Contents

Welcome 

Chamber Team 

Good Things Goin’ On with the Chamber 

Community 

Out and About 

The Premier Sporting Event in Northern California 

Top Things To Do in Tehama County 

Farmers Market 

Local Events 

A Closer Look: Members Focus on
Community Betterment 

The Best Trout Around: Fresh, Home-Grown,
Responsibly Caught 

A Game Changer: Stabilization Grant Program 

Era of Change: 3 Businesses in New Hands 

More Highlights! 

Membership Directory 

Red Bluff – Tehama County Chamber of Commerce
100 Main Street, P.O. Box 850
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: 530-527-6220 | Fax: 530-527-2908

www.redbluffchamber.com
Email: info@redbluffchamber.com

Mission Statement: The Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization which promotes the growth and prosperity of local commerce through the support of visitor attraction efforts, ongoing community awareness, shop local campaigns and networking opportunities.

This is a Town Square Publications Company, publication created and produced for the
Red Bluff – Tehama County Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2023
Town Square Publications, LLC. 14300 Kenneth Rd., Ste. 210 Leawood,
KS 66224 913-951-8413
www.MetroMediaPublishers.com

Managing Director
David Small

Director of Production
Ryan Moore

Editor
Rebecca Anderson

Design Project Manager
Katharene DeLorenzo

Sales Executive
Dede Harmell

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square Publications assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square Publications is prohibited.

On the Cover:
Ribbon Cutting at a new and refurbished business; Copper & Clay Co. In beautiful Historic Donwtown Red Bluff.

Photographs featured in this publication are courtesy of the Red Bluff-Tehama Chamber of Commerce, Dan Massey, MnS Web Designs, Ryan Bauer Freelance Productions and Tehama County Photo Club.

Welcome to

Red Bluff and Tehama County!

Thank you for taking the time to read our 2023 Directory & Visitor Guide! I hope it helps you get connected to the many great people and places in our wonderful area!

Enjoy the articles that give a highlight into why Red Bluff and Tehama County are great places to live and visit! You will also find lots of helpful information — especially within our Member Directory in the back of this publication. There are nearly 500 listings, both alphabetically and categorically.

Great things are going on around here! From new businesses blooming to others expanding and upgrading; tremendous momentum is occurring locally! Red Bluff and Tehama County are open for business! Whether you’re local or a visitor —there’s plenty ‘to shop, eat and play’!

Our Chamber is fortunate to have an incredible Board of Directors, Staff, and Chamber Ambassadors, as well as an amazing group of volunteers, businesses and organizations from throughout our region. The warm and welcoming smiley faces are everywhere.

If there is something we can do for you, we are at your service!

Let us all be reminded to continue to feed our faith and starve our fears as we look toward great opportunities ahead!

God Bless,

Dave Gowan
CEO

Community

Population

Red Bluff: 14,731

Tehama County: 65,752

Source: census.gov

Location

Centrally located on the Sacramento River in Northern California, Red Bluff is 120 miles north of Sacramento on Interstate 5,190 miles west of Reno/Tahoe, and 155 miles south of the Oregon border.

The average commute time for Red Bluff residents is just 16 minutes.

Climate

Summer average (high): 98° F

Summer average (low): 67° F

Winter average (high): 55° F

Winter average (low): 38° F

Source: Weatherspark.com

Red Bluff Community Center

Located at 1500 S. Jackson Street, the beautifully designed and landscaped facility has been a versatile gathering place in Tehama County since 1990. Jointly operated by Tehama County and the City of Red Bluff, the Red Bluff Community Center sponsors senior programs, swingin’ square dancing, classes, recreational activities, and offers conference rooms and wedding spaces.

Faith

A vibrant community of faith is active in Red Bluff and throughout Tehama County representing a diverse group of churches and religious affiliations. There are also many faith-based organizations working with a broad group of constituents to provide assistance and services, including emergency shelter, food aid, crisis pregnancy support, and outreach to children and adults with special needs.

Red Bluff: A Storied History

In 1843, pioneer and prospector Peter Lassen and two fellow pioneers were in the Red Bluff area tracking down horse thieves. Impressed by the land, Lassen sought and received from the Mexican government a grant of 25,000 acres, just a few miles south of where the city now stands. On that tract in early 1847, Lassen laid out a townsite and named it Benton City in honor of Senator Thomas H. Benton of Missouri.

He later journeyed to Missouri to induce settlers to come to the area and also to obtain a charter for a Masonic Lodge that he wished to establish in his settlement.

The townsite suddenly died out following his return in the summer of 1849 due to the discovery of gold, which led settlers to head to the mining area instead. As a result, the lodge charter was transferred to Shasta. However, the publicity given to Lassen’s colonization plan attracted many others to the territory, including several who helped found and build Red Bluff.

Lassen’s name was ultimately given to a county, a national park, a volcano, and a highway.

