Straight from the Source with Hayley Watts

Former Chico Mayor Andrew Coolidge opens up about the homeless camp clearout lawsuit, losing his father in the Cascade Fire, the "ice rink controversy" and why he's now running for state assembly, district 3.

Our guest this week is the Editor-in-Chief of the Chico Enterprise-Record & Oroville Mercury-Register. Mike Wolcott talks about his long history in our area, from his childhood roots in Tehama County, to pursuing his big-city dreams of becoming a sports reporter. We talk about the role of journalism in democracy and how his team combats the "fake news" narrative.

Gaddie is a real-deal firefighter who the Action News Now team has gotten to know pretty well through his work as a public information office with Butte County Cal Fire. We talk about PFAs in firefighting gear, rescuing cats from trees, and why he stays in "business mode" to stay sane in this challenging profession.

This former California Farm Bureau President is also making a run for the state assembly, district 3. We talk about his background as a first-generation olive and citrus farmer, water management, GMOs and pesticides, and what he thinks about the reintroduction of wolves that started in Yellowstone, his favorite place to visit.

Tehama County's District 3 Supervisor is at the center of a criminal investigation after a recent Grand Jury report detailed concern about possible misconduct, alcohol use and secret recordings. She opens up about where she believes the claims against her stem from. Plus, we talk about her roots in the construction industry and her goals for her constituents.

Red Bluff's Police Chief Quintan Ortega worked his way up the ranks in the community he calls home. He's up against illegal drugs, mental health issues, homelessness and funding challenges, but seems to be brimming with compassion, humor and positivity. You just might find the man behind the badge to be truly inspiring.

Chico Unified School District's first-ever female superintendent has retired after 18 years. We talked about navigating the challenges of the COVID pandemic, complicated gender issues and how to serve a school lunch that's both healthy and edible.

The House of Representatives just approved President Trump's spending plan. We caught up with Northern California Congressman Doug Lamalfa right after the vote. He explains what it means for water storage in our area, Medicaid's future, public lands and rural hospitals.

In her first and only interview with local media, Sherri Papini talks about why pleading guilty to lying to a federal agent and to mail fraud doesn't mean she lied about everything. We asked her all the questions we've heard from community members over the years about her disappearance and why she's speaking out for the first time in almost a decade.

Redding City Councilmember Tenessa Audette brings up serious concerns regarding the city's finances. She argues that massive pay bumps have hurt public safety. She also opens up about raising teenagers, playing pickleball and CrossFit. We also discuss the influence of Bethel Church Redding on local politics.

This New Jersey born distance runner and outdoor enthusiast is on a mission to make Shasta County a safer place. He's been in office for just about 6 months, and has already met the governor and spent the night at a homeless shelter site. He lays out his goals for the community, including better roads and restored trust in elections.

The former Chico Unified School Board member and 3rd generation rice farmer shares his suspicions about who's really running the local school district. We hear his thoughts about how the the state handled the COVID-19 pandemic within public schools. He also shares some fascinating insights into what life is like in the Middle East, as well as California's water availability. Find the campa...

He's worked all over the country, but says Chico is his last stop (even though he says the president's mansion just might be haunted). Perez shares insight into new projects, including the vacant Whitney Hall. He talks about state money woes and how the latest moves from Washington are impacting the CSU. Plus, navigating the pandemic, students with mental health struggles and the ongoing h...

Mayor Crowder became a town leader just days before the Camp Fire. His life has since taken a totally different course as he's rallied for fire survivor tax relief in D.C. and helped the town rebuild. We hear from him on wildfire and wildlife safety, and hear what his favorite things about the *new* Paradise are.

Chief Steve Standridge has been pretty vocal lately about why he wants another fire station on Hicks Lane. But that's not all he's worried about. We discuss life on a firefighter's schedule and the tough toll it can take on sleep, marriage and even just eating a hot meal. Plus, hear why he's "terrified" going into another fire season with the Warren vs. Chico settlement d...

She's tough on crime, and admittedly wears the lawyer hat at times even with her own family. It's who she is! D.A. Bridgett shares insight into the PG&E Zogg Fire settlement, the mini mart murder case that didn't go as planned, and why she doesn't smoke pot for fun. Bridgett doesn't think Shasta County is "safer" since she took office, but she's not done yet.

District 3 Supervisor Tami Ritter explains why she got into politics, the challenges of being in the political minority, post-covid concerns, foster-parenting and what she loves to do when she's not trying to solve the community's problems.

Taylor Bunch, Executive Director of True North Housing Alliance dropped by to talk about opening the Howard Slater Navigation Center this Fall. She also shared about impacts of federal cuts, and challenged some community concern that expanding services might be a problem rather than a solution.

California's longest-serving district attorney talks about sports reporting, taking a college class taught by "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, and why he never wants to retire.

In this extended, two-part conversation, you'll get to know another side of the man who for years was the only liberal representative on the Chico City Council. He talks about his passion for solving the city's affordable housing problems, his love of music, and why doing odd jobs can literally be quite odd at times.

The city leader and pastor has a lot to say about his time living in Russia, navigating the Dam Spillway Crisis, pandemic challenges, faith and politics and a few eyebrow-raising grand jury reports.

Does he ever get tired of talking politics? Not really. On this week's episode, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher explains why he actually loves his job (which is more than most can say!) and what he has in the works to make life a little more affordable here in California.

Supervisor Rossman is fun and funny! She's spent her whole life as a beautician in Orland, and listening to her clients is what pushed her to take action steps to help solve their problems. We discuss her hopes to support seniors, veterans and volunteer firefighters... and maybe a few more fast food restaurants.

Supervisor & Chair Kevin Crye opens up about the many hats he wears. We talk about public safety and fentanyl, plus a little insight into what motivates him to keep showing up for his constituents, his community and his family.

In our first-ever episode, we hear from Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea about family, accidental celebrity, cartels in the foothills, robots in law enforcement and why he doesn't like having so many laws.