Upgraded Living Magazine - February 2013

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Travel

P R E S E N T S

LOVEATFIRSTSIGHT

NorthValleyEyeCare.com114 Mission Ranch Blvd. Suite 50 . Chico . (530) 891-1900

1056 Washington St. . Red Bluff . (530) 529-1750

RidgeEyeCare.com14137 Lakeridge Court . Magalia . (530) 873-2020

7056 Skyway . Paradise . (530) 877-2250

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Travel

P R E S E N T S

12 UPGRADED LIVING | FEBRUARY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

When Love Arrivedby Alexa Benson-Valavanis

The Tall black sTreeT lamp hung over The narrow sTreeT in paris like a question mark. I sat in a small café across the street watching it cast light against the rain. The night seemed to beg for imagination. What if I become a foreign correspondent? I could travel about the globe with a felt-tip pen and crisp perspective. In a certain mood I might've imagined life as a spy but I wasn’t in that space tonight. Tonight I was in the mood for romance. It was Paris after all. I glanced at the couples in the café and pictured the lives they led. I didn’t give any time to their kitchen cupboards or the jobs they had. Instead it was the love their hearts shared that stole my thoughts - true love, new love, forgotten love, and so on. Mostly I imagined true love. Life seemed too short and unpredictable not to believe in fairy tales. Eventually the waiter arrived and I ordered a cappuccino. With the rain tap

dancing against the café awning and lovers all around me a regular cup of Joe was out of the question. I thought about where my true love might be tonight and prayed we would meet someday soon. A few hours later I left those couples in the Parisian café just as I’d left all the other lovers I’d ever imagined over a cappuccino, in Shanghai, in Bangkok, in Saigon. It was a cherished ritual - to watch romance unfold around me as I readied my own soul. My heart felt open, my spirit ready, but fate was a factor I could not control. Seasons passed and I’d all but forgotten my prayer inside that little Parisian café. I was back in Chico now. I kept long hours at the office and spent the free time I had at the gym or on projects around the house. Imagining love stories in quaint cafés was a forgotten habit. My twin was crashing with me for the summer so the downtime I had was filled with dinner parties and laughter. I stopped

looking for love. I was too busy living. Tonight we’d decided on going out for Italian. The idea of pasta and a carafe of something red before live music seemed fitting for the perfectly blue night. As we ordered, my twin mentioned inviting some-one to join us. She thought her friend and I would hit it off. I was taken by the night and didn’t give it much thought. Then the friend arrived. She stepped out of a white Jeep Wran-gler in a vintage cream slip with jewelry dripping down its low-cut neck and I felt my heart pitter-patter. She had on brown cowgirl boots that actually wore the wrinkles of country life. I couldn’t help but imagine the life she led. She was instantly herself and I found her kindness captivat-ing. I caught myself open my mouth slightly for oxygen. I wanted to remember this moment. I knew the fairy tale I’d always believed in was about to come true.

Storyteller

14 UPGRADED LIVING | FEBRUARY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM14 UPGRADED LIVING | FEBRUARY 2013 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Max’s Miracle ranch

Charity

A Miracle in Every Sense of the Word

by Aveed Khaki

15

When we began to dream up this issue, we expected to find a number of great stories about individuals throughout our county that were doing good deeds for others, and indeed we found just that. What we didn’t expect to find was a story both as wrenching and heart warming as the one at Max’s Mir-acle Ranch in Biggs. It is, without a doubt, the quintessential story to this issue’s theme. A rancher in Biggs for over twenty-three years, Steve Williams is a husband, father to eight, and a contractor as well. The fam-ily ranch is a favorite stop for travelers on Highway-99, providing a pick-your-own selection from just about any fruit tree you can imagine, along with berries, grapes, and summer-specific fruits like tomatoes, melon, and corn. Though these responsibili-ties alone would exhaust most, Steve has also become a champion in the fight against con-genital heart disease, due to his experiences with his incredibly brave son, Max. On September 27th, 2003, Max was born at Chico’s Enloe Hospital. Ready to be dis-charged two days after birth, Max was being prepped for the short drive home when he started to turn blue. Doctors rushed to find the problem and discovered that he had Te-tralogy of Fallot, a rare and complex con-genital heart defect that changes the normal flow of blood through the heart and results in the lowered oxygenation of blood with-in it. The complexity of the defect is in the fact that it is a result of four separate defects within the heart, and such a defect requires surgery in nearly all cases. Max was placed in a helicopter and flown directly to UC Davis where he spent the night. Here, doctors found the defect to be too severe and transferred him to San Fran-cisco for immediate open heart surgery. The family followed and waited in the hospital for any news on Max’s condition. At just

Charity

(opposite page) Max mans the engine at Max’s Miracle Ranch. (this page) A ranch hand keeping an eye on

the ranch as they clean up for the spring.


Charity

four days old, Max underwent his first open heart surgery and was returned to his moth-er the next day after careful observation. Unfortunately, this was not to be the last of Max’s heart problems. While in his mother’s arms the day after surgery, Max slipped into cardiac arrest. His surgeon, who was waiting next door, rushed in, peeled off the tape that was used in place of stitches, and physically massaged Max’s heart back into a steady rhythm with his hand un-til they could hook him up to the proper equipment. The surgeon later updated the family that Max had been without proper oxygen or blood flow for nearly forty-five minutes and was in need of another surgery as soon as he was fully stabilized. Two days later, Max underwent his second open heart surgery. The family remained at the hospital until the day before Thanksgiving, when his surgeon finally discharged him. The family returned home and was able to relax for a total of two hours before complications arose yet again. They drove Max back to San Francisco, and remained there until Christ-mas morning, when he was discharged once again.

Throughout his time at the hospi-tal with Max, Steve continued to notice the number of families that were sharing a similar experience to his. A Hispanic family in partic-ular caught his eye while in the pediatric intensive care unit, and as he began to know them better, he realized just how difficult this

disease could be on families. Day-after-day the family would arrive to provide support for one another and their newborn; after visiting hours were over, the family would return to sleep in their station wagon parked in a nearby parking lot. This went on for four months until their child sadly passed away. Steve was shocked to find

that many families shared a similar story, and that the burden tore at not only their bank accounts, but marriages and family dynamics as well. He later came to find that the statistically, the majority of marriages with a child facing a life-threatening illness, also end in divorce. After Max’s sixth open heart surgery, and countless meetings with families sharing similar experiences, Steve decided it was time to create a place where these families could come together, relax, and support one another through difficult times like these. The idea continued to evolve, and eventually Max’s Miracle Ranch was founded. Built to truly be a place where families

could get away from the stresses attached to having a child with a life-threatening illness, Max’s Miracle Ranch has become a safe haven for families, a place of wonder for children, and an excellent medium for raising money to help others undergoing similar life-altering events. The ranch has just about everything a family could ask for including a petting zoo, pony rides, play-ground, and perhaps most exciting of all, a full size train with over one mile of track currently laid. The animals at the petting zoo are rescue animals with the showstop-per being “Frank the Bull,” a little guy who was going to be discarded at birth by a nearby dairy. The family saved Frank, bottle fed him for two months, and at six months

(top) Be your favorite farm animal. (below) The beautiful, fully restored train that makes a one mile journey around the ranch.

17

Just two of the multitude of friendly animals at Max’s

Miracle Ranch.

Charity

old, he now follows the family around as if they were his biological parents. The Max’s Miracles foundation was created alongside the ranch to provide food and gas cards to families like those that Steve met while Max was in the hospital. The foundation currently partners with groups like Disney on Ice and the Sacra-mento Kings, allowing families to have fun at events completely free of charge, and encouraging them to once again step away from the stress of the illness and focus on family togetherness instead. Beyond the ranch, Steve has continued to be an influential voice for those affected by congenital heart disease. February 14th has been recognized as congenital heart defect awareness day throughout the world and as a result of voices like Steve’s, the disease is starting to get significantly more attention. Currently, more children die from congenital heart disease than all cancers combined. Over forty thousand cases exist in the United States each year,

and over four thousand of those cases result in death. Last year, Steve made proclamations with the towns of Chico, Paradise, Gridley, Live Oak, and Biggs to designate February 7th through the 14th as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week, hoping to further the visibility of the disease and encouraging community leaders to help educate their communities on the dangers it poses. He plans on reaching out to even more cities in 2013 to do the same. Steve is also working closely with a number of hospitals to make pulse oximetry testing a mandatory test for newborns, providing instant diagnosis for a number of life threatening heart complica-tions, and bettering the chances of positive outcomes for newborns. Throughout the entire process, Max has remained vigilant, and seemingly always with a smile on his face. Now nine years of age and an older brother to three sisters and a three year old brother, Max has under-gone a total of eleven open heart surgeries.

