Chris Nichols
PolitiFact California Reporter
Since 2015, Chris Nichols has worked as CapRadio’s PolitiFact California reporter where he fact-checks politicians in the Golden State both on-air and online. His work includes debunking social media misinformation and explaining complex statewide topics from California’s affordable housing and homelessness crises to election issues.
Previously, Chris spent a dozen years writing about government and politics at newspapers across California, including covering 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.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, Chris left California to earn his master’s degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in 2004.
He is cautiously optimistic that his hometown San Diego Padres will someday be World Champions, but he’s not holding his breath.
Sacramento County says no widespread sweeps planned, despite ban on homeless encampments
August 16, 2022
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to give initial approval to camping bans along the American River and Dry Creek parkways. It also banned camps in unincorporated areas near schools, libraries and critical infrastructure such as levees.
Sacramento County bans homeless camps along the American River Parkway and near schools, libraries
August 11, 2022
County supervisors claim the ban was needed because homeless encampments are a danger to the people residing in them and the greater community. It’s unclear if they’ll be able to enforce it.
North Sacramento residents push back on affordable housing, say city ‘dumping’ homelessness solutions in neighborhood
August 8, 2022
City leaders and experts say many plans for affordable housing never get off the ground in Sacramento, or are delayed or downsized. That’s in part due to pushback from organized neighborhood groups, sometimes referred to as NIMBYs.
Sacramento police shoot unhoused man in River District, body camera video shows
August 2, 2022
An unhoused man was walking toward police with a blanket covering his hands when an officer shot him.
After two year hiatus, fairgoers brave the heat, celebrate family traditions at California State Fair
July 22, 2022
Families, some with young children who have never experienced the fair, braved triple-digit temperatures while enjoying the food, games, livestock exhibits and other attractions.
Report showing surge in Sacramento’s homeless population could boost campaign to outlaw encampments
July 7, 2022
Voters in November will decide whether to outlaw homeless encampments on public property once people have been offered an available emergency shelter space.
Sacramento’s homeless population spikes 67% to nearly 9,300 since 2019
June 28, 2022
The results from the 2022 Homeless Point-In-Time Count represent the county’s highest homeless population estimate on record.
Governor Newsom signs bill to shield patients threatened by abortion bans in other states
June 24, 2022
The governor also said California will spend tens of millions of dollars to ensure healthcare clinics can support people seeking abortion from out of state.
Sacramento County wants to ban homeless encampments near more public spaces
June 21, 2022
A federal court ruling prevents agencies from clearing encampments on public property unless they can offer shelter as an alternative. But there are exceptions.
Sacramento region hit with another heat wave this week, cooling centers to open
June 21, 2022
People in the Sacramento region will be facing a heat wave this week with temperatures as high as 104 degrees during the day and overnight lows of 70 degrees. Cities and counties throughout the region are opening cooling centers.