Talk:Chico, California

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Tallest building?
home to the tallest building between Sacramento and Portland, Oregon. - what building would that be? User:Zoe|(talk) 21:53, 9 June 2006 (UTC)

I think that would be Whitney Hall Pberry 15:50, 15 July 2006 (UTC)
 * Whitney Hall (nine stories) is the tallest building on the CSU, Chico campus--and is claimed to be the tallest building north of Sacramento. Butte Hall (seven stories) is the tallest publicly-accessible building on campus--but I don't know if there are other publicly-accessible buildings of equal/greater height north of Sacramento.  http://chicowiki.org/Whitney_Hall and http://chicowiki.org/Butte_Hall  Dmutters (talk) 02:42, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

With the exact height of Whitney Hall not public, the building might be shorting than the 8 story Shasta County Courthouse and six story currently under construction new Shasta County Courthouse. At best the building is the tallest up to Ashland, Oregon (home to the 9 story 118 foot tall Ashland Springs Hotel) and or Medford, Oregon (home to the 10 story Rogue Valley Manor). https://www.emporis.com/buildings/136675/ashland-springs-hotel-ashland-or-usa https://www.emporis.com/buildings/126585/rogue-valley-manor-medford-or-usa User:Thecondor

Falling rocks
What about the falling rocks of Chico in 1922? It was in an episode of One Step Beyond - it appears to have actually happened. Google "chico falling rocks."

The falling rocks incident was debunked when the people responsible for the hoax came forward. Gregbard 02:02, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

Climate Chart
Why don't the average highs on the climate chart even remotely match the numbers on the attributed source? Or any other source for that matter? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.171.121.177 (talk) 21:15, 28 June 2012 (UTC)


 * It matches this link, which is 1981-2010. What you're looking at includes up to 2015, which have been hotter summers than previously normal. 50.203.70.200 (talk) 22:35, 2 May 2016 (UTC)

Wikify Hollywood Connections?
I'm glad to put time into this, but I guess I just want to know what exactly needs to be done. Is it just to add IMDB links to the titles and actors? Pberry 16:20, 15 July 2006 (UTC)
 * I'd like to see this! I personally know a few people from Chico working in the film business (in Hollywood)--who can probably provide at least a little more information on other folks.  Also, I'd like to add a section/subsection for appearances/references in film.  I have two references immediately at-hand (one of which I previously noted, below):
 * (1) In NCIS: Los Angeles season 1, episode 9 ("Accidentally on Purpose"), the serial killer called, "The Phantom" claims to have killed his first victim in Chico, CA; and
 * (2) In The Mentalist season 5, episode 8 ("Red Sails in the Sunset"), Patrick Jane and Lorelei Martins are discovered to be a a truckers' stop just north of Chico on Highway 99.
 * I realize that film mentions aren't "earth shattering," but I see no reason not to add such references when we see them on our favorite shows. :-)  Thoughts, anyone?  Dmutters (talk) 02:42, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Government
I'm thinking we might also mention that we are in CA-2 and represented by Wally Herger? Any objections?
 * I'd add it--but since Herger's about to retire, we'll have to update it soon. Dmutters (talk) 02:42, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Population figures
Can we get a reference for the population figures? I'm confused how the Chico metropolitan area has a population larger than the 2000 census population of Butte county. Does the Chico met area extend into the neighboring counties? --Chinasaur 22:03, 10 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I just noticed this myself. The metro population of Chico listed is identical to the entire population of Butte county listed in that article. Dudekazoo (talk) 01:03, 8 May 2023 (UTC)


 * It seems as though the Chico MSA includes Oroville Paradise. However, those cities and Chico and unincorporated areas between still seem unable to add up to over 200,000. I have looked at some numbers online and I wonder if other sites are just starting to quote sites that have used this seemingly high Wikipedia population total of over 200,000. Even so a number of MSA's really amount to the county total, which seems to jive with the claim. Still not certain. Please shed light. Norcalal 10:00, 2 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Also, Butte county has a higher population that all it's neighbors combined. They're probably dependant on Chico. Glenn County almost is entirely reliant on Chico.

