Good morning, Chico.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey charged 11 people with first-degree residential burglary after a series of break-ins at a remote Lovelock home north of Magalia, with arraignment scheduled for July 9 and 10 and some defendants released on their own recognizance while others will remain in custody with a $50,000 bail—six additional suspects are pending charges as the investigation continues.

Detectives from the Butte County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant on June 18 at a residence on Martha Lane in Palermo where they discovered 322 live marijuana plants, firearms, and ammunition—three individuals, including 54-year-old Wilfred St. Louis, 18-year-old William St. Louis, and 44-year-old Marlon Shortridge, were arrested while a 7-year-old child was placed in protective custody.

The Butte County District Attorney’s Office warned that fireworks, including those labeled 'safe and sane,' are unlawful outside city limits in unincorporated Butte County—violators may face fines up to $1,000, six months in jail, or felony charges if fires are set intentionally or negligently. This warning comes as high fire danger is expected ahead of the 4th of July.

The Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey shared the county’s fireworks regulations and fines as he warned of fire risks with improper possession and use of fireworks — his guidance helps citizens understand local law.

Crews in Chico are rebuilding the Salem Street Bridge near downtown, causing daily noise and parking issues for residents such as the Quiroz family living close to the site—work runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The city says the project will be completed by November as it replaces the structurally deficient bridge built in 1916.

Officials announced that the cleanup of fire debris around Chico’s Bidwell Mansion will start after the Fourth of July due to delays with contractor approval and availability.

The work follows an arson fire on December 11, 2024, and is expected to take three weeks—this step is needed before further evaluations of the building can begin.

A PG&E Blackhawk helicopter will be stationed at the CAL FIRE Air Attack Base at Chico Regional Airport for the 2025 fire season to help Butte County tackle wildfires.

The helicopter has an 1,100-gallon water tank—used in last year's efforts including its first response to the Thompson Fire in Oroville—and is set to support upcoming firefighting operations.

Oroville Hospital now offers a cutting-edge treatment for liver tumors using Histotripsy — led by Dr. Kevin Burns — which uses ultrasound waves to create bubble clouds that break down tissue, allowing patients to leave the outpatient center the same day.

Over 100 cases have already been completed, providing a new option for patients who cannot have open surgery.

Parents in Chico are worried about Sycamore Pool’s water after a June 10 test found E. coli levels at 250 per 100 milliliters, and one parent said his 13-year-old son was hospitalized with E. coli.

Butte County Public Health says the water is safe and will continue to monitor the situation—urging anyone who feels ill to seek help.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Center For The Arts — Tickets from $86 — Experience the vibrant retelling of a biblical classic in this beloved musical.

Run Like a Hero: 4th of July 5k

8 AM – 12 PM — Sycamore Field — Proceeds benefit local scholarships — Celebrate Independence Day with a spirited 5k run.

Summer Volleyball Mini-Camp

8-10 a.m. — Oak Way Park — Cost varies — Enhance your volleyball skills this summer with former pro Crystal Thomas.

Summer Volleyball Mini-Camp

8-10 a.m. — Oak Way Park — Registration required — A short camp to enhance volleyball skills with instruction from a seasoned pro.

FUNK-tion FEST

10 AM – 2 PM — Chapman Park — Free entry — Celebrate with lowriders, DJs, food trucks, and family fun at this vibrant community fest.