Category: Health

Council approves revised massage ordinance

Challenges to immigrant therapists remain
by Yucheng Tang | Posted November 5, 2025
Massage therapist Amy Alward is skeptical the ordinance will be effective. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The Chico City Council unanimously approved Nov. 4 a new massage ordinance aimed at preventing human trafficking and illicit activity in local establishments. The ordinance establishes several operational standards for massage businesses and was developed after multiple rounds of community engagement.

Initially, the proposal required all massage practitioners to be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

After community feedback, the ordinance was revised to include several exemptions. Long-time practitioners can now receive a permanent exemption from CAMTC certification by providing proof of prior massage-related education and at least five years of work experience as massage therapists.  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

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.

“Your case has been dismissed. Congratulations,” the judge said, as applause filled the courtroom on a morning in early August. read more

Domestic violence survivors face new barriers

Immigrants suffering partner abuse afraid to go to court
by Natalie Hanson | Posted September 26, 2025
Attorney Weibel: People like Padilla may fear seeking help. Photo courtesy of ACoM.

For abuse survivors like Juana Padilla, nonprofit organizations can be a lifeline amid heightened threats of federal enforcement actions which sometimes lead to deportation.

Padilla, a woman who suffered domestic abuse in Southern California, told a recent American Community Media (ACoM) panel that the Survivor Justice Center in Los Angeles helped her get protection for herself and her Mexican-born children. The children are now here legally and getting the treatment they needed, she said.

“I was afraid to even say that I was abused,” Padilla said. “Especially when your husband is ex-military and they put in your head that you have nobody. I would call the police and they would come to my house and see his uniform …. and say everything is fine, and leave.” read more

Redistricting will matter to District 1 residents

Climate, farming practices, rural health would be debatable
by Yucheng Tang | Posted September 16, 2025
Audrey Denney argues for passage of Prop 50 at a recent Sweet September meeting. Photo courtesy of Bruce McLean.

If California’s congressional districts are redrawn, District 1 residents could see lively debate about climate change and how farmers can adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Audrey Denney, chair of the Democratic Action Club of Chico, has announced she will run in the District 1 election if the proposed map is approved. Denney views agriculture as “a tremendous asset in the fight against climate change,” and would push for more incentives for farmers to adopt regenerative practices.

District 1 Congressman Doug LaMalfa, by contrast, rejects climate-focused regulations as burdensome for small farmers and the food industry. LaMalfa, a rice farmer from Richvale who was first elected to the House 13 years ago, was one of four congress members to introduce legislation to provide disaster relief for farmers in the form of a permanent program. read more

Massage ordinance could pose challenge to immigrant workers

by Yucheng Tang | Posted August 22, 2025
Dan Hays. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The City Council considered a new ordinance that would establish several operational standards for the conduct of massage establishments at its Aug. 19 meeting.

Under the new ordinance, all massage practitioners would have to be certified by the state massage practitioner regulatory body, California Massage Therapy Council (CMTAC).

Code Enforcement Supervisor Charlene Durkin said the goal is to address prostitution and human trafficking in the industry.

Three massage practitioners and stakeholders voiced objections to the ordinance during the meeting. 

Dan Hays, whose wife runs a massage parlor, stressed that he doesn’t oppose an ordinance, but the problem is that the city’s massage therapists were not engaged in the process.   read more