Enjoy Magazine: Northern California Living — April 2026

CompassionateCare

At Valor Oncology, our team demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and compassion in everything they do. Our physicians, clinicians, physicists, therapists, and support staff bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional cancer care to the communities we serve. Working alongside an outstanding team, they provide advanced treatment, trusted guidance, and support for every patient’s journey.

April is recognized as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, a time dedicated to emphasizing the importance of healthy habits and routine screenings. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for improving outcomes and saving lives. This April, Valor Oncology encourages men to prioritize preventive care, recognizing that increased awareness and early action can make a meaningful difference in protecting their health.

Men Can Take Simple Steps To Protect Their Health:

1 2 3 4 5

Crafted from Scratch

Nathan Maupin, co-owner of When Pie Meets Bread, wakes in the early hours to bake fresh bread daily. He began his journey selling at farmers markets, where he met his wife, a longtime pie baker. Nathan has a very impressive culinary background. Together, they now run a brick-and-mortar bakery and boutique, recently expanded to 11,000 square feet, earning local acclaim. It’s no wonder they were voted the Best of the North state for 3 years in a row.

APRIL 2026

CONTENTS

235

MAN MADE

—featured stories—

18: Redding Native Aaron Dill’s Custom Tour Wedges

26: Trent Menard Turns Scrap into Craft

34: Babe Ruth’s Legendary Siskiyou County Visit

40: Danny Orloff Helps Redefine Redding’s Story

46: Words of Wisdom for Good Men

50: Firsts in Sports — American Style

52: The Dip Keeps Local Music Thriving

58: Chef Bob Fleener Crafts Acme Salt Company

62: Historic Odd Fellows Hall Still Anchors Downtown

66: Ten Craft Breweries Worth Rasing a Glass to

68: William Wong Foey Shares Red Bluff Stories

73: Classic Cars You’ll Probably See at Kool April Nites

INTEREST

74: Redding Author Fair Connects Local Storytellers

IN EVERY ISSUE

16: What I Enjoy: Bart Hauptman

80: Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Bread

82: Enjoy the View: Cole McClure

84: What’s Cookin’: Caveman’s Stew

89: Local Events Calendar

98: Giving Back: Q&A with Brittany Camacho, California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association

Mercy Medical Center Redding St. Elizabeth Community Hospital

Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta

Where hope meets expertise.

Comprehensive cancer care here at home.

Cancer can be an overwhelming diagnosis. It calls for all-encompassing care—from loved ones who step up, to providers who collaborate, to innovative treatments that make all the difference. Dignity Health’s nationally recognized North State cancer program is built on that approach, offering comprehensive services—from advanced diagnosis and procedures through supportive care and recovery—to provide care that’s personalized to your needs. And all provided with the guidance of our nurse navigator who will surround you with a healing sense of confidence and purpose.

When it comes to advanced cancer treatment, there is strength in numbers. And there is hope in humankindness. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/NorthStateCancerCare.

YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher

MICHELLE ADAMS publisher

RONDA ALVEY editor in chief

KERRI REGAN copy editor

JAMES MAZZOTTA photography

PAUL DAVID website & social media

CATHERINE HUNT event calendar

MICHAEL O’BRIEN advertising sales & marketing manager

KEVIN GATES advertising sales & marketing consultant

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IMPACT NOW

THE M c CONNELL FOUNDATION

Partnerships in Action

The McConnell Foundation’s mission extends far beyond its headquarters in Redding. Our international program works in Nepal and Laos—two countries with distinct cultures, landscapes, and needs. While the contexts differ, the goal is shared: strengthening the systems people rely on for dignity and well-being.

Through partnerships with local organizations, The McConnell Foundation is helping communities solve disputes fairly, have a voice in decisions that affect them, and protect the environments they depend on. We support practical actions that meet immediate needs, while also helping shape the practices and institutions that will matter for years to come.

note from our team a

As we move through the heart of winter here in the North State, our February issue invites you to find warmth as you Cherish the Moment. Whether through a shared meal, a creative spark or a connection to our history, this month is about finding magic in the present.

There is a pride in things that are man made, whether it’s a hand-forged tool, a family recipe or the legacy of a well-lived life. This month, we celebrate the ingenuity and heart of some innovative men in the North State.

From the sparks in a Redding garage to the greens of the PGA Tour, Northern California is home to world-class talent. You’ll meet Trent Menard, whose metalworking skills have taken him from local BMX trails to crafting pieces for Universal Studios. We also catch up with Redding native Aaron Dill, the director of wedge relations for Titleist, trusted by the world’s top golfers to custom-grind their clubs with a craftsman’s touch.

For some, that magic is found in the kitchen. Al Olson shows us that the almost meditative preparation of lobster risotto is as much about connection as it is about the meal. Similarly, Kristina Pollycutt of Ladle Full of Love reminds us that a simple bowl of soup, crafted with local ingredients, nourishes both body and soul.

We also celebrate those who turn moments into memories. Justine Lawson of MamaMia Events crafts magnificent balloon displays that transform everyday parties, while Michelle Carlson inspires us to find a “blissful state of flow” through community-centered art. From the symbolic pinecone jewelry of Grains of the Earth to the mountain flowers blooming at our farmers markets, love is truly in the details.

Of course, man made isn’t just about metal and grit; it’s about flavor and legacy. Chef Bob Fleener shares how a decade of “plinking around” led to his signature salt blends, while Bart Hauptman of Woody’s Brewing Company discusses the creativity behind his brews. We also explore the enduring legacy of the IOOF Hall, Redding’s oldest brick building, a testament to the men who built Redding’s downtown core more than a century ago.

As we look forward, we honor what came before. In this issue, we celebrate the resilience of the Shasta Historical Society as they return to their renovated home.

Be sure to take in the sage (and sometimes humorous) advice shared by local men, and join us as we honor some of the hands and minds that are building a stronger North State. Enjoy!

This month, we invite you to linger over dinner, create something new, and hold tight to what matters most. Cherish every moment, and Enjoy Northern California Living!

ON THE COVER: Aubrey Dunn and Doug Hayes

WHAT I ENJOY

Bart Hauptman

Owner of Woody’s Brewing Company and Restaurant, Downtown Redding

Family:

I married my soulmate, Ami, 27 years ago. We have four children, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

How long have you lived in the North State?

I was born and raised in the North State, so 46 years.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE?

I enjoy the natural beauty the most.

What’s the most unusual idea for a beer flavor you’ve ever considered brewing?

Well, I did make a beer with Candycap mushrooms that was pretty wild! They come across as maple flavored in the beer. I quite enjoyed that one and would like to do it again sometime. The mushrooms are hard to acquire and have very limited availability.

What’s your go-to way to spend a completely unscheduled day?

My favorite is to go out on the lake with the boat. It’s so refreshing and a great way to spend time with friends and family in the summer.

What’s a meal, restaurant or food experience you enjoy every time?

We call it cheese roulette. My wife and I like to go to the coast and stop in to the local cheese shop and pick out a few cheeses we have never had before along with some wine or beer, then go sit on the beach somewhere and enjoy.

If friends were visiting and you had to impress them with one outdoor spot, where would you take them?

Mossbrae Falls, for sure! My daughter got married there and it is breathtakingly beautiful.

What’s the most unnecessary thing you own that you enjoy way too much?

Probably our boat.

If you could only keep three apps on your phone, which ones survive?

I thought this question would be difficult but it was actually very easy. Photos/Camera, Bible app, and Spotify.

“ We are the pit crew to the PGA Tour, offering driver support, iron support, ball support. For the first three days of the week I’m checking in on players, checking on course conditions—sand patterns, moisture in the grass, how much bounce they’re going to need.”

REDDING NATIVE AARON DILL’S CUSTOM TOUR WEDGES

hen some of the world’s top golfers gather this month at Augusta National Golf Club for the 92nd Masters Tournament, they can thank their otherworldly handeye coordination, their good fortune and the countless hours of practice they put in for propelling them to the pinnacle of their sport.

Many also will be thanking Redding native and Shasta High School graduate Aaron Dill for crucial help with their short game— specifically the Titleist Vokey Design wedges he fits and custom grinds for touring pros.

Dill, 43, is the director of wedge relations for Titleist, a job title that might strike non-golfers as a tad bit silly. Professionals, however, with their potentially high-dollar livelihoods dependent on knocking golf balls as close to the pin as possible, take their lob, sand, gap and pitching wedges very seriously.

Not only does Dill represent the leading brand in the golf industry (91 of the approximately 215 PGA Tour players are playing with Titleist wedges), he also has the distinction of having studied under Bob Vokey, a revered clubmaker.

“It’s a unique job,” Dill says. “My focus is solely on wedges. It’s the number one wedge in golf and we’re responsible for maintaining that position. We do it with service and great precision. Our ideas and concepts come from the PGA Tour. They’re our R&D department, so to speak.”

As Titleist’s top wedge rep, Dill is a touring professional himself. “I travel 40 weeks a year with the PGA Tour in some capacity,” he says. Dill is a fixture at each tournament stop, from Pebble Beach on the west coast to Hilton Head on the east, working with players out of his mobile tour truck.

“We are the pit crew to the PGA Tour, offering driver support, iron support, ball support. For the first three days of the week I’m checking in on players, checking on course conditions—sand patterns, moisture in the grass, how much bounce they’re going to need. ▶ continued on page 20

“I’m working with the best in the world—Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth—they’re incredibly talented but they need help shaving a shot here or there. They need confidence. If you feel more comfortable in your swing, you can make more confident shots. We can provide them with some tools that help them play better golf.”

“The tour van is a workshop and we can make golf clubs onsite in a very short period of time. In 15 to 30 minutes I can make a wedge, adjust lie and loft, measure spin, loft, distance, carry and roll. I help players identify places of weakness and fine-tune ways to save half a shot, maybe a full shot, from tee to green,” Dill says.

“I’m working with the best in the world—Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth. They’re incredibly talented but they need help shaving a shot here or there. They need confidence. If you feel more comfortable in your swing, you can make more confident shots. We can provide them with some tools that help them play better golf.”

In addition to working with touring pros like Cameron Young, Brian Harman, Russ Henley, Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Aberg, Dill is often sought out by other notables in the sporting world. Dill has fitted (and monogrammed) wedges for Michael Jordan and Tom Brady, among others.

Growing up in Redding, Dill says he had a paper route delivering the Record Searchlight and later worked at C.R. Gibbs, where he got to know Steve Gaines and Ed Rullman. His interest in golf started with “sitting in the cart eating sunflower seeds and watching my dad” and progressed to where he was competing on the Shasta High golf team.

After graduating from Shasta High in 2000, Dill attended a golf academy in San Diego and earned a degree in management. He spent the next two years in the golf industry, working as a club pro, running a driving range and serving in retail operations. He discovered his passion leaned toward golf equipment. “I loved working with my hands … that craftsman touch. I love making adjustments.”

Titleist offered him a position in 2005 in its fitting works program and he was soon visiting the top courses on the west coast, including stops at Riverview and Tierra Oaks, two of his former home courses, and building clubs onsite.▶ continued on page 23

“That’s where I got to know Bob Vokey, the head of the wedge program. Him and Scotty Cameron were the fitting guys,” Dill says. Cameron is another big name in the golfing world; Tiger Woods won 14 of his 15 major championships using a Scotty Cameron putter. After two years with Titleist, Dill became the Vokey wedge tour rep.

Dill, who lives in San Marcos with his wife, Taylor, and their three boys, returned to Redding last fall to support the Luis Miramontes Memorial Foundation. Dill donated three wedges and a custom fitting at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside as a raffle prize. Proceeds will support the Louie House project to provide low-cost accommodations for cancer patients and their loved ones.

“I felt so compelled and so honored to participate in the Foundation. I felt really grateful,” says Dill, who knew the late golf pro Luis “Louie” Miramontes.

Louie Foundation board member Bill Speer, who coordinated the Vokey Wedge raffle project, says he was struck by Dill’s generosity and his commitment to his home town. “I can’t say enough good things about him.” •

www.titleist.com/fitting/golf-club-fitting www.louiefoundation.com

Jon Lewis is a Redding-based writer with more than 40 years of experience. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and sharing stories about people, places and things. He can be reached at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.

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TRENT MENARD TURNS SCRAP INTO CRAFT

rent Menard will be the first to tell you he had no plan. Growing up in Redding, the kid who would one day craft custom metalwork for Universal Studios was mainly focused on one thing: BMX.

“I remember in high school, they’d ask, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m still in high school. I just want to ride my bike.’” Menard laughs at the memory. He has the easy laugh of someone who has made peace with a winding road, and come out the other side grateful for every detour.

But the most remarkable commission? A few years ago, an email arrived out of the blue from Universal Studios. The entertainment giant was building the new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando—specifically a “How to Train Your Dragon” world with a medieval Viking village vibe—and someone there had seen Menard’s work online.

Today, Menard is the founder of Menard Metal Craft, a one-man metalworking business he operates out of his Redding garage. What began in 2019 as late-night tinkering after putting the kids to bed has grown into something none of his old high school classmates—or Menard himself—could have imagined: a global enterprise with more than 7,500 Etsy sales, brand collaborations with companies like Blundstone (boots) and Ridge (metal wallets), and a social media following that exceeds 750,000 viewers across platforms. One of his YouTube videos has been viewed more than 66 million times. His handcrafted pieces have been shipped to Switzerland, New Zealand, Israel, Benin, the Netherlands and beyond.

