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FROM THE EDITOR January 2020. Reads like a Netflix movie about the distant future. What makes it sound like this is the rapid transition we are spiraling. Our advances are tough to keep up with, but also, for the nostalgic, disconcerting. I understand the disappearance of hotel check-in. We book online, check in online, and can now open our rooms with our phones. Certainly the paranoid, finds this disconcerting at best. No check out lines in grocery stores and our friendly checkers appears realistic. Bank tellers have been reduced, a new decade will complete the reduction. So many questions. How damaging is my carbon footprint? Am I doing enough? It is not a question of ‘if solar,’ rather when? Does store shopping win out over online? Cardboard the victim? Cardboard wins. Why do we still drive fuel consumption cars? Why do we still own cars? You see, for a guy born in 1953, that first sentence begins to make more sense. Our January issue is titled New Year New Direction. Certainly, the march forward into a new decade makes sense of this phrase. Our cover story offers an enlightening and uplifting glimpse into the effect of the Camp Fire on our youth. Our cover features Paradise High seniors Elizabethann Sullivan and Zak Luu. In a spin from our recent covers dubbed New Year New You, we tell these kid’s stories of that November 8th, school at the Chico Airport, and life on campus this first semester. We also relate their future goals. In the wounded and fragile world we still live, the enlightening and uplifting nature of these two stories will most certainly be welcomed and celebrated. Resilience resides in our youth, follow their lead. Mostly talk about my back page here, it’s about resolution. As I am writing this, some 12 days before it goes public, I got the news I lost a friend. I had just visited him yesterday. Talk about needing resolution. We all called him Rhino. He was a mountain of a man, fitting of the burly and stubborn nature of the animal. Watching him with my girls as they grew up, tackling them and rescuing them through the giggles, makes me believe he could be a Panda. No need, the Rhino, with its rough and tumble strength and unusual agility, fits our friend to a tee. He needed that body to house the giant heart in his proudful chest. He was witty, charming, scary strong, and willingly vulnerable. Rhino succumbed to that last quality. None of the strength or agility, nor his wit, would help win this fight. I now will have a bright shining light in Rhino when I feel darkness. Dennis, save the fight for reaching those flagsticks in heaven. Rest easy.
Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief
UPGRADED LIVING STAFF AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief
NERISSA QUINN
SHELLY BRANDON
Production Director
Writer
JASON CORONA
FRANK REBELO
Sales Director
Photographer
DARREN MICHELS
MICHAEL MEJIA
Product Integration & Mobility Strategy
Photographer
BRIAN LUONG Writer & Photographer
MICHELLE CAMY Photographer
EMILY LEBLANC Writer
CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTAN ALLISON
LANCE FERRIS
Beauty
Health
GALLERY INTERIORS
MORGAN DARR
Design
What Are You Comprised Of?
HRiQ
SWEENEY & MICHEL
Human Resources
Finance
JASON CORONA
TIM MILHORN
Cocktails
Cool Kid
JESSICA DOLAN CLARENDON
DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.
Health
Skin Care
KEVIN DOLAN Backpage
For advertising or editorial inquiries, please contact: Upgraded Living at 530.591.2634 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com
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CONTENTS JANUARY 2020 COMMUNITY
FOOD
10 Meet Cool Kid Francesca Martins and find
46: Restaurant Week—explore the delights
out why she is a living oxymoron in our neighboring Orland.
14 We feature an important nonprofit to our wide community—Butte Home Health and Hospice.
63 Our Editor in Chief calls on the Beatles to assist in the world of resolutions.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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19 A compelling look at how a lifestyle change prevents the notion of just going on another diet.
22 A wonderful way to make your resolutions have more meaning— by adding mindfulness.
24 You will discover far more than just the benefits of getting a facial.
HOME & GARDEN 43 Peruse the list of 20 tech items you will surely want for your home.
53 Take a look-see at 20 items that will become obsolete in your home all too soon.
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ON THE COVER: ELIZABETHANN SULLIVAN & ZAK LUU, SENIORS AT PARADISE HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN BY: NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY: FRANK REBELO
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Butte County has to offer.
51 Meet our ingredient of the month, radicchio, perhaps for the first time.
ARTS & MUSIC 56 You will marvel at the design and beauty of muralist Christian Garcia.
59 Celebrate the turning of the calendar to 2020 by discovering the trends in music.
FEATURE 36 You will be inspired and uplifted by our cover story featuring Elizabethann Sullivan and Zak Luu, who share their stories from the fire to today.
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WRITTEN & PHOTO BY TIM MILHORN
A Truly Humble Teen You hear it all the time: “teenagers these days! No manners, no motivation. They just want to sit around playing video games or posting on “Instasnapchatgram!” Ah, the generalizations of the Boomer generation.
freshman last year on Orland High’s varsity team, she ended up playing forward due to her speed and ability to score. Franchesca earned the Butte View League Most Valuable Player award.
However, Francisco Elmino Martins, Maria Fatima Martins, and Paul and Peggy Olson would disagree. Their granddaughter, Franchesca Martins, is a living oxymoron: a humble teen. Plus, she’s six feet tall, a 4.0+ student, and didn’t own a cell phone till she turned 15! Franchesca is currently a sophomore at Orland High, where she’s in FFA and plays softball and soccer. She is a Westside farm girl who is proud of her heritage.
Tenacity and an ingrained work ethic are integral to Franchesca’s upbringing. Growing up on a dairy farm in Orland taught her to finish the job you started and you do it well. The bigger lesson came from the jobs where she accompanied her father, Frank, out on the ranch. She saw firsthand how many hours her dad put in and learned how he worked to provide for the family.
That love of soccer has paid off. At six feet tall and extremely athletic, she dominates her primary position, goalkeeper. When she attended the Chris Wondolowski Soccer Camp at Chico State last fall, people asked what college she attended. “Amazon” is a word that describes her well. Ironically, as a
About that cellphone? Franchesca has this to say, “I hated not having one! But it made me focus more on my family and school. When I finally got one, I appreciated it more. And I didn’t have to keep asking ‘can I borrow your phone?’ anymore.”
Work ethic doesn’t stop with dad. Her mother, Channin, operates as a hair stylist Franchesca’s paternal grandparents in Orland, and puts in long days and long immigrated from the Azores, a group of hours. Like the family tradition, Channin islands in the Atlantic Ocean 1,360 miles learned her work ethic from her parents, from Portugal. Her grandfather, Francisco, Paul and Peggy Olson. Sadly, Peggy passed instilled in her a love for soccer at an early away just a few years ago. Her passing has age. “Before he passed, I spent countless not only been tough on Franchesca, but hours with my grandfather watching soccer,” also on her younger sisters, Hannah, 14, and said Franchesca. “Our ‘go to’ channel Paulina, 12. “One thing I definitely miss is was 180. Even though he spoke broken seeing my Grandpa Avo and grandmother English, and was hard to understand, we’d Peggy—Grams—at my games,” said Franny. watch the U.S. and Portugal in the World “It means a lot to see my Grandma Maria Cup, Manchester United, and other teams. and Grandpa Paul there, but I also see Knowing it was a part of my Portuguese that gap next to them, where my other culture enhanced my love of soccer.” grandparents should be.”
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I am comprised of quality time spent with family and friends in Bidwell Park, coffee in hand. I am comprised of WEEKEND ROUTINE
a team working passionately together to teach children of all abilities. I am comprised of a competitive nature, FAV O R I T E T H I N G A B O U T T H E T E AC H I N G P R O F E S S I O N
taking each failure as an opportunity to improve. I am comprised of the tears of joy I shed each time a student B E ST A DV I C E A B O U T T E AC H I N G I ' V E E V E R R E C E I V E D
S T U D E N T R E A C T I O N S T H AT S T U C K T O M E
reads their first words.
What are you comprised of? MORGAN DARR Kindergarten Special Ed Neal Dow Elementary 11
NEW
Sexual Harassment Laws By January 1, 2021, a new law, SB 778, requires businesses with five or more employees to provide sexual-harassementprevention training to all workers. The requirement carries with it the need to train all workers every two years thereafter. This expands the training significantly, as previously employers with 50 or more employees only had to provide training to supervisory employees. Non-supervisory employees upon that date must continue to receive two hours of training every two years. Not providing this training is a major violation and can be used against your business in the event of a lawsuit. If you are looking to stay compliant and provide proper training for your employees, contact us at 530.680.HRIQ (4747) and request a consultation. We would be glad to help guide you through this new regulation and more information like this. HRIQ–HUMAN RESOURCES + PAYROLL 236 Broadway Suite #B Chico, CA 95928 Shelby@upyourhriq.com | Upyourhriq.com 530.680.4747
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A Commitment of Cari Butte County Home Health and Hospice began some 35 years ago, founded by current Executive Director Robert Love’s aunt and uncle, Mike and Brooke Quilici. Brooke was a nurse who started her career in home health services and, upon resettling in Chico, established a home health agency and then a hospice a few years later. The fact that the agency is still operating today, and leading the county with its innovation, is a true testament to their vision. The organization employs over 75 individuals from various specialties, most are nurses. These employees also include physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and home health aids. There are two components of the agency focusing on different needs: Home Health and Hospice. Home health provides coordinated care and implements support systems to allow for independence at home, whether that be a personal residence, a retirement home, or a residential care facility. An individual may need home health care upon returning home after surgery, or following a new diagnosis. Home health is not to be confused with home care. A
home care agency should be contacted when someone is needed to watch a family member a few hours a day while you run to store or to help them prepare meals, get their medication, or help pay their bills. Home health care, on the other hand, addresses when the skills of a nurse or a physical therapist are needed. In these instances, the nurse or home health aide are the eyes and ears of the physicians and their aim is to keep the individual out of the hospital and safe at home. In many instances, the individual may be scared to ask for or accept help, thinking home health will place them into a nursing home. Rather, the opposite is true, the intent is to ensure their success at home and help them get back to their normal life again. If you or your loved one aren’t sure what service is needed or where to find it, Butte Home Health is happy to be a starting point in determining which of the many county resources would be best. They can help you navigate through what can be an extremely confusing landscape. The second aspect of Butte Home Health and Hospice is the hospice care. There are so many misconceptions about hospice care and invariably there are lots
of questions. While their website does have a FAQ section, actually talking to someone from hospice about hospice is very important. There is nothing better than speaking to someone personally because every scenario is different and there are so many different dynamics going on that it helps to have a first hand view of what to expect. Robert Love says, “People think hospice is about giving up and it’s not, it’s not at all, hospice is really about hope and redirecting what your hopes are; spending time with family and focusing on quality of life.” People often say that they wish they had done it earlier. There is so much the program has to offer and if you only take advantage of it for a week or so, you miss out on many of the benefits. There are social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and nurses who become advocates for the patient and family, nurses who really bond and connect and help that family on their journey. The hospice program has 24-hour support. If there’s a question at anytime there’s a live RN who can talk them through almost anything and, if they need a visit in the middle of the night, they have an ‘on call’ nurse as well.
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ng for Our Community When families are caring for a loved one in hospice, they experience something in the cycle of life that they’ve probably never seen, much like having a newborn baby. They ask, “Is this normal? Am I doing it right?” Support for the family is very important not only while caring for a loved one, but after death in regards to dealing with grief, loss, and bereavement. Donations have allowed the agency to step up those services that aid in dealing with these issues. They’ve hired amazing social workers and have support groups that meet at the office every week. They have reinvigorated and expanded the volunteer program and have a diverse group of individuals to match up with patients; veteran to veteran, or seniors to Chico State pre-nursing students. They’ve also started a music therapy program where someone will go out and sing for patients, whatever music speaks to them or is meaningful in their lives. Donations from the community are a vital part in helping Butte Home Health and Hospice achieve their mission and have allowed ideas in treating the symptoms, the spirit, the psychosocial needs of the patient and, also the families to be reinvented.
remember why they do what they do. Some are written on thank you cards, some just jotted down on lined notebook paper, but they all share a common thread. The nurses and other employees were a beacon for these families during a difficult time. Some offer thanks for helping them accept what they couldn’t accept in their hearts, or for guiding them and their loved ones on their journeys, or just simply for being there. Robert Love speaks of the “vision of all these great things we want to do” and it seems they’re already doing them.
A bulletin board in the upstairs meeting room is a gathering place for notes of support and thanks, a way for clinicians to
YOU CAN VISIT BUTTE HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE AT THEIR OFFICES AT 10 CONSTITUTION DRIVE IN CHICO 530.895.0462 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT BUTTEHOMEHEALTH.COM.
WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO
Robert Love was with Butte Home Health and Hospice from 2001–2010 and recently returned in August 2018. While he was away, he was a home health and hospice expert for an electronic health record company. In this capacity, he was able to meet with different agencies across the country that were successful and doing great things in their communities, who had great patient outcomes and had people who really wanted to work for them. He was able to study and get to know them. All of these great ideas on how to run an agency based on what he learned coincided with the chance to return here to Butte Home Health and Hospice. Robert speaks with compassionate energy about moving forward and continuing to support the North State community by focusing on three ideals; clinician satisfaction, patient and family experience, while being a light in the community. In regards to clinician satisfaction, his nurses and home health aides feel that continuity of care is very
important. They want to establish bonds and relationships with their patients. A case manager who is the lead nurse, the go-to, and the advocate for that family, is essential. There is a team approach to hospice and home health with meetings about each patient every morning and interdisciplinary meetings twice a week. If the nurses are happy, believe in what they do, and committed to the agency mission, this leads to better patient care and a better patient experience, which leads to a strong community standing.
New Year's Resolution:
Beautiful Skin! The holidays are over. You've given it your all; now it's time to give to yourself! Winter cold, more hours indoors, stress, and postholiday blues all contribute to dull, dry, or broken-out skin. Technology has come a long way in the skin care field, and there exists many ways to refresh, rejuvenate, and improve the skin's appearance. Let’s take a look at them. Laser treatments can build collagen, resurface rough texture, repair sun damage, and reduce unwanted hair. Radio-frequency treatments contour the face and body by releasing fluids from fat cells and tightening the skin. Microdermabrasion improves the skin's tone and texture by sloughing off old, dead cells, while chemical peels get deep into the skin and remove the uppermost layers, revealing the softer, younger skin underneath. Massages relax, de-stress, and release toxins, improving circulation and promoting overall well-being. Botox relaxes "frown lines." Dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Voluma can add volume to deep lines and wrinkles to re-contour the cheekbones and lower face. In addition, we carry a variety of medical grade skin care products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect your skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that gives you a healthy glow. Retinol, or Tretinoin products expedite cell turnover to refresh and smooth the complexion. At the DermBar, we carefully select lines such as Obagi, SkinMedica, and Revision to care for your skin at home and maintain the results of your treatment. We do free consultations, and would be happy to recommend a skin care plan for 2020 and beyond! DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672
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Is giving back to your community part of your New Year’s Resolution? Passages has two programs that need your help.
The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) program provides free, local reliable & unbiased one-on-one counseling for people with Medicare, and those approaching Medicare eligibility. To become a state-registered volunteer call Tim Sonnenburg at 898-6641. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, preserving the rights and dignity of adults in area nursing homes and residential care facilities. To become a volunteer advocate call Katherine Bruce at 898-5927 Passages serves the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas, and Tehama. Bi-Lingual candidates needed.
Extensive training provided and begins March 2020. Deadline to sign up is February 25, 2020. "This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-02-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy."
MH Fitness is unlike any gym you have visited before. That’s because Micah Hankins is unlike any gym owner you have ever met. Every aspect of the gym reflects Micah’s personal goal—to set the excuses aside to become the best version of yourself. Growing up as one of five boys, Micah felt the pressures of masculinity throughout his youth. Phrases like “never let a woman see you cry” shaped him because he was able to look past them, instead of believing them. As an adult, Micah looks inward to become his best emotional, sensitive self. However, his work is never done. He has to work at being his best every day, just as he encourages the members of his gym. Micah started martial arts when he was 15. It was the first step of his fitness journey. At 18, he went into law enforcement for the US Air Force, based in Fort Travis. After two years, he began having ankle trouble. Where some people might have given up, Micah saw this as an opportunity to grow. He began researching and training to deal with pain and muscle growth. Eventually, he became the Air Force fitness monitor, regulating 600 people to ensure they were keeping up with extreme fitness standards. After realizing his passion for training, Micah went into the people business, where he has grown over the past 25 years. A defining moment in Micah’s life happened about 20 months ago. One of his brothers was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer. When Micah heard the news, he decided to stop drinking alcohol. He hasn’t had a drop since. This moment also gave Micah a deeper connection to the community. He began speaking out to “be as public with my issues as with my fitness.” Micah began talking about how the news of his brother’s cancer affected him, the difficulties of quitting drinking, and the societal pressures surrounding alcoholism.
F I N D M E D I TAT I O N & B L I S S W I T H
Micah Hankins
Drinking is normalized in many communities but it isn’t normal everywhere. When Micah joined the Air Force, he realized that some communities don’t view drinking the way he used to see it. Even after the Air Force, Micah had an unhealthy drinking habit, often letting it “get out of control.” When his brother was diagnosed, Micah went live on Facebook to share what he was doing. He continues to share stories about his alcoholism, depression, and other struggles. Micah always ends his posts with uplifting messages, such
as, “don’t let this world get you down. Live your life, love your life. There is hope.” When Micah opened MH Fitness, he had $18 in spare change left. He has a representation of that amount on his desk to show every member that they can “build something from nothing.” Hard-core at MH Fitness is not how much weight you can press. Hard-core is doing it right. Anthony Backmon, a member of MH Fitness, said Micah “ is always making sure you’re doing all your exercises correctly.” Anthony also noted that Micah is able to speak to the individual goals of members to help them be their best selves.
Class sizes at MH Fitness range from one to 20 people. The training sessions offered are boot camps with up to 20 people, tactical-strength training with up to 10 people, and one-onone training. The gym focuses on strength training, muscle development, and cardio for the purpose of moving better. Inspiration for the training comes from a martial arts practice called Jeet Kune Do, a philosophy that focuses on what works well and discards what doesn’t. He also takes inspiration from his Air Force training where Micah completed the Confidence Course. His sense of accomplishment, mixed with the jets flying overhead, felt like a movie moment. From that day on, Micah has thought, “I want my friends to understand how this feels.” Every session is aimed at feeling great success in mind and body. Like-minded trainers have recently been holding classes at MH Fitness. Yoga with Rachel Koontz will start in January. Kendel Nichols Gilbert, the owner of E3, lost her gym in the Camp Fire. Micah has been hosting
E3, which stands for “Endure. Excel. Evolve.” Similar to Micah’s own beliefs, Kendel uses these words to “describe the transformation that happens when you take control of your body, your mind, and your spirit.” Strengthening yourself through fitness allows you to be strong in other aspects of life. If you are mentally and physically strong, you will be able to enjoy more outside the gym. Micah encourages everyone to “find something that is both your meditation and your bliss.” If you find something you love that involves the meditative movements of exercise, go after that dream. Micah does 30 minutes of cardio and 50 pull-ups when he wakes up. Most days, he also goes to Chico Sports Club. This enables him to pursue his passion, paddleboarding. “Being on the water is life-giving and is my bliss.” In the past five years, Micah has paddled over 50 lakes and intends to “paddle the world.” His greatest paddling achievement thus far was paddling the 22.8 mile Lake Tahoe. He has completed 12 paddleboarding races and looks forward to conquering his next big achievement. Much of his paddleboarding has been a message not only to the members of his gym but also to his 16-year-old daughter. He wants to pass on his sense of adventure and
excitement. She inspires him daily by being the “sweetest, most thoughtful human” and he wants to give back to her, too. Micah wants to equip her emotionally and physically. He wants her to defend herself while accomplishing her goals. His message to her would be, “don’t play it safe.” Whether your gym is on the water, in the mountains, or in a yoga studio, find your gym and find your bliss. Everyone knows and challenges one another at MH Fitness. The future for Micah and his members is continued growth. At 45 years old, Micah is in the best shape of his life. Though his platform is MH Fitness, his goal is to liberate his community in any way he can. If he can motivate just one more person to say “I’m worth it,” he will succeed. “And he’ll kick your ass, too!” Anthony Backmon said.
WRITTEN BY EMILY LEBLANC PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY
Though it might sound cliche, members of MH Fitness are Micah’s family. They represent who he is and what he wants for his community. New members devote their time and their lives, becoming the best possible versions of themselves. “You can live at a higher level, no matter where you are in life or what you do.” Micah wants to enable his community to do just that by keeping classes small and favoring technique, not weight. When members of the gym come in, Micah can tell what mood they are in by their posture or facial expressions. When people are having bad days, he is happy to improve their minds and bodies through fitness and motivation. Micah’s goal is to see his gym family members succeed at their goals.
MH Fitness is a different kind of gym. Dedicated to personal development in both mind and body, Micah Hankins’ goals can help you reach your goals. If you see yourself fitting in with a community of people trying to better themselves, check out MH Fitness. MH FITNESS IS LOCATED AT 2426 PARK AVENUE IN CHICO. VISIT THEM ONLINE AT MHFITNESSCHICO.COM OR GIVE MICAH A CALL AT 530.520.9873. FRIEND REQUEST MICAH ON FACEBOOK TO SEE HIS DAILY MOTIVATION OR FOLLOW HIS INSTAGRAM @PADDLE_THE_EARTH
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YOUR HEALTH A ROOMIER APPROACH TO LIVING FULLY
With the beginning of each new year, we find ourselves with the pressure of a clean slate. More often than not, that clean slate becomes focused on food and, more specifically, how that food affects how our bodies look. We become bombarded with phrases like “summer bodies are made in the winter” and seemingly attacked by endless commercials for the latest fitness equipment. The message being sent is clear: the way you look now needs to change and it needs to change fast. All in order to be worthy. This results in too often selecting vacillating fads of diets increasing in extremes and promising quick results. These messages actually leave insecurity and self doubt in their wake. If you do not look like the images being shown, glistening with sweat as the sun rises, then, invariably, you are left blaming yourself for either lack of discipline or self control. Consequently, we are all left living in a body that does not fit what is nothing more than the unachievable standard. The truth is there is no magic pill or onesize-fits-all plan to achieve the image of that elusive perfect body. In fact, the perfect body is the one you are existing in right now. If improvement and growth is what you are searching for in your current state, then it is not likely the next trend in diets you need to reach for, but rather embracing a commitment to a way of life. Health and wellness are not done in weeks or certainly not in days of deprivation. Instead, they are found in the very next decision you make. A diet is a formulaic, temporary change with results most certainly just as temporary. 20
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A lifestyle is developing sustainable habits to maintain over a prolonged period of time, maybe even forever. Diets demand a starting line—which implies there is also a finish line. Lifestyle allows for a roomier approach to living fully while also taking care of your needs and your health. A lifestyle change lives right in front of you, accessible at all times. It lives in each and every decision you make. Your next decision in what you order to eat, your next decision to find a way to move your body, and your next decision to take time for yourself to find some peace. This process is one that can and should start slowly. You can set small, achievable goals that you are able to build on. Similar to any habit, drastic changes lead to a pattern of relapse and disappointment, swirling in an exhausting circle. Lifestyle choices leave room for joy and perhaps even indulgence. They are not rooted in deprivation and abstaining. When your philosophy is rooted in choosing the next right thing for you, the blame of the decision that has already been made can be let go. Within lifestyle, the next right choice could be having ice cream, fried chicken, or a cheeseburger. Simply because lifestyle is about choices that are good for you. Sometimes, those choices are necessary and bring about such joy. We should enjoy our lives but we only have one life to live. So taking care of yourself remains paramount in the circle of choices swirling around us.
HEALTH ADVICE VIA J E S S I C A D O L A N C L A R E N D O N Jessica Dolan Clarendon is a 200 hour certified yoga instructor who teaches in Berkeley and Oakland for Yoga to the People. She focuses primarily on accessible vinyasa for all experience levels.
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YOUR HEALTH 5-4-3-2-1 MINDFULNESS
Very often the approach of the holiday season can trigger the ‘fight-flight-freeze’ part of our brain into gear. What is intended to be a joyous and celebratory season suddenly can occur as overwhelmingly stressful. Mindfulness is the practice of being physically and emotionally present in the moment, allowing us emotionally to detach from thoughts causing distress. The practice of mindfulness may be the relinquishment of judgement, resistance, emotion, or expectation for the next experience. Recognizing that we are thinking about something that is not in the present, allows for the opportunity to refocus our attention and intention. It is the first step in freeing our minds and grounding us. Accessing our five senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste may be a great way to practice mindfulness during the holidays. The practice can be done quickly, interrupting negative thoughts and judgments. 1. Describe 5 things you see. Notice holiday lights. How many lights are there? What are the colors you see? 2. Name 4 things you can feel. Take your time with decorating, wrapping presents, and holiday tasks. Focus on each task with intention. 22
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3. Name 3 things you can hear. Listen to your favorite songs or holiday music. What are the lyrics? Is your body relaxed while listening? What instruments can you hear? 4. Name 2 things you can smell. Or 2 things that you enjoy the scent. 5. Identify 1 thing you can taste. What is your favorite holiday treat? Our practice of mindfulness is mostly incremental. It is an endeavor seemingly simple but not often easy. The shift to mindfulness affords us tremendous advantages. It allows for the acknowledgment of the good things about us and others. It allows for the development of gratitude. Gratitude allows for the anchoring of being present. Best wishes for an amazingly joyful holiday season. Be curious and have fun using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness practice. May you experience less stress and connect more deeply with those you care about.