His courage is nothing short of inspiring, and his family’s commitment to him and others like him, nothing short of astound-ing. Steve continues to add onto the ranch with hopes of eventually building smaller living units on their land for families to reside in when they come to visit. The ranch currently hosts a number of events throughout the year including an Easter egg hunt, Polynesian luau, harvest festival, pumpkin patch, and corn maze. On Val-entine’s Day, you can pick up a dozen roses for $29.99 at their Highway-99 stand with all proceeds going directly to the founda-tion and support of families in need. We wish the Williams family the very best and hope that their efforts will con-tinue to be supported by our communities and readers like you. They are a completely volunteer-based operation and all help is greatly appreciated. The ranch is open for party rentals as well as corporate retreats, and all event rentals direct-ly support the foundation.

Max’s Miracle Ranch3476 Smith AveBiggs, CA 95917(530) 354-7168

www.maxsmiracles.org

Max’s Miracle Ranch | maxsmiracles.org | 3476 Smith Ave, Biggs | (530) 354-7168

19

This exciting, interactive and bilingual exhibit explores thescience behind sports. Hands-on experiences allow visitors to test their athletic abilities while learning how their bodies work. SPORTSOLOGY IS A TRAVELING EXHIBITION OF SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-ON MUSEUM.

Brain Teasers2 brings 21 new hands-on puzzles with a widearray of challenges designed to develop problem-solvingskills and provide plenty of fun for visitors of all ages.BRAIN TEASERS2 IS A TRAVELING EXHIBIT PRODUCED BY THE OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.

Gateway and the Museum of Northern California Art (MonCA) present “Exploring Creativity Through the Collection of Reed Applegate” from February 27 through August 18. MONCA IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A COLLECTION OF OVER 350 WORKS OF ART LOOKING FORA PERMANENT HOME IN CHICO, CALIFORNIA.

J A N U A R Y 2 6 – M A Y 5

G A T E W A Y S C I E N C E M U S E U M

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 E X H I B I TS

IN THE NORTH GALLERY:

IN THE NEWBERRY GALLERY:

IN THE JAMES W. CORNYN VALLEY GALLERY:

SPORTSOLOGY IS THE CREATION OF SCIENCE WORKS HANDS ON MUSEUM

625 ESPLANADE - CHICO - (530) 898-4121HOURS: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY: NOON-5PM

ADMISSION: MEMBERS - FREEADULT - $6.00 CHILD OR STUDENT - $3.00

www.gatewayscience.org

20 UPGRADED LIVING | DECEMBER 2012 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM photograph by Clark Miller

Dolce Home | 127 Main St., Chico | (530) 345-9215 | dolcehomechico.com

DIY:A Valentine’s Day Presentby Melissa Snow

MAtERIALS: Scrap of leftover fabricLavender –of course you could stuff with batting as wellMason Jar to collect all the love

InStRuCtIonS: Start by cutting the hearts - I didn’t even use a pattern; the more imperfect the better. I folded the fabric in half to create a matching top and bottom. I chose a few different fabrics and made several hearts, all different shapes and sizes. Place the matching hearts together and sew around the shape leaving a small opening to stuff. Pour in the lavender-I’m using my favorite local lavender available at Dolce. Once the hearts have been stuffed, close the opening.

Now that the hearts are complete comes the best part, choosing where to hide them. Be a little sneaky to make sure your loved one doesn’t find them all too quickly. Once the hiding mission is complete, present your mason jar to the lucky loved one with one heart and tell them that every time they find a hidden heart to remember how much they’re loved. This DIY is sure to melt anyone’s heart….Happy Valentine’s Day!!

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I wanted to share this idea with you because it would be great for any holiday or for when someone you love could use a tangible reminder of your support. I love leaving little special things in my kiddos’ backpacks or hiding them in their clothes drawers or my son’s toy garbage truck. Finding a loving handmade surprise brings the biggest smile to all.

Spaces

21photograph by Clark Miller


Spaces

photograph by Clark Miller

(above) Jerry & Calvin’s remodeled kitchen. (opposite page) Homeowners Jerry and Calvin enjoying their brand new kitchen.

23

when Jerry Dechellis, a reTireD clerical aD-minisTraTor living in The bay area, put the word out that she was in search of a “gentleman Har-ley rider” she never expected to find and fall for someone as quickly as she did. Calvin, a retired technician, re-plied and the two matched up beauti-fully. While deciding where and when to move in together, an opportunity arose, and the two moved to Magalia to share their first house together. Originally owned by Jerry’s father, a retiree of Lockheed Martin, the Magalia home was custom built to his specifications in 1981. The culmina-tion of a lifetime’s work, the house spoke to his interests perfectly, so naturally he spent thirty years therein. Though ideal for him, the design of the house was not exactly what Jerry sought when she arrived, so she de-cided to make a few changes, starting with the kitchen. She phoned Ric at New Again Kitchen & Bath, and the

two set out to make her remodeling dreams a reality. Beginning with the floor, the couple re-moved the dated white linoleum and swapped it for large twelve inch tile slabs. Vertically moving upward, they tackled the countertops next, replacing the fad-ed gray formica with tan-brown granite from New Again. An added tile backsplash tied the foundation of the proj-ect together and with these elements in place,

the kitchen finally began to have some semblance of the vision the two had shared for their space. The cabinetry reminded Jerry of her father and clearly showed his attentiveness to detail with extras like built in dust guards to keep the dishes as clean as possible. Rather than lose the memories and intricacies these oil-rubbed cabinets contained, she hired Bob Fraga, a well-known local wood-worker who works closely with New Again on six to twelve kitchens per year. Having met Bob through their neighbor Vince Brannen of Brannen Gourmet, she decided to have him reface the cabinets and finish them off with new sets of handles. The appliances, originally pur-chased when the house was built, were now thirty years old and finicky, working at their leisure rather than at the behest of their new owners. A new set of stainless steel appliances and a refrigerator that fit the couple’s needs exactly put the kitchen back to work for the homeowners. To break up the space along the far wall, the couple installed a large stainless steel hood from Ginnos and continued the tile backsplash behind it to the ceiling. Completely remodeled in less than three weeks, the new kitchen is exactly what the couple was hoping for. As the stage for family visits and a favorite hangout for their doberman, Harley, the space is finally theirs and although significant changes were made, they were still able to maintain some of the nostalgia of Jerry’s late father’s kitchen. It serves as a perfect example of some-thing both unique and special created through collaboration. As the photos no doubt prove, the end result is both new again and simply wonderful.

MemoriesMade new Again by Aveed Khaki

photograph by Clark Miller

new Again Kitchen and Bath | 2502 Park Avenue, Chico | (530) 899-2888

Spaces

Sherry Landis(530) 514-4855

[email protected] www.SherryLandis.com

CA-DRE lic# 01084946

CONGRATS! A top ten agent in 2012!

Beauty and architecture combine in this custom 4400sqft+ home on over 4 acres. This home is framed by ancient Chinese rock walls and blue oak trees in an upscale country area of custom homes. Features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and large downstairs office with French doors onto back porch. Master suite is a couple’s dream with a wall of windows offering a beautiful view, dressing room perfect for workout space, large walk-in closet and master bath that transports you to the spa. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with commercial range, granite counters, pantry, butler’s work area and formal dining room. The 4.2 acres provides plenty of room for horses. If only there was more room to list all that this home has to offer!! Call today and see for yourself!

Bed: 5.0 Bath: 4.5 SqFt: 4,467 Price: $775,000

Just minutes from town you will find this custom built home situated on 10 acres! This 5 bedroom home with covered porches and balconies gives you that feeling of being on vacation right in your own yard. The pond is complete with water fall, outdoor entertaining patios has a pergola, and is fenced for safety. Above the detached garage/shop you will find approximately 1,000 sq.ft. of a separate unit with bathroom. The floors are bamboo and beautiful. The main house has cherry wood floors downstairs in the kitchen and family room - counters are concrete and a wall of windows looking out your beautiful yard. The property has 15 kw solar panels and offsets PG&E costs. Too many amenities to list with this this amazing property. Call today!


