Enjoy Magazine: Northern California Living — March 2026

CONTENTS

POWER AND GRACE —featured stories—

20: Claudia Licata’s Road from Kitchen to Catering

29: The Strength of Women Supporting Women

30: Aimée Sunseri’s Winemaking Journey to New Clairvaux

35: A Small Sampling Of History-Making Women

36: Our Lady of Mt. Shasta, The Merlo Family’s Enduring Tribute

44: Nancy Swift Leads JEDI’s Economic Mission in Northern California

50: Eleanor Roosevelt: Redefining The Role Of First Lady

52: The Rescue that Saved Lives Resulted in a Pulitzer Prize

60: Anca Marissa Sira’s Integrative Approach

70: Araceli Gutierrez Bridges Cultures and Opportunity

76: Inside Palo Cedro’s Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe

83: Ruth Wakefield Invents the Chocolate Chip Cookie

86: Don’s Sandwich Shop in Redding

94: Q&A with Sarah Roth, Redding Fire, and Jennifer Thomas, JL Thomas Construction

104: Margaret Leard’s Century of Living

112: Midwife Nora McNeill Celebrated in Redding

116: Margarita Sames Popularizes s Timeless Cocktail ▶

continued on page 9 MARCH 2026

IMPACT NOW

THE M c CONNELL FOUNDATION

Benefiting Animal Services

The McConnell Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of the North State, recently awarded grants that will benefit animal services in Shasta, Tehama and Trinity counties.

A new x-ray machine for the Shasta County Haven Humane Society will allow for onsite procedures. The veterinary team will be able to quickly assess injuries, develop treatment plans, and ensure better outcomes for the pets while saving travel time and money.

The purchase of a climate-controlled animal transport vehicle for Tehama County Animal Services gives the organization the ability to transport more animals in a safe environment, resulting in the ability to attend more adoption events and enhance rescue operations.

Improvements to prioritized areas of the Trinity County Animal Shelter will allow a diverse array of volunteers — from teens to seniors, and those with disabilities — to safely work with the animals in a pleasant, sustainable environment.

NORTHERN

note from our team a

Welcome to our annual women’s issue, where we’re leaning into the theme of Power and Grace — quite honestly, the women in the North State community make that balance look easy.

Power is found in the heart of Nora McNeill, who has spent 50 years bringing life into the world. We see it in the leadership of Nancy Swift and Araceli Gutierrez, who remind us that knowledge is power and that when women thrive, we all rise.

There’s also a steady grace woven through these pages, which you’ll feel in Anca Marissa Sira’s healing touch and see in awardwinning winemaker Aimée Sunseri’s artistry. It’s in the hands of Kimber and Corinne Rickey as they piece together family legacies at Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe, and in Robin Lentz’s devotion to preserving the tradition of Don’s Sandwich Shop.

We guarantee you’ll get a kick out of the 105-year-old energy of Giants superfan Margaret Leard, and you’ll marvel at Virginia Margaret Schau’s legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning rescue photo and the incredible story behind it. And as a womanowned business ourselves, we take great pride in this magazine’s leadership. Cheers to the remarkable women in our beautiful community, and enjoy!

MARCH 2026 CONTINUED

POWER AND GRACE

118: Roaring Rumble Benefits Raising Shasta Kids

134: Inspiring Quotes From Remarkable Women

INTEREST

102: Little Moments to Enjoy this Spring

122: Exploring Tauhindauli Park in Dunsmuir

129: An Irish Favorite for Chilly Days

ON THE COVER:

Hannah Hinrichsen

IN EVERY ISSUE

14: What I Enjoy: Lynnann Foster

130: Recipe: Potato and Leek Soup

132: Enjoy the View : Frank Kratofil

136: What’s Cookin’ : Queen’s Berry Pavlova

139: Local Events Calendar

146: Giving Back: Q&A with Sharon Roberts, Newcomers & Friends Club

WOMEN IN CHARGE

1100 Butte Street, Redding (530) 244-5400 • shastaregional.com Find Us On Facebook

At Shasta Regional Medical Center, Charge Nurses set the standard for excellence in care and leadership. They are the driving force behind safe, seamless patient experiences— balancing clinical expertise with compassion and confidence.

As leaders on the front lines, our Charge Nurses not only guide patient care but also champion and support their nursing teams. Through mentorship, advocacy, and steady leadership, they create an environment where nurses thrive and patients feel truly cared for.

Their commitment elevates Shasta Regional Medical Center and strengthens our community, proving that exceptional care begins with exceptional leadership.

at Gold Country Hearing

hearing ability can naturally decrease. While this is common, you should still manage hearing loss so it doesn’t affect your communication, social mental health.

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Life’s most beautiful moments aren’t just seen… they’re heard.

of healthy aging is taking care of your physical, and hearing health!

Healthy Hearing Habits Services

Tinnitus Evaluation & Treatments

If you’re missing out, it’s time to reconnect.

At Redding Hearing Institute, now part of Gold Country Hearing & Balance, we make hearing care easy, affordable, and lifechanging. With personalized solutions and compassionate experts, your better hearing journey starts here.

Don’t wait to hear what you’ve been missing. Call (530) 806-0214 or visit goldcountryhearing.com to schedule your hearing check today!

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these healthy habits today by scheduling your annual hearing screening! Hearing Institute Audiology and Hearing Aids - Now a part of Gold Hearing & Balance today to make your appointment.

RECONNECT WITH EVERY SOUND FREE Hearing Screening & Consultation

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

CONNIE BLANC advertising sales & marketing consultant

JEN VERMAAS advertising sales & marketing consultant

BEN ADAMS deliveries

JAY & TERRI THESKEN deliveries

DIANE MORGAN deliveries

PAUL LINDBERG deliveries

BETH HUBNER deliveries

KAMALA FLINN deliveries

www.enjoymagazine.com

530.246.4687 office | 530.246.2434 fax Email General/Sales and Advertising information: info@enjoymagazine.com

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©2026 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising.

Enjoy is a trademark of Enjoy, Inc.

Lynnann Foster

Marketing Director at Shasta Regional Medical Center

Family:

Husband Keith, four fabulous grown kids, an incredible son-in-law, two beautiful daughters-in-law, four spectacular grandbabies! Our fourth arrives in June.

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

The views of Lassen and Shasta, proximity to the beach and wine country. The people, for sure!

How long have you lived in the North State?

Since seventh grade. We moved to Shingletown when I was 13.

What’s something you’re oddly good at that might surprise people?

Debating a point.

What’s a moment you didn’t realize was special until much later?

Going to an Eddie Money concert at a bar in Downtown Redding with my girlfriends. I met my husband that night.

If you could relive one ordinary day from your past, which would it be?

Any afternoon watching game shows with my Grandma.

What’s your go-to comfort food, and where do you like to get it?

Brownies! The ones I make in my kitchen.

I love to bake!

What local place do you never get tired of recommending to visitors?

Any place downtown. Food, drinks, shopping, art and entertainment. I love it! Lema is my go-to recommendation for beautiful walks.

What is a sound you find oddly comforting?

Watching Dateline.

If you could pack a bag right now and go anywhere—no budget, no limits—where would you land?

Wherever my grandbabies are!

When Pie Meets Bread was founded by Adrienne and Nathan Maupin nearly 5 years ago. Adrienne ran two pie shops with her daughter before marrying Nathan, a sourdough bread company owner. Adrienne has been making pies since 2000. Today they operate over 11,000 square feet and are currently expanding to include a boutique and an upscale gift basket experience. Best of the Northstate winners for the past 3 years.

Vitality Cryo & Wellness Center was founded by Redding native Ashlee with one mission: help people heal at the root. With a lifelong passion for wellness, she blends science-backed therapies with natural approaches to support the body’s innate ability to restore, recover, and thrive. Community focused, her heart has always been to care for others. Stop in for a tour and meet the team—your journey to feeling your best starts here.

Power & Grace

Celebrate and support the women-owned businesses featured in this section—built with vision, resilience and heart. These women lead with both strength and grace, shaping our communities through dedication, creativity and purpose.

Seasoned with Love

CLAUDIA LICATA’S ROAD FROM KITCHEN TO CATERING

“In the seventh grade, I took a cooking class. I made homemade sauce out of the ingredients they had in the class, and the teacher said I had a real talent,” says Licata. “After that, you couldn’t tell me nothin’!”

f you ask Claudia Licata when she first learned to cook, she’ll tell you it started at birth. Her grandmother, an Italian immigrant who moved to Brooklyn, NY, made every Sunday dinner a beautiful, catered event. As a young child, Licata’s grandparents would take her to amazing restaurants once a week for dinner. Licata and her Uncle Travis shared a special bond through food, music and art, and she credits him with her introduction to a world of culture.

“In the seventh grade, I took a cooking class. I made homemade sauce out of the ingredients they had in the class, and the teacher said I had a real talent,” says Licata. “After that, you couldn’t tell me nothin’!”

Licata’s father taught her how to master the grill. While she admits to having attained some real skills, she says her father’s are on a whole new level altogether: “Everything he makes is absolute perfection.”

She began working in restaurants when she was just 13 years old. At 21, she took a position at Chevy’s Restaurant, where she spent the next eight years learning every inch of the restaurant business. She traveled with the company, putting on events and even opening new restaurants, an experience that taught her about outside catering.

With a passion for cooking that has been passed down through the generations and an extensive range of experiences in the restaurant industry, it’s no wonder that Licata has found her niche in the kitchen.

From 2009 to 2013, Licata was a restaurateur. She owned and operated Leatherby’s Creamery in Redding in the building now occupied by Sizzle’s Kitchen. ▶ continued on page 22

“I want people to walk in and be wowed – and feel like royalty. My favorite part

“At 25, I catered my first wedding. After that, the road began. I was hooked,” says Licata.

For 25 years, Licata Catering has been a community favorite, preparing masterful, memorable meals with immense love in Redding and surrounding areas. Whether it’s dinner for two or 2,000, Licata Catering has it covered – and then some.

“My food is my art. Not only do I want it to be delicious, but I want the display to be beautiful. I see it in colors and shapes,” says Licata. “I want people to walk in and be wowed – and feel like royalty. My favorite part of what I do is seeing the smiles on people’s faces.”

While her most requested dish is her lasagna, Licata says when it comes to her favorite meal to make personally, the answer isn’t as easy to give: “That’s a trick question, but I love when I have no idea and I just let the store or the farmers market speak to me and guide me to a delicious creation.”

That kind of flexibility breeds creativity in the kitchen, but it’s a critical attribute in the food industry, where the landscape is ever-changing. Licata says being a business owner has taught her a lot about her own strength, and her capacity to manage the struggles of owning a catering company. ▶ continued on page 24

POWER & GRACE

The Perfect Look

Apricot Lane Boutique believes every woman deserves to feel confident and stylish. From date night dresses to cozy everyday wear, their curated selection offers something for every occasion. More than a boutique, they’re a local hub for women in Redding, with a passionate team ready to help you find the perfect piece or bring it in just for you.

1551 Market St. #103, Redding 530.276.0169

apricotlaneboutique.com/redding @apricotlaneredding

Welcome Starts at the Porch

A love of design and welcoming spaces led Jodi Anderson to create The Pampered Porch, a locally owned Northern California business dedicated to seasonal porch styling. Jodi helps homeowners enjoy beautifully styled porches throughout the year by taking care of every detail. From sourcing and curating décor to delivery, styling and seasonal pickup, The Pampered Porch allows clients to simply enjoy the season at their doorstep.

Creating Beautiful Smiles

Dr. Karen McCarthy, owner and orthodontist of Shasta Orthodontics, proudly leads a woman-owned practice welcoming new patients of all ages. Known for her compassionate care and advanced orthodontic treatments, Dr. McCarthy makes beautiful smiles attainable with no down payment, low monthly payments, and 0% interest financing—making a confident, healthy smile easier than ever. Begin your smile journey today by calling our office for a complimentary consultation.

2175 Civic Center Drive, Ste. A, Redding

530.223.6850

Shastaorthodontics.com

shasta_orthodontics

818.216.9608 (call or text) pamperedporchredding@gmail.com @pampered.porch

“The food industry is a roller coaster ride, for sure. From the cost of food to the pandemic, to staffing, it’s not for the weak,” Licata reflects. “But what a ride it is! I put my hands up, say ‘weeeeeeee,’ and enjoy the ride.”

The secret ingredient to Licata’s success as an entrepreneur is a proverbial mix of spice and technique: “Never stop swinging, never look back, keep pushing forward, and stay hungry. The stars are there for the taking.”

She has drawn her sense of strength and inspiration from her mom. Licata says, “She is a strong powerhouse of a woman who never let anything in life keep her down. She made an amazing life for her four girls ‒ by any means necessary. She was tough on me, but it built me to be different and never let anything get it in my way.”

Licata’s family has done far more than show her the ropes in the kitchen and how to navigate life with gusto. She credits her children and grandchildren as her perpetual inspiration to be the best version of herself. “If you know me, you know my family is everything,” says Licata. “I am nothing without them.”

Some say preparing food is an act of love and giving to others. For Licata, it’s a way to be there for her community. Over the years she has generously given her time, talents and resources to support local events.▶ continued on page 27

“If you know me, you know my family is everything... “I am nothing without them.”

Taking Care of Your Business POWER & GRACE

You built your business with passion, dedication, and long days. Marketing shouldn’t pull you away from what matters most. My Umbrella Marketing partners with local businesses to simplify the process, from shaping your message to placing your media across trusted media platforms. We manage details, deadlines, and paperwork so you can stay focused on your customers, your craft, and growing your business. Connect with us today, because together, marketing is manageable

Welcome Home with Molly

With 20+ years in sales and in the top 5% of Shasta County realtors, Molly Kidd helps buyers and sellers find the perfect place to call home. A trusted local expert, she delivers highly personalized guidance and a fresh perspective on real estate—believing luxury is a service, not a price point. Passionate, attentive and results-driven, Molly is ready to welcome you home!

The Coolest Store Ever

Kim Columbo and her daughter Cydney have run 3 Seas Chico since 2016. Kim, in retail since age 15, earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design before returning to Chico and bringing her love of the beach with her. Her keen eye and handpicked exclusive lines for men and women are reflected throughout the store.

The store’s name is inspired by her children, Cydney, Connor and Cannon.

Exceptional Locations. Unrivaled Lifestyle.

Where Home Feels Like a Getaway

Home is where life unfolds. Picture crisp mountain mornings, days on winding trails and open water, and evenings painted with golden sunsets—waiting in Shasta County.

At Shasta Sotheby’s International Realty, we connect you with homes that fit your next chapter— places where beauty, comfort and possibility meet. Private viewings available by appointment.

Chad Phillips Broker/Owner

DRE #01747099

530.840.0516

3645 Eureka Way, Redding chad@shastasir.com www.ShastaSIR.com

Expert Real Estate Advisor

“Showing up for others is a big part of who I am. If I can make even a small difference in the lives of others, I’m here for it.”

Learning to show up for herself, however, is a brand-new journey for Licata, one that has taken a lifetime to learn. “I’m just now learning what self-care looks like after 50 years. It’s taking a moment to smile. I recently took a self-care solo trip to Sicily, where I let God lead the way. He showed me who Claudia Licata is and I Iearned that I really like her,” says Licata. “I was able to dance under the stars in magical gardens and cook with some of the world’s greatest chefs. Standing with my feet in the ocean of Licata, Sicily, was pure, unfiltered happiness. Showing up for myself was learning this year that it’s OK to pour just as much back into myself as I do for others, and that looks a lot like more self-love solo trips in the future.”

For Licata, the journey of self-discovery isn’t just a sight to behold ‒ it’s a master class in the importance of seasoning everything with love, including yourself. •

Kimberly N. Bonéy, proud wife and mom, is a freelance writer, designer, up-cycler and owner of Herstory Vintage. When she’s not working, she is joyfully wielding jewelrymaking tools and paintbrushes in her studio. Antique shops, vintage boutiques, craft stores and bead shops are her happy place.

