Crime is the real epidemic in Chico

As city leaders posture over coronavirus, the real epidemic in Chico is crime.

During the week of March

5, a fire was started in a trash bin inside the post office annex at the main branch on Vallombrosa. There are over 3,000 mail boxes in that annex. The mail that was in the boxes on the night of the fire is still being held indefinitely while the matter is being investigated. Box holders are expected to line up at the main desk during business hours to collect their mail. I got no response from the police chief or the fire chief when I asked if any suspect was charged.

Sometime overnight March 27 Shubert’s Ice Cream front door was taken off by a person caught on security camera wearing a mask and using bolt cutters. This criminal act was done right out on a public street in a well-lit area.

Whether or not Shubert’s was a political target, criminals have become more brazen as the coronavirus shutdown continues, while the talking heads downtown discuss “suspending the rules.” I agree with President Trump — this country needs to pull its collective head out of it’s collective ostrich hole and

“get back to normal.” As long as transients are allowed to congregate for feedings at Downtown Plaza or free syringes at Humboldt Park, I think it’s safe to get out and have an ice cream with your friends, and talk about the upcoming election.

— Juanita Sumner, Chico