Prof: Chico State ‘in retreat’ on internationalism Sociologist Tony Waters decries declining language requirements

photo courtesy of Tony Waters

By Dave Waddell

With isolationism on the rise nationally, Chico State’s commitment to internationalism and to having its students learn a foreign language is likewise “in retreat,” a veteran sociology professor argued last week.

“Is Chico State really not bucking national trends which trend toward isolation despite the rhetoric about inclusivity coming from Kendall Hall (the university’s administration building)?” asks a speech written by Professor Tony Waters, who read portions of it May 8 at the spring semester’s final International Forum program. read more

Splash students study vernal pools Outdoor science classroom incorporates writing and art

“My real calling is I’m a pollinator. I kind of look at this world of people and nature as this thing that we need to better connect with. …it’s just that we sometimes fail to recognize that the connection is real and that it’s important to us as human beings” — Eva Butler, Splash founder.
(video by Guillermo Mash for AquAlliance.)

Noted journalist speaks on mental illness Pete Earley chronicles son’s ordeal, offers tips

photo by Dave Waddell

Pete Earley

By Dave Waddell

Desperate to get help for his mentally ill son, journalist Pete Earley told Chicoans Saturday he did things he never thought he’d do.

Earley said he lied about what his son had said, violated his own professional ethics by threatening to summon feared investigative reporter Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes” TV fame, and “literally went out and grabbed a doctor” from a crowded emergency room hallway to evaluate his delusional son.

Eventually, Earley’s wife advised him that he couldn’t help his son, Kevin, as a parent, but that he could as a journalist. “For once, I listened to her,” Earley said. read more

“Soul of Chico” will support investigative journalism ChicoSol's first annual nonprofit news benefit this evening

ChicoSol will hold its first annual nonprofit news benefit from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the Chico Peace & Justice Center, and all proceeds will support investigative reporting and student mentorship. Buying tickets in advance here will help us control costs and funnel earnings to our journalism — which, of course, is the point.

The evening will open with live music by Coco Dulce, an act you don’t want to miss. You’ll have a chance to meet and talk with ChicoSol editors and we’ll provide fabulous appetizers. Drinks offered will include water, tea, beer and wine. There will be a silent auction with proceeds going toward professional and student journalism. read more

Butte County supervisors oppose sanctuary County takes sides in fight between state and Trump administration

photo by Leslie Layton

Dave Garcia, Chris Nelson and Julie Garza-Withers protested the board’s vote.

by Leslie Layton

The Butte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose California’s sanctuary law, passing a resolution that opposes state policy on immigration and recognizes federal government authority.

Supervisors voted 5-0 in favor of a political statement, a resolution that contends that the sanctuary law places “restrictions and limitations” on the Butte County Sheriff’s Office that could have a “potentially negative impact on public safety.”

The resolution, which escaped the notice of most media outlets and the public, acknowledges the Trump administration’s lawsuit against the state of California and says the administration could attempt to withhold federal grants from “jurisdictions that violate federal law” by prohibiting collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). read more

Chicoan recounts journey on the “Delaine Train” Restoring the "Golden State" a goal, Keehn says

Robin Keehn

by Robin Keehn

Like so many Americans, I was mystified and depressed when Donald Trump was elected. But the first Chico Women’s March got me motivated to do something, and in early February 2017, I went to see a dear friend in Sonoma. She warned me that we “just gotta do this thing in Napa.” Would I go too?

The “thing” was Delaine Eastin’s “Meet & Greet” to announce her campaign for California governor. We walked in saying to each other, “No one can beat Gavin, but the tea, cookies and champagne will be fun.” read more