LISTEN TO US FEATURE YOUR

PROPERTIES ON KKXX

FM 104.5

in CHICO,

PARADISE, and OROVILLE

EVERY FRIDAY

FROM 2:30PM - 3PM!

You won’t have to own horses to enjoy this 5 acres with beautiful home nestled amongst the trees! Custom Barn, round pin, 2 car garage + shop, views out every window. Mr. & Mrs. Clean live here with separate family/living room areas, woodstove, master suite fit for royalty with soaking tub, large walk-in closet, many custom features! This special home won’t last long at just $399,000 - Call Sherry Landis for your private showing.


Sherry Landis(530) 514-4855

[email protected] www.SherryLandis.com


CONGRATS! A top ten agent in 2012!

Beauty and architecture combine in this custom 4400sqft+ home on over 4 acres. This home is framed by ancient Chinese rock walls and blue oak trees in an upscale country area of custom homes. Features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and large downstairs office with French doors onto back porch. Master suite is a couple’s dream with a wall of windows offering a beautiful view, dressing room perfect for workout space, large walk-in closet and master bath that transports you to the spa. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with commercial range, granite counters, pantry, butler’s work area and formal dining room. The 4.2 acres provides plenty of room for horses. If only there was more room to list all that this home has to offer!! Call today and see for yourself!


Just minutes from town you will find this custom built home situated on 10 acres! This 5 bedroom home with covered porches and balconies gives you that feeling of being on vacation right in your own yard. The pond is complete with water fall, outdoor entertaining patios has a pergola, and is fenced for safety. Above the detached garage/shop you will find approximately 1,000 sq.ft. of a separate unit with bathroom. The floors are bamboo and beautiful. The main house has cherry wood floors downstairs in the kitchen and family room - counters are concrete and a wall of windows looking out your beautiful yard. The property has 15 kw solar panels and offsets PG&E costs. Too many amenities to list with this this amazing property. Call today!



PROPERTIES ON KKXX

FM 104.5

in CHICO,


EVERY FRIDAY

FROM 2:30PM - 3PM!

You won’t have to own horses to enjoy this 5 acres with beautiful home nestled amongst the trees! Custom Barn, round pin, 2 car garage + shop, views out every window. Mr. & Mrs. Clean live here with separate family/living room areas, woodstove, master suite fit for royalty with soaking tub, large walk-in closet, many custom features! This special home won’t last long at just $399,000 - Call Sherry Landis for your private showing.


Darling charmer in a great avenue location, close to hospital and downtown. this property offers 2 homes in one lot. The front home has high ceilings, arched walls, living room and formal dining, ceiling fans and indoor laundry. The back home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath living room and a kitchenette!


SOLD!

Beautifully remodeled and located in a fabulous neighborhood! This stunning home is loaded with various upgrades and offers an open floor plan, expansive formal living room and dining room with wet bar, plus a cozy family room with informal dining area. A gourmet kitchen boasts beautiful granite counter tops and opens to the family room. Additional features include fireplace with a handsome mantle, oven with a warming drawer, master bath with jetted tub and his & hers closet. Two water heaters, water softener, security system, spa, 3 car garage, park like backyard with sheltering and fruit trees. Come look and appreciate it yourself.


Lovely, well maintained home in a convenient location close to schools and shopping. The large kitchen has light cabinetry, gas stove, built-in microwave and kitchen island. The open floor plan is great for entertaining and all the rooms are spacious. This home has so much to offer! Call today!


Behind the Iron Gates in a community of luxury homes, awaits a 3 acre parcel. The view is magnificent and the acreage is surrounded by majestic oak trees, towering redwood trees, a flowing creek and absolute tranquility. There are several ideal spots for your dream home here. Acreage: 3.01 Price: $120,000


PROPERTIES ON KKXX

FM 104.5

in CHICO,


EVERY FRIDAY

FROM 2:30PM - 3PM!

Immaculate home close to Bidwell Park, In Motion Fitness, and shopping. In the last few months, the seller has made a number of upgrades to this home which include: new paint inside and out, granite counters, new carpet and linoleum, a new shower door, faucets, low flow toilets, and new shower head. This darling home also offers a large living room, brick masonry fireplace with wood insert, large yard with beautiful landscaping, and much more. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,468 Price: $234,900

Come check it out! Recently upgraded with all new appliances, granite counter tops, tile floors, new fixtures and fresh paint. This darling home is located in a great neighborhood featuring an open floor plan, high ceilings, large living room with fireplace and new roof!


SOLD! SOLD!


Vikki Reimer(530) 894-4515

[email protected] www.VikkiSellsChico.com


Everything you’re looking for! Open floor plan with awesome master suite ! Updated kitchen and baths. New win-dows, doors, interior and exterior paint, landscaping and more. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,001 Price: $249,000

STEVEN J. DEPARE/MAX OF CHICO

530.896.9339CA DRE LIC # 00813533

Representing Buyers and Sellers of Investment Properties

Looking for a better return on your investment?on your investment?

This is just a sample of the properties our clients bought

and sold in 2012.

If you want to be one of thepeople taking advantage of

the returns in today’sreal estate market,real estate market,

call me today!

*Annual Incomes are approximate

[email protected]

635 West 6th Avenue10 Units

Annual Income: $82,600SOLD: $775,000

1145 West 2nd Street12 Units


227 West 22nd Street3 Bed/2 Bath House

& DuplexAnnual Income: $36,000

SOLD: $280,000

180 East 1st Avenue8 Units


417 Orange Street10 Units


1141 Forest Avenue9,035 sqft Commercial Bldg




2721

Vikki Reimer(530) 894-4515

[email protected] www.VikkiSellsChico.com


Everything you’re looking for! Open floor plan with awesome master suite ! Updated kitchen and baths. New win-dows, doors, interior and exterior paint, landscaping and more. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,001 Price: $249,000

STEVEN J. DEPARE/MAX OF CHICO

530.896.9339CA DRE LIC # 00813533

Representing Buyers and Sellers of Investment Properties

Looking for a better return on your investment?on your investment?

This is just a sample of the properties our clients bought

and sold in 2012.

If you want to be one of thepeople taking advantage of

the returns in today’sreal estate market,real estate market,

call me today!

*Annual Incomes are approximate

[email protected]



1145 West 2nd Street12 Units


227 West 22nd Street3 Bed/2 Bath House

& DuplexAnnual Income: $36,000

SOLD: $280,000

180 East 1st Avenue8 Units


417 Orange Street10 Units


1141 Forest Avenue9,035 sqft Commercial Bldg





Are you Alive? Do you like doing fun things that just so happen to raise money for local charities? Can you walk, run, dance or crawl? if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then boy do we have the event for you! The Color run™ is an all ages cra-zy fun 5k event that is spreading all over the united States and the rest of the world. Don’t be intimidated by the words “5k” and “run” in the same sentence, you don’t have to run. you don’t even have to walk, if you want to dance the whole way through, that’s fine. Skip, twirl, chicken walk, whatever gets you there. And be-cause rules are just boring, the Color run™ only has 2 of them:

1: you MuST wear a white shirt.2: you Will be covered in color at the finish.

