Chico (CHEE-ko), city (1990 pop. 40,079), Butte co., N Calif., 80 mi/129 km NNW of Sacramento; 39°45'N 121°49'W. In a region noted for its almond and walnut production; olives, kiwi fruit; grain; cattle; nursery stock. Mfg. (canned fruits and vegetables, aircraft parts, beer, consumer goods, machinery). Seat of Calif. State Univ. at Chico, a U.S. botanical experiment station; a community col. is in nearby Durham. Lassen Volcanic Natl. Park lies 55 mi/89 km NE; Plumas Natl. Forest to NE; site of Bidwell Mansion State Historical Park. Inc. 1872.
