Chico Leaders got a crash course in budgeting Tuesday, as they spend all day weighing the city's new fiscal plan. Administrative Services Director Chris Constentin told them past budget practices are what got the city into an almost 5 million dollar hole, and he wants the city council in the driver's seat, with more control over city spending. The 42 million dollar budget plans to eliminate a 4 point 8 million dollar hole, meaning a 10 percent cut to all departments, including police and fire. The Council voted 5-2 to approve the budget...But the council wants to look at options to restore six police officer positions.
Autopsies are expected today on the multiple bodies found inside a burned vehicle in Magalia. The Oroville Mercury-Register reports investigators are still trying to identify the three bodies. Two bodies were discovered in the trunk, one in the backseat of a car reported stolen from Sacramento. Local detectives have traveled to the Sacramento area to investigate the case.
Butte County authorities say a 'destructive device' was discovered during a vehicle search in the Cohasset area. The Sheriff's Office says a deputy stopped Wayne Smith Tuesday afternoon and found a loaded rifle and the 'destructive device.' Smith was arrested and booked into the county jail. The local Bomb Squad was called to the scene, removed the device, and rendered it safe.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Coroner's officials say a form of cancer killed the serial killer known as the Night Stalker who terrorized Southern California in the mid-1980s. Richard Ramirez died June 7 at age 53 at a hospital where he had been taken for treatment of liver failure. The Marin County coroner's office said Monday that Ramirez died of complications from B-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. It listed other "significant conditions" including chronic substance abuse and hepatitis C, which is often spread by the use of intravenous drugs. He had been on death row at San Quentin State Prison since he was convicted in 1989 of 13 murders in 1984 and 1985 as well as rape, sodomy, oral copulation, burglary and attempted murder. However, executions have been on hold for years.
A 25 year old Bangor man faces charges he caused the death of his 16 month old son. Michael Dollar was arrested on the charge Thursday, after a long investigation from the time of the death in November 2010. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey says Oroville Police looked into the case along with special investigator Perry Reniff, who is the former Butte County Sheriff. The baby was taken to Oroville Hospital in 2010 with severe head trauma. According to Ramsey, Dollar allegedly claimed the baby fell out of bed, but the autopsy revealed the baby's skull had five fractures caused from blunt force trauma.
Shasta County authorities are piecing together a Redding attack, after locating one man with stab wounds...another with severed hands. The Sheriff's Office says 27 year old Jason Dunn is accused of stabbing his father Monday. Investigators found the suspect with both hands cut off at the wrists. Detectives are still investigating the cause of Dunn's severed hands. Both men were taken to a northstate hospital for treatment.
Chico's budget could be cut by almost 5 million dollars Tuesday if the City Council says so. The all day budget session looks at the fiscal plan that seeks to cut 4 point 8 million dollars to erase a structural deficit. All departments had to cut 10 percent from their budgets, which meant 2 and a half million dollars from the Police Department. City Manager Brian Nakamura says there is no doubt the cuts will hurt, and there is no way the city can maintain the same level of service with less staff.
Chico Police say the teenage driver of a stolen vehicle has been arrested after he reportedly hit a patrol car this weekend. Officers say the stolen vehicle was spotted driving on the wrong side of the road near 1st and Wall early Sunday morning. Police say the 17 year old driver stopped for officers...then backed into a patrol car. Officers broke out windows to remove the two people inside. Both were arrested.
Cal-Fire says no injuries reported during a weekend fire in Butte County. The 4 acre vegetation fire started Sunday in the Foreman Creek Road area around Lake Oroville. Cal-Fire says several spot fires were also extinguished. People in the Foreman Creek Recreation area were temporarily sheltered in place while fire crews were working nearby. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
A mobile home is lost as a fire in Chico scorches 17 acres. Thursday's fire was reported about 11:30am at the intersection of Hicks Lane and Oasis near the Chico Airport. Chico Fire Inspector Marie Fickert says it's another sign we're looking at a dangerous fire year. Cal-Fire says the cause of that blaze was an illegal dooryard burn.
PARADISE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities in rural Northern California have found a burning stolen car with three people dead inside. Butte County sheriff's Sgt. Jason Hail says deputies and firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle fire on a road in Magalia early Thursday. They arrived to find a green Acura sedan engulfed in flames...when it was out found three bodies. Undersheriff Kory Honea said that two bodies were in the trunk and a third was in the backseat.
