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A Glimpse into Teichert Ponds
Garrett Green, Sr. staff writer
A sign at Teichert Ponds in Chico, CA labels the area "Chico’s Urban Oasis." Several unhoused encampments now surround that sign and the ponds themselves. The Teichert Ponds camps have seen two shootings, one in 2021, and another in 2022. The area has
developed a negative connotation. This is a brief glimpse into safety at the ponds.
How safe are the ponds?
The answer to that question depends on who you ask. One unhoused resident, Ashton Bunch, recognized that the area has seen definite violence, including the two shootings; however, "it’s not chaotic every day like that," according to Bunch.
In Bunch’s experience, most days at the ponds are relatively calm, but some days you have to keep an eye out for danger. According to Bunch, a common problem that occurs at Teichert Ponds is theft. Bunch recognized that there are thieves out there, and that a common problem is "homeless stealing from one another."
Bunch said that when a theft occurs, the inhabitants attempt to establish who was near the item, and for how long. Bunch said that he saw no value in accusing people or assuming guilt.
Another inhabitant, Lisa, told a very different story from Bunch. Lisa, who declined to share her last name, said that she was there in the aftermath of the most recent shooting. Lisa was friends with one of the victims, and she said that she watched him die. Lisa said that she doesn’t feel Teichert Ponds is safe at all, and that there is "no measure of safety out here."
According to Lisa, some of the violence has been perpetrated by outsiders, but some of the unhoused, specifically addicts, have also caused issues. "Some of the animosity the housed public has towards the unhoused public is very valid," Lisa said.
One of Lisa’s problems is what to do with her garbage. Lisa says that unlike some unhoused, she refuses to break the law and doesn’t want to dump any garbage because that would be illegal. The result is that Lisa must keep it near her tent. Lisa said that she has asked the city to help provide a solution.
A Dog Incident
While Roadrunner staff was at Teichert Ponds, a dispute broke out. Two dogs began barking at an inhabitant and seemingly rushed the man. It is unclear what set the dogs off, but the man
quickly pulled out a taser and began threatening them. The dogs appeared to attack the man, and several other inhabitants, including the dog's owner, rushed to pull them off.
After the incident, the man began shouting about one of the dogs, specifically claiming that it should be put down, and that he has the right to kill it. This started an argument with the dog owner, who said, "You touch my dog, I have the right to shoot you, homeboy."
Answers varied as to whether or not this kind of thing is common. Bunch stated that he had never seen the dogs act in such a manner and that the dog who was harassing and threatening the man the most had PTSD.
Lisa said that she has seen that kind of thing happen before, specifically with those dogs.
Fire at the Ponds
Lisa said that a neighboring tent had been recently set on fire and that the inhabitants were inside when it occurred but got out safely and showed Roadrunner staff some of the burned debris.
Lisa said that the fire department responded promptly to the fire.
The only fire that was recently reported occurred on November 18, when a fire crew extinguished an encampment fire at Teichert Ponds. According to Action News Now, firefighters reported that the fire was a cooking fire that was triggered by propane explosions. At this time, it
is unclear whether the fires were related.
You Aren’t the Only One Frustrated With the Two-Party System
Chase Kirby, staff writer
The Democrats and the Republicans are always angry or frustrated with each other and even think the other is a detriment to the country.
Trust from one party to another is almost nonexistent with the other thinking them lazy, unintelligent, close-minded, immoral and dishonest. An Aug. 2022 Pew Research article titled "As Partisan Hostility Grows, Signs of Frustration With the Two-Party System" was published; it was found that “72% of Republicans and 64% of Democrats say people in the opposing party are more dishonest than other Americans.”
Pew Research reports there is declining faith in political parties, with favor for Democrats at 54% and Republicans at 62%, and 39% of young voters wish for more political parties to pick from. In 1994, 4% disliked both political parties, while today 27% lean Democrat.
With those that identify as either, their faith in their party is dwindling with the actions that they take. “About seven-in-ten U.S. adults (72%), say that on the issues that matter to them, their side in politics has been losing more often than winning. Just 24% say their side has been winning more often than losing.” (Pew Article: "Growing Share of Americans Say Their Side in
Politics Has Been Losing More Often Than Winning")
During the Trump administration 80% of Democrats felt that they were losing, and now during the Biden administration, Republicans feel that they are losing. The way that the PEW measured both was the difference in dissatisfaction, and found that the side felt to be winning was the party that held the presidency.
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Photo by Garrett Green. Burn Debris. at Teichert Ponds November 22, 2022 Chico, CA
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October 23rd Debate
Victor Bordin, staff writer
On Oct 23rd, Governor Gavin Newsom debated with Republican opponent Brian Dahle. It was held in San Francisco at KQED headquarters. They debated about current issues in California such as abortion rights and homelessness.
These two went head-to-head arguing about each other’s beliefs. Newsom attacked Dahle about his stance on abortion, “You’re not pro-life. You’re pro-government-mandated birth.”
Dahle decided not to explain his stance on abortion specifically. He instead criticized Newsom about a state budget that would bring in women from non-abortion states to receive services.
“He wants to make this a sanctuary state where all of Americans can come here and get an abortion at the expense of California taxpayers,” says Dahle.
They discussed gas prices in California. Newsom said that Dahle’s stance is based off big oil’s beliefs, primarily because Dahle suggests suspending the gas tax. Newsom thinks that the big oil companies are paying him to say that.
Dahle accused Newsom of not dealing with the homelessness issue. Dahle believes that the first step to deal with homelessness is to get the homeless off drugs. A majority use fentanyl which highly lowers their human function.
