Logo courtesy of Dom Belza for Assembly

CHICO, CA (MPG) – Proposition 36 Co-Chair and Assembly candidate Dom Belza (R-Marysville) issued the following statement today in reaction to the City of Chico losing its latest legal battle over the city’s homeless crisis.

“I’ve traveled every corner of the 3rd Assembly District during the course of this campaign. By far, the City of Chico has the absolute worst homeless problem. It’s a total disaster,” said Belza. “Today’s ruling is yet another setback and proof that the city’s voluntary settlement agreement was a mistake."

A copy of the Order from Judge Drozd of the United States Eastern District Court denying the City of Chico’s motion for relief can be found here.

Rob Berry, founder of Chico First and key figure in flipping control of the Chico City Council in 2020, has been critical of the homeless settlement agreement since it was hastily signed in 2022.

“Under Andrew Coolidge’s leadership as Mayor, the city council made a reckless decision that has resulted in Chico once again becoming the homeless capitol of the North State,” said Berry. “The homeless situation here is disgusting, unacceptable and was completely avoidable. Voters in Chico will never forget the mess left behind by Andrew Coolidge.”

Click here to watch a stunning video of the homeless crisis posted by Berry on his walk to the City Council chambers last week.

In January of 2022, then Chico Mayor Andrew Coolidge celebrated the signing of the settlement agreement stating, “I’m very happy about reaching the end of this road for Chico and what it means for our community. I believe it’s a fair compromise on the issue between something that’s compassionate but something that also restores our parks and waterways.”

The homeless settlement agreement is expected to expire in January of 2027.