Deputies learned the car had recently been reported stolen to Sacramento police. Officials say the cause of the deaths and identities of the dead remain unknown.
Local investigators find a butane honey oil lab and marijuana during an Oroville search. The Butte County Sheriff's Office says deputies searched a Spur Court property Thursday. They found more than 270 empty butane cans, extraction tubes, more than 90 pot plants, and a "substantial amount" of butane honey oil. One man was detained during the search. The Sheriff's Office says butane honey oil has been to blame for several explosions and fires in the county.
MONTAGUE, Calif. (AP) — Officials say two men were killed when a small homemade plane crashed in a field in Northern California near the Oregon state line. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor tells The Associated Press the single-engine homebuilt Glasair II plane crashed in the town of Montague under unknown circumstances on Wednesday morning. Siskiyou County sheriff's spokeswoman Allison Giannini tells the Redding Record Searchlight (bit.ly/13EuM1f) that deputies responded to the crash at a property in the Big Springs area and found two men dead — 55-year-old Lloyd Rugg of Montague and 77-year-old Larry Graves of Yreka. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash and will try to determine a cause.
Chico Police say an officer trying to block traffic with his patrol car was hit by another vehicle Wednesday night. Police say Officer James Dimmitt was trying to position his car to block an on-ramp to Highway 99 while another officer was negotiating with a man threatening to jump from the highway overpass. The officer made a U-turn on Cohasset Road and was hit broadside by another vehicle. Dimmitt and the other driver were treated at Enloe Hospital for minor injuries.
The Chico Association of Realtors is stepping in to help the local 'House of Hope.' The local association will sponsor the new Jesus Center transititional home known as 'House of Hope,' with the goal of helping more women out of the cycle of homelessness. The Association presented the Jesus Center with a 26 thousand dollar check Wednesday. Officials say the association will fund the program for a year, furnish the house, and provide mentoring.
Butte County authorities locate hundred of pot plants in Paradise. The Sheriff's Office says it raided a marijuana garden on Dottie Lane Tuesday. More than 700 pot plants were discovered hidden behind fences. Two people were arrested.
A fatal fire this morning in Magalia. Cal-Fire reports one person has died following a fire the destroyed a mobile home on Drexel Drive just after 2:30 AM. Details are limited, but the blaze was reported by neighbors. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The budget compromise between Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature's Democratic leaders largely mirrors the governor's proposal for a fiscally restrained spending plan that assumes conservative revenue projections. But there's a catch: Rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers say they are agreeing to less spending than they wanted because they expect to push for funding pet projects next year. That's when they hope the state's tax revenue will come in higher than the Brown administration projects. That could clear the way for hundreds of millions of dollars in discretionary spending on a wide range of programs. Doctors who take Medicaid patients, the court system and community colleges could benefit. Republican lawmakers said they had hoped the Democratic budget deal would have done more to pay down the state's debts.
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a man shot and killed himself at in the emergency room at a hospital in Redding. Police Sgt. Mike Wood tells the Redding Record-Searchlight that the 66-year-old man shot himself and died in the emergency room at Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday morning. Hospital officials say the gun was recovered by a security guard doctors and nurses tried to revive him to no avail. The Shasta County coroner came to claim the body and will release the man's name after relatives are notified. Hospital spokeswoman Heather Nichols says the emergency room remains open and had no further comment. Police would not immediately say more on the man's motives or the circumstances of the suicide.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — About 95,000 state employees could be in line for a 4.5 percent pay raise as part of a tentative three-year agreement reached Tuesday between Gov. Jerry Brown and California's largest public employee union. In an email to members, Service Employees Union International Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker said the pay hike would be received by July 1, 2015, with specific timing dependent on state revenues. A California Department of Human Resources spokeswoman said pay increases would be carefully phased in "based on the state's economic recovery." Republican Assemblyman Brian Jones of Santee described the proposed link between raises and state revenues as "laughable," because employees would get the pay increases regardless of the state's finances next year. The deal also includes a guarantee of no furlough days and protects health care and retirement benefits.
A recent Chico fire is reportedly connected to a drug lab. The Chico ER reports a blaze last week in a recreational vehicle on Cohasset Road was caused by a man allegedly trying to refine marijuana into honey oil, when flammable vapors ignited. The fire burned the RV, a motorhome, trailer, and nearby grass.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Lawmakers have until the end of the week to finish their version of California's annual budget. Unlike in recent years, this one contains a rare surplus. Democratic Sen. Mark Leno of San Francisco calls it "a dream-come-true year" as Democrats try to restore cuts to programs such as welfare and dental care for the poor. They also want more money for courts. But Democratic lawmakers have found resistance from one of their own. Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a $96.4 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1. He is rejecting the higher revenue projections favored by members of his own party. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg says he's "confident" the sides will reach agreement. The Legislature has until Saturday to pass a balanced budget.