Licata Catering www.Licatacatering.com (530) 355-1056

Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Finding Your Balance POWER & GRACE

Since 2009, under founder Jana Parker’s leadership, Balance Yoga Center has offered quality yoga instruction in a warm, welcoming space. The center now features more than 70 weekly classes across two studios: a serene space for traditional yoga at all levels and a heated studio for Hot Yoga and fitness-focused classes. With flexible month-to-month memberships for a range of budgets, Balance Yoga Center truly offers something for everyone—supporting healthy change for body, mind and spirit.

Real estate decisions deserve thoughtful direction and trusted support. Mari McCurdy offers local insight, proven experience and a calm, steady approach to guide clients through today’s market. By listening closely and advocating strongly, she helps buyers and sellers find clarity, confidence and a path that truly feels right—every step of the way.

Door

Nicole Anderson, RN, is the founder of Vita Mobile, a locally owned wellness and medical aesthetics business. Vita Mobile offers personalized IV therapy, vitamin injections, Botox, medical aesthetics, peptide therapy and weight loss support. With a strong clinical background and a passion for helping clients feel their best, Nicole delivers convenient, high-quality care focused on results, safety and whole-body wellness. IV Therapy at Your

(call or text)

WE RISE

THE STRENGTH OF WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

There is something transformative about women supporting women—not competitively, not conditionally, but genuinely.

At its best, this support looks like encouragement without comparison. It’s sharing opportunities instead of guarding them. It’s celebrating another woman’s success without measuring it against your own.

For too long, women were told there was limited space at the table. That scarcity mindset created unnecessary competition and isolation. But increasingly, women are choosing collaboration over comparison—and the results are powerful.

Mentorship, both formal and informal, plays a huge role. When women share their experiences—the missteps as much as the wins—they shorten learning curves and normalize growth. A conversation over coffee can change a career path. A single word of encouragement can restore confidence.

Support also shows up in everyday moments. Recommending a local business. Lifting another woman’s voice in a meeting. Offering flexibility, understanding or grace when life gets complicated.

These small acts compound. They create networks of trust, resilience, and shared momentum.

Importantly, supporting other women doesn’t require perfection. It requires intention. Listening more than judging. Showing up when it’s easier to stay silent. Choosing generosity over insecurity.

When women support one another, everyone benefits—families, workplaces, and communities. Success becomes less solitary and more sustainable.

In a world that often pits women against each other, choosing support is a quiet act of

A LEGACY POURED FORWARD

AIMÉE SUNSERI’S WINEMAKING JOURNEY TO NEW CLAIRVAUX

alking into Aimée Sunseri’s office is like entering a world of alchemy. A wondrous place full of test tubes and mixers. A place where magic happens, a place where grapes enter and leave as the “nectar of the gods.”

Sunseri was named the 2017 and 2023 Best Woman Winemaker in the International Women’s Wine Competition. In 2020, her New Clairvaux Vineyard Petite Sirah was honored as the Best of the Best in the same competition with 99 points. In 2023 and 2024, she won Best of Show for white wine at the California State Fair. Sunseri is also the winemaker at the Nichelini Family Winery and won the top prize of Winery of the Year this year from the California State Fair.

Sunseri’s office in the New Clairvaux Vineyard in Vina is steeped in history. In 1846, it was a small vineyard owned by Peter Lassen. In 1881, Leland Stanford purchased the land, expanded it to more than 55,000 acres and created what was then the world’s largest wine operation. In 1955, 600 acres of the original Vina Ranch was purchased by TrappistCistercian Monks and became the Abbey of New Clairvaux.

While history was playing out in Vina, Sunseri’s great-great grandfather was building a wine operation in the Napa Valley. “Anton and Caterina Nichelini were my great-great-grandparents. They came to the Napa Valley in 1887 because of the Homestead Act. They came from Switzerland near the Italian border by Lake Como in a region that is just like what they found in Napa. I think it reminded them of

home.” The Nichelini Family Winery is still operating, with Sunseri as the winemaker.

Sunseri is not a stranger to hard work. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2001 with honors and a degree in biopsychology. “I grew up in Chico, and my father owned property and some cattle. When I was home from college for the summer, I would help out. I love working outside; the sunrises and sunsets, the watering, they were the best summers of my life. My father decided to put in a small vineyard on our property. He knew the Abbott at New Clairvaux Monastery and they talked about sharing equipment and expertise to put in experimental vineyards on their properties, and that’s where it started.”

While she was home from school in the summer of 2000, her father volunteered her to help the monks get their vineyard started. “I was telling one of the monks about my family in Napa and how they’ve been making wine for 100 years. It had not occurred to me that this would be my career. He turned to me and said, ‘Why are you not propagating your family’s legacy?’ Such a simple thing; it struck me and just never left my head.” Sunseri talked to her family about pursuing a career as a winemaker and they were very supportive, so she went on to UC Davis and graduated with honors and degrees in both viticulture and enology.

It seems fate had a special plan for Sunseri.▶

continued on page 32

“My goal is to make really great wine and to have a lot of fun doing it. I count my blessings every day to be in the situation I’m in. It makes me work harder because of all the love I’ve received. This is my way to give love back.”

Since that time, her father has bought full interest in the Nichelini Family Winery in the foothills of the Napa Valley. Sunseri is now the wine maker at both the Nichelini Family Winery and the New Clairvaux Winery in Vina. Though neither Peter Lassen nor Leland Stanford ever met Anton and Caterina Nichelini, they are now joined, five generations later, through Aimée Sunseri.

Talking about how much of wine making is science and how much is art, Sunseri says, “You have to make a stable product. That’s the science part of it. All of my final decisions in making a wine with a unique personality, the cherry on top, is all art. My style of winemaking is very fresh, youthful wines that are low in alcohol with good acidity and food friendly. When I’m doing a bench trial, there’s one of the glasses that just sings to me in my palate and my nose. And I know that’s what I want, that’s the one. I don’t know where that comes from, but I’m very confident in it.”

When asked about failure, Aimée said, “I actually like failure, because I’m an avid learner. Failure is one of those things you need to get better. It’s my catalyst to improve. Failure is a very welcome feature of my life. It shows me where to improve. Because I don’t know something today doesn’t mean I can’t know it tomorrow. I’m always striving for a perfect year. My ultimate goal is sensory perfection. I have a feeling by the time I hit my very last harvest I’ll have finally mastered a perfect year.”

Going between the vineyards in Napa and Vina “is hard. I’ve got two kids and it’s hard to balance,” Sunseri says. “My husband is amazing. He affords me the luxury of being able to work out of town. My mom and dad help out. I also have a great crew. You can’t do this alone.”

With Sunseri’s expertise as a winemaker and the success of the New Clairvaux wines, they decided it was time for another tasting room. “We were originally thinking about going to the Sacramento area. My husband, who is really good at the larger picture, suggested Redding.”

In November 2023, the tasting room in downtown Redding opened with a blessing from the monks of the New Clairvaux Monastery. “Opening a tasting room in Redding was a great idea. We feel like the community has accepted us. We feel very blessed to be there.”

Their tasting room is now open seven days a week.

“My goal is to make really great wine and to have a lot of fun doing it. I count my blessings every day to be in the situation I’m in. It makes me work harder because of all the love I’ve received. This is my way to give love back.”•

New Clairvaux Vineyard Redding Tasting Room

newclairvauxvineyard.com

1551 Market St. #102, Redding • (530) 839-2200

Hours: Sunday 10am-7pm; Monday-Saturday 1-7pm

New Clairvaux Vineyard • 26240 7th St., Vina • (530) 839-2200

Hours: Daily 11am- 5pm

Writers use words to open doors to a bigger world, and Bruce Greenberg is honored by the trust people place in him to share their stories. Through his writing, he invites readers to explore the layers of diversity and experience that make our community unique.

A Home for Book Lovers POWER & GRACE

Bailey is a young entrepreneur and founder of Baileys Book Nook, a gently used bookstore and lounge rooted in the belief that stories are better when shared. With over a decade of experience in retail and customer service, she blends a passion for books with a gift for connecting people, creating a warm space for literature, conversation and community.

1330 Market St., Redding 530.351.5242

baileysbooknookrdd

Baileys Book Nook

Navigating

A Unique Children’s Clothing Store

In business for over 30 years, Jill dreamed of creating a place where she could bring her children— Alexandra, Caroline and Elizebeth—to work with her. That dream became Kat’s Meow, a beloved children’s boutique in Chico. Even now, her daughters still join her at the shop, which features top brands like Mayoral, Little Giraffe, Corolle and Angel Dear.

Hard Financial Decisions

Wealthwise Partners believes the hardest financial choices are never just about money. They go beyond investments and retirement planning to provide integrated guidance for business owners and families facing complex tax, legacy and life decisions. Serving as the lead architect of each client’s financial life, they coordinate investment, tax, legal and planning professionals so every decision is aligned, intentional and clear.

Dental Hygiene at Home POWER & GRACE

Simply Smiles Dental Hygiene Practice, founded by Kirsten Maki, RDHAP, provides compassionate, professional dental hygiene care delivered directly to patients. The practice specializes in serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and those with limited access to traditional dental offices. By offering preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services in the comfort of the patient’s home, Simply Smiles emphasizes dignity, comfort and personalized care—supporting healthier, more confident smiles.

530.238.5565

KirstenRDHAP@simplysmilesrdhap.com simplysmilesrdhap.net

On Broadway

In the fall of 1978, Carol Lynn Rhoades opened 5th Street Clothing, turning her vision into a Chico landmark. For over 48 years, it has been a destination for women of all ages and sizes, offering a curated selection of stylish clothing. With a focus on fit, fashion and confidence, 5th Street Clothing helps women look and feel their best.

Red Bluff’s Hidden Gem

Valerie Holbrook has been operating her dream wedding venue since 2011. Known for its rustic elegance and charming outdoor setting, Rustic Rose offers an upscale garden experience. Generous with their time and caring approach to each event, Valerie and her husband Randy have earned the distinction of being the best wedding venue in Tehama County.

Rustic Rose Wedding Venue

328 Broadway, Downtown Chico 5thstreetclothingco.com @5thstreetclothingco

BREAKING BARRIERS

A SMALL SAMPLING OF HISTORY-MAKING WOMEN

AVIATION & SPACE

Amelia Earhart

First woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean (1932).

Fact note: Others crossed earlier with co-pilots or passengers; this was the first solo flight by a woman.

Bessie Coleman

First Black woman and first Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license (1921).

Fact note: She had to train in France because no U.S. flight schools admitted Black women at the time.

Sally Ride

First American woman in space (1983).

LEADERSHIP, POLITICS & LAW

Rosa Parks

Her refusal to give up her seat in 1955 became a defining moment in the U.S. civil rights movement.

Fact note: She was not the first to resist segregation, but her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Indira Gandhi

First woman Prime Minister of India (1966).

Sandra Day O’Connor

First woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court (1981).

SCIENCE & MEDICINE

Marie Curie

First woman to win a Nobel Prize — and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry).

Elizabeth Blackwell

First woman to receive a medical degree in the United States (1849).

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Madam C. J. Walker

First documented female self-made millionaire in the United States (early 1900s).

Fact note: Her wealth is verifiable through business records, not legend.

SYMBOL on the SUMMIT

OUR LADY OF MT. SHASTA, THE MERLO FAMILY’S ENDURING TRIBUTE

he resplendent 20-foot bronze Mother Mary statue sitting atop Douglas Butte at Mt. Shasta Ski Park is a symbol of faith, tranquility, beauty and kindness while also paying homage to late Mt. Shasta Ski Park owner/CEO Ray Merlo. ▶ continued on page 38

by

“... it’s supposed to represent tranquility and beauty, the touchstone of faith we have up here. The mountain has an undeniable power and presence, so adding to that was the intention. We want to highlight and amplify the energy of this place.”

by

Longtime Northern California residents Ray and Robin Merlo purchased the ski park in 2017 and created a five-year plan to make improvements to the ski resort, which included remodeling the bar attached to its base lodge, building a new chairlift up the Gray Butte mountain, and placing a “Mother Mary” statue at the top of Douglas with the 14,179-foot Mount Shasta as its backdrop.

Sadly, in 2019 Ray was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2020, leaving the rest of his vision to his wife Robin to see through.

Ray’s Place Bar & Lounge was the first ideation of the plan built around the year 2020.

“The old bar was small. The lodge was tight, so we expanded the patio and base area,” says Mt. Shasta Ski Park Marketing Director Grace Hornbeak. Surrounded by windows peering out to the gorgeous snowcapped landscape, the renovated lounge has a nice selection of draft beers, specialty cocktails and Merlo Family Estate Vineyards wine.

Next, Robin turned her focus on building the Gray Butte lift. Located behind the Coyote and Douglas peaks, the four-seater fixed grip quad takes skiers and riders to an additional 450 acres of new terrain and easier access to the ski park’s reservable backcountry cabin. The new lift opened in time for the 2022-23 ski season.

With the new Gray Butte lift in place, Robin started working closely with a foundry out of Sacramento to construct the Mother Mary statue. The process of building it began in early 2023. It was completed in the fall of 2024.

Ray was involved in the Catholic Church, but the statue is meant to symbolize universal themes of unity and kindness (in the Catholic image). It represents a connection to the area, the beauty, encourages kindness and community. Hornbeak explains Mt. Shasta Ski Park

doesn’t have super high ticket prices compared to other Northern California resorts, and it’s accessible and accepting. “We welcome everyone. The mountain’s mindset is ‘come as you are’,” Hornbeak adds.

The statue is located off the Douglas Butte chairlift, in the center of the North Saddle run where it has a full view of Mt. Shasta. You can walk up there during the summer if the mountain is open for hiking/biking operations, but it’s more accessible to skiers and riders in the winter, sitting on a 50-foot platform. ▶ continued on page 41

by Zoey

Unstoppable Mother and Daughter POWER & GRACE

Ileana founded Rocha’s Auto in 1995, and by age 15 her daughter Andrea was learning the business firsthand after school. From accounting to daily operations, Ileana shared with Andrea every aspect of running the shop. Now celebrating 30 years, Rocha’s Auto reflects strong work and family values and a genuine love for community through the honest and reliable service it is known for.

Beautiful Past and Present

Owner Kathy (Truett) Squyres (center) grew up on a cattle ranch in Shingletown and graduated Chico State in Psychology and Fine Arts. She started the antique store in Chico in 1973 specializing in antique and estate fine jewelry, furniture, lighting and collectibles. Country Squyres has the largest antique jewelry inventory in the North State as well as full service, repairs and appraisals.

Healthy Beauty Begins Within

With over 30 years in the healthcare industry, Monica Gralian is the owner of RevIV Rejuvenation Medical Spa and Premier Healthcare of California, combining expert medical care with advanced aesthetics. Her passion for wellness and beauty drives her mission to help patients look and feel their best through innovative treatments, IV hydration and personalized care across Shasta and Humboldt County. Your health is our primary importance.

Here for Your Banking Success POWER & GRACE

Golden Valley Bank provides exceptional community banking solutions for local businesses, families and individuals who value relationship-driven financial services. August Brewer and the Redding team go above and beyond traditional banking by building lasting partnerships rooted in trust, local expertise and genuine care for our community’s financial wellbeing. As a recent graduate of Leadership Redding, August is committed to strengthening our region through meaningful connections and exceptional service.

Pictured: August Brewer, Business Development Officer

250 Hemsted Drive, Suite 100, Redding 530.222.4000 abrewer@goldenvalley.bank goldenvalley.bank

Alicia Pizano Serving up Community

Alicia Pizano always wanted two things... to be her own boss and be the kind of place families and the local community came together. She has created a place where kids and families come back and says “that’s my picture on the wall when I was a kid!” Her family-friendly dining establishment offers delicious hot, hand-tossed pizzas served from her family to yours. Enjoy!

