https://www.issuu.com/upgradedliving

Upgraded Living Magazine, Chico, CA (2026)

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

05/11/2026

💜 Dezra Kemp brings warmth, humor, and heart to her role as community relations director at Westmont of Chico, where she helps families navigate one of life’s biggest transitions with confidence and care.

With a background in medical sales and a deep love for connecting with people, Dezra serves as a guide for families exploring independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Her goal is to simplify the process, ease fears, and show that senior living isn’t about giving something up—it’s about gaining more time, more support, more connection, and more joy.

As part of our Women in Business issue, Dezra’s story is a beautiful reminder that leadership often shows up through service. Her work is rooted in listening, educating, encouraging, and helping families feel seen during moments that can feel overwhelming.

From monthly Birthday Night celebrations to grand holiday gatherings, Dezra sees firsthand how meaningful community can be. For her, the residents aren’t just people she serves—they become family.

Read her 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

05/08/2026

👁️ At North Valley Eye Care, the work being done behind the scenes is changing lives in ways most people never see.

In our Women in Business issue, we’re proud to spotlight two remarkable women helping shape the future of patient care in our community: Yasmin Hauenstein and Elyse Andrews.

As Director of Clinical Trials, Yasmin is helping bring cutting-edge research and treatment opportunities to the Northstate—work that allows local patients access to advanced care without leaving home. Her leadership, vision, and passion for innovation continue to expand what’s possible for healthcare in our region.

Elyse Andrews, Clinical Operations Manager, has a story that reflects dedication, growth, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Starting at North Valley Eye Care at just 17 years old, she worked her way through nearly every role imaginable before becoming a leader trusted by both patients and physicians alike. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact passionate people can have when they devote themselves to serving others.

Together, these women represent something special: the compassionate, forward-thinking healthcare leadership our community depends on every day.

We’re honored to share their stories in this month’s Women in Business issue. 💙

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

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

05/03/2026

💪🏼 Supporting our community’s women in business starts with intentional choices. Seek them out, learn their stories, and make a conscious effort to support their work—whether that means shopping local, booking their services, or recommending them to others.

Visibility matters, so engage with their content, share their successes, and celebrate their milestones.

Beyond that, show up. Attend events, connect in meaningful ways, and create opportunities for collaboration rather than competition. When we invest in women-led businesses, we’re investing in stronger families, a more vibrant local economy, and a community that values innovation, resilience, and leadership. Small, consistent actions add up—and collectively, they create lasting impact.

As promised, the second group of our featured women in business can be found in these slides! In total, over 100 women were represented in this issue, and we look forward to telling you about each of them in the weeks to come!

Read their stories in this month’s issue of Upgraded Living, available at any of our 600+ distribution locations throughout Butte County and online at

https://bit.ly/UL_May26

05/01/2026

💪🏼 Spend enough time around people building something of their own, and you start to notice a pattern. It rarely happens all at once. It’s built in early mornings, late nights, and quiet decisions to keep going when things feel uncertain. That persistence is on full display in the May edition of Upgraded Living.�

Our Women in Business issue is a celebration of the women shaping Butte County—not just through what they do, but how they do it. These are leaders who show up for their clients, teams, and community with intention.�

In this issue, you’ll find stories of care, innovation, and connection. These women aren’t just operating—they’re building trust, strengthening relationships, and contributing to something bigger than themselves.�

That’s especially evident in this month’s cover story featuring Healthy Rural California. The women leading this organization are doing critical work to expand access to care across our region, create pathways for the next generation of medical professionals, address real gaps in our healthcare system, and build a healthier, more resilient Butte County.

On a personal note, this issue holds particular significance for me. My mom, Effie Khaki, has been my guiding light and my biggest supporter. Growing up, I had the opportunity to watch her build her business over time through consistency, care, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. I saw the pride she took in doing things the right way and the relationships she built while doing it. Her example and encouragement have meant more to me than I could ever fully put into words.�

To every woman featured in this issue—and to so many others building, leading, and showing up every day—thank you. Your work makes a difference, your presence strengthens this community, and your stories deserve to be told. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do just that.

Read their stories in this month’s issue of Upgraded Living, available at any of our 600+ distribution locations throughout Butte County and online at

https://bit.ly/UL_May26

We couldn’t fit every woman featured in today’s post! Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s post to see who else is featured in this issue!

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

03/02/2026

☀️ Spring seems to be everywhere you look, and so is our 2026 Home & Garden issue!

Discover California Renovations in this month’s cover story, offering turnkey remodeling services that combine
expert design, attentive listening, and collaborative craftsmanship to transform residential and commercial spaces into beautiful, personalized environments.