Events

33

Events

he race begins in the middle of a city with all members at the starting line, full of adrenaline (probably some coffee) and

sporting their required white tees. The sidelines are crowded with volunteers and spectators and everyone is oh-so clean and tidy. Until you reach the first kilometer mark. Each kilometer is a color zone and when you pass through that section of the route, you'll be bombarded ever so gently with brightly colored powder. Not to worry, the powder is 100% natural, won't kill you or even make you sick and is fun to throw at your friends. As the race goes on the people just get sillier. Something about being covered from head to toe with colored powder so your teeth are the only white thing left as you keel over laughing at how funny your friends look just makes those 5 k's go by in a flash! Just when you think you've been color blasted to the max, you reach the finish line. If only every finish line in life could be this much of a celebration! Now it's your turn to color blast. Everyone gets their own bag of color powder and it's a full-on all ages celebration. Powder puffs of color burst up from the crowd. People are dancing and laughing, live music is thump-ing even more adrenaline into your veins, there's food, so… YUM, and basically, the streets of your city are full of life, happiness and… I'll say it again, COLOR! It's so simple, yet so extraordinarily fun. Thanks to Travis Snyder, founder and executive director of The Color Run™ for thinking of a way to bring people together and have a great time while benefiting great causes. Travis, a triathlete and avid runner began creating his own running events 10 years ago. In an effort to create a non-threatening running environment where professional and novice runners could come together and enjoy the purity of the sport, he came up with The Color Run™. The first official event was in Phoenix, AZ in January 2012. Last year The Color Run™ went to 50 cities nationally and three inter-national cities with 600,000 participants. In 2013 The Color Run™ plans to expand their tour and have their 5k event in over 100 cities with a predicted one million participants. Sixty percent of participants are first time 5k runners, so if you're a 5k virgin, you won't be the only one, The Col-

or Run™ has had more first time 5k runners than any other event in history! Travis says, "Seeing how happy The Color Run™ has made all different kinds of people has been very rewarding. It really is an event for all fitness levels, ages and backgrounds. Our tag line is ‘The happiest 5k on the planet’ for a reason. That line was created after seeing how happy it made people." The Color Run™ is in lots of cities, but the closest ones to us are in San Francisco and Sacramento. San Francisco's run is right around the corner on March 2 and the charities associated with it are San Francisco Recreation and Parks and Team Challenge, the Crohn’s & Colitis Founda-tion of America’s endurance training and fundraising program. Sacramento's run is August 3, 2013 and the charity is Girls on the Run, a learning program for 8 to 13 year old girls that teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. A significant portion of the registration fees will be donated to these charities. I know what you're thinking, "So I can have a fun, hilarious day full of colorful new memories AND help out a local charity??? Sign me up!!" Welp, you can sign yourself up by going to the website and finding the city you want to run in, it's soooo easy: www.thecolorrun.com. If you have friends who like to have fun too, you can sign up as a team and get a discounted registration rate. Teams of 4 or more pay $35 per person to register. If you're going

solo, the registration is $40. You get to participate in all the festivities and at the finish line you'll receive a Color Run™ t-Shirt, sweat band, and your own bag of color powder to throw in the post-run celebration. "I wanted to create an event that would encourage people to get out and run just for the fun of it. I wanted people to enjoy the community experience of running together, and I wanted to add something a little out of the ordinary to the race; some-thing that could serve as a sort of visual reward for all the hard work these runners put into the event," says Travis. Well Travis, mission: accomplished. Registration is open, so get your friends and sign up now! If you're more of a spectator sportsman, no worries, you can sign up on the website to be a volunteer.

So let’s review.. really fun thing happening soon. Money goes to charity. everyone’s welcome, even babies in strollers but no dogs (sorry dogs). Get it? Got it! it’s 2013 and being a Debbie Downer is So last year. Time to perk up, go get a white t-shirt, a ziplock for your iPhone and meet fellow fun-seekers at the starting line. We hope to see you there at “The happiest 5k on the planet!”


It’s a Shubert Thingby Aveed Khaki

Business

(top left) One of Shubert’s signature chocolate-covered

tuxedo strawberries. A treat sure to

impress any valentine. (bottom left) A variety

of chocolates from Shubert’s presented in

a convenient heart-shaped box

WiTh vAlenTine’S DAy riGhT ArounD The Corner, you could spend your time trying to plan a private jet getaway to Tiffany’s in Paris, followed by a two week discovery of the Amalfi Coast, and a seven course dinner prepared by the top chefs from each of the seven continents (yes, even Antarctica). Though it sounds divine, pause for a moment and think of the extreme jet lag you’ll experience when you return. Scratch that horrible idea off your list and get that special valentine something they’ll really like, like an eight pound box of chocolates from Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy Co. in Chico. Na-tionally known for their knowledge and production of some of Butte County’s most sought after goodies, you would be hard pressed to leave this location without finding the perfect treat for anyone on your list this year. From a half pound box all the way up to their leg-endary eight pound box of chocolates, and the multitude of candy options to their delicious ice cream flavors, there is something here for just about everyone. This Valentine’s Day, prove you know a thing or two about the hidden gems in Chico and stock up on Shubert’s signature chocolate covered strawberries. Hand-decorated to perfection, these ador-able treats can be purchased by the half dozen or dozen variety and are sure to make a lasting impression that proves your attention to detail. Beware though, these berries are in high demand and are only available for a limited time each year, so call today and reserve yours before it’s too late. Whether for a surprise large or small, stop by Shubert’s this Val-entine’s Day for a treat that’s simply out of this world.

Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy Co. | 178 E 7th St, Chico, CA 95928 | (530) 342-7163 | www.Shuberts.com

photographs by Michelle Camy

35photographs by Michelle Camy

Local Legend:

Arlan HudsonAngel of Paradisetext & photography by Jaime O’Neill

(left) Arlan Hudson, caretaker of Paradise, CA. (directly above) Arlan’s photo from the end of WWII next to his collection of medals awarded by the Navy in recognition of his wartime service

Legend

if you Were To Do A GooGle SeArCh enTer-inG The nAMe “ArlAn huDSon of PArADiSe,” you might find a little essay the octogenarian widower wrote about his wife, Dolly, with whom he shared 43 years before her death did them part. And, should you find that essay, you’d know by the time you finished reading that you had made contact with a good-heart-ed man with an incomparable richness of spirit. A short summary won’t do justice to what he wrote, so I encourage you to track it down. It will almost certainly move you. It was published in Guide-posts, and the title is “An Inspiring Reminder That He’s Not Alone.” The man who wrote that tender essay about his late wife was, for a couple of decades, the proprietor of Hudson’s Appliance of Paradise. By all accounts, he was the kind of local merchant who contributes to the quality of life in any town where they’re found. Of his business practices, Arlan Hudson says, “I enjoyed helping people out, repairing and replacing refrigerators, doing a good and honest job, not overcharging for anything.” He started his appliance store in the early 1960s, but he sold the store more than three decades ago. Since then, he’s been engaged in lots of service to others, and to his community. He’s devoted count-less hours to the detective work of finding lost gravesites in cemeter-ies where older markers have been defaced by time. But his efforts are also devoted to the living. He cleans storm drains to keep the run off water moving through Paradise. He plants tulip bulbs and tends the flowers he’s planted to make Paradise a little more worthy of its name. He’s also devoted time and energy to working with the Vol-unteers in Police Services, lending his efforts to programs intended to steer youth away from drugs. And he gives freely and unstint-ingly of his time and money in other ways, acting out the values he no doubt picked up as the son of hard-working Texas tenant

he plants tulip bulbs and tends the flowers he’s

planted to make Paradise a little

more worthy of its name.


Legend

farmers when he was growing up in the depths of The Depression. Memories of those hard times were no doubt, a contributing factor in the kinds of things he does, like the time he took $1000 out of his savings account and then had Goodwill Industries put $100 in ten different envelopes to be distributed to selected poor families at Christmas. Anonymously, of course. Arlan Hudson wouldn’t be comfortable having the word “hero” hung on him, though he’s lived his life in rather heroic fashion. In his modest double-wide mobile home, there’s a picture of him taken at the end of World War II, a handsome young sailor with a rich head of hair and movie star good looks. In the same frame is a whole bank of medals awarded by the Navy in recognition of his wartime service. More than 70 years later, with that lustrous head of hair long gone, and his body now stooped and all too often wracked with the pains that attend the aging process, his service to others continues. What, exactly, makes a man a local hero? In the simplest terms, it surely begins with putting other people ahead of one’s self. It may not be as dramatic as rushing into a burning building to rescue a screaming child, unmindful of your own safety. In less dramatic form, local heroism may manifest itself in unsung acts of service with the intent of making the world an incrementally better place. And sometimes getting old, all by itself, requires a certain degree of heroism. Arlan has been forced by age to give up many of the things he once did for personal pleasure. Infirmities are catching up with him. He doesn’t hear well, and he doesn’t have the energy he once had. But you can see him on the streets of Paradise most any day, digging a hole to plant a tree, or unclogging a storm drain, working by himself mostly, but still doing what he can. “You gradually get by with what you have left to you,” he says, “and you just let the rest go.” The arthritis in his hands doesn’t allow him to play guitar anymore, something he did from the time he was a kid, playing with a little band he formed with his siblings. “I also retired from fishing,” he adds with a sigh. Nor does he still spend time restoring cars, mostly old Buicks he used to make better and snazzier than new. On the wall of Arlan Hudson’s living room in his impeccably clean and tidy home, there’s an array of awards and recognitions given to him for service to his community. There’s also a plaque with the following words, penned by John Wesley:“Do all the good you canBy all the means you canIn all the ways you canIn all the places you canAt all the times you canTo all the people you canAs long as ever you can.” Some people talk the talk, but fewer of us walk the walk. Arlan Hudson is, without doubt, in the second category; a man who has done, and is still doing, all the good he can.

