Upgraded Living Magazine

08/03/2026

For 19 years, we have largely avoided political issues by design. This month, we’re stepping into several important local conversations—not to tell readers what to think, but to present different perspectives, encourage respectful dialogue, and search for thoughtful solutions that can move our community forward.

Inside this issue:

👁️ Macula Preservation Institute
Dr. J. Isaac Barthelow and North Valley Eye Care’s new Macula Preservation Institute are offering hope to patients facing dry age-related macular degeneration through innovative photobiomodulation therapy and compassionate care that helps them see the center of their vision once again.

🎨 Remembering Dave Simcox
We honor Dave Simcox’s remarkable life and legacy as an artist, educator, environmentalist, community leader, husband, father, and friend.

🏙️ Downtown Revitalization
Muir Hughes, Addison Winslow, and Dustin Vaught share three perspectives on Downtown Chico’s challenges, possibilities, and future.

🥂 Entertainment Zones
Molly Kopta explains how Entertainment Zones could bring flexible events, responsible beverage service, and renewed energy to downtown.

🏘️ Butte County Housing
Bryce Goldstein, Austin Barron, and Tom Simpson examine infill, outward growth, affordability, infrastructure, and Chico’s housing future.

🚲 E-Bikes
Sergeant Todd Lefkowitz and Dr. Jeff Lobosky discuss e-bike and e-moto laws, injuries, helmets, enforcement, rider responsibility, and community safety.

🚰 Sewer Rate Increases
Dan Hays and Tina Christoff examine Chico’s aging sewer infrastructure and the difficult balance between essential repairs and affordability.

⚖️ The Warren Settlement
Carly Quinto, Bill Vogel, and Gina Brown explore the settlement’s expiration, Chico’s response, public-space concerns, and possible paths toward lasting balance.

🐾 Animal Welfare
Emily Acevedo highlights the lifesaving importance of pet foster homes and the safety, socialization, and second chances they provide.

These are only a few of the many stories waiting inside our August issue. Pick up your copy and join the conversation! Upgraded Living is available at over 600 locations throughout Butte County and online at https://bit.ly/UL_August26

07/02/2026

🏕️ Our July issue of Upgraded Living is here, and it’s dedicated to vacations, staycations, and the places that remind us why Northern California is such a beautiful region to call home. Inside, you’ll find day trips, weekend escapes, coastal getaways, mountain retreats, local discoveries, and thoughtful ways to make the most of summer—whether you’re heading out of town or finding something new close by.

This month’s cover story takes us to the Mendocino Coast, where Chico/Paradise locals, Royce and Mary Peterson, have created RavensRoost, a stunning redwood retreat near the ocean. Their story is one of reinvention, hospitality, and the creation of something meaningful in one of California’s most breathtaking settings. We also explore Mendocino Cove and Mendocino Grove, two unforgettable ways to experience the coast with comfort, beauty, and a true sense of escape.

Also inside this issue:

Lake Almanor offers a cool mountain getaway filled with water, wilderness, and small-town charm, while Timber Creek in Chester invites visitors to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the beauty of the Lake Almanor region.

American Canyon serves as a perfect home base for exploring wine country, wetlands, dining, and nearby adventure.

Grass Valley brings together Gold Rush history, local shopping, beautiful scenery, and a downtown worth wandering.

Sutter Creek delivers a charming foothill escape with boutique lodging, walkable streets, and plenty of small-town character.

We explore staycation ideas that make home feel a little more relaxing, refreshing, and vacation-worthy.

Off The Eaten Path takes us to delicious local stops worth building a summer day around.

Alisa LeRoux shares helpful tips for vacation-proofing your garden before you head out of town.

Dr. Jason Cass introduces 2nd Opinion Dentists, a new teledentistry platform bringing trusted dental guidance closer to home.

📖 Read these stories—and so many more—in our July issue of Upgraded Living, available at any of our 600+ distribution locations throughout Butte County. You can also read it online by clicking the link in our bio or visiting:

https://bit.ly/UL_July26

06/23/2026

Like so many throughout our community, we were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library yesterday. A place dedicated to learning, connection, and opportunity should always be a space where families, children, staff, and visitors feel safe and welcome. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this senseless act, including those who were injured, those who had their lives taken from them, the library employees, first responders, and all who are carrying the weight of this tragedy. In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and compassion that define our community, and we stand alongside our neighbors in hoping for healing, comfort, and brighter days ahead.

Our friends at Nobby’s are closely connected to the victims of this tragedy, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting them. Please read their post for details.

Our family is asking the community to come together in support of two families facing an unimaginable tragedy.

Yesterday my sister’s best friend and co-parent to her daughter, Jacob “Cody” Hull lost his life while protecting my niece. Another individual also tragically lost their life in the same incident. This tragedy has deeply affected my family, and the grief and heartbreak we are experiencing are beyond words. We want to do what we can to help both families during this incredibly difficult time.

To support them, 100% of Nobby's profits on Saturday, June 27th, and 100% of the profits from The Cheese Steak Shop - Chico on Sunday, June 28th, will be donated and split between my sister’s family and the family of the other victim. These funds will help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and provide support during the difficult days ahead.