Helping You Reach Your Dreams

With Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate, Diana Hayes brings experience, care and dedication to buyers and sellers in Shasta County. She listens, guides and works tirelessly to deliver results. Whether you’re moving in or moving on to your next chapter, Diana makes your transition seamless and focused on what matters most—your dreams.

“We get quite a lot of inquiries on the statue. It’s hard to say exactly who comes here to specifically see it, but anyone who skis off Douglas inadvertently visits it,” Hornbeak says.

Early last year, shortly after the statue was built, it did receive national attention when a media outlet wrongly reported that the statue was constructed on public land (which is not true ‒ the ski park is privately owned), but it has since been better received.

“This was a dedication to Ray and a promise fulfilled,” she adds.

“It’s not meant to be a religious emblem. There’s a little bit of that, but it’s supposed to represent tranquility and beauty, the touchstone of faith we have up here. The mountain has an undeniable power and presence, so adding to that was the intention. We want to highlight and amplify the energy of this place.

“This was a dedication to Ray and a promise fulfilled,” she adds. •

Photo by Jim Stoll

POWER & GRACE

Curated Styles for Women

Isla is a women’s apparel and accessories store located in downtown Redding. Thoughtfully curated pieces designed to move women from day to night, casual to elevated. From relaxed denim to vibrant accessories, Isla brings you style with a personal touch. Chosen with intention to celebrate every woman, every day and every age. Rooted in our community, loved by locals.

1332 Market St., Redding

530.215.1955

islapalocedro@gmail.com isla_redding

In Stitches

Teamwork is Dreamwork

Ellislaine is not your average marketing agency. They are a family of creatives and problem-solvers who love helping businesses grow. They craft bold branding, custom websites, captivating videos, engaging social media and ads that drive results. They believe marketing should feel collaborative, not complicated. That’s why they work alongside you, making sure you feel supported and inspired. Ready to grow? Visit ellislaine.com to learn more.

Come by and say hello to Teri Collins and the team at The Embroidery Shoppe in Red Bluff. Known for their creativity and attention to detail, they take pride in turning ideas into apparel people love to wear. Now in its fifth year, this multi-generational women owned business serves customers locally and nationwide including schools, first responders and law enforcement and is a new distributor for 5.11 Uniforms.

1155 Vista Way, Red Bluff

530.529.4556

theembroideryshoppe100@gmail.com

SUPPORTING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

NANCY SWIFT LEADS JEDI’S ECONOMIC MISSION IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

s the chair of the statewide California Women’s Business Center Network and the founding director of the Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI), Nancy Swift has spent most of her professional life seeking ways for community to thrive. “For going on 30 years, I’ve been privileged to be a part of a group focused on building a community-based, small business ownerfocused organization,” Swift says. “We have run many kinds of entrepreneurship programs, from the Small Business Association-sponsored Women’s Business Center to the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a free tax-preparation program that we’ve been doing for 20 years. Everything we’ve done has been designed to respond to the needs we see, and the things people ask for.”

Even as initiatives evolve or change, the purpose doesn’t shift. “At JEDI, we’ve tried to bring resources, talent and quality educational opportunities for people running micro and small businesses who want to improve their economic futures. And when they come, they know that we’re here for whatever their circumstances are.” Swift says the reason behind this philosophy is straightforward.▶ continued on page 47

New Space, Same Healing POWER & GRACE

Susan, owner of Breathe Hyperbaric Chamber Center, understands healing through her own experience with oxygen therapy. Breathe is the first and only hard-shell hyperbaric chamber center within 200 miles. Oxidative stress damages the body and slows recovery, but HBOT delivers oxygen under pressure to support recovery and reduce inflammation. In just 10 months, Breathe has supported the restoration of over 200 community members. Stop by our new location.

Breathe

Functional Medicine Wellness Coaching

You probably know Bianca Bradshaw as the owner of Elmore Pharmacy, but have you heard about her new venture, Bee Healthy? Bee Healthy is a wellness clinical practice based on the principles of her functional medicine education. Functional medicine works to improve overall health through antiinflammatory eating, gut health and nutrient replacement. They offer phone and video consultations for your convenience.

The Healing Power of Salt

Yolondo Lupoe founded Capturing the Essence Salt Cave in 2020, combining her passion for healing with expertise in Clinical Psychology, Massage Therapy and Tourism Management. A health entrepreneur focused on transformative wellness, she created Snuggle Stuffies to support respiration, emotional comfort and sleep and The Essence of Renewal Oil for symptoms of numbness, nerve pain, joint stiffness and circulation issues. Stop in across from the Redding Public Market.

1506 Market St., Redding 530.338.2094 capturingtheessence.com By appointment and walk-ins

Custom Designs and In-House Creation POWER & GRACE

Four Winds Jewelry will help you design your dream engagement ring. From the diamond to the band, every detail of your ring will be crafted with precision and care to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your love. They create fabulous custom jewelry in gold, silver and platinum for all clients. Choose from a vast collection of colored precious gemstones.

2225 Hilltop Drive, Redding 530.222.2750

Fourwindsjewelry.com Fourwindsjewelry7@gmail.com

Accents! Gifts, Decor & More

Bobbie previously worked in Operations for Wang’s International. Her exceptional taste in purchasing for her own store showcases her buying prowess. “Wow” and “Oh my” are common reactions to the unique variety of gifts and affordable prices in her shop. With offerings that change seasonally, she continually enhances her customers’ delight and shopping experience. Accents! Gifts, decor and more.

Diana Christensen, owner of The Redding Arts Project, has been a leader in Redding’s arts community for over 30 years. The RAP offers top-tier training for all ages in a beautiful and welcoming downtown studio. As the official school for Redding Theatre Company and Redding Ballet Theatre, students gain real stage experience in full-scale productions, building confidence and skill while enriching the North State’s performing arts scene.

1726 Market St., Redding 530.245.1019

thereddingartsproject.com Info@thereddingartsproject.com

“For going on 30 years, I’ve been privileged to be a part of a group focused on building a community-based, small business owner-focused organization,” Swift says. “We have run many kinds of entrepreneurship programs... Everything we’ve done has been designed to respond to the needs we see, and the things people ask for.”

“We get feedback all the time that business owners call us for assistance, and they end up getting so much more. They find hope. We know that this kind of accessibility to resources builds local economic strength and contributes to generational wealth building, which is critical in this underserved region in far Northern California. It has tremendous value for the person starting the business, the family that it supports, and the economy that it’s contributing to because more than 90 percent of the jobs provided to people in this region come from the smallest of businesses.”

Swift’s especially keen interest in women’s economic justice stretches far beyond Siskiyou County. Earlier in her career, Swift worked internationally as a microenterprise specialist in Kazakhstan, five years after the fall of the Soviet Union. “We worked with women whose husbands had died in the struggle, and their country was transitioning from socialism to democracy so their survival required something new,” Swift recalls. “It was a very dynamic moment where we worked to help women understand that all 100 of them didn’t need to only sell tomatoes, explaining that if everyone just kept pricing their tomatoes lower than the next person, nobody won, and there would be a glut on tomatoes.”

Eventually, Swift says other ideas began emerging, like shoe-making, services and the trades. “It was revelatory for them, and I got to see the power of what it means when women have their own agency in their economic future.”

Swift says her experience in Kazakhstan was later reinforced through other successful economic models that also involved empowering women in particular, such as the Nobel Peace Prize-winning work of Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. “When Muhammad Yunus first came on the scene, everyone was excited about the fact that he’d created a rural bank owned by rural women that made loans to women. Culturally, this was unheard of. Those women made that bank so successful that eventually, in the last five years actually, the government of Bangladesh took 51 percent control of the bank and ousted Muhammad Yunus because they understood the political power female bank members had achieved ‒ with girls going to school. Communities were thriving. Women were voting. His work clearly demonstrated that if you invest in a woman, she betters her kids’ future. She puts a roof on her home. She sends her kids to school. She makes a difference in her community, and that is a worthy investment that can change a society.”

While Swift acknowledges that the Grameen model (of group-based lending) isn’t necessarily applicable to Northern California, it still inspires her to look for new ways to strengthen the region’s economy through entrepreneurship, including a focus on women through the Women’s Business Center. “We’re going through a wholesale shift in our economy right now. It’s important for us to ask, what comes next? How do we handle the ethical questions that arise with the growth of artificial intelligence? How can we make meaningful change for business owners so that local businesses can viably sustain their families and our communities? We do see that women are a driving economic force, so I want to continue to see what the needs are to help them to unleash that power. I’m always looking for people to build a shared vision with.” ▶

continued on page 48

As a mother of two daughters, ages 15 and 17, Swift feels that responsibility personally. “I want to leave a legacy I am proud of for them to participate and, possibly more importantly, I want to listen to what they see needs to be done in the world.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day in March, Swift hopes people will pause to recognize women’s economic power in tangible ways. “Go out and talk to a woman who’s running a business, and ask them about what it means to them. Then, buy something from them because small business development is the means to stronger economic security in every community,” she says.

Swift also agrees with the motto framing this year’s celebration and repeats its sentiment: “When women thrive, we all rise.”•

For any small business owner interested in learning more about JEDI’s services, tax preparation or the Women’s Business Center, please visit www.jedieconomy.org, email nswift@e-jedi.org or call (530) 926-6670.

“Go out and talk to a woman who’s running a business, and ask them about what it means to them. Then, buy something from them because small business development is the means to stronger economic security in every community.”

Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, 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.

POWER & GRACE

Service with a Smile

For over 30 years, Moule’s California Glass has reflected the values that built it—family integrity and craftsmanship. Owned and operated by Michelle Tegerstrand, a fourth-generation Moule, this woman-owned shop delivers custom showers, energyefficient windows, mirrors and more. Proudly serving Shasta, Tehama and Siskiyou counties and recognized as Best of the Northstate Window and Door Company five years running, including 2025. The wise choice for the North State since 1994.

815 Industrial St., Redding

Restoring Hope Through Recovery

Dr. Mercedes Patee, MD, co-founder of Renewed Life Medical Group, leads a medical practice expanding access to addiction care in Northern California. As a U.S. military veteran, she applies mission-focused leadership to medication-assisted treatment and compassionate drug and alcohol counseling, working alongside community partners and a dedicated team. Her work is grounded in clinical excellence, integrity and lasting recovery.

Where Fire Meets Flavor

Adrionah Hottel is an event producer drawn to experiences that awaken the senses. Through Hottel Productions, she creates the California Chocolate Expo—featuring her own gourmet Anah Roll chocolate—and the Redding Fire Festival this May, where she also performs as a fire dancer. Fire, chocolate and community collide in immersive moments designed to inspire wonder, connection and collective awe.

power beyond position

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: REDEFINING THE ROLE OF FIRST LADY

Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady from a ceremonial position into a powerful platform for advocacy, communication and leadership. Serving from 1933 to 1945 during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, she redefined what it meant to serve the public without holding elected office.

Rather than limiting herself to social duties, Eleanor traveled extensively, logging more than 40,000 miles a year to visit factories, hospitals and military bases. She reported directly to the President on the real-life conditions Americans were facing during the Great Depression and World War II, often pushing him to take action on civil rights and labor issues.

She was also a pioneering communicator. Eleanor held women-only press conferences at a time when many newsrooms employed only male reporters— forcing outlets to hire women if they wanted access. She wrote a widely syndicated newspaper column, My Day, which ran six days a week for more than 25 years, giving readers insight into politics, social justice and everyday life.

After leaving the White House, Eleanor’s influence only grew. She served as a delegate to the United Nations and was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, earning her the title “First Lady of the World.”

Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy is one of action, empathy and courage. She proved that leadership doesn’t always require authority—sometimes it simply requires showing up, speaking out and refusing to stay silent. •

Taking Care of Your Future POWER & GRACE

Stacy and Lacey, Edward Jones financial advisor and Senior Branch office administrator, proudly serve the Redding community with disciplined, personalized investment guidance. As lifelong members of the Redding area, they bring local insight, professional dedication, and a long-term perspective to helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals. It’s our job to take care of your future.

You Are Supported with Aflac

Shannon Niederberger, Aflac District Sales Manager for Northern California, has proudly served the Redding community for more than 30 years. She and her local team live and work right here, helping businesses and families gain true peace of mind. With Aflac’s supplemental coverage paying cash benefits directly to you, you’re supported when life brings the unexpected, from accidents and cancer care to dental, life and much, much more.

Hanging by a THREAD THREAD

THE RESCUE THAT SAVED LIVES RESULTED IN A PULITZER PRIZE

he best photographs are rarely planned. They happen in the space between intention and accident, when an ordinary person with an ordinary camera finds themselves standing at the intersection of chaos and courage.

On May 3, 1953, Virginia Margaret Schau went fishing. She eventually ended up with a Pulitzer Prize.

The plan was simple: Virginia and her husband, Walter, would take her parents along for the opening of fishing season near Redding. Virginia even brought along a Kodak Brownie camera ‒ though she hadn’t touched it in over a year and didn’t expect to use it. She once admitted she was “the kind of person who always takes a camera on a trip and never takes a picture.”

History, however, had other plans.

As their car approached the Pit River Bridge, a semitrailer carrying fruits and vegetables from Portland rumbled ahead of them. Then, without warning, the truck’s steering failed. In a violent lurch, the vehicle smashed through the bridge’s steel railing. The impact stopped traffic cold. When the dust settled, the cab of the truck hung off the bridge like a suspended breath ‒ 40 feet above the Sacramento River.

Inside were two men: the driver, Paul Overby, and his helper, Henry Baum. The front wheels of the cab had broken through the railing, but the rear wheels were jammed between the trailer and the bridge’s edge, leaving the cab dangling in a precarious balance. One wrong movement would send it ‒ and the men inside ‒ plunging into the river below.

Pandemonium ensued. But so did quick thinking and a large dose of bravery.

Walter Schau didn’t hesitate. He and another motorist, J.D. McLaren, stopped traffic and found a length of rope. With the help of other drivers, they began a rescue that demanded nerve, balance and speed. Overby and Baum were trapped. Time was against them.

While Walter and others worked at the edge of the bridge, Virginia did something unexpected. She ran back to her car, grabbed the Brownie camera, and climbed a nearby knoll directly opposite the dangling cab. From there, she had a clear view of the unfolding crisis. She raised the camera and began to frame the impossible scene. ▶ continued on page 55

The Pulitzer Prize is one of the most prestigious honors in the United States, recognizing excellence in journalism, literature, music and photography. Established in 1917 by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer and administered by Columbia University, the prize is awarded annually across multiple categories. In journalism, Pulitzer Prizes honor reporting and photography marked by integrity, depth and powerful public impact, often capturing moments that bring critical issues into clear public view or hold institutions accountable.

Love and Beauty POWER & GRACE

Lynni Miller has a passion for European and classic garden pieces. Antique Cottage Garden is filled inside and out with rustic and charming art, jewelry and one-of-a-kind hand picked collectibles, many from France, gathered during her buying trips abroad. Lynni is always ready to greet you with a smile and a hot cup of coffee.

Creative Corner Retreat

Sandra Arbo is the owner of Redding’s icon, The Beadman. She started in 1972 with a small store in Anderson selling candles and crocheted and knitted items. The Beadman has grown exponentially. Their current location is over 3,600 square feet of sterling silver jewelry, tie-dye clothing, figurines, incense, wind chimes, stone specimens, beads and so much more. Just walking in this store will take your breath away! A true sensory overload!

Karen Luce’, store manager of Grange Co-op, has deep roots in the Redding community. Raised locally, she attended local schools, built a career in law enforcement, and owned her own business. These experiences shaped her leadership and management skills. After the Carr Fire, she relocated to Oregon and worked for Grange Co-op, then returned back to Redding to help open the new Redding store, where she loves working with the community.

Walter lowered the rope, hanging by his ankles over the river. Overby grabbed on and was pulled to safety by the men on the bridge. Baum, however, remained inside the cab. He was slipping toward unconsciousness.

Then the cab caught fire.

