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 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.
Sacramento renters have to earn twice the state’s minimum wage to afford average apartment, report finds
May 24, 2022
The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Sacramento County rose from nearly $1,400 to $1,625 from 2020 to 2021, according to California Housing Partnership.
Job program provides some hope in neighborhood at center of Sacramento’s homelessness crisis
May 16, 2022
Sacramento’s River District Business Association has hired several homeless and formerly homeless people to help clean up trash at neighborhood encampments.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.
May 4, 2022
In the first contest, Padilla is seeking to complete former Senator Kamala Harris’ term which ends in January 2023. In the second, he is seeking his own full six-year U.S. Senate term.
South Sacramento tiny home village for homeless residents delayed after neighborhood opposition
April 29, 2022
Opponents said they were concerned the project would be a magnet for more drug use, thefts and vandalism in the neighborhood. The delay means it won’t open until the end of November at the earliest, officials said.
California Mayors ask Newsom for continued funding for homelessness program
April 25, 2022
The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Program has provided $2 billion to local jurisdictions over the past two years, but it's unclear whether the program will have any allocations in Gov. Gavin Newsom's revised budget
California bill would ban homeless encampments along American River Parkway
April 12, 2022
The legislation follows a demand by the American River Parkway Foundation to remove hundreds of encampments. But critics say it further criminalizes homelessness.
Melinda Davis, a colorful spirit and unhoused resident, killed in Sacramento mass shooting
April 6, 2022
Davis, 57, was among six people shot and killed early Sunday in downtown Sacramento. Homeless advocates say her death highlights the traumas unhoused residents are exposed to on city streets.
Ballot measure that would outlaw homeless encampments, force Sacramento to build shelters headed to voters
April 6, 2022
Proponents of a similar, but more stringent ballot measure say they will withdraw their proposal now that the city council approved the compromise ordinance on Wednesday.
Here’s what we know so far about Gov. Newsom’s CARE Court proposal
April 4, 2022
Supporters say the plan could help fix California’s broken behavioral health system, while opponents say compelling treatment violates civil rights and won’t work.