Butte County

Berry Creek residents living in the burn scar of the 2020 North Complex are repairing damages caused by recent winter storms. Also, applications for scholarships through the North Valley Community Foundation are open, and local and national groups are coming together to address the mental health needs of victims of recent mass shootings.

NSPR's Alec Stutson spoke with North State Shelter Team board member Charles Withuhn about the needs of those staying at the camps.

Ten public entities in the North State announced a settlement agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric for damages incurred in the 2021 Dixie Fire. Also, FEMA has added more counties to its major disaster declaration in the wake of recent winter storms, and experts are skeptical California’s electric grid can handle the planned phaseout of gas cars.

The Paradise Town Council will send a council member to Washington, D.C., to express support for tax relief on PG&E settlement money. Also, ongoing winter storms have hit agriculture hard in the Sacramento Valley, and President Joe Biden is expected to visit California to assess the damage from the storms.

Stations affected are Harts Mill Fire Station 62 in Berry Creek, Stirling City Fire Station 13, and Jarbo Gap Fire Station 36.

Officials say Butte County has been relatively lucky during recent winter storms, but a recent local emergency declaration could help the county qualify for federal aid. Also, a new report from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests that California could make its parole hearing process more equitable, and a new law allows Californians to have records of most criminal convictions sealed if certain conditions are met.

Some Butte County residents fear that several temporary fire station closures could affect their insurance rates. Also, a winter storm is bringing rain and snow to the North State, and a new California law aims to dismantle the “school-to-prison pipeline.”

The Butte County Board of Supervisors voted to temporarily close three fire stations for the winter season. Also, a series of winter storms are set to hit the North State this week through the weekend, and an investigation from CalMatters found there are nearly 100 politicians across California sitting on $35 million in leftover campaign funds.

Butte County is exploring the viability of outdoor warning sirens to notify foothill communities of wildfire danger. Also, survivors of the Mill Fire have reached a settlement agreement with the company that’s been connected to the fire, and Cal Fire is seeking public comment on a new Fire Hazard Severity Zones map.

The Butte County Board of Supervisors heard from Camp Fire survivors about their experience with the PG&E Fire Victim Trust. Also, the city of Chico announced the appointment of Billy Aldridge as police chief, and furniture fires are on the rise in Chico.