Walter climbed down again, risking everything. Flames spread as he reached Baum and yanked him free. Moments later, the cab ‒ fully ablaze ‒ broke loose and fell into the Sacramento River below.

From her vantage point, Virginia pressed the shutter. Twice.

Those two clicks used the final exposures left on her roll of film. In that instant, she froze terror, bravery and rescue into two frames. She wasn’t thinking of journalism or legacy. She was simply witnessing what was happening in front of her.

Later, her father casually reminded her of the Sacramento Bee’s weekly photo contest. Virginia submitted one of the photographs and won $10. It seemed like the story would end there.

It didn’t.

The Associated Press picked up the image and distributed it to news outlets around the world. What Virginia had captured was more than a dramatic rescue ‒ it was raw human urgency, distilled into a single moment. Shot with a consumer-grade Brownie camera, the photograph showed life balanced on the edge of disaster, saved by ordinary people acting without hesitation.

Nearly a year later, Virginia learned she had won the 1954 Pulitzer Prize for Photography. She was “flabbergasted.” She became the first woman and only the second amateur ever to receive the honor.

By then, she was living a quiet civilian life in San Anselmo. During World War II, she had worked for the U.S. Chemical Warfare Service. Her first husband, Captain Gilbert Doolittle, had been killed in action during the Battle of Luzon. After marrying Walter Schau in 1949, she hadn’t chased danger or headlines. She had simply gone fishing.

Virginia’s photograph, titled Rescue on Pit River Bridge, remains a testament to presence ‒ the power of being there, of seeing clearly, and of acting when the moment arrives. It challenges the idea that history belongs only to professionals with elite equipment. Sometimes, it belongs to a woman with a Brownie camera, two frames left, and the instinct to press the button at exactly the right time.

That day began with trout on the mind and ended with fire, rope and heroism. Virginia Margaret Schau never set out to make history, but history found her anyway.

Not a bad day’s catch, after all. •

Al Olson loves culinary arts, adult beverages and hiking in the North State wilderness. You may find him soaking up the scenery at one of our area’s many state or national parks or sitting in a barstool sipping a cold locally brewed craft beer.

We are Proud of our Women in Leadership Executive Team

No Appointment Necessary POWER & GRACE

Formally at Barry’s for 13 years, Fran Clester has been cutting men’s hair for 40+ years! Open Tuesday through Friday from 8am-4pm, you will enjoy a clean, comfortable, unrushed environment where Fran practices a one at at time, one of a kind service. Fran is fantastic!

3468 Bechelli Lane, Suite D, Redding 530.410.3005

Fran’s Place

Kiss

Me

Jennifer Icenhower is a fourth-generation Redding native with deep roots in the Shasta County community.

A REALTOR® since 2020, She has been recognized as a Top Producer multiple times and was named Agent of the Year in 2022. Designated as a Luxury Property Specialist, Jennifer puts clients first and delivers million-dollar service to buyers and sellers at all price points.

Novelties and Lingerie

Founded by a woman and built with intention, Kiss Me Novelties and Lingerie is a women-owned boutique redefining confidence. Created to blend empowerment, education and elevated intimacy, the shop offers carefully curated lingerie and intimate essentials that celebrate every body. It’s a brand rooted in autonomy, self-expression and unapologetic confidence.

ANCA

MARISSA SIRA’S INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

t heart of my work is listening to not only words or symptoms, but to the quiet intelligence that moves through the body,” explains Anca Marissa Sira, the founder of the Ama Wellness Center in Mount Shasta. As a practitioner of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, her work lives at the intersection of somatics, depth psychology and Eastern methodologies, focusing on ways to re-educate the body’s nervous system to change deeply learned muscle memories that bring pain. “Somatics describes how emotions live in the body, how experience lodges in tissue and later presents as symptoms. Symptoms are just the messengers.”

Sira’s philosophy is deceptively simple. “I help the body feel safe enough to change its mind,” she says, to release patterns it no longer needs to hold. “I don’t approach the body as something to correct. I approach it as something already inclined toward coherence. Then, I use questions to peel back the layers of the onion, followed by needles, breath, pacing and presence to offer the body the opportunity to reorganize itself. Whether someone comes in for digestion, fertility, sleep or anxiety, I’m really working with thresholds: moments of recognition, when the breath drops, the body softens and the nervous system realizes it no longer has to hold everything together alone and can find its way back to internal balance.”▶ continued on page 62

“At the heart of my work is listening to not only words or symptoms, but to the quiet intelligence that moves through the body...”

To Listen Within

Expert Care, Natural Results POWER & GRACE

Founded in 1999, Disappearing Act Aesthetic Medicine is a women-owned and women-led practice built on clinical excellence, expertise and connection. What began as a local startup has grown into a nationally recognized destination while staying true to personalized care, providers and genuine relationships. Rooted in safety, education and connections, the practice remains committed to its patients and the Redding community.

2143 Airpark Drive, Redding 530.241.8772 lovedisappearingact.com love.disappearing.act

The Amys Of Riverview

More than a club, Riverview is a community. Amy Dendas, Membership Director since 2020, and Amy Brown, Owner of the DNA Club and Riverview’s Pickleball and Tennis Instructor since 2022, are passionate about connecting women through golf, pickleball, and fine dining. Together, they’re building more than programs— they’re creating friendships, confidence, and a welcoming community at Riverview.

Coverage for Your Lifestyle

Juli Foster proudly serves a community that lives for the outdoors, from rodeos and racing to camping and lake days. Juli’s close-knit team understands the lifestyle because they live it too. Passionate about protecting what matters most through insurance. Her team’s focus is on clear guidance, personal relationships, community and events. Stop by and say hello —you might even meet CoCo, the office mascot.

810 Main St., Red Bluff 530.527.5534

License# 0K82337

“It was like a light bulb that went off. And I thought, ‘Oh, it’s everything. It’s got herbs, it’s natural. There’s a science to it.’”

One of Sira’s most powerful examples involves a woman who broke her foot during a horse fall. “On the surface, it was simply just a broken foot. But even after the cast came off, the pain lingered. So, as I got to work with her, it became clear this woman was also living in an abusive marriage. In Chinese medicine, the foot is often associated with forward movement in life, and her life wasn’t going forward in a way that was healthy for her or for her children. She ultimately made a choice to end the relationship. The next time I saw her, she was pain-free.”

Sira’s path to this work has been anything but linear. Raised in Romania, she was studying herbal medicine by 16 and planned to go to medical school. Instead, she pursued a secondary passion for art and worked in advertising in New York. But something

always tugged at her. “I do believe that we leave crumbs for ourselves,” she muses. One of those crumbs was a moment when she was 20, visiting an acupuncturist in Boston who treated her when her period was late. “I woke up the next day, and I had it,” she says. Years later, in California, while trying to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, she remembered the transformational nature of that treatment. “It was like a light bulb that went off. And I thought, ‘Oh, it’s everything. It’s got herbs, it’s natural. There’s a science to it.’”

From there, Sira ended up at acupuncture school, studied under an 88th generation Daoist master, and opened a practice in Marin, where she says that 98 percent of her patients were women trying to conceive. But since arriving in Mount Shasta a decade ago, Sira’s practice has become more varied. “I call Mt. Shasta the low back pain area because so many people here work really hard with ▶ continued on page 65

POWER & GRACE

Organization Meets Peace

Would you like some help organizing your overstuffed garage? Is there a “dumping zone” in your home that collects every miscellaneous object? The gals at Sorted are here to help you clear your overcrowded space! They have an unmatched ability to transform a space within a few hours, bringing shalom (peace) to your mind and your household. Check out their social media to see their amazing work, and give them a call today!

Serving Shasta County 530.410.6804

sortedshalom.com sorted.shalom@gmail.com

Enjoy Magazine stands as a testament to the vision and leadership of women in business. Owners Michelle Adams and Yvonne Mazzotta, alongside Editor-in-Chief Ronda Alvey, bring creativity, resilience, and purpose to every issue. Their work goes beyond publishing — it cultivates stories, strengthens connections and celebrates the people, places and spirit of the North State. Inspired by Community 530.246.4687 enjoymagazine.com

With You, Start to Finish

Home financing is one of the biggest endeavors people take on in life. That’s why Cindy Tomlinson doesn’t work 9–5—she works start to finish to ensure her clients enjoy a smooth mortgage experience. She’d love to help you with: Home purchase loans, refinancing and tapping into home equity.

their body,” she says with a laugh. She also sees her fair share of cancer patients and people with heart problems. “The only thing I can’t directly treat is a structural problem. So, if someone comes in with stenosis or a blown disc, I can only help them manage their pain. But pretty much everything else is treatable.”

As a partnership provider, many of Sira’s clients come through doctor and clinic recommendations, so some people walk through the door wary of needles. But Sira is quick to reassure them that acupuncture is actually gentle. “The needles that I use are the size of a hair,” she explains. “When they are inserted, you barely feel them. In fact, most people fall asleep. Then, when they wake up, they think it’s only been five minutes, and I’ll tell them, ‘Oh no, you’ve been out for a little while.” Sira’s office reflects that same gentleness. “People often tell me that they feel the energy in my office immediately,” she says. “I want people to feel relaxed and comfortable, so I have it set up as if you’re coming into a home, complete with tea and magazines.”

Even after decades in this work, Sira insists she’s still not bored. “Everybody is a different terrain.” She also finds satisfaction in the ripple effect of her work. “It’s a

“It’s a mad, mad world out there. But people are nicer when they’re not in pain. They’re not so cranky and angry.”

mad, mad world out there. But people are nicer when they’re not in pain. They’re not so cranky and angry.” And, it’s just a thought, but maybe, in a world that feels increasingly fractured, the gentle shift of one eased body or one softened nervous system is where greater healing can begin. Sira agrees. “If only that would solve it all, right?”•

Ama Wellness Center www.ama-wellness.com

Megan Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, 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.

POWER & GRACE

Kindness is Everything

The Kindness Revolution is led locally by Wendy Douglas Insurance Agency. The Kindness Revolution is all about giving and blessing others without expecting anything back! We show up, “pop up” and give out gift vouchers to the first 40 people.. All we ask is that you pass along kindness with a good deed to someone else.

1135 Pine St., Suite 9, Redding

530.241.5541

wendydouglasinsurance@gmail.com

License# 0D64751

Destiny, the owner of BrandedSpadeCo, began her journey four years ago at local rodeos and community events. Today, BrandedSpadeCo has grown into a Hat Bar and Western Boutique in the heart of downtown Red Bluff. With a passion for western fashion, Destiny and her team love sharing their style with the community and welcome everyone to stop by and visit!

Lori Slade has been a trusted real estate professional in Tehama County for over 30 years. Known for her deep local knowledge and straightforward guidance, Lori helps clients navigate residential, ranch and commercial real estate with confidence. Her office is located on Washington Street in downtown Red Bluff, across from the Kelly-Griggs Museum.

314 Washington St., Red Bluff

530.529.2700

tehamacountyrealestate.com

DRE# 01042134

www.chicofootandankle.com

M

H AT Y O U L O V E

Specializing in managing complicated foot and ankle problems.

• Specialist in painful arthritis of the foot and ankle.

• Ankle replacement procedure. • Heel and arch pain.

• Minimal pain techniques for bunion and hammertoe repair.

• Ingrown toenails. • Fallen arches. • Nerve pain treatments.

Serving Redding, Chico And Surrounding Areas

DPM-Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

405 South St. Suite F, Redding 676 E. 1st Ave., Suite 9, Chico 530.342.5621 D O N ’ T L E T F O O T A N D A N

For Women, By Women

Mikilah Speer has specialized her training in women’s health for over a decade. She decided to open the doors of FemFit Redding in 2021.

At FemFit Redding, women are supported through fitness programs designed for every life stage, from cycle-based and prenatal training to peri-menopause and beyond. With a focus on strength, breath and pelvic floor health, FemFit empowers women to feel confident, resilient and supported in a welcoming, community-centered space.

2704 Hartnell Ave. Unit B, Redding 530.780.8648 | femfitredding.com @femfit_redding

RIVERSIDE CABIN RETREAT

Let the sound of the river serenade your stay in every season. Cool off with a summer swim or cozy up by the fireplace in winter. There’s even parking space for a boat.

Within walking distance of the popular Trailhead Cafe and close to fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, mushroom hunting and snowshoeing, this cabin puts the Shasta-Trinity Forest right outside your door. Just 90 minutes from Redding, everything you need for a great escape is here. Book this guest favorite on Airbnb or VRBO by searching “Cozy Riverfront Log Cabin in Coffee Creek, CA.”

email: megagalactica@gmail.com

ARACELI GUTIERREZ BRIDGES CULTURES AND OPPORTUNITY community and connection

ntrepreneur and super-volunteer

Araceli Gutierrez understands the how and why of becoming a connector of people and resources. “I want to make sure we build these healthy communities and get services to those who need them,” she says. She was born and raised in Tehama County and is clear that “I plan to retire here.” And while her heart is in her home county, she’s expansive enough to extend her sphere of influence to Shasta, Butte and Glenn counties.

Gutierrez, a board member of the Red Bluff Tehama Chamber of Commerce and former president of Latino Outreach of Tehama County, as well as a bilingual marketing professional, is on a mission to bring people together.

While she has a glass-half-full spirit, she also recognizes a time when it felt half-empty in her family and wants to change that for others. “My parents came here from Guadalajara, Jalisco,” she says. “They’re now U.S. citizens, but they didn’t have anyone to guide them. If someone would have guided my parents, our lives likely would have been much different. But there were struggles.”

Gutierrez recognizes the value to the larger community of making cross-cultural connections that bridge knowledge, language and information gaps. She guides people like her parents but also knows that their success strengthens the overall community, particularly small, local businesses.

In 2015, Gutierrez convened a group of women from various backgrounds to support and encourage each other. They were intentional about advancing their knowledge and achieving goals. She found that her experience in human resources and vast community connections served many, and that there was power in a collective effort. Sophisticates Gems opened businesses and grew professionally and personally. They still do.

When COVID-19 hit, her skill set became even more valuable, especially to people isolated by language barriers. She quickly became a source of trusted information for small business owners to keep their ▶ continued on page 71

Modern Twist, Age-Old Concept

Relax and rejuvenate at Urban Retreat Day Spa, a womanowned full service day spa, pampering the North State for 20 years. Their experienced therapists offer personalized services from massages to nail care, body treatments and more. From the women they are grateful to pamper, to the women they are lucky to work beside, join them in celebrating the power of women in our community.

2515 Park Marina Drive, Redding

530.247.1502

urbanretreatspa.com urbanretreat.dayspa

The Red Bluff Trading Post is an eclectic shopping mall with a wide range of one-of-a kind finds, collectibles, antiques and local artisans. Michele and Genie have created a shopping experience you will love!

Evergreen Solar helps homeowners harness clean, reliable energy with custom-designed solar systems built to last. Backed by Harbert Roofing’s decades of trusted service, Evergreen combines expert installation with premium technology to deliver maximum savings and energy independence. Go green, save more and power your home with confidence.

I think one of the main things is being

grounded

Don’t forget where you came from. Help those that need you and serve. Keep showing up when you’re able to. she says.

businesses alive. “Being a marketing consultant bilingual in this area is needed,” she says, noting that her connections can benefit all small business owners, as there is a mutuality in offering goods and services across cultures.

As a trusted advisor, Gutierrez is constantly refining her skills, knowledge and connections so she can provide only quality and reputable information. She’s a lifelong learner who figures out what she needs to know, from earning a Small Business certification from the state of California to help people structure business plans, to training in Quickbooks, to an eight-week business course with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce taught in Spanish.

“Now I feel like I’m worthy of this,” she says of the latter class. She challenged herself to refine her Spanish language skills with the course. “I keep doing online education because there’s always something new. Knowledge is power. Literally.”

“We’re

growing and we have to learn how to build our communities safe for everyone. No matter the differences, we have to be there for each other as a community.”

