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How the DA kept Chico 15 years behind in a thriving new industry

How the DA kept Chico 15 years behind in a thriving new industry

A decade after Prop. 64, Chico weighs commercial cannabis cultivation
This is the second story in a two-part series that analyzes three decades of county opposition to marijuana and reviews the state of legal cannabis in Chico. Read the first part here. Even in politically liberal Chico, some people opposed a plan to authorize medical marijuana dispensaries in 2010. Only one could credibly threaten to prosecute the Chico City Council …

Final ruling in public records lawsuit

Judge Stephen Benson has ordered that local law enforcement agencies provide body cam video to a journalist without blurring or otherwise concealing the identities of officers who appear.

Superior Court Judge Benson, in his final May 13 ruling, ordered that video taken during the Chico police killing of Michael Oxley be unredacted within 20 days and re-released to journalist and plaintiff Dave Waddell.

Benson left in place, however, other parts of his initial ruling that favored defendants DA Mike Ramsey, Sheriff Kory Honea and Chico PD.

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Featured Video

In mixed-status families, citizen children lose benefits

Dr. Giridhar Mallya, senior policy officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, discusses the dangers mixed-status families now face when they try to access public benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. Watch the full briefing here.

Latest News

Politics
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says he would slash taxes and cut regulations

Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says he would slash taxes and cut regulations

Criminal Justice
A DA's long battle against marijuana

A DA’s long battle against marijuana

Podcasts
Sunny's podcast: May 14-19, 2026

Sunny’s podcast: May 14-19, 2026

Education
Students, staff decry Butte College decision-making

Students, staff decry Butte College decision-making

Environment
Questions persist about the future of Forest Service research sites 

Questions persist about the future of Forest Service research sites 

Education
Sexual assault case closed against former Chico State math professor, CSU Board of Trustees

Sexual assault case closed against former Chico State math professor, CSU Board of Trustees

Community Calendar

May 26, 9:00am Butte County Board of Supervisors
Location: 25 County Center Dr suite 205, Oroville, CA 95965, USA
June 2, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
June 16, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
June 23, 9:00am Butte County Board of Supervisors
Location: 25 County Center Dr suite 205, Oroville, CA 95965, USA
July 7, 6:00pm Chico City Council
Location: 421 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA

Special Projects

Criminal Justice
Judge issues tentative ruling in public records dispute

Judge issues tentative ruling in public records dispute

Butte County Superior Court Judge Stephen Benson has taken under consideration a request for revisions to his tentative ruling that …
Mental Health Diversion
Butte County DA calls for tighter Mental Health Diversion rules

Butte County DA calls for tighter Mental Health Diversion rules

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey is urging the California Legislature to amend the Mental Health Diversion (MHD) law to …

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Reader Comments

May 24
“this is a valuable report that immediately raises questions about how other community colleges are dealing with the new anti-DEI restrictions. Good news that Native programs got a grant from the state which buffered…”
Sandy Close on Students, staff decry Butte College decision-making
May 22
“Thank you for covering this story.”
Charles Withuhn on A DA’s long battle against marijuana
May 19
“Another well researched and thoughtful article by Natalie. So good to see in depth stories that cover all the bases.”
Brooks Thorlaksson on Students, staff decry Butte College decision-making
May 18
“Excellent story… appreciate the depth of the discussion and information. I think is would be a major mistake to close these research stations and hope this adm will walk it back as…”
Brooks Thorlaksson on Questions persist about the future of Forest Service research sites 

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