Chappman Town
I believe Chappman Town was incorporated into the city in 2006. --Dr. Cash 22:26, 23 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Well, then you are on some sort of hallucinogens, as that's totally not true. Шєѕ 06:33, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

City of trees
Perhaps it should be noted that Chicoans often mistakenly believe that Chico is the City of Tress. I know I did most of my life here, and so do most others here.AerobicFox (talk) 05:09, 1 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, it's true. Apparently there is even a sign to that effect. However, the "Tree City USA" designation is one shared by hundreds of cities, whereas the "City of Trees" is Boise, Idaho whose City Council has actually formally adopted the designation. Chico has been the City of Roses since Bidwell. The city council really should do something about this situation. I would propose that they correct the erroneous sign to read "City of Roses" and uphold the tradition. In fact they really should take it on as a matter community spirit. Greg Bard (talk) 06:29, 1 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Or maybe actually plant some roses, or just rename Chico the City of Trees. Seriously there could be a column in the paper that reads "Chico City council changes Chico's nickname to City of Trees", and 88% of everybody who sees that would be like "wut? we're not alrdy the City of Trees?".AerobicFox (talk) 06:43, 1 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Sacramento is also called the City of Trees. Mason092 (talk) 19:17, 30 December 2011 (UTC)
 * "City of Trees" is sometimes emblazoned on city vehicles, typically under the city's (unofficial? official?) logo of a green tree silhouette. As of 2012, Chicoans still refer to the city thus--and it appears to be at least semi-official (however unoriginal).  This designation probably originates from the city's famed greenway called, "Esplanade" (A.K.A. "Old Highway 99" or "Business 99").  Dmutters (talk) 02:46, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Added NCIS: LA reference to Television section
The entry: "In NCIS: Los Angeles season 1, episode 9 ("Accidentally on Purpose"), the serial killer called, "The Phantom" claims to have killed his first victim in Chico, CA." Since this is my first attempt at making a change without asking first, please inform me if I've done something wrong. The information is verifiable by watching the episode in question, but I could not immediately find a written reference to cite (and I gather it's inappropriate to find an illegal/free streaming site that has this video). The reference occurs at about 37:00 in the episode. Dmutters (talk) 04:39, 28 June 2012 (UTC)
 * Crap...didn't notice that this was a "what's available" section, not a "mentioned in" section. Removed.  Sorry. Dmutters (talk) 12:36, 28 June 2012 (UTC)

Stupid Laws in Chico
The local law about owning/using nuclear devices in Chico has already been mentioned (if not fully so), but Chico, CA is an absolute WEALTH of stupid laws--some of which have made appearances across the 'net and in various novelty books. I'm wondering if we should start including them here, and consolidate the nuclear law with them? Examples:

Driving a herd of cattle down a street is against the law (see below): It shall be unlawful to drive, herd, or cause to be driven or herded upon any public street, alley, sidewalk or public place of the city any cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep or goats.

Bowling on the sidewalk is illegal (see below; also probably other references in law for this one): It shall be unlawful for any person in the city, to play baseball or any other game upon any street, sidewalk, lane or alley.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, store, or have in his possession, any green hide or any hide giving off an offensive odor.

It's illegal to plant a garden in the street--without a permit from the City Council (see below): It shall be unlawful for any person to plow any portion of an open public street, avenue or alley in the city, except for the purpose of grading the same under authority duly had and obtained from the city council, and no person shall cultivate, sow or plant therein, any vegetable or truck garden.

One must obtain a permit from the city to throw hay in a cesspool (see below): It shall be unlawful for any person in the city, to throw into or deposit upon any public street, highway or grounds or any private premises, any garbage or filth; also to empty or throw or deposit in any cesspool or manhole or flushing hole of any sewer within the city, any glass, broken wares, hay, straw, dirt, rubbish, garbage, waste matter, filth, butcher’s offal, or branches of trees; or to contract or obstruct the channel of any creek in the city, except by permit of the city council.

