Straight from the Source with Hayley Watts

Action News Now's new Digital Content Manager has an alter ego: Doc Heywood, pro-wrestling personality! He stepped in as a last-minute special guest today and I think you'll find his back story and world adventure both fascinating and inspiring. His is a story of starting over, keeping life fun and not giving up on yourself.

This local business owner, landlord, Chico State instructor and PBID Treasurer really wants his community to succeed. We talk about the benefit of hard work and putting passion into everything you do. He shares insight into how you work your way up in the world to achieve greatness! Plus, hear his take on downtown parking, DCBA controversies and why some businesses have shut down recently.

This Butte County local is the influencer behind black_bear_pursuit, a social media account featuring a network of hundreds of trail cams across Northern California, dedicated to tracking wildlife. We talk about hunting as conservation, and how the state and federal government is handling the presence of predators, specifically gray wolves spreading in our state.

This district 6 Chico City Council candidate says she's been serving on committees, and is now ready to give back to the whole city. We talk about Measure H spending, the end of the Warren Settlement and bringing annual town halls to her district.

Chico's new city manager talks about what it means to be "the implementer". We talk about her career trajectory, her background in planning, and even what it's like to be a mom in a time of rampant online bullying and AI.   

This town council candidate says he loves the fact that in Paradise, everybody knows your name. A former insurance adjuster, Andy Waldrop says he has the time and the experience to rebuild in a way that keeps Paradise true to its values and history.

This incumbent CARD board member wants to keep his seat. We talk about his history as a trustee, CARD's takeover of city parks, big projects like the aquatic center, and his history as a Major League Baseball player!

The current Paradise town councilmember is running for reelection because he says there is still much to be done. We talk about the sewer, police and fire, building permits, and his history in the U.S. Air Force.

McCall used to work in Butte College administration, but now she wants to serve on the board of trustees for area 5. We talk about her love of Career Technical Education, and expanding the college to the south side of the county.

The current Corning city councilmember wants to be your mayor! We hear his plans for bringing in more businesses, and talk about some of his favorite places to shop and dine. This father of 4 says it was a need for more youth activities that got him started in public service. But he's encouraging everyone in the community to be more involved in local politics.

The current Paradise mayor is running for reelection because he says there is still a lot of work ahead. We talk experience, new businesses and efforts to bring a sewer to the ridge.

This local business owner and trainer says she's passionate about using her time to serve her community. We discuss the Redding Civic, license plate readers, department head vacancies and more commercial flights.

The new Butte County public works director is also a Navy veteran and family man. He patiently lets me pick his brain about the latest news from the landfill, extensive flood control projects and infrastructure work... and getting the grant money to pay for a lot of it!

This father of 5 has a background in agriculture, and says he'll bring something unique to the Chico Unified School Board if elected to area 5. We talk about AI, cell phones and his take on state policies that keep parents out of certain conversations on campus.

This first-generation olive farmer says he can make things happen in Sacramento, even with a conservative minority in the State Assembly. He's running to be the representative for district 3. We talk about insurance, the cost of energy and what makes him stand out from his opponent.  

The long-time public servant is running to keep his seat on the Paradise Park District Board of Directors. We talk about living in the wildland-urban interface, and how the Camp Fire has changed the landscape of ridge recreation.

This current Oroville city councilmember is running for Mayor on November 3rd. He opens up about his troubled past, and how overcoming those challenges led him into a life motivated by serving his community.

This Chico native made it big in Hollywood, scoring roles alongside Robin Williams, Michael J. Fox and Lucille Ball. We talk about what helped him through tough auditions, his favorite roles, using his career to get to see the world, and his advice to aspiring actors.

This Redding City Council candidate has a plan to keep utilities affordable into Redding's future.  The former restaurant general manager and school principal secretary says she welcomes community input. We also talk about her plan to keep Redding's public servants in place. 

This Paradise Town Council candidate says healthcare, school support and business survival are her top goals. She moved to the ridge post-Camp Fire, and wants to work to meet the needs of everyone in the growing community.

The current state senator opens up about his passion for mental health services and disaster recovery aid. He stopped by our studio after visiting people in Magalia, and shared why he feels he's the right person to fight for rural Northern California's needs in Congress.

President & CEO of Enloe Health Mike Wiltermood is a down to earth guy! The Northern California native loves living in Butte County, and says he's working hard to bring on more care providers who feel the same. We talk about everything from home hospice care, to expanding cardiology service, what comes next regarding Oroville Hospital, favorite junk foods... and even supernatural sightings...

This Chico District 4 councilmember is running for reelection in November, and there's a lot in progress he'd like to get across the finish line. We talk about his plan to test out a downtown streets overhaul before making a permanent commitment.  We also discuss Measure H spending, train tracks, dog leash rules and city-funded leaf collection.  

This Paradise Recreation and Park District Board candidate is a former swim coach and long-time local by way of Santa Cruz. He lays out his three-part plan for accountability and consistency when it comes to future programs and projects within the district. We also talk about cold plunging and his famous name.

The President of Butte College says our area is full of undiscovered or undeveloped talent, and believes her school is the perfect place for everyone to find their place and hone their skills. We talk about taking college courses while in high school, while in retirement, or even from behind bars!