Category: Politics

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

State’s voters approve Prop. 50

Prop. 50 will redraw congressional maps to favor Democrats
by Maya C. Miller and Jeanne Kuang/Cal Matters | Posted November 4, 2025
A voter fills out their ballot at a voting center at the Armstrong Transit Center in Clovis on Nov. 4, 2025. Voters statewide are casting their ballots for a special election on Proposition 50. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

California voters on Tuesday passed a ballot measure to redraw the state’s congressional map to favor Democrats, a major victory for the party in a high-stakes national redistricting fight that could determine who controls the House of Representatives next year.

The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. Early returns showed the measure leading with nearly 58% of the vote.
read more

Butte County responds to immigration crackdown

Sheriff's Office ends alternative custody for some immigrant inmates
by Leslie Layton | Posted October 24, 2025
Walnut grower Tom Bush protests at No Kings 2 in Chico.

When immigration officers helicoptered into Chico in August, a network of volunteers was prepared. When the officers slipped out before dawn the next morning, they left people with both relief and lingering questions, according to NorCal Resist Chico.

NorCal Resist volunteers say they don’t know whether the officers were merely stopping in Chico on their way somewhere, or whether attention from protesters dissuaded them from taking enforcement actions that they might have preferred to be surprise. read more

Council increases security, code enforcement at Alternative Camping Site

Unanimous Council vote increases nighttime security for the neighborhood
by Yucheng Tang | Posted October 22, 2025
Public Works Director Erik Gustafson. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The Chico City Council voted Oct. 21 to increase visits by Jesus Center staff to the Alternative Camping Site from twice a week to seven days a week, and to have Armed Guard Private Security patrol not only the site, but also the nearby neighborhood.

The plan will be implemented for two months at the north Chico homeless encampment, after which time City staff will return to the Council with an assessment.

Meanwhile, the City will incorporate several new rules into the site’s code of conduct, require that residents who are now eligible for the Genesis pallet shelter relocate there, and provide pallet pads to help raise existing tents off the ground. read more

North State shows up for No Kings 2

Two events draw thousands of people, stretching the day of protest to East Avenue
by Leslie Layton | Posted October 19, 2025
Chico State students Lauren Hughes (left) and Camryn Kennedy made t-shirts for the No Kings 2 protest. Photo by Leslie Layton at Veterans Memorial Park.

Thousands of people showed up for two protest events in Chico Oct. 18, joining in a national No Kings 2 movement that swept the nation.

The Saturday morning march, organized by the Defenders of Democracy Coalition, drew more than 5,000 demonstrators, possibly making it the largest march in Chico history, organizers said.

An afternoon event, the No Kings Festival at Veterans Memorial Park organized by Indivisible Chico, stretched the day of joyful protest north toward the city’s suburbs. Some participants had also attended the morning march, but others had not. read more

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.  read more