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 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.
County proposes a second South Sacramento tiny home village for homeless residents
June 13, 2022
The 44-unit community, near Florin Road just west of Highway 99, would be the county’s second so-called Safe Stay Community, a model that aims to transition people from nearby encampments to more permanent housing.
Several cooling centers open in Sacramento region amid dangerously hot weather
June 9, 2022
In addition to designated cooling sites, public libraries and community centers offer people a place to escape the heat.
County supervisors approve South Sacramento tiny home village for homeless residents
June 8, 2022
The project faced vocal community opposition and delays. If successful, supporters say the tiny homes could lead to greater support for future shelter proposals.
Here’s when and how California primary election results will roll in
June 7, 2022
Counties are expected to release election results in three separate waves starting shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m. on June 7. The first wave will consist of results from the early-arriving vote-by-mail ballots.
Californians experiencing homelessness have the right to vote. Here’s how it works.
June 3, 2022
Courts have ruled that unhoused residents can register by listing a shelter, landmark, park or street corner close to where they sleep as their address.
Sacramento County is exploring plans for new homeless shelters. But will they ever get built?
May 27, 2022
Following numerous calls from residents worried about proposed homeless shelter sites, the county issued a news release saying no decision would be made without extensive community input.