César Chávez Day: an excuse to party

The Chico Police Department and the rest of the community expected this year’s sunny César Chávez holiday to be busy, and young partiers delivered.

Chico police made 50 arrests between noon on Thursday (March 31) and 6 a.m. the next morning (last year, 43 were arrested). About half were for drunk in public, while the others ranged from warrants and parole violations to DUI and fighting, according to CPD.

Fifteen of those arrested were identified as students from Chico State, where campus was closed for the state holiday recognizing the late Mexican-American farmworker and labor-rights activist. Half of the individuals arrested were identified as non-students, and the remainder were students from Butte College or other schools.

Activity peaked in the early afternoon in the downtown blocks surrounding Fifth and Ivy streets, and a few alcohol overdoses were reported throughout the day. However, no felony violent crimes were reported, said Sgt. Rob Merrifield.