More spreading of phony controversy

Debra Lucero’s misinformation machine is operating at full speed with sights now set on the county’s redistricting process.

At the last meeting, three of the Supervisors made it clear they didn’t like any of the consultant’s new maps. This isn’t surprising considering that the out-of-town map drawer confused Bidwell Park with Bidwell Avenue and butchered the pronunciation of both Vallombrosa and the Esplanade.

There was a publicly submitted map that Supervisor Teeter thought had merit and it was discussed at length. But Lucero’s spin machine disapproves and is now spreading misinformation.

They claim it draws Lucero and Ritter into the same district. But a representative from the Butte County Democratic Party has reviewed the proposed map and said this accusation is false.

Yet, Lucero’s friends at

“Stand Up For Chico PAC” put up a paid Facebook ad promoting the false. Council member Alex Brown got in on the action telling people to “get mad.” Lucero

herself even shared an article spreading the same misinformation to stir up the phony controversy.

The spin machine also claims it is “illegal” or “unethical” to have three or four districts come into Chico. This is just nonsense. Current supervisor maps adopted 10 years ago have portions of Chico in four districts. Major population shifts post-Camp Fire are going to require the Paradise seat to dip into Chico.

Readers should be wary of the inevitable onslaught of more misinformation. You have to wonder, what are Supervisor Lucero’s real motives here?

— Jesica Montgomery, Chico