A litmus test ahead for Chico

I join those who are cautiously optimistic about the old BMX track being rebooted as a sanctioned non-congregate shelter site sometime into 2022. In the meantime, Comanche Creek is where the city’s litmus test for success will first reveal itself by its behaviors long before next spring.

All those services that sat mostly idle at the airport for summer when the air temperature was often 100 , which measured at 151 on the tarmac — should be relocated to Comanche first as the sanctioned campground. It was the last large encampment when a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued last April by a federal judge at the 11th hour before the final scheduled police “sweep” stopped the enforcement of our city’s unconstitutional ordinances, and then became a Preliminary Injunction in June.

Now the fencing, the tent — including sides to add for heating, adequate trash bins (so volunteers can focus on other homeless needs) porta potties, handwashing stations, potable water and 24 hour security will set up shop — meeting the people where they are at: Comanche. Tests for success will be how well the city and service providers can demonstrate on this scale the potential for positive outcomes at the old BMX. Here’s wishing both pass the success test, since we did not pass the first rounds of the judges’ “straight face tests.” Let us begin with non violence and humanity as the focus — just in time for the fast approaching holy days, and oh yeah, the rains and cold weather.

— Mary Kay Benson, Chico