City offers sand

As the community prepares for a wet winter, predicted as part of the strong El Niño hitting the West Coast in January, the city of Chico is helping residents shore up their homes by offering free sand.

Residents who bring their own bags can fill them with sand located at the city's parking lot at 901 Fir St., just south of Highway 32, according a press release. The city is also asking for the public's help in preventing localized flooding by removing piles of leaves and other debris from curbs and storm drains.

For more information on how to prepare for this winter's rains, call the Public Works Department at 894-4200 or email rightofwaymaintenance@chicoca.gov.