Housing

Median home value:

Red Bluff: $187,700

Tehama Home Median V: $289,187

California: $538,500

Median gross rent:

Red Bluff: $951

Tehama County Rent: $1,028

Health Care

Tehama County’s largest health care facility is St. Elizabeth Community Hospital at 2550 Sister Mary Columba Dr. in Red Bluff. Over a century of tradition, standards, and consistency have led St. Elizabeth to receive the prestigious Truven 100 Top Hospital Award seven times.

Education

The Tehama County Department of Education’s mission is to provide a world-class education for all students from preschool to adulthood. The County has 13 school districts with 40 schools, plus Sacred Heart School.

Shasta College – Tehama Campus

Shasta College’s Tehama Campus allows students to attain degrees and certificates to upskill for their current job, reskill for a new career, or prepare to transfer to a university. Shasta College offers a wide selection of degrees and certificates in fields that are actively looking for trained workers. Online, in-person, and hybrid settings allow students lifestyle flexibility when taking courses. First-time, full-time students can take their first two years of classes, tuition free!

Public Safety

The Red Bluff Police Department, Tehama County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol Red Bluff Area are proud to protect and serve the residents in and around Tehama County, as well as countless tourists and visitors Tehama County welcomes each year.

Besides servicing Red Bluff and Tehama County, many employees of these departments are avid community volunteers.

Red Bluff Fire Department

Red Bluff City Fire Department is a combination fire department that encompasses approximately 8 square miles and responds to a wide variety of calls including emergency medical and hazardous materials calls and public service requests.

OUT

and

About

Local Chambers

Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 334, Los Molinos, CA 96055

530-384-2251

Corning Chamber of Commerce

1110 Solano St., Corning, CA 96021

530-824-5550

Tehama County Parks

Relax or play in acres of green spaces in Tehama County.
Visit www.co.tehama.ca.us/parks for complete listing.

Shopping

Buy local at:

Antelope Shopping Center 440 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

Belle Mill Landing, 84 Belle Mill Rd., Red Bluff

Red Bluff Shopping Center, 815 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Riverside Plaza, 310 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Historic Downtown Red Bluff

Where to Stay in Tehama County

America’s Best Value Inn, Red Bluff 530-527-1150

Best Western Antelope Inn, Red Bluff 530-527-8882

Comfort Suites, Red Bluff 530-529-7060

Crystal Motel, Red Bluff 530-527-1021

Days Inn, Red Bluff 530-737-6370

Gaia Hotel and Spa, Anderson 530-365-7077

Gateway Inn, Red Bluff 530-527-3545

Hampton Inn and Suites, Red Bluff 530-529-9916

Highlands Ranch Resort, Mill Creek 530-595-3388

Holiday Inn Express, Red Bluff 530-528-1600

Lassen Mineral Lodge, Mineral 530-595-4422

Mill Creek Resort, Mill Creek 530-595-4449

Motel 6, Red Bluff 530-527-9200

Red Bluff Inn, Red Bluff 530-527-4145

Red Bluff KOA Journey, Red Bluff 530-527-5300

Rolling Hills Casino and Resort, Corning 530-528-3459

R-Wild Horse Ranch, Platina 530-352-4222

Super 8 Motel, Red Bluff 530-529-2028

Travelodge Red Bluff, Red Bluff 530-690-2770

Dining

2 Buds BBQ, 562 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

A & R Custom Butchering Retail Meats and Deli, 1055 Main St., Red Bluff

Alcatraz American Food & Taqueria, 343 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Applebee’s, 734 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

BABS Bistro 345 Ash St., Red Bluff

Breezy’s Wings and Wheels, 1760 Airport Blvd., Red Bluff

Bud’s Jolly Kone, 455 Antelope Blvd.

Burger King, 210 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

Carlitos Mexican Restaurant, 480 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

Casa Ramos Mexican Restaurant, 2001 N. Main St., Red Bluff

Cravings Bake Shop, 419 Hickory St., Red Bluff

Domino’s Pizza, 333 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Downtown Ale House, 343 Walnut St., Red Bluff

Dutch Bros, 736 Antelope Blvd./ 540 S. Main St, Red Bluff

E’s Locker Room, 1075 Lakeside Drive, Red Bluff

Enjoy Local, 615 Main St., Red Bluff

Firehouse Pizza, 734 Main St., Red Bluff

From The Hearth Kitchen and Pie Shop, 638 Washington St., Red Bluff

Gaia Hotel/Woodside Grill, 4125 Riverside Place, Anderson

Green Barn Whiskey Kitchen, 5 Chestnut Ave., Red Bluff

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, 860 Main St., Red Bluff

Harvest Fruit and Boba, 333 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Highlands Ranch Resort, 41515 Hwy 36E, Mill Creek

Human Bean, Main St., Red Bluff

Izzy’s Bagel Shop, 807 Lincoln Street

Jack in the Box, 1075 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Kaloca’s Mexican Grill, 607 Main St. Red Bluff

Kevin’s Donuts, 218 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Lariat Bowl, 365 Main St., Red Bluff

