Chris Nichols

Homelessness and Housing Affordability reporter

Chris covers homelessness and housing affordability across the Sacramento region with a focus on the local and statewide policies that shape these topics. Previously, Chris led CapRadio’s fact-checking initiative PolitiFact California, debunking misinformation throughout the Golden State.

Earlier in his career, Chris spent a dozen years writing about government and politics at newspapers across California. He covered the Capitol for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Before that, he worked as a news reporter at the North County Times in Escondido, the Lodi News-Sentinel and the Sonora Union-Democrat.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and later his master’s degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

Chris is cautiously optimistic that his hometown San Diego Padres will someday be World Champions, but he’s not holding his breath.

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Follow @christhejourno

Stories by Chris Nichols

Audit finds CapRadio mismanaged funds, questions station’s ability to pay for costly downtown projects
September 28, 2023
The report comes one month after CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff amid ongoing financial problems. Sacramento State, which holds the organization’s license, says it will supervise “operational management” of the NPR member station.
County DA sues Sacramento claiming city failed to enforce its own homelessness laws
September 19, 2023
The lawsuit marks a major escalation in the feud between the DA and the city over how to address Sacramento’s homeless crisis and protect quality of life across the city.
Taxing vacation homes? Citizens in South Lake Tahoe want to place measure on 2024 ballot
September 18, 2023
The tax proposal is the latest effort to confront the resort community’s growing affordable housing crisis, which has caused thousands of full-time and seasonal workers to leave the Tahoe basin.
Here’s what California lawmakers passed in 2023
September 15, 2023
From housing affordability to fentanyl to mental health and more, California lawmakers debated hundreds of bills this Legislative session. Here’s a breakdown of what made it to the Governor’s desk — and what didn’t.
Sacramento turns to 'micro apartments' to ease affordable housing crunch
September 11, 2023
Sonrisa is the third micro apartment community to open in the Sacramento region in recent years. Housing advocates say more are needed.
Music, homelessness and transportation funding focus of Sacramento mayor's State of the City tour
August 25, 2023
At three events, Mayor Darrell Steinberg made proposals to streamline entertainment permitting, respond to homelessness in a new way. He also asked for a ballot measure to fund housing, transit and climate mitigation. All still require approval.
After months of delays, Sacramento County to open 100-unit tiny home village
August 15, 2023
Sacramento County’s 100-unit tiny home village will open its doors to unhoused residents within days, offering them temporary shelter — and hope for a safer, more stable future.
Sacramento’s ‘On Broadway’ promises affordable housing, homes for people struggling with mental illness
August 14, 2023
One quarter of the community’s 140 apartments will be reserved for people with mental illness who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
City, Sacramento Homeless Union to meet following judge’s order blocking camp removals
August 4, 2023
A federal judge this week issued a temporary restraining order preventing the City of Sacramento from clearing encampments for 14 days.
Sacramento gives top bureaucrat final say on opening sanctioned homeless campgrounds
August 2, 2023
The decision follows years of plans that have failed to produce shelters, often due to community opposition and a lack of political will, amid the region’s deepening homelessness crisis.

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Chris Nichols

Homelessness and Housing Affordability reporter

Stories by Chris Nichols