“I didn’t even have to submit a bid,” Menard says, still sounding a little incredulous. “Universal Studios reached out to me. I mean, how does that even happen? I’m just a guy in Redding working out of his garage.” He made more than 100 pieces for the park—custom hooks, straps and fittings for hanging medieval weapons and props. Today, visitors walking through the park’s queue lines pass his work without realizing it.

The path that led Menard here was anything but straight. After high school, biking and skating pulled him toward Sacramento State University, where he enrolled partly because the city had good skate parks. His plan was to study fine art, graphic design and film. It didn’t quite take. He moved back to Redding and found himself working at a fast-food chain, feeling stuck.

“One day I woke up and asked myself, ‘What am I doing? I have to get out of this ▶ continued on page 28

The path that led Menard here was anything but straight. After high school, biking and skating pulled him toward Sacramento State University, where he enrolled partly because the city had good skate parks. His plan was to study fine art, graphic design and film. It didn’t quite take. He moved back to Redding and found himself working at a fast-food chain, feeling stuck.

“One day I woke up and asked myself, ‘What am I doing? I have to get out of this rut.’” The answer he landed on was unexpected even to him: the railroad. He’d always loved trains, and as a teenager, he’d been captivated by the vivid graffiti that covered passing boxcars, an urban art form he began documenting with a camera. The railroad felt like a world he wanted to be part of.

The problem was practical: Nearly every railroad job posting required welding and electrical knowledge. Menard had neither. So, at age 25, he enrolled in Shasta College’s welding program, not out of passion, but strategy.

“I knew nothing about welding,” he says. “But the program opened my eyes.

Working with molten liquid metal—to me, that was the coolest thing ever. I just fell in love with it.” The railroad dream quietly faded. A new one took its place.

He credits not just the craft itself but also the people who taught it. “The instructors there were amazing. The mentorship I received at Shasta College shaped me. I felt like I was part of a community.” After completing the program and earning several welding certificates, he started working as a structural steel welder and fabricator.

Menard Metal Craft began quietly. While working at a local welding shop, Menard was temporarily laid off during a slowdown. To pass the time, he started experimenting in his garage. His first creation was a small scrap-metal sculpture of a Cat D6 dozer. He posted it online on a whim.

“The next thing I knew, two people wanted to buy it,” he says. “One was a friend in Texas. The other was my mom.” He grins. “So my first sale on Etsy was from my mom. That is how it all started.”

He got his shop job back at the shop, but kept his side business alive, heading out to the garage after putting his kids to bed and working until 10 pm. Then his boss pulled him aside for a conversation that changed everything.

“He told me the grass was greener for me somewhere else and that I should find out what it is,” Menard recalls. “And I instinctively knew what was out there. Me.” From that day forward, he decided he wouldn’t work for anyone else. “It was ultimate freedom.”

Browse the Menard Metal Craft shop and a theme quickly emerges: railroad spikes transformed into something new. Cabinet knobs. Bottle openers. Towel bars. Garden trowels. Hooks. Sculptures. The spike—that heavy, utilitarian piece of railroad hardware—becomes, in Menard’s hands, something you’d want on your kitchen wall.

The railroad imagery, he’ll tell you, isn’t really about the railroad. It’s about the art he saw on those trains as a teenager and the fascination with transformation that has stayed with him ever since. He never thought of himself as an artist until recently.

“At Sac State, my goal was to study fine art, graphic design and film,” he says. “And then I looked at what I’m actually doing, and that is the complete culmination of all three of those disciplines. I’m using all of this artistic background as a welder, which is wild to me.”

His video skills, sharpened by years of filming BMX friends at skateparks, are now central to his business. His YouTube channel has become a window into the shop, giving viewers a front-row seat to the fire and sparks of the ▶ continued on page 30

metalworking process. This visibility led to the Universal Studios commission, brand ambassador work for Uniweld—an American welding equipment manufacturer that flew him to Florida for a facility tour and trade show demonstration—and commercial partnerships with more than a dozen brands.

“I truly don’t think I would still be working for myself as a welder if it weren’t for my skills behind a camera,” he says.

Menard is deeply rooted in the North State. He’s the founder of rdgbmx.com, a local BMX community site that has helped raise funds for improvements to Redding’s skatepark and provides area youth with a hub for the sport he grew up loving. He runs often, about 35 miles a week on the trails around the city. He once moved away briefly, and it took leaving to truly realize what he’d had all along. “I was very aware of the lack of snow-covered mountains in my daily scenery,” he says with a smile. “The surrounding beauty of Redding is something it took me moving away to truly see. I absolutely love it here.”

At home, he’s supported by his wife Jenna, who manages the backend logistics of the business, including, as Menard cheerfully admits, keeping him on top of the things he’s less enthused about, like taxes. Their three children—Camille, Preston, and Gwyneth— are a constant source of fuel and inspiration.

When asked what advice he’d give to a young person in Redding who doesn’t know what they want to do—who is, perhaps, where he once was—Menard doesn’t hesitate.

“Stick it out. Trust the process. You will begin to impress yourself with what you’re capable of. There is absolutely no way you are going to know what you’re capable of until you give it your best shot. Bet on yourself.”

As a kid, he was made to memorize a poem by Edgar Albert Guest—words that have stayed with him. The opening verse goes:

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done, / But he with a chuckle replied / That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one / Who wouldn’t say so till he tried.

Somewhere in Redding right now, a kid probably wants to know when he can get back on his bike. He has no idea what he’ll build.

•

Menard Metal Craft

www.menardmetalcraft.com

Find them on Instagram, YouTube and Etsy

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BABE RUTH’S

LEGENDARY SISKIYOU COUNTY VISIT

the 600-foot legend

ocal history often survives by being told and retold, eventually teetering on the brink of folklore. In Siskiyou County, one of those enduring stories revolves around the time that Babe Ruth—the legendary “Sultan of Swat”—and fellow Yankee player Bob Meusal passed through Dunsmuir to play ball in October 1924.

“When the Yankees didn’t win the World Series that year, they found themselves with extra time on their hands, so a tour was arranged through an agent with Babe Ruth to do some barnstorming across about 8,500 miles of the United States,”

explains Anne Finwall, a volunteer at the Yreka branch of the Siskiyou County Library and longtime local resident. “One of the routes they planned to take was from Portland to San Francisco, and a local businessman in Dunsmuir named

Frank Talmage heard about it. He owned the theater and was trying to generate income, and he saw an opportunity. So, he talked to the public relations person about bringing Babe Ruth and Bob Meusal to town.” ▶ continued on page 37

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“It’s reported that Babe Ruth told the pitcher that he had to pitch it so Ruth could hit it

As Finwall tells the story, the spectacle wasn’t cheap. “It was $1,000. The Dunsmuir Lions Club raised part of it, and Talmage covered the rest.” But, Finwall adds, when Ruth and Meusal arrived late on October 21, what was supposed to be a noteworthy welcome from the Boy Scouts fizzled. “Unfortunately, the train wasn’t actually scheduled to arrive until after 11pm, which was long after all of the Boy Scouts had to go home.”

The next day’s game on October 22, however, drew a huge crowd, and took place in the baseball stadium that still stands in Dunsmuir today. “There were approximately 900 fans. Grown-ups had to pay $1.10 to get in, and kids got in for a quarter,” Finwall explains. The game itself became legend. “It’s reported that Babe Ruth told the pitcher that

and look good.”

he had to pitch it so Ruth could hit it and look good.” And, according to the story, Ruth indeed launched the ball out of the stadium. “There was a survey conducted, and someone said it was 604 feet and five inches. It was very specific. But even if it’s exaggerated a little, 600 feet is still a long way to go,” Finwall notes.

According to Finwall, Ruth and Meusel at one point decide to extend their time in Siskiyou County with some fishing on the Klamath River. “It was below freezing and there was snow on the ground,” Finwall says, adding that somewhere along the way, things went sideways. “There was an accident where the glass in one of the windows of the car they were in was broken, and Babe Ruth cut his hand.” That injury brought Ruth to Yreka and sparked yet another favorite local story, explains Finwall. “He went to the doctor in Yreka and somebody at the school heard about it, so Ruth agreed to do a batting exhibition for the local grade school.”

The scene of this demonstration is vivid in Finwall’s recounting. “Ruth’s fishing guide had been one of the Lawe brothers so his little brothers got to be the pitcher and the catcher. The kids all came out of the school to watch. As the legend goes, he stood in the equivalent of the parking lot of the school’s library and hit it all the way down to where the new hospital was going to be built. Is it more than 600 feet?” Finwall asks with a laugh. “I don’t know, but it’s a fun story.”

The Siskiyou County Library maintains historic collections with some written local accounts of Babe Ruth’s adventures during his time in Northern California. “We have old timers that have written down many of their recollections,” Finwall says. Some accounts appear in local history, including local doctor-turned-historian Don Meamber’s memoir. “For Mr. Meamber, it happened when he was in fifth grade, and that’s recorded in his book Sawbones in Siskiyou on page 76 and 77. There are also some stories found in the Siskiyou Pioneer 2020 issue, which is the Dunsmuir issue.”

For Finwall, the stories continue to be compelling because of Ruth’s celebrity and the local connection. “Ball is a big deal in Siskiyou County, and when the stories like this are a little more real, a little more local, it makes a difference,” Finwall reflects. In a place where history lives in memory as much as it does in its archives, a 600-foot home run, whether or not the stuff of legend, still feels close enough to touch. •

is

who

and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding

and she always relishes a touching human story. Aside from Enjoy, she’s typically busy writing and producing for television, having created more than 220 hours of on-air content on networks ranging from National Geographic to Netflix.

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redding, reframed

DANNY ORLOFF HELPS REDEFINE REDDING’S STORY

edding feels different lately. Not louder or flashier, just more certain of itself. That certainty didn’t appear by accident. It reflects an intentional effort to reshape how Redding sees itself and how it is seen by others. For Danny Orloff, tourism marketing director for Visit Redding, that work is both profession and responsibility; it’s less about attracting outsiders and more about strengthening the pride of people who already live here.

“I get to be a part of a culture shift in Redding by supporting the community creatively and strategically,” Orloff says. “The work can lift the economy while showing people what is possible.” For him, tourism storytelling is a way to remind locals what makes their home special. “We showcase Redding to the world by inviting people to visit this beautiful place we call home.”

Visit Redding’s messaging reflects this focus. Trails are mapped intentionally, waterfalls categorized, restaurants curated and events presented as experiences. Even the Sundial Bridge is framed as design rather than scenery. Anyone can see it at visitredding.com. The result is not just marketing, but an emerging civic identity. Behind the creative tone sits a measurable strategy: Visitors fill hotel rooms, strengthening air service to major hubs; that access benefits business travelers; and the resulting activity supports restaurants, retail and downtown life. Tourism becomes an economic engine when the story of a place aligns with what is happening on the ground.

When describing Redding to someone who has never been here, Orloff sums it up simply: “Speed up or slow down. You can literally do any outdoor sport within an hour and a half and come back to a great hospitality in an amenable city.”

He frames Redding’s identity today around four qualities: connectivity, activation, collaboration and authenticity. Connectivity covers Downtown, the river trail, east Redding and the airport, which are all increasingly linked. Activation shows in long-awaited projects moving forward. Collaboration reflects formerly separate sectors now working together.▶

continued on page 43

Honoring a Local Legend...

For more than 40 years, Dr. Gallagher has been honored to care for the eyes—and lives—of families throughout the Redding community. Originally from Kalispell, Montana, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1978 and opened his own private practice in Redding just two years later. What began as a small practice in 1980 has grown into Enterprise Optometry Group, now housed in a welcoming, state-of-the-art facility since 1998. Dr. Gallagher is a proud member of the American and California Optometric Associations, and he’s especially grateful for the loyal patients who have trusted him with their care over the years. Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest joys of his life.

“Community

is everything. A strong community can lift you,” Orloff says, “and I know that tourism, in that framework, is not separate from civic life. It reinforces pride, participation and shared ownership.”

Authenticity shapes how the city presents itself. Visit Redding helps link hospitality, arts, business development and civic leadership into a shared direction. That cohesion reinforces downtown revitalization, the state-designated Cultural District and the Entertainment District strategy. Orloff’s philosophy: Lean into what makes Redding distinct rather than chasing comparison. “These partnerships are all a part of our community, and they make up our identity,” he says.

Regional leaders see the results. Todd Jones, president and CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, considers tourism one of the region’s strongest economic opportunities and credits Orloff for elevating its presence. “The energy and excellence that Danny has brought to Visit Redding has been exceptional,” Jones says. “Danny has helped elevate tourism marketing for Redding and the entire region.”

Orloff doesn’t view tourism as something separate from local life. Asked what moments best reflect Redding’s spirit, he points to participation—Kool April Nites filling the streets, concerts at the Redding Civic Auditorium, the Redding Rodeo, First Fridays, the Fall Festival. In those crowds, visitors and locals blend into one civic identity. On many weekends, it’s hard to tell who is visiting and who has lived here for decades, which Orloff sees as a marker of a healthy community.

