Highlights, lowlights from the week’s news

HIT » The success of Butte College’s athletic programs have been well-documented on these pages, but we’ve got to give another “hit” to their amazing spring sports teams — and one family in particular.

Entering Friday’s game, Butte’s softball team was 411, including a perfect 20-0 in conference play. They’re hosting Folsom again today at noon and (if necessary) 2 p.m.

The Roadrunners’ baseball team is also having another outstanding season. They’re 27-14 entering this afternoon’s playoffs games at Folsom.

What’s the common thread between these teams? Easy. The York family.

We’ll start with Austin York, Butte’s slugging infielder. He was hitting .373 with 10 doubles, three home runs and 24 RBIs entering Friday’s game. He was also a standout football player for Butte — so much so that he’s committed to playing Division I football at Eastern Washington University.

By the way, guess who Butte’s defensive line coach is? Kevin York, Austin’s father.

And over on the softball field, the Roadrunners’ topranked team is coached by none other than Stayce York, Austin’s mother.

Maybe Eastern Washington should have tried to lure all of the Yorks north as part of a package deal.

MISS » Few areas in our country have earned the right to be more concerned about the condition of our dams that those of us in Butte County.

After all, we’re barely five years removed from the failure of Oroville Dam’s main and emergency spillways, a horrific time that saw 180,000 residents flee for their lives.

So is it asking too much for our government to be transparent about the dam’s current condition?

Apparently, yes. Yes it is. We were stunned earlier this month to learn that the condition of the dam is being kept secret from the public, listed as “not available” in the National Inventory of Dams operated by the federal government.

The online database contains information on tens of thousands of dams nationwide. Yet the condition of a select few — including Hoover Dam and Oroville — are kept in the dark.

It seems some federal agencies have failed to update their data, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allowed federal agencies and states to restrict the release of information about the dams they oversee — and some continue to do so, citing terrorism concerns.

In other words, “Sorry we can’t put your mind at ease about the condition of your dam. But trust us. It’s for your own safety.”

We need more accountability than this, and we’re calling on our local, state and federal officials to join us in demanding that we get it.

HIT » There has been no shortage of media attention given in recent years to police officers who crossed the line — or have been accused of doing so.

So today, let’s pause and recognize one of the many times when police got it right.

Chico Police officers were faced with an extraordinarily difficult situation last week when 38-year-old Orlando Robinson was reportedly being aggressive, violating a restraining order and making “suicide by cop” statements. According to police, it was also reported that Robinson was trying to enter an apartment that did not belong to him.

He was soon located walking in the middle of the street holding a metal pipe. According to police, a patrol sergeant contacted Robinson and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Robinson took a swinging stance as if he were going to hit the sergeant.

Officers tried subduing him with two taser shots but it was not effective. Eventually a 12-gauge bean bag round was used before they were able to subdue him and take him into custody.

In a press release, police said “This case is an excellent example of how a dangerous situation can evolve rapidly, and how effective de-escalation techniques, effective less-lethal force options, and superb training can substantially reduce the chances of deadly force.”

We agree. Well done, Chico PD.

MISS » Is anyone else already tired of the election-season drama, tantrums, bickering and mudslinging?

We have to wonder if this “us versus them” toxic mindset will ever change in Chico. We sure don’t see any reasons for optimism. Both sides continue to run against their cliche-ridden versions of the other, and any thought of uniting for a common cause, or goal, just seems out of the question.

We often look to the east and marvel at the people of Paradise, and members of the town council. Make no mistake, they’re partisan too — but there’s a big difference. In Paradise, most people are partisan — in favor of Paradise. Period. In Chico, it’s usually Republican versus Democrat, conservative versus liberal and win-at-allcost-politics over progress.

All sides claim to have their town’s best interests at heart, but some remain remarkably ignorant of the damage they’re causing to our city’s collective psyche with their ongoing hate-filled diatribes.

Bring on June 8. Better yet, bring on November 9. We’re not even halfway through this latest toxic mess.