenda that will be offered, go to growtech.io. Ticket prices are listed for individuals and groups. GrowTECH 2023 is the largest and only entrepreneurial conference north of Sacramento. Gather your team, colleagues, or friends and secure your tickets today.

Register and buy your tickets by scanning the QR code below

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

328 Broadway Downtown Chico

tapas and steaks along the midway

Almendra Winery and Distillery takes its name from the Spanish word for almond and now their reimagined restaurant ties it in with Spanish culinary touches.

Carol and Berton Bertagna opened their original restaurant in Durham six years ago, specializing in pizza served at hightop tables alongside a casual bar area. While they excelled at this menu, many customers would ask, "When are you going to start doing steaks?" or "Is pizza all you do?" After the steakhouse next door closed, many of their customers wished for another steakhouse south of Chico. So, the Bertagnas decided it was the opportune time to redesign and reimagine their restaurant.

Carol shares that she and Berton felt traveling to Durham was "already a special

destination, so we thought that elevating the meals would make it even more special." The inspiration for the new menu was twofold, reflecting both Berton's heritage and their recent travels abroad. Carol, who is of Mexican descent is bilingual, as are Berton and their two children. Spanish language and heritage have always played an important role in their lives.

The Bertagnas had also recently visited Barcelona to watch their youngest son play hockey. Berton says, "I fell in love with the food in Barcelona—the tapas mainly." Many of the menu's tapas are directly inspired by the food they enjoyed while abroad, like the patatas bravas—Yukon gold potatoes fried and served with a spicy paprika tomato sauce. Spain's tradition of fresh seafood can also be found on Almendra Steakhouse's menu, including scallops and a tuna trio

dish. In addition to their tapas menu, the Bertagnas offer pasta dishes, like their vegetable or shrimp scampi, or a dinner for two featuring 1855's Black Angus 30 oz porterhouse steak, seasonal vegetables, two salads, and a side dish served on a rustic-style wooden plank, making it the perfect pairing for a bottle of their Petite Sirah on a date night out.

Venture south from Chico on Park Avenue, a short drive down the tree-lined road, and stop in at 9275 Midway to explore Durham's newest, and only, steakhouse with its unique Spanish flare. Almendra's Steakhouse Restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am-9pm. If you want something extra special, stop by for live music every Thursday night as well.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Finding joy with new again

Joy Todd found herself in a situation familiar to so many others after the Camp Fire ripped through Paradise, leveling her home along with thousands of others. She was lucky enough to find a rental in Chico, but even that was short-lived as its owners took the opportunity to quickly sell it while demand was at its highest. Desperate, she began searching for a new place to call her own and found a home on Chico’s westside—a beautiful ranch-style property built in 1974 with incredible views. Though the property itself was beautiful, much of the home was dated, the most glaring of which was the kitchen with its red brick island capped with three different countertop materials, and a bright canary yellow color scheme throughout. To make matters worse, the appliances were all from the 1970s, and the refrigerator couldn’t even fit in the kitchen. Though it wasn’t perfect, options were few and far between, evidenced by the additional $100,000 Joy had to pay over the seller’s asking price for her offer to be accepted. She purchased the home, moved in, and promised herself she would update it as soon as the opportunity arose.

Earlier this year, that moment finally arrived. While driving down Mangrove Avenue in Chico, Joy noticed the sign for New Again

Kitchen Remodeling and decided to drop in. She was met by New Again’s showroom manager and resident designer, Ric Powers, who happened to be a familiar face from her days at Corning High School. Joy explained her kitchen catastrophe, and Ric provided advice on how to pull the kitchen out of its 70s rut. She selected her favorite flooring, countertops, cabinets, and door hardware, and they set a date in June to begin her kitchen remodel.

New Again’s team arrived on schedule as usual and began taking apart the old kitchen. They demolished the brick island and replaced it with new island cabinets by Sunway Cabinetry. The three-material island top was swapped for a beautiful violet quartz countertop that was also used throughout the rest of the kitchen. They overlaid the old floors with a beautiful Bedrosian luxury vinyl tile in Casio beige that seamlessly flowed from the kitchen into the laundry room and bathroom. Finally, they tied everything together by installing new door hardware on all the kitchen cabinets. The difference between the old and new kitchen was night and day.

“The house was designed to feel like you were always outdoors.” Joy said, “I really

loved the house because of it, but the canary yellow in the kitchen really wasn’t me. It was so loud and just not my style. It was also really weird that the refrigerator couldn’t fit in the kitchen, and the old island really bugged me. It took New Again a week and a half to completely change all of that. I was really happy to have someone who was able to come out and complete the work in such a short period of time, as it can be really difficult to find a contractor right now! I loved that they had a showroom where I could pick stuff out and take samples home to view them in the space itself. Everyone at New Again was really great to work with, and they were so responsive to anything I would tell them. I would definitely recommend them to others. I feel really blessed to have this place, and my remodeled kitchen finally made it feel like home. It brought a bit of positivity into my life at a time when I really needed it. I couldn’t be happier with my decision!”

If you’re like Joy and looking to build the kitchen of your dreams, look no further than New Again. You can get in touch with them by calling (530) 899-2888 or visiting them at 1108 Mangrove Avenue in Chico.

For the love of the land

Just three miles west of Downtown Chico lies TJ Farms Estates–15 acres of land that has been home to the Moss family since 1952, and is now run by Chico State Alum Brandon Walker. With plenty of charm and boasting an enormous white farmhouse with matching dormers and brick columns that was built for the first owner of the estate in the 1930s, and a beautiful gazebo under which many newlyweds have toasted their unions, it stands as a testament to the longstanding beauty of Butte County.

The second generation of Mosses to own the farm, Dave and Mary, have tried their hand at farming many different crops over the years, including almonds, walnuts, and kiwi fruit. Dave calls their farming approach “survival farming” because, as those who love and work the land know well, Mother Nature often has her own ideas about things. During the early 1980s, a series of catastrophic floods wreaked havoc on the farm. Times were tough for the Moss family, but with steadfast determination, they revived the land and put in a pumpkin patch that is still going strong today, and created a lineup of wildly adored pickled goods. The pumpkin patch has become an autumn destination for many locals and for families who bring their kids out to the farm for a fun-filled day in the hazy fall sunshine,

hunting for pumpkins among snaking vines, lugging them in little wooden wagons, and visiting the animals in the animal pasture.

This last May, Dave and Mary sold TJ Farms to Brandon, who worked there for a number of years during college. He is excited to write the new chapter of the farm and is working closely with Dave and Mary to ensure that it remains true to its heritage.

“The farm is a staple in the community,” Brandon says, “And when I heard they were going to sell, I thought it would be a shame to have such a staple disappear from Chico forever. It's crazy the impact that Dave and Mary have had in this town.” His goal is to take what Dave and Mary have built and continue to improve upon it. That includes adding more seasonal events to the farm’s calendar, hosting live music, and taking on and adding value to the very robust business that is already flourishing there.