...like the time he took $1000 out

of his savings account and then

had Goodwill industries

put $100 in ten different envelopes to

be distributed to selected

poor families at Christmas.

Anonymously, of course.

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if you knoW AnyThinG AbouT uPGrADeD livinG, you know we’re suckers for a good wedding show. In fact, if you’ve been out and about this engagement season, you’ve probably already seen us at a few. On February 24th, a brand new expe-rience will be unveiled at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico by veteran expo and show producer, Andrew Coolidge, whose name has become synonymous with the ar-ea’s most successful home and garden shows. If the show is anything like the others he’s

launched in the area, we imagine it too will be a success. When it comes to weddings, we’re firm believers in getting to know all of your op-tions before making a final decision (or at least as many as humanly possible... we know... there are a lot of them!) Wedding shows provide exactly this, an easy and fo-cused location to meet a large segment of the industry over the span of one day. Though it may seem like a speed-dating round, which is likely counter-intuitive to how you found

your fiancé, time spent here will quickly help you determine which vendors are right for you and which aren’t. Narrowing down the list will not only save you considerable time, but likely a good deal of money as well, and when it comes to planning the per-fect wedding, those two elements are seldom in excess. At this year’s show, you can expect to meet over one hundred different wedding professionals face-to-face, and their close proximity to one another will provide

The New Chico Bridal Showby Aveed KhakiPhotos provided by Andrew Coolidge

Business


(below and right) photos from recent wedding shows produced by Andrew.

you ample opportunity to make direct com-parisons between each, leaving plenty of time to plan the remainder of your wedding. Every mandatory category will be filled and most will provide an array of choices, in-cluding bridal shops, florists, local caterers, bakers, DJs, photographers, venues, offici-ants, travel agencies, local musicians, jewel-ers, beverage services, videographers, hotels, custom invitations, wedding coordinators, rental companies, photobooths, and more! Best of all, the upcoming wedding show encourages brides-to-be to select from lo-cal talent, thereby further enhancing our local economy. On an equally important note, utilizing local vendors also guarantees that should something go awry, you have a group of professionals nearby with their full resources within arm’s reach to support you in your time of crisis. Naturally, we would all rather that nothing went wrong, but re-alistically, on the most important of days it makes more sense to plan for the worst case scenario than plan for the best. Having the ability to react and make changes on the fly is something you will not often find with non-local vendors. Regardless of what your needs may be or how far along you are in the planning process, visiting the upcoming bridal show will further guarantee that your wedding is as picture perfect as you’ve always dreamed it would be. If you plan your visit to the show ahead of time and make note of exact-ly what you’re looking for, you’ll also likely walk away with a wedding that is quite a bit more affordable and significantly less time intensive that you ever imagined possible. Congratulations and good luck!

Business

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Olde Gold | Inside the Garden Walk 225 Main St #3 Chico, CA | (530) 891-4610

STeve CATTerAll, oWner of olDe GolD eSTATe JeWelry is a simple guy with an not-so-simple story. He loves woodworking, the 49ers, the Giants, interacting with people, and of course his blind dog, Peanut Butter. Much like Peanut Butter found and adopted Steve, Steve found and adopted gemology, another one of his life’s loves and the career into which he pours his talent, passion and time. But the journey to find his place in the golden world of jewelry was full of trial and error, adventure and risk. Like many-a Chicoan, Steve was a bartender at La Salles in the mid ‘70s. After attending school in Santa Cruz and learn-ing to make crêpes on the side, he came back to Chico and opened the much loved restaurant, Kramore Inn. Within a year he sold his share of the restaurant for $12,000 and when he received the first payment of $4,000 he decided he would sail around the world. He met up with a fellow adventure seeker in Hawaii and sailed to Tahiti in 28 days. The sea has a tendency to encourage personal reflection and during his time on the brine Steve came to accept 2 things as true: “Bartending was gonna kill me,” and “I needed to have some kind of career.” In the end, the sea was not for Steve “It was frightening! I wanted to be back on land, in

my natural element.” So it was back to life on earth in search of a career path. A few of his good friends convinced him to try studying gemology and with his 2nd payment of $4,000 Steve committed himself wholeheartedly to the cause. He paid for his education and all of his equip-ment and soon found himself in the Virgin Islands identifying bead relics for the government. In Florida he began to learn the art of appraisals and it didn’t take long before he was ready to use his new skills back home in California. He worked in appraisal at Dempsey & Son in Sacramento and trained with an eccentric Swiss jeweler in Carmel who introduced him to seriously fine jewelry. As a Certified Gemologist and Registered Jeweler with lots of apprentice-type training from traditional jewelers, Steve moved back to Chico and managed a local jewelry store for four years. With a better understanding of all facets of business and jewelry, Steve was finally ready to try his hand at business ownership once again, and in 1988 Olde Gold Estate Jewelry was born. It’s not just the amazing story of Olde Gold’s conception that makes this little gem in the Garden Walk so spe-cial, it’s the warmth you’ll receive when you walk through the door. Steve prides himself in learning from “old school guys,” and

runs his business like an old-fashioned fam-ily place; with honor, craftsmanship and a willingness to connect with each customer. He of all people is ready to hear a good story and has the staff and the knowledge to create jewelry to embellish it. Steve’s favorite part of the jewelry busi-ness is the opportunity he has to interact with people who come into his shop, and the joy these relationships bring him is visi-ble. He lights up saying, “I have customers who I sold wedding rings to and now their kids are coming in to buy wedding rings! The most important thing is to treat people right.” That philosophy has definitely paid off for Steve. If there’s one thing we love about Chico, it’s the way the locals have poured their lives into making it a town they are proud to call home; Steve is one of those people. From bartending at La Salles to bringing us Olde Gold’s quality jewelry creations, repairs and estate pieces, Steve has served most people in our town and has truly been an active and creative member in our com-munity. If you’re looking for a special piece of jewelry, a repair or just a good conver-sation, stop by Olde Gold and visit Steve, his highly trained staff and the none-eyed wonder, Peanut Butter.

Business

Olde Schoolby Briana Lindstrom

(left) Steve and the Olde Gold Staff including Peanut Butter

(directly above) One of the fine pieces of jewelery found at Olde Gold.



Creatures

Unconditional Lovetext and photographs by Aveed Khaki

ShArinG The love WiTh frienDS AnD fAMily is important, but what about our four legged friends? In the United States, nearly eight million cats and dogs are taken into shelters each and every year. Unfortunately, nearly half of these kind souls that would otherwise make perfect pets are euthanized due to un-derfunding and severely impacted populations. Luckily, the Butte Humane Society has one of the lowest euthanization rates in the country, but even so, potential pets are still lost each year when a proper home cannot be found. Thankfully, volunteers like Brittany Bickers are generously giving their time to support these loving friends and help them find the perfect home; in some instances, that home happens to be their own. As a volunteer at the Butte Humane Society, Brittany saw her fair share of animals come through the system in 2012, and as a foster parent was kind enough to take one into her home. Jack, a German short-haired and pointer spaniel mix, was brought in with

a severely broken leg that had been shattered at the knee. His origi-nal owner was going to have him euthanized as he couldn’t afford to surgically amputate his leg. The Butte Humane Society asked if he would be willing to surrender the dog to their care instead, he agreed, and they set out to find him a good home. On the day of the amputation, Brittany happened to be work-ing the adoptions counter while the clinic staff was searching for someone to provide him a foster home and a safe environment to wake up in. She generously offered her home and the two met while Jack was still under anesthesia. She took him home and cared for him throughout his recovery, all the while being reminded by her mother that she was not allowed to keep him due to the number of pets already residing at the home. As each day passed though, his charismatic personality progressively chipped away away at that reminder. On one of the final days of his recovery, Jack howled like a

41

Creatures

hound dog and broke through the final barrier between adoption by his foster parent and finding a new family. As it turned out, the family grew up with hound dogs and the sound reminded Brit-tany’s mother of an old friend of theirs. She agreed to the adop-tion and the family welcomed Jack into their home permanently. According to Brittany, he adopted them. Now at four-and-one-half months old, Jack is a well-integrated part of the Bickers family and has even become best friends with Cali, Brittany’s first rescue. Originally groomed to be a cattle dog, her initial family wanted a younger puppy that would be easier to train. They were going to surrender her as well, when Brittany asked if she could have her instead. Four years later, she’s one of Brittany’s closest friends. As Brittany attests to, her pets bring so much energy into her home, and Cali’s sweet laid back personality is the perfect compli-ment to Jack’s unstoppable puppy energy. Her volunteer efforts

aside, inviting two dogs that had previously been given up on into her home, and taking care of them as her own, is in our opinion the perfect sharing of love. If you are thinking about the possibility of giving a home to a pet, please visit your local animal shelters first. You may be sur-prised at the unconditional love that these wonderful creatures are willing to share with an owner who loves them in return.