We humbly ask that you keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Please pray for comfort, strength, healing, and peace for everyone affected by this tragedy, especially the children and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed.

If you are able, please stop by either restaurant this weekend, share this post, and help us support these families during their time of need. Every meal purchased will help make a difference, and every prayer is appreciated.

Thank you for standing with our family and showing the kindness, compassion, and generosity that make this community so special.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

With gratitude,

Philip Brun & Jessica Brun
Nobby’s Restaurant & The Cheese Steak Shop

06/01/2026

👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ Our June issue of Upgraded Living is here, and it’s dedicated to health, wellness, and the everyday choices that help us live better, fuller lives. Inside, you’ll find expert insight from local healthcare professionals, thoughtful stories on preventative care, women’s health, gut health, skincare, exercise, mental wellness, and encouragement to get outside and reconnect with the world around you.

This month’s cover story highlights Enloe Hospital, its new state-of-the-art cancer center, and the people, programs, and purpose behind its continued commitment to caring for our community. It’s a meaningful look at the impact local healthcare has on all of us.

Also inside this issue:

Dolores Mitchell’s retrospective art exhibition and the lasting beauty of a life spent creating.

BCSAR’s volunteer efforts and the Golden Valley Bank grant helping support their important work.

Feather Falls celebrates 30 years as a destination for entertainment, dining, and community connection.

Women Veterans Recognition Day honors the service, strength, and stories of women who have served.

Alisa LeRoux explores gardening as a way to reconnect with an old rhythm of health, energy, and peace.

We visit Bacio Catering in Chico for a taste of the delicious, vibrant flavors they bring to the table.

Dr. Barthelow shares insight on the evolution of eye care and how far vision health has come.

Michael and Priya share how they lost a combined 158 pounds and reclaimed their lives with the help of Dr. Alonso and Magnolia Health.

📖 Read these stories—and so many more—in our June issue of Upgraded Living, available at any of our 600+ distribution locations throughout Butte County. You can also read it online by clicking the link in our bio or visiting

https://bit.ly/UL_June26

05/05/2026

👩‍⚕️Healthy Rural California is changing the future of healthcare in Butte County and beyond. We’re thrilled to feature the organization’s incredible work—and the women behind it—in this month’s cover story!

Created to address the physician shortage and healthcare access challenges across rural Northern California, HRC is building something our region deeply needs: a sustainable pipeline of compassionate, community-minded healthcare professionals who understand rural medicine.

At the heart of HRC’s work is a powerful idea—if we want more physicians serving rural communities, we need to train them here, support them here, and help them see a future here.

Through its psychiatry residency program, led by Dr. Rachel Mitchell, HRC is training physicians to meet urgent mental health needs with trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Its family medicine residency program, led by Dr. Natalie Ladine and based at Enloe Health, is preparing full-spectrum family physicians to care for patients across every stage of life.

But HRC’s vision starts long before residency. Through MedEd Clubs, local high school students are introduced to healthcare careers through mentorship, hands-on learning, and conversations with healthcare professionals. Its Healthcare Professions Pathways Program continues that momentum with paid summer internships in rural health settings.

HRC is also expanding clinical education through third- and fourth-year rotations, helping future physicians build relationships with the region while experiencing rural practice firsthand.

Match Day brings new residents to our community and represents so much more than a career step. It is a glimpse at the future of local healthcare, especially when many physicians choose to stay where they train.

Butte County is stronger because of Healthy Rural California, and the effect of their mission will be felt for generations to come.

Read their story in our Women in Business issue, now available at over 600 locations throughout Butte County. You can also find it online at

https://bit.ly/UL_May26

04/01/2026

Discover the power of banking on community in our April issue of Upgraded Living, as Golden Valley Bank celebrates its 20th anniversary! Under the leadership of CEO Mark Francis, their people-first banking model has built stronger businesses and brighter futures, provided significant investment in local nonprofits, fueled growth, and helped countless individuals and businesses achieve success.

PLUS:

Banff delivers wild reels and real thrills to Chico through jaw-dropping adventure films, global storytelling, and outdoor inspiration.

Bee the change—plant native, ditch chemicals, and help monarchs make a comeback, one blooming Northern California backyard at a time.

Bingo your way to better with Life Bingo, where small goals spur big growth, and a fun, feel-good path to intentional living.

Cool, calm, and climbing higher—Lowell Werblow III leads with purpose, grit, and a refreshingly grounded outlook.

Press play on spring—Michaela Gulbransen highlights podcasts, page-turners, binge-worthy shows, and local happenings to keep you inspired.

From coop to table—Alisa LeRoux takes a bold leap into homesteading, proving big results come from the guts to get started.

Soil mates—how to layer smart, grow strong, and build a thriving garden from the ground up with hugelkultur magic.

Thai one on—bold flavors and vibrant plates can be found at Chico Thai, a fresh new west-side spot worth the hype.

Sip happens—Calistoga pours on charm with hot springs, hidden gems, and a laid-back Napa escape worth repeating.

Find all this—and so much more—in our April 2026 issue, available now at 600+ locations throughout Butte County, or read it online via the link below:

https://bit.ly/UL_April26