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’s much-coveted housing voucher waitlist is open. Here’s how to apply.
January 12, 2022
A total of 5,000 applicants will be placed on the waiting list through a random selection after the list closes on Jan. 26.
Sierra Nevada storms leave tens of thousands without power
December 31, 2021
PG&E says downed trees and snow are blocking access to damaged equipment. Some customers could be waiting more than a week for power to return.
Sacramento wants to move a group of homeless residents to a new riverfront camp. Some worry it will flood.
December 31, 2021
The city-sanctioned Safe Ground camp would be the first in Sacramento to open on private property. It would close after three months.
Sacramento to open warming centers on New Year’s Eve as rain, freezing temps continue
December 28, 2021
City officials say a lack of staff prevents them from opening warming centers more frequently.
After years of delays, CalFire says updated and expanded wildfire hazard maps are on their way
December 20, 2021
The fire hazard severity maps show which areas are most vulnerable to wildfire in California and were last updated in 2007.
Several warming centers to open across Sacramento region as another cold front approaches
December 17, 2021
City and county officials along with two churches plan to open walk-in respite centers for those without shelter and heat starting Friday night.
Several Sacramento respite centers open after being closed during first night of rainstorm
December 13, 2021
Unhoused people camped outside City Hall on Sunday night as strong winds and rain descended on the Sacramento region. Officials had opened the building’s lobby as a warming center late last week, but closed it Saturday morning.
With no exit strategy, Sacramento will keep Roomkey motels for homeless residents open through March
December 10, 2021
Nearly 300 homeless people remain in the county’s three Project Roomkey motels. Officials say the lack of affordable housing continues to make it difficult to connect them with permanent homes.
Sacramento to open warming centers Thursday and Friday nights
December 9, 2021
The city will open two centers starting Thursday night to provide shelter for homeless residents and those without heat as a cold front arrives.
Annual Thanksgiving meal provides sense of belonging for homeless Sacramento residents
November 23, 2021
The homeless services center has provided the holiday meal annually for nearly four decades.