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Chico State student remembered for her generosity, work with the unhoused

Alexandra Wynter’s photo on her social media.

Chicoans are honoring the memory of a 28-year-old university student and community volunteer who died Dec. 3 in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide.

Biological sciences major Alexandra Wynter, 28, was reported dead Dec. 3 in what the Chico Police Department has said was a fatal shooting on Warner Street. President Steve Perez said in a campuswide announcement Dec. 5 that she was on track to graduate in spring 2026, completing her degree while working at Enloe Health.  read more

White nationalist speech becomes mainstream, say researchers

stop racist hate speech
Chico State English instructor Anna Moore says elected leaders should speak out about what immigrant communities are facing. Photo courtesy of Jason Halley at Chico State.

White nationalist rhetoric has become common in U.S. mainstream politics – and some educators point out that it also has a long history of prevalence in the North State.

Chico State University professor Shawn Schwaller said such language is now common in this “extreme political climate,” and its use has been increasing since 2016. Extremist language often affects, in particular, marginalized communities.

“When you hear Trump and his cronies talk about immigration, they sound a lot like the nativist supporters of the State of Jefferson movement in the North State, who have sought for years to break a portion of Northern California off from the rest of the state to create a white ethno state,” Schwaller said. read more

ChicoSol recognized for culture reporting at ACoM

Writer/editor Anthony Advincula presents Yucheng Tang with the top award for culture reporting at the Nov. 7 ACoM Expo in Oakland.

Shortly after Yucheng Tang moved to Chico a year ago to report for ChicoSol, he connected the traditional Chinese Tomb Sweeping Day with Mexico’s Day of the Dead tradition. On. Nov. 7, his story of cultural rediscovery that showcased those traditions side-by-side won a first place at American Community Media’s (ACoM’s) annual award ceremony.

In his acceptance speech, Tang noted he was able to bring two different cultures together through “good storytelling … sincerity and curiosity.” He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to introduce people in “a small town like Chico” to Asian culture and heritage. read more

Local groups plan for upcoming No Kings events

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

Domestic violence survivors face new barriers

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. read more

Dream Act offers students path to education

Butte College Public Relations Officer Christian Gutierrez.

California’s universities and colleges are the front lines for migrant students who seek support and a pathway to higher education.

Higher education institutions tout California’s Dream Act Application (CADAA) as a lifeline — as pressure grows to protect immigrants in California amid a sweeping and forceful immigration crackdown.

In a recent briefing hosted by American Community Media, panelists shared how students can, under the California Dream Act of 2011, apply for and receive Cal Grants and the California College Promise Grant at community colleges, as well as institutional and state aid at California colleges and universities. read more