Erik Adams
ReporterErik began his role as NSPR's Butte County government reporter in September of 2023 as part of UC Berkeley's California Local News Fellowship. He received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from Cal State LA earlier that year.
Erik is a Southern California native who began his
journalism career while taking classes at a community college. Being undeclared for several semesters, he joined his school's newspaper staff and quickly realized the path he wanted to follow.
Since then, he has contributed to Cal State LA's student-run newspaper, The University Times, KnockLA, EdSource and several other Southern California media outlets. One reason Erik loves radio, especially public radio, is because he sees it as one of the last vessels of collective experience in the age of on-demand media.
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Stop Valley’s Edge organizers gathered to track the results of the Valley’s Edge referendum vote. After polls closed, more than 60% of votes were against measures O and P, striking down the proposed Valley’s Edge development in southeast Chico.
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Some young voters in Chico say their generation lacks engagement with politics. By Monday afternoon before the election, 5% of ballots had been returned by voters between 18 and 24 in Butte County.
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Early election results show Valley’s Edge could be rejected by Chico voters. Last night Stop Valley’s Edge organizers celebrated while gathering to watch the results. Also, two incumbents for the Butte County Board of Supervisors — Tod Kimmelshue and Doug Teeter — will likely keep their seats for another term, and it’s a tight recall race for Shasta County Supervisor, Kevin Crye.
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Some say the Valley’s Edge plan isn’t addressing the need for affordable housing. Butte County’s housing authority welcomes any new housing.
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Today is California’s primary election. What you need to know about voting today, including if you haven’t registered yet or received your ballot. Also, some young voters in Chico say their generation lacks engagement with politics, and the controversial Orchard Creek Estates project will come-up for a confirming second vote tonight after the Chico City Council approved moving forward with the 75-acre residential development at its last meeting.
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Proposition 1 aims to house those who are experiencing homelessness and mental illness, but if it passes, there are sacrifices counties like Butte might have to make.
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Several early intervention and mental health services in Butte County are at risk of losing funding—and possibly closing—if voters approve Proposition 1. Also, California State University student assistants are unionizing, and California lawmakers are trying to push utilities like PG&E toward more cost-effective wildfire safety improvements.
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A new study out of Chico State details metal levels in watersheds around the Camp Fire burn scar. Though higher than normal, the research says the metals aren't “something that the public should be alarmed about.” Also, a mudslide in the Feather River Canyon has blocked a portion of Highway 70, and a 15 acre-subdivision in northwest Chico was approved by the city council last night.
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Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge says the city’s Police Community Advisory Board is hoping it will create a better relationship between police and the community.
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Chico residents could see changes to rules about when alcohol can be sold due to a city council proposal to lift a ban on selling alcohol after midnight on designated holidays. Also, Chico's Police Community Advisory Board will hold its first town hall meeting this spring, and Allstate's return to California will lead to increased auto rates.