He is encouraged by the growing recognition of the arts. “I love how the arts and creative people are starting to get recognized as an economic driver,” he says. Turtle Bay Exploration Park President and CEO Lindsay Myers sees that shift reflected in messaging. “Visit Redding has helped change how the city is seen,” Myers says. “The storytelling feels more emotional and rooted in real experiences. It puts people at the center.”

As a resident, Orloff speaks about Redding with warmth. “I love how we have this surprising culture. We move at our own pace.”

ABOUT VISIT REDDING

Visit Redding is a program of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, funded through a contract for services from the City of Redding. The City supports the program using revenues from the Transient Occupancy Tax, which is paid by visitors who stay in Redding hotels and shortterm rentals.

In short, Visit Redding’s marketing efforts are funded by visitor-generated lodging tax dollars, which are reinvested to promote tourism, support local businesses and strengthen the region’s visibility.

Fatherhood deepens that outlook. The city he promotes professionally is the one he shares with his family. “My wife Jenna and our daughters make every day interesting. I want us to feel good about where we live and I want my kids to grow up seeing all the great things our community has to offer.”

Raising a family shifted his perspective from attraction to belonging. “Community is everything. A strong community can lift you,” Orloff says, “and I know that tourism, in that framework, is not separate from civic life. It reinforces pride, participation and shared ownership.”

Redding’s growing confidence reflects leaders who understand that the way a city tells its story shapes what it becomes. Tourism, in that sense, is less about convincing people to visit and more about cultivating a community confident enough and authentic enough that people are proud to stay, contribute, and call it home. •

John Truitt writes about Redding’s civic life, downtown momentum, and the brave souls who attend planning meetings voluntarily. Active with Viva Downtown, he follows local leadership, historic preservation, and community vitality wherever they gather — usually near coffee, clipboards, and at least one spirited debate about parking.

Across the North State, men are building businesses, leading teams and contributing to the strength of our communities through hard work, perseverance and vision. In this special Man Made section, we highlight local men who are shaping the region through ato doing things well.

From skilled craftsmen to innovative entrepreneurs, these individuals represent a wide range of industries and experiences, but they share a common thread: a willingness to show up each day ready to work, solve problems and keep building something meaningful. Their dedication, leadership and work ethic continue to help shape the communities we call home.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR GOOD MEN

BUILT FOR LIFE WHAT ARE THE MAKINGS OF A GOOD MAN?

hat are the makings of a good man? There are many different recipes and a wide range of potential ingredients, with some standard, go-to seasonings always included.

Some would say a good man is a protector. A person who shows up and never leaves. A provider. He has integrity and self-control. He’s someone who is strong, yet kind. He is well-intentioned and knows how to love. He’s smart, with a work ethic as solid as his sense of determination. Someone who respects himself and others—those he knows, and those he doesn’t. He isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t stop him from trying to be the best version of himself. He’s patient and has a sense of humor. A good man is slow to anger, knows how to manage his emotions, and can help calm those around him.  He has ambition, vision and the will to see it through. The list could go on.  What’s harder to discern is how these qualities came to develop in the good men around us. Some men have heard words of wisdom directly—from the men who came before them, from family members, coaches, mentors and perfect strangers they happened upon along life’s road. Some have seen the lived example of the good men they know in a way they can’t help but emulate. Other good men have had to learn through the school of the hard knocks— through the daily hustle and bustle of manhood—where the answers were not always as clearly delineated.

A good word can teach us how to love, inspire us to move through the world safely, help us navigate relationships, protect our bodies and support our financial health. A good word creates peace of mind. Here is some sage advice, passed down to some good men by family members, friends and life itself. May these honest, wise, sometimes practical, sometimes funny tidbits inspire you to recall some of the wisdom you’ve gained along the way and pass it along. Another good man may just need to hear what you have to say.  ▶ continued on page 49

“DO WHAT YOU CAN, WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, WHERE YOU ARE.” — THEODORE ROOSEVELT

MADE

Grit Behind Every Pump

Hard work and heart define Chance Martin’s journey. After years with a respected local pump company, he stepped out in faith and launched CNC Pumps with little more than determination. Today, he’s a devoted father, youth hockey coach and businessman who treats every customer like family. Having issues with your water well pump? Give CNC Pumps a call.

19278 E. Niles Road, Redding

530.722.8788

Cncpumpservice.com

Professional Landscaping You Can Trust

CitiLawns is a veteran-owned landscaping company specializing in commercial and residential services. Founded in 2014, their skilled team delivers expert maintenance, design, installation and irrigation solutions. President David Nevin, a U.S. Army veteran, leads alongside Operations Manager Albert Morero, a former U.S. Coast Guard E6, bringing experience, discipline and professionalism to every project.

Meet the artists behind the beauty at Gaumer’s Jewelry— Bill and John Gaumer, a father-and-son duo with a combined 90 years of experience. They have proudly helped generations celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with fine jewelry designed to be beautiful and unforgettable. Open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Gaumer’s is ready to help you create memories you’ll cherish.

78 Belle Mill Road, Red Bluff 530.527.6166

gaumers.com

Great Flavors, Perfect Vibes

Dan Leaverton opened Vintage Public House in 2017, bringing his longtime business model into reality with the support of his family and team. In the heart of downtown Redding, Vintage has become a go-to spot for gathering with friends, celebrating special occasions and welcoming travelers as they pass through—a warm smile guaranteed. Cheers from our house to yours! We look forward to seeing you.

Upholstery Done Right

Daren Cardona started in upholstery work for his Uncle Jim. In 2011, Daren picked up Steve’s Upholstery and hasn’t looked back. In business now 41 years, Daren’s focus has turned heavily to boats including vinyl seats, Bimini covers, houseboat side curtains and tops. You will often see him out on Lake Shasta as he enjoys making boats beautiful. If you have a car, boat or houseboat in need of canvas or upholstery, give Daren a call!

Wellness at Home

Owner Robert Andrade brings 24 years of experience in the hot tub industry, building a reputation for outstanding customer care and deep product knowledge. He helps customers create relaxing backyard retreats with hot tubs, swim spas, cold plunges and saunas. Backed by a dedicated sales team and skilled service technicians, his store has become a trusted destination for wellness, relaxation and hydrotherapy solutions.

‘Make your dollars have more sense’ was something my grandpa, Lionel Woods said to me. When I asked him if he was saying sense or cents, he said ‘yes, as one will lead to the other.’ My grandfather said this to me as a kid when I was about to spend my allowance on something completely unnecessary. At the time I thought it was funny, but it stuck with me through life and has turned out to be an amazing life lesson. And my Uncle Henry told me on my wedding day, ‘Don’t bring a TV set into your bedroom.’ When I asked why he said, ‘That’s time for you and your wife. You see how many kids I have, right?’ True story. I will never forget it and there is a ton of truth in it. – Derek D.

“FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND YOUR WORD ARE THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR CHARACTER. MY POPPA SHARED THIS WITH ME WHEN I WAS 16. I STILL LIVE BY IT.”- JAMES C.

“My Italian grandmother would always tell me, ‘Mia moglie ha sempre ragione,’ meaning ‘my wife is always right.’ I have a trivet by the stove that reads that, so I’m reminded every day.”

– Steve D.

“Don’t get your honey where you get your money. My grandfather gave me that advice and I still don’t date people I work with.” – Darryl T.

“MY MOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME, ‘YOU’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND A WOMAN, AND THAT’S FINE. JUST DON’T STOP TRYING TO’ .” -JAMES F

“I wasn’t much of a listener in my life, but here’s something I learned along the way: the struggle is real. Believe in yourself and find stability in your own inner core.” - Todd H.

“‘Second place is the first loser.’ Now, not everyone these days is a fan of tough love, but words like this challenge a person to have a growth mindset. I have come a long way and constantly challenge myself to be my best. My dad shared this with me, and we both still say it to this day.” – Aaron L. •

“‘Never tell the truth when you’re kidding. It’s the worst thing you can do.’ My grandfather gave this piece of advice to my dad, and he passed it on to me.” – Jason W.

“The best advice I ever received came from my late father-in-law, Ken Green: ‘Always be true to your word, give everything that you do 100 percent, and always try to lead by example.’ Another thing he taught me is that there is nothing more sacred than family. I live by those things in my teaching and in my everyday life, and to this day, I do my very best to live up to the example he set for me and the rest of our family. He had more integrity and backbone than any man I ever met, as well as a truly incredible work ethic and leadership skills. He always had your back no matter what, and that usually came with a little life lesson. He was the best father-in-law in the world. I admired him and I do my best to be as he was.” – Marvin A.

“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. JESUS TAUGHT ME THAT.” -RAYMOND B.

“It wasn’t so much what I was told, but what I was shown: my father’s actions. He lived a life doing the things he wanted to do, regardless of what was ‘expected’ of a man of color. ‘Make your money, and live as you wish. Don’t expect a lot when I’m gone, because I am giving you all I have right now.’ That always stayed with me. He also said, ‘Don’t expect anyone to give you anything for nothing.’ His example got me this far.” – Ray T.

“The one thing my dad ingrained in me was, ‘Do it right or not at all.’ There are two types of mindsets in people: The first is ‘any action is better than no action’ and the second is ‘the only action is the right action.’ I’m aligned with the second one. Some may refer to it as ‘paralysis by analysis’ but I don’t see it that way. I don’t want to do something arbitrarily and then have to redo it because it wasn’t right. I want to analyze, research, create a game plan, have all my tools and materials ready and then attack the task once I’m prepared. In retrospect that was my dad, as well.” – Dominic D

“I WASN’T MUCH OF A LISTENER IN MY LIFE, BUT HERE’S SOMETHING I LEARNED ALONG THE WAY: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. BELIEVE

IN YOURSELF AND FIND STABILITY IN YOUR OWN INNER CORE.” - TODD H.

not working, she is joyfully wielding jewelry-making tools and paintbrushes in her studio. Antique shops, vintage boutiques, craft stores and bead shops are her happy place.

“TRY NOT TO BECOME A MAN OF SUCCESS, BUT RATHER A MAN OF VALUE.”

—

ALBERT EINSTEIN

FIRSTS IN SPORTS AMERICAN STYLE

First American Football Game

1869—Rutgers vs. Princeton

Played November 6, 1869, this game looked more like soccer than modern football. Each team had 25 players and the ball could only be kicked or batted.

First Super Bowl

1967—Green Bay vs. Kansas City

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10 in the first AFL–NFL Championship Game, later renamed the Super Bowl.

First Kentucky Derby

1875 — Churchill Downs

A crowd of roughly 10,000 watched Aristides win the first running of the “Run for the Roses.”

THE MOMENTS THAT STARTED YOUR FAVORITE GAMES

First Baseball Game

Under Modern Rules

1846 — Hoboken, New Jersey

The New York Nine defeated the Knickerbockers 23–1 using rules created by Alexander Cartwright, which helped shape modern baseball.

First World Series

1903 — Boston vs. Pittsburgh

The Boston Americans defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first official World Series, helping cement baseball as America’s national pastime.

1911—Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ray Harroun won the inaugural race driving a Marmon Wasp at an average speed of 74 mph.

First U.S. Open (Golf)

1895 — Newport, Rhode Island

Only 10 golfers competed in the first tournament. The winner took home $150 and a gold medal.

First Basketball Game

1891 — Springfield, Massachusetts

Dr. James Naismith nailed two peach baskets to a gym balcony and created basketball to keep students active during winter.

Generations of Quality

Nor Cal Granite and Tile is a locally owned and operated family business founded by brothers Jayson and Chris Burris. Since 2004, they have proudly served Redding and the greater Northern California area with high-quality craftsmanship. They specialize in custom natural stone fabrication, granite countertops and tile installation from their showroom and fabrication facility in Cottonwood between Redding and Red Bluff.

Escape to Shasta Lake

The houseboating capital of the world, Shasta Lake is the ideal place for your houseboat vacation. With three conveniently located marinas, their luxurious houseboats provide the ultimate escape. Book your dream vacation now at houseboats.com. Moorage, small boat rentals, marina store and more! Everything you need when you are at Shasta Lake.

Twenty years ago, Mark Francis, Founder, CEO and President saw what was missing: A bank that actually knew your name, understood your business and cared about your community. So he built one. Today, Golden Valley Bank stands as the North Valley’s only locally owned community bank, retaining the same values it started with. Outstanding service, every single day. That’s the difference. Golden Valley Bank has locations in Redding, Chico and Oroville.

THE BEAT

THE DIP KEEPS LOCAL MUSIC THRIVING

he energy in the room was palpable when Redding punk bands The Melodramatics and JimmiRig played a sold-out show at The Dip last November.

In the 150-person capacity venue, the crowd knew all JimmiRig’s songs, belting out “Stronghold” and “Something More.” Amongst the audience were the two owners of The Dip—brothers Aaron and Jon Gumm— who planned many of the JimmiRig shows back in the late 1990s/early 2000s and are today still providing one of Redding’s only live music venues.

“In the early days when we were having shows at the grange hall (in Palo Cedro), I’d just get people’s phone numbers and text them, but now we have to have a website and be all over social media,” Jon says about what it was like getting people to live shows then versus now.

Music has always been a part of the brothers’ lives. Aaron’s first concert was the Warped Tour ’98 up at Boreal ski resort and he remembers seeing The Vandals and Chixdiggit! with Jon.

“I used to go to CD stores and record SNL music acts on VHS. At that time, you didn’t know who was playing that night, so we’d get excited when they had someone good on,” Jon adds.