HEALTH ADVICE
VIA
LANCE FERRIS
Lance Ferris, a licensed adolescent and adult psychotherapist, believes that change happens when people are given the guidance they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their innate potential. For more information, contact Lance at 530.592.7847 or lanceferrislcsw@gmail.com.
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BEAUTY Q&A F A C I A L S —T H E P R A C T I C A L L U X U R Y
A good skincare routine is essential for a youthful look and feel. A proactive approach, coupled with preventative measures, will make a positive impact on the health of your skin. The measures include: sun protection, proper nutrition, stress management, exercise, sleep, water intake, and proper home care. Let’s focus on the positive benefits ‘Facials’ can have on maintaining a youthful glow. The return on investment for a practical luxury such as facials is worth it. What’s the value of regular facials? The following answers this question. Facials provide necessary gains in skin rehydration, combating premature aging, unclogging pores, improving imperfections, maintaining healthy skin balance & tone, and improved circulation. In addition to these benefits, you receive professional advice from an expert skincare professional who will help improve your skincare based on individual needs. Also, it just feels wonderful. During a facial, your esthetician will assess your skin to proceed with the proper procedure and products. From there, a deep cleanse will remove daily environmental aggressors and oils. Steam will soften skin to remove clogged pores, and encourages you to take a deep, relaxing breath. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, excess skin build-up, and helps prepare your skin to absorb products for additional steps in the facial or to perform extractions. Extractions remove impurities in hard to reach areas and assures clearer skin. After deep cleansing, intense exfoliation, and extractions, your skin should be prepared 24
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for a personalized mask. To complete your facial, a combination of eye cream, face cream, spf, and lip serum will make your skin feel renewed. The procedure also pays attention to your neck and décolleté, finishing with proper anti-aging products. Paired with a hand and neck massage, dim lights, soft music, lit candles, and lavender infused air makes for an exceptional treatment experience. A facial massage is another benefit. The massage stimulates blood, helping to bring nutrients and oxygen to increase microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, boosting skin healing, and actually accelerates repair and rejuvenation. The massage also promotes the production of collagen and prevention of elasticity loss. This compounding effect can relieve stress, clear sinuses, and treat migraine headaches. The biggest value provided from facials is clear, balanced, and well hydrated skin, Most importantly, it provides the healthy, youthful glow we all want. Ultimately, facials slow the aging process, making you look and feel your best. If you decide, make facials a monthly routine. My belief in the benefits of Facials stems from my 13+ years working as a skincare expert. I’ve seen the benefits unfold with 100’s of people.I love making people feel beautiful, confident, and rejuvenated.
BEAUTY ADVICE
VIA
CHRISTAN ALLISON
Visit Christan at The Hair Company for all your beauty needs. She specializes in Advanced Facial Treatments, Acne Facial Treatments, Brow Design, Full Body Waxing, and Body Treatments. Follow her on IG @ christanallison_esthetician
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Changing Lives O N E S M I L E AT A T I M E When you walk into Kremer Dental Care, you might get a little confused. Approaching the front desk, your first question will be, am I in the right place? With a cozy fireplace and comfortable, plush couches, the waiting room looks more like a decadent living room than a dental office. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm welcome from the Kremer Dental Care team. With a cookie and a cup of tea in hand, you can relax into the earthy tones of the waiting room. To make things even better, you can rest assured that the practice is going green. The solar panels and car charging ports in the parking lot differentiate this dental office from all others in town. Dr. Kevin Kremer has been maintaining an inviting experience for the past 20 years. In the beginning stages of the business, Dr. Kremer and his team made sure to put guests first. This included comfortable rooms, pleasant team members, and an overall enjoyable visit. As the business has grown, Dr. Kremer still focuses on his guests. However, he also makes sure that his team members are fulfilled. He truly exemplifies the saying, “ if you take care of your team, they will take care of your guests.” Obviously, the setting demands replacing the words staff with team and clients with guests, in true Ritz-Carlton manner. 26
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Dentistry is more than fixing teeth. Dentists change lives. Some of the main focuses at Kremer Dental Care are smile makeovers. Through implants, dental reconstruction, and cosmetic dentistry, the doctors are able to change lives. The doctors at Kremer Dental Care are constantly advancing their knowledge and skill through continuing education. When asked why, Dr. Kremer said, “We want to see our people move toward their dreams.” Recently, it became the only dental office in town to offer the patented "Hybridge" technique, a method of permanent tooth replacement with fixed teeth on dental implants. In addition to specialty services, Kremer Dental Care offers traditional family dentistry. A recent guest decided to make the switch from traditional removable dentures to fixed in place, permanent teeth, a procedure that inserts implants with permanent teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. At his two week checkup with Dr. Kremer, he remarked that the new teeth, indeed “changed his life.” The patient, who lost his home in the Camp Fire, was able to eat steak and mushrooms for the first time since losing his teeth, actually tasting his meal. The story resonated with Dr. Kremer and his team because that’s the
reason they love their jobs. When asked what do you do, any one of them can answer with “I change people’s lives.” With a growing team, the practice is also able to change the lives of its employees. A few years ago, Dr. McKinney joined the practice as an associate, and is the first to become a partner. Kremer Dental Care offers growth opportunities for doctors, clinicians, and the business office team. With steady growth, the office family continuously has new opportunities for leadership and development. One of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Kremer’s job is the dual approach of taking care of his guests and his team. As a leader, he hopes to empower his team by giving them “solutions to change their life in an impactful way.” He also wants to ensure that none of his employees feel overly stressed during their time at Kremer Dental Care. Dr. Kremer’s father was a dentist, and, soon enough, his daughter will follow in his footsteps as well. Kara Kremer was recently accepted into multiple dental schools and is deciding which one to attend while finishing her final year at UCLA. Dr. Kremer, also a UCLA alumni, began his dental career in the Bay area. As their family began to grow, Dr. Kremer and his wife moved back to Butte County where they could raise their children and be close to family. Instead of joining his father’s practice in Los Molinos, Dr. Kremer opened up shop in Chico’s bigger market.
Kremer Dental Care has been a family business since its initiation. Not only does Dr. Kremer treat his team like family, his family frequents the office as well. Dr. Kremer’s three boys, Kevin, Jake, and Luke, along with Kara, often “helped” patients overcome their dentistry fears when they were young by comforting them or spreading joy in the waiting room. Now that his kids are getting older with two in college and two in high school, Dr. Kremer and his wife are happy to pass the family aspect along to Dr. McKinney. Dr. McKinney and his wife have one son, Cal, and another child on the way. Contribution being a core value and belief, Dr. Kremer and his team thoroughly enjoys giving back to the community. He is an active Rotarian, a group that supports many local and international nonprofits. Some recent nonprofits that the Rotary Club supported are the Boys and Girls Club, water cleanliness projects in Africa, and the global eradication of polio. The dental office has sponsored many local youth sports teams as well.
WRITTEN BY EMILY LEBLANC PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY & PROVIDED BY JEFFREY WORTHINGTON
To support those who served our country, Kremer Dental Care has participated in Freedom Day USA for the past four years. Freedom Day USA gives back by providing free dentistry for any active or retired military personnel, their spouses, and children under the age of 18. The office is closed to the
general public and the entire team volunteers their time to provide this much needed care. This year, along with many local businesses and Gregory Weil Dental Lab, Kremer Dental Care was able to provide $70,000 in dentistry. “These men and women made large sacrifices for our country, it is a rewarding experience for everyone” said Dr. Kremer. The whole team looks forward to the event every year. Financial Coordinator Natosha Hill loves to participate because it holds a special place in her heart. She has three brothers that serve or have served in the Navy. "This is my favorite day of the year at Kremer Dental Care. I love being able to meet and serve these men and women who have sacrificed so much for me."
In the past 20 years, other dentists in town have noticed the remarkable work Dr. Kremer is doing and how happy his guests are with their dental care. Because of this, opportunities have come to him. Kremer Dental Care proudly serves Chico and the surrounding communities at two locations, one located off of Cohasset Road between East Ave and Eaton Road, and the second located in the historic Philadelphia Square business center at the intersection of Esplanade and Eaton Road. Having two locations and multiple doctors has provided the team the ability to collaborate, refer to specialists internally, and continue care for patients in a more meaningful way.
Fernando Vasquez Jr., one of the Freedom Day guests agrees. He pointed out, “The entire staff was very kind, welcoming, and attentive throughout the entire day. The attention to detail and care provided went beyond what you would typically experience. I cannot thank them all enough for sharing this day with veterans.”
Dr. Kremer is looking forward to 20 more years at Kremer Dental Care. The general trends in dentistry tend to follow the trends of healthcare, so Dr. Kremer foresees the grouping of dentists emerging more as the years continue. Just as Enloe has expanded, he sees dental offices expanding. With more doctors, the practice is able to take better care of their guests.
More than anything, Dr. Kremer and his team want to thank the community. “This area is a great place to live,” Dr. Kremer said. Everything Kremer Dental Care does to give back is to show thanks for the amazing residents of Butte County.
Speaking to team members and the doctors at Kremer Dental Care is a complete joy. Kremer Dental Care is truly a dental experience above the rest.
VISIT THE DENTAL OFFICE ON COHASSET ROAD AT 3 GLENBROOK COURT OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 530.892.1234. VISIT THE DENTAL OFFICE IN PHILADELPHIA SQUARE AT 140 INDEPENDENCE CIRCLE OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 530.892.1218. 27
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It's Time To Freshen Things Up During the colder winter months you spend more time inside your home and, as a result, things can start to look a little drab. Since it’s the New Year, we say it’s time to freshen things up! Some small changes inside your home can make a big difference. One of the spaces in your home that tends to start looking dreary is your entryway. Plants start to turn brown, doormats and rugs get worn and dirty, and the boots start piling up by the door. Freshen up the entryway with a colorful and durable rug. An indoor/outdoor rug is the perfect option for inside your entryway. Choose a pattern for some visual interest, to help hide the dirt, and create a warm and cheerful welcome. Place winter blooming plants, such as mums, in your pots to give your entryway a lively touch. Now it’s time to look around your living room, which was probably filled recently with friends and family. Tired, worn out pillows that look like pancakes are not very appealing. Start by changing out those worn pillows with new ones. If your pillows have zippers, you can take the inserts out, wash the pillow covers and replace the inserts with new fluffier ones. Add a cozy throw to your sofa or chair and you’ll instantly have a more layered and inviting look. Finish off your look by adding a decorative table lamp to brighten up the space, which this time of the year can be dark. Is your area rug looking dingy and stained? If you have a wool rug, they can be spot cleaned. Mild soap and water is usually all
you need to get rid of stains, but the great thing with wool rugs is that they can be professionally cleaned. To stretch the life of your favorite rug, turn the rug around so the foot traffic hits a different area, and your furniture sits on different areas. These small steps will all help your rug appear brighter, fresher, and the pile more fluffed. Moving into the kitchen, the biggest problem most of our clients have is all the clutter. After all the cooking and baking for the holiday parties, the kitchen can be left looking messy. To freshen up this space, try and remove any unnecessary items from the countertop. Do you have appliances that are rarely used taking up valuable countertop space? Put them away inside a cupboard and take them out when you need. Adding a fabric valance over a kitchen window that coordinates with the colors in the space or existing rug will bring your eye up and give some visual interest and softness to the room. A vase full of fresh flowers will bring in some natural fragrance. Add a couple fun accessories, and some faux succulents to give your counters some eye candy. These handful of changes will help warm your surroundings long before the the welcome spring sun appears. Enjoy your freshened up space and start planning your goals for the New Year!