She also realizes the knowledge has to be shared. When the North State lost its source of regional Spanish news, she began translating local stories to her social media accounts and now does a podcast and radio program. There’s an exquisite mutuality to her work, because she also works to share the Hispanic world to the wider community through large celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month in Tehama County that have expanded to Shasta and Glenn.

While she has a natural inclination to support the Hispanic community, she also enjoys broadening her awareness of other cultures. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” she says, noting that she’s started educating herself on African and Chinese heritages. “We’re growing and we have to learn how to build our communities safe for everyone. No matter the differences, we have to be there for each other as a community.”

The tireless energy and selfless determination of Gutierrez has recently been acknowledged by a grateful community. She was honored as an Equity Champion by United Way of Northern California in 2025, on the heels of being lauded a 2024 Woman of the Year by California District 3 Assemblyman James Gallagher. The Woman of the Year award took her by surprise. “I didn’t realize how much I had done until I received the award,” she says.

As 2026 takes shape, she’s as active as ever building connections. “I think one of the main things is being grounded,” she says. “Don’t forget where you came from. Help those that need you and serve. Keep showing up when you’re able to.” •

Araceli Marketing Consulting

Find her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

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

wanderlust and change.

POWER & GRACE

Polish Tradition Meets Community

Agnes Fischer, co-owner of Krystyna’s Polish American Cuisine, runs the restaurant alongside her son, Robert. They are proud to introduce the rich flavors of Polish culture to Red Bluff and surrounding communities, offering something both comforting and new— a dining experience rooted in authentic, home-cooked meals that bring people together. Krystyna’s is a place where tradition meets community, and where food becomes a bridge between cultures and shared moments around the table.

620 Main St., Red Bluff

530.527.8244

Krystyna’s Polish American Cuisine krystynaspolishamerican

Built on Trust and Expertise

Kam Lalaguna has been serving real estate needs in Red Bluff and surrounding areas for over 30 years. Growing up and continuing to live in a ranching and real estate family, the business comes quite naturally to her. Whether buying or selling, her goal is customer satisfaction. She is past president of the Tehama County Association of Realtors and recipient of Realtor of the Year, Top Producer and Circle of Excellence awards.

88-Year Chico Tradition

Meet Kasey Pulliam-Reynolds, 4th, and daughter Mati, 5th generation owners of Shubert’s Ice Cream, which has been in Chico for 88 years. Shubert’s has received many prestigious awards and recognition. This voting and tasting resulted in Shubert’s being named second-best ice cream in the nation. Shubert’s is all about tradition, high quality and that distinctive homemade taste. Come into the shop and enjoy a scoop of Chico history.

178 E. 7th St, Chico 530.342.7163

Fabric & FriendShip

INSIDE PALO CEDRO’S BLUE IRIS QUILT SHOPPE

t’s Wednesday morning at Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe in Palo Cedro. The ladies have returned to Open Sew, to stitch and chat and enjoy each other’s company. Most carry decades of quilting experience, while beginners drop in to learn the venerable craft of threading together fabrics to create clothing, blankets or wherever their muses take them, piece by piece.

Shop proprietor Kimber Rickey says quilters are actually called piecers. “You’re making the quilt top with all the little pieces, you know, blocks and squares and triangles or whatever you’re doing,” she describes. “And then you have to add batting and the backing and stitch that all together to make a cohesive quilt.”

In addition to open sew, any group can meet for their projects here. The shop also hosts retreats that can run for days, for up to 20 people. “It is definitely a regular community stop for those who are in the quilting realm,” Rickey says, “Whether it be crochet, knit, piecing, wool work, anything of that nature is going to fit in.” And that’s just the classroom. This quilt shop offers quite a bit more.

In a space adjacent in the back of the store stands an impressive sewing machine, and beside it, her hands smoothing the way for an industrial-sized sewing needle, stands an equally impressive young woman, Rickey’s daughter Corinne. She is working to keep an exquisite quilt top flat on a 12-foot table for the computer-driven sewing needle, the moves of which precisely follow swirls of the original design.

Corinne says that although she’s lived among quilters her whole life, quilting didn’t interest her; she much preferred an athletic life. But while in college, after working at her mother’s store for a couple of months, she was bitten by what she calls the quilt flu bug. “Because I was just around all this fabric all this time, and I would think I wish I could do that,” she explains. “And it started to infect my brain with this creativity that I had never experienced before.”

The elder Rickey says she too didn’t care much for quilting, at first. Both her mother and her mother’s sister, Janice, quilted avidly, which mystified the girl. “It never made sense to me,” she says. “Why would they take this beautiful fabric and cut it into little pieces to put back together, and then if they didn’t put it back together right, they had to unstitch it and try again?”▶ continued on page 78

Kimber is third-generation Redding. Her grandfather helped build Shasta Dam. But it was she who built Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe, which is also impressive. The spectacle that takes you as you walk in the door makes you stop and stare, whether you live to quilt or have never running-stitched in your life. All around you stand shelves and shelves and shelves filled with bolts of fabric of every pattern and color imaginable. Finished works deck the walls, and proprietor Rickey can tell you every step it takes to make any of them.

When she bought the Blue Iris Quilt Shop, Rickey changed the name to Shoppe to reflect the boutique ambiance she instilled here. There’s another member of the family in

the store today, Aunt Janice Phelps. Back in the day, Phelps was a serious pianist. She remembers Kimber and her two siblings visiting to hear her play. “I was learning concertos and the bumble boogie and the kids liked that,” recalls Phelps. “It did influence her. She was a young child when she took piano lessons.”

For that young girl, music became life. A skilled pianist by fifth grade, she added trumpet, which she loved playing in the school band. “I played it all through fifth to 12th grade, and then after graduation, I continued with a community band I had started in junior high. So I was used to organizing and being part of the team

HEALTH WISE

enjoying music,” she says. “But when I had children at home, music was more quiet. On my piano, I’d be able to process my emotions or things going on in my head.”

She graduated from Shasta College with a degree in business and human relations.

Rickey says the sudden loss of a job took her into quilting. Music wasn’t going to work for dealing with these feelings, and she knew exactly what to do. “I needed to build something to process the emotions, the turmoil, and I picked quilting as another expression outlet,” she recalls. “The music disappears when you stop playing, but a quilt gives you more evidence of your existence, something you can hold on to.”

Greenville

C ol orec tal C ance r Aw are ness Month .

Your Health Mat te rs , G et S c ree ned .

Your health is worth protecting, today and for the future. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when screening is done on time. For adults age 45 and older, taking action now can make a life saving difference. Cologuard® offers a simple, non-invasive way to screen from the comfort of your home, no prep, no sedation, and no disruption to your daily

routine. This easy test looks for early signs of colorectal cancer, when treatment is most effective. Choosing to get screened is an act of strength, self-care, and responsibility to yourself and those who love you. Talk with your healthcare provider about Cologuard® and take the step today. Screening saves lives, yours included.

She lost herself in her new expression outlet. “I picked up the quilting bug almost instantly. I took my first vacation in eight years and hand-tied a quilt,” she says. “And I fell in love, absolutely in love.”

Corinne’s quilt flu bug also hit hard, keeping her up late at night stitching, despite college classes looming the next day. “I was spending all my free time, and basically it was a warning,” she says. “I did get a little burned out doing it too quickly, but now it’s more calm of a pace.”

When she’s not working at her mother’s shop, she studies business and administration at Shasta College.

Through her love of quilting, Corinne

found another love, that for the seasoned seamstresses of Open Sew. “I’m basically an adopted grandchild through all of the regulars here,” she says. “And it’s amazing because any of these ladies, I feel like I could call and contact and I could count on them. So it was literally like walking into a new big family.” One of those regulars announces proudly that their young quilter begins teaching classes here next month.

Today, Corinne Rickey is hoping one day

she can buy Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe from her mother. •

Blue Iris Quilt Shoppe 9348 Deschutes Road, Palo Cedro (530) 547-2228

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; closed Sundays and most major holidays www.blueirisquiltshoppe.com

Find them on Facebook

Richard DuPertuis is a Redding grandfather who writes. His stories and photographs have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online. He strives for immortality not by literary recognition, but through diet and exercise. He can be reached at dupertuis@snowcrest.net

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 Sub-specialties:

Women’s Health, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Psychiatry, Pulmonology and Pain Management

Open for Walk-ins. 8am – 5pm.

Medical - Dental Monday - Saturday 8am-5pm

Fact-Based News & Music With Heart

Rhythm & News

News from NPR, JPR and music from emerging artists.

• Shasta County – 89.7 FM

• Siskiyou County – Mt. Shasta 88.1 FM Yreka 89.3 FM

News & Information

In-depth news coverage from our region and from around the world.

• Shasta County – 1330 AM & 96.9 FM

• Siskiyou County – Mt. Shasta 102.3 FM Yreka 103.9 FM

Classics & News

A fresh, engaging approach to classical music, plus the MET Opera and news from NPR and JPR.

• Shasta County – 101 1 FM

• Siskiyou County – Mt. Shasta 91.9 FM Yreka 91.3 FM

Sharon Clark, CEO

Diana Iraheta, Dr. Gary Gallagher and Dr. Mitch Martin

In August 2004, Sharon Clark started Home Helpers with a used metal desk in her dining room and a single phone line. Twenty-one years later, that humble beginning has grown into one of the top 10% performing offices among over 700 Home Helpers franchises nationwide.

What sets Sharon’s agency apart isn’t just the awards—though honors like the Shining Star Award, Marketing Award and Spirit of Home Helpers reflect her excellence—it’s the people. Over two decades, Sharon has served more than 5,000 families and employed over 500 caregivers, mentoring hundreds of women committed to compassionate care.

“Educating families before a crisis is my goal,” Sharon says. By helping families understand available resources, she works to preserve independence and quality of life. Named Businessperson of the Year by the Redding Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and a Healthcare Hero in 2011, Sharon remains deeply passionate. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

RUTH WAKEFIELD INVENTS THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

The chocolate chip cookie wasn’t the result of a long experiment—it was a happy accident. In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, co-owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, added chopped chocolate to cookie dough expecting it to melt evenly. Instead, the chocolate held its shape, creating an entirely new kind of cookie. What started as a simple kitchen experiment became one of the most beloved treats in the world, proving that innovation often begins with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.•

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

•Preheat oven to 375°F.

•In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.

•In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy.

•Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Stir in vanilla.

•Gradually mix in dry ingredients.

•Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

•Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

•Bake 9–11 minutes, until golden brown.

•Cool briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to wire racks.

Yield: About 4 dozen cookies

An Original

c lassi c

NEIGHBORHOOD SANDWICH SHOP

SINCE 1962

DON’S SANDWICH SHOP IN REDDING

“Everything is homemade. It’s all from scratch,” Lentz says. “The meats are not processed. You can come here and eat and not worry about all the preservatives that are in food at your typical fast-food drive-through.”

alk into Don’s Sandwich Shop on Bechelli Lane and the first thing that hits you is the smell–freshly baked bread mingling with slow-cooked meats and the sweet promise of homemade desserts. It’s a scent that’s welcomed locals since 1962, when founder Don Hirbe first opened the doors to what would become a Redding institution.

Today, 64 years later, that tradition continues under the stewardship of Robin Lentz, a Cottonwood native and fourth-generation Redding resident who remembers visiting Don’s as a child. When the opportunity arose in 2007 to purchase the struggling shop, Lentz didn’t hesitate.

“It had really slowed down, and I didn’t want to see it close,” Lentz recalls. “You don’t change something that’s been here that long. That was one of the main reasons I bought the shop.”

True to her word, Lentz hasn’t changed a thing about what made Don’s special. The Hofbrau-style setup remains,

where customers pick exactly what they want and how they want it done. The pastrami–what Lentz calls the foundation the shop was built on–still arrives in whole briskets from Los Angeles packers and gets shaved fresh daily. Some of it simmers in broth, some gets fried crispy like bacon.

The turkey breast? Seasoned and oven-baked in-house. The corned beef? Started in crockpots the night before, cooking slowly until tender. The tri-tip? Cooked fresh every morning, then carved or shaved for French dip sandwiches like the popular Morgan, loaded with green chilies and pepper jack cheese.

“Everything is homemade. It’s all from scratch,” Lentz says. “The meats are not processed. You can come here and eat and not worry about all the preservatives that are in food at your typical fast-food drive-through.”

That commitment to quality extends to every corner of the menu. Rolls arrive from San Francisco–sweet rolls, sourdough and Dutch crunch–to be finished baking onsite, filling the shop with that irresistible aroma. The sides–baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad and coleslaw–are all made from scratch. Even the coleslaw dressing comes from a house recipe, not a bottle.

By 9 am on most days, customers are already calling to hear what soup is on the menu. Leftovers never go to ▶ continued on page 88

“I was taught to use everything that we have,” Lentz explains. “I love to cook. I bake our pies and our cookies. We are known for our soups and our sides. Pretty much everything is homemade, not from a box or bag.”

waste; yesterday’s beef becomes today’s beef stroganoff soup or beef barley. Fridays are always chowder days.

“I was taught to use everything that we have,” Lentz explains. “I love to cook. I bake our pies and our cookies. We are known for our soups and our sides. Pretty much everything is homemade, not from a box or bag.”

The dessert case tells its own story: carrot cake, lemon bars, macadamia Bundt cake, and the signature bread pudding crowned with whiskey sauce. First-time visitors often discover they’ve ordered more than they can finish ‒generous portions being another Don’s tradition.

Running Don’s is a team effort. General Manager Linda O’Brien has been with Lentz since she purchased the shop in 2007. Between them, they ensure Don’s maintains its exacting standards five days a week. “Linda is more like family to me than an employee, that’s for sure,” Lentz says. “Linda’s here every day with me.”

O’Brien notes that between running the sandwich shop and Lentz’s other work commitments, “Robin cooks nonstop. She loves to cook.”

For Lentz, preserving Don’s goes beyond business. As a fourth-generation Redding resident, she sees it as a responsibility to her community.

“There are more and more national sandwich chains opening up in the area, and the mom-and-pop shops are dying,” she says. “But we are devoted to our little holein-the-wall shop. We hope our customers notice the love we put into it.”

That devotion extends to quiet community work, helping people in need without fanfare, the way Lentz was raised. “We do a lot for our community,” she says. “I’m from here, and I care.”▶

continued on page 90

“Pretty much what my customers tell me: Don’t change anything. And hope that the next generations keep coming in.”

Beyond the sandwich shop, Lentz also runs a separate business ‒Etched in Elegance, a catering company she started with her friend Becky Baldwin-Bassett right out of high school. What began as a partnership between two young women has grown into one of Northern California’s premier catering operations, serving events from intimate office parties to weddings with 1,500 guests. The company has won awards at local food competitions for its baking and has even traveled out of state for events.

The same from-scratch philosophy that guides Don’s carries over to Etched in Elegance. “My little shop is truly my passion, as well as my catering business,” Lentz says. “Becky and I have been business partners for years. And through it all, we remain the best of friends.”

Lentz credits both O’Brien and Baldwin-Bassett for her success. “I could not have handled both businesses without Linda and Becky.”

Her business plan for Don’s? “Pretty much what my customers tell me: Don’t change anything. And hope that the next generations keep coming in.”

For first-time visitors, Lentz has a simple promise: “Everything that they’re going to get here is fresh and they’re going to get their money’s worth in the way of quantity.”

After 63 years on Bechelli Lane, Don’s Sandwich Shop remains exactly what it’s always been ‒ a place where quality, tradition and community come together, one homemade sandwich at a time. •

Don’s Sandwich Shop

3034 Bechelli Lane, Redding (530) 223-3744

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Etched in Elegance Catering

3034 Bechelli Lane, Redding (530) 949-7043

Redding,

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1983

When life bumps your bumper, head to Miller Collision Center! Four generations strong, Molly’s family has been serving the North State since 1982 and pride themselves on quality auto body repairs and outstanding customer service.