There was a common theme in the debate; Dahle accused that Governor Newsom just throws money towards issues with no true solution. “What he’s done in the last four years is throw money at every single issue, more than there’s ever been. And what are the results for Californians?” This money of course helps combat issues California faces, which is most of the time required.
Californians will know who their next governor is on November 8th. Check out the YouTube video “2022 California Gubernatorial Debate” to tune into the full one hour debate between Newsom and Dahle.
Check out this link to watch the debate
Card Skimmer Rise
Rebecca Gonzalez, staff writer
Butte County has seen a huge jump in card skimmer activity this year. Benefits are being stolen mainly from EBT cards, affecting families in need.
Account information is stolen when cards are swiped on fake card-reading devices. Fake covers are placed over card readers that contain a skimming tool to take someone’s information. Although EBT cards are mostly affected, credit cards are also at risk. It is obvious that the spike in stolen benefits will make it challenging to replace all benefits reported stolen.
Most skimmers are found at convenience stores, gas stations and ATMs. Retail stores and restaurants are also possible to have planted card skimmers.
Chico has been a major target for Butte County. Thousands of Chico customers had their card information stolen through skimmers placed at store checkouts. Walmart self-checkout registers are very likely to have been tampered with, requiring customers to be more cautious.
It may be hard to detect a fake card reader as the covers look identical, especially when it’s time to pay; people may not notice a fake when rushing to leave a store. Paying closer attention and looking for loose covers is an effective way to distinguish skimmers. Withdrawing cash from inside the bank instead of using ATMs is another precaution.
The New Direction of Chico
Kyle Landrum, guest writer
2022 midterm elections have decided the fate of Chico, the blue city in the sea of red.
On November 8th, Chico held close elections between the Conservative Super Political Action Committee (Super PAC), “Safe Chico,” and the liberal alliance, “Stand Up For Chico.” The vote resulted in three conservatives, one moderate, and one liberal. This will have considerable ramifications for homelessness and infrastructure.
Conservative leadership has taken an aggressive stance on the removal of the homeless from Chico. Cutting funding to social welfare programs to aid the homeless, conservatives instead favor higher funding for police to solve the issue. In contrast, liberals advocate for work programs and pallet shelters.
With regards to infrastructure, such as damaged roads, both aisles agree on the issue, but have slightly different approaches. Conservatives support maintenance, whereas liberals prefer a total revitalization of our neighborhood streets.
While every issue has its partisans, the balance of power will be in favor of Chico conservatives for the next four years.
Supporting the Native American Student Journey
Justine Rapacilo, staff writer
Native American Heritage Month is recognized in November. This is a time to acknowledge the rich culture and history of the people who get a lot less credit than they deserve, as well as pay tributes to the challenges and discrimination that have taken place for Native Americans, and how they have fought to overcome these difficulties.
There are many ways to give back to Native communities this holiday season. This might look like learning more about the actual history of Thanksgiving and even incorporating recipes made with indigenous food, emphasizing the difference between appropriation and appreciation of a culture. Erasing the crimes and injustices that have taken place toward Indigenous Americans is impossible. Instead, we can work together to create a more inclusive and empathetic world by acknowledging this beautiful community and raising awareness.
Butte College is where students' struggles are acknowledged, and resources are provided to overcome life's difficulties. To many, this looks like having a safe place to build a sense of belonging. The Native American Center provides just that for students of all backgrounds on campus. Their goal is to create a space that Native students can call their own to “support the Native American student journey.”
The Native American Club (which should not be confused with the new center) is a student-run organization, whereas the Native American Center is staff led to provide individuals with the help they need to flourish. Services offered include: mentorship, resource referrals, scholarship information, computer access, snacks and more.
Feel free to check out BC Connect for more information or visit the center in person; it is located in swing space A-102 on the left-hand side. Show support and learn more about the diverse culture and history of Indigenous people by attending one of the Native American Center-hosted events listed below.
For any questions contact Native American Retention Specialist, Frankie Medrano: medranofr@butte.edu or (530) 895-2256.
Catalytic Converter Theft in California
Victor Bordin, staff writer
Catalytic converters are being stolen off vehicles across California. There were about 52,206 stolen catalytic converters in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Lawmakers are trying to do their part to stop this.
They are mainly stolen because of the chemicals they have. Rhodium is $20,000 per ounce, palladium is $2,938 per ounce, and platinum is $1,128 per ounce. Thieves make an easy profit by using an electric or battery-powered saw to steal catalytic converters.
California lawmakers had three out of 11 bills passed to stop this crime. They include: the California Highway Patrol’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force prioritizing this problem, limiting legal sales of catalytic converters, and the requirement of documenting the purchase.
According to an article in CalMatters, a Toyota spokesperson stated, “Catalytic converter theft is an industry-wide challenge…the most effective approach requires close collaboration between the broader automotive industry and local and state authorities to devise legislative solutions aimed at eliminating the market for these stolen parts.”
The Bureau of Automotive Repair recommends that you park in a well-lit street or in a garage. You can also purchase a catalytic converter protection shield. Engraving them with your vehicle identification number (VIN) is another option.
Without some kind of anti-theft mechanism, people can be unlucky. Brendon Lariviere, a Chico resident, recently had his catalytic converter stolen off his 2006 Honda Accord. He said, “Once I started the car I heard it and smelled it at the same time, it smelled like fuel burning too rich, and sounded like a pissed off go-kart.”
Replacements are not cheap either. Lariviere reported that he had to pay $1,500 for a new catalytic converter. If you are concerned about your catalytic converter being stolen, use an anti-theft mechanism that best suits your needs.