Flash forward to 2026, and the Gumms are 10 years into running The Dip at 1730 California St. in downtown Redding. After graduating from high school, the Gumms bought Serendipity on Lake Boulevard on the north end of town, running it as a coffee shop/live music venue for all ages. They left the business in 2006 (it’s now a Little Caesars) and years later planned to build a music venue/ restaurant on a lot in downtown Redding. Despite having blueprints, savings, and interviewing two chefs, the idea never came to fruition. ▶

continued on page 55

Best RV Shop in Redding

The guys at Safari RV are truly family owned and it works best that way! Jeff, Cory, Joe and Cord have been a part of the fabric of Redding for over 25 years. They love what they do, offering RV parts and service and more than 10,000 parts in stock. Jeff and his team provide great hometown service, guidance and support to keep you rolling.

Store You Can Trust

Nichols Appliance and Mattress Center in Anderson is highly rated for its personalized small-town service, knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing. Noted as a superior local alternative to big-box retailers, customers consistently praise Derek and his friendly team for professional installation and reliable follow-through after the sale.

Budget Blinds are one of a kind and so is Jerry Bay! With 23 years in the industry, Jerry has the ability to find the right solution for every window covering need. Certified in Lutron, Smart Home and Somfy Motorization products, Jerry strives to see the look of satisfaction on every customer’s face. Jerry is married to his best friend Kim.

The Guys Have You Covered

Wait Roofing has been your trusted local expert in roofs, gutters and skylights for over 40 years, handling repairs, rerooofs and new construction in all climate venues. Dan Jr. is reimagining the company’s future while staying true to its long-standing reputation for excellence. Dan and his team are ready to grow and go with passion and expertise on your next roof, skylight or gutter need.

Preventative Healthcare = The Best Healthcare

At Anderson Family Fitness, they believe the best medicine is movement! Built around the idea that preventative healthcare is the best healthcare, they make staying active fun for the whole family. With brand-new equipment on the way, free high-energy group classes and a Kids Club open 7 days a week, it’s easier than ever to work out, feel great and make healthy living a family adventure.

Where Passion Meets Community

Derrick opened Aquarium Pets at just 17, right after graduating high school. Now, 38 years later, his store has become a thriving and well-loved part of the community. Known for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional service, Aquarium Pets is one of the most welcoming businesses in Red Bluff. Derrick credits his success to hiring and mentoring knowledgeable team members who truly care about their customers.

Fortunately, in 2015, they caught word Billy Bombay’s (the bar that is now The Dip) was for sale and they took it over, holding their first live show on September 18, 2015. “We kept it ‘The Dip’ because people know that name. The first show we hosted was Belda Beast and Be Calm Honcho,” Aaron says.

The venue has had more than 1,000 bands come through since its opening, and obtained a liquor license in 2024, cementing it as a 21-and-older venue.

Soon after, The Dip created the Bomb Squad.

“Our first St. Patrick’s Day here was so busy and the rider for the band that played had all this stuff on it and we got most of it, but they didn’t eat or drink any of it, so Aaron did like 15 variations of Irish car bombs that night. It became a challenge—we tried making them with Midori and experimented making a tequila bomb,” Jon says. The candy cane bomb tastes like a Thin Mint cookie. Jon’s favorite is the pumpkin pie bomb, while Aaron likes the peanut butter cup. Other bombs they’ve made include the waffle bomb, cinnamon toast crunch bomb, Fluffer Nutter, spicy paloma, Dippocino, praline bird dog and key lime bomb. People who’ve done at least five car bombs are inducted into the Bomb Squad and given an official name, such as Jon Bomb Jovi, Luke Skybomber and Bomb Ross.

The Bomb Squad is popular with regulars, but the live music is the bread and butter of The Dip, despite Redding being a tough market.

“We’ve been told we’re ‘too city’ for Redding,” Aaron says, with Jon adding, “People always say, ‘If you were in Portland, you’d be huge.’”

There are a lot of things to do already in Redding, and The Dip competing with other entertainment businesses vying for locals’ attention is a challenge.

“We need every single person (21 and older) who likes live music to come to a lot of things here; our business relies on this place selling out more often. But some people love us and have been coming to our shows wherever we’re at for years. We’ve fulfilled our business statement, that’s the paradox,” says Jon.

There would be a void in the local music scene without The Dip, so the Gumms are optimistic they can keep the place running. “I want to do this forever and we still turn the lights on every day. It’s a labor of love, and a hard business to get into. But music is what drives us and now we’re just trying to figure out what we can do to get crowds here every night,” Jon adds.

And then Jon shares what his favorite show was at The Dip. “I’d say the most memorable concert I’ve ever been to here was JimmiRig [at the November 2025 20-year reunion show]. I kind of teared up…it was a full circle moment. Everything felt right. I felt like I was 20 again and instantly remembered why we chose to do this in the first place.” •

A Taste of Tradition

Robert Fischer, executive chef and co-owner of Krystyna’s Polish American Cuisine in Red Bluff, was raised cooking dishes alongside Grandmother Krystyna, later enrolling and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. Krystyna’s is a place where tradition meets community, and where food becomes a bridge between cultures and shared moments around the table.

Pack Leader Dog Training

Positive and permanent, Redding Pack Leader Dog Training, led by Steven James, offers personalized at-home training using a balanced approach. Specializing in building calm, confident dogs, Steve creates more harmonious relationships between pets and their owners. They also offer specialized board and train options, empowering families to enjoy a wellbehaved, happy dog and a more peaceful home.

Master of Smokin’ Flavor

Joe Sells, pictured here with team member Katrina. Joe’s love for cooking sparked at just 13 years of age, leading him to open the first and only Perkos Grill in Redding. Now more than a decade into running Smokin’ Joes, this year he has won the Best of Barbecue Community Choice Award for 2025. Come see what you’re missing!

Your Indoor Family Fun Destination

Rare Air Trampoline Park is family-owned and locally operated, with over 23,000 sq. ft. of trampolines, ninja courses, climbing walls, arcade games and more. Their Redding location is adding a brand-new ropes course, rock walls, play structure and slides this winter—making them Northern California’s top spot for unforgettable fun!

Redding: 530.221.1206

Chico: 530.433.5557

rareairpark.com

rareairredding / rareairchico

The Tradition Continues

Dwayne and son Cole of A&R Custom Butchering and Deli, Red Bluff. For over 30 years, A&R has been providing professional slaughter and meat cutting services across Glenn, Tehama and Shasta counties. Known also for their award-winning barbecue, A&R is small enough to care and big enough to handle any size crowd. Their philosophy is keep it simple and delicious with A&R!

Your Local Printing Experts

Jack and Joe Vine founded the Copy Center nearly 30 years ago at the corner of Antelope and Main Street in Red Bluff, later joined by printing expert Gordon Wilson. Serving the North State, Copy Center specializes in everything from book publishing to large-scale 30-foot Main Street banners. If you can dream it, they can bring it to life.

From 1 to 1,000,000 we can handle the job.

SEASONED FOR SUCCESS

PROUDLY HAND MADE IN THE UNITED STATES

CHEF BOB FLEENER CRAFTS ACME SALT COMPANY

s the owner and culinary director of Acme Salt Company, Bob Fleener knows more about salt than most people. “The spirit of our (Superior) salt mix is that it does a great job on anything it touches. Of course, you don’t have to put it on your ice cream or cookies, but if it’s in the savory realm, it goes great.” Known by the moniker “Chef Bob,” he also shares cooking tips and recipes on his company website, many of which are hard-earned from his years of working in commercial kitchens. “I am a chef by trade. And when I first became the chef at JH Ranch in Scott Valley, the people there are very proper, so it was always Chef Bob, never just Bob. So, Chef Bob has stuck with me for the last 20-plus years of doing this, and now it’s become something of a signature.”

Fleener’s path to chefhood started with fond moments from his childhood. “My grandmother loved to cook. My most distinct memory is going around at Christmas time and making cookies. Then, after high school, when nothing else really stuck with me, I started to think about what I really loved to do, and it became clear that cooking was the answer to that question.”

After community college in Oregon, a diploma from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and years of working his way through country clubs and high-end restaurants, Fleener realized something was missing. “One of my mentors mentioned that to make my mark, I had to find something that was unique to me, like a seasoning line or something.” The idea stuck with Fleener. “Around 1992, I decided I was going to just start plinkin’ around to see what made ▶ continued on page 60

“It’s tough enough for red meat but smart enough for vegetables. In fact, the steak blend itself is a vegetarian mix, but compliments rich red, fatty meats super well.”

sense with salts. So I kept messing around, trying it this way and that way, for more than a decade. And, it was through iteration after iteration that the Acme Superior Salt Mix was born.”

Fleener first launched Acme in Siskiyou County’s Scott Valley, without investors or a lot of buzz, just a few thousand dollars in self-financing and a small group of talented family and friends. He believed that the true test of his product would come in the form of neighborly approval—many of those neighbors being ranchers who knew their way around a barbecue and a smoker. “I decided, if I can’t sell in my own backyard, then it doesn’t matter, and I should just move on.” But the community showed up. Farmers markets. Holiday fairs. Local butchers. “I honestly cut my teeth with the people in Scott Valley, and they’re the ones that truly helped launch this thing.”

Today, Acme Salt Company offers seven product lines, with more in development. The “big three” remain the backbone: the original Acme Superior Salt Mix, the Smoky Maple BBQ blend, and the STK (steak) Blend. “The Superior mix does a great job of being multipurpose. The Smoky Maple blend is smoky and slightly sweet with a great compilation of

mesquite powder, granulated brown sugar, sweet chipotle, smoked paprika and celery seed,” Fleener explains. “It’s tough enough for red meat but smart enough for vegetables. In fact, the steak blend itself is a vegetarian mix, but compliments rich red, fatty meats super well.”

Acme is a family operation, with Fleener’s wife, Halli, a central player in its success. “She is my beautiful bride and my wife of 38 years, and part of the brains of the operation. It’s the honor of my life to be attached to this young lady,” he says. Their daughter Allison has also helped shape the brand, with one of her marketing friends from college also having designed the product labels from the beginning. “It’s cool to keep everything in the family, with friends and family helping friends and family.”

Even as Acme continues to grow and the base of its production shifts to new headquarters in Tennessee, Fleener keeps strong ties to Northern California, ever mindful of where it all began. “I want to honor them as much as possible. This is their business as much as ours.” Fleener likewise keeps his philosophy rooted in its origins: start small, trust your palate, and never stop plinking. •

Acme Salt Company www.Acmesaltco.com

Security You Can Trust

Since 1978, Giles Lock & Security has served the North State’s security needs. From replacing lost car keys to upgrading building security or opening safes, Giles Lock provides comprehensive locksmith services. Owner and lifelong Redding resident Jason Montague leads a team of experienced professionals dedicated to protecting the safety and security of every customer they serve.

A Positive Force in Community

Brothers Yamil and Ronnie Rocha, along with their brother-in-law Jose (center), are the heart of Rocha’s Auto Service, a business built on family values and community spirit. Whether walking into the office or garage, you will be greeted with a warm hello and friendly smile from these great guys! Now in their 31st year of business, Rocha’s continues to be voted your best auto repair shop in the North State.

California’s Western Adventure Ranch

Marble Mountain Ranch offers an authentic cowboy-themed dude ranch vacation, combining horseback trail riding with whitewater rafting, kayaking, sporting clays, ATV rides and fall fly fishing. Their all-inclusive “saddle and paddle” experience features superb dining and a youth buckaroo program, creating the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and family fun in a true Western setting.

THE LODGE on Butte

HISTORIC ODD FELLOWS HALL STILL ANCHORS DOWNTOWN

n a Lake Shasta Caverns tour early last summer, a light shines on a ladder going down into a dark hole. “That was part of an Odd Fellows hazing ritual back in the 1940s,” says Lake Shasta Caverns General Manager Matt Doyle. “They would blindfold a guy and lead him down here in his underwear, with a book of matches and a canteen. He had 24 hours to get out.”

Who are these Odd Fellows?

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was established in the 1700s and expanded into the United States a century later. The Odd Fellows migrated west after the Civil War, opening more lodges to serve as meeting places to and fulfill their founding oaths of relieving the distressed, visiting the sick, educating orphans and burying the dead.

By the end of the century, the IOOF had found its way to Redding and constructed a two-story building on 1445 Butte St. Completed in 1888, it is the city’s oldest brick

building as well as the oldest freestanding building in Shasta County (and stop #2 on the Downtown Redding Historical Walking Tour).

When the IOOF Hall opened, the Odd Fellows used the second floor for meetings while the bottom floor was rented out to local businesses. From 1890 to 1940, it was the Firth Bros. Mercantile, and the Thompsons’ Clothes for Men from 1926 to 1970. In the 1970s, Redding’s downtown core dramatically changed with the construction of the new mall. A lot of downtown’s original buildings disappeared in the process, but luckily the IOOF Hall survived.

In 2018, The McConnell Foundation bought the IOOF Hall from the Redding Odd Fellows Lodge No. 271 with the goal to support the building and continue to offer it as a community gathering place. The Foundation then partnered with Viva Downtown, a Main Street America organization, to rent out the IOOF Hall for events, meetings and more.

