Chico

Chico City Council voted Tuesday night to move forward with a plan to construct an ice rink in the downtown plaza. The controversial plan has already racked up nearly $100,000 in fees owed to Ice America, the group the city is collaborating with on the project.

A city councilman in Chico has apologized to a federal judge for publicly disclosing confidential settlement information related to ongoing homeless encampment litigation.

A federal judge is threatening “significant monetary sanctions” against the city of Chico and a city councilman for discussing details of settlement talks related to homeless encampments.

Butte County Public Health announced Wednesday “Mobile Community Vaccination Clinics” will be held throughout the county in July. The clinics are open to the public, accept walk-ins and will offer the Pfizer vaccine, which is authorized for people 12 years and older, health officials said. Vaccinations are for those living or working in Butte County. No identification is required.

Ali Meders-Knight is a Mechoopda tribal member whose traditional and present homelands are based in interior Northern California, a mother of five, and a traditional basketweaver in Chico, CA she is also a tribal liaison working to form partnerships for federal forest stewardship contracting and tribal forestry programs authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The city of Chico’s newly established homeless shelter at the Chico airport is being criticized in court. Lawyers for Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) argue the outdoor campground places unhoused people at risk for serious heat-related illness.

The Butte County Democratic Party is calling for a special election to fill two vacant seats on the Chico City Council. Local party officials say the voters of Chico should fill the seats vacated by council members Scott Huber and Kami Denlay. Both of them resigned this month.

The city of Chico is establishing a sanctioned campground after being sued by a group of unhoused people. City officials say an outdoor shelter site is being set up at the Chico airport that will be able to accommodate nearly 600 unhoused people and their pets and property.

Chico City Councilmember Scott Huber submitted his letter of resignation from council Monday, effective immediately. Huber wrote in his letter that his summer employment had been sabotaged and that other plans were in place to interfere with his wife’s employment.

An unhoused man who was cited for illegal camping during a Chico police encampment sweep in February has successfully defended himself in court.