DESIGN ADVICE VIA G A L L E R Y I N T E R I O R S For more design advice, visit Jennah and Robin at Gallery Interiors located at 1954 Bird Street in Oroville or call 530.533.3430. 29
How Will The Upcoming Election Impact The Stock Market? "If voting made any difference, they wouldn't let us do it," Mark Twain
BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA, AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP ®, FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT SWEENEY & MICHEL, LLC
While the election will likely command most investors' attention
once quipped. All kidding aside, as we head toward an important U.S.
throughout 2020, stocks ultimately tend to move more in the direction
presidential contest in November, investors may be worried that a
of the domestic and global economy. The U.S.-China trade war, political
contentious election season, or a certain outcome, could send markets
posturing in Europe, and slowing global economic growth are likely
into a tailspin. Indeed- both parties seem to be pressing towards their
to have a more lasting impact on the market. Although GDP growth
own extremes rather than taking a centrist approach.
slowed slightly in 2019, unemployment remains below 4%, wage growth
Although investors should expect heightened volatility during the
the US consumer has been one of the best barometers of stock market
primaries, staying buckled in the whole year has historically yielded
returns. If main street can stay healthy—we think the market will too.
has been solid, while consumer spending remains healthy. Historically,
positive returns. Looking at election results back to 1932, U.S. stocks have trended positive regardless of who wins the White House. In fact,
Rhetoric around the elections, especially during the primary, won’t
a deeper look shows that incumbent re-election years don’t produce
cease anytime soon; however, try to vote with your ballot and not
much different returns than non-election years: When a president
with your investments. It’s 2020, so let’s keep our vision focused
is re-elected, the S&P 500 has averaged +13.4% return. When a new
(pun intended) on those things we ultimately can control in our
president wins? Still +9.3%. For reference: The S&P 500 has averaged
financial life: how much we save, how much we spend, time in the
about 10% annually over the last 90 years
market, and asset allocation. *Morningstar as of 10/31/19. Stock market represented by S&P 500
Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 196 Cohasset Road, Suite 100, Chico CA 95926 (530) 487-1777 | renee@sweeneymichel.com | joe@sweeneymichel.com | www.sweeneymichel.com Advisory services also offered through Sweeney & Michel, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Sweeney & Michel, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Sweeney & Michel, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.
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Feeling At Home Again The Pastor family is happy to be newly settled in a quiet neighborhood with families dotted all around them. Last November, they lost their home of 15 years to the Camp Fire. After spending three months sharing a room at their good friend’s house, and then six months in an apartment, a friend told Kristi about a house she had available to rent. Kristi, her husband Frank, and their 12 year old son Talon were excited to move into a house with a yard where they could have barbeques and invite family over for celebrations. The house however would need a lot of work before all this could happen. The Pastors put in new flooring, painted, and did what they could on their own. The kitchen however, was another story, with its cracked countertop tile with no grout left between, inefficient cabinet layout, and the dim lighting CONNECT
in need of professional help. Kristi had just finished reading an article on New Again and decided, “Why not just try them?” They met Ric and Kristi remembers, “he was so kind and we just had such a good feeling about him” that they decided New Again was the absolute best choice for their project. Ric came out and spent over an hour talking to the Pastors and analyzing the kitchen space. He took into account the requests that Kristi and Frank had; a pantry around the refrigerator and serving counter space for entertaining.
opens up the space and brightens the room with modern Jeffrey Alexander hardware on the doors and drawers. The glossy soft gray Bedrosian 4 x 12 tiles make up the backsplash and are the perfect backdrop for the room. Kristi remembers thinking, “What if it doesn’t go all together? I can’t quite remember how everything looked”, but as soon as she came in and saw the backsplash going up, her doubts dissolved, it was beautiful and they couldn’t be happier with the results. Kristi says she cannot wait for people to ask her who did her kitchen so that she can tell them to “go [to New Again} and ask for Ric because he’s super nice and so professional!”
He drew up a plan and they moved on from there. New Again came in on a Thursday and emptied the kitchen, tore out the cabinets, countertops and lighting, leaving only a shell of the room. Over the next four days a brand new kitchen grew in that space. “They finished Wednesday at 5:20, just like they said they would and the next day we had Thanksgiving in our new kitchen.”
Finally, the Pastors are living somewhere that is becoming a home again and they are looking forward to celebrating many more holidays with friends and family thanks in part to New Again Kitchen Remodeling.
One of the first things you notice as you enter this new space is the beautiful countertop made from Cosmo Gray Quartz. Kristi says that Frank picked out the counters and made the perfect choices. The white background interspersed with shades of gray, accented with subtle sparkles, reflects the new recessed lighting beautifully. White Shaker cabinetry
They continue to set the standard for kitchen and bathroom renovations with this beautiful kitchen remake. If you’re interested in starting a home improvement project and are looking for affordability, impeccable service and an amazing turnaround time, call New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888 or stop by their showroom at 2502 Park Avenue in Chico.
NEW AGAIN KITCHEN REMODELING | 2502 PARK AVE, CHICO, CALIFORNIA 95928 | 530.899.2888
WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO
N E W AGA I N K I TC H E N REMODELING PRESENTS HOUSE CALL:
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Better. Not Just Bigger. Dr. Hodari continued, “The vision was to have a fully integrated dermatology practice— medical, surgical, and aesthetic—under the same roof and have it be totally cohesive. This building had the space we needed to accomplish that while still providing privacy for each part of the practice.”
Most successful business people agree that delivering superior customer service is paramount to creating a brand that shines. Building a unique and positive customer experience is a large part of that service; it’s responsible for driving interest, fostering trust, and earning a reputation that naturally elevates a company above their list of competitors. For Dr. Kafele Hodari, taking care of people and providing that level of service has been his overarching focus since he arrived in Chico as a new dermatologist eight years ago. That focus has allowed him to not only grow his medical practice, but his medspa, Rejuvené, as well. Since purchasing the medspa in 2015, Dr. Hodari has doubled Rejuvené’s clientele while adding a range of new products and services, positioning it as one of the definitive aesthetic treatment centers in Northern California. As wonderful as it was from a business perspective, the growth exposed some inefficiencies and future challenges to delivering service the way he wanted. “We grew quickly,” Dr. Hodari started, “and it didn’t take long for us to recognize we were restricted in our ability to deliver care in the way we wanted to. I personally wanted a space that made more sense operationally. Though we loved the original location and made it work, it became more and more obvious that 32
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we needed an aggressive makeover if we were going to live up to our own standards. We wanted patients to feel inspired and have it be clear that we were thinking about their best interests every step of the way.” Due to the layout of the original location, the level of remodeling necessary to accomplish Dr. Hodari’s vision was impractical. He began searching for a new location and happened upon 80 Declaration Drive, located in North Chico’s Philadelphia Square. Conveniently located off Highway 99’s Eaton Road exit, Dr. Hodari noted it too was in need of the same aggressive makeover. He engaged the services of local designer, Rouben Mohiuddin, and developer, Richard Bilson, to help bring his vision to life. “The timing was right and the opportunity presented itself perfectly.”
He explained his vision to Rouben and Richard, imposing on each the importance of creating an atmosphere that felt modern, timeless, warm, and inviting at the same time. “Rouben has an incredible eye for design and is an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to planning a space that is as inviting as possible.” Dr. Hodari noted, “Richard and I worked together on my office in Yuba City and I couldn’t have enough positive things to say about him—great craftsmanship, on time, and easy to work with. He and Rouben worked together perfectly.” With the blessings and approval of architect, Gary Hawkins, the plans were submitted at the end of 2018. The job required the complete gutting of the interior space, which began in March of 2019, and the project was ultimately completed around midNovember. He opened the doors to his new office and medspa on November 19th. Now in its brand new location at 80 Declaration Drive, Rejuvené and his medical practice, Hodari MD Dermatology, finally embody the vision he developed over the past five years. “Everything is finally where it needs to be.” Dr. Hodari smiled, “We wanted to create a sense of openness and luxury when you walked through the door, and I feel we really
did that. We have taller ceilings, just the right color palette, natural textures, plenty of open space, and lighting that makes you feel at home. The first floor is dedicated to Rejuvené, and the larger space allows us to really expand on our previous offerings. Our retail and product room is now big enough to allow for makeup tutorials and a wider variety of products than ever before. Our spa rooms are separate from our treatment rooms so you can truly relax while you’re with us. Upstairs, we have seven exam rooms that are considerably more spacious than our old location, and a dedicated nursing station for our medical assistants. More importantly though, it doesn’t feel like a medical office—it feels like an elevated boutique spa experience from the moment you enter to the moment you leave.”
“We’ve grown so much in the past eight years, it’s difficult to look eight years into the future and even think about where we’ll be then.” Dr. Hodari sighed, “However, the one thing I’m sure of is that we’ll continue to find ways to further elevate the experience for our patients and customers. At this point it’s about promising to be better rather than bigger, both in terms of brand and reputation.” With a promise like that, we can’t imagine they’ll do anything else.
WRITTEN BY STEVE K. PHOTOS BY BEIRON ANDERSSON
Though the location and look have changed, Dr. Hodari and Rejuvené still offer the same great services they always have. On the medical side, Dr. Hodari and his medical assistants continue to diagnose and surgically remove skin cancers while also treating other dermatologic disorders like acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and more. On the medspa side, Rejuvené provides a range of spa services alongside body sculpting, botox and injectables, laser resurfacing, and skin tightening. The commitment, of course, is to do it better than ever before with enhanced privacy, easier parking, and the best customer experience possible.
Visit Rejuvené and Hodari MD Dermatology, at Dr. Hodari’s new location—80 Declaration Drive—during their grand opening on January 30th and experience everything for yourself! If their soft opening was any indication, you won’t want to miss the party! If you’d like to set up an appointment in the meantime, Rejuvené can be reached at 530.342.8295 and Hodari MD Dermatology can be reached at 530.894.6832. You can also visit them online at Rejuvene.com and HodariMD.com.
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NEW YEAR, NEW DIRECTION Our cover story features Elizabethann Sullivan and Zak Luu, seniors at Paradise High School. One of them was on campus the morning of November 8, 2018 and one was not. Their combined stories are compelling, telling, and manage to run the gamut of emotions young adults experience when face to face with such a tragedy. What shines through, however, is the resiliency of youth, that innate ability to bounce back, to focus the lens forward, thereby providing hope for the future. We are in awe of their ability to recover readily from adversity, their loyalty, and clear vision of their respective futures. Be Careful What You Wish For. The evening of November 7, 2018, Elizabethann Sullivan was home in Chico with her dad. Ordinarily she would be with her aunt in Paradise where she stayed during the school week. That evening, Elizabethann knew she was “just, so sick” and not going to Paradise High the next day. Her mom was across town taking care of her ailing grandmother for the night. Later that evening, struggling to fall asleep, and on a whim, she decided to do something she had not done before. She knew about the Snapchat 11:11 Wish, but to this point, had only opened the ones sent to her. Not really certain why, somehow, somewhere the idea came, and Elizabethann joined the fray, releasing in a Snap her personal wish “for big changes to come.” As it was getting late, she closed up her phone for the night and fell into much needed sleep. At 6:00 a.m., she received from a friend, a Snap of a burning house. To her, it looked like it was in Magalia, leaving Elizabethann with a slight shrug of her shoulders as that did not seem to be anything unusual. Five hours later, she was awakened by the
voicemail “of a freaking out Mom” who had been “trying to call me to find me.” Elizabethann, groggy, and now, confused, heard that during all this time, her Dad’s phone had been turned off. At that same moment, her dad’s voice came bellowing from the front of the house, “You gotta come see outside!” On the way to join him, she noticed on her phone 14 missed calls from her mom. She quickly called her Mom, letting her know she had stayed home sick. She walked outside to a pitch black sky, the reddest sun she had ever witnessed, and overwhelmingly choking smoke in the air. She stood, bewildered, listening to her Dad explain what was going on up in Paradise. Her recognition and understanding of just what he was trying to relay was not too fast
at first. Then the dawn of understanding clicked, sending Elizabethann into a frenzied panic with horrific thoughts of her aunt, and too many friends, flooding her confused and bewildered mind. These panic-stricken thoughts brought with them too many questions, each without an answer at this time. “Did my aunt make it out ok? Did she lose her house, everything? Did her best friend, the one who rode the B-line with her make it to school, and if so, make it out again? What does the school look like? What did the entire town look like?” The answers to each question reached her ever so slowly. Texts sent to her B-line buddy took some four to five hours to get returned, only to learn she successfully evacuated through Butte Meadows. Word did not come from her aunt until the next morning. 37
Despite the warning, she took too long to get ready and evacuated with just what she was wearing at the time. The dawn of a new understanding surfaced and Elizabethann concluded she did not physically lose anything, “just a lot of memories” of time spent in the house with her aunt. As more time passed, more information surfaced, filled with alarming stories of near death evacuations, pictures of the alarming amount of devastation across the ridge, and the reality of the scope of the entire ordeal. As even more time passed, the word came that Paradise High would be continuing its school year at the Chico airport. The news came with an overwhelming flood of emotions as Elizabethann was suddenly reminded of her 11:11 Snap wish. She became haunted with the notion of this “must have happened for a reason.” She simply could not remove the troubling process leading to “the thought—this was it.” Elizabethann began wrestling with conflicting consideration of whether she should go to PV or Chico? Her parents successfully squelched the debate over the subsequent dramatic decision making, snapping Elizabethann back to the reality she was and is a Paradise High student. Not surprisingly, once she arrived, she instantly liked the new, and definitely quirky, campus. Everything, though, appeared very small. Despite making instant connections, nevertheless, through the whole reunion of sorts, to her, it simply did not feel “like my school.” Time turned the daily routine into a welcoming comfort zone. For Elizabethann, the highlight was most certainly her Yearbook class. Eight students, crowded together in a small office, cranking out page after page of a most unusual timeline of a school displaced. With the semester coming to a close and summer break at hand, Elizabethann had no doubt where she would be in the Fall. Her Summer break came and went, and in anticipation of the upcoming school on the Paradise High campus, Elizabethann decided to take a B-line ride up the Ridge. To her surprise and dissolution, she simply could not get off the bus at any point through the town of Paradise. She just stayed on the bus all the way up and all the way in the descent. The impromptu trip did not waiver her commitment to 38
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Paradise High, it merely was an unexpected eye-opener to the magnitude of loss and devastation. It obviously marked Elizabethann with a bit of trepidation as to what it would be like to be on campus with so many students who had so much wiped out from under them. Elizabethann realized she is “not spontaneous” and “change is hard for her.” The obvious awkward reality that she was not on campus “that day” aside, she was intent on trying to help make it a “normal” year. This school year began with instant friend connections, propelling it into an “awesome” situation where everyone felt good about coming home. The cleaned up and unscathed campus felt normal to be on, though admittedly appeared a bit sparse in population. Her class schedule, including a fourth year in what is now Advanced Chorus, an Advanced Placement literature class, and being one of the editors in Yearbook has made for a busy and energizing time. The small group of seniors acting as editors for the school’s yearbook fittingly named the edition “Coming Home.” Being a part of this close knit group helps Elizabethann capture the closeness she cherished form the airport and fight off just how different aspects of this year feels. Her Senior Project is an additional boost. Her personal interest
in the fashion industry and communitybased care have combined as an intern at Urban Couture in downtown Chico. Everything about the experience has been “awesome,” shining a bright light on the comeback from such darkness. As for the future, Elizabethann is quick to say she is “not one to toot her own horn” but she has her immediate focus on “something different.” She has just completed the application for the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. If selected, she would spend the next year in a German high school with the educational focus of learning each country’s political life. In addition, the students have the opportunity to travel all over Germany clearly experiencing the culture. Elizabethann flashes a huge smile when admitting her selection is a long shot. 250,000 applications are submitted, 250 applications are selected. Either way, she also has her eyes set on attending The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Interestingly enough, the school has a 100% acceptance. Her plan is to utilize the first year to establish a major focus and then apply for an exchange for the following year, preferably in another country. Looks like Elizabethann’s 11:11 Snap wish is going to come true, this time, in just the right fashion.