“Main Street America has experience of activating areas downtown in times of

transition, and the IOOF Hall is in the heart of downtown Redding, literally in the center of it,” says Main Street Coordinator Blake Fisher. From the Asphalt Cowboys using it for storage and organizing to Kool April Nites volunteers posting up there, at least 30 local organizations use the IOOF Hall.

“We’ve become an arts and culture hub and also have a year-long rotating art gallery. This place functions for community organizing and business partnerships,” Fisher adds.

But it’s quite special for the Redding Odd Fellows to still meet there.

Redding Odd Fellows member and past Grand Noble Ryan McCloskey joined the fraternity in 2018. He had been a Mason for a long time and worked for a cemetery owned by the Grand Lodge of the IOOF back in 2011. McCloskey got inducted into the Odd Fellows through the Yreka Lodge and confirms the Odd Fellows still hold ceremonies in caves, meeting in the Pythian Cave up in Siskiyou County. ▶ continued on page 64

“Another fraternal organization, the Knights of Pythias, owned that cave and then passed it down to the Freemasons who gave it to the Odd Fellows,” McCloskey says.

As a career undertaker, McCloskey says the “burying the dead” tenet of the Odd Fellows is what drew him to the organization. He explains that in 1878, the Redding Odd Fellows became an official charter and a year later went halves with the Masons to purchase a ceremony (in April 1879). It took the Odd Fellows 10 years to become solvent enough to build the IOOF building on Butte Street.

“It’s important for us to give proper burials to those who could not afford it. Since we will be joining those in death, we have to act accordingly in life,” McCloskey says. “A lot of what we do is aligned with biblical teachings and evolves around Good Samaritan law. David and Goliath is a big story told in the lodge.”

While the Odd Fellows’ Redding chapter was recently given an award by the Grand Lodge for its current membership growth, the Odd Fellows and other fraternities were especially booming in the 1920s era.

“Fraternities in the 1920s were important to democratic society in the West; we had our greatest numbers and financial stability from the 1920s-1950s. We used our lodges to problem solve, fundraise, hold dances,”

McCloskey says. “The upstairs meeting room of the IOOF Hall is a grand dance floor. The carpet rolls up and the Rebekahs (the lady branch of the IOOF) sold tickets.

“The Odd Fellows was founded at a time when this was the Wild West, yet carried its democratic ideals and talked openly about issues that affected their communities,” McCloskey says. While many people believe that the Odd Fellows is a secret society (and they can be quite elusive), McCloskey says, “We are not a secret society, but we have our secrets.”

The Redding Odd Fellows chapter had a float in the 1977 Rose Parade and bought the first real streetlights of downtown Redding. ”We wanted to be the light that shines in the community,” McCloskey says. Other famous

Odd Fellows include Charlie Chaplin, Wyatt Earp, Franklin Roosevelt and Rutherford B. Hayes.

McCloskey says the IOOF is always intentional in who they pass their buildings on to—and believes that the McConnell Foundation is the ideal steward of the IOOF Hall in its current state.

“I was the last Grand Noble to hold a meeting in 2021 in the lodge roombefore we moved all our possessions out. Now we meet downstairs, and the McConnell Foundation is still gracious enough to let us meet there,” McCloskey adds. And its hundreds-member strong organization is continuing to pay it back. Just recently the Redding Odd Fellows were out serving desserts at the Good News Rescue Mission and continue to jump in to help the community in times of need.

To that end, Main Street Coordinator Blake Fisher adds, “We are proud to share that the Odd Fellows still meet here at the historic building.” •

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University and loves to visit her parents in Redding.

At The Executive Barbershop, we’re proud to serve downtown Redding. Owner Yogi, a barber with 17 years of experience, leads a team of barbers who combine traditional craftsmanship with modern style. We offer quality haircuts and beard grooming in a classic barbershop setting where community and conversation come together. It’s more than a haircut, it’s an experience.

An Inviting Place to Gather

Meet Carlos Pizano of Shasta Lake. Carlos has been in the pizza business for over 30 years. With a love for people and community, it felt natural to create a hometown gathering place. Sharing that passion is his wife Alicia. Together they’ve built a welcoming spot reflecting the spirit of Shasta Lake. You can feel it the moment you walk in.

Royal Plumbing has been family-owned since 1970—and while their roots run deep, they’re all about staying current with the latest technology to make your life easier. From fast repairs to full installations, they offer reliable, long-lasting solutions, pipe lining, water filtration and emergency service when things go sideways.

North State Brews

TEN CRAFT BREWERIES WORTH RAISING A GLASS TO

Over the past few decades, craft beer has become one of the defining tastes of Northern California. From small mountain towns to lively downtown districts, independent brewers across the North State have turned their passion for hops, grains and creativity into gathering places where locals meet, travelers stop and new flavors are discovered. Here are ten craft breweries that help define the region’s growing beer culture.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company — Chico

Founded in 1979 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi, Sierra Nevada is widely considered one of the pioneers of the American craft beer movement. Its flagship Pale Ale helped popularize bold hop flavors and remains one of the most influential craft beers ever produced.

Fall River Brewing Company — Redding

Inspired by the rugged landscape of the Fall River Valley, this Redding brewery produces a range of handcrafted beers including IPAs, lagers and seasonal specialties. Its taproom has become a popular community gathering place.

Final Draft Brewing Company — Redding

Located in downtown Redding, Final Draft is known for its large rotating tap list and relaxed atmosphere, featuring dozens of taps and an ever-changing lineup of beers.

Woody’s Brewing Company — Redding

A locally owned brewery and restaurant, Woody’s focuses on great beer, good food and a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

Etna Brewing Company — Etna

Revived in 1990, this historic brewery traces its roots to 1872 and serves handcrafted beers and pub fare in downtown Etna.

Siskiyou Brew Works — Mount Shasta

This family-owned nano-brewery crafts European-style beers using glacier water from Mount Shasta and serves them alongside house-made pizzas.

Dunsmuir Brewery Works — Dunsmuir

Located in the historic railroad town of Dunsmuir, this microbrewery produces a rotating selection of handcrafted ales brewed on site.

Secret Trail Brewing Company — Chico

A newer addition to Chico’s brewing scene, Secret Trail offers small-batch craft beers and a welcoming neighborhood taproom.

Lost Coast Brewery — Eureka

Founded in 1989, Lost Coast Brewery is one of Northern California’s largest independent breweries and produces award-winning beers distributed throughout the region.

Trinity County Brewing Company — Weaverville

Located in historic Weaverville, this small brewpub produces craft beers on site and pairs them with casual pub food.

Together, these breweries reflect the spirit of the North State—independent, innovative and rooted in community. •

Local Craftsmanship MAN MADE

Christian is a proud veteran, devoted husband, and father who started a laser engraving business in Shasta County. With a big heart for helping people, he saw a need for quality awards without large minimum orders. His business proudly supports local schools, teams and small businesses while celebrating achievements with care and craftsmanship.

Live Your Purposeful Center

Life has a way of moving us off center. We don’t intend to lose focus, but often find ourselves reacting rather than living with intention. Center is designed to help individuals, leaders and teams analyze their current reality, reconnect with their core purpose and take practical steps toward centered alignment. Reach out for a free consultation.

Handcrafted Indulgence

Spencer James Chocolatiers continues the Chocolat de Nannette tradition, delighting Shasta County for more than 40 years. New owners Spencer Marcki and James Mazzotta bring fresh vision, guided by former owner Nancy Mathews. Their small-batch creations— truffles, bark, honeycomb and novelties—offer artisanal excellence for every occasion. Experience the legacy of Spencer James Chocolatiers today.

A LIFE IN STORIES

WILLIAM WONG FOEY SHARES RED BLUFF STORIES

or William Wong Foey, most days start with a seven-mile walk around his hometown of Red Bluff. “I don’t feel 75,” he says. “I feel pretty good.” The movement is part of a threepart daily routine. “I write every day and I paint every day. Being an artist and a writer, I’m never bored.”

Foey is a descendent of one of Red Bluff’s oldest Chinese families and has become a teller of its stories, with 10 books in publication and three more in production. While he says he’s always been an artist, he didn’t start writing until his 40s, when he realized the stories he’d been holding in needed an outlet. “I just kept remembering all these things my family told me about,” he says. “There were all these interesting things.”

With no prior training as a writer, he put together the true story of his father’s first wife dying at 19 because a white doctor refused to attend to a Chinese woman. “I still get choked up when I think of it,” says Foey. The story was so compelling that it won first place in a short story competition.

“There were things that needed to be said,” he adds. “A lot of it concerns my culture and things that happened in China and my family in Red Bluff.” While most stories become fictionalized accounts of stories he knows, he always researches his stories extensively. ▶ continued on page 70

Trout Fishing in Dunsmuir MAN MADE

Ted Fay’s Fly Shop is the perfect place to start your fishing adventure. They welcome both seasoned fly fishing pros and curious beginners to their well-stocked shop and the pristine waters surrounding Dunsmuir. Conveniently located in the heart of town, they are always happy to share local tips, scenic spots to explore and productive waters to cast your line.

Experts in Their Field

For more than 40 years, Jim Oliver and his wife Molly have built the team at Miller Collision Center into one of the North State’s most trusted body shops. They take great pride in their expert technicians and dedicated support staff who work together to ensure a seamless customer experience. Their certified technicians follow exact manufacturer standards to restore every vehicle to its pre-accident condition. They are proud of their team.

Joshua Littlefield is the Area Manager for BBSI, the largest business consulting company in the North State. Joshua and BBSI help businesses thrive by managing HR, payroll, benefits, workers’ comp and training so owners can focus on growth. Joshua is a family man and active community leader with the Redding Chamber, Rotary, Girls Inc., Raising Shasta-Catalyst Mentor and Leadership Redding.

Foey’s most recent book, “House of Wong,” spans 50 years of an interracial family moving from the Boxer Rebellion of the 1900s to the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s through the Communist takeover of China in the late 1940s. “It’s a message of family unity,” he says. “There are different personalities and political ideas but they stay together as a family through thick and thin. They always stick up for each other.”

Just as “House of Wong” is finding its first audiences, Foey is putting the finishing touches on “Water God,” which takes place in Marysville during the annual Bok Kai Festival, “the only celebration of its kind held outside of China.” According to local Chinese lore, the city of Marysville was saved from the great flood of 1955, so devastating to sister community Yuba City, because the water god is honored each year in this festival. He anticipates a release of Water God this summer.

A hallmark of Foey’s books is that they come with his own cover illustrations. His publisher offered the services of an artist to create the covers, noting that they could read the books and be inspired, but he says, “Who would understand the message of the book better than the author?”

Foey’s writing process harkens back to days of yore. Rather than settle in with a laptop, he pulls a chair up to an old-fashioned typewriter and begins punching keys, letting his imagination take him where it wants to go, without notes. “I just write what comes into my mind,” he says, noting a time when he wrote for three straight hours without realizing the time he was taking. If he hasn’t painted on that day, he’ll switch over to his canvas when the writing wanes. Other days he’ll start with painting and move into writing after. Usually, that seven-mile walk will have already taken place.

Occasionally, his routine is changed by substitute teaching gigs at Red Bluff schools. Foey holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in art and says, “I enjoy interacting with young people. Occasionally I share my experiences of Chinese culture in Northern California.” Foey has made several lectures around Northern California in libraries, bookstores and college campuses. “It’s important that people understand the diversity of what made America what it is,” he adds, “different cultures from around the world.”

“People tend to be afraid of cultures they don’t understand,” he says. This is one reason the Foey family has partnered with the Chew family, another longstanding Red Bluff family of Chinese heritage, to share the joys of Chinese New Year celebrations in the North State. The families bring traditional dragon dancers in and share the music and dances, as well as other Chinese traditions, of this important holiday.

“Deep down, we’re all the same,” says Foey. “We all hurt, feel pain, we all feel the desire for love. Our customs are different.” And while he cherishes the customs of his Chinese heritage, he’s also keen on life in Northern California. “I still enjoy going into the mountains, going fishing,” he says. “I just like the small-town type of environment.”

Gratefully, the small-town environment is conducive to his artistic productivity. “I have a whole line of stories I want to write,” says Foey. “Hopefully I will live long enough to write them all. As long as I still have a breath in me, I will keep writing.” •

Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

“I

have a whole line of stories I want to write,” says Foey. “Hopefully I will live long enough to write them all. As long as I still have a breath in me, I will keep writing.”

All Wheel Auto, Truck & RV Repair is celebrating 45 years! Robert Pitari proudly runs the family business with a commitment to excellence fueled by his incredible family and staff, specializing in general repairs and precision wheel alignments for autos, pickups, motorhomes, trailers and semi-trucks. All Wheel now offers Clean Truck Check smog inspections for heavy-duty diesel trucks and motorhomes.

Best Wraps Ever

For over 10 years, James Azbill and RDG Wrap have been creating bold, high-impact vehicle wraps and graphics in Redding. From cars and trucks to full business branding, RDG Wrap turns vehicles into moving advertisements. They also provide professional signs, banners, window and interior graphics to help businesses stand out. As the only certified wrap company north of Sacramento, RDG Wrap is known for unmatched quality, premium materials and attention to detail.

Welcome to one of Northern California’s finest organic coffee and café experiences. Kaleidoscope Coffee Company serves hot, fresh organic coffee crafted from premium beans roasted to perfection. Choose from a wide range of specialty drinks including rich mochas and creamy lattes served hot or iced, or enjoy a bold shot of espresso to give your day the perfect boost.