Molly appreciates her team of highly caring professionals; who are factory certified, trained on the best equipment, and driven by safety and a highquality repair. Her shop, Miller Collision Center, is factory certified by the manufacturers and recently became the only Tesla approved body shop in the North State. They are constantly evolving with the changes and demands of the industry, making them a premier body shop in Redding.

Molly and her husband Jim, have raised four children in Redding and have always been an active part of the community. Molly has volunteered at her children’s schools, served on community boards, and has been a member of the Redding West Rotary and the North State Cancer League for over 30 years. Molly truly loves and appreciates Redding and is thankful for the community support.

CHALLENGING THE NORMS. DOING THE WORK. AND DOING IT WELL.

Q&A

WITH SARAH ROTH, REDDING FIRE, AND JENNIFER THOMAS, JL THOMAS CONSTRUCTION

edding Fire Department Fire Prevention Specialist Sarah Roth and Heavy Equipment Operator Jennifer Thomas of JL Thomas Construction spoke with Enjoy about the rewards and challenges of working in occupations historically pursued by men. Their jobs require versatility–physical strength, dexterity, problem-solving, technical knowledge and soft skills (like communication) essential to effective teamwork. Mistakes can result in serious injury or death, so stress management is crucial. They share what inspired them to pursue their careers, how they navigate challenges, the most surprising thing they have learned about the work they do, and the divergent paths they took to prepare for the work they love.

What influenced your decision to pursue your occupation and how long have you been engaged in it?

Sarah: I was inspired by the camaraderie, the challenging and meaningful work and the opportunity to serve my community. I was also motivated by my desire to be a strong role model for my daughter. I began my fire service journey nine years ago.

Jennifer: I grew up in the construction industry and have always enjoyed being outdoors. I have been involved in this work for over 25 years. ▶ continued on page 97

Fire Department

Fire Prevention Specialist

Roth

QA

What preparation/training did you complete to do this work?

Sarah: I committed daily to physical training and academic study, completing the EMT and fire academy programs through Shasta College. After moving from an engine assignment into fire prevention, I continued specialized training in public education, community risk reduction and volunteer program development, which includes the Community Emergency Response Team.

Jennifer: My whole life has prepared me for my career. From riding on equipment with my dad when I was very young and working in the field as soon as I could to lots of hours in the seat, I picked up things. The guys I have worked with have all been willing to give me advice, for which I am always grateful.

Was getting your first job easy or somewhat difficult? Why?

Sarah: Getting my first job wasn’t overly difficult, but the fire service quickly teaches you that every municipality, department and station is different. Success depends on adaptability, humility and respect for each team’s culture.

Jennifer: It was easy. I worked for my family building logging roads, where I was able to familiarize myself with equipment. During that time, I learned two things: I liked running equipment and I wasn’t half bad at it.

What kind of technology and/or equipment do you use daily?

Sarah: I primarily use a computer for internal and interagency communication, along with community risk assessment tools and digital tracking dashboards.

Jennifer: It depends on the job, but usually an excavator and a loader. I have plans I have to follow for all jobs, so I might need a basic shovel, wrenches, laser level and tape measure.

What does a typical workday look like?

Sarah: No two days are the same. My work ranges from office meetings and event planning to field inspections and delivering fire and life safety education at schools, businesses and community groups. I also train volunteers, participate in disaster drills and support community outreach events.

Jennifer: There is no typical workday but all days start somewhat the same. I need to check my equipment, make sure all the fluids are full, and start the machine to let it warm up for the day. Then I dig a trench for the utilities I need to install, install them and then backfill. ▶ continued on page 99

JL Thomas Construction

Heavy Equipment Operator

Jennifer Thomas

QA

What’s your favorite part of your day-to-day?

Sarah: The opportunity to make a positive, lasting impact on both the community and my department.

Jennifer: I like the problem-solving aspect of my job. An example of this is when there are existing utilities and it seems impossible to get the new line in, but it gets done. That might mean I need to get out of my machine and hand dig, but nothing gets broken.

What challenges do you encounter and how do you overcome them?

Sarah: As a single-position role serving a city of over 90,000, balancing priorities can be challenging. I manage this by prioritizing effectively, setting realistic expectations and focusing on delivering quality work with a positive mindset.

Jennifer: Sometimes there are unmarked utilities and I must figure out how to get the utilities I’m installing around them.

What are your career goals in this industry, or have you already achieved them?

Sarah: I plan to continue advancing in fire prevention, with the longterm goal of becoming a fire marshal before retirement.

Jennifer: I have achieved my goals in the industry. I own my own machinery and am self-employed. While I can’t remember if it was my goal in the beginning, it just ended up this way.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about working in your industry?

Sarah: The passion for the fire service never really leaves you. The experiences—both hard and rewarding—shape who you are and how you approach everything, on and off the job.

Jennifer: The people I worked with when I was young were always willing to lend a helping hand. There has been a shift with the young people I work with now, [mainly] an unwillingness to jump in and help. This isn’t true for everyone; I work with some great guys, but the shift is noticeable.

What do you wish someone would ask you about your job?

Sarah: I wish more people asked about the future of the fire service. Beyond emergency response, I believe our greatest growth lies in expanding public education, prevention and building strong volunteer programs.

Jennifer: I don’t have any questions I wish someone would ask me but I believe the saying, “If you do something you love, you won’t work a day in your life” rings true for my job.•

Our clients have lost

60,332.3 lbs pounds as of 2/4/2026

“At Magnolia Health & Wellness, managing medical weight loss is about more than protocols — it’s about transformation & long-term sustainability. Our patients don’t just lose weight; they gain energy, confidence, and control over their health. Watching those changes unfold is what makes this work so rewarding. By integrating medical weight loss with aesthetics & personalized skin care such as HydraFacials, therapeutic massage, we support patients beyond the scale. These services promote skin health during weight changes, reduce stress, enhance recovery, and help patients feel confident as their bodies evolve. Managing behind the scenes, we are building a seamless, compassionate system of care ensuring each patient feels supported at every stage of their journey. At Magnolia, we focus on sustainable, whole-person wellness — helping patients feel their best, inside and out.

-Amy Winters

Hello, Spring

LITTLE MOMENTS TO ENJOY THIS SPRING

✿ Open the windows and let the house breathe

✿ Eat at least one meal outside

✿ Take a walk just to notice what’s blooming

✿ Clean out one drawer or shelf

✿ Swap heavy flavors for something fresh and bright

✿ Visit a local spot you’ve never tried

✿ Plan a short scenic drive

✿ Start the day without your phone once a week

✿ Watch the sunset without multitasking

✿ Buy fresh flowers—store-bought counts

✿ Plant something, even if it’s small

✿ Try a new spring color

✿ Sit in the sun for ten quiet minutes

✿ Donate what you no longer use

✿ Write down what you’re ready to let go of

✿ Make a simple spring playlist

✿ Schedule a coffee or walk with a friend

✿ Take photos of ordinary, beautiful moments

✿ Reset one daily routine

✿ Get outside before noon

✿ Read something light and enjoyable

✿ Cook one meal using seasonal ingredients

✿ Leave one day unplanned

✿ Do something just because it sounds fun

Jennifer Lindstrand is a Shasta County native with a BA from CSU Chico. With more than 17 years of experience in the health insurance world – 11 of those as an agent, she is passionate about her work and helping clients.

After launching her own business, Jennifer was recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Choice Awards for Best Health Insurance Agent in the North State. She specializes in finding cost-effective insurance solutions tailored to her clients’ needs and is licensed in multiple states.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

MARGARET LEARD’S CENTURY OF LIVING

t the start of the historic era of flapper culture, the year Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees, and a month before women officially became allowed to vote, Margaret Leard came into the world on July 15, 1920. Born in Potter Valley, a small farming community 18 miles north of Ukiah that still only has a population of around 665 people today, Margaret grew up on a ranch that her parents owned, eating good farm-to-table food; staying active (playing baseball, basketball and walking); and then picking up the hobby of keeping close stats on the San Francisco Giants later in life.

“I hope she doesn’t wear you out too much,” the receptionist at Oakdale Heights says when her son Bill Leard and I walk in together to see Margaret. Bill grew up with Margaret’s other two children, sandwiched between the oldest Joanne Padilla and the youngest, Judi Norby. Both Joanne and Bill live in Redding while Judi lives in the Central Valley.

“She’s 105 going on 17, and a big Giants fan,” Bill says. “She’s never smoked or drank in her life, and she ate her food straight out of the garden. She was a pure young lady; and still pretty agile now for being [over] 100,” he adds.

When we walked in, Margaret was sitting in a cozy plush recliner chair in her sunlit living room. Family photos, birthday cards and a few plants adorn the place; number balloons hanging on her pantry across from her refrigerator spell out “101.”

The couch where Joanne sits faces a big green lawn lined with trees right outside her back door. Margaret

used to walk around the grounds quite often and still motors herself to the dining hall for meals three times a day, even though her room is clear at the other end of the hallway.

What’s her secret to living so long?

“Usana vitamins,” Bill chimes in. “She’s been taking them every day since the early ‘90s,” he adds, referring to the vitamin/ mineral/antioxidant supplement brand that supports cellular longevity.

“That’s right,” Margaret confirms. But it could be argued that Margaret’s longevity could be attributed to her lifestyle when she was young, growing up in Potter Valley.

“My parents are from San Jose and my mom got a job as a teacher up in Potter Valley, so they moved there,” Margaret says. “She taught out of a one-room building, first through third grade, three generations of families. Then when I started going to school, she moved to the upper grades, so she didn’t have to teach me.”

She called it the “double whammy” of education, going to school and being raised by a teacher at home. When she was not in school,

Margaret hung out on the farm or played sports. Her family raised chickens and cows that provided them with fresh eggs and milk. And the Leards grew everything they could in their garden, such as watermelons, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, squash and fruit trees.

In high school, Margaret played basketball (as a forward) and baseball (pitcher and first base), where she developed a fondness for ball sports.

“I remember being on the court and my uncle yelling, ‘shoot it, Marg!’” she recalls, aptly drumming up a memory from 85 years ago.

Margaret met her husband Vernon in Potter Valley. They got married in Reno in 1939 and eventually moved to Ukiah. Vernon became a truck driver for PG&E, hauling supplies from Ukiah to Lake Pillsbury where PG&E kept a hydroelectricity plant. Margaret and Vernon spent about 40 years in Ukiah, including a short stint in Lakeport.

“Just long enough to have Judi,” 83-year-old Joanne says about their youngest sibling. When the Leards moved back to Ukiah, Margaret worked at the county treasurer’s office and a credit union.

“…All while raising all of us,” Bill says. On the weekends, the Leards went camping in Fort Bragg where their relatives kept seven acres of property they shared with two other families. (The 1948 movie “Johnny Belinda” was filmed in the area.)

“We’d do these big meals with 30-40 people on a long table, my great aunt cooking at the end on big woodstoves,” Bill remembers, also recalling how they’d go fishing off the bluffs. Margaret described where the property was, like she was just there yesterday. ▶

continued on page 107

In between his job of running supplies to PG&E, Margaret’s husband Vernon was what Bill calls a “dirt farmer”, hiring out crews to help him and Bill’s uncle plow, cut, and raise grain and hay.

“Most weekends were spent in the fields,” Bill says. At one point, one of their neighbors got a horse and wanted someone to ride with, so Margaret and Vernon bought a horse, too. “All three of us shared a horse,” Joanne says with a smile. Bill rode the horse the most.

Margaret never really got into horses; she was more into watching or playing any sports that involved a ball. A couple of decades after playing basketball and baseball in high school when Vernon and Margaret were still living in the Potter Valley/Ukiah area, she went to a San Francisco Giants game. At the game, Margaret got hit on the head with a foul ball and spent the rest of it in the infirmary. And she never even got to keep the foul ball!

No one quite remembers how Margaret got so into the Giants, but Bill recalls his parents watching them on TV a lot after they moved to Redding. Margaret’s been keeping scorebooks at least since 1989, writing out the lineups in her stat book before every game. Then she watches every game intently, recording every ball and strike and tuning out everything else that’s around her. (Which is why there’s no point visiting her while she’s watching the Giants, as she will completely ignore you.)

Her favorite player is Buster Posey. “He got a home run all the time,” she says, mentioning she also liked Brandon Crawford and first baseman Brandon Belt, who played alongside Posey on the 2012 and 2014 World Series winning roster.

“That’s the best team they ever had,” Joanne says.

“No, the best team was with Willie McCovey,” Bill smiles, referring to the famous Giants first baseman who played from 1959-1980.

Margaret moved to Oakdale Heights in 2018 and kept up her walking, watching baseball and eating three meals a day. “When she goes down the hallway, everyone gets out of the way,” Bill says. She eats everything and anything, cleaning her plate most of the time.

Margaret says she doesn’t really have a favorite food but remembers last fall when she had a turkey with cranberry sauce at Oakdale Heights. “All of that was so good,” she says. For the last 10 decades, Margaret always looks to have a vegetable with every meal.

“Both were always quite the gardeners; they were always big on good soil. They spent 50 percent of their time in the dirt,” Bill says of his parents. It likely helped that processed foods didn’t exist back then.

“We cooked our own potatoes. Everything came from the ground to the table, or straight from the hoof,” Bill says. “My dad always had ideas about what to do with the ranch. He went out there and planted corn on the cob. He cut off kernels, boxed them, and froze them. Then the next year he had chickens. They processed the chickens themselves, put that into baggies and boxes, and froze them.

Margaret grew up on a ranch that her parents owned, eating good farm-to-table food; staying active (playing baseball, basketball and walking); and then picking up the hobby of keeping close stats on the San Francisco Giants later in life.

“Then we ate all of it, sometimes at 9pm if that’s when it was ready,” Joanne adds.

“We cooked our own potatoes and all raised lemon cucumbers, which are so good. And you can’t find them in the store because they have such a short shelf life,” Bill adds.

“I used to like squash, but only the way I made it,” Margaret says, which is boiled and mashed with salt, pepper, milk and butter.

When asked whether he had any particularly special fond memory of Margaret, Bill says, “Every day’s an experience with her. She’s always been there when I needed her, and provided food, shelter, clothes on our backs,” Bill says. “I think her secret to life comes down to the food she ate, the life she led, and her work ethic ‒ it is what keeps families together and creates longevity.”

And her dedication to the SF Giants may also have had something to do with it. If only she had that foul ball… •

Margaret’s been keeping scorebooks at least since 1989, writing out the lineups in her stat book before every game. Then she watches every game intently, recording every ball and strike and tuning out everything else that’s around her. (Which is why there’s no point visiting her while she’s watching the Giants, as she will completely ignore you.)

50 YEARS OF BRINGING Life into the World

MIDWIFE NORA MCNEILL CELEBRATED IN REDDING

n March 21, the Shasta District Fairgrounds will transform into a celebration half a century in the making. From 4 to 8 p.m., families will gather–many of them representing multiple generations–to honor Nora McNeill, the Redding midwife who has spent 50 years catching babies, mentoring students and championing a model of childbirth that research shows saves lives.

The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, bounce houses and a preview screening of “She is Fearless: The Story of Nora McNeill,” a documentary by filmmaker Brandon Ballard. But the real draw will be the stories–testimonials from the thousands of families whose lives McNeill has touched since she attended her first birth in 1975.

“Whether you were a client, student, colleague or friend, you are warmly invited,” organizers wrote in the event announcement. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who has never taken a vacation more than 50 miles from home in five decades, ensuring she’d always be available when a mother went into labor.

McNeill’s journey to midwifery began with an unlikely teacher: her family cat.

“At a young age, my mom was always cool about my curiosity about birth,” McNeill recalls. “I had a mama cat that had a litter of kittens once a year. Five kittens every time. And it was amazing. I was always with her when she gave birth, and it just came across as such an incredibly normal process that animals that aren’t inoculated with fear about it just spontaneously give birth.”

