Downstroke

C’mon, algebra, this is no place for you: Not all schools took it seriously when a new law was passed requiring all high-school students to pass Algebra I or forgo diplomas. Now, some students in the Chico Unified School District are at risk of just such a mathematical malady if the district can’t secure a waiver for this year’s graduating seniors.

The students in question are currently enrolled in Algebra I, but that doesn’t mean they’ll pass. The state Department of Education has the ability to waive the requirement this year only, and the CUSD, along with the Butte County Office of Education, is confident securing the free pass is only a formality.

The matter will be the subject of a public hearing on March 17.

Plug pulled at Enloe: Chico Pharmacy filed a complaint against Enloe Medical Center Feb. 13, charging “negligence resulting in property damage” that exceeds $25,000, according to court documents. Its beef: Last year Enloe renovated the Cohasset Road building it owns that houses Chico Pharmacy. After moving in two refrigerators containing “highly perishable pharmaceuticals,” someone noticed that the electrical outlets were not operating, the court file says. As a result, the pharmacy used an extension cord to hook the refrigerators to another outlet and informed Enloe of the situation on a Friday.

By Monday morning, however, the extension cord was unplugged for “a period of time sufficient to completely defrost the freezer compartments … which resulted in the spoilage of the pharmaceuticals contained therein,” according to the documents.

Chico Pharmacy is now suing for “compensatory damages” and seeking “monetary remedies,” the file says. Ann Prater, Enloe’s director of public relations, called the suit a “non-story,” noting the incident happened more than a year ago and, since neither side’s insurance company wants to take responsibility, they’re letting the courts decide.

Chico Pharmacy’s attorney, Clayton Anderson, said it was too early in the case to say anything. Janet Albumin, owner of Chico Pharmacy and Paradise Drug, said simply, “[We’re] hoping Enloe will take care of it.” The next court date on the case is set for June 18.

Star power: The city of Chico may soon be soaking up the rays of summertime and translating them into power, maybe even profit, as it is looking to install electricity-generating solar panels on several city buildings. Nothing’s been put to a vote yet, but city engineers think it’s feasible to put panels at City Hall, the River Road water treatment plant, the airport and other city-owned buildings. The county decided in November to go solar, voting in a $4.2 million project that would power the entire county complex and then some. Workers will begin installing those panels soon, as the county hopes to get some use out of them this summer.