Legendary, 613 Main St., Red Bluff

Little Caesars Pizza, 108 Main St., Red Bluff

Los Amigos Taco Truck, 212 S. Main St., Red Bluff

Los Hermanos Mexican Cocina, 414 San Benito Ave., Gerber

Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant, 604 Main St., Red Bluff

Luigi’s Pizza, 75 Belle Mill Road, Red Bluff

M & M Ranch House, 645 Antelope Blvd. #1, Red Bluff

Main Street Deli, 2130 Main St Ste A., Red Bluff

McDonald’s Restaurant, 215 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

Mountain Mikes Pizza, 905 S. Main Street, Red Bluff

Ramon’s Grill at the Palomino Room, 723 Main St., Red Bluff

Red Bluff Elks Lodge #1250, 355 Gilmore Road, Red Bluff

Rockin R Restaurant, 201 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff

Rolling Hills Casino, 2655 Everett Freeman Way, Corning

Round Table Club House, 116 W. Belle Mill Road, Red Bluff

Round Up Saloon, 610 Washington St., Red Bluff

Serf & Javi Mexican Restaurant, 158 Main St. Red Bluff

SIP Coffee, 905 Walnut St., Red Bluff

The Links at Rolling Hills, 2657 Everett Freeman Way, Corning

Tremont Café, 731 Main St., Red Bluff

Tuscan Ridge Estate Winery, 19260 Ridge Road, Red Bluff

Vida Juice Bar, 124 S. Jackson St., Suite A, Red Bluff

Wilcox Oaks Golf Club, 20995 Wilcox Golf Road, Red Bluff

The Premier Sporting Event in Northern California

Red Bluff Round-Up marks a tradition of developing communities and togetherness

By Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller

What began as a local ranch play day has stood the test of time to become a premier sporting event in northern California.

The Red Bluff Round-Up, celebrating 102 years in April 2023, began as an event designed to showcase ranching abilities for those living and working near the Clough Ranch in Los Molinos.

In 1921, the Round-Up was the first to join the Cowboy’s Turtle Association, a precursor to today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or PRCA.

Now, more than a hundred years later, the Round-Up continues the locally-grown tradition of excellence.

“Over the past five to 10 years we have worked to make the Round-Up a destination event for both the competitors and fans,” explained J.B. Stacy, general manager. “Besides spanning the United States, East to West coast, our reach extends internationally, with contestants and spectators traveling from Australia, South America and the UK.”

Since 1966, the Round-Up has earned recognition as the PRCA’s largest three-day rodeo. The title, Stacy said, places the event among the best in the nation.

Drawing in more than 700 contestants each year, along with at least 500 venders and 20,000 ticket holders and guests, the Round-Up accounts for an impact of between $7 million to 10 million for the local economy.

The Round-Up includes the basic events ranging from bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and all-around, each having its own following.

Stacy said while barrel racing and bull riding tend to get spectators to the edge of their seats more than others, ultimately all of the events have their own skill set that makes them exciting to watch.

In recent years, the Round-Up team added mutton busting as a pre-performance event designed to give the youngest competitors — ages 4 to 7 — some action. In 2022, the fan-favorite took place on each night of the Round-Up.

“I believe the future of the rodeo industry and our fan base is in the generations to come,” Stacy said. “We need to expose the younger generations to the rodeo way of life and help them understand the Western heritage by exposing more families to the positive impact that the industry can have in our communities.”

Another fan-favorite, the Wild Ride, began in 2000 as a costume contest to close out the Round-Up. Stacy said in the last 20 years, more than 200 rough stock participants have dressed in costumes ranging from superheroes and cartoon characters to political characters.

Stacy, named general manager in November 2022, experienced his first Round-Up in 1978 thanks to his uncle. Throughout the years, he became involved with the event, becoming a director eight years ago.

“I have learned so much about the industry and I am looking forward to building relationships within the industry,” Stacy said. “The Red Bluff Round-Up is about developing communities, whether local or nationally. The togetherness that the rodeos bring to the small and large towns and cities throughout the nation is nothing like any other event, sporting or non-sporting.

“We want fans, business partners and participants to continue to put the third weekend in April on their calendars every year.”

The Round-Up operates a storefront and museum in Downtown Red Bluff. For more information, visit www.redbluffroundup.com.

Did you know?

Volunteers are at the heart of the Red Bluff Round-Up. General Manager J.B. Stacy said it takes hundreds of people to make the event a success each year.

Groups like Red Bluff Rotary Club, the 20-30 Club, Simpson University Sports Programs, Red Bluff Union High School, and others have provided what Stacy calls the “backbone to the success of the fan experience.”

Donations back to the community exceed $100,000 each year, ranging from cash donations to the volunteer groups, to donations, to support events throughout the year.

Fun Facts

The Red Bluff Round-Up team hosts a kids camp each year in order to share the rodeo lifestyle and help develop a future fan base.