Butte Humane Society | 2579 Fair St, Chico, CA 95928 | (530) 343-7917

(directly above) Jack pulling on Cali’s leash; a common tactic of his. (opposite page) Brittany visiting the park with Jack and Cali.


These thoughts on keeping your pet healthy have been shared by Dr. Jim Esh, DVM, ABVP at Valley Oak Veterinary Center (530) 342-7387

PrEVENTATIVE CArE FOr yOUr PET is the key to prolonging the life of your furry family member and provides greater peace of mind to pet owners. While many vets see pets come in on an emergency basis only, the availability of affordable wellness plans will often save pet owners from facing unexpected and unusually high bills that could have been prevented by regular exams. From puppyhood to senior-aged pets, some of the regular services that are now covered by wellness plans can prevent illness and disease from ruining your pet’s good health. From examinations, to testing your pet’s eyes, ears, and teeth, to checking for healthy cardiovascular activity, to administering protective vaccines, regular wellness visits allow vets to closely monitor your pet at all stages of its life. The subject of when to treat heartworms is a common one at our clinic. While we experience great weather in our area, just these conditions alone have been the biggest contributing factor for the unusually high numbers of heartworm cases in pets. A thorough wellness exam will help you know when your pet is in danger of this debilitating disease. I invite you to explore the wellness plans that we offer. For a low monthly fee, after your membership fee, your pet will receive ongoing, regular professional care, and you will receive some of your pet products at a discount as a thank you for choosing Valley Oak Veterinary Center. Prolonging your pet’s lifelong health is our primary concern.

Animal wellness plans help take a bite out of unexpected vet bills by Dr. Jim Esh, DVM, ABVPat Valley Oak Veterinary Center

Share the Love with Your Pets! by Denise CreekpaumOwner, Dreadful Dog (530) 894-7297

Creatures

Keeping your dog happy year round isn’t as difficult as most would believe. In fact, her needs are rather basic when you compare them with our own. A warm place to sleep at night, a feeding schedule she can count on, plenty of love and exercise, and keeping her clean is all it takes to ensure that your

pet is just as comfortable as you strive to be. The last of those four seems to be the most difficult though, as grooming is often the first thing that seems to be forgotten. The following are some tips and reasons why keeping your dogs well groomed can be of benefit to both of you.

Bathe dogs at least once per month; once every two weeks is recommended. Dander, dirt, dust, and grime collect on dogs relatively quickly. Regular bath-ing prevents this from becoming a problem. It also lessens allergens in your home! Finish up by drying and brushing out any sticky spots.

Keep your dog’s nails neatly trimmed. Long dog nails cause constant and uncomfort-able pressure on your dog’s paw.

Remove matted fur in between the pads of your dog’s paws. Excess matted fur can cause infection and lowers the grip from their paw pads, causing increased use of their nails leaving floors prone to scratching.

Get started on the right foot. If your dog is a complete mess, and believe me, I see them all the time, start out by having her profes-sionally groomed. It’ll make future cleaning experi-ences that much easier!

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Pedrozo Dairy& Cheese Co.

Artisan Cheese in Glenn Countyby Aveed Khaki

photography by Michelle Camy

oPeneD by TiM AnD Jill PeDrozo, PeDrozo DAiry & CheeSe Co. hAS quiCkly MADe A nAMe

for iTSelf AS one of The fineST ArTiSAn CheeSe MAkerS in norThern

CAliforniA, AnD AS The SeConD SMAlleST DAiry in The enTire STATe of

CAliforniA, ThAT iS Truly no SMAll feAT.


riginally from Merced, California, Tim Pedrozo is a third generation dairy farmer. His father’s

family, Portuguese immigrants from the Azores, started Merced’s first dairy in 1945 after making their way to the United States. Well versed in the art of dairy farming, the family built a firm business in Merced and raised their children there. When Tim came of age, he too decided to continue the fam-ily business, and later opened his first dairy in Merced alongside his wife Jill in 1996. An opportunity soon arose that allowed the two to move their family, herd and busi-ness to northern California and the couple quickly moved on the ability to do so. Opened on December 31st, 1998, Pe-drozo Dairy & Cheese Co. was built upon

an existing dairy previously owned by Bob and Karen Parker in Orland, California. Well equipped and outfitted with much of what the couple needed to begin their new business, and at over twenty acres of permanent pasture, the site was the perfect setting for their new venture. Utilizing what had been provided in the purchase of the old dairy, the couple began to expand the operation, importing a large teak wood, cheese-making vat from Holland built in the 1960s, and using it to gently heat the milk to efficiently churn four hundred pounds of cheese at a time. Though expansion was important, the couple wanted to keep the population of cows on pasture low, and with only forty cows on pasture at a time, diversity in their cheese offerings was a question weighing on their minds. They began tweaking old recipes and developing new ones that would allow small changes to develop into

noticeably different results without the need for significantly more milk. Starting with recipes for two farmhouse goudas, traditional and garlic & herb, the dairy has since expanded its offerings to over eight unique cheeses and a number of experi-mental cheeses as well. Pedrozo’s Northern Gold is perhaps the fan favorite from the dairy’s product line. A traditional, semi-hard farmhouse cheese similar to what pioneers brought across the prairie, the Northern Gold is the perfect cheese to begin a fledgling cheese-lover’s journey. As the perfect foundation it has also led to a number of flavored options in-cluding the Northern Gold’s garlic & herb, peppercorn, and sweet Italian red pepper options. For those looking for a bit more depth, the Black Butte Reserve, a highly awarded offering, comes from spring milk aged at least six months, and is a mainstay in Williams Sonoma’s Christmas catalog.

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Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Co. | 7713 County road 24, Orland, CA 95963 | 530-514-3837 (Ask for Tim)

On the other end of the spectrum, Pe-drozo also pushes the envelope with a num-ber of alcohol infused options. The Tipsy Cow is aged in petite sirah from Mount Tehama Winery in Manton and the Stout Cow is aged in one of our personal favor-ites, Sierra Nevada’s Stout beer. Further experimentation has brought walnuts into the mix and has also resulted in a raw milk farmhouse feta that is absolutely delightful. During summer’s peak production, the aging room is completely full, with over one thousand wheels of cheese resident at a time. Currently, the dairy produces some fifty thousand pounds of cheese per year and can be found on the menus at Sierra Nevada’s Taproom in Chico, Luca Restau-rant in Sacramento, as well as Farwood Bar and Grill and the Rusty Wagon, both in Orland. The brand has also seen notable success statewide and is carried in all thirty-six Whole Foods locations throughout California. If you’re looking to grab some of this exquisite artisan cheese for yourself, visit Pedrozo’s stand at the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Chico, and chances are you’ll get to meet the family as well. For the full experience, call ahead and schedule a tour of the farm. Speaking from personal experi-ence, you’ll be glad you did!

(opposite page) Tim Pedrozo with one of his favorite cows (left) up close and personal with a Pedrozo Dairy resident (below) Aging wheels of cheese


121 W 3rd Street in Downtown Chico(530)332-9866

Don’t Forget your Sweetie on

Valentine’s Day! Let Powell’s help you prepare

a customized gift box!

