Insurance

Experts say current conditions suggest the threat of large wildfires in the North State this winter is low, although there is always some risk. Also, the 2025 state budget is largely balanced, with a moderate surplus and funds in reserve, and new regulations from California's Department of Insurance aim to ensure more Californians in wildfire prone areas will have access to commercial home insurance plans.

An assistance center for survivors of the Park Fire is opening in Chico today. It’s located in the North Valley Plaza in the building that was formerly the 99 Cents Only store. Those affected by the fire can find resources at the center and talk to county and state officials. Also, the Park Fire has now reached more than 400,000 acres in size, and Cal Fire says the damage assessment for the fire is 100% complete.

The City of Chico has a prescribed burning plan that includes parts of Bidwell Park. Some question whether the Park Fire might not have grown so intense or spread as far if there’d been a prescribed burn near the gully where it started. Also, evacuees have been telling NSPR about their experiences leaving and what they returned home to in the wake of the fire. And a changing weather pattern near the fire is concerning officials. As dry winds and triple digits return to the North State, experts are cautioning the region to be prepared for new growth.

Firefighters are working to mop up hotspots in communities, but Butte County’s fire chief says they don’t always get them all. He’s warning residents to be cautious when repopulating areas the fire burned through. Also, Tehama County’s sheriff says he’s taking a ‘no nonsense stance’ on anyone going behind fire lines, and when a wildfire superheats PVC pipes they can release the carcinogenic chemical benzine into the water supply. Following the Park Fire, many in Forest Ranch have had their water disconnected so officials can test the water for the chemical.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced insurance protections for those impacted by the Park Fire. He also reminded residents about common aid available through their insurance policies. Also, we get an update on Forest Ranch where residents have been returning home after being evacuated, and officials say they’re opening a local assistance center next week for those impacted by the fire.

The city of Chico is continuing to clear homeless encampments throughout the city. In its most recent enforcement, three encampments were cleared forcing 23 residents to relocate. Also, the Paradise Town Council is expected to vote on a plan for acquiring easements along the route of a proposed sewer line connection with Chico’s water treatment facility, and the Butte County Board of Supervisors will consider approving a 5.2 million dollar grant from the state to help the behavioral health department expand its services.

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.

Those flummoxed by soaring prices or the sudden unavailability of homeowners insurance may gain insights at a meeting in Magalia tonight. Organized by a…