In this Update:

Chico Housing Updates
Flood Risk Due to Park Fire Burn Scar
Get to Know Your Community with GIS
Leaf Pick Up and Street Sweeping
Upcoming Downtown Chico Holiday Events
Caper Acres Receives $10,000 Donation
Chico Police Vacation Watch Service

Housing in Chico: In High Demand and Resources for Support

The devastating Camp Fire created and immediate and urgent need for more housing in Chico as individuals and families relocated from surrounding areas. Thanks to federal disaster recovery funding and tax credits, 937 affordable housing units have been constructed since October 2022. The City anticipates a total of 1,251 new affordable rental units by the end of 2026 and will assist with providing some relief to the increased demand. The City’s Housing Resource Guide provides a detailed directory of available housing services and properties in the community and is accessible online at www.chicoca.gov/housingguide.

Chico Area Residents Advised to be Aware of Increased Flood Risk Due to Park Fire Burn Scar Impacts

The impacts of the Park Fire burn scar are significant – areas that do not typically experience flooding will likely be impacted. Residents who live in the low-lying areas along Big Chico Creek, Lindo Channel, Keefer Slough, Rock Creek and Mud Creek are encouraged to prepare now for possible future flooding and road closures.

Please keep in mind, residents may receive a significantly increased number of National Weather Service weather alerts this year due to the unusually high levels of runoff expected. Weather alerts are intended to keep residents informed and should be taken seriously, please remain vigilant and prepared.

For more on flood preparedness and flood alerts see the following - PRESS RELEASE.

For information on evacuation zones and the Code Red emergency alert system, see the Announcement section of the City's website: www.chico.ca.us.

Geographical Information System (GIS) Maps Provide Valuable Community Information

Explore Chico and learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood!

The City of Chico’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platform provides powerful, accessible tools for residents, developers, and local businesses to learn more about community services, land use, and development plans.

With GIS you can:

View interactive and static maps,
See insights for potential homeowners or developers,
Locate school proximity,
Identify City utilities access,
Identify Council district boundaries and representatives,
Access property zoning,
Explore maps of active residential and commercial projects in Chico,
and more!

For added convenience, an interactive street-sweeping and leaf-pickup map is underdevelopment and will be available in the coming weeks, offering residents the latest updates on city services. To access this information mapping too see City of Chico - Geographic Information Systems.

The City of Chico Public Works Department annual leaf collection program will run from November 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

The leaf collection route begins in the southwest section of the city and progresses northerly in a clockwise direction until the entire City is serviced. The process is then repeated. The route can take up to 6 weeks to complete.

City residents are advised:

Keep piles under 4 feet high, away from the gutter, out of bicycle lanes, and away from storm drain inlets.
Try not to park on top of, or too close to leaf piles as the loader operator will not be able to pick them up safely.
Make piles of leaves only – no branches, prunings, bags, or trash.
Routine, scheduled street sweeping is suspended from November to January each year.

For additional information, call 530-894-4205, or visit the City’s website at www.chicoca.gov.

Upcoming Downtown Chico Holiday Events

The Chico Ice Rink Returns to Downtown

Open November 15th, 2024 through January 12th 2025!

The Chico Ice Rink stands as the centerpiece of downtown Chico's holiday festivities. Operating 7 days a week from November 15th to January 12th, this festive attraction draws a large audience, attracting individuals from Butte County and beyond.

For More Information Visit CARD

Downtown Chico Tree Lighting

Enjoy the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree in downtown City Plaza with live music and a visit from Santa Claus. City Plaza will come alive during this annual tradition.

Friday, Dec. 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For Details visit DCBA

Discovery Shoppe Makes $10K donation to Caper Acres

We’re thrilled to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Discovery Shoppe to Caper Acres, our beloved children’s park. This incredible gift, received in early November, will help fund the perimeter fence replacement project, set to be completed next year.

This new fence will help ensure a safer, more welcoming space for kids and families to enjoy.

The Discovery League, a volunteer-driven nonprofit in Chico, has been supporting local causes since 1959 through its thrift store located at 315 Flume St. Every year, proceeds are shared with local nonprofits, and this year, an impressive $135,707 was distributed to 15 charities.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Discovery Shoppe for helping us enhance the Caper Acres experience! To learn more about the Discovery Shoppe and support their mission, visit their store in downtown Chico or follow them on Facebook at Discovery Shoppe League.

If you are interested in donating to the Caper Acres Renovation Project, please visit, https://www.nvcf.org/funds/caper-acres-renovation-project

Leaving town for the Holidays?

Request Vacation Watch from the Chico Police Department.

This program is intended to provide a monitoring service for community households, and although not a guarantee, it is designed to help prevent crime while homeowners are out of town. Leave a message at (530) 897-5861 to signup, or fill out this Vacation Watch Request form

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a happy holiday season.

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