In an on-site licensed commercial kitchen, TJ Farms has been producing high-quality gourmet jams, vinegars, dressings, and pickles for nearly 40 years, and their product line has been extended into pickled okra, green tomatoes, asparagus, and habanero peppers. Their products–including their most famous, Dave’s Dazzlin’ Dills–are sold in specialty stores around Chico,

including Made in Chico, Maisie Jane’s, S&S Produce, and Little Red Hen. All their goods are also available for sale at the farm, which is open year-round. Brandon will continue to expand the product lines that already have a loyal fanbase, aided by Dave and Mary, who lend a hand with the vegetable cleaning, jarring, and canning.

The farm is also home to a wedding venue, which has hosted many couples as they’ve said their vows and partied with friends and family. The venue boasts two acres of gently sloping lawns complete with landscaped grounds, ivy-covered trellises, and small intimate seating areas, all of which are placed to create a magical space and complement a beautiful outdoor event. The farm also features a party barn that can accommodate 200 guests and an outdoor dance area with fairy lights overhead. Lots of parking, vendor accommodation, and other amenities make it a great place to host your nuptials, or any other special event. Tours of the farm and venue are available upon request, and TJ Farms asks that you simply call ahead for availability.

Brandon is adamant that the public understand that everything they’ve come to know and love about TJ Farms over the years will remain, including the pumpkin patch, the wedding venue, and the adorable animals. He has a degree in marketing, so he is looking forward to helping the farm and its various products flourish and

WRITTEN BY

Photo by Hank Hansen

MADDIE RODRIGUEZ

grow by putting his knowledge to work. “Something I really appreciate is that Dave and Mary are nearby for the first year, sharing their 51 years of knowledge, and assisting me with any questions they had already figured out an answer to,” Brandon says. Brandon and Dave have teamed up in the fields, tending to this year’s crop of pumpkins and other produce, with Brandon soaking in the older gentleman’s knowledge of the land like a sponge. “Because Brandon worked with us those three years,” Mary says, “Dave and I feel like he’s part of our family.”

Brandon has two great mentors in Dave and Mary Moss, who will be lending their shoulders, and probably their ears, too, to this ambitious young man. He is looking forward to putting his hands in the earth and setting the rudder of the farm to chart his own course. With his knowledge and experience, we have no doubt he’ll elevate TJ Farms to the next level.

TJ Farms is open most days, though they recommend calling beforehand: (530) 343-2294. The pumpkin patch is open for business the first Saturday in October (the 7th) and continues through October 31st. For farm tours and wedding venue inquiries, visit the TJ Farms Facebook page & Instagram @tjfarmsestates, or visit their website tjfarmsestates.com

Banking on Community

There are many important factors to consider when selecting a bank. How long have they been in business? Are they trustworthy? What type of services do they offer? What kind of customer support can I expect? A less-than-outstanding answer to any of these questions will surely be a dealbreaker for most of us, and it should be—after all, our hard-earned money is at stake. Plumas Bank has spent the last 40+ years working to ensure stellar answers to each of the above questions, bringing specialized expertise in commercial and agricultural lending as well as business and consumer banking services to Northern California. Through this commitment, they have created a loyal customer base and attracted some of the area’s top banking talent in the process.

If you’ve spent any time driving around Chico over the past few months, you’ve likely seen the large, beautiful mural recently painted by Chico artist Dylan Tellesen at the corner of Palmetto and Mangrove Avenues. Though the company name on the side of the building may seem somewhat new to the area, Plumas Bank has been operating in Chico since 2014 as a loan production office. Originally founded in Quincy over 40 years ago, the bank now operates 15 branch locations across California and Nevada, with the Chico

As a community bank, Plumas Bank places special emphasis on building deep, personal relationships with its clients and within its various communities. Due to its designation as a community bank, it has a different purpose than other financial institutions too. Community banks exist to reinvest in the communities where they operate. Plumas Bank takes that purpose seriously and sees its role as a partner in creating community prosperity in every place it operates. It was this commitment, along with their strong reputation and regional history, that attracted Vice President, Commercial/Ag Lender David McAlister, and Vice President and Chico Branch Manager/Business Advisor Ian Macmillan, to the company.

“I moved to Chico in 1999 and worked for several smaller local and regional banks that were each purchased by larger banking outfits.” David says, “Each time they were purchased, their way of doing business would change. A former coworker told me about Plumas Bank and asked if I would be interested. The bank’s values and philosophy were customer- and communitycentric, which matched mine perfectly. I moved to Plumas Bank more than four years ago, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Ian has a similar story. A native Chicoan, he managed and worked at several larger banks before realizing he prefers a more direct and long-term business relationship with his clients. “Previously I felt like I was pushing sales and widgets.” Ian says, “At Plumas Bank, we’re more interested in learning about the client and their business needs. Long-term banking relationships are the foundation of our business model. I found that to be the case on my first day here, and the last six months have only reinforced it.” Ian adds, “Our branch also offers a complimentary community meeting room open to area nonprofits, business associations, and clients. It’s a place to hold meetings and collaborate to spark creativity, network and develop new ideas. We try to go above and beyond in everything we do.”

Together, David, Ian and their team have worked tirelessly to foster deep relationships with clients to meet their needs above and beyond what one might expect from a typical bank. “If you had a concern at other financial institutions, you might be routed to someone across the country that doesn’t understand your business or the region where you live and work.” Ian says, “At Plumas Bank, you can chat with me or our Chico team directly. My cell phone number is listed on my business card too, so you can reach me, and I’ll try to fix the issue on the spot. That’s the way personal banking should be.”

David continues, “We take our commitment to the community seriously. We donate to nonprofits and organizations throughout the communities we serve. Last year we donated $50,000 to community efforts and, the year prior, we spearheaded the distribution of $250,000 to local communities impacted by the Dixie Fire. Our branch team has positions on local boards throughout the Chico area like 3Core, Chico Noon Exchange, and the Chico State Alumni Association, to name a few. We bank on our communities, and our communities can trust in banking with us.”

With their new branch now open in Chico, there’s no better time to check out Plumas Bank. Visit 900 Mangrove Avenue in Chico, meet the team and see what true relationship banking means for you. Learn more at plumasbank.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

branch being its newest brick-and-mortar addition.

Numbers Don't Lie: Here's How Much Money the Average American Really Has

The American wallet is in bad shape. We all know money is important—it impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. However, it clearly confuses and intimidates most of us. Year after year, data from financial surveys, unfortunately, paints a poor picture of American finances.