Glenn County authorities say an Orland man shot in the chest is expected to recover. 66 year old Larry Embrey was shot Saturday night after reportedly giving a man a ride...the suspect asked for money, then allegedly shot Embrey. The Sheriff's Office says its possible robbery was the motive for the shooting, but the case is still under investigation.
Lightning strikes sparking numerous small fires in the northstate Monday. Fire crews were called out to 11 Butte County blazes...Cal-Fire says there were 20 fires in the Tehama-Glenn Unit. Mary Ann Aldrich with Butte County Cal-Fire says the rain played an important role in helping to keep the fires small...all were held to less than an acre.
Cal-Fire says nearly 6,000 lightning strikes were recorded over a 24 hour period.
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Redding police have arrested a 40-year-old man in a fatal hit-and-run that left a woman dead. The Redding Record Searchlight reports that Steven Arden Bates of Red Bluff turned himself in Saturday morning and was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. Police say Bates was identified after officers found a woman lying on a road late Friday night and determined she had been hit by a pickup truck towing a trailer. The woman, whose identity has not been released, died from her injuries. Investigators are trying to determine whether drugs, alcohol or distracted driving contributed to the incident.
Investigators have arrested the suspect in a weekend Oroville stabbing. The Butte County Sheriff's Office says the victim suffered injuries to the head and body Saturday night on D Street, but was listed in stable condition at a local hospital. Investigators say the suspect in the attack, identified as 32 year old Justin Weatherl, was taken into custody Sunday night for assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem.
Chico Police are taking a huge hit in the city's preliminary budget released this week. Chief Kirk Trostle says the force will be cut from 95 to 81 full-time officers. He says if the proposed cuts stay in place, Chico residents will notice it. Trostle empathizes with city leaders who are facing daunting budget numbers. He says his department is trying to find ways to make the staffing numbers fit. But, he adds that fewer officers will mean cuts in services. The City of Chico will hold a public hearing on the proposed cuts on June 18th in the City Council Chambers
Butte County prosecutors won't seek the death penalty in a fatal sniper-style shooting in Chico. The Chico ER reports the local District Attorney decided not to pursue the death penalty against Jeffrey Menzies in order to keep a July trial date. Menzies is accused of murder following the 2011 death of David Yang. The victim was stopped at the
Highway 32 and Bruce Road intersection when he was shot.
A 30 year old motorcyclist has died, after being trapped underneath a minivan in Chico. Chico Police say an 85 year old woman apparently failed to see the motorcycle Thursday on the Esplanade and turned in front of it. Officers say Ronnie Smith laid the motorcycle down, where it slid into the van. The Police Department says Smith was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The fatal accident shut down the roadway for about four hours.
40 people could be out of a job in Chico city government under the city's latest budget proposal. City Manager Brian Nakanumra indicates the biggest cuts will come to the Police Department, with 19 full time equivalents targeted for elimination. That would take the department from 147 employees to 128. Other cuts recommended include 5 to the Fire Department and four to Administrative Services. The City Council will hold an all day budget study session on June 18th.
A Chico burglary suspect located hiding on a roof during a local search. Chico Police say two men ran from Lobdell Cleaners on Main Street Wednesday morning after being discovered by the business owner. Officers searched for the pair...and found 24 year old Joshua Preffer hiding on the roof. He was arrested. The 2nd suspect reportedly got away.
Redding Police arresting a 33 year old man for allegedly assaulting a 2 month old baby. The child reportedly suffered a brain bleed earlier this week. According to police, Stephen Rehmeier told investigators he was caring for the infant, became frustrated when she would not stop crying, and physically assaulted the baby girl. At last report, the child was in critical condition. Rehmeier was booked into the county jail.
The city of Oroville could look vastly different in coming years. The city must cut out more than 2 million dollars in its upcoming budget. The plan is to lay off more than two dozen people, and that would cut city departments from seven to three. Councilman Dave Pittman says any option to restore Oroville to fiscal health involves pain. He thinks it may be time to ask for a revenue increase. He adds the council had the option for furloughs, but chose instead a plan of layoffs. City Leaders will be looking at ways to cut the budget at a series of workshops this month.
