City of Chico Highlights

October 2026

Welcome to the October edition of Chico's new City Newsletter - designed for residents, businesses, and visitors. Our monthly roundup brings you essential updates on community services, economic development, and upcoming events.

Greetings from Gillian

Hello, Chico Community!

As I reach about nine weeks in my role as Chico’s City Manager, I continue to get settled in and learn more about this wonderful community. Every day brings new opportunities to meet residents, business owners, community leaders, and City employees—and I’m grateful for each conversation.

One of the more exciting developments recently has been the opening of Entertainment Zones in the City of Chico. These zones provide another opportunity to enjoy our community, support local businesses, and experience the energy and vitality of Chico’s entertainment districts. I had the chance to enjoy some of that energy firsthand when I attended Oktoberfest in Meriam Park with my family. It was a great evening and a wonderful reminder of what makes Chico such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

I’ve also had the opportunity to spend time with some of the people who make City operations possible every day. I recently joined Chico Police Department and Chico Fire Department employees during Shift Change and Roll Call. It was so nice to meet so many dedicated employees and hear directly from the people serving our community. I continue to meet with City staff across our organization, and I’m continually impressed by the talent, dedication, and commitment they bring to their work.

Connecting with members of our community has been equally important. I recently met with members of CC4J (Concerned Community for Justice), as well as downtown business advocates and members of our broader business community. These conversations provide valuable perspectives and help me better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Chico.

Looking ahead, there is certainly no shortage of work to do. Among our priorities will be finalizing the Unhoused Strategy, and addressing sewer fees. These are important issues for our community, and I look forward to working with our City Council, staff, and community members as we move these efforts forward.

This is a busy time of year in Chico, with plenty happening throughout our community and a lot of important work underway at the City. I’m excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received during these first several weeks.

And finally, a reminder to do your civic duty: don’t forget to vote! Participating in our elections is an important way to have your voice heard and take part in shaping the future of our community.

I look forward to continuing to meet more of you, listen, learn, and work together to serve the City of Chico. Please reach out to citymanager@chicoca.gov if you have thoughts you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you.

Gillian Haen

City Manager

City of Chico

Get Involved!

Yahi Trail Workday - October 24, 2026

Join us for a hands-on volunteer workday focused on improving the Yahi Trail in Upper Bidwell Park. This project, hosted by Oscar Rodriguez with the California Native Plant Society, will focus on trail maintenance and stewardship activities that help protect surrounding native plant communities while improving trail sustainability and user experience.

Volunteers will assist with projects such as tread repair, vegetation management, and other trail improvements. This work supports both safe recreational access and the long-term health of the park's natural ecosystems. Whether you're new to trail work or have prior experience, this is a great opportunity to learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and give back to Bidwell Park.

Learn More!

Your Tax Dollars at Work

Current Project Updates

Ceanothus Road Rehabilitation

The Ceanothus Road Rehabilitation project is mostly complete with punch list items being addressed in the coming weeks in order to fully close this project out. *Measure H funding was used for this project

South Park Drive Rehabilitation

Permanent gates and permanent signs will be installed along South Park Drive in the coming weeks. Once complete, punch list items will be addressed before final close out of the project. *Measure H funding was used for this project

East 20th Street Road Rehabilitation

The East 20th Street Road Rehabilitation is complete. Final punch list items are being addressed before close out. *Measure H funding was used for this project

Eaton-Floral Roundabout

Final paving is complete on the Eaton-Floral Roundabout project. The contractor has been working on wrapping up the remaining landscaping items and general punch list items before close out.

Fair Street Rehabilitation

Paving is now complete on Fair Street. Contractor is now working on standing up new streetlights and completing final striping and signage.

North Cedar Street Improvements

Construction crews are working on pouring new curb ramps, curb and gutters, and sidewalks along the corridor. This is being done in preparation for Full Depth Reclamation of the existing road. Final paving and striping will follow soon after that. *Measure H funding was used for this project

Pomona Avenue Bridge Replacement

Construction crews have completed the installation of new sewer main siphon underneath the creek channel. Crews are now working on backfilling and regrading the channel. Bridge replacement will begin in Summer/Early Fall 2027.

Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of all three primary clarifiers has been taking place at the wastewater treatment plant. Rehabilitation of the clarifiers includes structural and mechanical equipment components. Rehabilitation on Primary Clarifier #1 has been completed, which is a major milestone. Work has commenced in Primary Clarifier #3 and work on Primary Clarifier #2 is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027.

Garner Lane Reconstruction

This project is being constructed in coordination with CARD and Pajouh Motors. Construction crews are working on making grade for curb & gutter and sidewalk. Full Depth Reclamation and paving operations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. *Measure H funding was used for this project

Park Avenue Beautification

The Park Avenue Beautification project is mostly complete with punch list items being addressed in the coming weeks in order to fully close this project out.

Learn More About Current and Future Projects

Adoptable Animals

Linus

Bobo

Otto

View All Adoptable Animals

Chico Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees to Find Pets Loving Homes

Thanks to a grant from "Best Friends Animal Society," the Chico Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees to help find loving homes for pets in need.

This initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding at the shelter and give more animals a chance at finding a forever home.

The waived fee includes spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, Feline Leukemia Virus testing for cats or heartworm testing for dogs, and a one-year licensing fee (for Chico residents).

The fee waiver runs through October 9th, 2026, with an additional fee waiver opportunity at the Chico Animal Shelter Adoption Event on Saturday October 24, 2026.

