Tag: Chico police

Court orders City to release documents in Tyler Rushing case City's non-compliance with public records laws will cost taxpayers

photo by Leslie Layton
Scott & Paula Rushing after their July 8 hearing at the North Butte County Courthouse.

by Leslie Layton
posted July 9

This story was updated at 2 p.m. today to add comments from both parties’ attorneys.

Shortly after taking under submission a public records dispute, Butte County Superior Court Judge Stephen Benson ruled July 8 that the City of Chico must release a PowerPoint presentation on the 2017 police killing of Tyler Rushing.

The ruling in favor of Tyler’s father, Scott Rushing of Ventura, requires that the City release requested information “without redactions.” Scott Rushing filed his request under the state’s Public Records Act almost 19 months ago on the premise that the PowerPoint appears to have been created for training purposes. read more

Chico PD holds its first town hall Homelessness, de-escalation and diversity discussed

photo by Leslie Layton
Chief Billy Aldridge at Chico PD’s first town hall.

by Leslie Layton
posted May 2

In the first of two town halls to be held this year, Chico police addressed topics that emerged from the recent Community Survey as concerns, including homelessness and the department’s use of de-escalation techniques.

The May 1 town hall followed the recent release of results from the department’s Community Survey that received 797 responses from Chico-area residents. Most of the respondents were over 50 years old and a disproportionate number white. Almost 60 percent said the unhoused community was a major concern. read more

New lawsuit filed against City in Tyler Rushing case Tyler's dad says City is withholding records

Paula & Scott Rushing

by Natalie Hanson
posted Oct. 2

Scott and Paula Rushing have spent six years fighting the City of Chico over its role in the killing of their son, Tyler.

Now, the Rushings face yet another hurdle -— they’ve been denied police records about the 2017 shooting and tasering of Tyler.

Scott Rushing, a Ventura resident, has filed a lawsuit claiming the City of Chico violated California’s public transparency laws by refusing to provide Chico Police Department records. read more

The checkered history of police Sgt. Mark Bass Latest lawsuit filed against City and Chico PD alleges excessive force

In June, Kona Rush of Chico filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force during the arrest of her 17-year-old daughter on suspicion of drunken driving. The suit accuses Chico Police Sgt. Mark Bass of unnecessarily rough treatment of Lilly Rush, whose arm was healing from surgery at the March incident. Bass is now a defendant in two lawsuits. This video, produced by Julian Mendoza and Dave Waddell, tells the story of the sergeant’s checkered history. read more

Is Tyler Rushing case finally headed to trial? Judge denies Chico’s latest moves to thwart police-violence lawsuit

by Dave Waddell
posted July 26

Editor’s note: An emailed statement from Police Chief Billy Aldridge was added to this story the morning of July 28. Because of an email glitch, his statement was unfortunately missed at the time of the story’s posting.

The City of Chico’s efforts to avoid a civil trial over the tasering of an incapacitated Tyler Rushing -– legal moves Rushing’s father calls “bullying” -– seem now at an end with a recent ruling by a federal judge. read more

Chico’s police chief and de-escalation Aldridge defends use of weapons obtained from military

by George Gold
guest commentary posted May 2

The Chico City Council approved the police department budget and use of military weapons earlier in April 2023, weapons that were obtained under the U.S. Department of Defense 1033 program.

Recent California statutes require the police department hold at least one community engagement meeting to discuss the purchase and deployment of these military-style weapons. read more