Category: Policing

Weekend protests oppose ICE tactics

Local nurses close three days of protest with vigil
by Leslie Layton | Posted February 2, 2026
Eric Smith is an ICU nurse at Oroville Hospital. Photo by Karen Laslo.

This story was first posted Jan. 31 and updated Feb. 2

Three days of protest in Chico began with Jan. 30 student walkouts to protest immigration enforcement tactics. And the culmination was a Feb. 1 candlelight vigil organized by local nurses and their national union to honor people who have been killed by federal agents.

The vigil drew at least 200 protesters who lined the Esplanade across from Enloe Medical Center, many wearing red and some carrying signs paying tribute to Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti. read more

Why TV news won’t cover my lawsuit against DA Mike Ramsey

Commentary: Local news stations beholden to the district attorney
by Dave Waddell | Posted January 25, 2026
Writer Dave Waddell says KRCR “invented excuses” to kill a story. Photo courtesy of Waddell.

This is my story of a disheartening experience that sheds light on the sorry state of local television “journalism” in the North State.

I sued Butte County’s forever district attorney,Mike Ramsey, his equally non-transparent protégé, Sheriff Kory Honea, and, of course, the Chico Police Department for a pattern of unlawfully concealing records that belong, not to them, but to the public. These records would allow the public finally to learn about a handful of officer-involved shootings, including multiple killings – the most powerful use of government authority. read more

Chico joins nationwide “ICE Out for Good” protests

by Leslie Layton | Posted January 10, 2026
Alan and Diane Silver. Photo by Leslie Layton

Chico protesters showed up today — in concert with anti-ICE rallies underway across the nation — with cardboard and printed signs, with costumes and canes, with walkers and strollers, to express outrage, disgust and anguish over recent shootings.

In the wake of the shooting that killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, more than 1,000 people participated in the Chico protest that first swarmed the entrance to Children’s Park and then spread out to line the Esplanade down to East Washington Avenue. They carried signs denouncing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Trump administration and fascism. read more

Chico journalist sues DA over public records

Lawsuit claims law enforcement agencies withhold public documents
by Leslie Layton | Posted December 22, 2025
The lawsuit was filed Dec. 22, 2025.

ChicoSol contributor Dave Waddell today sued Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey — as well as the Chico Police Department, the City of Chico and the sheriff — over withheld public records related to officer-involved shootings.

The lawsuit filed in Butte County Superior Court states that it “arises from the repeated and ongoing failure of the leadership of the law enforcement community” to comply with the California Public Records Act. read more

On the cop beat in 2025

Sunny interviews writer Dave Waddell
by ChicoSol staff | Posted December 10, 2025

In this interview by podcaster Sunny, writer Dave Waddell talks about the stories he’s contributed to ChicoSol during the past year and his fight for public records. Waddell is writing a book about Butte County law enforcement. Sunny’s interview will be broadcast at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 as part of KZFR’s weekly news show. Correction to interview comment: Former Chico Police Chief Michael Dunbaugh wrote the memo referred to in this interview in 2015, not in 2025 as was inadvertently stated. read more

Chico officer suspended for receiving oral sex in patrol vehicle

Police chief cuts in half recommended suspension
by Dave Waddell | Posted November 13, 2025
In this memo, Chief Aldridge adjusts the “final discipline” to a suspension without pay for eight “duty days.”

A Chico police officer received only a two-week suspension in 2024 for having on-duty sex in his patrol vehicle in the parking lot of a church, according to newly released records.

The officer, Michael Vincent, was disciplined for receiving oral sex from a woman on multiple occasions while in uniform, records show.

Vincent did not respond to a message seeking comment on his suspension.

Police Chief Billy Aldridge reduced Vincent’s proposed punishment in a Feb. 26, 2024, “notice of final discipline” memorandum. Capt. Jeramie Struthers had recommended a four-week suspension without pay, but Aldridge halved that time, saying Vincent accepted responsibility for his actions and lacked previous disciplinary issues. read more