Watching a city council meeting around here is much like an episode of MST3K--but without the commentators. They're currently thinking of zoning a man-made creek as a wildlife preserve; they're also discussing making Chico a tourist town--10 years after they ran all the Halloween tourists off with attack dogs, submachine gun-wielding police, and LOTS of scary TV ads! Truly entertaining! :-D

Thoughts? Dmutters (talk) 02:42, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Chico Wiki
I just found this--which could prove a valuable source.

http://chicowiki.org/ Dmutters (talk) 08:18, 5 December 2012 (UTC)


 * Another wiki is not a reliable source for Wikipedia. But it is nice to see some local attention to Chico area topics. The Chico Wiki could use some new contributors too. I invite your correspondence on these and any other matters. I lived in Chico for many years, and I am a long time contributor to both Wikipedia, and the Chico Wiki. Greg Bard (talk) 09:02, 5 December 2012 (UTC)


 * Thanks for the input. I'm not too familiar with Wikipedia's customs.  If I can find the energy, I'll look into contributing to the other wiki.  :-)  Dmutters (talk) 09:52, 15 December 2012 (UTC)

Top Employers?
The top 10 employers list Aero Union, which went out of business in 2011. Also, the Welfare Department in Chico has 300 employees (which makes them the 7th largest employer) from what I've been told and it's not listed. 50.202.81.2 (talk) 18:40, 5 September 2014 (UTC)
 * Sources? - Sum mer PhD  (talk) 19:28, 21 November 2014 (UTC)

External links modified
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50 year drought???
Why does the article not mention the massive 50 year drought ravaging Chico? And why was this discussion deleted? Who is trying to hide this?

Also, why is the airport closed? But crappy Redding's airport is going strong? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 119.92.93.84 (talk) 18:35, 26 December 2015 (UTC)

Chico is a City-State?
It says in the article that Chico i essentially it's own country and not part of the USA nor California. How is this possible?119.92.93.84 (talk) 13:28, 29 December 2015 (UTC)

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Little?
Doesn't "chico" mean "little boy" and not just "little"? I'm not a native Spanish speaker so there is likely some nuance here... — Preceding unsigned comment added by Kleinmatic (talk • contribs) 20:53, 5 November 2021 (UTC)
 * Just checked my own impression with a native speaker and no. "Chico" is just the masculine-inflected adjective meaning "small" or "little". "Little boy" would be "niño". The Crab Who Played With The Sea (talk) 22:22, 5 November 2021 (UTC)

Failed Verification: burning of Chico's Chinatown
"Chico was home to a significant Chinese American community when it was first incorporated, but arsonists burned Chico's Chinatown in February 1886, driving Chinese Americans out of town."

The reference given explores many towns that forced out minority populations in the 1800s, but Chico itself does not appear to be mentioned. A better source for this is needed. Test Subject 51 (talk) 19:09, 29 March 2022 (UTC)
 * The reference URL seems to be dead, but the Wayback Machine sent me to https://justice.tougaloo.edu/sundowntown/chico-ca/, and the Comments section mentions an 1886 arson fire for its Chinatown. No idea how reliable it is, though. The Crab Who Played With The Sea (talk) 01:56, 30 March 2022 (UTC)

I managed to obtain a copy of the 2018 edition of the book. Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism. ISBN 978-1-62097-434-6 Chester is briefly mentioned on page 76, and how Eureka also drove out some minority populations. But this is the closest information I can find supporting what the article says. This book does not mention Chico at all, let alone how the Chinatown was burned. Information on the "Chico Chinatown" is very sparse and I'm having trouble finding any information as to how large, when, where, or whether the Chinatown existed in Chico at all. If anyone can find a better reference, or provide a page number in case I missed something, I would love to see it. But as it stands now, this book simply does not support the claim, and random user comments on another site aren't reliable sources. Unless someone can find real evidence and a reliable source that this took place, than it's little more than a legend and I think it should be removed. Test Subject 51 (talk) 20:53, 4 April 2022 (UTC)


 * Yes! Here's a good ol' ancient newspaper article on it all! I contributed correction to the automatically generated transcription shown on the left, but I likely missed some stuff so there might be some weird typos by the text-recognition. The original scanned copy of the article is available.
 * One other source freely available on Google Books I know if is a biography by Sim Moaks, The last of the Mill Creeks, and early life in northern California. However, that doesn't go very in depth into the arson, I don't believe.
 * However, two books by Michele Shover would be better resources if you manage to get your hands on one or both: Chico Women: Nemesis of a Rural Town's Anti-Chinese Campaigns, 1876-1888 and Chico's Lemm Ranch Murders and The Anti-Chinese Campaign of 1877
 * ShortTimeNoSee —  Message  ⸻ 10:15, 20 June 2022 (UTC)

Hi Jordan 2600:1700:77E0:43F0:912:4F18:6165:BCBB (talk) 22:52, 19 January 2024 (UTC)