Issue: November 08, 2012
Good morning, readers:
It's been a heckuva week, but somehow we've all managed to pull through the elections drama. But before we get to all of that ...
Our cover story this week by News Editor Tom Gascoyne explores the questions of some Chico State faculty and staff members who believe the asbestos in Butte Hall may be linked to the deaths of several people who worked there. Those concerns come in the wake of the recent lung-cancer-related deaths of two fairly young employees, both of whom had offices in a similar area within the building. In fact, according to Gascoyne's reporting, at least five people who worked on the top floors of Chico State's Butte Hall have died of cancer-related illnesses in the past seven years.
In Newslines this week, Gascoyne compiles the results from the Nov. 6 election, many of the local races as well as some of the state elections and propositions. One of the interesting races to follow is for Chico City Council--two of the candidates are only eight votes apart and the late mail-in ballots and provisionals could shake up the early results. In other news, Vic Cantu talks to a medi-pot dispensary owner Butte County DA Mike Ramsey has filed charges against in relation to the big raid more than two years ago. Editor Robert Speer headed to the regular City Council meeting on election night, and watched the council majority adopt its Climate Action Plan. Additionally, Jaime O'Neill attended the lecture of Nobel Laureate and human-rights activist Shirin Ebadi, who spoke earlier this week at Laxson Auditorium.
In Greenways, take a look into Chico's trend of shops focusing on vintage threads and "upcycled" high-fashion. In Healthlines, a Chico man and author of Why I Slept with My Therapist talks about coming to terms with being gay, following an attempt at so-called conversion therapy.
In the Arts and Culture section, Christine LaPado-Breglia previews world-music singer and humanitarian Angélique Kidjo's upcoming performance at Laxson. Willow Sharkey takes a look at the joint exhibit of Chico artists Alan Corkery Hahn and Belinda Hanson at 1078 Gallery. And Juan-Carlos Selznick gives us his take on Flight, Denzel Washington's latest big-screen performance about a heroic but troubled pilot.
Happy reading!
-Melissa Daugherty, managing editor
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Coincidence or consequence?
Recent deaths of Chico State employees generate concerns—and denials.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Emissary of the Iranian people
Speaking her mind has cost Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi dearly, but she refuses to be silent.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Pot-bust flashback
District Attorney Mike Ramsey finally files charges in 2010 medical-marijuana raid.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Doing the math
Uncounted ballots keep some local elections uncertain.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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CAP and no trade
Council majority can’t wait to approve Climate Action Plan.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Bookstore staying put
Landmark Main Street business isn’t going anywhere, despite coming change in ownership.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Note to thieves: scooters are slow
Chico PD officer nabs alleged scooter thief who attempted to flee.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Not a boycott?
Willows newsman protests police chief urging citizens to halt their support of the paper.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Fox News regulars campaign for Republicans
How can Fox News proclaim it’s “fair and balanced” when more than 30 of its hosts and contributors actively campaigned for Republican candidates?
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Upcycled couture
Chicoans are increasingly embracing the high-fashion, eco-friendly appeal of “upcycled” couture.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Lame levees near Chico, Gerber
Army Corps identifies faulty levees in Butte County.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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U.S. waters deemed dirty
EPA database details the depressing state of the nation’s waterways.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Wildlife abuse on Facebook?
U.S. wildlife specialist accused of animal cruelty.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Don’t give up the (anti-GMO) fight!
Continue to boycott all of those corporations that funneled millions of dollars to defeat Prop. 37, asking for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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The election is over, folks
Recycle or, better yet, reuse those campaign signs that have been cluttering up your front yard.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Gay conversion, failed
Local author discusses state ban on gay-conversion therapy for children.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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An ounce of prevention…
The Mayo Clinic offers tips for gay men to protect themselves from unwanted sexually transmitted infections.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Day-care chemical contamination
Study finds high levels of formaldehyde in many day-care centers in California.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Sugar doesn’t make kids hyper
Consider the sugar-consumption myth busted.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Artistic nurse on the Ridge
Nurse at Feather River Hospital wins award for watercolor painting.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Spotlight on ‘dark money’
Who’s behind the $11 million contribution to defeat Proposition 30?
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Sandy’s telling lesson
When push comes to shove and the streets are flooding, everybody loves government.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Passing through the gate
Our life in community presents us with many opportunities to step through the gate of compassion.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Reclaiming the night
Talking with the coordinator of Take Back the Night.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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All sizes fit one
Different forms complement each other well at 1078’s two-artist exhibit.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Havoc and Bright Lights
Bright Lights but no Jagged lightening…
This article was published on 11.08.12
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The world’s diva
Benin’s Angelique Kidjo using music as ‘tool of peace'.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Toast of Chico
New Red Tavern owners stick with same recipe for success.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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Turbulence ahead
A compelling performance by Denzel Washington as a heroic but troubled pilot.
This article was published on 11.08.12
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