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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.
Despite The Heat, Few Take Advantage Of Sacramento Cooling Centers
June 18, 2021
Altogether, about 30 people showed up to city and county cooling facilities on the first two days of the heat wave. Advocates say more must be done to advertise the facilities and provide transportation.
‘I’m Going To Be Here For A While’: One Man’s Journey From The Streets To A New Home
June 17, 2021
Tens of thousands of homeless Californians are moving on from state-funded Project Roomkey motels where they took shelter during the worst of the pandemic. But as of June, only about 30% had been placed in permanent or temporary housing.
‘Reopening’ In Sacramento: Excitement And Optimism, But Not Everyone Is Ready To Ditch Their Masks
June 15, 2021
From Sacramento and San Joaquin to Placer and Yolo counties, workers, customers and business owners celebrated the state’s easing of COVID guidelines — but not everyone was ready to take off their masks.
Cooling Centers To Open Starting Wednesday Across Sacramento Region As Heatwave Arrives
June 14, 2021
The National Weather Service expects temperatures to range from 100 degrees to 113 degrees during the heatwave. Thursday is expected to be the hottest day.
Can You Handle The Truth?: Fact-Checking Claims About Anthony Fauci’s Emails
June 11, 2021
News outlets published some of Fauci’s emails after the federal government released them through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The Wait Continues For Sacramento’s Year-Round Emergency Shelters To Help Protect Homeless Residents
June 10, 2021
Despite repeated calls for action and the deaths of several unhoused people last winter, the city has yet to open year-round emergency cooling or warming centers.
Kamala Harris Gets It Mostly Right On Claim One-Third Of Small Businesses Shut Down During Pandemic
June 7, 2021
A survey by the Small Business Roundtable and data tracked by Harvard University support Harris’ statement.
Can You Handle The Truth?: Fact-Checking Vice President Kamala Harris’ Claim On Small Business Closures
June 3, 2021
Harris said one-third of all small businesses have closed during the pandemic. A Harvard University economic tracker and related surveys support her claim.
Can You Handle The Truth?: Fact-Checking Gov. Newsom’s Claim That California Has A $75 Billion Surplus
June 2, 2021
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office estimated the state's surplus is only $38 billion, noting it used a different definition than the governor.
Sacramento To Open Cooling Centers On Monday With Temperatures Expected Above 100 Degrees
May 28, 2021
Sacramento County officials also plan to distribute motel vouchers to unhoused residents ahead of hot weather and open splash pads at a dozen city parks.