That early fascination eventually became a calling. In 1975, while working as a childbirth educator in Ventura County, McNeill was approached by a woman terrified by her previous hospital births. The woman wanted a home birth—a revolutionary concept at the time, though McNeill realized it was how births had occurred for millennia.

“I told her that I didn’t have a lot to offer, but I was willing to come and support and encourage her,” McNeill says. “I went to that birth, and it was lovely. Before I knew it, I had gotten a call from a woman who had heard I’d been at this home birth.”

What McNeill was doing was illegal and kept underground. For 44 years, from 1949 to 1993, California had no legal pathway for lay midwives to practice.

“I had a mama cat that had a litter of kittens once a year. Five kittens every time. And it was amazing. I was always with her when she gave birth, and it just came across as such an incredibly normal process that animals that aren’t inoculated with fear about it just spontaneously give birth.”

“People had to protect my identity,” she says. “At one point, I was investigated, but I knew what I was doing was the right thing to do.”

In 1979, McNeill and her husband moved to Shasta County. She became a registered

nurse in 1986, which allowed her to attend births under standardized procedures she developed with a physician. Still, she faced two disciplinary hearings–both of which cleared her to practic–but the emotional, professional and financial toll was draining.

Finally, in 1998, five years after California reinstated midwifery licensing through the Licensed Midwifery Practice Act, McNeill received her midwifery license. She’s been practicing legally ever since, though she’s tried to retire multiple times.

“Her deep calling to care for families keeps bringing her back,” her website notes. She has delivered multiple generations of babies, including children of her former clients. ▶ continued on page 114

Filmmaker Ballard knows McNeill’s impact firsthand. He and his wife Maile chose her to deliver both their children ‒ Kainoa, now 7, and Ailana, now 5.

“I remember our first interview with her in 2018. I was just really blown away by how present she was, how knowledgeable she was,” Ballard says. “The experience was phenomenal. I just really credit her a lot for helping us keep these babies healthy.”

That experience inspired Ballard to create his documentary, scheduled for release later this year. “I felt like there really wasn’t a lot of information about the medical model versus the midwife model and what the true differences were,” he explains.

For McNeill, effective midwifery extends beyond the birth itself. She emphasizes nutrition during pregnancy, believing that high-quality eating helps both mother and

baby weather the stresses of pregnancy and birth. She educates clients about their options, empowering them to make informed decisions. And she encourages partners and loved ones to be active participants.

Perhaps most remarkably, McNeill has never used a birth rotation with other midwives, never had a last-minute substitute, and never gone on vacation more than 50

“I would like to be known as someone who listened and responded with compassion and was a good facilitator for people, that I could educate them and honor their decision-making to the best of my ability.”

miles from home–all to ensure she’s present for every birth.

When asked about her legacy, McNeill’s answer is characteristically humble: “I would like to be known as someone who listened and responded with compassion and was a good facilitator for people, that I could educate them and honor their decisionmaking to the best of my ability.”

On March 21, hundreds of families will gather at the Shasta District Fairgrounds to tell her she accomplished exactly that, and so much more. •

Cocktail Classic

MARGARITA SAMES

POPULARIZES A TIMELESS COCKTAIL

The margarita is more than a cocktail— it’s a classic. Many trace its popularity to Margarita Sames, who is said to have served the drink at gatherings in the 1940s. With its simple balance of tequila, citrus, and salt, the margarita quickly became a favorite, celebrated for both its ease and elegance. Like many creations credited to women, its legacy lives on through shared moments and timeless appeal.

CLASSIC MARGARITA

RECIPE:

• 2 oz. tequila

• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1 oz. orange liqueur

• Salted rim

• Ice

Shake with ice and strain into a saltrimmed glass.

RING IN THE

ROARING RUMBLE BENEFITS

RAISING SHASTA KIDS

iz Crain has never been in a fight, has never participated in team sports and candidly admits she’s not an athlete. However, none of that will stop her next month from lacing up the boxing gloves and stepping into the ring for a sanctioned three-round match against Trish Baker, a woman Crain describes as “a force.”

AM I INTIMIDATED? YES. BUT UNDERDOGS CAN WIN. I’M GOING TO GIVE IT MY ALL. BUT IT’S FOR THE KIDS. HOWEVER IT SHAKES OUT, IF SHE WINS OR I WIN, IT’S IRRELEVANT.”

Why? Because North State kids, many of whom are at risk, will benefit, Crain says. “Am I intimidated? Yes. But underdogs can win. I’m going to give it my all. But it’s for the kids. However it shakes out, if she wins or I win, it’s irrelevant.”

Crain and Baker are two of the 10 celebrity boxers scheduled to take part in Roaring Rumble, a fundraiser for Raising Shasta, a nonprofit that provides education, services and support for families with children aged from 0 to 18.

Jenna Berry, Raising Shasta’s director, says Roaring Rumble—now in its second year—is a nod to the boxing program her group offers at the Redding Teen Center. Kids aged 12 to 18 can take part in the Police Athletic League program daily from 3 to 6 pm; Berry says the sport promotes health, emotional resilience, discipline, focus and positive social development.

“We were thinking a fun fundraiser would be to have celebrities jump in the ring. It’s kind of out of the box and draws in different donors. It’s a fun way to explain what we do,” Berry says.

Raising Shasta, formerly known as Pathways to Hope, also operates the Anderson Teen Center, another fun and supportive space for teenagers. Camp HOPE, a weeklong retreat for kids who have experienced trauma is another popular resource. Berry says some 83 kids have gone through the boxing program with about 40 currently taking part on a consistent basis.

For Crain, who served Raising Shasta for four years through AmeriCorps and later managed the Anderson Teen Center, returning to participate in Roaring Rumble “is a full 360 for me.” A mother of two with twin grandsons, Crain now works with GO-Serve, a state organization promoting volunteerism and community engagement throughout California. ▶ continued on page 120

“When I did serve in AmeriCorps, I engaged my kids in our service work, like the MLK Day of Service March or preparing stuff for the holidays. Service is really important to myself and my family,” Crain says.

Helping children and families was all the motivation Baker needed to agree to step into the ring. “They said it was for child abuse prevention and I thought that was pretty cool,” Baker says. Although she says she’s never boxed, Baker describes herself as “pretty active.” She says she’s enjoying the training sessions she’s attending with Crain along with the bonding.

Baker, who sits on the Redding Rancheria Tribal Council and works as director of gaming at Win-River Casino, is boxing on behalf of the Rancheria; Crain has chosen to represent Leadership Redding (she’s a graduate of the 2018 class and serves on the Leadership Redding steering committee).

“IT WILL BE REALLY SAFE. YES. It’s a great way to see what kids go through to learn boxing: regulating emotions, the footwork, endurance. These are real matches.”

All the Roaring Rumble boxers are training with a coach certified by USA Boxing and the bouts—three rounds of three minutes each—will be overseen by a referee and judges. “It will be really safe. It’s a great way to see what kids go through to learn boxing: regulating emotions, the footwork, endurance. These are real matches,” Berry says.

Roaring Rumble also will feature another bout with female combatants. Hailey Devine, an engineer with the Anderson Fire Department, will square off against Kilee Holroyd, a Shasta County Sheriff’s detective and K9 handler.

Representing Raising Shasta’s PAL boxing program will be a pair of young boxers: 11-year-old Rhylinh and 14-yearold Diego, who will compete against PAL boxers from Medford, Ore. Both are being coached by Daniel Arzate.

The male celebrities stepping into the Win-River Event Center ring will be Redding architect Ryan Russell, who will spar with Dutch Bros. co-owner Chris Resner; Redding physician Matt Moore, who will face physical therapist Christian Mercill; and DJ Ojay, who will mix it up with DJ Jake Easy.

To learn more about tickets and boxer sponsorships, visit raisingshasta.org/roaring-rumble •

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.

Sponsors: Beacon Fire Alarm & Security Majestic Builders

Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge Stephens Electrical

auhindauli Park is a hidden gem of a park in north Dunsmuir. With more than a half-mile of direct public access to the Upper Sacramento River, the park appeals to a wide variety of visitors who come to enjoy its charms. With picnic tables, paved trails, extensive fishing, interpretive signs and a deep history, first-time visitors may find themselves very pleasantly surprised.

The park’s landscapes transition from chaparral and manzanita to leafy riverside alders and willows, then spring-fed wetlands filled with cattails and tall grasses, and wind up as a dark cedar, fir and pine forest. Along the way, the visitor will pass through an old fruit orchard of apple, pear and plum trees planted in the 1800s, still bearing fruit today. And each step has the Sacramento River at hand, delighting the visitor with fresh, crisp river breezes carrying along butterflies.

Many creatures call the park home, or come by for a visit. Black bears, deer, raccoons and possums all come to forage or find shelter in the tall grass. Grasshoppers, Monarch butterflies, bees and river insects galore take advantage of the flowers and plants in the park. Observant visitors will see great blue herons, swallows, dipper birds, robins and Stellar’s jays making it known that this is their park.

hidden riverside gem

EXPLORING

TAUHINDAULI PARK IN DUNSMUIR

For visitors interested in fishing, the Upper Sacramento River in the park has numerous fantastic spots for trout fishing. The river has abundant rainbow trout, which can grow to impressive sizes, occasionally exceeding 20 inches. Spring and fall are great times to fish, as the river hosts hatches of caddis, mayflies and golden stoneflies. The crystal-clear waters and diverse habitats make it ideal for fly fishing, with techniques like euro nymphing and dry fly fishing being particularly effective.

Other visitors may be interested in the park’s surprisingly deep history, told in more than 20 interpretive signs in the park. The first humans walked through what is today’s Tauhindauli Park perhaps 10,000 years ago, and over the next 7,000 years, two or three different peoples likely camped along the river here and caught the wild salmon. Each of these earliest peoples moved on or were pushed out by later

At the time of the California Gold Rush in 1849, the Indigenous People who used Tauhindauli Park as a seasonal place to fish for salmon were the Okwanuchu tribe. The Okwanuchu, Dunsmuir’s Native Americans, were a mysterious tribe who called the area around Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta City and McCloud home. Sadly, all the Okwanuchu people disappeared in the 1800s, likely the result of pressure and possible attacks from the arriving American gold prospectors.

The first permanent American settlers in today’s Tauhindauli Park were Ross and Mary McCloud and their children. The McCloud family first started a small wayside inn, then a hotel, and finally, in the 1870s, a Victorian-era

resort hotel, known as the “Upper Soda Springs Resort,” catering to tourists from around the world.

Living with the McCloud family were the Tauhindauli family – Wintu tribe members who had fled from attacks by prospectors on their home on the Trinity River. The Tauhindauli family escaped over the mountains and found refuge and safety at Upper Soda Springs, where they lived with the McCloud family for generations. (Descendants of the Tauhindauli family graciously agreed that their family name could be used as the name of the park.)

The resort thrived with the arrival of the railroad and the town of Dunsmuir in 1886, and each summer the resort▶ continued on page 126

Whether the visitor is seeking a vigorous walk in nature, quiet contemplation along the river, a fishing experience, or a stroll through thousands of years of history, Tauhindauli Park in north Dunsmuir provides ample opportunities for pleasure and enjoyment.

was filled with people enjoying the mountain water and air. However, with the coming of the automobile, fashions changed and the resort closed in 1920, and all the resort-era buildings have all been removed. The park’s many interpretive signs tell the stories of this interesting history.

Luckily, some 25 years ago, the State of California acquired the land that forms the core of Tauhindauli Park and, with substantial volunteer assistance from the citizens of Dunsmuir, Tauhindauli Park came into existence.

This spirit of volunteerism remains alive today in Dunsmuir, as the “Friends of Tauhindauli Park at Upper Soda Springs” (a nonprofit organization) is actively tending to the park, including organizing teams of volunteers to come in to maintain and improve it.

Whether the visitor is seeking a vigorous walk in nature, quiet contemplation along the river, a fishing experience, or a stroll through thousands of years of history, Tauhindauli Park in north Dunsmuir provides ample opportunities for pleasure and enjoyment.•

Tauhindauli Park * 4223 Upper Soda Road, Dunsmuir

comfort in a cup

AN IRISH FAVORITE FOR CHILLY DAYS

Irish coffee was created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef and bartender at an airbase restaurant in Ireland. Faced with cold, tired travelers arriving late at night, Sheridan added Irish whiskey and brown sugar to hot coffee, then topped it with lightly whipped cream. The result was both comforting and invigorating. When asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan famously replied, “No—that’s Irish coffee.” The drink quickly became a beloved classic, known for its warmth, simplicity and unmistakable Irish charm.

CLASSIC IRISH COFFEE RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee

• 1½ oz Irish whiskey

• 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar, to taste

• Lightly whipped heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Warm a heatproof glass with hot water, then discard.

Step 2: Add brown sugar and hot coffee, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Stir in Irish whiskey.

Step 4: Gently float lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon on top of the coffee.

Step 5: Serve without stirring — sip the coffee through the cream.

Tip: The cream should be softly whipped, not stiff, so it floats properly.

The Comfort of Simplicity

Servings: 8 || Prep Time: 15 minutes || Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

There’s something almost magical about a soup that requires just six ingredients yet delivers the kind of comfort that makes you want to curl up with a good book and ignore the outside world entirely. Potato and leek soup is that kind of alchemy –the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

This isn’t a soup that demands your attention or tests your culinary prowess. It doesn’t require exotic ingredients from specialty markets or techniques that send you scrambling to YouTube tutorials. Instead, it asks for patience and the willingness to let simple ingredients become something greater than the sum of their parts.

The foundation of this soup is the relationship between leeks and butter–a classic pairing that forms the backbone of French kitchens for good reason. When you melt a full cup of butter in a large pot and add those sliced leeks (just the white and light green parts, please, as the dark green can be tough and bitter), something wonderful begins. Season them with salt and pepper, then let them cook and stir for about 15 minutes until they’re tender and sweet. This isn’t a step to rush. Those 15 minutes transform sharp, raw leeks into something silky and mild, creating a flavor base that will carry the entire soup.

The cornstarch might seem like an odd addition–many potato soups rely solely on the starch from the potatoes themselves for body. But stirring a tablespoon into a quart of chicken broth before adding it to the pot creates a luxurious texture that coats your spoon just right. Pour that mixture over your tender leeks, then add four peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Yukon Golds are ideal here; their buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked make them perfect for soups. Bring everything to a boil, then settle in for the next phase.

Once you’ve stirred in a cup and a half of heavy cream (or more, if you’re feeling particularly indulgent), reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. Some evenings, you might want it smooth and velvety–in which case, an immersion blender or a few pulses in a regular blender will transform it into liquid silk. Other times, leaving it chunky feels just right, with tender potato pieces and soft ribbons of leek in every spoonful.

This recipe serves eight, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or for ensuring you have plenty of leftovers. Potato and leek soup actually improves after a day in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld and deepen. Reheat it gently, adding a splash of cream or broth if it’s thickened too much overnight.

Serve it with crusty bread for dunking, a simple green salad and maybe a glass of crisp white wine. Or don’t–this soup is substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal, especially on those evenings when elaborate cooking feels like too much effort.

From start to finish, you’re looking at an hour and 15 minutes, most of which is hands-off simmering time. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you be in the kitchen without being chained to the stove, leaving you free to set the table, open that wine or simply stand there enjoying the fact that something so simple can be so thoroughly satisfying.

In our world of complicated recipes with ingredient lists that read like novellas, there’s something deeply reassuring about a soup that proves elegance doesn’t require complexity. Just butter, leeks, potatoes, cream and time. Sometimes, that’s all you need.•

ingredients

• 1 cup butter

• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced (use only the white and light green parts)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 T cornstarch

• 1 quart chicken broth

• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1½ cups heavy cream, or to taste

directions

Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and season to taste with salt and pepper; cook and stir until leeks are tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: In a large bowl, stir cornstarch into broth; pour broth into pot. Add potatoes and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Stir in cream; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Check seasoning before serving.