SURVEY SAYS

Here’s what things look like for the average person in 2023:

1. 57% can’t cover a surprise $1,000 expense

2. $5,733 in credit card debt

3. 76% overpay taxes

4. 48% have no plan to replace income in case of tragedy

5. 76% Still have debt in retirement (37% have a mortgage)

6. $95,776 average retirement nest egg at age 65

7. $1,837 average monthly Social Security benefit

8. 80% have no college savings

9. 66% have no estate plan: (probate can take up to 18 months + 8% for the State to decide who gets their house, car, and financial assets upon death)

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

NO HOUSEHOLD IS BEYOND REPAIR

The silver lining is that financial planning can help address these issues. We tell clients all the time; financial planning doesn’t have to be intense, it just can’t be ignored. It’s up to you to create a better plan and future.

Budgeting, saving, and investment strategies can help you eliminate bad debt, build a sufficient retirement income plan, cover your family in case of early death, defer and minimize taxes, build a college savings fund, and ensure your assets go where you want, privately and outside of probate.

Currently, only 30% of households have a financial plan and written goals like these. We’d like to help that number grow. And with today’s tools and technology, it’s never been easier. When you’re ready to do something different, give us a call or book an appointment online. A proper financial plan could literally change your future. Sources, disclosures, and more at sweeneymichel.com

Secrets

The keeper of the most fascinating real estate secrets is Jim the Inspector. Jim knows of secrets hidden away in old buildings that only he has seen, because as he says, “If I can physically get there, I go. People hire me to inspect everything they can’t see.” Jim is lean and strong, and he can physically get to places most people will never see.

I’ve mentioned Jim the Inspector in this fine publication before, specifically about the time, 15 or 20 years ago, when he discovered an intact prohibition-days speakeasy. Under an old linoleum floor, Jim discovered a hinged square hatch cover cut into the thick sub-flooring. The hatch cover lifted smoothly, exposing a narrow iron circular stairway spiraling down into the darkness below. Jim descended and came upon a half-circular bar and eight bar stools, apparently untouched since the last party.

“It was as if they had just left,” said Jim. “I could picture the scene in my mind.” The picture of women in flapper dresses and pearls, men in jazzy suits and fedora hats, laughing and drinking illegal booze in their private prohibition-era speakeasy.

I called Jim today. “Didn’t you tell me once about an old ballroom buried underneath a building?” I asked.

“Oh, that was a magnificent thing,” he said. “I was making my way through a

crawlspace under an old building, and as I crawled toward the front, the ground dropped off about ten feet into the darkness below. I found an old pallet and used it to shimmy my way down.”

As Jim shined his flashlight and strolled through the darkness, he realized the length of the space was far longer than the walls of the building above. It was more like three-quarters of the entire block of buildings.

“I saw decorative stained glass light sconces about five feet tall attached to the walls, a stairway with carved wooden banisters, and fabric covering that still clung to the walls. It had the look of a huge old ballroom. I came upon an antique bowling gambling machine, about 16 feet long, with all the mechanisms perfectly intact.”

Jim left these treasures the way he found them. “I doubt anyone else has gone there since,” he says.

Where are these secrets hidden? Jim’s not saying. He inspects buildings all over the North Valley.

Jim can keep a secret.

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

- Jill Townsend, Paradise

Sherry is a delight to work with, and she is very responsive to the seller/buyer needs. She has extensive experience in the real estate market, in particular Chico and surrounding communities, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to buy or sell.

Call me today at (530) 514-4855

An Elegant Custom Estate with exquisite craftmanship, sophisticated style and timeless luxury !!! This truly one of a kind home just doesn't come available every day!! This living experience is unique in every way! When entering through the double handcrafted front doors, you will peer right into the backyard with a wall of windows, inviting all of the greenery into the home and no matter which room you are in, the natural light and parklike setting is enjoyed giving a very tranquil and peaceful feel! An entertainers delight with 16' soaring ceilings, crown molding, hand carved alabaster chandeliers imported from Spain in the dining and entry way, custom wood cabinetry and library ceiling in the office, gourmet kitchen open to the family room with 6 burner range, dual ovens, dual dishwashers, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a built-in wet bar with 60 bottle white wine frig. In addition, there is a HUGE climate controlled red wine closet as well. The master suite is just that, fit for a king/queen with 16' ceilings, fireplace, jetted jacuzzi tub, his & her walk in closets, imported marble tile, private entrance into backyard and outdoor shower. Enjoy the koi pond with water feature, brick walk ways that invite you to meander and enjoy this private paradise setting!

This newer home with large lot gives the feel of privacy and seclusion!! The newer shed is included, as well as the refrigerator and electric car charger. Washer/dryer hookups are inside. The large deck in the front is a great place to hang out and have that morning coffee. It's wonderful to have the clubhouse with the pool on these hot summer days! Call to see it today! Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 804 Price: $90,000

Check this remodeled kitchen out! It's ruly a chef's delight with gorgeous quartz counters, special custom lighting, large island to eat and entertain from and just simply hang out here and have a great time! Lots of windows and places to put your plants and enjoy the morning coffee on your private and fenced in patio areas both front and back of the home. The flooring is beautiful in the home leading into the master suite which has a remodeled and very pretty master bathroom - walk in closet with built ins, shower has custom tile and fixtures, all new! Sliders off to the back patio, plantation shutters throughout Living room has vaulted ceilings and leads to the office with built-ins!!! This home shows pride of ownership and is a pleasure to show!! Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,487 Price: $425,000

(530) 514-4855

This charming Chico home features 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom in the main house and a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom guest home. This home is brimming with character. The large living room and dining room picture window allows natural light to flood this home. The kitchen is open and spacious with a breakfast nook. don't forget there is a wonderful front patio to enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. The guest home is spacious featuring its own kitchen, living room and bedroom and bathroom with 2 large closets. This could be a great mother in law space, office or rental income! (Currently rented and fully permitted). Parking is easy with the driveway. There is a large shed out back, perfect for keeping your belongings organized. Close to everything, this is a home you can't miss! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,506 Price: $489,000

"Century 21 and Effie Khaki equal total satisfaction and great service. Effie is the best and works so hard for you. She is the best agent I have ever had. She really came through for us and worked magic to get us our dream home. I will always use her for any home or land purchases. I just can’t say enough good things about her."

-Cort Schreiber

Located on a private cul-de-sac, this Paradise lot was once home to an elegant residence. Still remaining are the beautiful wrought iron entry gate with its brickwork, a pond, paved driveway etc. The property is connected to PID water and condition of septic is unknown to seller. Buyer to investigate.