Candy - Gelato - Gifts


Renée Michel, MBA2452 Lakewest Drive | Chico, CA 530-342-2900 | 800-333-2901 | (F) [email protected] | www.amgchico.com

Let’s Talk AboutU.S. Equitiesby Renée Michel, MBA

Financial Advisor for Asset Management Group

For U.S. eqUity inveStorS, the past twelve years have felt similar to a never-ending ride on Disney’s spacemountain roller coaster. This “ride” makes it easy to understand why so many people are hesitant to getback into the equities market. However, you need to remember that when you invest in equities you arenot investing in the economy or the government – you are investing in companies and sectors. There is some pretty compelling evidence that, over the next decade, three sectors in particular willcontribute to positive U.S. growth. You may not know that home prices in the 20 largest metropolitan areas are up 5% since hitting bottom inJanuary 2012?1 How about the fact that home inventories are down 52% since peaking in 2012?2

In 2011, the United States exported more petroleum products than it imported for the first time since1949.3 We are well on our way to becoming the world’s largest energy producer and becoming energyindependent. This will be a game changer. The U.S. led the world in labor productivity last year.4 Jobs are coming back to the states and over thenext decade an estimated 2-3 million jobs will be added. There is no denying – the market is volatile. Nonetheless, U.S. equities and equity funds can play animportant role in long-term wealth accumulation.

1S&P/Cash-Shiller Home Price Index as of 11/27/12.2National Association of Realtors 9/20123U.S. Energy Information Administration as of 3/20124Deloitt LLP, “2013 Global Manufacturing Competitive Index”

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Business

53

Knowledge Creates a Happy Workplaceby Reanette Fillmer

Business

Are yoU A SmAll to mediUm Sized employer? As an HR Consultant I see many common mistakes amongst this size employer that can be eas-ily fixed, if you know what’s wrong. First, the most common overlooked area is new hire paperwork. Most employers get the basics but miss the refined areas of noti-fications that are required by law, such as workers compensation, sexual harassment and pregnancy disability leave pamphlets. These pamphlets can all be found online and printed to be part of your new hire packet for new employees. In addition, California has a new form that went into effect in 2012 that many employers are not aware of, it is the form Notice to Employ-ees 2810.5. When was the last time you reviewed your new hire packet? No new hire packet? Call me, it is an easy fix and I can help. Another area that employers often believe they do not need or do not have enough staff to put the time and effort into is an Employee Handbook. When I say an employee handbook I mean one that is specific to your company, personalized for the company’s missions and visions and designed to communicate the rules of the

company. Try to stay away from boiler handbooks you may find online; many times the rules and topics included in the handbook do not apply specifically to your company. What legal issues does it create to not have a handbook? Even though California is an “at-will” state, employees can always argue they did not know the rules if you terminate them. If different rules are being set for different people and the rules are ever changing this creates a liability issue for the company. Believe it or not employ-ees desire rules and direction. Studies show that employees are happier and more satis-fied in their job if they know what the rules are and if they know whether they are or are not breaking them. Who does not want more productive and happy employees? If they are not in the know, employees may have more reason to grumble, complain and possibly have increased absenteeism. Often times if they do not know the rules, employees believe they are treated differ-ently than everyone else, when this may not be the case. This is an easy fix with a huge reward. An outdated handbook is just as much of a liability as no handbook. If you have

items in a handbook that are outdated, you could be held liable if changes have not been clearly communicated to employees. Some experts say a handbook should be reviewed every six months, but definitely it should happen every year to keep up with changing laws, especially in California. By being proactive and fulfilling human resources needs in your company, it will give you security in knowing you have the right things in place. You will have reduced your liability and you will spend less time explaining rules to employees because they will be clear and available to employees. Do you have a human resource expert that provides your company with ongoing up-dates in employment law changes to make sure you are in compliance? If not, you may be missing some crucial changes and open to liability in an audit or other areas. Having someone to call to outline a disci-plinary issue or other employment changes in the company can help you work out the legal issues you may need to consider before calling an employment attorney. Call me to discuss the virtual HR services I can pro-vide, as well as working with you to review and audit what you currently have in place and help you to be and stay in compliance.

Reanette Fillmer | Argus HR Solutions | 530.520.5775 | [email protected]


Derm Bar85 Declaration Drive #100 Chico(530) 342-2672 | thedermbar.com

there Are SeverAl wAyS diScolorAtionS in the skin (reds and browns) can be treated.Our Gemini Laser can be used to deliver energy to the pigmentation, enlarged blood vessels, or superficial veins.

The laser light is drawn to the melanin, which causes a wound response, and the epidermal turnover causes the spots to darken and flake off. This process usually takes 7 to 14 days to complete, and may take 1 to 4 treatments. Sun exposure should be limited and an SPF of at least 30 is recommended.IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is precisely absorbed by the targeted lesions, without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. The light energy heats the melanin and causes it to fragment, and then be absorbed by the body.

Both the Gemini Laser and the IPL are quick and relatively painless procedures, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.There are also topical treatments like Hydoquinone and Kojic acid that will suppress melanin production, but sun exposure is to be avoided so that skin clarity will be maintained. We offer all these options at the Derm Bar Med-Spa: call (530) 342-2672 to set up a free consultation!

Health

TREATING SUN DAMAGE AND AGE SPOTS by Dr. Vimali Paul

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[email protected] 894 8756 | www.clearyoga.com

Yoga Pose of the Month

Setu Bandhasanapelvic tilt/ preparation for shoulder standby Dr. Paula Barros, D.C.

This pelvic tilt helps to regulate energy flow during each day by

nourishing the thyroid gland. Strongly placed feet at hips width apart elevate the pelvis for improved digestion, reproduction and elimination.

Open hands clasped underneath will initiate shoulder strength

to the midline, settling the central nervous system.

A modified pose uses flexed arms to invite a deeper, fuller breath

while drawing the muscle energy to the center of the spine. This expands the lungs and elevates the heart to improve circulation.

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Health


Arts

Artist Profile:Lloyd Liebes, Jr.by Briana Lindstrom

when i FirSt SAw lloyd liebeS, Jr.’S flowers in The Garden Walk, I was close enough to kiss the canvas before I could tell whether they were paintings or photographs. There is something magical about the way the bright petals and stems glow against the absolute black

backgrounds, one corner signed exotically with a chop. I went directly to Art Etc. in search of the mysterious man behind the camera. Two days later I was interviewing Lloyd as he casually discussed his life in San Francisco, New York and Europe as a fashion photographer for top models, rock stars and high-fashion chains. He reminisced about experimenting in the darkroom working in New York for a little place called Saks, nonchalantly recalls that Vogue Mexico kept using his photos and chuckled as he explained that “Zsa Zsa Gábor knew exactly what poses worked for her. She’d pose saying ‘We’re not going to use that one… We’re going to use these ones,’ and she was always right.” I mean dahlink! How could I not be just a little star-struck? It was truly an honor interviewing Lloyd and as we sat there, he in his 49ers scarf, I in my Upgraded Living hoodie, I was happy to know we shared the world of print. After decades of commercial success, he left the cutthroat fashion industry for more artistic freedom and is now in Chico where he grows beautiful flowers, photographs them and uses light and shadow to dramatize their natural beauty.

Ul: How did you get into photography?ll: In 1952 when I went to Europe, I just had a Rollei and I took black and white pictures of architecture mostly. When I went to New York to get a job, I ended up at Saks and they had wonderful programs for employees, one of them was photography. I spent tons of time in the dark room experimenting.

Ul: Tell us about your modeling school.ll: I used to work with all the models in San Francisco. The two who I used the most talked about opening a modeling school with me and we finally did it. I always insisted that the teachers had to be working professionals so they could teach the kids “right now stuff.” It was amazing to see how our students developed in only 6 weeks. And back then we only had polaroids, so we had to really have an eye for the movement and the composition. It was great.

Ul: How did you develop your current style?ll: No formula is pure. I think that’s the same with writers or any artist. You look at something and say “I like that technique” but you put yourself into it. With the flowers, I specifically want a 3-D feeling so I darken the darks and lighten the lights and create a painterly look.

Ul: Why the black background? ll: I create the background after I shoot the picture because there’s too much going on back there. I isolate the composition so it is what I want people to see, not the extra stuff.

Ul: What kind of camera do you use?ll: My camera is a simple point and shoot. It doesn’t make things look beautiful. I’m not looking for crisp sharp

pictures, what I’m looking for is an impression. Composition and lighting are the most important. But the camera is just the tool, everything else is up here (taps his head).

Ul: What inspires you in the world?ll: My garden is what gives me the flowers I want to photograph. I look at the world in composition. Big, small, tiny or large, I look for composition.

