Butte

$12.4 Million Ruling Shakes Up Ski Resort Liability as Court Holds Crested Butte Accountable for Chairlift Injury

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Annie Miller, a 16-year-old from Oklahoma, was left paralyzed after a tragic accident on the Paradise Express chairlift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in March 2022. A recent ruling awarded her $12.4 million after a jury found that safety standards were violated during the incident, marking a significant milestone in liability disputes surrounding ski resorts. Miller was skiing with her church group when she fell approximately 30 feet from the chairlift. Her family contended that the lift operators acted negligently; they failed to halt the chairlift when Miller was unable to load properly. Despite her … Read more

Butte County Report Sheds Light on Chico’s Escalating Homelessness Dilemma

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Chico, California is grappling with a deepening homelessness crisis, according to a recent report by the Butte County Grand Jury. The findings have illuminated significant challenges within the city, extending beyond mere numbers to touch on systemic issues requiring critical attention and immediate action. According to the report, Chico lacks a comprehensive strategy to manage its homelessness problem effectively. The jury noted a pressing need for enhanced coordination amongst city officials, non-profits, and law enforcement to create a cohesive plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions. The grand jury’s investigation highlighted that while … Read more

Butte County Grand Jury Identifies Key Challenges and Solutions in Tackling Homelessness Crisis

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Chico, CA – A recent grand jury report from Butte County has cast the local homelessness crisis in a new light, urging leaders to unite in addressing the complex issues fueling the surge in the number of people living on the streets. The findings underscore a critical need for a coordinated approach to provide not just housing but also supportive services tailored to the needs of the homeless population. The report points out that while there have been individual efforts by various agencies and organizations to assist those without shelter, the response to the crisis … Read more

Remembering Retired Butte County Superior Court Judge Ann Rutherford: A Trailblazer in the California Judiciary

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BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Ann H. Rutherford, a groundbreaking figure in the California judiciary and a highly regarded member of the legal community in Butte County, has passed away, according to the county’s superior court. Retiring from the Butte County Superior Court in 2001, Rutherford continued to serve through the Judicial Council of California’s Assigned Judges Program until her full retirement in August 2017. Rutherford’s legacy as the first female judge in the Butte County Superior Court began in 1976 when she was appointed to the Chico Municipal Court by Governor Jerry Brown. Her election … Read more