Acres: 1.02 Price: $55,000

Situated in a wonderful neighborhood in lower Paradise with an easy commute to Chico, this amazing property once held a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1370 sqft home with a 2 car garage. The previous home was on PID water, septic tank and had natural gas. The seller does not have information about the condition of the septic tank. Buyer to investigate. Price: $39,500

Own a piece of PARADISE!!! If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $49,900

Nested in the coveted Chico Avenues, this picture perfect residence is just blocks away from Enloe hospital, CSUC, and downtown. The building consists of 2 units and allows you the opportunity of living in one and renting the other, if you desire. Both units offer an open floor plan, large dual pane windows for ample natural lighting, and fully equipped kitchens (each with gas stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal). Additionally, these units boast central heat/air, darling quaint yards, and each with its own 2 car garage which are equipped with washers and dryers. Unit 493 offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Unit 489 has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms—incidentally this unit was just upgraded with new flooring, new appliances, and fresh paint. With a zero factor vacancy rate on these units, this will make a great investment opportunity for your investment portfolio.

Bed: 5.0 Bath: 4.5 Price: $599,900

When in Rome

It’s as if you’ve stepped off the narrow cobblestone streets of Trastevere, Rome and ducked into a beautiful but obviously modern Italian restaurant for a classic plate of pasta carbonara. Concrete Floors pave the entrance, and as you continue out to the patio, you’re met with climbing ivy and wisteria vines. Blood orange, Femminello lemon, and olive trees dot the outdoor space and rouse memories of past travels to Italy.

Rione is Rich and Chris Garcia’s new restaurant set at the corner of Bruce and 20th, across from Meriam Park. The idea for the new space has been simmering for some time.“It’s been a thought that we’ve had since we owned and later sold our first restaurant. Rich grew up around the Italian restaurant business. The Angelinis were friends of the family and owned an Italian restaurant in Turlock that he and his sisters began working at when he was just

fourteen. Eventually, his parents purchased Angelini’s Italian Restaurant in Turlock and he and Chris along with his sister opened up a second Angenlini’s in Modesto, which they later sold to his family.

When asked how they arrived in Chico, he said he and his wife Chris visited often, and they “just loved the eclectic yet neighborly feel to it. While we still are in a smaller city, we have everything we want here.” In 2013, they purchased Red Tavern and often featured items on the menu with an Italian influence that they changed, spiced up, modified and had fun with. Over the last few years, the couple thought more about opening an authentic Italian restaurant and decided that if they were going to do it, they wanted to guide the food towards what you would see in a specific area of Italy, the area the Garcias love the most, the Lazio region and specifically Rome.

Their intention is to bring in a feeling of what it’s like to experience the Italian city they love so much.

Rich says you won’t hear Frank Sinatra or Perry Como over the speakers or see red and white checkered tablecloths. He shares, “We love Frank Sinatra and we had checkered table cloths at our first restaurant but w'”re going for a modern feel which includes modern and popular Italian music. We also understand Rome’s place in history and our menu is driven towards the true classics.

Chris hopes that anyone who’s traveled to Italy will walk in and say, “That reminds me of something I saw when we were walking in Rome one time, or when they get their meal, that will strike another memory chord.” The esthetics and menu intend to give that feeling of authentic Roman restaurants you could experience in today’s Rome. Rich explains it’s paying homage to how much fun their family has when they visit there. “That’s part of why we travel, to bring ideas back to Red Tavern, and we definitely want to bring our experiences back to Rione as well.” Their daughter, Linsey, has grown up in the restaurant business, and now that she’s in her 20s, has taken on some of the responsibilities. Linsey is yet another reason they looked forward to creating a space apart from the Red Tavern, so that she can continue to grow in the business and carry on what they started at Rione.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS BY DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Italian word ‘rione’ translates into ‘neighborhood’, which is exactly the type of restaurant Rich and Chris wanted to create—a place with that neighborhood feel where residents could wander in and enjoy a unique meal with friends out on an open patio. The Garcias love the energy and excitement of the area across from Meriam Park and live within blocks of the restaurant. They were looking for a building to fit their needs and the new addition at the corner of Bruce and 20th Street was a beautiful fit for them. Its large patio, now bordered with olive trees, catches a nice breeze in the afternoon and invites customers to enjoy the open space.

Rione is a little more casual than Red Tavern and perfect for lunch, date night, or family night. Rich had his eyes opened to Italy and its cuisine at such an early age. He says, “It’s always been close to my heart.” The food is what drew him in, but traveling there, meeting the people, and experiencing the culture is what solidified his love for the area. Chris says, “We are so excited to showcase the food, to put it out for everyone to taste and see.”

The menu is a collection created and accumulated over time. Their head chef comes to Rione from the Red Tavern and brings with him knowledge and experience gained while working in the Bay Area and at various Italian restaurants. Rich says, “Javi, our Head Chef and I work so well together, and we’re able to figure out how we want to do it and do it what we believe is the right way.” During Covid at Red Tavern, it was hard to sell filet mignon and other higher end entrees to go, so they changed the menu a little to reflect more approachable pricing and items that could travel well. “We did a lot of old Italian recipes that I made back in the day that we’ve always made either at home or at our previous Italian restaurant.” The success of those dishes helped fuel their inspiration to open Rione. He explains that he owes a lot of thanks for the knowledge base that he has from his time at Angelinis, and he will feature some recipes from that restaurant at Rione. Rich has also pulled ideas from the time he’s spent in Italy taking classes and cooking with friends they have in Rome. Chris laughs and shares that the recipes also come from “a lot of eating at the Garcia house and a lot of adding a little more of this and a little more of that.” The menu includes

an amazing variety of entrees. There’s a Roman-style Pizza Tonda, which is a thin crust-crispy pizza baked in a wood-fired gas pizza oven. They serve Roman staples such as suppli, squash blossoms, Roman artichokes, meatballs, veal and chicken saltimbocca and Roman pastas such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.

The quality of their dishes is a direct reflection of their experience and training as well as their chef’s talents and the ingredients they use. Rione imports many of the ingredients directly from Italy such as Salamis and Cheeses, San Marzano plum tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil between Naples and Salerno, balsamic vinegars from the Emilia Romagna region, unique olives and olive oil varieties, along with particular pastas that are seldom seen here in the states. In addition to imported pastas they will make their own fresh pasta, ravioli and gnocchi.

The expansive bar backed by green subway tiles and black bar shelving will initially focus on beer, wine and delicious and creative aperitif spritz, which are so popular in Italy. Rich and Chris have handpicked each wine and the wine list will feature a wine from each Italian Region. Eventually, they will obtain a full liquor license where in addition to the wonderful aperitif spritz and wines they will add some exciting artisanal cocktails in which they are known for at Red Tavern.

When they aren’t busy working at their two restaurants, the Garcias enjoy planning their next trips, traveling, spending time with their kids, and cooking for each other. Chris smiles and shares, “He did make me a veal piccata when we were dating, so I kind of knew if he could cook like that he was a good catch.”

While there aren’t any cobblestone streets to meander down and explore, there is a beautiful Roman Italian restaurant waiting for you to step into and experience Italy right in your neighborhood.

