Butte County Grand Jury Report -Chico City Council's Actions on Homelessness
The Butte County Grand Jury released it's 2023-2024 Annual Report, and they took a hard look at the City of Chico's handling of the ongoing homeless crisis. It's interesting timing, given that the city appears to be returning to an attempt to evade taking any action on homelessness, and is threatening to dismantle successful programs like the Pallet Shelter. Unsurprisingly, the Grand Jury recommends the opposite.
From the Chico ER:
"The first report “Chico Needs a Plan” takes an assessment of Chico upholding terms in the Warren v. Chico settlement agreement ... The jury made findings including:
Chico is responsible for having allowed the “appalling conditions” at the alternative site. The jury recommended the Chico City Council to:
Consider rotating alternative sites to improve health and safety by July 30, 2024.
Direct its police Target Team and outreach team to issue fresh shelter assessments to people at the alternate site by July 30, 2024.
Begin closing and cleaning the Eaton and Cohasset alternative site by Aug. 30, 2024.
Provide clearly marked spaces for campers at the alternative sites using dimension and pod directions noted in the settlement agreement by Nov. 30, 2024.
Provide people in shelters and at alternate sites information about services including 211 by Feb. 28, 2025."
