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What fresh hell does California have in store for journalists?

What fresh hell does California have in store for journalists?

Guest commentary: The bill would dramatically weaken Public Records Act
AB 1821 is set for a crucial committee hearing June 30. California’s Public Records Act — a key to citizen and press freedom — is under attack by a Southern California Democrat in the form of the amended Assembly Bill 1821. The CPRA, though slightly flawed in content and problematic because of misapplication by public servants and court systems, could …

Sunny’s podcast: June 18-23, 2026

Leighton Leathers comments on what happened at the library June 22 when a gunman started firing; Michele Klassy talks about unexpected tragedy; Reporter Chris Hutton explains how he researched a bill that seems designed to void the citizen-led referendum that blocks the controversial housing project Valley’s Edge.

Meanwhile, Chico’s TBar & Fusion Kitchen said it will donate 100% of its profits from its two Chico locations on June 29 and June 30 to the fund established to assist the families of the two men who were killed in the library shooting.

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Featured Video

Vigils for shooting victims

Chico-area residents gathered for vigils June 23 following the shooting that killed two men — Robert Johnson of Orland and Jacob “Cody” Hull of Chico. video by Chris Hutton

Latest News

Community
Two vigils honor victims of Chico library shooting

Two vigils honor victims of Chico library shooting

Criminal Justice
Police suspect Chico library shooter was an attempted Columbine ‘copycat’

Police suspect Chico library shooter was an attempted Columbine ‘copycat’

Special Projects
Investigative reporting recognized statewide

Investigative reporting recognized statewide

Criminal Justice
Shooting at Chico library leaves 2 dead, child injured

Shooting at Chico library leaves 2 dead, child injured

Politics
Gallagher's bill could void referendum blocking Valley's Edge

Gallagher’s bill could void referendum blocking Valley’s Edge

Politics
Chico moves toward allowing commercial cannabis cultivation

Chico moves toward allowing commercial cannabis cultivation

Community Calendar

July 7, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
July 21, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
July 28, 9:00am Butte County Board of Supervisors
Location: 25 County Center Dr suite 205, Oroville, CA 95965, USA
August 4, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
August 18, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA

Special Projects

In Brief
ChicoSol recognized for 'solutions journalism'

ChicoSol recognized for ‘solutions journalism’

Yucheng Tang’s 2025 report on Butte County’s mental health diversion program “is a great example of solutions journalism,” according to …
Criminal Justice
Judge issues tentative ruling in public records dispute

Judge issues tentative ruling in public records dispute

Butte County Superior Court Judge Stephen Benson has taken under consideration a request for revisions to his tentative ruling that …

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Reader Comments

Jun 24
“Congratulations Dave Waddell! Your recognition is well-deserved. You are shining a light on corrupt, insular, appalling law enforcement abuses in Chico. The cowardly local media praises the police while the small but…”
Scott Rushing on Investigative reporting recognized statewide
Jun 23
“Thank you, ChicoSol, for covering this heartbreaking event in our town. The .feeling that.” it could never happen here.” has become “it can happen here”. What a sad world we live in,…”
Emily Alma on Police suspect Chico library shooter was an attempted Columbine ‘copycat’
Jun 19
“The defendants’ covert efforts to overturn Judge Benson’s ruling were ultimately constrained by legal requirements. Judge Benson’s decision was consistent with the California Public Records Act, although this compliance occurred only after…”
Scott Rushing on Final ruling in public records lawsuit
Jun 19
“Excellent article that covers the history and the legal and environment concerns. Could this be an opportunity for compromise? Fire danger and water issues are huge and could provide a point of…”
Brooks thorlakssom on Gallagher’s bill could void referendum blocking Valley’s Edge

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