Learn what local nonprofits like CHIP, CHAT, and Habitat for Humanity are doing to provide affordable housing throughout Butte County and beyond!

Delight in the passionate art of Kevin Trivedi, who turns bold colors and personal experience into immersive paintings that inspire deep inward reflection.

Raising Shasta, with a grant from Golden Valley Bank, makes a lasting, generational impact—teaching life skills, confidence, and resilience, one child at a time.

Fourteen-year-old Tzeitel swapped surfing the web for Costa Rica, battled wipeouts and raccoons, found her courage, and proved humility is way cooler than Wi-Fi.

Paradise is buzzing with creativity that beats binge-watching any day. Enjoy podcasts, books, films, and trails that show off the Ridge’s courage and community.

Grow your garden and give to others as you do! Alisa LeRoux dishes on her #1 rule of no gatekeeping in the garden.

We wrap things up on the road, as we explore Mount Shasta and all it has to offer, from adventure to mythology and everything in between.

📖 Find all this—and so much more—in our March 2026 issue, available now at 600+ locations throughout Butte County, or read it online via the link in our bio or by visiting https://bit.ly/UL_Mar26

02/02/2026

🍷 Our February 2026 issue of Upgraded Living Magazine is officially out in the world, and it’s packed with stories designed to delight your senses, spark curiosity, and celebrate life well-lived across the North State.

Our cover story invites you to enjoy the sights, sounds, and unmistakable energy of a winning atmosphere as we take you behind the scenes at Feather Falls Casino. From the Brewery to the Lodge, discover why it’s your place to play, stay, and dine in award-winning surroundings.

Learn how Chico State’s Center for Healthy Communities is combating food insecurity through education, outreach, and local partnerships—turning life’s lemons into something truly nourishing for students and families.

Meet 15-year-old multi-instrumentalist Alex Llorente, a Spanish foreign exchange student, who is composing a future full of promise.

Craving connection? We’ve got you covered with a perfectly crafted Downtown Chico date night, plus a food section built for winter comfort!

From cozy classics to bold Asian flavors, our food issue is full of must-try menu items we know you’ll love!

Meet Chef Brandon Souders and discover his world behind the plate.

Island-inspired sauces and hibachi heat intertwine thanks to Tom Chamberlain of TomTom’s IslandStyle.

The new Oddfellows food truck rolls into our hearts.

Chef Kevin Klemm’s journey from film to flame at Southern Zen BBQ fills this issue with flavor and heart.

We wrap things up on the road, kicking off our 2026 travels with an irreverent, energetic escape to Reno.

📖 Find all this—and so much more—in our February 2026 issue, available now at 600+ locations throughout Butte County, or read it online via the link in our bio or by visiting https://bit.ly/UL_Feb26

01/02/2026

🍾 Happy New Year, everyone! Our 2026 New Year, New You issue is now available throughout Butte County, filled with stories we know you’ll love, like our cover story on the Alonsos, who found health together. They’ve made it their mission to help North Valley residents do the same through science-backed weight loss and a program that has helped patients lose over 50,000 pounds so far, with a goal of reaching 100,000 by the end of the year.

Discover the work of Elizabeth Newman Kuiper, who makes the old new again with her unique artistic focus on pixelated cell phone photography and item reclamation. PLUS our friends at monca have new art and new events coming your way! See what’s in store for 2026!

Learn how to keep your skin healthy and protected throughout the winter season with Dr. Kafele Hodari.

Discover sleep as your body’s superpower and how to keep your eyes healthier in the New Year with Dr. J. Isaac Barthelow!

Resolve to escape the doomscroll and reclaim your time in 2026. Plus, take control of your personal health with Dr. Vimali Paul!

Reduce anxiety by minimizing urgency. Read on for tips on bettering your mental health with Jenni Miller James.

Get fit the right way in the new year and learn how to keep allergies at bay while exploring the great outdoors with Dr. Jake Lenington!

Learn to practice financial mindfulness and manage aches and pain with Dr. Nerissa Prieto.

Drop the extra clutter and calories—find health and zen this year with Dr. David Alonso!

Create more than you consume! Discover your new creative outlet and the best version of yourself with Dr. Kevin Myers.

Finally, join us on a trip into the mountains as we explore Nevada City’s charm, flavor, and a portal to the past, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else!

📖 Read these stories and so many more, along with spotlights on some of our favorite health and beauty businesses, in our January 2026 issue, 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 by visiting

https://bit.ly/UL_Jan2026

Upgraded Living Magazine

06/01/2026

05/11/2026

05/08/2026

05/05/2026

05/03/2026

05/01/2026

04/01/2026

03/02/2026

02/02/2026

01/02/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share