Rione is located at 1990 Belgium Avenue at the corner of Bruce and 20th Street and will be open for dinner before slowly adding more hours to include lunch. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page, Rione Italian Restaurant, for updates.

The modern approach

Community—it’s the driving force behind Chico’s very first dispensary, Sweet Flower, which recently opened its doors in Meriam Park. According to Sweetflower CEO Tim Dodd, that sense of community, and the need to give back to its residents, is a core value of the brand as a whole.

Originally from New Zealand, Tim moved to the United States 30 years ago. He graduated with a law degree from Duke University, earned his dual citizenship, and set out to practice law. “I wanted to explore the economic engine of the United States,” Tim remembers. As an active long-distance cyclist, Tim explored the state until a significant accident in 2018 stopped him in

his tracks. He woke up in the hospital with a fractured pelvis, 40% of his body covered in road rash, and no memory of the accident. “I was given a prescription for oxytocin for the pain.” Tim says, “I decided to stop by a cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles to try and handle the pain more naturally, but the buying experience was absolutely horrible. I saw an opportunity to change that and decided to look into opening a dispensary that provided a Nordstrom-style experience instead.”

With his background as an attorney—paired with many years in corporate media, entertainment, finance, and strategy—Tim developed a plan for the new dispensary

and set out to win licenses through various cities’ competitive processes. He decided to focus on areas where he believed there to be a strong sense of community, first being awarded a license in Culver City before expanding to Pasadena, Studio City, Westwood, Downtown L.A., West Hollywood, and most recently, Chico. “That strong sense of community is why we chose Chico and to build out Sweet Flower the way we did.” Tim says, “Honestly though, Chico chose us. Colleen Winter of LuLu’s reached out about partnering with herself and Dan Gonzales on a location in Meriam Park, and two days later, I was on a flight to meet with them in Chico. They had an exciting vision, and it meant a lot that they are two very committed locals who really love Chico. We had never partnered with anyone before, and this was store number seven, so we didn’t want to partner with people just for

money. It had to be about passion for the community, and that passion ultimately translated into giving 5% of our sales back to the City of Chico plus an additional 1% directly to local charities. That amount is distributed to Chico charities through a community advisory board, and we expect contributions from our first year will provide tens of thousands of dollars to each of the charities selected.”

Tim makes sure to note that Sweet Flower is not an-old school dispensary. “It’s cannabis for modern times.” He says, “We’re trying to advance the cannabis paradigm by removing the stigma. There are no entry vestibules or overbearing security guards. We’re focused on treating our customers the way they should be treated through excellent training and education, wonderful customer service, an extensive selection,

and a beautiful location.”

Sweet Flower has a heavy bias towards quality, and they stand behind everything they sell, making sure to know the background of the grower, how it was grown, where it was grown, etc. In Chico, because of the size of the store, they are able to provide something for everyone, whether they’re new or seasoned with cannabis. Not only do they have an immense selection of products, but the store is also beautifully merchandised in an easyto-shop format. From flower and edibles to drinks and oil, they have the product spectrum covered.

To date, Sweet Flower and its partners have invested significantly in the local market from land development to construction to operation, employing local vendors for

everything and remaining true to their 100% Chico resident hiring commitment. “We’re very focused on growing business locally.” Tim says, “We wanted to do something really nice for Chico, so we made Sweet Flower Chico look like it could sit just as well in Los Angeles as it does in Chico. Everyone that works here is a Chico resident and as much of the store as possible was built, designed, and crafted here in Chico. We’re an intentional local business. I love this town, and I’d love to live up here myself eventually.”

Sweet Flower is located at 1998 Alcott Avenue in Chico’s Meriam Park. They’re open 8am-9pm seven days a week and couldn’t be happier to help you. Stop by and see why cannabis for modern times is exactly the type of cannabis we need.

Helping Those in Need

That all too often refrain we hear in this area rings true yet again: “After the Camp Fire…” Paradise Gleaners is no exception. Director Richard Mosell says, “That’s the reason Paradise Gleaners is now in Oroville. The fire wiped us out.” The term gleaner comes from The Book of Ruth in the Bible, where Ruth went out at harvest to glean the leftover wheat kernels. Perhaps divine providence came to the rescue for the Paradise Gleaners when the original director of Oroville Gleaners asked Richard to take over her warehouse just after the fire.

“It was almost like a commandment from God,” says Richard. “And here we are today.” We includes four of his essential workers who come in routinely. They include Troy Clendenin, Kenny Brewer, Mike Wrangham, and Roseanne Oliveira. They help organize, pack, direct, accept clients, and work with volunteers who come in every week. Paradise Gleaners also team up with The Kingdom Table to support community food services.

The gleaners work with a variety of organizations to provide food for the needful. These include the Chico State and Butte College food pantries and all the community supported food pantries in Butte County. Last year they provided over 50,000 meals to the Torres Shelter, and over 6,000 people a month come to

the distribution center to receive food. “It can be anybody from eight to 80,” said Richard. We will give them bread and eggs. Many of the other gleaners only provide food to people over 50, but we provide for everybody.”

Many local businesses and organizations contribute to Paradise Gleaners. Pro Pacific is a huge contributor, and Bimbo Bread gave thousands of loaves of bread during the first quarter of the year. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also provides meals and services. Current partners are the North Valley Community Foundation and the United Way. The umbrella organization is the Cal State Gleaners Disaster Response organization. This agency has gone to every major fire in Northern California the past few years and set up food and emergency distribution services. Nothing goes to waste from the facility. All spoilage goes to local farms for chicken and pig feed.

Their location on 1245 Oro Dam Boulevard in Oroville has a main office and meeting center for organizations to gather. They also have weekly Bible verse services for those interested. If you would like to volunteer time or donate money, visit their location or their website, www.theparadisegleaners.com

Nurses & Professional Healthcare is an honorable company that has helped me get established in the healthcare industry. Over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work at over a dozen locations that NPH is affiliated with. I am grateful to work for NPH because they are an ethical company that cares about their employees.

Jeffrey Clift, CNA

leading healthcare staffing agency in

The Legacy Continues

Terran Heinke is a proud fourthgeneration farmer on The Ridge, and he is making sure his children John and Melody become the fifth generation to carry on Heinke Farms in Paradise, California. The multi-crop farm has been the home of a completely unique legacy since the 1960s. That’s when his grandfather, Carl Heinke, brought over the first kiwi vines imported from New Zealand and planted them n the U.S. Those vines still thrive and produce kiwis on the 17-acre plot across the street from the current Heinke workshop and office.

As we are all too familiar with in this region, the Camp Fire nearly put an end to the Heinke family tradition. Fortunately, the farm had been undergoing heavy irrigation in the days prior to the fire. That, coupled with the greenway of the Tall Pines Golf Course just west of the farm, made it possible for those precious 17 acres to survive. Along with kiwis, those acres produce a yearly average of 50,000 pounds of Concord grapes. Down the road, an eleven-acre plot has nectarines, peaches, apples, cherries, and persimmons, which are available through the summer and early fall.