BLACK BUTTE POKING THROUGH THE CLOUDS

Frank Kratofil enjoys spending time with his family, friends and patients and he enjoys time in the outdoors. As a young man, Frank was legally blind. Two successful corneal transplants encouraged him to photograph the magic in nature... beautiful colors and the delicate balance of nature, animals and humans. Find him on Instagram @frankkratofil

Well Said

INSPIRING QUOTES FROM REMARKABLE WOMEN

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

“I raise up my voice— not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”

— Malala Yousafzai

“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.”

— Audre Lorde

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

— Ayn Rand

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

— Maya Angelou

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

— Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”

— Audre Lorde

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.”

— Amelia Earhart

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

— Anaïs Nin

“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”

— Mary Wollstonecraft

A LUCKY LINEUP OF LOCAL FAVORITES

Savor

GREAT EATS BEING DISHED OUT IN THE NORTH STATE

★ Drive through ★★ Walk in or curb side delivery ★★★ Free or nominal fee delivery ★ |

2704 Hartnell Ave., Suite J Redding Public Market 1551 Market St. Redding

Mon-Sat 11am- 9pm thebantamkitchen.com

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

9153 Deschutes Rd., Palo Cedro Mon 11am-8pm / Tues-Sat 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

★ ★ | ★

★ 1400 Pine St., Redding Daily 9am-8pm (530) 242-6224 losgordosredding.com Delivery via Postmate

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 ★

QUEEN’S BERRY PAVLOVA

Serves: 8 || Prep Time: 20 minutes || Bake Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooling Time: 1 hour || Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Queen’s Berry Pavlova is effortlessly regal — light, dramatic and perfect for celebrations honoring women, milestones or simply a beautiful spring evening.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE PAVLOVA:

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp. cornstarch

• 1 tsp. white vinegar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream

• 2 T powdered sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle as a guide.

Step 2: In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture is thick, glossy and holds stiff peaks. Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar and vanilla.

Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment, shaping it into a round within the circle. Create a slight indentation in the center to hold the toppings.

Step 4: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until the outside is crisp and dry. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the pavlova cool completely inside.

Step 5: Just before serving, whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Step 6: Spread whipped cream over the cooled pavlova. Arrange berries generously on top. Garnish with mint if desired.

SERVING TIP

Serve immediately after assembling for the best contrast of crisp shell and marshmallow-soft center.

local events

CALENDAR

MARCH 2026

FEATURED EVENTS

anderson

March 1

• Crown Motors NorCal Boat, Sport & RV Show, Shasta District Fair & Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 10am-5pm, www.exposureshows.com

March 3

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

March 7

• 39th Annual One SAFE Place Crab Feed, Shasta District Fair & Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., www.ospshasta.org/crab-feed-2026

March 28

• Easter Egg Hunt, Anderson River Park, 2800 Rupert Road, 9am, www.ci.anderson.ca.us

March 28-29

• Lifestyle Home and Garden Expo, Shasta District Fair & Event Center, 1890 Briggs St., 10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, www.lifestylehomeandgarden.com

chico

March 4, 11, 18, 25

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

March 7

• Bidwell Classic 5K, 10k and Half Marathon, Sycamore Field, South Park Dr., www.runsignup.com/Race/CA/Chico/ BidwellClassic5KHalfMarathonHalfRelay

March 7, 14, 21, 28

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

March 13

• Puppetry Workshop & Live Performance, Museum of Northern California Art, 900 Esplanade, Workshop 2-5pm, Performance 7-9pm, www.monca.org

March 21

• Golden Goblet Faire, Sycamore Field, South Park Dr., 10am-6pm, www.goldengobletfaire.com

• Light Up the Night 2026 MONCA Gala, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair St., 6:30pm, www.monca.org

March 28

• Spring Jamboree, Caper Acres, 500 South Park Dr., 10am-1pm, www.chicorec.gov

chester

March 21

• Lake Almanor Wedding Faire, Lake Almanor Rec Center, 101 Meadowbrook Loop, noon-5pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

corning

March 19

• Elevate & Inspire Business Summit, Rolling Hills Casino Event Center, 2655 Everett Freeman Way, 8am12pm, www.redbluffchamber.com

dunsmuir

March 14

• Dunsmuir Second Saturdays, Downtown Dunsmuir, www.dunsmuirsecondsaturday.com

lewiston

March 7

• Wild West Casino Night, Lewiston Moose Lodge 1850, 71 Lewiston Turnpike Road, 5-10pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

mccloud

March 14

• St. Paddy’s Day Festivities, Main Street McCloud, www.mccloudchamber.com

March 14-15

• Irish Pub at the Club, Squaw Valley Riding Club, 500 CA Hwy 89, 4pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

March 12, 19

• McCloud River Music, The McCloud River Bed & Breakfast, 325 Lawndale Ct., 7-9pm, www.discoversiskiyou.com

oroville

March 3

• Full Moon Paddle, Forebay Aquatic Center, 930 Garden Dr., 5-8pm, www.forebayaquaticcenter.com/ moonlight-paddles

March 6

• First Fridays, Downtown Oroville, 4-8pm, www.butte365.com/event/ downtown-oroville-first-friday-aroundthe-world-2

March 21

• Arbor Day Festival, Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers St., 10am-4pm, www.obgec.com/arbor-day-festival

paradise

March 28

• Ridge Homesteading Faire, Paradise Elks Lodge, 1100 Elk Lane, 9am-1pm, www.paradisechamber.com

red bluff

March 14

• Red Bluff Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St., 5pm, www.norcaldu.org

March 27

• Tehama Concert Series Presents: Gentlemen’s Quartet, Red Bluff State Theatre, 333 Oak St., 7pm, www.statetheatreredbluff.com

redding

March 1-31

• Shasta College presents a Japanese Wood Block Print Show, Shasta College, 11555 Old Oregon Trail., Art Gallery room 300, 12-2pm, www.shastacollege. edu

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

• 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.visitredding.com

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

• 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

March 5, 12, 19, 26

• Trivia Night at the Tropics, 2555 S. Market St., 7pm, www.facebook.com/reddingtropics

• Thirsty Thursday and Country Line Dancing Lessons, Fall River Brewing Company, 4001 Eastside Road, 6-8pm, www.chooseredding.com

March 6

• 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

March 7

• 55th NorCal John Frank Memorial Run, Sacramento River trail to Diestelhorst Bridge to the Stress Ribbon Bridge, 10am, www.runsignup.com/Race/CA/ Redding/NorCalJFM

• Mad Hatter Tea Party, The Mystic Heart Spiritual Center Gathering Place, 3613 Bechelli Lane, 12-3pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

March 7, 8

• Redding Bagpipe Competition 2026, Red Lion Hotel Redding, 1830 Hilltop Dr., 9am Saturday, 8am Sunday, www.reddingbagpipecompetition.com

March 6, 13, 20, 27

• 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

March 7, 28

• Sausage Making & Savory Feasts: A Hands-On Culinary Series with Furnari Sausage, Sizzle’s Commercial Kitchen and Event Space, 1440 Placer St., 6-9pm

March 27

• Spring Shopping Market, 1900 Churn Creek Road, 4-7pm, www.facebook.com/ events/1439655864363171

• Jazz at Shasta College Presents a Spring Concert, Shasta College, 11555 Old Oregon Trail., 7:30pm, www.shastacollege.edu

March 28

• Doggie Dash 5k, Fun run & Community Fair, Lake Redding Park Gazebo and Pavilion, 56 Quartz Hill Road, 9am-1pm, www.havenhumane.org/attend-anevent/doggiedash

shasta lake

March 2-30

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

March 22

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

By David Lindsay-Abaire

March 28

• St. Patrick’s Masquerade Ball, Larry J. Farr Community Center, 4499 Main St., 5-9pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com

yreka

March 14

• James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, Yreka Community Center, 810 N Oregon St., 7pm, www.redscarfsociety.net anderson library

www.shastalibraries.org

March 5, 12, 19, 26

• Knitting Club, 10am-12pm

axiom repertory theatre www.axreptheatre.com

March 1

• “Educating Rita,” Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., 2pm

March 13-29

• “The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!),” Old City Hall, 1313 Market St., Thursday-Saturday 7:20pm, 2pm Sunday

cascade theater

www.cascadetheatre.org

March 1

• Snow White, 4pm

March 4

• Toast – The Best of Bread, 7pm

March 21

• Sundial Film Festival, 2pm & 7pm

March 28

• North State Symphony Brilliant Bartok, 7:30pm

March 29

• Jeff Tweedy, 7:30pm

chico performances

www.chicoperformances.com

March 6

• Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández featuring Camila Fernández, 7:30pm

March 13

• Choir! Choir! Choir!, 7:30pm

chico theatre company

www.chicotheatrecompany. csstix.com

March 6-29

• “Four Old Broads,” 7:30pm ThursdaySaturday, 2pm Sunday

feather falls casino

www.featherfallscasino.com

March 14

• Ales for Tails Brewfest, 1-5pm

March 21

• Little Texas, 9pm

March 20-22

• Tattoo Walk-in Weekend, 2-10pm Friday, noon-10pm Saturday, noon-8pm Sunday

jefferson performing arts center

www.jeffersoncenterforthearts. com

March 4

• Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, 7:30pm

March 6, 7, 8

• Mt. Shasta Comedy Festival, 6:30pm Friday, 2pm Saturday, 4pm Sunday

March 14

• Deady Bears, 7pm

redding civic auditorium

www.reddingcivic.com

March 14-15

• Redding Home Show, 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday

March 17

• Foreigner & Rock orchestra, 7:30pm

• Redding Bridal Show, noon-4pm

redding performing arts center

www.reddingpac.com

March 5-21

• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Box, 3290 Bechelli Ln., 7pm Thursday and Friday, 2pm and 7pm Saturday

March 19-27

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

rolling hills casino

www.rollinghillscasino.com

March 7

• Wine Festival, Event Center, 2pm, riverfront playhouse www.riverfrontplayhouse.net

March 6-22

• “Good People” Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm, pay what you can preview Wednesday, March 4, 7:30pm

March 28

• The Redding Area Comedy Showcase, PG Comedy Show, 7pm in the lounge

March 29

• North State Chronicles, 2pm in the lounge

schreder planetarium

www.shastacoe.org/programsservices/planetarium

March 6

• Kids Night: Up in the Air (Take Flight; Zula Patrol: Under the Weather), 6pm March 20

• Family Night: ET Night (Cosmic Safari; Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), 7pm

theatre on the ridge www.totr.org

March 26-29

• “Ride the Cyclone,” 7:30pm ThursdaySaturday, 2pm Sunday

the dip

www.thedipredding.com

March 5

• Deraps, 8pm

March 7

• Winter Bar Olympics, 5pm

March 25

• Metalachi, 8pm

turtle bay exploration park

www.turtlebay.org

March 1-31

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

• Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits, 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, Wednesday-Thursday

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

March 4

• Homeschool Day at Turtle Bay, 1-3pm

• Famous Artists Portfolio Program Spring Orientation, 4-5pm

March 5, 12, 19, 26

• Little Explorers, 10-11am

March 7

• Sensory Hour, 9-10am

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

• Mosaics with Angie, 10am-1pm

March 14

• Family 2nd Saturday, 10am-1pm

• Volunteer Info Hour, 10:30-11:30am

March 21

• Plant Talk: Drought Tolerant Landscaping for Pollinators at Home, 10am-12pm

• Science Saturday, 10am-1pm

• Turtle Bay Auction Super Soirée, 5:30-10pm

March 28

• Art Lab, 10am-1pm

• Photography Workshop: Photography 101

• Guided Garden Walk, 10-11am

win-river resort and casino www.winriver.com

March 6-28

• Overtime Live DVJs, 9:30pm, Fridays-Saturdays

March 13

• Old Hollywood Gala, 6pm

March 27

• 2026 Redding Ducks Unlimited Banquet, 5pm March 28

• Anderson Chamber Annual Awards Dinner, 6pm, www.andersonchamberofcommerce. com

Discover what’s happening next at EnjoyLocalEvents.com

SCAN THIS TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

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GO DIRECTLY TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

HOW 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.

Phoenix

Let us partner with YOU to personalize YOUR child’s education.

• Premier Independent Study Program

• Enriching Blended Model

• Tutoring, Including Reading, Writing & Math

• Shasta College Courses

• Site Based A-G Courses Available

• Computer-Based Instruction & Tutorials

• Community Service Provider Electives Available

WHEN WAS THE REDDING NEWCOMERS & FRIENDS CLUB ESTABLISHED?

givingback

Redding Newcomers was established in 1954 when Maxine Thurman moved here from Ukiah and realized a need for a city hostess and an organization to welcome new women to the area. She applied for a business license and approached the Chamber to sell her idea. They wholeheartedly agreed, so she found a few sponsors and started knocking on doors of new residents.

WHAT IS THE CLUB’S CORE MISSION?

The main function is to bring women new to the area together socially to meet other residents and to acclimate them to the City of Redding and surrounding area.

IS THE REDDING NEWCOMERS & FRIENDS CLUB FOR WOMEN ONLY?

Yes, Redding Newcomers is for women only; however, some of the activities do include husbands or significant others.

HOW HAS THE CLUB EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

Originally, Newcomers was for two years only. Maxine felt that was enough time to assimilate into the community. Many women were not ready to leave Newcomers, as was evident by a tablecloth signed by the women known as the “crying towel.” They were encouraged to join another group at that time called the Jack Benny Club, but you had to admit to being 39 years old. In 1984, the Club changed its policy to include single women, and in 1988 they changed the bylaws to allow women unlimited membership. Then in 2005, the organization changed its name to Redding Newcomers & Friends and opened membership to all women in the Redding area. At that time, it was felt many local women were widows and needed a group like Newcomers to fill a void.

Why do you think the Club has remained successful? The organization fills a need for new women that move to the community as well as longtime residents. Many women have made lifelong friends. Currently, we have 250 members.

WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES AND GATHERINGS DOES THE CLUB OFFER?

The Club has a full calendar of gardening, books and writing, wine tasting, games, quilting, dining experiences, games and adventures around town. They have four large gatherings a year such as a fashion show, Christmas and autumn activities, and a summer celebration.

WHAT FEEDBACK DO MEMBERS MOST OFTEN SHARE ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE?

They feel the Club has exposed them to opportunities in their new hometown. Women also share their own experiences and resources.

HOW CAN INTERESTED WOMEN GET INVOLVED?

Go to www.reddingnewcomers.com and click on the “Contact Us” tab.

www.reddingnewcomers.com

Return

success

I first enrolled at Shasta College through College Connections while I was in FFA at Enterprise High School.

There was a lot of discussion before I ever graduated high school, and while I was still involved in FFA, about pursuing Shasta College’s agriculture program. At the time, I wanted to fast-track my college experience, and College Connections helped me get some prerequisites out of the way.

When I first came to campus, I was unsure what exactly I wanted to study. I eventually landed in both the agriculture and heavy equipment programs, which are among the best in the world, with phenomenal instructors!

After graduating, I spent several years working in the industry, and I really enjoyed the work and travel. But, as I got older and started a family, I shifted my focus towards staying closer to home, which led me to Results Radio. I took a financial hit when I started over, but Chapter 35 VA benefits, through my dad, allowed me to work and return to school.

There was a long hiatus since I had last been a student, and I was nervous at first, but once I was back, it was like riding a bike. Even though things have changed, Shasta College still feels like a hometown campus. This time

around, online classes were a gamechanger. I had never taken an online course before, but my counselor, Rob McCandless, helped get me set up and prepared. As a hands-on learner, I do well figuring things out on my own, and the online format has been a huge help while working full-time.

One of the biggest moments for me was taking Principles of Retailing with Professor Hendershot. I was able to connect what I was learning with my realworld experience, which made me realize that everything I’ve been through still matters.

That first step, and the feeling of “am I able to do this with my busy life?” can be really scary— but just go for it! The counselors, instructors, and staff at the college are here to help. Shout-outs to everyone who makes this place great!

Houston K Shasta College Knight