Chico’s first red-light camera will begin issuing warnings to violators beginning Thursday at the intersection of Mangrove and East Ninth avenues, according to a news release Wednesday from Chico Police Department.

At that time, the camera will begin recording red-light running violators and police will send a notice of violation within 10 days, the release said.

In the coming months, cameras will turn on northbound Esplanade at First Avenue; southbound Esplanade at East Avenue; eastbound East Avenue at The Esplanade; northbound Cohasset Road at East Avenue; westbound East Avenue at Cohasset Road; southbound Notre Dame Boulevard at the Skyway; and westbound Skyway at Notre Dame Boulevard, according to the release.

When the remaining cameras go live, each will have 30-day warning period. After that, “any vehicle captured failing to stop at a red light or turning right without coming to a complete stop will be sent a citation of $465,” the release said.

More information on the city’s red-light cameras can be found at chicoca.gov/redlightcameras.

Glass-free zone

The Chico Police Department will enforce a glass-free zone this Halloween weekend beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Sunday in downtown Chico between Cedar Street to Flume Street and from East Seventh Street to Big Chico Creek.

No glass bottles or containers will be allowed in the glass-free zone, according to a social media post Wednesday by Chico police.

“Glass can break easily and turn a fun night into a dangerous one; let’s keep the streets safe this Halloween weekend!” the post said.

Special election

With less than one week left until the statewide special election Nov. 4, proposing yes or no on Proposition 50 to Butte County voters, the Butte County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is reminding residents that ballots may be returned by mail, at a secure drop box or at any voter assistance center. Locations are posted at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4.

Drug arrest

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office announced a drug arrest Wednesday during a routine patrol in Oroville that resulted in a suspected felony crime because of Proposition 36.

According to a news release, sheriff’s deputies arrested Duston Walker, 37, of Oroville, on suspicion of possessing controlled substances and driving with a suspended license after stopping him for a what they say was vehicle code violation near Mitchell and Hewitt avenues.

During the traffic stop, deputies said they determined Walker’s drivers license was suspended, and searched his vehicle to find suspected psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

The office said it will seek a felony level drug charge for Walker that is applicable to people with two or more prior drug-related conversions under Prop. 36.

Skyway electrical

PG&E announced Wednesday that a portion of the Skyway will close for overnight construction of underground power lines starting Nov. 3 through Dec. 19.

The scheduled work will close the Skyway from Clark Road to Pentz Road and redirect traffic to Pentz and Wagstafff roads from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday evenings to Saturday mornings, according to a news release Wednesday.

Additional work is planned on Old Skyway Road from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. today and Thursday from the intersection of the new Skyway and Old Skywaay up to 13645 Skyway.

No work is not planned on Sundays, major holidays or during Gold Nugget days and Johnny Appleseed Days, the release said.

Walnut buying

Butte County Agricultural Commissioner Katharine Quist announced Wednesday that the beginning of walnut buying period is Nov. 1 to allow non-processing buyers to purchase walnuts in accordance with the Butte County nut theft ordinance.

Quist stated the ordinance is intended to deter theft of walnuts, which are the highest valued agricultural commodity in the county with 51,000 acres harvested and a market value of about $150 million.