General Manager J.B. Stacy said the camp’s goal is to expose children and their families to the Western culture. “We want to educate them so they understand that rodeo is and the Western way of life is what helped develop the communities they are living in,” Stacy said.

Top Things to Do

in Tehama County

Farmers’ Markets

Start or end your day with fresh local produce. Shop at the farmers’ market year-round at The Saturday Market on the River on 100 Main St., in Red Bluff from 9 a.m. to noon October through April and 8 a.m. to noon May through September. The Wednesday Night Downtown Farmers’ Market includes delicious fruits and vegetables, live music, kids’ activities, and vendors. It runs June through August from 5 to 8 p.m. on Washington Street.

Fairs & Festivals

Celebrate in Tehama County! From the Wine, Food and Art Festival in Corning to Red Bluff’s 4th of July Fireworks Show and Manton’s Apple Festival, Tehama County has something for everyone. For a full calendar of events, visit www.redbluffchamber.com.

Manton Valley

Enjoy the serenity of the foothills of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Accommodations range from a campground, cabins, bed and breakfast inns to lodges. Many vineyards are located here, too!

Olive Country

The Mediterranean climate in Tehama County is perfect for olive production. Sample some of California’s finest in olives and olive oil at six olive producers in “Olive City” Corning. Visit corningcachamber.org for olive producers and retailers.

Orchards and Roadside Stands

Cap off a daytrip with local bounty. Make your way to Highway 99 and stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables, nuts, wines, and other delectable handmade treats at the following roadside orchards and stands:

Burlison Fruit Stand, 24651 Kansas Ave., Los Molinos

Julia’s Fruit Stand, 11475 Highway 99, Los Molinos

Pumpkinland Chocolate Company, 12000 Highway 99E, Red Bluff

Rolling Hills Casino and Resort in Corning

Rolling Hills Casino, right off I-5, features golf, hunting, sporting clays, fly fishing, an arcade, live music, and special events in addition to its casino. With the completely refurbished casino, hotels and restaurants like Brews Hall, Rock and Brews, Six Two Eight Steakhouse, The Double Down Café, Paskenta Brewery & Distillery, FatBurger and the beautiful Obsidian Spirits Amphitheater — there’s plenty to do for all. The Equestrian Center at Rolling Hills offers a world-class equestrian experience in the heart of Northern California. For those wanting to camp on the premises near their horses, there is an onsite RV parking area, with an additional RV Park located at the casino. Visit www.rollinghillscasino.com for more information.

Tehama Country Visitor’s Center

Visit Tehama Country Visitor’s Center at 250 Antelope Blvd. in Red Bluff for tourism and recreation information about Red Bluff, Tehama County, Lassen Park and the surrounding areas. The center is open six days a week to help you plan your next excursion!

Two Different Experiences, Same Great Food, Amazing Vendors and Entertainment

FARMERS MARKETs

in Red Bluff are thriving community gathering spots

By Denise Elam

Those on the hunt for fresh vegetables, homemade goods and community connection have found their home at two Farmers Markets in Red Bluff.

The first is a seasonal Wednesday Night Downtown Market, offering live music, children’s activities and a bustling crowd. The second is a year-round Saturday morning market with a calmer atmosphere. Deemed the “Market by the River,” the Saturday market forgoes the hustle and bustle in exchange for a focus on healthy lifestyles, connecting with vendors and friends.

“Both have plenty to offer,” said Jason Bauer, principle objectives coordinator at the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce.

Bauer said with COVID-19 shutting down many businesses and the Markets being deemed essential, they saw a healthy volume of new vendors during those early days of the pandemic looking to expand on skills and revenue streams.

“The customer turn-out increased for similar reasons and due to the fact that many events were not considered essential, they didn’t happen and that put a very welcome focus on the Markets,” he said. “The Markets have been making great strides over the last few years, despite all the challenges that many of us faced. With health concerns being more on the surface in the last few years, it’s obvious that shoppers are looking more at local items that may have far less handling than products that may need to travel greater distances and thus require more contact with individuals.”

The Saturday market is made possible by the Chamber’s partnership with Shasta Cascade Slow Food, along with the consistency of vendor attendance. Each year, new vendors come into the fold — some with fun surprises, like a dance performance, rock painting or even a magician.

“This last year we introduced our Farmers Market Photo Board which got a great response from market-goers of all ages,” he said. “With different bands each week, there is always a reason to come down for a new experience, but also let’s not forget our vendors who are there every year to help make the Market an amazing place to be.”

One major goal with both Markets is to continue providing food education to all.

“What we are going for is not for people to be aware of food, but rather, consciously making better food choices,” Bauer said. “We have done Fresh Cook Demos, had free educational vendors giving out food samples and literature, we have a Market Match program that comes and can match funds received through social programs. Food education is very important, not just what it is, but where it comes from.”

2023

Local Events

For the most up-to-date event information, please check event websites as some
dates may likely change.

