Quick reads — Cal Fire reports slow fire season

The developer behind a proposed solar farm just outside Chico is offering Butte County up to $300,000 a year, plus land for a fire station and a $250,000 grant for the Sheriff’s Office.

Cenergy Power is looking for feedback from county supervisors Tuesday morning on its proposed benefits package for the roughly 1,200-acre project along Skyway. The California Energy Commission requires what’s called a community benefits agreement as part of the permit process.

County leaders could move forward with the agreement, but the state would ultimately decide whether the solar facility gets the green light.

PG&E has agreed to put an additional $6 million dollars toward Dixie Fire recovery in Plumas County.

That’s according to local District Attorney David Hollister. He told the Board of Supervisors last week that the agreement is connected to the Twain Fire that broke out this July. It burned under 300 acres, but Hollister says the fire could have been pursued as a violation of PG&E’s Dixie Fire settlement from 2022.

The new money will go toward hazardous tree removal and other recovery projects.

Chico residents can weigh in this week on a new plan to reduce street homelessness by 25% over five years.

The proposal calls for increased enforcement of camping laws, along with more housing and outreach services. It comes after the City Council approved tougher camping rules this month, ahead of a court settlement expiring in January.

A public town hall is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. in Chico City Council chambers.