Protecting our Neighborhoods

Community begins with safety and the places we value. 

I grew up in Chico, raised my family here, and built a business here. I know what makes this community special—and I believe protecting it starts with making sure people feel safe in their neighborhoods, our first responders have the resources they need, and our parks, creeks, and public spaces are safe, healthy, and accessible.

That has been a priority throughout my time on the City Council, and there is more work to do.

2. ENHANCE NEIGHBORHOOD WE CALL HOME

1. CONTINUE TO MAKE PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY #1

Public safety is one of local government's most important responsibilities. Our police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and support staff need the people, training, and equipment to respond when Chico needs them.

  • When I was first elected in 2018, our police staffing was approximately 85%, and Chico was losing officers to better-paying communities; I supported competitive compensation to help recruit and retain officers. Since then, the Police Department has hired 26 new employees, dispatch staffing has increased 60%, and sworn staffing has reached 109 sworn officers!

  • Living in Chico means living with the reality of wildfire. The Park Fire reminded us that we must be prepared. I voted to add three firefighters, providing the staffing needed for a second engine serving Downtown, and I have supported continued investment in the equipment and training our firefighters need to respond when our community is threatened. I also added $100,000 for wildfire vegetation management beyond already-budgeted funding to reduce fire risk. 

  • We owe our first responders more than thanks. We owe them the staffing, training, and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Protecting what we love starts in our neighborhoods. People should feel safe where they live, be able to travel on well-maintained neighborhood streets and sidewalks, and know the City will respond when conditions begin to affect their safety or quality of life.

  • I have supported stronger tools to address neglected properties, illegal dumping, and other unsafe conditions. I have also supported the City’s increased investment in repairing streets and infrastructure because the condition of the streets we drive every day is part of the quality of our neighborhoods.

  • Protecting neighborhoods is also about listening to the people who live there. I have brought residents’ concerns forward when they deserved City attention—from protections for people living in mobile-home parks to questions about development, public safety, and conditions in our public spaces.    

  • Not every neighborhood needs the same thing. My job is to listen, understand the problem, and make sure the City is doing what it reasonably can to keep Chico’s neighborhoods safe, cared for, and strong.

3. PROTECT OUR PARKS, CREEKS + PUBLIC SPACES

Chico's parks, creeks, and waterways are among our community's greatest assets. We have a responsibility to protect them for everyone.

  • Illegal encampments and dumping are wildfire hazards and cause damage to public land. It also threatens both our natural resources and people's ability to enjoy them.  I have supported restoring damaged areas, maintaining trails and facilities, protecting Upper Park habitat, and caring for Chico's urban forest. 

  • Last year alone, the City pruned 4,633 trees, removed 605 unhealthy trees, and planted 456 new trees.  Plus a mid-year budget increase for additional wildfire vegetation management to reduce fire risk. 

  • Protecting these places requires more than City government. It takes responsible maintenance and enforcement, good stewardship and partnerships with our parks staff, CARD, community organizations, and the volunteers who give their time to Chico.

  • Our parks and public spaces belong to everyone. They should be safe, healthy, and accessible to everyone.