Three Very Long Hours and Three Even Longer Days. On the morning of November 8th, Zak Luu was really excited. He had just received his learner’s permit and was going to drive from his home in Magalia to Paradise High. Due to his family’s busy schedule, this inaugural trip took place 45 minutes before the start of school. His Dad sat in the passenger’s seat and, as they began their descent, noticed the enormous smoke cloud hanging over the town of Paradise. He was fearful of the impending fire it predicted. When Zak got out of the car at school and watched his dad drive away, he ran into his Spanish teacher who immediately informed Zak that he was worried about these conditions. As time clicked closer and closer to the start of school, those teacher’s concerns bloomed into fruition. The sky let down a steady rain of ash and “it got dark, real dark.” Just as school started, it was immediately cancelled. From each first period classrooms, upperclassmen with vehicles were allowed to leave and to take a safe number of students with them. The rest of the students remained in class or the cafeteria waiting for their parents to arrive and evacuate them. In a very short period of time, more and more
smoke arrived, forming a haze of smoke-like fog. As the parents kept coming and going, everyone still on campus went immediately to the cafeteria. In all this time, the bell to go to second period still had not rung. Once all remaining students and staff arrived in the cafeteria, two announcements were made. The first, a bus was en route to evacuate them, and second, the entire town of Paradise was being evacuated. Immediate stress took over the crowded students, including rumors—that the fire was heading straight at the school, and that the fire was completely surrounding the school, causing all of them to be trapped. This followed with stress levels rising and falling into emotions of nervously silly jokes followed by a full release of frightened tears. Then, the entire building grew silent with the news the bus was stuck—leaving no hope anyone was coming to get them. At that point, the remaining teachers, aides, and secretaries loaded up kids and left. Zak did not volunteer himself for any of these vehicles. He felt, as an upperclassman, he would wait for the younger ones to go, understanding he would be among the last to leave. The eventual outcome arrived. They had run out of staff, leaving
the principal, two adults, and a group of 25-ish kids remaining in the cafeteria. The students were told to walk off campus briskly and “get into any car that will take you.” By now, the amount of smoke made for limited vision and difficulty breathing. As Zak reached the street in front of the school, a staff member was pulling out of the parking lot and let him in his car. At that same time, in front of the church next door to the school, people were abandoning their cars due to the grid lock of traffic which had turned the narrow two-lane road the school was on into a four lane street including the sidewalks on both sides. The fear of the halting traffic seemed enough, but Zak noted, “The propane tanks randomly exploding around us was terrifying.” Inside Zak’s vehicle, the weight of the slow traffic coupled with the increasing smoke was palpable. So much so, the staff member driving the car took a chance and pulled onto the bike trail to find safe ground. Eventually, the trail led them to Neal Road where the thick black smoke was turning to red. Zak knew “this is not a very good thing.” Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic proved so frightening the open lane for emergency vehicles became 39
Once there, a brief stop at the fairgrounds directed them to a local church. To this day, Zak has no memory of the church’s name or location. What he does remember is calling his sister in Oroville and that she came and brought Zak to her home. The beauty of returning to Oroville was the clear blue sky. However, feeling safe does not erase the angst of knowing the whereabouts of all
family members. One by one, Zak learned their locations. His mom, who cannot drive, was evacuated with his younger sister by a neighbor. His three brothers, too, were safe in Chico. However, there was absolutely no word on his Dad. With mounting concern, two brothers actually went back up the ridge to try and find him. Their sojourn turned up empty. All of the family gathered in Chico together with the plight of their dad hanging collectively over them. After three full days, Zak’s father found his sister’s husband in Oroville, “placing the entire family basically all together again.” With all the fright, anguish, and terrifying moments behind them, the family headed to Grass Valley where they all lived together in a hotel booked by his oldest brother from his rental insurance. For two months, they did the best they could and Zak managed to take online classes offered by Paradise High. Fortunately, in January, they moved back to Chico as Zak’s dad was first in line for a home. This meant Zak could rejoin his classmates at the Chico Airport. Zak
described the campus as “laid back, not like regular school.” He quickly added, “The adults, too, were dealing with their own stress.” Most of the classes were held in a giant warehouse where the general population were in their sections together in the center, known affectionately as the “mosh pit.” More important classes got back rooms and space in other buildings. The highlight of this entire experience for Zak was the visit from Cal Poly engineering students. They met with Paradise students to get a sample of what could they do to make this environment better. They posed questions like “How did we want the buildings to be arranged?” They also surveyed the students about what a “regular” life would look like. Zak saw his future and marveled at the strength of these college students. Summer came and went and Zak is refreshed to be back on campus, clearly relieved and motivated. His class schedule, including four Advanced Placement courses keeps him busy and engaged. As a fourth year student in Project Lead the Way, an engineering school-within-a-school, excites Zak the most as he has his sights on becoming one. As for the campus, he finds business as usual, “for the most part.” He notices a vast difference in adding the 7th and 8th graders. He believes it makes it less possible for the 9th graders to mature quicker, making the entire campus appear a bit like a “foriegn place.” Overall Zak knows where he is now, shows “We can come back, we will make it, and go on with our lives.” He also sees his future influence. One of his teachers said that most students will never experience anything of this magnitude. Their first look at a disaster does not come at this age. Zak clearly understands he got his look early and, with it, the knowledge that the world is not always “butterflies, rainbows, and sunflowers.” He is not going to forget the influence those visiting students had on him. His plan is to go to Cal Poly or UC Davis, earn an engineering degree, allowing him the ability to give back.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ANIKA BURKE, UPPER PARK CLOTHING, MICROBLADING CHICO, AND FORMAL EDUCATION FOR DONATING CLOTHING AND PROVIDING THEIR SERVICES TO ELIZABETHANN AND ZAK. ALSO, THANK YOU TO BUILD.COM, FORMAL EDUCATION, AND GOLDEN VALLEY BANK FOR HELPING PROVIDE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP MONEY TO THESE TWO DESERVING STUDENTS.
WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO
an expressway for desperate cars, including Zak’s. All this time, Zak had continually tried and tried to contact any member of his family with no luck. Taking the open lane did, however, turn their luck around, and, though still very slow, the progress to Chico was closer and closer. The red wall stayed visible, appearing just a bit less threatening, as Zak’s car could finally see Highway 99. Highway 99 itself appeared very much like a war zone with the intimidating wall of red flames on one side and multiple cars strewn around from multiple wrecks. Emergency vehicles of all kinds were racing back and forth with lights and sirens blaring. In the end, the three slow lanes got Zak’s car safely into Chico.
RE-FOCUSING ON FINANCES Like most things in life, when it comes to being money smart, we all have good intentions. We hope to grow our income, cut unnecessary expenses and make the most of our investments. Reality, however, can be much more difficult: window shopping can lead to unplanned expenses, big ticket items don’t hurt as much when we put them on the credit card, and that rainy-day fund can always wait until next month to get started. Here we’d like to share some ideas that may help kickstart (or restart) your healthy money habits in your life.
BUDGETING:
Setting a budget by making sure income exceeds expenses is the bedrock of successful financial planning. If a big raise isn’t in your future, there are plenty of tools out there to help with cutting expenses. Most major banks and credit cards have a monthly spending summary, and a search for free budgeting apps yields dozens of options. “Out of sight, out of mind” applies to spending money, so it’s important to review your purchase habits regularly. Physically seeing how much you are spending will help you think twice about your future purchases.
DEBT REDUCTION:
In almost every scenario, it makes sense to attack high interest debt before saving and investing money. Credit card debt often costs north of 18%, which is a no-brainer vs investing in almost every other asset class. If you have multiple cards or get overwhelmed with payments, start with paying off the smallest balance card first. Once that’s paid off, roll that payment to the next credit card. This “snowballing” approach has shown to be an effective way for people to tackle debt. Once you are credit card debt free you can finally make progress toward your saving goals.
SAVING:
Although financial firms have been behind the tech curve, today most offer automated savings features for all types of accounts. There are also savings apps that round purchases up to the nearest dollar and transfer the spare change into a savings account. 401(k) plans have been a hugely successful tool for helping people save; contributions are invested into your chosen allocation each payday. Ask your employer what type of plan is offered and if the company matches up to a certain percentage.
SIMPLIFYING:
When being intentional about your finances, it’s easy to end up with accounts all over the place. Monthly statements roll in and organizing all of them can be as painful as tax preparation. It becomes difficult to monitor and improve your finances when you don’t have a firm grasp of what you have and where it is. Consolidating your savings and investment accounts can help reduce the number of statements, fees, logins, customer support numbers, and opportunities for information to be lost or stolen. Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. Make the choice to become a better manager of your personal finances by adopting one or more of the healthy money habits in your life today.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
VIA
SWEENEY & MICHEL
For more financial advice contact Sweeney & Michel at 196 Cohasset Suite 100 in Chico, call 530.487.1777, or visit sweeneymichel.com. 41
Per Social Security Administration The Social Security Advisory Board “has reported that individuals are receiving scam phone calls displaying the board’s phone number on caller ID. The callers are reportedly attempting to obtain personal information, including Social Security numbers. If you receive this type of call, you should not engage with the caller or provide personal information or money in response to requests or threats.”
Do Not Engage, Just Hang Up the Phone! If you receive a suspicious call, you may report that information online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or by calling 800.269.0271, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams: https://identitytheft.gov/ssa.
For more information, visit: https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-social-security-advisory-board-related-scam/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
"This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-02-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy."
questions about your Medicare? Visit mymedicare.gov and the Medicare app!
Why create a MyMedicare.gov account? • Manage personal information • Check enrollment status • Pay Medicare premiums • View Medicare claims • Improved ability to get assistance for prescription drug coverage choices For additional information contact HICAP at (530) 898-6716. 42
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“Must Haves” 2 0 T E C H N O LO G I C A L
Technological advances, and frankly, common sense, makes the following list more ‘need’ rather than ‘want.’ From safety to versatility, the list will reach out and say, yes, this is not just the future but a list of products designed to complement while adding to our lives. Enjoy and take notice as you peruse each and every intriguing entry. • Security Cameras by Arlo: Arlo makes both indoor and outdoor cameras and have features including 180 degree views, 24/7 HD Video, and apps for smartphones that allow you to see real time footage. • Amazon Echo: The Amazon Echo is a versatile tool that can be used for a multitude of at-home uses. The Echo can serve as an alarm clock, timer, and a hub that can control other smart devices in your home. • Roomba by iRobot: The Roomba is an incredibly efficient self-run vacuum that can work on multiple surfaces, disposes its own waste, and can lead itself back to its charging station when finished. • Universal Remote by Logitech: Logitech are one of the leaders for universal remotes and are extremely useful for any kind of TV. Most notably, multiple actions can be completed at once. For example, the click of a button can turn on the receiver, TV, and set the proper inputs for whatever your needs may be.