JANUARY

Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale

Network with the pros and find top bulls at the 81st Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale. For more information and to bid online,

visit redbluffbullsale.com.

February

B.E.A.M. Chamber Business Expo and Mixer

A great way to network and meet the business community!

An extremely popular event for all businesses and organizations;

with live music, drinks, and appetizers. Open to the public. For more information, visit

www.redbluffchamber.com/annual-chamber-events.

APRIL

Red Bluff Round-Up:
102nd Anniversary

Enjoy 11 days of Round-Up community activities including the Chili Cook-Off, Cowboy Mixer, Cowboy Golf Tournament, Fun Roving Jail, Pancake Breakfast, Parade, and so much more! Visit www.redbluffroundup.com.

MAY

Latino Outreach
Cinco de Mayo

The Cinco de Mayo festival, held in Corning, features food, games, music, and live entertainment. Visit www.latinooutreachoftehamacounty.org.

Tehama District Fair

Scheduled for District Fair May 4-7, 2023, the 102nd Annual Tehama District Fair includes a fun carnival, will showcase local agricultural products, and bring the community together. Visit www.tehamadistrictfair.com.

JULY

4th of July Independence Day Celebration

July 4th fireworks display at the Red Bluff River Park.

AUGUST

Brew Battle

Join Red Bluff’s microbrew festival on the second Saturday in August. Visit www.facebook.com/rbbrewbattle.

SEPTEMBER

Beef ‘N Brew

Scheduled for the third Saturday in September, Beef ‘N Brew boasts a wide selection of craft beers and beef appetizers plus live music.

Visit redbluffbeefnbrew.com.

OCTOBER

108th Chamber Annual Awards Mixer & Dinner

An inspiring and fun night of awards, recognition, and a silent auction. Visit www.redbluffchamber.com/annual-chamber-events.

Western Open Fiddle Championships Red Bluff

This toe-tapping competition is an annual crowd-pleaser. The three-day competition draws musicians of all ages across the country to compete. Visit www.facebook.com/WesternOpenFiddle.

West Coast Monster Trucks

More than 30,000 spectators are expected at this thrilling show, scheduled for the first full weekend in October at the Tehama District County Fairgrounds. This year marks the event’s 24th anniversary. Visit www.facebook.com/westcoastmonsterfans.

Kids’ Spooktacular

A free community event for the whole family. Games, music, dancing, community resource booths and more, organized by Northern California Child Development, Inc. Usually held Saturday the week prior to Halloween.

NOVEMBER

Red Bluff ArtWalk

The historic downtown Red Bluff ArtWalk is slated for the first weekend in November. Participating businesses exhibit works by local artists and host receptions to meet featured artists. Visit www.tehamaarts.org/artwalk.

Downtown Christmas Parade

The Red Bluff Chamber kicks off the holiday season at 5:30 p.m. on the last Saturday in November with red and green decorated lighted floats, marching bands, horse-drawn vehicles, vintage cars, fire trucks, Santa, and more. Visit www.redbluffchamber.com/annual-chamber-events.

DECEMBER

Chamber Christmas Breakfast

Socializing, eating, networking, ugly sweaters, and most importantly, collecting tons of toys for the local CHiP’s for Kids at Red Bluff Dodge.

Visit www.redbluffchamber.com/annual-chamber-events.

Valuing Community,
Hard Work and Giving Back

A closer look at three Chamber board members making community betterment a top priority

By Elena Ferrarin

Serving on the board of directors of the Red Bluff - Tehama County Chamber of Commerce is all about service to the broader business community and dedication to the community at large. Here’s a closer look at the commitment of three board members — Aubrie Thomas, Araceli Gutierrez, and Sean Rix — who are dedicated to impacting the lives of those around them.

Finding a Home

Chamber board member Sean Rix moved to the Red Bluff area in his early 20s and credits the community with helping him become the person he is. Red Bluff is also where he met his wife, and where they plan to raise their children.

“This community supports its business and people more than anywhere else I have been,” Rix said. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

A State Farm Insurance agent, Rix said he’s blessed to have a career and “amazing staff” that allow him the freedom to work within the community. He also serves as director for the Red Bluff Round Up, is the immediate past president of the Red Bluff 20-30 Club, and helps coach his children’s sports teams.

In his personal time, he’s an avid golfer, which he called “the best sport,” whether played leisurely or competitively.

“You can do it from the time you can walk as a child until the day you can no longer walk as an adult,” he said.

He also loves camping with his family, which allows him to disconnect from technology, spend time in nature, and relive memories from his childhood.

Hunting holds a special place in his heart, Rix said, adding it almost feels like he grew up in a duck blind alongside his father and grandfather.

His passion for hunting doesn’t hinge on harvesting animals, but rather spending time with loved ones.

“This year was one of my favorite years hunting, and I never fired a shot,” he said, referring to a special hunt with his father that was also planned by his late grandfather.

Rix is invested in giving back to the Red Bluff community, and enjoys volunteering at local events and donating to various local organizations.

