Quick reads — North State Rep. Doug LaMalfa dies at 65
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, longtime North State congressman, dies at 65
North State Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65.
LaMalfa’s death was confirmed today by Tom Emmer, the House Majority Whip, and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, according to The Associated Press. A cause of death was not immediately announced.
LaMalfa was a rice farmer who lived in Butte County and represented California’s 1st Congressional District, which includes much of the North State. He was first elected to Congress in 2012.
North State Public Radio will continue following this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Chico invites public input on five-year parks master plan
The City of Chico is inviting public comment to help with development of its Five Year Master Plan for local parks.
The Chico Area Recreation and Park District will host a series of sessions for the community to provide its input on what improvements might be made.
Meeting times and locations
- 5:30-7 p.m. tomorrow, Jan 6, Lakeside Pavilion
- 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, CARD Community Center
- 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, DeGarmo Park Shop
Marysville family shelter to close after more than 30 years, leaving no permanent option
The Salvation Army is closing the Depot Family Crisis Center in Marysville at the end of January.
The Appeal-Democrat reports it’s been the only year-round shelter for homeless families in Yuba and Sutter counties for more than 30 years.
The nonprofit cites rising costs and a lack of sustained community support. The shelter is now trying to place eight families and seven others.
Only a separate, temporary church-run cold-weather shelter program will remain.
Chico council to discuss e-bike safety
Concerns about electric bikes are coming before Chico City Council tomorrow.
At its last meeting, Councilor Tom van Overbeek asked that problems tied to the growing number of e-bikes be placed on the agenda.
Van Overbeek is an avid cyclist himself, and he says he’s especially worried about speeding e-bikes in Bidwell Park. Some models can travel well above typical bicycle speeds, raising safety concerns on shared-use paths.
He’s asked city staff to study the issue, including how e-bikes are being used in the park, and report back to the council with possible next steps.
PG&E reduces rates slightly
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is starting the new year with modest rate reductions for residential customers.
Electricity rates are set to decrease by approximately 5%, resulting in an estimated bill decrease of around $7 a month. Natural gas rates will decrease by roughly 3%, an average savings of $1 a month.
PG&E says the reductions are tied to completed infrastructure projects, lower electricity prices and reduced greenhouse gas compliance costs.
They follow a year of repeated rate hikes that significantly raised utility bills for many customers.
Guilty plea in Chico homeless shelter drug case
The man charged with selling fentanyl and methamphetamine at the City of Chico’s Genesis homeless shelter pleaded guilty in court this week.
Charges include one felony count of possession of fentanyl for sale, and another for methamphetamine.
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release that Michael Terrance Harrigan II, 45, was involved in large-scale drug dealing while living at the shelter.
Harrigan faces up to 4 years and 8 months in the county jail. His sentencing date is on Jan. 28.
Depot Park ownership may change
The City of Chico may transfer ownership of Depot Park to the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD).
City staff is recommending the change, which will be discussed at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Depot Park is located in central Chico next to the city’s train station. Under the proposal, CARD would assume ownership and responsibility for the park, with the transfer expected to take effect around March 1 if approved.
According to the City, the transfer would be considered a public benefit and would not involve any exchange of money.
CARD is an independent special district that works closely with the City and already owns and maintains several Chico parks, including Community Park, DeGarmo Park, and Humboldt Avenue Skate Park.
NSPR reached out to the City for more information about why staff is recommending the transfer, but offices were closed for the holiday recess.