Issue: August 15, 2013
Good morning, dear readers of the CN&R!
Our excellent cover story this week--"Water fight!," by Alastair Bland--is must-read stuff if you have any questions or concerns whatsoever about the proposed Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta twin-tunnels water-transfer project, and the potential ramifications of it for North State water-drinkers (hey, that's all of us!). Local water advocates, as well as others farther south, weigh in on this controversial, timely issue.
The Newslines section is particularly strong this week as far as environmental issues are concerned as well, leading off with News Editor Tom Gascoyne's "Fish count," on the generous efforts of local company FISHBIO to count the local trout population. Contributor Cody Drabble's "State of solar energy," our second Newsline, is an update of issues surrounding the California Solar Initiative. Staff Writer Ken Smith follows with an entertaining-yet-sobering piece on Rep. Doug LaMalfa being awarded the not-so-prestigious Unicorn Award for his staunch denial of climate change, and Gascoyne wraps up the section with "Up from the ashes," on the recent restarting of work on the long-dormant Oak Valley housing project, which is being built near the site of the old Humboldt Burn Dump.
In Greenways, contributor Claire Hutkins Seda weighs in with "Yes, we can!," which acknowledges the recent revival in canning and preserving, and previews upcoming local canning workshops hosted by two longtime canners. Contributor Evan Tuchinsky's Healthlines feature story, "An unsettling picture," is an interesting look at problems with the availability of county and state mental-health care.
Leading off Arts & Culture, contributor Mark Lore offers a preview of L.A. punk duo No Age's August 22 performance at Café Coda--"Coming of No Age"--and Assistant News Editor Howard Hardee offers another music story, his thoughtful "Of nostalgia and laptops," a review of the recent Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, featuring big-name acts such as Paul McCartney, Nine Inch Nails, Vampire Weekend and Russian-German DJ Zedd.
I wrote this week's Chow review, "'Good, and good for you,'" on the delicious, healthful food served by The Hunter & The Farmer food truck, and contributor Craig Blamer's "No fun for orcas" is a thought-provoking review of the thought-provoking film at the Pageant Theatre, Blackfish.
Don't forget to read out editorials, "Investigation needed" and "Fukushima's nightmare," both timely pieces on some unsettling topics--respectively, the toxicity of Chico State's Physical Science Building and the spewing of radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Also, check out Editor Melissa Daugherty's Second & Flume column, a useful guide to anyone who might have aspirations to become mayor of Chico.
In other columns: Arts DEVO runs down a list of recent Chico claims-to-fame, and The Greenhouse looks at the troubling situation of the Third & Chestnut heritage trees.
And, as always, pick up the print version for lots of useful information that does not appear online, such as our event-packed Calendar section.
Enjoy the new roundabout!
Christine G.K. LaPado-Breglia, associate editor
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Water fight
Gov. Jerry Brown’s tunnel vision has high stakes for the North State and the Delta.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Fish count
Local company’s trout survey on Big Chico Creek establishes a starting point for future research.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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State of solar energy
Solar industry expands even as subsidy incentives dry up.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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LaMalfa awarded booby prize
Rep. Doug LaMalfa recognized for not recognizing climate change.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Up from the ashes
Controversial Oak Valley housing development is back on track in Chico.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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No-nonsense clerks
Armed robber was overpowered and detained by convenience-store clerks.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Booze discussion postponed
Internal Affairs Committee meeting on alcohol licensing postponed.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Crops over salmon?
San Joaquin Valley farmers have filed suit to stop Trinity Reservoir water release that would help spawning salmon.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Higher rate for the overweight?
More Republicans than Democrats favor higher health-insurance rates for smokers and those who are overweight.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Yes, we can!
Earlene Eisley and Baji Hantelman help move the local canning revival forward by leading workshops on three separate dates.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Cali’s climate is a-changin’
New report from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment documents the growing impacts of climate change on California.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Judge calls for toxin limit
A court ruling asks California’s public-health department to set an official limit for hexavalent-chromium content in the state’s drinking-water supply.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Removing mountain lions non-lethally
California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes a drop in the number of mountain lions killed in the state since a new policy was implemented in February.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Help save Chico’s Heritage Trees
Local sign artist and heritage-tree advocate seeks members for the newly formed Heritage Tree Committee.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Be water wise
Four easy ways to conserve our local water supplies.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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An unsettling picture
Report details a state- and countywide need for more mental-health care.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Hot-chocolate: fountain of brain-youth
A cup or two of cocoa a day might keep dementia away.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Secrets of autism service
State health officials are accused of covering up changes to services for autistic children.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Where to house inmates?
Brown announces a plan to comply with a federal order to release 10,000 state inmates by 2014.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Preschoolers slightly less fat
Obesity rate in poor preschoolers decreases after decades of being on the rise.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Investigation needed
Chico State officials have an obligation to do further investigation to figure out whether the Physical Science Building is healthy enough to remain open.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Fukushima’s nightmare
The international community must come together to mitigate the damage stemming from Japan’s nuclear disaster.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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For a vital economy, think arts
How support of the arts makes Chico a great place to visit and call home.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Political theater
Chico’s City Council meetings are in good hands with Mayor Scott Gruendl leading them.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Raising little ones
Talking to the owner of Gail’s Mini Donkey Ranch.
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William Shakespeare’s Star Wars
Shakespeare and Star Wars: “Once more unto the trench, dear friends, once more!”
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Joseph Anton
Rushdie memoir recounts his nine years spent underground in an effort to stay out of the sights of Islamist assassins.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Behind Beyond
The Mother Hips have still got California Soul on Behind Beyond.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Coming of No Age
Los Angeles duo grows up without losing sight of the past.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Of nostalgia and laptops
Outside Lands festival in San Francisco was a crossroads of old and new.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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‘Good, and good for you’
The Hunter & The Farmer food truck offers fresh Paleo-focused deliciousness.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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No fun for orcas
Documentary sheds light on dangers of keeping killer whales in captivity.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Your adventure begins
Where will you go on your Chico journey?
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Join the clubs
Student programs are key to Chico State grad student’s success.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Take a hike
The author follows his girlfriend down the great Yahi Trail into Upper Bidwell Park.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Inventing a scene
Taking an active view of the Chico art scene with Arts DEVO.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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The first five bites
For less than $20, you can taste five signature local flavors that will set you off on your Chico culinary adventure.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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A greener path
From student to sustainability guru, young eco-warrior is making a mark in Chico.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Food for higher thought
A Chico State success story at Sutter dining hall.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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The Chico workout
Stay outside, keep moving—and enjoy the good, healthy life.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Chico lore
Interesting (or just plain weird) stuff you should know about this little college town.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Welcome to Freako
Friday plus Chico equals a night of exploring the possibilities.
This article was published on 08.15.13
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Find local treasures
Mapping out Chico’s distinct areas with pictures.
This article was published on 08.15.13