“After the fire, we were relieved to discover the vineyard had survived,” said Terran. “Paradise is our home, and the Heinke Farm brings back memories for many of the long-time residents. Reopening the farm gave us an

opportunity to once again share a taste of Paradise with locals and out-of-towners.” He added, “Since the fire, we’ve opened up our farm to the public in the fall after the commercial harvest is over when we host u-pick weekends free of charge.”

Restoring the farm has been a tremendous undertaking. While the metal fencing remained intact, the wooden posts were all destroyed. Restoring the fencing has been a priority because deer like Concord grapes, too! “We’ve been replacing the old posts with metal and hope to have the vineyards completely fenced by harvest,” said Terran. “Those deer can smell the sugar in the grapes!”

One opportunity the fire did provide was expanding what Heinke Farms could offer. They now sell a variety of ornamental trees, annuals, and plants. They also have bee hives and produce organic honey. But the big draws these days are still the grapes and kiwis. “We distribute all over the U.S.,” said Heinke. “We sell to the Bay Area, Portland, Michigan, New York, and Florida.” At home, Terran will sell at the local farmer’s markets, and you can buy Heinke products up in Paradise and in Chico. Of course, you can also visit the farmstand at 5365 Clark Road in Paradise.

Take the trip up the hill or over to Clark Road. We are sure you will love the great produce available at Heinke Family Farms!

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

$1,000

THE CHALLENGE:

We're giving away $1000 in gift certificates to the following 18 restaurants. Winning is easy! All you have to do is snap a photo of the item you're trying and post it to your Instagram or Facebook profile by following the steps below.

STEP 1

Follow Upgraded Living on Facebook or Instagram! Both, if you feel so inclined.

STEP 3

Post the photo to your Facebook or Instagram profile with the title of the secret menu item as the caption and tag the restaurant in the post using the @tag listed under their address. For example: Ghost Burger @unwinedchico

GHOST BURGER AND SPICY BRISKET PIZZA

UNWINED KITCHEN & BAR

STEP 2

Snap a photo of the item you're trying with your smartphone or camera!

STEP 4

Rinse and repeat! We will be giving away one $50 gift certificate to each restaurant for a total of $900 in gift certificates! One Butte County foodie who tries all 18 locations will win $100 in restaurant gift cards!

RASPBERRY CRUSH FROST & ACAI SUNRISE

TERRA MAR TACOS

PARKSIDE TAP HOUSE

115 W 3RD ST, CHICO

@PARKSIDETAPHOUSE

Though not on their menu, the Terra Mar Tacos have quickly become a favorite of those who are in the know at Parkside Tap House. A delicious combination of surf and turf, these tacos are the perfect reason to make

WESTERN BACON

VINA BURGER *JUICE IT*

LASSEN STEAKHOUSE

4945 CA-99E, VINA

@LASSENSTEAKHOUSE

Some of the tastiest items in a restaurant are those the kitchen staff cook up for themselves in secret. The Juiced Western Bacon Vina Burger is just that. Simply order a Western Bacon Vina Burger and say, "JUICE IT" to have onion rings, bacon bits, and the chef's secret JUICE IT BBQ sauce added to the burger. Paired with one of their cocktails, we can't really imagine a better reason to make the drive to Vina.

BONE MARROW

THE UNICORN

SWEET CHICO CONFECTIONS

121 W 3RD ST, CHICO

@SWEETCHICOCO

175 E 20TH ST, CHICO @MULBERRYBREWING

The McKracken Pie is a pure California pizza with Cal ifornia-only ingredients—NorCal milled flour, Pacific sea salt, Corning olive oil, Cali sweet plum tomato sauce, Molinari cured pepperoni and salami, along with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and fire-roasted peppers. It pairs beautifully with their Golden Spike Session IPA, a light citrusy beer that marries bitter with spiciness and cuts through oil with an herbal finish.

PROVISIONS

1975 MONTGOMERY ST, OROVILLE

MOFIYA WET NOODLE

DRUNKEN DUMPLING

141 PARK AVE, CHICO

@DRUNKENDUMPLINGCHICO

The Mofiya Wet Noodle is a spicy rich ramen dish you won’t want to miss. The ramen noodles are sautéed in a tomatillo/serrano pepper sauce they make in house. Served with their housemade tom yum broth and garnished with a soft-boiled egg, seasonal fruits and vegetables, crunchy Chinese noodles, and a blackened jalapeño. The creamy-rich-style ramen is a secret in itself.

MOOING BROWN COW

SHUBERT'S ICE CREAM & CANDY

178 E 7TH ST, CHICO

@SHUBERTS_ICECREAM_CANDY

Think you’ve tried everything from this Chico icon? Think again. The Mooin’ Brown Cow blends Shubert’s homemade root beer with their delicious black raspberry ice cream and is finished with whipped cream and chopped nuts. Their ice cream contains locally sourced fruits, and they recommend subbing their peach ice cream for something truly special!

CROQUE MADAME

ETHAN'S EATERY

2275 MYERS ST, OROVILLE @ETHANS_EATERY

One that essentially delivers a new secret menu every weekend, Ethan's Eatery in Oroville is serving up an exhibition of extravagance in the Croque Madame brunch sandwich. A tower of thick-sliced ham meets gruyere cheese between two slices of old-fashioned sourdough, then topped with two fried eggs and fresh herbs, covered in a creamy Mornay sauce. Served with their seasoned potatoes, this is a must try!

CHICKEN BREAD & RED PEPPER FETTUCCINE

FRANKY'S

REUBEN'S BREAKFAST TACOS

MORNING THUNDER CAFE

352 VALLOMBROSA AVE, CHICO @MORNINGTHUNDERCAFE

Morning Thunder's Chef Reuben spared no ingredient in filling these delicious breakfast tacos. Piled high with eggs, chorizo, avocado, cilantro, onion, Mexican cheese, and Reuben’s spicy salsa, these circular pieces of heaven are as filling as they are delicious. Served with a side of beans, it's the perfect way to fuel up for your morning.

THE ANGRY BIRD

KONA'S ON NORD

965 NORD AVE, CHICO

Soft Water Saves

Have you ever noticed how sometimes it takes an inordinate amount of shampoo before you’re able to get a good lather? Or maybe your washing machine doesn’t seem to get those clothes as clean until you add another dash of detergent. The problem is those soapy suds can’t do their job if your water is too hard.