Icons of the Cruise

CLASSIC CARS YOU’LL PROBABLY SEE DURING KOOL APRIL NITES

Every spring, thousands of car enthusiasts gather in Redding for Kool April Nites—one of Northern California’s largest classic car events. What started in 1990 as a modest cruise night has grown into a weeklong celebration of automotive history, drawing more than 1,500 classic vehicles each year. From gleaming chrome to rumbling engines, the event showcases many of the most beloved cars ever built. While every year brings something different, these classic models are among the ones enthusiasts are most excited to see.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Few cars represent the golden age of American automobiles like the ’57 Bel Air. With its sweeping tailfins, chrome trim and bold twotone paint schemes, it remains one of the most recognizable classics ever produced.

1965 Ford Mustang

When the Mustang debuted in 1964, it created an entirely new category known as the “pony car.” Affordable, sporty and stylish, the Mustang quickly became one of the most popular cars in American history.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro was Chevrolet’s answer to the Mustang, and the 1969 model is often considered the most iconic. Its aggressive stance and powerful engine options made it a muscle-car legend.

1932 Ford Coupe

Often called the “Deuce Coupe,” the 1932 Ford became a favorite platform for hot-rod builders thanks to its lightweight body and availability of powerful V-8 engines.

1955 Chevrolet Nomad

Part wagon, part sports car, the Nomad offered distinctive styling and has become one of the most sought-after Chevrolet models among collectors.

1967 Pontiac GTO

Widely credited with launching the musclecar era, the GTO combined midsize practicality with a powerful V-8 engine and performance-focused design.

1940 Ford Deluxe

A favorite among custom builders and streetrod enthusiasts, the 1940 Ford is admired for its smooth lines and timeless design.

1970 Dodge Challenger

One of the most famous muscle cars of the era, the Challenger delivered big horsepower and unmistakable styling.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Ford’s two-seat Thunderbird blended luxury and performance, helping define the personal luxury car category.

1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

With elegant curves and Art Deco styling, this pre-war classic represents an earlier chapter in automotive history.

Whether polished to perfection or proudly showing decades of character, the vehicles that roll through Kool April Nites offer a glimpse into America’s automotive past. For car lovers, it’s not just a show—it’s a rolling museum of design, craftsmanship and horsepower. •

bookmark this

REDDING AUTHOR FAIR CONNECTS

LOCAL STORYTELLERS

t’s a reciprocal relationship as old as the written word itself: Authors need readers and readers need authors. Luckily, both parties will have the opportunity to grow that relationship in early May when the Redding Writers Forum hosts the 2026 Author Fair.

The fair will be held from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 2, at the Lake Redding Park pavilion adjacent to the boat ramp. Organizers expect between 20 and 30 authors will participate. “We’ll have pretty much every genre you can think of represented,” says Amy Rowland, president of the writers forum.

“We get an interesting variety of people,” adds Jennifer Levens, a longtime member of the Redding Writers Forum. “Science fiction, romance, historical fiction, non-fiction, poets. They’re all interesting to talk to and that’s so cool. It’s an opportunity for authors to get together and say, ‘Hey public, I’m here.’”

The fair will have plenty for readers, as well. Levens says a writing contest for kids is planned and participating authors will contribute a book to a big basket that will be raffled off. Authors will decorate their own tables and offer a variety of promotional items. “It gives people a chance to see the people in the community who are writing and expand their universe a bit.”

Sharon Owen, a traditionally published author (under the Sharon St. George pen name) who is working on the seventh book in her Aimee Machado mystery series, says author fairs give writers of all stripes a crucial link to prospective readers.

“They’re really very important,” Owen says. “Any opportunity where writers can sell in person is always well worth it. Authors such as myself have to take every opportunity to get our books out.”▶ continued on page 2

Drive through

TRY OUT THESE KOOL PLACES FOR GOOD EATS! ★

Savor5 5

GREAT EATS BEING DISHED OUT IN THE NORTH STATE

Walk in or curb side delivery

3425 Placer St., Ste 110

Redding Public Market 1551 Market St., Redding See our website for hours thebantamkitchen.com

Free or nominal fee delivery

9153 Deschutes Road, Palo Cedro Mon 11am-8pm /TuesSat 11am-9pm Closed Sundays (530)547-8989

1636 Market St., Redding

Mon-Wed 11am-8pm / Th-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat 9am-10pm / Sun 9am-10pm (530)246-2190 postofficesaloon.com

1154 Hartnell Ave., Redding

Tu-Sat 7am - 3pm / Closed Sundays and Mondays (530)605-1611 Find them on Facebook

8540 Airport Road, Redding Mon-Sat 10am- 7pm / Closed Sunday (530)364-2085 lovesmokinjoes.com

536 N. Market St., Redding Sun-Th 11am-9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-10pm (530) 275-4455 pizzafactory.com

835 Browning St. B, Redding Daily 10am-9pm (530) 276-8850 jerseymikes.com

22020 Palo Way, Palo Cedro Daily 8am-1pm (530) 547-4290 Find them on Facebook

2766 Balls Ferry Road, Anderson Closed Mondays Tues-Sat 11am-8pm / Sun 11am-5pm (530) 364-2211 Find them on Facebook

6400 Westside Road, Redding Mon-Th 7am-2pm / Fri-Sun 7am-3pm (530) 276-0111

Author fairs have a big upside for readers, as well, Rowland says. “You get to meet the author and talk about the book. You can see their eyes light up when they talk about their characters. You can get your book signed and maybe get some swag. And you’re also knowing the vast majority of the money is helping the author. We love selling our books, writing our books, the high we get when we get to talk about the books. It’s a highlight of our year to get to mix in with readers,” Rowland says. “It’s the bread and butter for an indie author. To get out and be seen and meet other authors. Most authors sell more at in-person events than they do online.”

Rowland, who publishes under the pen name Uriah Rowland, has three books out in what she describes as a mix of urban fantasy and

psychological thriller. She is shopping a fourth, in the science-fiction genre, and expects it will be published in 2026.

While publishing “has always been pretty saturated,” the advent of the digital age has made it easier for independent authors to selfpublish their work, Rowland says, but it also means “there are some authors who probably shouldn’t be doing it. There’s some poorly edited work out there.”

Independent authors “have to do everything ourselves and we take it very seriously,” Rowland says. “It’s not an easier route, it’s just an easier way to go” compared to obtaining management, contracting with a publisher and relinquishing some rights and creative control. Independent bookstores, like Shop Around the Corner (1430 Butte

HEALTH WISE

In Indian Country, protecting our children means honoring our responsibility to the next seven generations. Motor vehicle injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable harm to our children, yet many can be reduced with the proper use of car seats. Choosing the right car seat for your child’s age, height, and weight is a crucial step in injury prevention and helps keep our children safe on every journey.

Greenville Rancheria is proud to have Certified Car Seat Technicians available to support families in our community. These trained professionals can provide education, inspections, and hands-on assistance so caregivers can feel confident every time they buckle a child in. By using this local resource, we strengthen the safety of our families and protect our children for generations to come. For questions or help with proper car seat installation, please call a CHR today at (5300 528-8600. Child Safety Seats Save Lives.

St. in downtown Redding) and Bailey’s Book Nook in the Sherven Square building (1330 Market St.), are a valuable asset for independent authors and help them gain a little recognition. “We love partnering with independent bookstores. It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Rowland says.

The Redding Writers Forum, established in the early 1980s by Lois Cecil-Bisset and John Lawson, meets on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Pilgrim Congregational Church.

At its April 11 meeting, the forum will host a screenwriting workshop featuring Paul Zeidman, an award-winning screenwriter and host of the Creative Writing Life podcast. The event is from 10 am to 3 pm and includes lunch. Cost is $15 for Forum members and $25 for nonmembers. •

Jon Lewis is a Redding-based writer with more than 40 years of experience. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and sharing stories about people, places and things. He can be reached at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.

Rancheria

HEALTH PROGRAMS

Family Practice

Pediatrics

Medical Facilities

Dental Facilities

Medical transport within Plumas and Tehama Counties

Community Health Representatives

Indian Child Welfare Worker

Diabetes Services

Mental Health Services

Drug, Alcohol and Family Counselor

Addiction and Medication-Assisted Treatment

7

The Secret Ingredient

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

Servings: 8 || Prep Time: 25 minutes || Cook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

There’s a beautiful irony in chocolate zucchini bread: A recipe born from Depression-era resourcefulness has become the ultimate modern stealth-health dessert.

When home bakers first started tucking vegetables into their baked goods in the 1930s, they were stretching precious ingredients and adding moisture without expensive fats. Today, we’re using the same trick to sneak nutrients past suspicious kids and justify second slices for ourselves.

The genius of chocolate zucchini bread lies in its complete disguise. Unlike carrot cake, which announces its vegetable presence with visible orange flecks, zucchini disappears entirely into the batter. The chocolate does all the heavy lifting, creating a fudgy, brownie-like texture that makes the “bread” label feel almost apologetic. You’re not eating vegetables—you’re eating chocolate cake that happens to stay impossibly moist for days.

And about that moisture: Zucchini is 95 percent water, which makes it nature’s perfect baking ingredient. The two cups of finely grated zucchini in this recipe aren’t just adding bulk; they’re creating a dense, tender crumb that traditional chocolate cake can only achieve with significantly more oil or butter. While this recipe still calls for a full cup of vegetable oil, many bakers find they can reduce it by a third without sacrificing texture, thanks to the zucchini’s natural moisture.

Let’s talk nutrition for a moment. A single serving of this bread contains far fewer calories than an equivalent slice of traditional chocolate cake, and you’re getting actual vitamins and minerals alongside your chocolate fix. Zucchini contributes vitamin C, potassium and fiber, while the unsweetened chocolate squares provide antioxidants and a richer, more complex chocolate flavor than cocoa powder alone. The eggs add protein, and that teaspoon of cinnamon isn’t just for warmth—it helps regulate blood sugar levels. No, this is not health food, but it’s certainly a smarter choice when the chocolate craving hits.

Zucchini, of course, is plentiful year-round at your neighborhood grocery store. And April is the perfect time in our region to plant zucchini in your backyard garden. Zucchini thrives in the long, hot summers in the northern Sacramento Valley. The bigger challenge is usually controlling the harvest rather than coaxing the plants to grow. Chocolate zucchini bread became famous partly as the solution to this abundance, and it remains one of the best ways to preserve that summer bounty.

This is a recipe that makes everyone happy: Kids devour it without suspicion, health-conscious adults appreciate the hidden vegetables, and chocolate lovers get their fix in a form that happens to freeze well and travel beautifully.

At 20 servings, this recipe is perfect for sharing, gifting or simply ensuring you have chocolate bread on hand whenever the mood strikes.

Just remember: If anyone asks what makes it so moist, you can smile and say it’s an old family secret. They’ll never guess it’s hiding in plain sight. •

ingredients

• 2 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups finely grated zucchini, drained

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips

directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.

Step 2: Melt unsweetened chocolate squares in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, 1 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Beat sugar, zucchini, oil, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined. Beat in melted chocolate.

Step 4: Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until just blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pans.

Step 5: Bake loaves in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes.

Step 6: Cool to room temperature before slicing. Enjoy!

NORTH STATE MORNING

Cole McClure is a Northern California photographer whose work is shaped by the forests, rivers, and mountains of the North State. Through his project Everyman’s Odyssey, he captures quiet moments in the natural world that invite viewers to slow down, reflect and rediscover a sense of peace in ordinary landscapes. Find his work on Instagram @ Everymansodyssey

CAVEMAN STEW

Serves: 6-8 || Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes || Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)

This bold, slow-simmered beef stew is packed with chunky vegetables and rich, savory broth— perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings or anytime you want a meal that feels both comforting and substantial. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes and watch it disappear.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lbs. beef chuck, cut into 1–1½-inch cubes

• 3 T olive oil or bacon drippings

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 3-4 medium potatoes, cut into large cubes

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 8 oz. mushrooms, halved (optional but delicious!)

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional; adds depth)

• 2 T tomato paste

• 1 tsp. dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes per batch. The better the browning, the richer the stew flavor.

Step 2: Once all the beef is browned, reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook about 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 3: Add carrots, potatoes, celery and mushrooms. Stir to combine. Mix in tomato paste, coating the veggies and beef.

Step 4: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1½–2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender and veggies are soft. Stir occasionally. If stew seems thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust salt/pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.

