Community News · Gridley, CA
Butte County officials have scheduled community design sessions for the aging Gridley swimming pool at Butte Hall, 199 E. Hazel St., on Monday, Nov. 16 (noon–1 p.m. and 5–6 p.m.), Thursday, Nov. 19 (10–11 a.m. and 6–7 p.m.), and Saturday, Nov. 21 (10–11 a.m.). The sessions gather resident input as the county prepares an application for up to $8.5 million through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. The pool, which has served Gridley residents for approximately 70 years, faces structural problems, persistent leaks, and excessive maintenance costs. Without additional funding, the county may consider permanently closing and demolishing the facility. Applications are due Dec. 17.
Housing & Development · Gridley, CA
The Gridley City Council adopted two ordinances on Oct. 19 revising zoning regulations to comply with California housing laws under the city's 2022-2030 Housing Element. The broader ordinance amends 13 existing zoning chapters and adds six new ones covering 10 housing programs, including emergency shelters in designated commercial areas, supportive housing, accessory dwelling units, employee housing, residential care facilities, and density bonuses. A separate action removed a three-foot side-yard setback requirement per story for residential buildings that had complicated two-story construction on smaller lots. Principal Planner Christopher Smith reported that several state compliance deadlines had already passed, with noncompliance risking loss of housing and infrastructure grants and legal exposure. Both ordinances received unanimous council approval and take effect Nov. 18.
Local Politics · Biggs, CA
The Biggs City Council approved changes on Oct. 27 eliminating the city's code enforcement job classification and creating a new Administrative Services Specialist position with an annual salary range of $62,712 to $72,800. City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the city previously combined code enforcement and planning assistant duties into one role but that arrangement did not provide adequate service, adding, "As of right now, we really don't have code enforcement at all." Gauthier plans to solicit proposals from outside code enforcement providers in early November rather than fill a dedicated municipal position. The reclassification is effective Nov. 1 and can be accommodated within the city's existing budget.
Transportation · Gridley, CA
The Gridley City Council authorized seeking engineering consultants on Oct. 19 to develop designs for two pedestrian safety projects funded by $508,000 in federal grants. The $420,000 project will study traffic conditions and evaluate intersection modifications along Fairview Drive near East Gridley Road, where students cross en route to Gridley High School; potential changes include new sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, and a possible small roundabout. A separate $88,000 grant funds plans for a sidewalk along the south side of Cherry Street connecting Haskell Street with Highway 99. The council also approved transferring approximately 242 square feet of Cherry Street right-of-way to Caltrans for improvements at the nearby Highway 99 intersection near the Moose Lodge. City Engineer Dave Harden said the grants cover engineering and planning only, with design work expected in early 2027 and additional funding needed before construction.
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Public Safety · Butte County
A wildfire named the Dunstone Fire was discovered at 6:46 a.m. on November 3, 2026, burning on private land in Butte County, California. As of publication, no containment information was available and the cause remained undetermined, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Local Politics · Butte County
The Butte County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved five-year contracts on Oct. 27 for maintenance and repair of more than 200 Sheriff's Office vehicles, authorizing up to $3.7 million in spending limits across five businesses in Oroville, Chico and Gridley. Oro Dam Auto Center received the largest contract at a $1.3 million cap; Oroville Ford, Wittmeier Inc., Ed Wittmeier Ford and Gridley Country Ford each received contracts capped at $600,000. Work includes oil changes, tire rotations, fluid checks, multipoint inspections and inspection of emergency lighting and siren equipment, with scheduled servicing every 5,000 miles or at manufacturer-recommended intervals. Undersheriff Matthew Calkins said multiple vendors are needed due to the variety of vehicle makes and models in the fleet.
Community brief · Gridley, CA
The Gridley-Biggs Military Veterans Court of Honor Committee will hold its annual Veterans Day Musical Tribute on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Gridley Veterans Memorial Hall, 249 Sycamore St., Gridley. The Oroville Community Band will perform musical selections honoring local military veterans and their service. The event is organized in association with the Gridley Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post 210. Admission is free…
Community brief · Gridley, CA
The Gridley Museum will host its annual "We've Got Your Back" fundraiser play on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Gridley Moose Lodge (1533 Highway 99). The event honors local veterans through songs and skits inspired by USO performances and 1970s pop culture, with sound bites from veteran interviews played as voiceovers. Proceeds support the museum's "In Their Own Words" project, which records audiovisual stories from local veterans for a public…
