Jamie Jiang

The new paper shows metal levels in watersheds around Paradise, though higher than normal, aren't “something that the public should be alarmed about.”

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.

Positions up for election in Butte County include five judicial seats and three supervisors, nearly all are running unopposed. Also, this week NSPR speaks with those running for a seat on the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Today we hear from District 4 hopeful Joanna Warrens, and in Shasta County, a citizens commission created by right-wing politicians is recommending that county officials violate state law by hand-counting election ballots.

Next week, Chico voters will decide on Valley’s Edge. Among the debates about the proposed development is wildfire risk. Also, this week NSPR speaks with those running for a seat on the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Today, we hear from District 5 incumbent Doug Teeter, and a new nationwide study on homeless mortality rates has found that unhoused individuals on average live 27 years fewer than housed individuals.

Countywide positions up for election include five judicial seats and three supervisors. All five judges and one supervisor are running unopposed.

Wildfire isn’t the biggest reason citizens support or oppose Valley’s Edge. But the outcome will say something to other communities about whether voters approve of building homes in high wildfire risk areas.

Chico State’s student government has passed a resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza. The resolution also asks Chico State leadership and the city of Chico to join the call for a ceasefire. Also, PG&E is warning customers of an increasingly common phone scam, and several streets in downtown Chico will be closed to the public Sunday due to the upcoming bicycle race.

Paradise will apply for $7 million to improve evacuation messaging. This comes as officials report all 21 towers in the town’s early warning system are now operational. Also, as preliminary voting results continue to be counted in Shasta County the recall election of Supervisor Kevin Crye now has a narrow margin, and Sunday is the last day to see a new art exhibit at MONCA that asks Chico residents to question their assumptions on homelessness.

Early results show that Valley’s Edge has little chance of moving forward. While some are celebrating that the development likely won’t come to fruition, others say Chico is missing an opportunity. Also, Scotty’s Landing — a gathering place for many locals for almost 70 years — has been forced to shut down, and the California State Student Association says it’s now the largest college advocacy group to pass a ceasefire resolution in the nation.

“Good Fire II” aims to change federal and state policy around wildfire management. It builds on recommendations from the Karuk Tribe’s 2021 report.