Issue: June 18, 2009
Welcome to the final newsletter before summer! I know, since graduation, it seems like summer has been here for a while... except for the spring-like weather. We’re about to enter the high-90s and reach June 21 right around the same time. Silly solstice...What does the seasonal banter have to do with this week’s issue? Not much directly, but a lot indirectly, at least with our centerpiece: the Feature Story focusing on changes in the Chico Unified School District that will take place while kids enjoy their summer vacation. Under the Elementary Housing Plan approved by the school board, programs and/or boundaries will shift at many campuses come the start of the 2009-10 academic year. Christine G.K. LaPado talks to district officials about the shift, as well as parents concerned both about the plan and the process used to arrive at it.With Jason Cassidy living it up in Paris, Christine also makes a cameo appearance as the Arts DEVO columnist this week.She’s not the only one here with a renaissance flair.Robert Speer has two distinct news stories this week: one on the City Council session to hash out the municipal budget, the other a quintessential Chico story about an impromptu effort to help a lost boy. He also authored a book review. Along with my column, I wrote a piece on the retirement of Chico’s police chief and a review of the restaurant established by Chico’s city clerk. Meredith J. Cooper stayed in the cinematic realm with her contributions: a movie review of Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and a story on the Burning Man documentary screening next Thursday at the Pageant.Lots to read. Take your laptop outside, click to the CN&R pages that intrigue you, and enjoy the pleasant environment before the scorcher days return!Evan Tuchinsky, Editor
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Moving too fast?
With just a two-month window for public participation, the Chico Unified School district went forward with a plan to shuffle elementary programs. Parents wonder why the rush—and why that decision?
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Changing of the guardian
Succeeding Bruce Hagerty on an interim basis, Mike Maloney awaits the hiring process for Chico police chief.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Even the library will be cut
Of all the issues discussed during the City Council’s all-day budget workshop, only one was controversial: cutting library hours.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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From pollution problem to scientific breakthrough
Investigation of a toxic groundwater plume in south Chico had led to extraction of core rock samples that could teach us much about the Lower Tuscan Aquifer.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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‘Circle of care’ for little boy lost
Here’s a story about what happens when kindness rules and strangers unite to save a child’s life.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Chico Mall’s facelift
What’s now Gottschalks will soon be Forever 21, appealing to a younger, hipper clientele.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Second-unit setbacks relaxed
City Council progressives who campaigned on neighborhood protection are divided over whether to change second-unit setback standard.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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He’s flying the coop
Dennis Beardsley, who oversaw design and construction of the new City Plaza, is set to retire.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Three myths about state taxes
There are many misconceptions surrounding taxes. Here are three that are especially relevant these days.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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‘Guts, not cuts’
Chicoans urge state lawmakers not to adopt a reductions-only budget.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Watch that tap, Sac
New rules in Sacramento clamp down on water use.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Extreme zoo makeover
San Jose facility gets green renovation and new endangered lemur babies.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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No more wire cages!
California Assembly Bill 1437 seeks to ban import of cage-laid eggs.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Shopping for energy
How a new power grid will give consumers more buying power.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Top 10 “Sweetest Summer Foods for Fat Loss”
Satisfying and low fat foods to put in your mouth.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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The value of good intel
Doing a full-on search for a new police chief seems like a waste of money, but it’s important for whoever is hired understand what the community wants.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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The downward spiral
Cutting government programs and spending only contributes to the economic slide.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Legislators, just do your jobs already
There’s a message for California government to take from the failure of Propositions 1A-1E: how efficiency and efficacy are valued more than expedience.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Letters for June 18, 2009
Our always-sharp readers let us know what they think.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Rinse, trim, recycle
Seela Larabee’s new salon is green, from hair clippings to aluminum foil.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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School revisited
Views on public education remain as true today as when they were first expressed.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Hailing a chief
With Hagerty retired, here are some thoughts of succession in the Chico Police Department. Plus, another brainchild of ex-Mayor Bellin.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Seeing clearly
Burning Man turns engineer Olivier Bonin into a filmmaker who documents the event’s history and waning dedication to art.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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The Idiot and the Odyssey
This account of hiking the Mediterranean coast is erudite but down-to-earth, ambitious but humorously self-effacing.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse teases with limited-edition 7-inch.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women
Dave Alvin records new disc with all-star female group.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Blues fit for dancing
Harp-master Rick Estrin brings his crew of ringers to Sierra Nevada Big Room.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Crispy ’cakes
Debbie’s in Paradise—named for Chico City Clerk Debbie Presson—serves up its own special version of the diner staple.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Thrill of the chase
The interplay between John Travolta and Denzel Washington is the highlight of this subway-hijack film.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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The Hangover
A quick and easy nugget of film goodness or badness.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Land of the Lost
A quick and easy nugget of film goodness or badness.
This article was published on 06.18.09
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Goodbye Solo
A quick and easy nugget of film goodness or badness.
This article was published on 06.18.09