Local groups plan for upcoming No Kings events

In nationwide day of protest, demonstrators will oppose Trump actions
by Natalie Hanson and Leslie Layton | Posted October 15, 2025

Butte County groups are planning a day of peaceful protesting Oct. 18 on what will be the second national No Kings day. Protests are planned across the country to oppose assaults on free speech, civil rights and democratic norms in general.

A No Kings march will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Chico, organized by the Defenders of Democracy Coalition. Those interested in marching should meet at the Our Hands sculpture at 160 East Fourth St. The march will also end at this location at 11:30 a.m. 

 A noon festival with community activities and a vigil at Veterans Memorial Park (formerly Wildwood Park) will follow. That event is organized by Indivisible Chico, and Chico State’s Gender & Sexuality Equity Coalition (GSEC) will participate. read more

Witness: Cadwallader held pellet gun when killed

Butte deputies used drone to confirm air rifle before shooting, witness says
by Dave Waddell | Posted October 14, 2025
Marklund & Cadwallader

BUTTE CREEK CANYON — Valerie Cadwallader, ranting incoherently, was pointing a pellet gun rifle last spring when shot dead with a single round from a Butte County sheriff’s deputy’s assault rifle.

That’s according to Brian Marklund, the owner of the pellet gun and of the property where his friend Cadwallader, 48, was killed May 8 by deputy Tyler Dentinger.

Deputies had earlier used a drone to confirm the rifle was a pellet gun, according to Marklund, who said he heard deputies transmit that it was a “.117 caliber air gun” over their radios.

“I don’t think it was even loaded,” Marklund said. read more

Professor Briggs: A shield for the vulnerable

Changemaker: Briggs sees her roles online and in the classroom as different
by Lexi Lynn | Posted October 10, 2025
Professor Briggs. Photo by Leslie Layton.

This story by contributor Lexi Lynn is part of ChicoSol’s Changemaker series.

As Chico State students slowly trickle into Lindsay Briggs’ classroom, a Whitney Houston song plays on the overhead speaker, filling the room with the bubbly lyrics of an ’80s hit. A few students first make their way to the front of the classroom to snag a colorful mask from the front table, free to whomever feels inclined to take one. 

A colorful slideshow is pulled up on dual projector screens, the initial slide filled with attention-grabbing graphics and memes. Students pull out their computers as Briggs fades out the ’80s music ambiance and begins the day’s lecture on mental health disorders.  read more

Tiny homes win on a split Council vote

NSST wants four tiny homes for pilot project
by Yucheng Tang | Posted October 8, 2025
Mason speaks at the City Council meeting. Screenshot photo by Yucheng Tang.

The disagreement around tiny homes for the unhoused, at the end of the Oct. 8 City Council meeting, centered on whether to limit the number that will be allowed on a church parking lot. 

There were two motions on the table when one of the two passed 4-3 — supporting a pilot program for tiny homes on a church parking lot that can house women. The motion directs City staff to move forward with the plan that was presented earlier by the North State Shelter Team (NSST). Most importantly, compared to the other motion, this motion doesn’t limit the number of houses that will be provided.  read more

Alternative Site resident discusses hurtful stereotyping

by Yucheng Tang | Posted October 8, 2025

After a lengthy public hearing Oct. 7 over the City’s Alternative Camping Site, a resident, Michael Morgan, speaks with ChicoSol about the unfair assumptions people make about the encampment and who lives there.

Butte County Mental Health Diversion court brightens futures; challenges remain

Mental health diversion underused, some attorneys say
by Yucheng Tang | Posted October 5, 2025
Mental Health Diversion court takes place at Butte County Superior Court monthly. (ChicoSol was unable to get permission to take photos of the proceedings.) Image by AI.

ChicoSol reporter Yucheng Tang attended sessions of Mental Health Diversion court on Aug. 5 and Sept. 2 to learn more about how the program is working in Butte County. Only first names of defendants — who sometimes have charges dismissed — are used in this story.

Michael, then a defendant in a Butte County Superior Court vandalism case, was standing at what a judge called the “finish line.”

“How do you feel?” Judge Jesus Rodriguez asked him.

“My life’s changed in three years,” Michael said, adding that he has learned more about trauma, self-reflection, psychology and empathy. read more