Tehama County authorities have released the cause of a vegetation fire that prompted evacuations and damaged several Red Bluff buildings Monday. Cal-Fire Spokesman Kevin Colburn says the cause was children playing with a lighter. The Sale Lane fire scorched more than 100 acres. A separate fire in Red Bluff Monday burned two homes and two outbuildings on Peachtree Lane. Cal-Fire says the cause of that blaze was electrical in nature.
An 11 year old boy injured after being hit by an S-U-V in Chico. Chico Police say the boy was riding on Pillsbury Road Tuesday night, tried to cross the street, and reportedly did not see the approaching vehicle. Police say the child suffered injuries to his leg, face, and chest, but was wearing a helmet. He's expected to make a full recovery.
Butte County fire officials ruling out down powerlines as the cause of multiple Palermo fires that merged into 3 large blazes this week. Cal-Fire says the fires do not appear to be suspicious. Ten fires burned into 3 larger fires on Lone Tree Road Monday, destroying two homes and multiple ag outbuildings. Cal-Fire says its investigation is continuing...and the fires may have been sparked by a vehicle with a mechanical problem or vehicle towing a trailer with a low hanging chain.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, a leading California Democrat for decades, has announced he will retire from elected office when his term expires in early 2015. Lockyer's announcement this week means that he won't run for controller next year. Instead, the 72-year-old politician says he's looking forward to "starting a new phase of my life." He says his decision was not influenced by his wife, Nadia Lockyer, who resigned as an Alameda County supervisor amid a series of public substance abuse and relationship struggles.
The city of Oroville is looking at what one councilman calls a "perfect financial storm". The city needs to make up a budget hole of more than 2 million dollars by July First, when it must adopt a balanced budget. The loss of Redevelopment was the big hit, along with other state cuts and the loss of sales tax. Oroville Councilman Dave Pittman says the council looked at either furloughs or layoffs, and chose the layoffs. Interim City Administrator Peter Constentini then came up with a layoff plan for the city's 124 workers.
The second round of layoffs will help pay for costs associated with the first round of layoffs, or the city might look at a loan. Oroville leaders will be grappling with these issues in a series of budget hearings that begin Wednesday and continue through the month.
Cal-Fire says multiple blazes in the Palermo area merged to become 3 significant fires that destroyed 2 homes Monday. The Lone Incident burned 298 acres before it was 100 percent contained. Cal Fire's Mary Ann Aldrich says 2 homes, 7 outbuildings, multiple vehicles, and ranch equipment were destroyed. One civilian was reported to have been injured because of smoke inhalation. At last report, authorities are still investigating the cause of the fires.
Meanwhile, a fire in Red Bluff burned more than 100 acres and forced evacuations Monday. The fire that started off Sale Lane was contained around 6:30 last night. At one point, a local motel and two apartment complexes were evacuated. The blaze damaged the Red Bluff Apartments and a motel pool area. No word yet what sparked that fire.
A teenage boy struck by a car on the ridge has been declared brain dead. 13 year old Skyler Milner was reportedly crossing the Skyway in Paradise when he was hit by a vehicle Friday. He was declared legally brain-dead at Enloe Medical Center Sunday.
A weekend accident involving a tanker truck sent nearly 3 thousand gallons of petroleum onto the ground on Highway 32 near the Butte-Tehama County line. Cal-Fire says the local Haz-Mat team was able to transfer 5200 gallons of petroleum product to another fuel truck after the tanker overturned Friday night. The roadway was re-opened Saturday morning.