Ul: What advice do you have for young artists? ll: It’s all in the head and if you’re an artist, like an athlete, like a musician, it’s an innate quality. There’s no reason not to have fun but if you want to make it a serious vocation then you have to practice and experiment and be critical of your own work, but don’t let anyone tell you it’s bad. There’s no such thing as a bad photograph, it depends on where you’re coming from. If you have someone doing a critique of your work they can’t just say “I don’t like it,” they have to have a reason otherwise it’s not a critique it’s a criticism. There’s a big difference.

Ul: What artists inspire you?ll: Old masters, I spend a lot of time in museums. Technique, composition and lighting are so important.

Ul: Have you learned anything about yourself, or the world through your own artistic process?ll: I’ve learned everything through my artistic process, and through my wife.

Ul: What’s your favorite color?ll: Blue. Cobalt blue, actually. That was easy!

Ul: What is your favorite quote?ll: I don’t have a favorite quote. I’m a very loose kinda guy.

You can find Lloyd Liebes, Jr.’s photography at Art Etc., The Garden Walk, both US Banks in Chico, and on his website: liebesphoto.com


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Artist Profile:Rosalina Acevedo by Briana Lindstrom

roSAlinA Acevedo iS not yoUr typicAl ArtiSt. She’s not really your typical anything, and that’s what we love about her. You may know her from Chico Natural Foods where she is the wellness buyer. Educated at the School of Natural Healing, she spends most of her days compassionately listening to people’s emotional and physical health

stories and helping them with her knowledge of nutritional herbology. She grew up in Chicago surrounded by music in the streets and art in the hallways. Childhood summers were spent in Mexico where her family of artisans exposed her to the crafts of welding, baking and crocheting. And then there’s her love of taxidermy. “I’m so curious about life and death and bones and the smell.” Her curiosity, knowledge and regard for the world combined with the intriguing way her imagination rearranges fantasy and reality, joy and sadness into new images, has made Rosalina into a uniquely beautiful composition herself, and her collages are a true reflection of that lovely darkness.

Ul: How did you develop your style?rA: I did collages when I was a kid for school projects, etc. I never even thought about it until a few weeks ago my mom found all these collages I’d done when I was little and she said, “Isn’t it funny that you still do that?” It’s like my meditation. I’ll get lost in it for several hours. I absorb different things, take and give from the whole world around me.

Ul: What media do you use?rA: Paper, mainly European spray paint because of the durability and colors. I purchase blades, biodegradable green-friendly glue and Arches paper for the background. Everything else is from dumpsters, discarded books, unwanted things that people just want to throw out. Friends will hold on to encyclopedias, text books, medical books, children’s books and give them to me. I prefer anything printed before 1978.

Ul: What do you get from your art? rA: Relief. It feels like a sense of purging and accomplishment. It makes me proud that I have such a strong, different imagination. I’m happy that people are intrigued by my art and ask questions. I like to watch people at my shows and wonder what they are whispering about, what story they find, what

their ideas are.

Ul: How do you begin a piece?rA: Usually I’ll find a character or image that catches my eye and I’ll build a story around that image. We don’t have a big house with space to do taxidermy, so I’ll do it with my images: swap heads, legs, arms, swap animals and humans.

Ul: What advice do you have for young artists?rA: Never never never let anyone dictate to you what you’re capable of doing. I have a real true honest belief that you should love yourself and know your character. I just started to know that in the last couple of years.

Ul: What inspires you in the world? rA: Conversations, people, texture. I’m a very textural person. I like to touch things. I don’t deem curiosity as weird or rude. I was at a museum one time and I touched a statue. Security said I would get kicked out but I really wanted to touch it.

Ul: What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?rA: I would have to say seeing my brothers and sisters come home after my mom had them.

Ul: What is your favorite quote?rA: “Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind.” [email protected] | 530-570-9161

I’m at The Co-op M-F, come in to talk about art or health!

Arts

photographs by Michelle Camy photograph by Michelle Camy


Arts Local artist profiles

Bruce Sillars Master in his craft

Viewing hours: Monday – Friday

10am – 1pm(viewing hours

may vary)

Thursday Feb. 7th through Saturday February 9thSave 25% on all Hearts & Vines paperweightsGallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm2161 Park Avenue Chico530-893-0373 ext. 3

orient & Flume

valentine’s Sale

Save 20% off all Art

Glass

Her informal, colorfully collaged portraits are “full of life”. Portraits are 18x24, matted and framed,

comprised of nine seperate squares with each square a different medium.Email at: [email protected].

Work displayed at Grace Jr.331 West 5th Street, Chico(530) 342-1369Email [email protected]

Jessica bailey

Rich designs and builds one-of-a- kind pieces of furniture both on a commission and on a speculation basis. In all of his work, his goals are to design and build furniture that will: 1) perform well according to its intended function; 2) last for generations; and 3) please the eye and sense of touch. This purple heart jewelry box is one of many exquisite decorative pieces.

Website:furniturebylea.com

Find me on FacebookFor appointment,

call 570-1086Gallery/shop Location: 13303 Cabin Hollow Ct.

richard lea

I create gold, silver and mixed metal eco-friendly sculptural jewelry. Texture, movement and emotion inspire my award winning jewelry designs with curves from serene to extreme. Utilizing the technical processes of metalsmithing in combination with exploring the materials and the science of gemology, continually re-energize me in the creative process for clients custom designs.

AicoraGemsJewelry Box Gallery

Sheridan Design Studio1334 Mangrove Ave.

Chico, CA 95926530-809-1034

Open: Th-Sat 10-4 & by [email protected]

geralynsheridan.comchicojewelrybox.com

Geralyn Sheridandesigner – Gemologist - metalsmith

calendar of events

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Geralyn Sheridandesigner – Gemologist - metalsmith

Arts

calendar of events

FebrUAry 1St Orland Art Center Gallery Artists’ Reception732 4th Street, Orland - 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Tommy Emmanuel - Guitar VirtuosoLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 2ndChico Certified Farmer’s MarketDowntown Chico (Wall Street) - 7:30am

Acoustic Jam hosted by Steve JohnsonUpper Crust Bakery, Downtown Chico - 2:00pm - 5:00pm

FebrUAry 5thNew MonsoonThe Big Room, Sierra Nevada Brewing company - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 6thCirque Mechanic’s Birdhouse FactoryLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 7thWhose Live Anyway?Laxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 8thARTaboutDOWNTOWN?Downtown Chico - 4:00pm - 8:00pm

California Regional Theater: Into the Woods1475 East Ave, Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 9thBenefit Concert by Coopers & Bluff for Centerville SchoolhouseWine Time, Chico - 7:00pm

FebrUAry 12thJuan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All StarsLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 14thValentine’s Day!!

Russian National OrchestraLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 15thAmerican Idol Winner, Kris AllenEl Rey Theater, Chico - 7:00pm FebrUAry 16th The Pageant Dads Present: The Love Seat Diaries820 Broadway, Chico - 6:30pm

FebrUAry 17thEric Bibb & Habib KoiteEl Rey Theater, Chico - 7:00pm

FebrUAry 20thPaco Pena - Flamenco VivoEl Rey Theater, Chico - 7:00pm

FebrUAry 23rdGuitar Project with Warren Haskell + Friends1078 Gallery, Chico - 7:00pm

FebrUAry 24thExperience Charm - North State SymphonyLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 2:00pm

Bridal ShowSilver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico - 12:00pm - 5:00pm

FebrUAry 27thCalder QuartetLaxson Auditorium, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

Rent PartyHarlen Adams Theater, CSU Chico - 7:30pm

FebrUAry 28thNew Music SymposiumRowland-Taylor Recital Hall, CSU Chico - 7:30pm


Places within a short drive of the Northern Valley

Getaways

photoGrAph coUrteSy JeFF bAnke | text by Aveed khAki

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Almanor:: GooGle mAp SeArch term: “AlmAnor, cA”

If you grew up in Butte County, there’s a high percentage chance that you spent a good number of family vacations in Almanor. Gloriously beautiful throughout the summer, the lake serves as the perfect locale to beat the rising thermostat. At the beginning of each new year, however, this small mountain town is transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow frosts all in sight, covering any imperfections that may exist and blanketing the landscape in glimmering white. Icicles hang from roofs and chimneys send puffs of smoke billowing into the starry night sky. Truly, this quick getaway is worth every minute of the drive, and at just under ninety minutes we imagine you’d agree.

Getaways

Upgraded Living Magazine - February 2013

Documents

Transcript of Upgraded Living Magazine - February 2013