We issued a warning back in May about Rob Berry’s latest scheme to line his pockets, the hilariously misnomered “Chico Stewards for Parks and Waterways.”

As expected, it has begun. Rob partnered with the Redding law firm he previously used to help him harass the city and local service providers with frivolous lawsuits to send a series of threats to the council.

The rambling, often silly, hysteria-filled 13-page attack presents a plethora of misinformation, much of it wildly, egregiously misleading. We may discuss other parts of the letter later, but today our focus is on the portion calling for the closure of the Sycamore Pool.

“As of January 2020, 72% of homeless Californians were unsheltered. Compare that to New York state, where only 5% are unsheltered. The result is a city where homelessness, while still troubling, is also less in-your-face. Warmer weather on the West Coast, which may alter thinking about the cruelty of allowing people to sleep outdoors, could play a role in the difference, but New York has a "right to shelter" because of a 1979 court decision that interpreted the state constitution to give New Yorkers this right.”

It’s Pride Month! Let’s Celebrate Together!

A new nonprofit Point of Contact has generated some local controversy despite winning approval from Butte County, and a short-term, no-bid contract…

There is literally no downside to renewing the Shelter Crisis Declaration. There are no costs, only potential benefits. It’s time to rise above pandering to an ill-informed minority. It’s time to educate our citizens and demonstrate to the judge the city is taking his admonitions seriously. It’s time to protect our community from additional liability as we begin the process of sheltering people on city-owned land. It’s time to do the right thing for Chico.

It's Solutions Month, and we would be remiss if we didn't address organizations with troubling practices and highlight alternatives. There are a couple of troubling groups in Chico fundraising for purported “solutions” to environmental problems and homelessness that are extremely problematic.

Things that make you go huh 🤔 Chico spends 48.7% of it’s budget on the Police Department. By comparison, NYC spends 7.7%, Los Angeles 25.5% and Chicago comes in high at 37%….

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: Crisis Care Advocacy & Triage ❤️💪
Those who know the indomitable Lisa Currier know she has worked tirelessly to aid people in the community struggling with mental health crises. Her work doesn't stop when the crisis ends though. Not only does she assist people during a crisis, but she follows up, ensuring they make it to doctors appointments, connect with services and case management, and even gets them to court when needed. She needs a van to do this work effectively.

Laura's Law is a tool to compel severely mentally ill into treatment. Many in the community, including us, have pushed for it's adoption.
The county feels the program is too costly, while failing to address the needs of the people who need it the most. For instance, to be a candidate for the program, it requires that folks have been hospitalized at least 2x in the past 3 years….

Faith Lutheran Church has installed a tribute to local members of the homeless community who’ve died in the last year without housing. The installation can be seen at 667 East First Avenue. The tribute will remain in place for one week starting May 9, 2021 and then rotate to another local church. 💔