Clay Farrell from Culligan of Chico recommends the Aquasential Smart HighEfficiency Water Softener and shares that “It’s the most efficient water softener in the world.” Hard water can wreak havoc on your home. It causes hard water stains on your faucets, counters, and pool tile along with calcium buildup in your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator’s ice and water dispensers. This smart water softener ensures you’ll have access to real-time water data while saving soap, appliances, and money with the latest technology.

Aqua Sensor Technology:

The softener has sensors that constantly test the water's hardness to ensure the water is always soft. In this area, the water mineral content changes frequently, so if your water changes in hardness, your water softener keeps up with it and doesn’t waste unnecessary salt or water.

Bypass Capability:

The bypass capability of the system allows you to ‘turn off’ the softener when you’re watering the yard or using sprinklers simply by accessing the app on your phone. You can even set up a schedule to coincide with sprinkler settings so it automatically shuts off. With other systems, to avoid using

the water softener, you’d have to manually turn it off or install separate plumbing to accommodate a sprinkler system apart from the rest of the home.

Leak Sensors:

Sensors monitor the system and nearby plumbing for water leaks and will send email or text alerts directly to your phone in case they come in contact with unexpected water. This is an invaluable asset in avoiding water damage to your home.

Real-Time Updates:

The app allows you to set a water budget and then displays the daily water consumption to help you monitor usage and see how close you are to your goal. It also keeps track of the amount of salt in the system and notifies you when it’s time to order more. The smart system also has a vacation mode that will send you alerts if there is any water used during the time you are away which could indicate a leak somewhere in your plumbing such as a running toilet, dripping faucet, or loose fitting.

Culligan’s William Bocast says that a water softener is a “fantastic investment in your home because not only does it give you the benefits of better hair and softer skin, but it also saves your appliances; your washing machine, your dishwasher, and your water heater. Hard water is hard on everything, while soft water saves.”

Contact Culligan at 530-343-5100 or at www.culliganofchico.com to see about adding a water softener to your home.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Introducing the French Plum

You might be surprised to find out you’ve known the French Plum for most of your life. Your grandparents certainly knew it, because it often becomes a staple in the digestive process of the elderly. We know this fruit as the prune. As in, “Hey, Granny! Break out the prune juice. I’m all blocked up!” The other facts of French Plums can easily be discovered by taking a quick trip down Tim’s Memory Lane, and sojourn briefly to France.

In French, the word plums is pronounced proons, while prunes is pronounced proo-noh. As Steve Martin said, “Those French! They have a word for everything!” Approximately four pounds are consumed per person by the French each year. 80% of French plums in France are grown in the Lot-et-Garonne region, and they even have a prune museum, the Musee du Pruneau in Granges-sur-Lot. The main variety of plum, which is dried, is called the ente. There’s also a Spanish Plum, but we’re on a word budget here, so we can’t afford to go there!

Let's transport to a ranch north of Chico called the Newhall Land and Farming Company, where hundreds of acres of French plums were grown and dried back in the 1960s, 70s, and beyond. That’s where yours truly became intimately acquainted with the plum-to-prune process on the dehydrator system.

Plums are harvested, brought in bins to be dumped into a washer by forklift (my job), washed, mechanically dropped onto huge wooden trays in stacks, transported to the dehydrator on a train track-like system, and placed into the dehydrator rooms. In a twelve-hour process, they went in as plums and came out as prunes. I must say prunes right out of the dehydrator taste delicious! I must also state don’t ever forget your lunch one day and eat too many prunes to make up for it! It’s a painful experience.

As I lay on the cold cement floor of the storehouse that day, my gut contracting and expanding with explosive gas pains, I didn’t think of the health benefits of prunes, but there are some. Each prune has ZERO of the following: fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. The benefits would be a little Vitamin A and a whole lot of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. It’s the insoluble (fiber that stays intact in your digestive system) that helps to keep your bowel movements regular. All you need to do is eat a serving or two every day to “keep you moving!”

Check out the recipe on the next spread for a great way to indulge in the flavor of prunes without wrecking your gut!

Chocolate Prune Cake

Prunes and chocolate? It may not seem like the most obvious combination, but if you're looking for chocolate cake that retains its moisture, look no further! This recipe couldn't be easier or more delicious!

Ingredients

- 5 prunes, finely diced

- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

- ¾ cup gluten free all purpose flour

- ¾ cups unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 eggs

- 1 cup whole milk

- ¼ cup vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup boiling water, plus more for soaking prunes

Directions

Soak the prunes in boiling water to cover. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round pans and coat the insides with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, gluten free all purpose flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until completely combined.

Drain the prunes and add them to the mixing bowl as well as the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed. Scrape down the sides then stir in the boiling water with a spatula.

Divide batter evenly between two pans.

Bake for 37 minutes in the oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool the rest of the way on the rack. Use icing of choice and enjoy!

Parent, Musician, DJ, and Entrepreneur

For people knowledgeable about the local music scene, the name Cootdog is instantly recognizable. The first thought would be the group, Mystic Roots, longtime performers of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, EDM, and rock. Cootdog is also known as a DJ for Z-Rock, Power 102.1, and Power 94.7 in Redding as well as a performing DJ.

One of Cootdog’s entrepreneurial efforts is being a DJ booking agent. “Currently, I book about 40 events a month in the area, and I play three,” he said. Cootdog remembers his early DJ experience as a teenager in San Geronimo, “I’d have two cassette decks. On one, I’d have music, and on the other, I’d record radio DJ bits describing the music groups, playing the part of a ‘real’ DJ.”

Another Cootdog endeavor is his cannabis business, 'Chico’s Best' Sourced Cannabis Pre-rolls, which are sold at the local Embarc dispensary. He hopes Chico’s Best becomes a brand like Sierra Nevada Beer, where it becomes known throughout the United States. Coot also operates a car rental agency run through Turo.

He does have a vocation he is really looking forward to expanding. “All I want to do is manage Lake,” he said. Lake Anthony Wyman is Coot and his wife Katherine’s son who is featured as this month’s Cool Kid. This does not mean

Coot is done playing music. “I plan on playing with the band. I’m definitely not done with that phase of my life.”

Right now, he and Lake are putting in a lot of time developing Lake’s YouTube page where they plan on putting together 20-to-30-minute shows. “I want to cultivate a happy, lovely life for Lake,” he said. Recently, looking over the followers of Lake’s page, he saw the name Mariah Carey. “I looked it up and it was the real deal,” Coot said. “It’s pretty exciting when you see that.”

As for his twenty-plus years in Chico, he doesn't plan on leaving his adopted hometown. “I feel very fortunate and blessed to be here,” he said. “I also want to raise awareness for my four-year-old daughter, Duet, and her health condition, BPAN.” Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration is a disorder that damages the nervous system and gradually gets worse. Affected individuals will develop a buildup of iron in the brain which leads to Parkinsonism that results in unusually slow movement, rigidity, tremors, an inability to hold the body upright and balanced, and a shuffling walk that can cause recurrent falls.