• External Hard Drive by LaCie: LaCie is one of the best makers of hard drives in the industry. They make
• Solar Panels: Solar Panels are a great way to cut down on your monthly costs. Solar panels help by saving money on your electricity bill or by getting rid of costs completely. • Brita Water Filter Pitcher: Brita Water Filter Pitchers are designed to remove impurities from tap water and provide you with a healthier, cleaner tasting water than what normally comes out from the sink. • Wireless Speaker by JBL: For amazing sound wherever you go, JBL speakers are one of the best in the game. The speakers are loud, clear, and their sound can fill up an entire house, not to mention that some of their newer models can last up to 20 hours before they need another charge. • Smart Scale: More than just your normal scale, a Smart Body Analyzer can provide more information such as BMI, muscle mass, and body age. Many smart scales have the ability to also track your information over time. • Smart Power Strip: Smart strips are designed to save both electricity and money by monitoring what’s plugged into every single outlet. When devices are on standby, a smart power strip has the ability to cut off power to those outlets. They automatically turn back on when a device isn’t in standby mode and help cut down on unnecessary energy usage. • Smart Lamp: Smart Lamps have the ability to work with other smart devices and can be turned on and off with voice command. Depending on the lamp, there is also the ability to turn on and off lights at set scheduled times.
• Wireless Mouse and Keyboard: Having a wireless mouse and keypad helps clean up your work space and allows for compatibility with computers, laptops, and tablets. • Projector: Because TVs can run expensive, projectors are a more affordable and portable option for those who want the in-home cinema feeling. • Nintendo Switch: The Nintendo Switch is easily one of the best consoles to recently come out, making it a musthave for those interested in gaming. The Switch has games for everyone and is a great console for single-player usage or to share with friends & family. • Portable Charger: Portable Chargers always come in handy when you most need them. They’re light, easy to use, and can charge everything from your phone to your laptop when necessary. • Smart Doorbell by Google: Part of Google’s Nest series featuring other smart home technology products, the Nest Hello is a smart doorbell that allows you to see live HDR video from wherever you are. When paired with Google’s Nest Aware, you have the ability to look through archived videos and more options for alerts. • Pressure Cooker by Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is an extremely versatile piece of cookware, being able to cook everything from rice and soups to lasagna and whole chickens. They’re easy to use and don’t take much oversight to create a delicious meal. • Smart Water Meter by Amphiro: A smart water meter is an easy-touse appliance that can help monitor your water usage when showering. The Amphiro A1 Displays information such as water consumption, water temperature, and energy efficiency class. The Amphiro A1 does not require batteries, as the energy is produced by the water flow from the shower.
WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG
• Smart Thermostat by Ecobee: Smart Thermostats are one of the most popular home smart technologies because its ability to save homeowners money by only cooling and heating as much as needed. The Smart Thermostat has remote sensors that can be placed in different rooms, allowing heating or cooling to be targeted to specific areas, optimizing energy usage and maximizing comfort.
external hard drives that start at 2 terabytes and bigger drives that can hold up to 40 terabytes of data. The portable drives are extremely durable and will keep all of your important documents, photos, and memories safe and sound.
• Oil Diffuser: Oil Diffusers can make any home more comfortable by providing fresh smells and cleaner air.
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WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO
Sweeney & Michel: TRULY PERSONAL, FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Sweeney & Michel began with three individuals who discovered that, by pooling their different capabilities and talents, they were able to better serve their clients and community as a formal team. The firm has since evolved into a team of five with almost 70 years of financial planning and investment experience between them. Their new office, located at 196 Cohasset Rd, suite 100 (next to Golden Valley Bank) has a beautiful world mural created by a local artist featuring wooden clocks running time zones across the globe on the anteroom wall. This entrance is certainly fitting for a company with a global investment outlook that remains community centered. Joe Sweeney says, “The industry has really changed over the past 10 years or so. It became much more of a fiduciary, client first, approach. Financial planning services and holistic planning has been growing as a whole. Building this firm was part of our vision for better serving our clients by reducing costs and adding more services.” In building the firm, they registered directly with the SEC and no longer needed a broker dealer as a go between which has resulted in lower costs for their clients, well below the industry average. They are a full service fee only financial planning firm. Most often, individuals consult a financial planner in the midst of a major life event such as an inheritance, a retirement, or the birth of a child. However, the opportune time to begin proactively financial planning is actually in your 30’s. The relationship you develop with your financial planner is much like the one between you and your physician. The discussion of finances and money creates a close personal 44
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relationship bound by privacy and understanding, leaving you feeling extremely comfortable in your connection. In an effort to facilitate this type of relationship, Sweeney & Michel will set up a no-charge initial meeting in order to get to know you and discuss your financial concerns and fiscal outlook. After learning about you, your family, and your financial goals, they will “outline what gaps or inefficiencies might be in your current financial picture and how we might work together to solve those.” After this initial consult, you may decide to have the firm manage your investments; perhaps you would elect to only have them build a financial plan, run income projections, or test financial tradeoff scenarios. If Sweeney & Michel manages your investments, they only charge an assets under management fee, no commissions are ever applied. They also offer flat rate consulting fees for other financial deliverables. Joe says a lot of people may think that “financial planners are old school wall street and really expensive”. However, in reality, “It’s very holistic and based more on financial life planning and less so on ’you need to buy this mutual fund or hot stock’.” Renée Michel also wants people to understand that “Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes the smaller things you can do for someone gives them the greatest sense of peace.” She talks about receiving a dozen roses from a 90 year old in gratitude for just helping him read and understand his statement. “We’re huggers. Clients are family and are treated with honesty, openness, and the kind of caring afforded to family.” Their personal success comes from seeing their clients more comfortable and at peace with their finances. Sweeney & Michel's focus is on putting the personal in personal finance. The genuine care Katie Junk, Karla Woody, Renée Michel, Joe and Brian Sweeney all exhibit in their work make this firm a true hometown, family-oriented investment firm. CONTACT THEM AT SWEENEYMICHEL.COM OR 530.487.1777 TO BEGIN OR CONTINUE YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING JOURNEY.
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and make your selection. Expect other special events during the week as well, from wine tastings to shopping and cooking with area chefs. Carolyn Denero of Explore Butte County says that they really wanted to make the event approachable by offering various price point menus and a broad range of cuisines within locations throughout the county.
Revealed R E S TA U R A N T W E E K
The clink of dishes, murmurs of laughter and voices, and delicious aromas surround you. Where is this? It’s up to you; its restaurant week and the county is your oyster!
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Visit California says, “California Restaurant Month puts a global spotlight on the rich diversity and abundance of epicurean experiences throughout the Golden State and positions the State as the No. 1 culinary destination in the country.” Butte County is no exception to this and remains at the forefront of farm to fork dining. Take the time to reconnect with our restaurant community here in the Northstate by finding your table and igniting your taste buds! WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EXPLORE BUTTE COUNTY
Explore Butte County is proud to invite you, your family, and friends to enjoy the bounties of the North State by experiencing the amazing restaurants participating in this statewide event. The California tourism board branded January as Restaurant Month, a prime time to tell its culinary story. By moving Chico’s restaurant week out of the summer and opening it up to the entire county, the tourism improvement district was able to build upon the Visit California state promotions and elevate the event. Visit California will bring in social media influencers to the various cities and counties hosting a restaurant week as a way to increase attention boosting tourism to the area. Explore Butte County partners with all of the area chambers of commerce and downtown business associations to present Restaurant Week, which will run for ten days, from January 17 through January 26. It is the perfect time to show everything the county has to offer as it spans the weekend, coinciding with the Annual Snow Goose Festival, which surely will bring a host of visitors to the area. This year’s event will have representation from all corners of the county: Chico, Gridley, Durham, Oroville, and Paradise.
Participating restaurants will be developing unique dishes exclusively for the week. So even if you’ve been to your favorite spot a million times, this week you’ll be treated to something new. They will be offering this price fixed special menu in addition to their usual fare. Brunch or lunch specials will be 10, 15, or 20 dollars and featured dinners will be 15, 25, and 35 dollars. This year’s theme is “Perfect Pairings,” so expect some tantalizing match ups with each option you order. No tickets are necessary, just peruse the prix fixe menu
Though not a complete list as of yet, the Chico’s participating restaurants include: Crush, Diamond Steakhouse, Burban Kitchen, La Hacienda, Grana, Woodstock’s Pizza, and the Old Barn Kitchen. The Oroville’s participants are Miner’s Alley and The Exchange. Durham’s Almendra Winery and Gridley’s Habaneros’ Fish & Tacos and Gridley Grill & Crab Shack will also be featured. Other area restaurants will be joining as well. You can keep up with the latest offerings and upcoming culinary activities by checking out explorebuttecounty.com as well as following them on social media. There will be periodic contests and giveaways of restaurant gift certificates throughout early January, so keep an eye out for those.
THE NIGHT CALLS FOR WINE
With A Fizz
“I want a champagne that is fruity but not too fruity and isn’t dry but kinda dry?” This is every servers nightmare and how a person sounds when they want a wine with a little fizz but have no idea what they actually want. It’s been said that everything that glitters isn’t gold, and everything that sparkles isn’t champagne. Here’s a little guide to what you may want to ask for to get exactly what you desire.
CHAMPAGNE The quintessential sparkling wine hailing from the Champagne region of France, made mostly from either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes. To quote my my 7th grade math teacher, “Every square is a rhombus, but not every rhombus is a square” and the same can be said that every Champagne is, in fact a sparkling wine, but not the other way around. Fruity and sweet are not one in the same either, and the fruity but often not sweet notes hidden in its small bubbles are indicative of this varietal. Luxury brands like Dom Perignon and Cristal (Louis Roederer) as well as popular favorites Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon won’t let you down. PROSECCO Made from Glera grapes in Prosecco, Italy, this varietal is known for its slightly sweeter side, and is, in my opinion, much more approachable. The bubbles in Prosecco are larger than in Champagne due to a different fermentation method using a steel tank rather than glass in the traditional method. It is often less expensive then it’s French counterpart as well, with best selling brands like LaMarca, Ruffino and Gancia all selling typically between $10–$15 per bottle. 48
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SPARKLING MOSCATO From the Muscat grape, this intensely fruity sparkling wine is a result of a higher volume of unfermented sugar, also yielding a lower alcohol by volume. If you want the elegance of the bubbles but not the tryptophan like side effects of champagne, this one’s for you. Most of this product comes from Italy (Moscato d’ Asti), while Australia and California are also large producers. Barefoot, Allure, and Astoria are brands you may recognize if this is your jam. SPARKLING WINE From Kenwood, Cooks and J.’s “Cuvee”, Chandon, Andre and J. Roget, there’s a million sparklings I could say! Pardon my Dr. Seuss moment. California wine producers offer no shortage of options, from inexpensive cases to brands like Mumm Napa to Schramsberg. The quality of our wine regions and innovation of their winemakers leave nothing to the impossible, besides allowing their bottle to be called a Champagne. Feeling adventurous? There are several other styles as well like Cava from Spain, Sekt from Germany, or Rose. Got some extra time and like to entertain? Look up sparkling wine dryness and food suggestions to make sure that the pairing you’re creating doesn’t leave your guests high and dry. Until next month, keep calm and sparkle on.
COCKTAIL ADVICE
VIA
JASON CORONA
For more cocktail tips, give Jason a call at 530.591.2634.
WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG
T H E V E R S A T I L E & H E A LT H Y
Radicchio
Originating from the Veneto region of Italy, radicchio is a leafy vegetable, similar in looks to the red cabbage. When eaten raw, its taste is bitter, and it is often used in salads. Although it looks like it would be a part of the cabbage family, radicchio is actually part of the chicory family and is often referred to as Italian chicory.
Radicchio in modern history has been cultivated since the 15th century, where it was often eaten in salads, or grilled with olive oil. The vegetable was famously written about by Pliny the Elder, an Italian author and naturalist, who claimed the vegetable helps with blood purification and aided those who suffered with insomnia. There are now over 15 different varieties of the vegetable grown in Italy, and the town of Treviso is known for being the original city of radicchio production. The vegetable is commonly added to pasta dishes, risottos, and as a topping on pizza. It is also a common ingredient in many different Italian soups. Radicchio grows best in colder seasons, with harvests peaking in mid-winter and beginning of spring. When planting, radicchio should be planted at least 8–12 inches apart and its soil should be constantly moist in order to prevent an extremely bitter taste. Although individual leaves can be picked off early, harvest for the entire bulb usually takes place after about nine weeks. 50
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The vegetable is extremely versatile and is able to be eaten raw, cooked, and as a complement to fatty meats and cheeses. Because of its taste, radicchio is often served along with something sweet to counterbalance the bitter flavor. One recipe that highlights this sweet-bitter combination is roasted radicchio with balsamic vinegar. In this recipe, quartered radicchio is tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted in an oven face-side down at 400 degrees fahrenheit for 12–15 minutes. After turning the radicchio once, the vegetables should be served with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to add sweetness and topped with shaved parmesan for a touch of saltiness.