Two Tehama County men arrested on robbery and kidnapping charges. The Red Bluff Police Department says the pair allegedly forced their way into a man's car Sunday, made him drive to a vacant parking lot, then stole his cell phone, money, and keys. The 57 year old victim was not injured. 22 year old Johnathon Hogue and 28 year old Jonathan Emerson were booked into the county jail.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A new poll shows most Californians favor paying down the state's debts and building a reserve over restoring cuts to social services.The poll released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California found 55 percent support more frugality. The findings are good news for Gov. Jerry Brown, whose budget plan calls for debt reduction and modest spending increases for education, health and human services and prisons. Many fellow Democrats in the Legislature would rather see more spending on social services. Lawmakers have until June 15 to pass a budget. The poll found that 61 percent approve of Brown's spending plan and 48 percent approve of the job he's doing. The telephone survey of 1,704 adults has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The state Senate has passed a series of firearms bills designed to reduce the chances for mass shootings, but opponents say the measures won't keep weapons out of the hands of people intent on bloodshed. Among other changes, the seven bills that moved to the Assembly Wednesday would expand the list of people who are prohibited from owning firearms and require permits and a fee when buying ammunition. Semi-automatic rifles with detachable ammunition magazines would be outlawed. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, who pushed the ban on detachable magazines, says the bills would close loopholes in existing laws, keep firearms away from dangerous people and strengthen requirements for gun ownership. Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen says the real problem is mental illness.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Polluters liable for $100 million in cleanup fees for contaminated properties were never billed, and instead California taxpayers were stuck with the tab. The Sacramento Bee reports the state Department of Toxic Substances Control simply failed to send bills to polluters for the cleanup of some 1,700 sites ranging from junkyards to small businesses over the past 26 years. California law stipulates that polluters must cover cleanup costs. In addition, the department identified $45 million for which bills were sent but money was not collected, and nearly $40 million that is tied up in litigation, bankruptcy or other legal matters. The agency's chief, Deborah Raphael, tells the newspaper the failure to send bills apparently stems from a lack of clear rules and paperwork mistakes.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California would take its first steps to protect the public from the increased use of unmanned aircraft under a bill approved by the state Senate. SB15 would amend state privacy laws to take the new pilotless devices into account. The bill by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla would make it clear that recording people without their knowledge could not be legally done using an unmanned device. Those using a drone to collect information when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy could face civil and criminal penalties. The bill also would prohibit mounting weapons on drones. Law enforcement agencies would have to get search warrants in non-emergency situations before using unmanned aircraft. The bill passed the Senate Tuesday and now goes to the Assembly.
QUINCY, Calif. (AP) - Officials in a part of northeastern California that was shaken by a magnitude-5.7 earthquake last week are estimating that the temblor caused more than $1 million in damage. Plumas County Office of Emergency Services Director Jerry Sipe said Tuesday that more than 50 homes in the Lake Almanor basin were damaged during the quake on Thursday night. Sipe says broken and toppled chimneys were the most common type of damage, but that the quake also broke decks, porches and windows. Some homes suffered flooding and water damage, and one was lifted off its foundation. The earthquake also ruptured a tank that supplies residential drinking water, but an advisory instructing customers to boil their drinking water was lifted over the weekend.
A grisly discovery as officials conducting a salmon count came across a body. It happened Wednesday morning on a stretch of Sacramento River in Shasta County. Officials say Fish and Wildlife were working when they discovered the body. It appears to be that of a woman in her mid 30's with tattoos. Investigators say there's no visible sign of trauma. An autopsy is being conducted.
A Chico elementary school hit by vandals over the weekend. Chico Police say Shasta Elementary on Leora Court was damaged between Saturday and Sunday. That damage included broken doors and windows, and vandalized computers and copy machines. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police.
Authorities investigating several violent incidents in Tehama County over the weekend. The Red Bluff Police Department says it received a report of a shooting on South Main Street Saturday and found a 55 year old man dead outside. At last report, officers were investigating the case as a suspicious death. The Red Bluff Daily News is reporting an Anderson man told officers he was stabbed Sunday near the Palomino Room. He was treated at a local hospital for a non-life threatening injury.
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP) — An earthquake has struck Northern California's Plumas County with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7. Rafael Abreau, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Center, says the temblor struck at 8:47 p.m. and was centered six miles west northwest of Greenville, and 26 miles southwest of Susanville. Abreu says there have been no reports of damage in early field reports. The quake was felt in Chico, Redding, and Sacramento area. There have been mulitple aftershocks ranging from 2.6-to-3.5-magnitude. Abreu said the shaking measured by the quake could have inflicted light damage of structures.
One man arrested following a home invasion robbery in Chico. Police say 3 men forced their way into a Cherry Street home Wednesday, took cash, then fled. The three were described as Hispanic men, one was wearing an ankle monitor. Police found one of the suspects, identified as Santos Vasquez, a short time later around Forest Avenue. Vasquez was booked into the county jail for robbery. At last report, officers were still trying to identify the other 2 suspects.
Authorities have identified the Los Molinos man killed by a falling log in Chico. 42 year old Deacon Murphy died Wednesday, after a log rolled off a logging truck and struck him on the head. Murphy was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The accident is being investigated by Cal-Osha.