“There is nothing more important to me than the relationships I have with my community, my friendships and my family,” he said. “Everything that I do revolves around them.”

Bridging a Gap

Born and raised in Tehama County, Chamber board member Araceli Gutierrez is passionate about her community.

Gutierrez started a marketing and business consulting business in 2015 that recently moved into an office in Red Bluff’s Lassen Square.

“I cannot stop looking out my window, I enjoy the art so much,” she said. “When I am hungry, I can walk up or down the street and get greeted with a smile. No matter what restaurant I walk into, I will enjoy my meal.”

Gutierrez has her own bilingual English and Spanish radio show, “The Sophisticates Show” which can be found on Saturday mornings on www.stereosalvaje.com.

Her parents are originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, so she enjoys celebrating her Hispanic heritage and sharing it with others, she said.

“Becoming a voice for our Hispanic and/or Latino community comes with trust, alongside building partnerships that will last a lifetime,” she said.

“Convertirse en una voz para nuestra comunidad hispana y/o latina, viene con confianza; junto con la creación de asociaciones que durarán toda la vida,” she also repeated in Spanish.

Gutierrez actively participates in the promotion of local artisans and community events, supports local businesses that give back to the community, and is committed to being a resource for others.

“I have learned that by investing in people, I help bridge a gap between businesses, community, and understanding of culture,” she said.

In addition to serving on the Chamber of Commerce board, Gutierrez serves on the boards of the Latino Outreach of Tehama County, the North State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the NoRTEC Workforce Development Board, and the 49ers Originals Redding Chapter.

The Meaning of Teamwork

Chamber board member Aubrie Thomas said her work as co-owner of Tehama Family Fitness Center gives her the rewarding opportunity to help people.

“Hundreds of individuals walk through our business doors daily, all with the same goal: to better themselves,” she said. “Giving these people this opportunity gives me great joy daily.”

Tehama Family Fitness Center also actively sponsors and donates to many local events and charities.

Thomas, who’s always been physically active and played Division 1 college softball, said she is passionate about exercise and its many benefits. “Move your body, clear your mind!” is one of her mottos.

“Sports, exercise and relationships have played a huge role in my life. I believe it has taught me the true meaning of teamwork and helped me build the business and relationships I have established today,” she said.

On a personal level, Thomas is extremely involved in the youth sports programs in Tehama County. “You can find me on most weekends at a field or court,” she said.

She also loves her role on the Chamber’s board of directors.

“I have been able to intertwine myself amongst some great people in our community,” she said.

The Best Trout Around

Bringing fresh, home-grown and responsibly caught seafood to the Red Bluff Community

By Marie Leech

For Phil Mackey and his daughter Katie Harris, Northern California has nothing to do with the beaches or Silicon Valley or even wine country.

As the owners of the largest privately owned trout farm in the state, living in Tehama County’s Red Bluff area means volcanic, mineral-rich soil, crystal clear, high velocity fresh mountain spring waters and the space to raise rainbow and steelhead trout in the most natural environment possible.

Since 1949, Mt. Lassen Trout Farm has been raising and selling live fish, mostly to recreational fishing markets all over the state of California. But a little more than a decade ago, they branched out and entered the seafood market, selling their trout to distributors in the Bay Area that would then process the fish for fine-dining restaurants and boutique seafood markets.

Their trout is the best of the best — they only breed the top performers of each generation. The fish begin life as an eyed egg in Mt. Lassen’s hatchery, where they are nurtured until they are ready to go to Mt. Lassen’s land-based farms. They spend two to three years in the farm’s earthen ponds and raceways until they grow to harvest size.

But what happened between the time they were so carefully raised until they finally made their way to restaurant chefs resulted in Mackey and Harris taking one more leap of faith.

They discovered the quality of their fish wasn’t being preserved by the third-party distributors, so by the time the product got to the restaurants, their brand had been compromised.

So, a little more than a year ago, Mackey and Harris eliminated the third-party process altogether and opened Mt. Lassen Seafood Processors, where they process the fish themselves and sell directly to fine-dining restaurants in the Bay Area, as well as restaurants in other major cities like Chicago.

“We spend three years raising the trout and it can be ruined in three days by someone who doesn’t care about the product,” Harris said. “By doing it ourselves, we can make sure the utmost quality is maintained. The beauty of what we do is that these fish are swimming and then within 24 to 48 hours, they are humanely harvested, processed and in front of the chef at a restaurant.”

When the processing plant opened, Harris and Mackey decided to also open a retail component, allowing nearby residents direct access to fresh fish. Not only do they offer their own trout, but Harris works with other local seafood distributors to offer fresh and grown (or responsibly caught) seafood to the Red Bluff community each week.

“At the end of the day, raising and processing fish is very hard work and not always very glamorous,” Harris said. “But the crew we have shows up every single day to grow and produce a quality product that we can all be extremely proud of – that takes a great deal of commitment and integrity. My dad and I could not be more appreciative of that.”