Along with its versatility, radicchio is also extraordinarily healthy. The vegetable is a great source of dietary fiber and serves as a great source of Vitamin K, with a cup of radicchio accounting for over 100% of the recommended Vitamin K intake. Vitamin K is best known for its role in blood clotting and bone growth and is also known to improve skin conditions. Radicchio is also high in antioxidants and contains inulin, a substance that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Although the bitter taste of radicchio may scare away some, the vegetable is a great pairing with a variety of foods and still works amazingly as a stand-alone dish.
A heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses who donated gift cards to help feed a family in need earlier this year. Your kindness & generosity are greatly appreciated and admired. Thank you.
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RawBar
The Cookie Shoppe
Beatniks
Fresh Twisted Cafe
Unwined
Japanese Blossom
Nash's
Sol Mexican Grill
Momona
Smoking Mos'
Chico Locker Sasuage Co. Inc
Renew Float Spa
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14. Remote Controls: Voice activated or simple-hand motion user interfaces like those found on Xbox, Roku and Amazon Fire TVs will soon replace dedicated remote controls.
On its final
COUNTDOWN The arrival of the year 2020 brings with it excitement and expectations of new beginnings and new resolutions. But as the clock counts down the minutes left in 2019, let’s pause and consider what else may be on it’s final countdown. What everyday items in our current households may become obsolete over the next twenty years? 1. Cable TV: The arrival of Roku, Apple TV, and Disney+ streaming services have opened up the world of On Demand TV and the ability to choose when and what you watch.
7. Digital Cameras: As photo technology in smartphones advances, the appeal of having just one device to snap and share photos may gradually eliminate point and shoot digital cameras.
2. Manual Light Switches: Home automation has exploded in recent years and brought with it voice activated lights and motion activated lights no longer necessitating the use of flip switches.
8. Paper Maps: Smartphones, smart watches, and GPS apps have already all but replaced our reliance on paper maps.
3. Print Newspapers And Magazines: Print magazines and newspapers are moving into the digital realm in response to public demand. Even Upgraded Living can be found at the modern media company Issuu.com.
WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON
4. Landlines: Today, less than 40% of American homes have a dedicated landline. Families have elected to use their cell phones as their primary contact number and leave their landlines to telemarketers or removed them altogether. 5. Desktop Computers: The portability and advanced technology found in today’s laptops is gradually taking over the role of home desktops. 6. Photo Albums: Digital picture frames, cell phones with tremendous capacities, and cloud storage plans have created a virtual photo album, which can be shared instantaneously and often.
9. Cash: Venmo, Zelle, Google Pay, Apple Cash, and PayPal are such easy ways to pay friends back, split a tab or pay for an AirBnb across the globe. 10. Glasses: Sculpting the cornea with Lasik surgery may eventually eliminate the need for glasses, even those pesky readers. 11. Plastic Bags: California was the first state to impose a ban on single use plastic bags at large retail stores and the rest of the US may soon follow. 12. Keys: Keypads are replacing keyholes on today’s doors. No need to worry about losing your key or having it copied. The codes on keypads can be individualized for pet sitters, family, and changed if needed. 13. Calculators: With the advent of smartphones, the calculator is no longer a desktop regular, even complicated equations can be solved through specialized apps.
15. Paper Bills: Many companies are already paperless and this trend will only continue. Companies will send their bills online where they will be either automatically debited or paid wirelessly by the banks. 16. Printers: So many forms are already completed online and submitted over the Internet. Students submit their papers to teachers through Google Classroom and tax forms are submitted over the internet to the IRS. Soon, there will be no need to print that form out and worry about replacing those ink cartridges...again. 17. DVDs: Streaming services and ondemand TV have already begun to replace the stacks of DVDs found around homes today. 18. Alarm Clocks: The alarm clock is another victim of the rise of smartphones. The myriad alarm clock apps available dwarves the options on a single clock. 19. Charging Cables: The tangled mess of cords and wires and the confusion of determining which one charges what device will soon be a memory as wireless chargers and bluetooth headphones take over. 20. Passwords: The expansion and increased implementation of facial recognition and fingerprint technology will soon replace the need to remember the zillions of passwords required in this everincreasing digital world. The countdown to losing our keys and books may have already begun, but don’t despair if you’re a lover of the feel of a traditional key in your hand or the smell of a freshly opened newspaper in the morning, we could have it all wrong. Think tanks in the 1990’s predicted we’d have gorilla chauffeurs by the year 2020, and I’ve yet to encounter an Uber with a gorilla at the wheel. But if the aforementioned predictions prove right, there will always be those specialty shops, those vintage collectors who see the value in preserving the past as we move into the future. 53
C H I N E S E N E W Y E A R : T H E Y E A R O F T H E R AT
Although 2020 for many of us begins at 12:00 a.m. on January 1st, the Chinese Calendar starts a bit later, with the year beginning sometime between January 21 and February 21. For every year, there is a new Chinese Zodiac associated with it, and starting January 25, the Year of the Rat begins. According to legends, there was a creature called Nian that would come and eat villagers during the annual Spring Festival. It would come in the night and would often target children. However, one year, an old man named Yanhuang would come to the village, stating that he would get revenge on the creature and protect the village. To do this, he would place red papers throughout the village and set off firecrackers throughout the night. Although the villagers believed Yanhuang was crazy, the following day, they saw that none of the buildings were destroyed and everyone was safe. To this day, the color red is now symbolic as a sign of wealth and good fortune, and firecrackers are often set off during Chinese New Year to ward off evil spirits. The story behind the Chinese Zodiac Signs dates far back, stemming from an ancient folk story. The story goes that the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven and the cosmos, stated to 13 animals that the years on the calendar would be named after each of them in the order in which the animals made it to him. However, the animals would need to cross a river in order to reach the emperor. The animals then took off in a race to the emperor to see who could get there first. The animals included a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig, and cat.
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Similar to Western Zodiac signs, the Chinese Zodiac signs often have traits that are associated with each animal. People born during the Year of the Rat are believed to be sociable people who are able to fit into whatever environment or work place they are a part. They are quick to adapt to changes and often do well in times of hardship. Those born in the Year of the Rat are also believed to be quite stubborn and challenge others opinions often. They can be critical of peoples’ work and are said they can lack persistence and stability, making it difficult for them to focus on one task for an extended period of time. When it comes to their careers, rats tend to thrive in business and innovative fields due to their creative thinking and innovation. Some jobs that may fit these traits include jobs as a play writer, accountant, scholar, doctor, or an inventor. In relationships, rats are often sentimental and tend to be easygoing and generous to their partner. They are quick to fall in love and are quick to show their true selves to those of whom they are in a relationship. Rats are most compatible with the ox, dragon, and monkey and are not as compatible with the horse and rooster. Although in general, a Zodiac’s year is often a bad luck year for them, 2020 will be a good year for those born in the Year of the Rat. They will see success when it comes to their careers and self worth, as their accomplishments will be fully recognized and rewarded. However, in their health and relationships, rats will need to be extra cautionary. It’s recommended that rats see a doctor in order to check on their wellness and constantly work towards maintaining an open and honest relationship with their partner and friends.
WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG
The rat was the first one to win the race, but not without having to be sly and using other animals as a way to get ahead in the race. The rat and the cat were bad swimmers, so in order to cross the river, they convinced the ox to allow them to ride on its back. However, once near the end, the rat would push the cat into the river and jumped off the ox and rushed to the emperor, making the rat the first Zodiac sign in the 12-year cycle with the ox following in second.
The animals that followed the rat and ox were the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and, in last place, the pig. The cat, who was initially a part of the race, ended up drowning in the river and did not finish.
Art For Everyone Even if you don’t know who Christian Garcia is, you probably know his work. Christian’s murals are featured all over town, providing messages of positivity and social awareness to onlookers. Murals aid Chico’s sense of community by promoting messages and connecting with specific demographics. Christian promotes this ideology both within the community and his family. Born in Mexico, Christian values his heritage greatly. One of the most important things to him is his family, and he attributes that love to his background. Though he was born in Mexico, he has spent most of his 31 years in Chico. Christian has a lot of nieces and nephews in Chico. He loves living close with his family and connecting with them on a regular basis. Family is actually one of the reasons Christian does murals, he wants “them to be inspired.” If his nieces and 56
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nephews follow their dreams because they see what he’s doing, he will know he was an inspiration for them. Chico offered even more community for Christian. In addition to his biological family, he found another family within Chico’s art scene. “There is a lot of acceptance, a lot of ingenuity and creative coming out of Chico.” One of his first mentors was Jedrik Spear. Like most of Chico’s art scene, they both knew each other’s work before they met. When they met, they started working together and became good friends in the process. Role models, mentors, and peers helped build Christian’s career to what it is now. Just this year, Christian won the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Artist of the Year. Nominated by his peers, he met a lot of people who were fans of his work he never knew he had.
Christian didn’t start as a muralist, though. He never had any formal art training but he was always “that kid” in art class who had a natural ability. He began his practice with spray paint at 16 years old, making what others would refer to as graffiti. During visits to San Francisco, he drew a lot of inspiration from the street art. When he took that passion back to Chico, he realized that some people “associated with graffiti negatively.” His peers in the art community, however, have elevated him and appreciated his work from the beginning, allowing him to share his work without fear. Even now, Christian likes to keep it old school by drawing an outline in a book then painting freehand on the wall. This way, he is keeping his art to its truest form. Since he began spray painting for selfexpression, Christian’s art has come full-circle. Now, his murals resemble the beautiful artwork you’ll catch on HaightAshbury. Christian does other artwork as well, creating commission pieces on canvas, learning watercolor, and even tattooing.
He enjoys other work, but murals are his passion. Street art allows him to promote his message while “tackling something a lot larger.” Christian now has about 10 murals around town and is always working on new projects. One of Christian’s favorite works is a display he created on E. 14th and Locust Streets. One of his friends, who owns the building, had Christian come out to create something special. The sea creatures on one side of the building pairs perfectly with “Namaste” around the corner. Christian loves this piece because it promotes a highly positive message. Namaste is an “eternal greeting for everyone” and promotes a neighborly spirit. Christian aims to spread social awareness and positivity in all his pieces. Even though life isn’t always positive, we need to “figure out how to make something positive out of the negative.” Christian believes that being mindful means paying attention to things happening around you and uplifting one another. Most of his murals are positive, but even the negative aspects are a visually appealing way to show that “life is full of ups and downs.”
Art is subjective. It often shares a different story with each viewer. It has a different meaning, still, to the person who created it. While Christian’s art does have a deeper meaning, he tries to make his pieces something that everyone can appreciate. With murals, “you get to touch an audience who you may never meet or see and will never know who you are.” Christian draws inspiration from everything around him. He takes Chico’s demographics and perspectives into account when he
starts a new mural, making sure his work will be relatable and understandable. When deciding on what a mural will represent, the biggest consideration is its location. He thinks about who will see the artwork and what it will mean to them. To Christian, “street art is for the love of art.” It’s art for everyone. Christian is proof that if you want to create art, you should give it a try. The Chico art community is very supportive, giving feedback and offering inclusivity to new artists. One thing that Christian loves about having many young nieces and nephews is that he can inspire them to take risks. By watching his success, he hopes his family members will follow their creative passions as well. He also encourages all Chico creatives to try making art. All you have to do is “take the leap of faith.” Even Christian, an artist for over 15 years, still makes mistakes. Anything he thinks he can’t paint, he sees as a challenge. He encourages young artists not to be fearful of putting new art into Chico. Art is entirely subjective.
If it makes sense to you, that’s what matters. If you can inspire a feeling in someone else, that’s great, too. If you ever see Christian painting a mural in town, he encourages you to stop and say ‘hi.’ He loves when people approach him to have a conversation about his work and its meaning. If you have any questions about technique or how to get started, Christian would love to help you achieve your dreams. In this fast-paced world, so many people are afraid to approach one another. Murals can break this stigma by connecting people through mindfulness and positivity. Christian works part-time at Upper Park Clothing, a local business that feels more like family. He will be having a show at Upper Park in mid-February to display some of his new art. You can also see his latest mural in the new location for Woodstock’s restaurant downtown. This piece will blend many vibrant colors to show off a fun, exciting part of Chico. Follow Christian’s artwork on Instagram @594evah.
