Highlights, lowlights from the week’s news

HIT >> Was that a beautiful storm, or what?

The overnight rainstorm Wednesday into Thursday dumped more than an inch at the E-R office and left a nice collection of snow all over the north state mountains. And more is on the way — we’re expecting more than another inch of rain over the weekend and a few more inches of snow in the higher elevations.

It’s too early to over-celebrate — let’s remember we had a good amount of precipitation late in 2021 too — but it’s fantastic to see back-to-back storms roll into our state and bless us with two separate significant rainfall totals in the same week.

Let’s hope that turns into a routine instead of a surprise.

MISS >> It was a spike in gas prices last spring that eventually led to something called the Middle Class Tax Refund. But the way the payments are dragging out, we’re starting to wonder if it’s going to turn into a 2023 April Fool’s Day joke.

When first proposed by

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office in March, we were told “the first payments could begin as soon as July.” That’s a direct quote from his office’s press release dated March 23.

Then, upon signing the

$308 billion state budget at the end of June, Newsom’s office promised 23 million Californians would share $9.5 billion “as soon as October.”

Well, maybe for some people. The state Franchise Tax Board’s website says direct deposits started going out Oct. 7 and were supposed to be finished Nov. 14 — but, last time we checked, fewer than 7 million deposits had actually been received. In fact, in early November, a representative with the tax board admitted the state still has 18 million more payments to distribute between now and mid-January. Mid-January?

Let’s remember this plan was originally touted as “immediate” relief for people suffering from high gas prices. And then it morphed into “inflation relief.”

By the time these refunds (of your own money) actually show up — barring further delays — it might be more like a Christmas stocking stuffer. Or maybe even a Valentine’s Day gift.

HIT >> Friday night was one of those special evenings in Chico, where downtown was truly a winter wonderland.

At City Plaza, there was the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and a visit from

Santa Claus, as nearby skaters enjoyed the beautiful ice rink.

Barely a block away, over on Fifth Street, it was the opening night for the Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas. The home, built in 1883, is always deserving of a visit by itself; throw in Christmas and Santa, and it’s an event every Chicoan should experience at least once. The home is open again today from noon to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

There are activities taking place all over our area throughout the weekend, from the PJ Party with Santa Toys for Tots fundraiser (Chico Marketplace, 11 a.m. Saturday) to the annual Corning Christmas Parade (and spaghetti dinner at the fire hall), both Saturday night.

And please don’t forget to make your nominations for our 29th annual Tour of Lights. All you have to do is call 530-896-7763 and leave a message.

MISS >> There are some things about professional sports that are inspiring, uplifting and can unite a community (or even a country) like little else.

And then, there are stories like the one involving Deshaun Watson.

On Monday, Watson becomes eligible to play quarterback for the Cleveland Browns again after serving an 11-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the NFL.” Conduct detrimental to humankind sounds more like it. Watson has been sued by more than two dozen women for sexual assault occurring during massage treatments.

Not once. Not twice. Not 10 times. More than 24 times.

Knowing full well about his history and reputation, the Browns drafted him anyway, giving him in effect the biggest contract in NFL history. And in the eyes of too many NFL fans, the biggest question about his return remains “Should I start him on my fantasy team or wait a week to see how he’s doing?”

All of which proves one of the oldest, and most distasteful, things about the National Football League: It doesn’t matter what kind of heinous crime you may have committed. If there’s a team out there that thinks you can help them win, you’ll get a job.

Oh. And he’s already let it be known to the media that he’s only going to answer questions about football. Not any of that other stuff. After all, he’s got a job to do.