Category: Community

In hastily planned pop-up protest, demonstrators oppose war on Iran

by Leslie Layton | Posted June 22, 2025
Two of about 30 demonstrators today at Mangrove and Vallombrosa avenues. Photo by Leslie Layton.

At 9 p.m. June 21 — hours after it became widely known that the United States had bombed Iranian nuclear facilities — Chico’s LeAnn Jenswold got to work.

As a founder and leader of the Re-Sisters — a group that has emerged in recent months to participate in and organize anti-Trump Administration protests — she knew what to do. It was the moment to organize a pop-up anti-war protest.

About 30 protesters gathered today at Mangrove and Vallombrosa avenues, many to protest the direct military action taken the previous day against Iran.

“I’m concerned that Trump is acting unilaterally,” said Jenswold, who was carrying a hand-scrawled sign that said: “Where’s Congress? Trump’s unchecked power/attack on Iran.” read more

South Park Drive to close to cars

Vehicles still to be allowed in some parts of Lower Park on weekdays
by Yucheng Tang | Posted June 19, 2025
A man runs today on South Park Drive in Lower Bidwell Park. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The City Council voted 4-3 to approve closure of parts of Lower Bidwell Park to vehicles at the June 17 meeting. Mayor Kasey Reynolds, Vice Mayor Dale Bennett and Councilmember Michael O’Brien voted in opposition.

Many of the 17 speakers during the public comment session opposed the plan to close the entire stretch of South Park Drive—running parallel to Woodland Avenue—to vehicular traffic. Under the plan, the parking lot at the One Mile Recreation Area will only be accessed via Woodland Avenue, and the plan will be implemented in the summer of 2026.

“There has been no proof, no evidence that any of these improvements are needed, except for the resurfacing of the pathway, the roadway in the park,” said Elizabeth Griffin, who, like most speakers, supported pavement rehabilitation without any other changes.   read more

Chico joins in national mobilization

by Leslie Layton | Posted June 15, 2025
photo by Karen Laslo

A crowd of more than 4,000 people joined the June 14 No Kings Day march in Chico as anti-Trump mobilizations were underway in more than 2,100 cities across the country and world.

In Chico, the mood was spirited, determined and even jubilant as demonstrators packed the sidewalk on the march route – from the Our Hands sculpture, around City Plaza, down Broadway and back again. But the crowd was so huge that at times the walk moved slowly as more people joined, and the march route circle was in some cases made several times. Monitors were posted at all intersections and passing vehicles honked in support. Organizers said there may have been as many 6,000 people in attendance; many couldn’t be counted because they remained in the Fred Davis Municipal Center plaza. read more

Araujo-Sariñana finds a path in mutual aid

Changemaker: A song about a greedy landlord plants a seed for Araujo-Sariñana
by ChicoSol staff | Posted June 10, 2025
Juan Araujo-Sariñana

“The landlord’s here to visit/They’re blasting disco down below/Says, ‘I’m doubling up the rent ’cause the building’s condemned/You’re gonna help me buy City Hall‘/But we can/You know we can/Let’s lynch the landlord man” — the Dead Kennedys

At age 17, Juan Araujo-Sariñana discovered punk rock music that now, 20 years later, still influences his life.

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, one of his favorite albums by one of his favorite singers, Jello Biafra, was something he listened to often back in high school. In that album, there’s a song called “Let’s Lynch the Landlord.” read more

D-Day demonstrators protest cuts to VA

Keep Lincoln's Promise, Marshall says
by Leslie Layton | Posted June 8, 2025
Daneva Marshall. Photo by Karen Laslo

Daneva Marshall suffered blast exposure – an injury that can cause both physical and mental trauma — while serving in the U.S. Army in the Iraq war.

She was medically retired after more than 15 years of service to begin the journey to recovery. On June 6 – D-Day – she was leading a rally in front of the Chico VA Clinic to oppose cutbacks to VA services.

“This is personal to me,” Marshall told ChicoSol. “I utilize these services. I don’t think I’d be here without the VA.”

Marshall said she just completed the eight-week Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program the local clinic offers. read more