WRITTEN BY EMILY LEBLANC PHOTOS BY BRIAN LUONG AND PROVIDED BY CHRISTIAN GARCIA
Right now, Christian’s main focus is sustainability. He sees people “so blinded by a consumer world” that he needs to spread important messages about living simply. All of us need to make efforts to waste less because “everything we do affects everything beyond us.” That’s why Christian incorporates a lot of animals and natural landscapes in his artwork. He hopes that his message about balancing wants and needs will reach a greater audience. He is also conscious about his consumption, urging others to be “mindful of the people and places around you.”
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WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG
A Changing Industry Turns Another Corner 2019 was a good year for music. Now more than ever, artists are beginning to have the freedom they did not have in the past. Streaming services are bringing in more money than ever and headliners are continuing to sell out huge arenas in the age of large venues and larger festivals. With 2019 being such a game changing year for artists in the industry, 2020 can only hold more surprises. Not only is the industry changing, but so are musicians and the way they are now releasing their music. Many musicians, instead of signing to a record label, are choosing to go independent, with big artists such as Frank Ocean and Chance the Rapper leading the way. Ocean specifically shocked the music industry in 2016 when he released the visual album Endless, the last album he needed to create in order to fulfill his existing contract with Def Jam Records. Just one day later, Ocean would independently released his third studio album Blonde, which would reach Number 1 on the Billboard 200. By releasing this album independently, Ocean increased his profit share from 14% to up to 70% according to an article by Billboard. Along with severing ties with his label, Ocean would also end up buying back his master recordings, making him the true owner instead of Def Jam. Last year has also been a year of reformation for lots of bands. Bands such as Rage Against the Machine, My Chemical 58
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Romance, The Pussycat Dolls, and the Jonas Brothers have all made comebacks in 2019 and we can only expect more come 2020. However, that doesn’t mean that some big names haven’t been stepping away from the music scene as well. Most notably, the American Rock band Toto announced that they were going to go on an extended hiatus following their 40 Trips Around The Sun tour. A representative of the band stated more information will come out throughout the year regarding any new information about the band. Artists are also changing the ways in which they make their money. Although in the past, there has been a heavy emphasis on items such as physical CDs and vinyls, artists are expanding their sources of income, focusing on quality merchandise and collectible items. Although touring and live performances are still the main money makers for musicians, there’s also now a heavier emphasis on getting streams and downloads up through social media promotion and advertising. Streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music are having a much bigger impact on what today’s audience is listening to rather than what’s playing on the radio. Whether it be exciting new collaborations, younger musicians rising to fame, or independent artists taking control over their careers, there’s a lot of exciting things to look forward to this upcoming year in music.
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Remember? W H AT W I L L W E
In the year 2000, it was difficult to imagine what the world would look like in 20 years. What events would transpire to change and shape our planet, what would we regret, what would we laud, and especially, what would we remember? Everyone has certain happenings clinging to their memories, these events may have happened at an important time in your life, or directly impacted you or your family, while other things may be forgotten through time. If we opened a time capsule holding the important milestones from the past 20 years, what would we find? What would you tuck into that capsule? • 2000–The Millennium Bug: The dread that all of the world’s computers wouldn’t know how to handle the flipping of the date to 00 because the programs of the 1960’s used a two digit code for the year, omitting the “19”. The fear was this fault would cause an unprecedented computer failure affecting banks, power plants, and transportation.
WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON
• 2001—September 11: The deadliest terror act in the history of the U.S. and the most catastrophic foreign attack on U.S. soil since Pearl Harbor. This resulted in the tragic loss of over 3,000 lives by terrorists who hijacked 4 airplanes and flew them into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The world mourned and America united in support of all the heroes that day. This began a major U.S. initiative to combat terrorism. • 2001–Whole Foods opens its first store in New York City, paving the way for organic markets and awareness around the importance of knowing what’s in and on our foods. • 2001–Steve Jobs introduces the Apple IPod and changes the world of music. This eventually leads to the Apple IPhone revolution.
• 2003—The completion of the Human Genome Project successfully maps out the locations and sequence of 3 billion DNA ‘letters’ in Homo sapiens. Spanning thirteen years and led by an international team of researchers, this discovery will have enormous impacts in medicine, life sciences, and biotechnology for years to come. • 2003—The United States invaded Iraq and begins the Gulf War. A coalition of 39 countries launched a campaign against Saddam Hussein to restore international world order and eject Iraq from Kuwait. • 2004—Google redefines the Internet with its search engine technology and its launch of Gmail. • 2005—Hurricane Katrina, a Category 5 hurricane, strikes Florida and Louisiana causing catastrophic damage and over 1,200 deaths. It exposed America’s failing infrastructure; aging highways, bridges, dams, and electrical grids and emphasized the need for alternative energy sources. • 2006—The explosion of virtual social networking: Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter begin the development of online communities and changed the way the world interacts. • 2007—The Global Recession hits, caused by a spike in food prices and the collapse of the U.S. Housing market. • 2008—Barack Obama is elected as the first African American President of the United States and implements the health reform act known as Affordable Care Act, changing the way America delivers healthcare. • 2009—Sonia Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.
• 2010—7.0 Earthquake in Haiti kills more than 230,000 people and impacts over 3 million. The country is still suffering due to the total devastation. • 2012—The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Massachusetts leaves 28 people dead and two injured. The dead included 20 children between six and seven years old. It is one of the deadliest school shootings in history. This and subsequent shooting tragedies sparking gun control legislation debates. • 2012—Washington and Colorado legalized marijuana, serving as a model for determining policy in dealing with the issues arising from this new legal drug. • 2013—The sharing economy, or peer-topeer based businesses, allows companies like Airbnb and Uber to pioneer this new/ old concept. • 2014—Pope Benedict XVI resigns and Pope Francis becomes not only the first Jesuit Pope, but also the first Pope from the Americas. His palpacy is marked by his humility and outspoken support of the less fortunate. • 2015—The U. S. Supreme Court guarantees a right to same sex marriages in all fifty states. Five of the nine court justices determine that this right falls under the 14th Amendment equal protection clause. • 2016—Donald Trump is elected as President after an unpredictable election cycle. • 2018—The March for Our Lives occurs at over 900 locations as students around the nation come together in response to the shooting at Parkland, a Florida high school, in an effort to bring increased awareness to the need for students to feel safe in their schools and communities. Reflecting back on the past twenty years in history brings with it somber memories of loss, recollections of historic firsts, and awe at the technological advancements achieved in such a relatively short time. We can’t help but wonder, what will the next twenty years bring. What will we remember?
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C OMM U N I T Y CA L E N DAR 1
N EW YEARS DAY
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FIRE & ICE PO LA R P LU N GE CHILI CO O K O F F 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Dwight Brinson Swim Center, Durham Are you brave enough to take the plunge? Join us as we celebrate the New Year with a fun and fast plunge into the Durham Community Pool. After you’ve taken the plunge, chill out and warm up with a hot beverage and a bite to eat with our 5th annual chili cook off.
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HO N EY RUN BRI DGE PAI N TI N G BY SIENNA JOY 6:00–8:30 p.m. Purple Line Urban Winery, Oroville Get together to paint and pitch in for the rebuilding of the beloved Honey Run Covered Bridge! You'll create an impressionist style 11 x 14 canvas honoring this special Butte County Landmark. The participant who makes the largest donation to the rebuilding of the bridge that night will be given Sienna's painting. Let's continue to be a Butte Strong community in creative ways. PARKSIDE CO ME DY SH OW CASE FT. SHAHERA H YATT 7:00–8:30 p.m., Cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m. Parkside Tap House, Chico Laugh the night away at Chico's hottest new comedy venue! Featuring Sacramento comic Shahera Hyatt headlining the show, with locals Mark Leathers, Rich Morrare, Cassidy O'Brien, and Pam.
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CH I CO B R I DA L S H O W 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico The largest and finest bridal show in Butte, Tehama, and Glenn Counties. Find everything you need on-site to plan the wedding of your dreams.
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H A R RY P OT T E R PA I N T & S I P 3:00–5:00 p.m. The Chico Taproom, Chico Gather your friends, artists or not, you'll have a fun time painting four 6 x 6 canvases with a marble background and some Harry Potter symbols! $37 includes your first drink, four canvases, and all painting materials.
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CH I CO C H A M B E R 8 2 N D A N N UA L DI N N E R & A WA R D C E R E M O N Y 6:00–9:00 p.m. Big Room at Sierra Nevada, Chico This prestigious and historic event brings Chico business leaders together for an evening of celebration and recognition, to showcase accomplishments in 2019 and set the tone for the organization’s focus in 2020. Seating is limited. Reserve your seats by January 3rd.
BUT T E CO U N TY R E STAU RA N T WE E K From January 17–26 Chico, Durham, and Oroville Savor the Pace during Butte County's 2nd Annual Restaurant Week celebration! Participating restaurants will create special menus with special prices during this 10day long celebration.
A AU W LU N C H & L E A RN 11:30 a.m. Shelly's Creative Catering, Chico Fire Safety: Where We've Been & What Now? Speakers Brenda Rightmyer of Yankee Hill Fire Safe Council & Calli-Jane DeAnda of Butte County Safe Council. D U R H A M R OTA RY 1 7 T H A N N UA L C RA B F E E D 6:00–10:00 p.m. Durham Memorial Hall, Durham This event has evolved into one of the premier fund-raising events in our community. The menu is an all-youcan-eat affair with salad, rigatoni, bread, jumbo shrimp, and, of course Dungeness crab. There will be a silent auction to help raise money for the community projects & Durham High School scholarships.
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2 0 TH A N N UA L CO M M UNITY C RA B F E E D 5:00–9:00 p.m. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico Butte County Fire Fighters Benevolent Foundation presents the 20th annual community crab feed! All you can eat crab. Beer and wine is available for a small donation. Best dressed table competition, raffle, silent auction, & dancing.
C I R Q U E F L I P FA B R I Q UE: BLIZZ A RD 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium , Chico Blizzard is a story of a group of friends, each one different from the other, like snowflakes, exploring a winter storm.
Resolution You Say You Want a
In my 30 years in the classroom, I taught seniors. Unlike the one-foot-in-junior-high mentality of a freshman, seniors were transparent. They engaged in meaningful ways, challenged intellectually, and revealed their vulnerability willingly. They were not perfect. Slow on Mondays, distracted on Fridays, but always seemed to respond to something difficult. The more difficult the better. The scattered quirky projects were equally embraced. From starting the year with publishing their Credo, to tackling the 100 Word Challenge List, we hit the ground running. A lengthy look at Dylan Thomas’ Fern Hill and a read and response of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist allowed them to face their transition from adolescent to adult. We confronted views on controversial topics, such as abortion, by reading how literature dealt with it. Always, there was plenty of crayons, markers and butcher paper. The Senior year curriculum was my favorite.
On the Monday we would return from winter break, each senior wrote a personal letter to themselves in the form of a resolution. The prompt necessitated a look at the word itself. From the Latin for ‘stem of,’ though, today, more like ‘stemming from,’
the straight forward meanings and usage were easily grasped, but challenging to put into words. Resolutions are not a trivial matter. Resolution is defined as—‘Act of determining upon an action, course of action, method, or procedure. Come to a decision. Determination, strong will.’ Its synonyms are more telling: spirit, willpower, aim (as in target), guts, moxie, and fixed purpose. Putting a resolution into words is not a trivial matter.
The prompt was to the point. “Write a letter to yourself in the form of a New Year’s Resolution." It will be sealed in an envelope today and kept in my possession until I mail it to you one year from today. Your letter is not limited to, but must contain a resolution (or resolutions) directed at you personally. A resolution(s) in regard to your family. And, a resolution(s) in regard to this planet we reside and what you can contribute to make it better. Length is only limited by time as we will address the envelope and seal the letter at the end of class. Then the seniors wrote, and wrote, sighed and scratched stuff out, and, at times, crumpled the paper up and started again. Rarely did a hand go up with a question or need for affirmation. Reluctant, disinterested students stayed
quiet, allowing the engaged their time. As the envelopes were being collected, some students would be adding money or some treasure from that day.
Each year, not long after the letters were mailed, I would get cards, emails, phone calls, and some actual letters. The reason behind each were across the board—A lot of thanks, the “I didn’t remember writing this…but wow was it eye-opening”, “Was I really that big of an ass in high school?” “Oh my, I did not follow through with one thing.” And personal stuff like showing the letter to family members causing quite a stir or I never thought this is where I would be one year later. The responses were a natural motivation to keep assigning this as I knew it had value. I am hesitant to leave you with this—In every one of those thirty years, I did not write and seal a letter. I struggled with opening up the same letter and saying—no, I did not lose weight, no I was not altogether that nice to my sisters, and the fact I still keep the water running while I shave. I can leave you this —“You say you want a resolution, well you know, we all want to change the world.” At least the little corner of this world we reside. 63