Jerry Olenyn
KRCR News Channel 7
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Past articles by Jerry:
Trader Joe's gives extra pay as "Thank You" for working through COVID pandemic
Trader Joe's is temporarily doubling its pandemic pay for hourly employees to an extra $4 per hour. The company said it's been paying crew members or employees $2 more per hour since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but was boosting it an additional $2 temporarily as a way of saying "Thank You" to its staff. Employees at the Chico store were not allowed to speak to KRCR on camera. But… → Read More
Oh Baby! Chico mother gives birth to quadruplets
If you're looking for long odds look toward a Chico neighborhood where Autumn Avalos, 26, gave birth to quadruplets. Only one in every 700,000 pregnancies result in quadruplets. "It was very exciting but (there was) also nervousness and a little bit fearful," said Autumn, whose husband Nick was sitting next to her on the living room couch. → Read More
Elderly couple escapes early morning house fire in Chico
An elderly couple escaped unharmed after their house on Durango Way in Chico caught fire early Friday morning. The fire started shortly after 3 a. m. Neighbors told KRCR that the couple was alerted by their smoke alarm that something was wrong and called 911 and found refuge across the street at a friend's home. "My wife and I were both out here watching it and the flames were going up in the… → Read More
Declining enrollment leads Paradise schools to lay off 18 teachers and staff
Due to declining enrollment in the aftermath of the Camp Fire the Paradise Unified School District Board of trustees voted unanimously to layoffs of 18 positions. "Our goal would be that we don't have to lay anybody off," said Superintendent Tom Taylor. "But we know we have to match our staffing with out student population. " "And that's the correct thing to do with the taxpayers' money," he… → Read More
Protesters gather at Chico's Bidwell Park to oppose evictions of homeless campers
A protest was held Tuesday morning at Chico's Bidwell Park as the city of Chico is expected to begin evicting homeless campers from the park. About 30 protesters showed up at 7:30 a. m. including City Council Member Scott Huber. They oppose the city removing the campers without providing adequate shelter space where they can go. (KRCR photo from reporter Jerry Olenyn) In early 2020, the city… → Read More
First images of tornado damage in Tehama County
Tuesday property owners are sizing up the damage from a tornado that touched down in Tehama County Monday afternoon. Two tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service, but only one of them resulted in reports of property damage. The first tornado was reported around 1:30 p. m. Monday west of Corning. The twister knocked over a shed and downed trees along Apple Road in the Henleyville… → Read More
Multiple Chico Fire employees in isolation after six positive tests
Six Chico firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19 and another 21 are in self-quarantine, according to two sources within the City of Chico. KRCR confirmed the information after obtaining an email sent to city leaders about the cases. The Chico Fire Department has 60 full-time employees on staff meaning more than a third of that staff is currently sidelined by COVID-19. Orme said prior to… → Read More
Chico leaves picked up for next 2 months to prevent clogged drains and flooding
The City of Chico Public Works Department began its annual leaf collection program on Sunday. Homeowners and residents in Chico can rake their leaves in front of their street to be picked up crews through January 1. The leaf pickup program is designed to prevent flooding, reduce organic loading in creeks and keep the roadways and bike lanes clear. → Read More
Free metered parking in downtown Chico ends Tuesday morning
Beginning Tuesday, the City of Chico will reinstitute parking enforcement in metered spaces on city streets. Parking had been suspended with the Downtown Chico Parking Plan since March 25 to assist local businesses and their customers with curbside pickup and takeout purchases. → Read More
Virtually all of Chico State's classes are virtual as Fall semester begins
The Fall semester started at Chico State Monday with all but approximately 10 percent of its classes being taught online due to concerns of the spread of the coronavirus. Laboratory classes for biology, for example, are taught in-person. The campus wasn't entirely empty as many students were seen at the bookstore, picking up books they'd ordered online. The campus is also housing an estimated… → Read More
Building Boom in Paradise as permits applications surpass 1,300
Day-by-day, and nail-by-nail, structures are being rebuilt in the fire torn town of Paradise. According to the latest numbers from the Paradise Building Resilience Center, 1,308 building permit applications have been requested. Of those, 1,111 have been issued and 282 structures -- residential and business combined -- have been constructed. That's a long way from the estimated 14,000 structures… → Read More
Chico Hit-and-Run victim recovering, search for driver continues
It's been 12 days since Ben Maisonet, 24 of Chico, was hit by a vehicle and left for dead on a darkened Highway 99W in Willows. "He's recovering slowly but surely," said Savannah Ferguson, Ben's longtime girlfriend. Ferguson said he could have bled out if not for a Good Samaritan who stopped to help him. The driver of the vehicle didn't stop to provide assistance. "To not even pull over and… → Read More
Planet Fitness enters new orbit inside Chico Mall
Planet Fitness held its grand opening inside the Chico Mall on East 20th Street Thursday. The club is where the food court used to be next to Dick's Sporting Goods. There was a good turnout of new members who got special rates for signing up early. The idea of a gym inside a mall is a novel one, but it was well-received. "It was kind of weird at first because I like exclusivity and nobody… → Read More
Small town Biggs brings in Butte Co. Sheriff's Office to handle law enforcement
Beginning Wednesday, the Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is handling the law enforcement duties in Biggs. Previously, the city of approximately 2,000 people had contracted with nearby Gridley for its policing but prefers BCSO because it will have two full-time deputies on duty at all times. "I think the fact that it gives us a dedicated area deputy and resource officer... will enhance the… → Read More
Estimated 300 people celebrate Juneteenth at Chico City Plaza
An estimated 300 people turned out for the Juneteenth celebration at the City Plaza on Friday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. There was music, dancing, and speeches that entertained the crowd. The celebration, which was put on by Protest for Change, included the appearance of Representative Doug LaMalfa (R) 1st District, who called… → Read More
Street dining poised to begin next week to help downtown Chico restaurants
Dining on the streets is likely to begin in one week in downtown Chico. In an effort to help local restaurants survive the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus business shutdown the City would like to create three nights of street dining every week. The proposal is to close Broadway Street and part of Second and Third streets to allow local restaurants to serve customers outdoors in the… → Read More
Sycamore Pool officially reopens this weekend, lifeguards on duty
Sycamore Pool in Chico's Bidwell Park will officially reopen Saturday. The city confirmed that pools are part of the governor's Stage 3 reopening from the Covid-19 shutdown. Though they're not supposed to swimmers have been seen using the pool during the hot summer days. But beginning Saturday lifeguards will be on duty. Sycamore Pool, which is considered a Chico treasure, was emptied and… → Read More
Chico churches ready to worship in person after 10-week COVID-19 hiatus
Chico churches, synagogues, and mosques can return to in-person worship beginning this weekend. It will be the first time their church doors have been open in 10 weeks because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations that limited large gatherings. The Reverend Donald Jordan of Redeemer Lutheran Church said his house of worship will be operating within the guidelines. "The church leadership has… → Read More
Butte County bookworms can get reading through curbside service
Butte County libraries began offering curbside services at most library branch locations beginning Monday. The libraries, not considered an essential service by the governor, have been closed for more than two months due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines. Library patrons can now reserve items like books and DVD's over the phone by calling (530) 552-5652, by email, or online through their… → Read More
Enloe begins moving services and patients back to its rehabilitation center
The Enloe Rehabilitation Center on East Avenue is welcoming back its 16 inpatients after it was used for a field medical station with 250 beds in the event the COVID-19 virus had a major local outbreak. Its outpatients will continue their therapy at the Chico Sports Club indefinitely. In addition, several screening tents near the Emergency Department entrance have been removed although screening… → Read More