Don’t abandon downtown

The news over the weekend that a man was murdered in downtown Chico is truly disturbing. We don’t know much about Randall Sexton, who was beaten and stabbed to death outside of the 7-Eleven in the wee hours of Sunday morning. We know he was homeless. So too were his alleged assailants, who now sit in Butte County Jail. We also know that Sexton was murdered just steps from Chico State and during a bustling evening with heavy police presence in the region (see staff writer Ken Smith’s story on page 10).

What does this say about the safety of downtown? While it’s early in the investigation, this attack appears to be an isolated incident. Still, we fear that it will only fan the flames of those who say they are fearful to come to the area.

In recent weeks, we’ve noticed local social media teeming with anti-downtown postings, especially in the form of photos of members of the local transient and homeless community hanging out in front of City Hall and at the City Plaza. These people have every right to be in public spaces and they should not be condemned. What they don’t have a right to do is to break laws, such as drinking alcohol and doing drugs in public, and allowing their dogs to roam off-leash.

It’s up to the Chico Police Department to enforce these laws. But it’s also up to the community to ensure that downtown isn’t overtaken by certain unsavory types. And by avoiding the region, residents are essentially admitting defeat.

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant downtown requires the community’s presence. Consider for a moment the Thursday Night Market. It’s the busiest event in the downtown, and it’s one enjoyed by a huge cross-section of the community, from college students to families. It’s a night when everyone enjoys the plaza and the streets where the vendors set up booths. And it’s safe.

Now’s the time to come to the area and show your support during the rest of the week.