• Paul Bunyanʼs Forest Camp

• Freshwater Aquarium

• Parrot Playhouse

• Saturday Programs & More! Plan Your Visit to Turtle Bay!

local events

CALENDAR

APRIL 2026

FEATURED EVENTS

April 3

anderson

April 2

• Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt, Anderson River Park Splash Pad, 800 Rupert Road, 6pm, www.facebook.com/AndersonCAParks

April 4

• The SDF Market, Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 9am-3pm, www.shastadistrictfairandeventcenter.com

• The Shasta County Sports, Pokemon, and Trading Card Show, Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 10am-5pm, www.shastadistrictfairandeventcenter.com

April 7

• Retired Employees’ Association of California (RPEA) Meeting, Vittles Family Restaurant, 11am, 2385 North St., www.rpea.com

April 12

• Anderson Valley Garden Club Spring Plant Sale, Anderson VFW, 3210 W. Center St., 9am-2pm, www.facebook.com/ groups/1457169587939147

April 17-18

• Roses and Rust Marketplace: Petals and Patina, Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 4-8pm Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday, www.rosesandrustvintagemarket.com

April 19

• Wild Trout and Fly Fishing in Clear Creek, Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, Clear Creek Road, www.horsetownclearcreekpreserve.org

April 25

• North State Cancer League 2026 Gala, Shasta District Fair and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., www.northstatecancerleague.org

chico

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• Chico Wednesday Farmers Market, North Valley Plaza Mall parking lot, Pillsbury Road adjacent to Trader Joe’s, 7:30am-noon, www.chicofarmersmarket.com

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Thursday Night Market, Downtown Chico on Broadway Street between 2nd and 4th streets, 6-9pm, www.downtownchico.com

April 4, 11, 18, 25

• Chico Saturday Farmers Market, Downtown Chico municipal parking lot, 2nd and Wall streets, 7:30am-1pm, www.chicofarmersmarket.com

April 4

• Tiny Treasures Lunar Market, Movement Arts, 254 E. 1st St., 6-9pm, www.facebook.com/ events/1437405744592240

April 10

• Wildflowers and Blue Oak Woodlands at Dixon Ranch - NCRLT EcoTour, Meet at the NCRLT office in Philadelphia Square complex, 9am-3pm, https://landconservation. networkforgood.com/events/95344wildflowers-and-blue-oakwoodlands-at-dixon-ranch

April 12

• Kite Day, Community Park, 1900 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, noon-3pm, www.chicorec.gov

April 18

• An Evening in Paris: Inclusive Prom, CARD Center, 545 Vallombrosa Ave, 5-7:30pm, www.chicorec.gov

• Woofstock Chico, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., 11:30am5pm, www.woofstockchico.com

April 25-26

• Chico Velo Wild Flower Century Ride and Festival, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., noon-6pm Saturday, 5:30am-6pm Sunday, www.wildflowercentury.org

cottonwood

April 11

• Spring Fling on Front Street, Historical Front Street in Cottonwood, 10am-4pm, cottonwoodchamberofcommerce.com

durham

April 11

• Chico Exchange Brewfest, Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, 1-4pm, www.chicobrewfest.com

dunsmuir

April 11

• Dunsmuir Second Saturdays, Downtown Dunsmuir, 11am-9pm, www.dunsmuirsecondsaturday.com

April 24-25

• Dogwood Daze, various places in Dunsmuir, various times, www.dunsmuir.com

magalia

April 11

• Kids Free Fishing Day, Paradise Lake, 6800 Lucretia Road, 6am-2pm, www.paradisechamber.com

mccloud

April 11, 22

• Spring Roller Skating, McCloud Dance Hall, 104 Pine Street, 2-8pm, www.discoversiskiyou.com

mount shasta

April 4

• Easter Egg Hunt, Mount Shasta City Park, 1315 Nixon Road, 10am, www.mtshastachamber.com

April 11

• Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center Community Appreciation and End of Season Party, Springhill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Road, 4-7pm, www.mtshastachamber.com

April 18

• Under The Northern Lights Gala: A Night To Shine for Shelter Pets, Mount Shasta Resort, 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd., 5-10pm, www.facebook.com/ events/761097150374797

April 25

• Earth Day Festival, Mount Shasta City Park, 1315 Nixon Road, 11am, www.mountshastaecology.org

oroville

April 4

• BAM! Butte Art Market, Oroville State Theater, 1489 Myers St., 10am-3pm, www.orovillestatetheater.com

• 18th Annual Wildflower & Nature Festival, Riverbend Park, 50 Montgomery St., 10am-4pm, www.frrpd.com

April 24

• Dueling Pianos, The Gray Nurse Hardware, 1359 Huntoon St., 7pm, www.downtownoroville.com

paradise

April 4

• Easter Egg Hunt, Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, 9-11am, www.paradisechamber.com

April 24

• Paradise Elks Dinner & Hoedown, Paradise Elks Lodge, 1100 Elk Lane, 4-10pm, www.paradisechamber.com

April 25

• Gold Nugget Days Parade, Skyway from the Paradise Shopping Center (aka Holiday Shopping Center) to Birch Street in Paradise, noon-1pm, www.paradisechamber.com

April 25-26

• Gold Nugget Craft Faire, Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, 9am5pm, www.paradisechamber.com

April 26

• 30th Annual Horse Festival, Moore Road Horse Arena, 6705 Moore Road, 11am-4pm, www.facebook.com/ events/897260643246559

red bluff

April 9

• Round Up Cowboy Coffee, Red Bluff Dodge, 545 Adobe Road, 7:45am, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 11

• Round-Up Chili Cookoff, Downtown Red Bluff, Washington & Pine Streets, 9am-3pm, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 13

• Cowboy Poetry, Jr. Art Building, Tehama County Fairgrounds, 650 Antelope Blvd, 6-8pm, www.tehamaarts.org

April 16

• Round-Up Cowboy Mixer, Reynolds Ranch and Farm Supply, 501 Madison St., 5:30-10pm, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 17

• Chamber Cowboy Golf Tournament, Wilcox Oaks Golf Club, 20995 Wilcox Golf Road, 8am, www.redbluffchamber.com

April 18

• Round-Up Parade, Red Bluff Madison to Washington to Walnut Streets, 10am-noon, www.redbluffchamber.com

redding

April 1-31

• Bigfoot Adventure Challenge, all over Shasta County, www. bigfootadventurechallenge.com

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Trivia Night at the Tropics, 2 555 S. Market St., 7pm, www.facebook.com/reddingtropics

April 3

• First Fridays in Downtown Redding, Downtown Redding stores, 5pm, www.visitredding.com

• North Valley Art League Reception, Carter House Gallery, 48 Quartz Hill Road, 5-7pm, www.nval.org

April 3-4

• Redding Cultural Cruise, various places around Redding, 5-8pm Friday, 10am-3pm Saturday, www.shastaartscouncil.org

• Red City Zinefest, Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., www.shastaartscouncil.org

April 3-30

• 24 Karat Art Show, The Art Hunger, IOOF Hall, 1504 Market St., www.thearthunger.com

April 4

• Hops and Shops 2026, IOOF Hall, 1504 Market St., 2-6pm, www.vivadowntownredding.org/2026hops-shops

April 4, 11, 18, 25

• Redding Farmers Market, behind City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave., 8:30am-noon, www.reddingfarmersmarkets.com

• Sipp’n Saturdays, Branch House Riverfront Bistro, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, 5-7pm, www.branchhouseredding.com

April 5, 12, 19, 26

• Trivia Night, Branch House Riverfront Bistro, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, 5-7pm, www.branchhouseredding.com

• Bingo, The Tropics, 2555 South Market St., 7-9pm, www.facebook.com/reddingtropics

April 6, 13, 20, 27

• Music Mondays, Mosaic Restaurant, 826 Sundial Bridge Drive, 6-8pm, www.mosaicredding.com/events

April 7, 14, 21, 28

• Step by Step School of Ballroom Dance, Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., 5:30-7:30pm, www.shastaartscouncil.org/classes

• Karaoke Night, The Tropics, 2555 South Market St., 8pm, www.facebook.com/ reddingtropics

April 10-12

• Red City Music Fest, Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., 6-11pm Friday, 5-11pm Saturday, noon-4pm Sunday, www.instagram.com/redcityfestival

April 11

• Book Swap, Bailey’s Book Nook, 1330 Market St., 10:30am-noon, www.enjoylocalevents.com

TREASURE ISLAND

April 11-18

• Week of the Young Child, Multiple locations in Shasta County, www.first5shasta.org

April 17

• Nor-Cal Think Pink 2nd Annual Golf Classic, Tucker Golf Course, 6241 Churn Creek Road, 9am, www.norcalthinkpink.org

April 17-19

• Art Show “Looking out, Looking In –Art that Heals,” Barnwood Gallery, 1127 Parkview Ave., 6-9pm Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday, 2-6pm Sunday, www.enjoylocalevents.com

April 18

• Earth Day Festival, Caldwell Park, 3 Quartz Hill Road, 11am-4pm, www.ecoshasta.org

• 599 Fest, IOOF Hall and Whistle Stop Park, 1504 Market St., www.599fest.com

April 24

• Fourth Friday Concert Series, IOOF Hall, 1504 Market St., 7-9pm, www.facebook.com/even ts/748456371170301/748456404503631

April 25

• The Shasta Symphony Orchestra presents “The Stuffs of Life,” Shasta College Theatre, Building 500, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, 3-5pm, www.shastacollege.edu

shasta lake

April 1-29

• Yoga, Larry J Farr Community Center, 4499 Main St., 5:30-6:30pm Monday and Wednesday, www.enjoylocalevents.com

April 25

• Nail the Rail Half Marathon, Chappie OHV, 8am, www.midniteracing.net/nailthe-rail-half-marathon.html

April 26

• Community Ukulele Club Meetup, Shasta Lake Community United Methodist Church, 1509 Hardenbrook Ave., 2-3:30pm, www.cityofshastalake.gov

weed

April 18

• Dunsmuir Rotary Golf Tournament, Lake Shastina Golf Resort, 5925 Country Club Dr., 8am, www.facebook.com/groups/ dunsmuirrotary

yreka

April 11-12

• State of Jefferson Expo and NorCal Chainsaw Carving Championship, Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds, 1712 Fairlane Road, 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday, www.sisqfair.com

anderson library

www.shastalibraries.org

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Knitting Club, 10am-12pm

• Storytime, 3:30-4:30pm

axiom theatrerepertory

www.axreptheatre.com

April 17-30

• “Mother Courage and Her Children,” Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

cascade theater

www.cascadetheatre.org

April 4

• CCsegeR, 7:30pm

April 8

• The Psychology of Serial Killers, 7:30pm

April 18

• Grease Sing-Along, 7pm

April 19

• Sierra Hull, 7:30pm

April 21

• Tommy Emmanuel CGP, 7:30pm

chico performances

www.chicoperformances.com

April 2

• Book in Common - Rosanna Xia: California Against the Sea: Visions for our Vanishing Coastline, 7:30pm

April 10-11

• Banff Mountain Film Festival, 7:30pm

April 26

• OAK Trio, 2pm

April 30

• Chico State School of the Arts presents The SpongeBob Musical, 7:30pm

chico theatre company

chicotheatrecompany.csstix.com

April 24-30

• “Once Upon a Mattress,” 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

jefferson performing arts center www. jeffersoncenterforthearts. com

April 25

• Starwater & Sol, 7:30pm

kool april nites www.koolaprilnites.com

April 17

• Players Pizza Show and Shine, 2305 Balls Ferry Road, Anderson, 10am-2pm

• Spring Fest Offical Downtown Kickoff and Blues Concert, Spring Fest Car & Bike Show, 1504 Market Street, 4-9pm

April 18

• Farmers Market Show & Shine, Behind City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave, 8-10am

• Lithia Chevrolet Show & Shine, 200 East Cypress Ave, 10am-1:30pm

• Anderson River Park Show & Shine, 2800 Rupert Road, Anderson, 1:30 pm

• Box Drop Mattress Store Show & Shine, 940 Wall Street, 2pm

• Gaia Hotel & Spa Show & Shine, 4125 Riverside Place, Anderson, 4-7pm

• Country Bowl Show & Shine with DJ Jake Easy, 2615 Bechelli Ln, 6pm April 19

• Kent’s Meat & Groceries Show & Shine, 8080 Airport Road, 10am-2pm

• Locust Street Auto Repair Show & Shine, 905 Locust St., 10am-2pm

• Win River Casino Show & Shine, 2100 Redding Rancheria Rd., 11am-3pm

• Mountain Gate RV Park Show & Shine, 14161 Holiday Rd, noon-3pm

• Dudes Drive Inn Show & Shine, 1644 Hartnell Ave., 2-5pm

• Linda’s Hallmark & Gift Gallery Show & Shine, 1615 Hilltop Dr, Ste. E02, 4-7pm

• Colt 45’s Show & Shine, 1000 W. Cypress Ave., 6-9pm April 20

• Golden State Dispensary Show & Shine, 345 Hemsted Dr., 9am-1pm

• Hilltop Springs Senior Living Show & Shine, 7 Hilltop Dr., 10am-1pm

• Sunbelt Rentals Show & Shine, 4850 Mountain Lakes Blvd., 11am-3pm

• Cookies Dispensary Show & Shine, 1700 East Cypress Ave, 1-4pm

• Willows Spring Memory Care Show & Shine, 191 Churn Creek Road, 2-5pm

• Red Lion Hotel Show & Shine, 1830 Hilltop Dr., 4-7pm

• Fall River Brewing Show & Shine with Full Throttle Concert, 4001 Eastside Road, 6-9pm

April 21

• Kuebler’s Furniture Show & Shine, 1894 Churn Creek Road, 11am-2pm

• Subarama Sandwich Show & Shine, 2658 Hilltop Dr., 11am-2pm

• Grange Co-Op Show & Shine, 55 Lake Blvd., 1-3pm

• Dignity Health Connected Living Show & Shine, 100 Mercy Oaks Dr., 2-6pm

• Riverview Golf & Country Club Show & Shine, 4200 Bechelli Lane, 3-7pm

• Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Show & Shine, 815 Browning St., 5-8pm

