Local agency faces scrutiny

The Community Action Agency (CAA) of Butte County is under scrutiny from the state after the founders of the Esplanade House, a transitional housing program in Chico for homeless adults with children, alleged wrongdoing by the board and CEO. The board severed ties with the founders late last year.

Brian Dougherty, deputy director for the Administrative Services division of the state Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) confirms in a letter that “CSD has opened an investigation into the Community Action Agency of Butte County for its alleged mismanagement of funds and noncompliance with Community Services Bloc Grant tripartite Board requirements.”

A “desk review” performed by Candace Wong, a field representative for CSD, in November 2017 and addressed to Tom Tenorio, CEO of CAA of Butte County, indicates that “your agency is not in compliance with the contractual requirements and applicable federal and state laws.” It additionally says that the issue has been ongoing, having been noted in the last three monitoring reports.