Customers must pre-order the seafood through Mt. Lassen’s website, https://www.mtlassenseafood.com/home.

A Game Changer

Tehama County Stabilization Grant Program expected to have a ripple effect throughout community

By Mike Danahey

The Red Bluff - Tehama County Chamber of Commerce awarded a collective $2 million in grants at the end of 2022 and in January 2023 to local small businesses and nonprofits that were adversely affected by COVID-19.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy, as it is across America. These grants are a game changer for our area, and we are thankful to Tehama County for the ARPA funding allocated to the program,” said Chamber CEO Dave Gowan.

With the Tehama County Stabilization Grant Program, $1 million was awarded to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees and another $1 million to local nonprofits. The Chamber administered the grants at the behest of the County, with the money coming from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. “Due to the length of the lockdown in California, our area was hit hard by restrictions placed on our businesses and nonprofits,” Gowan said.

The lingering effects have been supply chain issues, shortages, reduction in employee workforce, inflation, higher prices and extremely high gas prices. Gowan said, “With these grants, owners get paid, employees get paid, are rehired or are given more hours. Supplies are purchased and improvements are made. Local businesses will in turn be paid what has been due. Families will have more money; they will be able to go shopping and catch up on bills and family needs. This will have a huge impact on our whole county.”

According to Gowan, statistics show that grant money has a ripple effect of 5 to 10 times the amount awarded. “So, overall this grant will have the impact of $10 - $20 million infused into the local economy,” Gowan said.

There was a four-week application period for the grants in the autumn. Documentation of need was required, and there was a stringent vetting process to ensure eligibility. Grant recipients were selected by lottery, with those getting grants notified toward the end of December. “We used an app to randomly select recipients from the qualified pool applicants. There were separate lotteries for small businesses and nonprofits,” Gowan said.

All told, 95 businesses each received $10,000 grants and a number of nonprofits received grants up to $49,999. Small businesses were able to use grant money to meet payroll, cover costs to retain employees, pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills and meet other expenses incurred after March 3, 2021 due to COVID-19. On the nonprofit side, the money could be used to make up for decreased donation and fee revenue, meet increased costs and demand for services, financial hardship, challenges, covering payroll, rent or mortgage and other operating costs.

“We also created a resource page on our website for businesses and nonprofits to gain access to more opportunities for partnership and assistance,” Gowan said.

Prior to this, the Chamber had been involved in overseeing $800,000 in small business and nonprofit funding distributed for the Red Bluff Masonic Lodge, United Way, Tehama County and the City of Red Bluff.

These assistance programs sustained many businesses and organizations through a challenging season and helped them to be in a position to usher in a new era of economic development and improved quality of life in our community.

Ushering in an Era of Change

Three Local Businesses Operate Under New Ownership

By Marc Sheforgen

One is a longstanding Red Bluff institution.

Another is a historic space now operating with an entirely new model.

And yet another is a familiar favorite that’s changed names a few times.

In each case, a Red Bluff business has new owners with exciting plans for the future.

Reynolds Ranch & Farm Supply

Even longtime residents probably can’t remember Red Bluff before Reynolds Ranch & Farm Supply, 501 Madison St. This little-bit-of-everything store with a focus on feed, sporting goods and western wear is a local institution. Owned for 33 years by now-retired Paul and Kit Reynolds and operating before that for many years as Arnest & Sons, the store, as of Aug. 15, 2022, is now owned by Steve and Jessica Dyke.

“My wife and I are Red Bluff natives,” Steve said. “I grew up in this store, coming in with my parents. Reynold’s Ranch is a staple in Red Bluff.”

The business features three stores in one — the Feed Store, which offers feed for a variety of livestock as well as other agricultural products; Red Bluff Sporting Goods, which includes guns, ammunition, and one of the area’s largest fishing pro shops and other accessories; and the Loft, which includes western wear like boots, shirts, hats, belt buckles and more.

Steve said that the business has 15 employees, including one who’s been there for 37 years and another who has been there for 27 years.

“The Reynold’s grew a great business, and they did it because they established an awesome team,” Steve said.

Because the business has been running so well and is already such a local favorite, the Dykes don’t intend to change much.

“There’s always room for improvement, and those are the little things we’re looking at,” Steve said. “But they’ve done a great job. We just want to enhance what we’re doing and continue to be that service to the community that this place has provided for more than 40 years.”

The Kraft

What has been a Red Bluff landmark since 1909 is now California’s newest premiere wedding and event venue.

In 2019, Nels Leen purchased the former Herbert Kraft Free Library, a historic building at 909 Jefferson St. that was the first public library in Tehama County. The building, which has changed hands multiple times and operated as various businesses, was most recently the House of Design. It was remodeled in 2021 and in August 2022 opened as the Kraft.

Manager Courtny Abbassi said the building presented a perfect opportunity to turn a beautiful, centrally located space into a full-service destination.

