Environment

Ranchers who defied a state water order were only fined about $50 each. Under new legislation headed to the governor, some daily fines for water scofflaws can increase 20-fold.

A large DWR funded project to upgrade Orland’s water system is behind schedule and a vote by the city council tomorrow may determine whether the grant will cover all the costs. Also, Enloe Medical Center gave staff, caregivers and donors a chance to be part of the construction of an upcoming cancer treatment center in Chico’s Merriam Park neighborhood, and the Corning City Council voted to increase water and sewer rates for residents.

Cal Fire is now doing work in Upper Park to repair damages from fighting the fire there. Also, a program in Redding helping those experiencing homelessness who are recovering from medical conditions is expanding its reach, and local animal shelters said pet owners had until today to pick up unclaimed animals before they adopt them out.

The City of Chico is planning enforcement actions in three unhoused encampments in parks across the city. It said it's still following the terms of the Warren v. Chico settlement agreement, but it's also looking into its legal options to get out of it. Also, the “Roots for Resilience” benefit event will take place Saturday and will include live music and resource information for Park Fire survivors, and Butte County supervisors voted to consolidate five recent wildland fires into a single emergency resolution Tuesday.

As progress continues to be made on the Park Fire, officials are urging those returning to burn scar areas to drive safely. Also, Sutter County will benefit from a $13.8 million grant for Comcast to build infrastructure for low-cost, broadband internet, and residents can pick their own peaches at Chico State’s University Farm today.

The Park Fire has been burning for nearly three weeks. Officials warn firefighters to keep their guard up as fatigue and stress set in. Also, the filing deadline for residents looking to fill city council seats has passed for most districts. Several Chico candidates will face off to represent four districts, and Momo’s Poke joins the Chico downtown food scene, offering fresh poke, small bites and comfort dishes.

Legal Services of Northern California offered proposed changes to the settlement agreement in Warren v. Chico. But the city of Chico has rejected them. Also, an assistance center offering resources, aid and information for residents affected by the Park Fire in Tehama County will open this week, and residents of Plumas County suffering from wildfire smoke pollution may be eligible to borrow air purifiers.

The community of Cohasset was one of the first affected by the Park Fire. Now, residents are returning to their homes, and taking the steps to begin rebuilding. Also, two meetings will be held about the Park Fire this evening. One will be in Red Bluff, the other in Chester. Both start at 6:30 p.m. And construction on a new fire station in Chico is slated to begin next week.

Butte Humane Society is offering to microchip residents’ pets for free to help them get back to their owners during disasters. They also have a Pet Food Pantry available for Park Fire survivors. Also, a biomass plant is set to be built in Yuba County later this year and will convert wood waste from wildland fuel reduction projects into electricity, and PG&E is expanding programs to help residents pay past due energy bills.

The Park Fire continues to burn actively on its eastern perimeter in the Mill Creek drainage. Cal Fire said the fire was expected to remain active last night due to high temperatures, and no humidity recovery. Also, organizations in the North State are working to find housing for those experiencing homelessness. As the region now recovers from the Park Fire, True North Housing Alliance is trying to help, and residents impacted by the fire visit North Valley Plaza in Chico to connect with county services and nonprofits.