NSPR Headlines North State Public Radio

The Butte County Grand Jury has released its annual report, which includes investigations into Chico's homelessness policies. It found the city responsible for neglect and unsanitary conditions at its sanctioned encampment for unhoused residents. The report also found over the past decade the city has not addressed the homelessness crisis properly and instead took an “adversarial” stance to try and encourage unhoused residents to leave the city. Separately, the jury found inadequate funding has caused morale issues among library staff and patrons.

Jackie LaBarbera, board president of the Anderson Union School District, announced that the district would continue its current policy requiring school officials to inform parents when a student requests a change to their records, including requests to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. Also, tribal and conservation groups are advocating for national monument status for the Medicine Lake Highlands in Siskiyou County, and there are now more restrictions on fires in Lassen National Forest. *Editor’s note: An earlier version of Headlines incorrectly identified the North State school district that has policies that are not in line with California’s SAFETY Act.

We’re continuing to cover the city of Chico’s announcement this week that it hopes to change the terms of Warren v. Chico — a settlement agreement that outlines its homelessness policy for clearing encampments. In a letter responding to the city, the law firm representing the unhoused plaintiffs in the 2021 case pushes back. Also, Councilmember Tom van Overbeek says he supports the city’s move to challenge the settlement and says Councilmember Addison Winslow is incorrect about the details. And members of Tehama County’s largest employee union have declared no confidence in the Chief Administrative Officer and Personnel Director.

The city of Chico wants to change the conditions of Warren v. Chico, a major settlement agreement that outlines its policies on removing homeless encampments in the city. We hear from Mayor Andrew Coolidge and Councilmember Addison Winslow.

The Butte County Public Health Department says lab tests of water at the city of Chico’s sanctioned encampment have come back clear of contamination. Also, the majority of council seats are close to the end of their four-year terms. New candidates can begin the candidacy process this week, and the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that West Nile Virus is now active in Butte County.

Widespread cases of diarrhea have been reported at the city of Chico’s alternative campsite on Eaton and Cohasset Roads. The illness has caused advocates to push for better conditions at the city-sanctioned encampment for unhoused residents. Also, as the nation reacts to the assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, North State residents are speculating about what it means for the upcoming election, and the Oroville City Council is revisiting a program that could reduce electricity costs for residents.