“It’s gorgeous, it’s Victorian and it’s very versatile,” Abbassi said. “There really isn’t anything quite like it. There was a lot of love put into this building.”

The Kraft is available to rent for everything from simple events that include just the space all the way up to full-service weddings and receptions that include flowers and decorations.

“There are lots of different opportunities at the Kraft,” Abbassi said. “We have a banquet room, a ballroom, a bridal suite — we’re kind of like your one-stop shop.”

While the venue is extremely versatile, Abbassi said that the vision for the space is to focus on smaller, more intimate events that really highlight a quaint, beautiful setting.

“Our maximum capacity for a sit-down dinner is 150,” she said. “We’re really trying to get back to small, intimate events. That’s what the building really showcases.”

Main Street Deli

Morgan and RJ Johnson weren’t necessarily looking to purchase a sandwich shop. But when they heard from a friend that one of their local favorites, the Main Street Deli (2130 Main St.), was going up for sale, it became too good of an opportunity to pass up.

The Johnsons were already co-owners of Island Ice Trailer, a mobile shave ice stand, and had dreamed of one day expanding their entrepreneurial pursuits. They just didn’t realize it would be owning a place they already loved to frequent.

“It was a spontaneous purchase,” said Morgan Johnson. “But it was the right timing, the right price, and everything just looked good as far as the financials, the business and the community.”

Main Street Deli, which has operated under a few different names through the years, features sandwiches made with the highest-quality ingredients on bread baked fresh daily. Morgan said that the MSD, a chicken, pepper jack cheese, bacon and avocado sandwich, is the top seller. And every order is served with a free cookie.

“Customers can expect great service, great quality and a friendly atmosphere,” Morgan said.

And because the shop was already a favorite of the Johnsons, they don’t intend to change much.

“We may potentially add some different monthly sandwiches, and we’re looking at some breakfast options,” Morgan said. “But our goal is really to maintain that great quality and consistency.”

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Alsco, Inc. Page 53

Aquarium & Pets Page 40

Bay Alarm Page 19

Better Choice Real Estate Page 17

Bickleys Heating & Air Page 13

Business Connections Page 45

Butte College Small Business Development Center Page 28

Central Sierra Pest Control Page 81

Coastal Business Systems Page 59

Cold (tear) Snap Air Conditioning Page 50

Comfort Suites - Red Bluff Page 81

Corning Ford Mercury Page 53

Crown Cleaners Page 47

Dale’s Carpet Inc Page 59

Dignity Health North Back Cover

Discover Earth Page 22

Edward Jones-S Mustaine Page 46

Elmore Pharmacy Page 60

Empower Tehama Page 6

Fleming Insurance Services Page 50

Gary’s Auto Body Page 29

GAUMERS OF RED BLUFF Page 6

Go Beyond Consulting, LLC Page 41

Gold Exchange Page 60

Green Waste of Tehama Page 36

Grind Fire Defense, LLC Page 61

Heffernan Insurance Brokers Page 51

Homecare for the 21st Century Page 61

Izzy’s Bagel Shop Page 61

Julia’s Fruit Stand Page 35

Kelly Griggs House Museum Page 60

Les Schwab Tire Center-Red Bluff Page 18

Lewis Bilotto - Farmers Insurance Agency Page 35

Los Hermanos Mexican Cocina Page 23

Luigi’s Pizza Page 22

M Three Ranch Company Page 37

Mandi Photography Page 80

McGahan Trucking Page 50

Mechanics Bank - Red Bluff Page 41

Members 1st Credit Union - Anderson Page 5

Moule’s Glass Page 81

Mt. Lassen Transportation, LLC Page 47

North Valley Services Page 50

Northern California Title Page 40

Nothing Bundt Cakes - Chico Page 45

Paladin Ranch Page 35

Paul R. Moon, DDS Page 81

Prime Lending Inside Front Cover

Pump Daddy Concrete, LLC Page 46

Quality Surfacing Page 12

Red Bluff Chew Page 60

Red Bluff Interiors Page 80

Red Bluff Round-Up Page 27

Red Bluff Senior Living Page 53

Red Bluff Union Elementary School District Page 7

Resource Conservation District of Tehama County Page 53

Reynolds Ranch & Farm Supply Page 32

River City Realty Page 40

Rockin’ R Restaurant Page 41

Rojas Family Dentistry Page 36

Round UP Saloon Page 80

State Theatre for The Arts - Red Bluff Page 60

Sweet-Olsen Family Simple Creations Page 5

Tehama County Art Council Page 59

Tehama County Fair Page 33

Tehama County Health Services Agency Page 1

Tehama Floral Company Page 22

Tehama Sewing Page 45

Tehama Tire Service, Inc Page 47

Tehama Together Page 36

The Rock Church of the North State Page 46

The Virtual Realty Group Page 51

Valley Veterinary Clinic Page 61

Vesper Masonic Lodge Page 28

W.S. Heitman Drilling Page 59

West Apparel & Embroidery Page 33