A 17 year old missing persons case from Butte County is being looked again as a possible homicide. It was January of 1996 when Vicki Pyrskalla was reported missing friom West Chico. A woman's body was found soon after that in Yolo County, but it wasn't until authorities matched up Pyrskalla's parents' DNA that they found a connection. Butte County Sheriff's Lt. Al Smith says back in 1996 the technology was not very advanced. He says the official cause of death of the woman in Yolo County is drowning, but there are more questions. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Butte County Sheriff's Department.
Chico Police say a 42 year old man has died after being hit by a log from a logging truck. Police say the victim was the driver of the logging truck and was delivering a load to Sierra Log Homes Wednesday afternoon. Police say he was unfastening the tie down chains when a large log fell on top of him. The man was rushed to Enloe Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Cal-Osha is investigating the fatal accident.
Chico Police closing the investigation into the death of a 22 year old woman following a fall in Bidwell Park. Investigators say 22 year old Marissa Madrid died in April after falling from a tree near One Mile. A toxicology report showed her blood alcohol content was .11%. The Police Department says Madrid's death was an accident and did not involve anything criminal.
Butte County fire crews have contained an early morning blaze at 150 acres. The fire began just before 1 AM south of Chico along Neal Road. Cal-Fire says the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Chico Police say the man hit and killed by a train this weekend had a loaded revolver in his pants and a glove on one hand. The body of 30 year old Pedro De La Torre was found Sunday near W. Sacramento Avenue shortly after gunshots were heard in the area. The train operator told police the man was seen runnning in an apparent attempt to beat the train and get across the tracks. Police say they suspect that De La Torre shot his handgun and was fleeing the scene when he was struck by the train.
Two dogs reportedly saved their owner from a mobile home fire in Oroville. The blaze happened early Tuesday morning on A Street. The Oroville Mercury Register reports the man woke up when two of his dogs were trying to pull him out of bed. The man escaped but the dogs died in the fire. At last report, the blaze was still under investigation.
Chico Police reforming its gang unit. The Chico ER is reporting the local police department will try to have the specialized gang unit back in place in June. The gang unit was dissolved last year to put more officers on patrol. But a police lieutenant tells the newspaper that gang activity had been increasing.
Serious injuries Monday afternoon for a man working on the roof of the old Koret Building at the Chico Airport. Chico Fire Inspector Marie Fickert says the 36 year old man was helped by crews after he fell through a skylight and landed on a piece of machinery. Fickert says fire crews got the call just after 1 Monday afternoon. The injured man was transported to Enloe Hospital.
Authorities have arrested an Oroville man following a stabbing last week at a local party. 20 year old Dillon Fite was taken into custody Sunday in connection with the Friday stabbings that injured 3 teenage boys on High Street. Two of the victims required surgery. Fite is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon.
Oroville city leaders turning their attention to the budget and potential layoffs tonight. The Oroville Mercury Register reports the city has been looking at options to reduce a 4.2 million dollar deficit, with layoffs on the table. The City Council meets tonight...proposed layoffs could be released next week. However, the city's mayor is requesting the council consider an outside financial analysis before moving forward with layoffs.
A weekend drug bust lands two Oroville residents in jail. The Butte County Sheriff's Office says deputies searched a vehicle Saturday and located more than a third of a pound of methamphetamine. Gordon Thurman and Anita Kamaitis were arrested on drug charges.
Chico officials get the grim financial news Tuesday---the city has been spending money it doesn't have. That's the opinion of the city's new Administrative Services Director. Chris Constantin will tell the City Council Chico has lost more than 20 million dollars of its cash assets in the last five years. And unless something is done, the city won't be able to make payroll by the end of December. He's sugesting a 10 year plan to get the city back on firm financial footing.
Chico Police say the railroad crossing at West Sacramento Avenue was shut down for hours after a train hit and killed a man early Sunday morning. The man's body was found just after 3 AM. Union Pacific told investigators the man was seen running towards the tracks in an attempt to cross the tracks ahead of the train. At last report, the man's name had not been released.
One man stabbed...another run over with a vehicle during separate weekend assaults in Chico. Police say a man was stabbed in front of the Beach on E. 2nd Street Saturday. The suspect, described as a black man with a goatee, had reportedly argued with one of the victim's friends before the attack. In a separate case, police say 42 year old Eric Turner allegedly struck another man with his vehicle after an argument on E. 10th Street Friday night. The victim suffered cuts and a broken wrist. Turner was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
