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.
Can You Handle The Truth: Fact-Checking Claims About Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases
September 23, 2021
Breakthrough cases are rare but are fueling misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines, which are safe and effective at preventing the disease.
‘Winter Was The Deadliest Season’: Report Shows 137 Homeless Residents Died In Sacramento County In 2020
September 21, 2021
Advocates say Sacramento should open warming centers before winter this year and locate them close to homeless camps.
California Recall: What Sacramento Region Voters Said Was Important As They Cast Their Ballots
September 14, 2021
Voters across the Sacramento region shared their thoughts as they went to drop off ballots or cast their vote in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election.
It's Recall Election Day In California. Here's How To Vote.
September 14, 2021
Today is election day, and California voters will decide whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. Here's how to vote (even if you still need to register) and track results when they come in (though we may not have the full picture tonight).
How Quickly Will Results Come In For California Recall Election?
September 13, 2021
The first batch of results should be released shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, but that won’t tell the full story.
The Science Does Say Young People Should Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine, Contrary To Larry Elder’s False Claim
September 11, 2021
Numerous leading scientific organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children, ages 12 and up, should receive the vaccine and wear masks at school to protect their health and slow the pandemic.
No, California Program Designed To Help Voters With Disabilities Isn’t A ‘Security Concern’ As Recall Candidate Larry Elder Suggested
September 2, 2021
Elder promoted a claim without evidence that the program has sparked security concerns because it allows people to download a ballot. Election and disability rights experts rejected that claim.
Wildfires Have Displaced Thousands Of El Dorado County Voters. If You’re One of Them, Here’s How You Can Still Participate In The Recall Election.
August 31, 2021
Displaced El Dorado County voters can request a new mail ballot by email or phone. They can also pick one up at the county’s ‘pop up vote centers’ at evacuation centers.
Roseville Marine Sergeant Among U.S. Troops Killed In Kabul Suicide Bombing
August 29, 2021
Nicole Gee graduated from Oakmont High School in 2016. She was described as a “hometown hero,” by her former principal.
Sacramento County Extends Motel Program Sheltering Hundreds Of Homeless Residents Through November
August 24, 2021
Sacramento County supervisors voted Tuesday to accept $5.3 million in state funds to extend Project Roomkey for three months. The program was set to end this month, but about 360 homeless residents remain at the motels.