Mike O’Brien officially began his role as interim town manager of Paradise on Monday, stepping in as the town council continues the search for a permanent replacement. Although new to this position, O’Brien brings extensive public service experience, currently serving on the Chico City Council and commanding the Butte County Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF).
Paradise resident Sydonia Brown, who has lived in the town since 2012, expressed cautious optimism about O’Brien’s busy schedule and leadership. “I hope that he can fulfill every one of them,” Brown said, acknowledging the challenges ahead. She also voiced concerns about ongoing community issues, including road repairs and the PG&E Fire Victims’ Trust payouts, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to protect hardworking residents from exploitation during the rebuilding process.
O’Brien, just three days into his new role, reiterated his commitment not only to Paradise but also to his continuing duties on the Chico City Council and with BINTF. He expressed honor in being part of Paradise’s recovery efforts and highlighted the close relationship between Chico and Paradise, particularly following the devastation of the Camp Fire.
“There’s always been a connection between Chico and Paradise, certainly because of proximity,” O’Brien said. “But after the Camp Fire, that became a little bit more personal, certainly for me, because I felt the responsibility as a police chief to ensure the safety of an additional 30,000 people who had just been through hell, and that commitment never left me.”
The Paradise town council continues its search for a permanent town manager after parting ways with former manager Jim Goodwin in August. O’Brien’s appointment follows a period during which the town’s police chief served as interim manager. Residents remain hopeful that O’Brien’s leadership will help address critical community needs and support Paradise’s ongoing recovery.
