“Letter to the Editor: Chico still needs a plan for addressing homelessness By Letters to the Editor PUBLISHED: August 6, 2026 at 12:24 AM PDT Ongoing whack-a-mole, human rights violations, lack of concern for our unhoused neighbors, Chico needs a plan.

These phrases have been on the lips of Chicoans for years now. We in Chico have not been well served by our City Council or by the city employees who carry out their wishes. This week the Fire Chief correctly received from the City Council a declaration of a Lindo Channel fire emergency due to fires caused by unhoused citizens and extremely dry and hot conditions. This emergency status will speed the removal of trash, grass, and trees and other fire mitigation measures. Due to the Warren Settlement, removals of unhoused neighbors must follow the established procedures. Where will those the city removes from the Channel go? Unhoused will be offered existing shelter options; but many unhoused have clearly stated these options are not acceptable for various reasons. As we have seen before, they will go to another park or creek and pose the same dangers to new neighbors, new concerns for the Chico Fire Dept. Chico needs a plan. Unhoused citizens need a place to lay their heads that does not put others at risk. Chico needs a council that plans for what will happen when one area is cleared … and not to have a different waterway or park become unsafe. In November vote Winslow, Hebert and Thomas-Petty for City Council. They have expressed a willingness to find solutions that promote safety while not violating the rights of the unhoused. — Loree Monroe, Chico”