Downstroke

Chico schools prepare for attack: Although the Chico Unified School District was not one of the districts notified by federal law enforcement officials about possible terrorist threats, Board of Trustees President Steve O’Bryan and Assistant Superintendent Kelly Staley met to make additions to the Safe School Plan regarding increased terror concerns.

The Associated Press reported that school districts in six states were notified by federal law enforcement authorities last month about a computer disc found in Iraq containing photos, floor plans and other information about their schools.

“Times have changed,” Staley said. “And we need to increase our awareness, if needed.”

According to a CUSD press release, principals and teachers have been advised to be aware of suspicious requests for building plans or emergency procedures, strangers on or around campus and surveillance of the campus. CUSD has also contacted the Chico Police Department to encourage officers to look for suspicious behavior.

Meth rampage at the trailer park: High on meth and naked as a jaybird, Gerald Ray Watson, 32, was arrested after beating on a car and yelling at residents at the Meadows Mobile Home Park. Watson was cuffed after a struggle, and he then became even more aggressive. Butte County sheriff’s deputies zapped Watson three times with a Taser (see above) to try to subdue his drug-induced rage, and when he still struggled he was zapped four more times before being taken to the hospital for treatment.

Don’t smoke in bed: When smoke and flames shot out of apartment six at the College Park Apartments, 626 West First Ave., on Tuesday, fire engines, trucks and emergency personnel quickly made their way to the scene. Firefighters entered the apartment through an open door and found a deceased male in the rear bedroom. The Butte County coroner identified the victim as Michael Gordon Smith, 51. The fire was believed to have been started by the victim smoking in bed.