“I tend to be my own worst critic,” Coot said. Right now, he is thinking more about the unseen side of our existence. “I’m trying to seek more spirituality,” he said. “I want to let more room into my life.”

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

NOBODY DOES LIKE

Events

Farm to fork

On the corner of Olive Highway and Oro Dam Blvd in Oroville, a small group of food trucks gather in the large shared parking lot between Town & Country Liquor and A-1 Appliances, keeping locals fed. One of these didn’t seem like others I’d seen in the area. I mean, what exactly is a Farm To Fork Truck? I checked them out online and found their menu offered a wide variety of items from lemon orzo Greek salads to macadamia scones with chocolate ganache, so I knew I had to stop in and check them out. They had a homemade cheesecake on display, but I went with their brisket sandwich since it’s been a solid year or so since our Butterhorn nap at Country Morning Bakery & Cafe. I also don’t think I can cover the word count on a dessert alone. What else sets this truck apart? Everything is made from scratch, and the owner, Sarah Padilla, rocks the truck alone.

The brisket sandwich was delicious, moist, and teeming with flavor—from the buttery brioche bun to the garlic and brown sugar BBQ-sauced pull-apart brisket and melted Pepper Jack cheese dripping over the bottom bun. The star of the sandwich was the coleslaw with its large-cut tame jalapeño, thicker-cut purple cabbage, cilantro, and apple cider vinegar/honey base. Had I not cut it for presentation, I was told, it would have held in the ingredients better. The

sandwich was served with housemade chips in a smoked spice blend with a dipping sauce that paired beautifully. I paired it with a refreshing lavender lemonade—not sour, not too sweet, and not pictured because I couldn’t wait. What you can’t see is the skill and technique you will certainly taste that begged me to ask Sarah about her culinary chops.

Sarah graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado Culinary School in 2005. She cooked in volume for students at Denver University and became the first female, and youngest Garde Manger Chef, at the Colorado Convention Center. She has vast experience elsewhere, including Miami and NYC, honing her craft and building menus.

Today, Sarah says, “I use the highest quality food, and I’m mostly organic. I really care about what I put into my body and the people I feed. I also source locally, shopping at the farmers' markets for my specials, using farm fresh eggs, local lemons, and Great Harvest sourdough.” If you’re excited to try her menu and aren’t driving in or through Oroville, you can always stop by Odyssey Winery where Farm To Fork Truck can be found every other Saturday. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy her menu staples and whatever she’s inspired to create that day.

bring us home

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

RADIANCE

Renee Christenson, PA-C

General, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology

Adventist Health

Feather River Health Center

5125 Skyway, Suite A

Paradise, California

6283 Clark Road, Suite 5 Paradise, California

530-872-2000

AdventistHealth.org/RChristenson

Feel more at home in your skin. Cosmetic Botox and dermal filler injections can reduce signs of aging and help you look younger by addressing concerns with lines from your forehead and eyebrows to your eyes, lips, nose, chin, neck and earlobes. In addition, we provide treatments for jaws and face shape adjustments. Botox injections can last as long as 4 months, while dermal fillers can last up to 18 months.

Renee Christenson, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology. She provides a variety of treatment techniques including anti-aging treatments, Botox injections, cosmetic lasers and dermal fillers. All cosmetic treatments are cash pay only and can be scheduled following a consultation.

S E P TEMBE R

17 Margaret Cho Live & Livid!

19

50th Anniversary and Final World Tour

OC T OBE R

1 Quinteto Latino

7 Nickel Creek

11 Cirque Mechanics Zephyr

13 Sheng Wang

22 Mariachi Herencia de México

N O V EMBE R

5 An Evening with David Sedaris

D E CEMBE R

1–3 Chico Community Ballet

A Very Chico Nutcracker

6 Storm Large 10 Nochebuena

J AN U A R Y 27 Classic Albums Live: Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers— Note for Note, Cut for Cut

FEBR U A R Y 21 Brian Regan 28 Voctave

M A RC H

1 Tres Souls & Grupo Bella 14 ABT Studio Company

APR I L

5–6 Banff Mountain Film Festival 11 Book in Common Lecture: Clint Smith How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America 21 Wynona Wang

This Cool kid has perfect pitch

Lake Anthony Wyman scores two firsts in the history of the Upgraded Living “Cool Kid” page: He is the first kid to be interviewed while jumping on a trampoline and is also the first to be featured in the same issue as his parent, DJ Cootdog, who is our music page spotlight. However, for a six-year-old, Lake has many other extraordinary accomplishments.

First, this cool kid plays the guitar—acoustic and electric, the piano, and the violin. He also helps produce his own music in the studio. On top of that, Lake has performed on stage multiple times, has his own YouTube site, and possesses “perfect pitch” when it comes to singing and being able to recognize musical notes. His dad says, “I’ve been playing music all my life (partly with local group Mystic Roots) and haven’t met anyone with perfect pitch like Lake.”

However, Lake is six years old, and he has six-year-old favorites just like his peers. Some of his interests include Legos, riding his bike, snorkeling, and playing baseball. He also enjoys gaming, playing Super Mario, Star Wars, and Mine Craft. Unlike many kids his age, he likes broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and other vegetables.” I do like some chocolate now and then,” he says, “but I prefer chewy candy.”

As for music, “I want to amaze and inspire people with my music.” He adds, “I’d like to make a lot of money and make the world a better place, and help find a cure for my sister, Duet.”

N O V E MB

November 11, 2023 | Cascade Theatre, Redding | 7:30 p.m.

November 12, 2023 | Laxson Auditorium, Chico | 2:00 p.m.

FE B R U A R Y

Mozart Requiem

February 17, 2024 | Laxson Auditorium, Chico | 7:30 p.m.

February 18, 2024 | Cascade Theatre, Redding | 2:00 p.m.

Cinema

Extraordinary Beethoven

March 5, 2024 | Cascade Theatre, Redding

March 6, 2024

March 7, 2024 | Laxson Auditorium, Chico

Duet, who is four, has BPAN (Beta propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration), a genetic disorder that damages the nervous system. This is a serious and compelling condition that eventually worsens as the child ages. There is no cure. You will find more info in Cootdog’s article.

A special friend to Lake and Duet is their cat, Blue, who “has blue eyes, light fur, and pink skin” according to Lake. Cootdog and his wife, Katherine, have learned to balance the two worlds of Lake and Duet, and a fundraiser for Duet, with Lake performing, among others, will be held on Saturday, August 19, at Mulberry Station.

Readers need to take special note that Lake actually works on his music in the studio. He is a blossoming engineer who pays attention to the melody and the musical tone. He can tell by listening back if he has it right. He helps with the creativity, songwriting, and production aspects of his work as well. Check out lakemusic.com and Facebook and Instagram for more information.