Butte County, CA · Daily edition
7 stories from Butte County, in about three minutes.
Public Safety · Butte County
A wildfire named the Vilas Fire was first discovered at 5:29 p.m. on October 27 in Butte County, California. The fire is burning on private land. Containment status and the cause of the fire have not been determined, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Community News · Biggs, CA
The Biggs City Council approved a final contract with Vision Metering Solutions LLC on Oct. 13 for $841,606 to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across the city's electric and water systems. The project covers approximately 771 electric meters and 735 water meters, with remote-read capability expected to reduce labor costs and eliminate after-hours service dispatches. A pilot program will test communication reliability at the city's northern, southern, eastern and western limits before full installation begins, with substantial completion targeted by Jan. 15, 2027. Funding comes from the city's electric and water enterprise funds through the 2026-27 and 2027-28 capital budgets, requiring no General Fund appropriation.
Local Politics
Election officials in multiple California counties reviewed federal lists of alleged noncitizen voters and found them inaccurate, illegible, or incomplete. Butte County Clerk-Recorder Keaton Denlay said 32 of 47 names on the list were not on active voter rolls, while San Benito County Registrar Francisco Diaz reported some listed individuals weren't registered to vote. Orange County received a letter naming 1,754 alleged noncitizens but was initially addressed to the wrong office. A federal judge appeared skeptical of the administration's legal arguments in court Tuesday, and state officials have refused to segregate ballots based on the lists.
Public Safety · Biggs, CA
The Biggs City Council approved updated wildfire prevention measures Oct. 13, adopting a 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan and Vegetation Management Plan aimed at reducing fire risks from the city's electrical system. City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the updates were required under state law for Biggs' publicly owned electrical utility, though the city is outside designated high-fire-threat districts. The plans establish vegetation clearance requirements around electrical equipment, training and annual reporting standards, and coordination with CAL FIRE and the Butte County Fire Safe Council. An independent auditor will review the programs as required by state law.
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Subscribe freeHousing & Development · Gridley, CA
At its Oct. 19 meeting, the Gridley City Council discussed potentially purchasing two deteriorating properties on Virginia Street—110 Virginia St., a former grain dryer in receivership since late 2024, and 390 Virginia St., a brick warehouse that entered receivership in 2026. City Attorney Landon Little confirmed acquisition is legally possible but cautioned about taxpayer liability for cleanup costs and environmental contamination. Councilmember Catalina Sanchez suggested exploring state grants through the Department of Toxic Substances Control and raised the possibility of future parks, recreation or commercial uses. The council took no formal action; further consideration requires examination of funding, environmental liabilities and community priorities.
Local Politics · Biggs, CA
At the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, Biggs City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier outlined progress on infrastructure projects, utility improvements and financial planning for the city. Key updates include a proposed reduction of sewer customer classifications from 14-18 to four with an average 7% rate adjustment, approval of advanced utility meters, replacement of aging substation batteries, and sidewalk improvements along Fifth Street. Gauthier also discussed preliminary plans for a solar energy project on city-owned land near the wastewater treatment facility and a possible electrical connection with neighboring Gridley. The council adopted its first formal cash-handling policy in September, and Gauthier is reviewing purchasing procedures, municipal fees and the city's aging utility billing software.
Community brief · Gridley, CA
Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus St. Mary's Council No. 12527 will hold their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Gridley Moose Lodge, 1533 Highway 99. The fundraiser aims to raise at least $5,000 for electrical, plumbing, and window repairs to the parish rectory, which has not seen significant updates since the 1940s. Activities include a prime rib dinner prepared by Javier Solis,…
