Issuu

off the record

Don’t Blink

Watch this weekly talk show about the latest headlines pertaining to Chico State students every Friday on theorion.com.

Check out Wildcat runner Kym Crosby and learn why she’ll be headed to Brazil in 2016. See Sports B1.

Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975

news all week at theorion.com

volume 71 Issue 4

FIRST COPY FREE

wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013

additional copies 50¢

USTRATION by The Orion ∤ ILL liz coffee

After a series of cuts and painful layoffs, Chico is trying to balance its budget and right itself again

He admits he did not realize the full extent of the city’s situation upon first arriving in Chico, and that there was more depth to the budget problems than he had anticipated. He cites the economic meltdown of 2008 as a major contributor to Chico’s financial troubles, along with slower-than-expected return of lost revenues. “Usually you look at recessions as like a V-shape or a U-shape,” Nakamura said. “I can credit my wife with saying it was more of a canoe shape.”

Bill Hall

Restructuring city departments

Staff Writer

One of Nakamura’s first recommendations was to whittle down the city’s departments from 11 down to five — police, fire, administrative services, community development and public works. Leading up to approval of the restructuring, several high-level city employees left their previous positions. Mark Orme, who was Nakamura’s assistant city manager in Hemet, replaced John Rucker, the former assistant city manager. Jennifer Hennessy, the former city finance director, resigned to take a position in another city and was replaced by Chris Constantin, who is now the administrative services director. The City Council gave final approval to the restructuring at its April 16 meeting.

uffering under the weight of staggering financial deficits, Chico is experiencing difficult times and painful decisions for city officials. During the last six months, city leaders have restructured various departments, laid dozens of workers off and reduced services to the community. City Manager Brian Nakamura, who was hired by the City Council in August 2012 to help the city get its financial house in order, has implemented significant changes to address the city’s $4.8 million deficit. Nakamura faced similar challenges as the city manager of Hemet, Calif., and said he was able to help get the city back on a sound path with a combination of reductions, labor negotiations and economic growth.

» please see CITY | A4

City reorganization Finance Administrative Services

Building & Development

Planning Services Community Development Housing & Neighborhood

Public Works Department

General Services & Capital Projects

The Orion ∤ Infographic by Robert Harris

Associated Students shops see gains, losses adding that the bundles are often less expensive than the originals and the content can be personalized by professors. While the digital bundles must be purchased new, bundles of books without digital codes may be rented. Although renting the books isn’t as profitable for the Wildcat Store as selling them, they still offer the option, Meyers said. Associated Students Dining Services also revamped its business plan and is emphasizing customer service and being sustainable. Butte Station did well this last year due to an increase in the usage of Flex Dollars, credit for use at Chico State’s on-campus shops given to students who live in the dorms. Butte Station also expanded offerings, improved “grab and go” food quality and presentation, and marketed itself more effectively said George Rankin, the Director of Associated Students Dining Services. Butte Station swapped its old coffee brand for Pacific Green, a sustainable brew that has been well received by customers, Rankin said. “It is important to note that Butte Station is part of the retail dining portfolio which posted improved financial perfor-

Jessie Severin

Staff Writer

The Wildcat Store and the Associated Students Dining Services underwent several changes this summer to boost their revenue. After the last fiscal year, The Wildcat Store proved to be profitable after expenses, posting $92,877 in gains. In a continuing effort to offer products students want, two new makeup brands have been added, and products from the Chico Farm are beginning to fill the shelves. New apparel and computer accessories are being added as well. Apple is no longer the only computer sold through the Wildcat Store. A line of Dell laptops and tablets are now offered, as well as a selection of HP products at the online store. There have also been changes to the store’s textbook sales. Publishers are now bundling books together and some have digital components which include one-time use only codes. “This will effectively cut out used books, many rentals, and therefore, the number of places the books will be available,” said Robert Meyers, the Wildcat Store Director,

INDEX

ka-ching Patrons at Butte Station buy snacks and drinks. Butte Station did well last year due to an increase in the usage of Flex Dollars.

The Orion ∤ Photograph by Lara Rodriguez

mance this last fiscal year but still operates as a whole at less than break even,” Rankin said. A.S. also offered students incentives to eat on campus using Retail Dining Dollars, Flex Cash, Craig Dollars and Wildcat Dollars. Some of the changes that A.S. Dining Services introduced are the new Common Grounds, expanding “Local Lunch,” sushi,

and the La Troca Mexican concept. “We are constantly working on a variety of projects to improve both residential and retail dining,” said Rankin. “We have plans that include mobile carts and changes to our pizza operations.” Jessie Severin can be reached at jseverin@theorion.com or

@theorion_news on Twitter

INSIDE

Corrections

Sports

Weather