More information

Chico Fire Recruit Academy

The Chico Fire Department welcomed six new recruit firefighters on September 14. The recruits are currently in week three of an intensive eight-week Recruit Firefighter Academy designed to prepare them for assignment to engine and truck companies throughout the City.

Throughout the academy, recruits are trained to Chico Fire Department operating standards, procedures, and guidelines. Training includes hose deployment and fire streams, ground and aerial ladder operations, vertical ventilation and roof operations, search and rescue, firefighter survival, forcible entry, vehicle extrication, rappelling and rope rescue, and wildland fire response and tactics.

The academy also includes numerous hands-on scenarios that challenge recruits to apply these skills under realistic emergency conditions. These evolutions build proficiency, teamwork, decision-making, and confidence while preparing each recruit for the demands of serving as a Chico firefighter.

Upon successful completion of the academy, the six recruits will graduate and begin their assignments on Chico Fire Department engine and truck companies, where they will begin serving our community and continue their training alongside our experienced crews.

Congratulations on making it to the Chico Fire Recruit Academy! This is an exciting step in your career! Good Luck and Thank You for your service and desire to serve our community!

Chico Police Department Monthly Stats

September 2026

9,240 Calls for Service

873 Cases

336 Arrests

28 DUI Arrests

186 Traffic Accidents

329 Community Services Officer Handled Calls for Service

133 Community Services Officer Jail Transports

3,574 Documents Processed by Records

Thank you, Chico Police Department, for always responding to the call for help and keeping our community safe. We appreciate you!

Community Cleanup Data

September 2026

400 Total Hours
65,590 Total Pounds
33 Total Tons

These numbers include clean up events in the areas of First and Main Streets, the bike path from East 11th Ave to Eaton Road, and the Cohasset Levee, in addition to the Butte Environmental Council Annual Bidwell Park and Chico Creek Cleanup Day.

Interested in Working for the City of Chico?

The City of Chico is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Assistant Engineer
Associate Engineer
Risk Manager
Senior Civil Engineer
Senior Development Engineer
Senior Human Resources Analyst
Senior Plans Examiner

Keep an eye out for the upcoming recruitment for Community Development Director!

View Current Job Openings

Entertainment Zones

The City of Chico Entertainment Zones are open!

Located in Downtown Chico and Meriam Park, Chico's Entertainment Zones bring a new opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy food, beverages, shopping, and community events.

What is an Entertainment Zone?

An Entertainment Zone is a designated public area where adults 21 and older may possess and consume certain alcoholic beverages purchased from participating licensed businesses located within the zone.

The Entertainment Zones are operational seven days per week from 10am-10pm. Participating businesses will have an Entertainment Zone sign displayed in their window, visitors to the Entertainment Zones are encouraged to look for these signs to know what businesses are participating.

More Information on Entertainment Zones

Vina GSA Groundwater Sustainability Plan Periodic Evaluation

Public Comment Period Ends October 26, 2026

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Groundwater Sustainability Agencies must evaluate and report on their Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) every five years. The Vina Subbasin's first Periodic Evaluation is due to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in January 2027. This evaluation will review monitoring data, assess progress toward the basin's sustainability goal, and identify any updates needed to improve the GSP and ensure long-term groundwater sustainability.

Public Comment is welcome throughout the Periodic Evaluation Process.

Submit a Public Comment

Learn More About the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency

City of Chico Commissions

City of Chico Biennial Recruitment

The Chico City Council is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the City of Chico's Commissions. Applicants must be residents of the City of Chico and qualified voters (18 years or older).

City of Chico Commissions are advisory bodies that play an important role in City Government by assisting and advising the City Council in formulating and implementing policy. Advisory bodies also develop recommendations and present supporting information to the City Council.

Interested residents may apply to one or more of the following Commissions:

Airport Commission
Arts Commission
Bidwell Park and Playground Commission
Climate Action Commission
Planning Commission

Standard appointments are four-year terms beginning January 2027 and expiring January 2031. The deadline to submit applications is November 15, 2026.

Apply to Serve on a City of Chico Commission

City of Chico Planning Commission

At their November Meeting, the City of Chico Planning Commission will hear an update on the Barber Yard Development project. This is a mixed-use project that aims to bring together middle income housing as well as commercial and retail spaces to create an inspired neighborhood where local workers and families can thrive.

View the Barber Yard Project Website

City of Chico Planning Commission Information

Upcoming Events

Take Off, Chico

Head over to the Chico Regional Airport on October 17th from 2-7pm for the Take Off, Chico event. Admission is free and includes aircraft displays, children's activities, photo opportunities, and a drive-in movie night!

Event Information

Reimagine Bidwell Mansion

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (SHP) has long stood as a symbol of Chico’s history, culture, and community pride. In the wake of the devastating December 2024 fire, California State Parks has launched the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion SHP planning effort—a community-centered process to reflect, heal, and shape the future of this beloved landmark.

More Information

Wildcat Weekend

October 8-10, 2026

Wildcat Weekend 2026 features an exciting lineup of events designed to bring alumni, families, students, and friends together throughout the weekend!

Explore the Schedule of Events

Treat Street

October 30, 2026, 2-6p.m.

Treat Street is Downtown Chico's annual Halloween tradition, bringing families together for a safe and festive celebration. Kids can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, enjoy live music, and take part in fun seasonal activities. Highlights include a costume contest and special photo opportunities with Chico Police and Fire.

Learn More