Prof: Chico State ‘in retreat’ on internationalism

Sociologist Tony Waters decries declining language requirements
by Dave Waddell | Posted May 15, 2018

photo courtesy of Tony Waters

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.

About 40 students and faculty attended the forum, with most expressing concerns about declining requirements for language learning at the university. read more

Splash students study vernal pools

Outdoor science classroom incorporates writing and art
by ChicoSol staff | Posted May 14, 2018

“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
by Dave Waddell | Posted May 9, 2018

photo by Dave Waddell

Pete Earley

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.

The product was his 2007 book, “Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness,” a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. Earley, a former Washington Post reporter and author of 15 books, writes a weekly blog about mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Butte County brought Earley to Chico, and he spoke May 5 to about 75 people at Sierra Nevada’s Big Room, bringing some to tears. read more

“Soul of Chico” will support investigative journalism

ChicoSol's first annual nonprofit news benefit this evening
by ChicoSol staff | Posted May 3, 2018

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
by Leslie Layton | Posted April 26, 2018

photo by Leslie Layton

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

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
by Robin Keehn | Posted April 21, 2018
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.”

I walked out saying, “I’m dedicating my next year and a half to getting Delaine elected.” Activism was ignited. Delaine Eastin had become my HERo.

And so it began. Bringing Delaine to the Chico library in April 2017, joining all the Democratic and progressive groups that I could to spread the word about this smart, ethical, experienced woman. I joined Democratic Action Club of Chico, Mobilize, the CD1 Democratic Alliance, and went to any Our Revolution and Indivisible meetings I could get to. It’s been a fun journey, even after the 2016 presidential election that had wiped the smile off my face for days. read more