• Riddick’s Sports Pub Show & Shine, 200 Hartnell Ave., 6:30-9pm

April 22

• Orchard Nutrition Center Show & Shine, 221 Locust St., 9am-noon

• Shasta College Show & Shine, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, 10am-2pm

• Paint Mart‘s Show & Shine, 2330 Larkspur Lane, 11am

• The Best Dam Poker Run, Shasta Lake Chamber of Commerce, 1525 Median Ave., Shasta Lake, 11am-1pm

• The Best Dam Car Show & Shine, Margaret Polf Park, 17760 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, 2-7pm

• Anderson Family Fitness Show & Shine, 2626 Ganyon Dr., Anderson, noon-2pm

• Kool April Drags Redding Motorsports Park Show & Shine, 6750 Old Oregon Trail, 2-4pm

• Cottonwood Chamber/ Swanky Motor Co. Show & Shine, 20804 Front Street, Cottonwood, 4-7pm

• Main Street Band Concert & Drive in Movie Night “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 6-10pm

• Redding Motor Sports Street Machine Grudge Racing, Redding Motorsports Park, 6750 Old Oregon Trail, 6-10pm April 23

• R & R Auto & Truck Repair Show & Shine, 3165 Twin View Blvd., 9am-1pm

• WCP Solutions Show & Shine, 4041 Eastside Road, 10am-1pm

• Hen House Show & Shine, 2621 Hartnell Ave., 3-7pm

• Simpson University Show & Shine, 2211 College View Dr., 4-7pm

• Redding Shamber of Commerce/Crown Motors Mixer Show & Shine, 555 Cypress Ave., 5-8pm

• Downtown Show & Shine, Redding Parking Lot, Corner of California Street & Placer Street, 7-9:30pm

• The Park Redding’s Food Truck Hub with Whiskey Kronic Concert, The Park, Downtown Redding, 7-9pm April 24

• Grant Elementary School Show & Shine,6500 Grant St., 8-11am

• Kool April Drags, Redding Motorsports Park, 6750 Old Oregon Trail, 8am-10pm

• O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Show & Shine, Old SF Deli Parking Lot, 2395 Athens Ave., 10am-1pm

• Burnsini Winery Show & Shine, 19535 Hammers Lane, Cottonwood, 11am-2pm

• Shasta High School Show & Shine, 2500 Eureka Way, 11am-1:30pm

• Foothill High School Show & Shine, 9733 Deschutes Road, Palo Cedro, 11am-1pm

• Enterprise High School Show & Shine, 3411 Churn Creek Road, noon-2pm

• Shasta Harley-Davidson Show & Shine, 1268 Twin View Blvd., noon-3pm

• The OK Corral Show & Shine, 3633 Main Street, Cottonwood, 1-4pm

• Mechanics Bank Show & Shine, 4621

Churn Creek Road, 2-5pm

• Kool April Nites Cruise ’26, Hilltop Drive/Churn Creek Road Area, 6:308:30pm

April 25

• The Big Show & Shine 2026, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 7am-4pm

• Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 8-10:30am

• Kool April Drags, Redding Motorsports Park, 6750 Old Oregon Trail, 8am-10pm

• Lidie Powersports Dyno Machine Demo, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., noon-1pm

April 26

• Kool April Nites Circle of Champions Show & Shine, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 8amnoon

• Asphalt Cowboys Pancake Breakfast, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 8-10:30am

• The Car Corral, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., 8am1pm

• Circle of Champions Awards Presentation, Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Dr., noon-1pm

red bluff round-up

www.redbluffroundup.com

April 17

• Friday Night Performance, Frank Moore Arena, 7pm

April 18

• Saturday Afternoon, Frank Moore Arena, 2:30pm

April 19

• Sunday Afternoon Performance, Frank Moore Arena, 1:30pm

redding auditoriumcivic

www.reddingcivic.com

April 11-12

• Redding Sportsmans Expo, 9am-5pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday, www.reddingsportsmansexpo.com

April 17

• Jon Pardi, 7pm

redding library

www.shastalibraries.org

April 1-29

• Storytime, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30-11:30am April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Stay and Play, 10:30am-12:30pm

April 4

• Friends of Shasta County Libraries Booksale, All Day

April 7, 14, 21, 28

• Teen Action Board, 4pm

April 18

• Rev, Rumble, and Roar, 10am-noon redding performing arts center www.reddingpac.com

April 2-4

• Behind the Mask, Timbre Theatre & Café, 3274 Bechelli Ln., 7pm Thursday and Friday, 2pm and 7pm Saturday

April 9

• Blue Moon Marquee, The Box, 3290 Bechelli Ln., 7pm

April 10-11

• 5th Annual Broadway Cabaret, Timbre Theatre & Café, 3274 Bechelli Ln., 7pm Friday and Saturday riverfront playhouse www.riverfrontplayhouse.net

April 2-19

• “Frozen Jr.,” 6pm Thursday-Friday, 2pm Saturday-Sunday

April 18

• All Female Clean Comedy Revue, 7pm schreder planetarium www.shastacoe.org/programsservices/planetarium

April 3

• Kids Night: Solar System (Earth, Moon, and Sun; Beyond the Sun), 6pm

April 17

• Family Night: Violent Origins (Birth of Planet Earth, Incredible Sun; NASA Future of Human Exploration), 7pm state theatre red bluff www.statetheatreredbluff.com

April 9

• Tyrus Comedy Tour, 7:30pm theatre on the ridge www.totr.org

April 2-12

• “Ride the Cyclone,” 7:30pm ThursdaySaturday, 2pm Sunday the dip www.thedipredding.com

April 1

• Keep Flying and KNOXEY, 8pm

April 2

• MINKA and Smokey the Groove, 8pm April 3

• Bit Brigade performs: Mega Man X, 8pm

April 7

• WAAX, 8pm

April 10

• Pleasure Pill and Native Sun, 8pm

trinity alps performing arts center

www.tapaconline.org

April 10

• Brian Conway & Cate Sandstom Irish Fiddle Duet, 7pm

April 14

• Hattie & Joe Craven, 7pm

April 24-26

• “Xanadu Jr.” 7pm and 2pm

April 29

• Scottish Fish, 7pm

turtle bay exploration park

www.turtlebay.org

April 1-26

• Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits, Museum Hours

April 1-30

• Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild, Museum hours

• Famous Artists Student Art Show: A Walk in Nature, Museum Hours

• Blurred Boundaries: The Art of Merryll Saylan, Museum Hours

• Water Wonders, 10:30am, WednesdayThursday

• Mosaic Featured Artist Lara Wilhelm, Mosaic Art Gallery, Gallery Hours

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Little Explorers, 10-11am

April 3-26

• Open Training, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11am-noon

April 3

• First Friday & Redding Cultural Cruise, 4-8pm

April 4

• Art Workshop: Mixed Media Happy Mail!, 1-4pm

April 3-4

• Spring Plant Sale, Turtle Bay Garden Nursery, 4-7pm Friday, 9am-3pm Saturday

April 4

• Charlie Rabbit and Friends, Turtle Bay Garden Nursery, 10-11am

April 11

• Family 2nd Saturday, 10am-1pm

• Plant Talk: Successful Garden Irrigation, Turtle Bay Garden Nursery, 10am-noon

• Plant Talk: Do You Want to Work in Horticulture?, Turtle Bay Garden Nursery, 1-3pm

• A Life in the Wild - An Evening with Thomas D. Mangelsen, 3-5pm

April 14

• Week of the Young Child: Pop-Up Story Time, 9-11am

April 17

• Week of the Young Child: Move, Learn & Play at Turtle Bay, 1-4pm

April 18

• Science Saturday, 10am-1pm

• Paint Night at the Museum Spring Flowers, 4:30-7pm

April 25

• Art Lab, 10am-1pm

• Guided Garden Walk, 10-11am

win-river resort and casino

www.winriver.com

April 3-25

• Overtime Live DVJs, 9:30pm, FridaysSaturdays

April 26

• Chase Matthew, 7:30pm

Discover what’s happening next at EnjoyLocalEvents.com

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TO GET YOUR

EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR

If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine, please post it on our website www.enjoylocalevents.com by the 1st of the month— one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a May event will need to be posted by April 1.

WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA COWBOYS PROFESSIONAL RODEO ASSOCIATION?

The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association is a nonprofit organization that sanctions rodeos throughout California (and one in Nevada). Contestants compete across the state with the goal of qualifying for the CCPRA Finals, held Thanksgiving weekend in Red Bluff.

givingback

WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM THIS ORGANIZATION’S WORK? Both contestants and local communities benefit. We uphold a rulebook and standards each rodeo must follow, ensuring every contestant has a fair opportunity to compete at their best. Because competitors know they are entering a toplevel competition, participation remains strong, which in turn drives economic activity in the communities that host CCPRA rodeos.

HOW DOES CCPRA SUPPORT SMALL TOWNS THAT HOST RODEOS? Contestants travel from across the West Coast, and sometimes across the country, to compete. Approximately 200 contestants enter each rodeo, staying in local lodging, dining at restaurants and spending money in the community. They also put on a great show for rodeo fans. Local rodeo committees receive revenue from ticket sales, concessions and other event income. Many of these committees are well known for giving scholarships and supporting other nonprofit organizations in their hometowns.

HOW LONG HAS CCPRA BEEN SERVING CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES?

CCPRA has been sanctioning rodeos since 1966.

WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT REALIZE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF RODEOS?

Members of the association come from all walks of life. They are teachers, salespeople, bank executives, veterinarians, peace officers, students and ranchers. Many compete only on weekends, but they all share the same passion for rodeo. Throughout the year, contestants compete for close to half a million dollars in prize money. For some it’s a hobby, for others a profession, and for many it’s both.

In what ways does CCPRA support its members beyond competition?

The CCPRA is constantly revising its rulebook to stay ahead of the curve, for the growth of the sport of rodeo. Contestants of all skill levels know they have an association advocating for them and looking out for their best interests.

WHY DO YOU THINK RODEO CONTINUES TO RESONATE WITH YOUNGER GENERATIONS? Rodeo is thrilling for fans of all ages. While the sport is rooted in tradition, it continues to evolve and push the envelope. Each year we see new specialty acts, performers and professionals bringing fresh energy and excitement to rodeo performances. It’s also an inclusive sport that allows young men and women from a variety of backgrounds to compete. Our association proudly offers breakaway roping for women, an event that has quickly become one of the most popular with rodeo fans.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES CCPRA SUPPORT ITS MEMBERS BEYOND COMPETITION? The association continually revises its rulebook to support the growth and future of rodeo. Contestants at all skill levels know they have an organization advocating for them and looking out for their best interests.

HOW CAN SOMEONE SUPPORT OR GET INVOLVED WITH CCPRA? You can join CCPRA as a competing member or attend a rodeo as a fan. The full rodeo schedule and membership information can be found at ccpra.com.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO CCPRA? What sets our association apart is its truly inclusive nature. We provide a platform for contestants of all skill levels to compete. At any given CCPRA rodeo, you might see National Finals Rodeo qualifiers competing alongside National High School Rodeo Association contestants. Many world-class champions began their journeys—and still compete—within CCPRA.

Addicted

to success

I experienced every type of childhood trauma you could think of. I grew up in poverty and became deeply entrenched in active addiction.

Just a couple of years ago, I was facing up to 20 years in prison. I talked to my daughter on the phone from jail, and she’s like, “Dad, ask for help.” I told her, “They don’t help people like me.” She’s like, “Just ask.”

I was accepted by Judge Flynn into a special intensive program that taught me a lot of things about my addiction and about my trauma. I’m not making excuses for my behavior I did as an adult, but the things that happened to me, to be sure, did not help a lot. And, as I eventually came to realize, it was not that I had a drug problem; I used drugs to solve my problems.

Eventually, I reached out to Nick Hitchko at STEP-UP to see if I could go back to college. I also talked to my friend Art Sevilla about what degree and career I could pursue. He told me that with all my lived experience, I should be a Drug and Alcohol counselor. I’m indebted to him for providing me with that insight and direction.

I’m now in my fourth semester of the Drug and Alcohol Studies program at Shasta College. My ultimate dream is to get my BSW from Chico State and then get my MSW. I made the

Dean’s list, and I’m part of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I’ve actively participated in TRIO, EOPS, PACE, STEP-UP, and College Corps, and they are all amazing. Words fall short of my appreciation for all the people at Shasta College, like Chase Brown, Tulledo Johnson, Gena Aregeano, and Susan Westler. Nick at STEP-UP, my probation officers Delina Brown and Caitlin Avery, Visions of The Cross, and the honorable Judge Flynn…they’re all my cheerleaders.

My daughter called me “Dad” for the first time about a year ago. It was the most heartwarming thing that’s ever happened to me. I know what I want to do, and I have friends who love me for who I am, not for what I can provide for them.

Finally, after 40 years, I’ve found peace, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!

Mark Shasta College Knight

Focused on Vision, Committed to Care

Clear vision starts with experience. Dr. Mitch Martin brings decades of training and patient-focused care to Enterprise Optometry. A Pacific University graduate with residency training at the Portland VA Medical Center, he’s proud to serve the Redding community. When he’s not helping patients see their best, you’ll find him enjoying the outdoors and supporting local youth sports.