HIT >> Did you hear about the summer in Butte County where it just never seemed to stay hot for very long?

Yeah, neither did we — until now!

We are in the midst of an exceptionally pleasant stretch of summertime weather. We’ve recorded only five 100-degree days in 2025 (and not a single one of those unbearable 110-plus days, of which we usually get a few). Even more surprisingly, the overnight lows are dipping into the low 60s and even upper 50s. That’s open-window-at-night weather, a rare treat during this traditional hottest month of the year.

And get this: There’s not a single triple-digit day in sight. Nada. In fact, our 10-day forecast shows it’s only going to cool down after today’s expected high of 97. As of this writing, the forecast for Monday through Saturday shows highs ranging from 83 to 87, with overnight lows of 59 and 60.

What is this, October?

Again, let’s enjoy it while it lasts. (And may it continue to last until fall!)

MISS >> We’re sorry to see Wheelin’ With Cops call it a day after a remarkable history of service to our local youth.

As noted on the organization’s Facebook page, the original idea was to pair disadvantaged kids with local law enforcement for a day of fun in the great outdoors — in this case, four-wheeling in Jeeps. It grew to include other first responders taking part.

We know this was one of those cases where everyone benefitted. The kids got a taste of a lifestyle that many will never be able to shake; what’s better than enjoying the mountain air in an open-top Jeep while seeing nature at its finest? And for the police officers, firemen and others who led the way, this was a day where “serving the public” probably never felt better.

Special thanks to former Chico Chief of Police Mike Maloney, officer Ryon Mitchell and everyone else who made this such a special event for so long. The day will be missed — but after 22 years, you can bet its spirit will live on in the lives of the thousands of youth who participated.

HIT >> “Quality of life” is often all about what’s going on in your community. It’s been a great week in terms of not only adding to the quality of life locally — but, in many cases, simply maintaining it.

Just a few examples:

The Chico Bike Park officially broke ground Wednesday.

The Power Up Public Art Utility Box Program is a hit — you see it all over downtown and it’s somehow turned utility boxes into eye-catching pieces of the environment.

Sycamore Pool got a much-needed scrubbing Wednesday. (Forgive us for saying this, but doesn’t it remind you of a famous scene from “Caddyshack”?)

And on a slightly related topic, isn’t it great to see the goats back in action?

Paradise is checking with neighboring communities for ideas on its sewer project. Butte Renewable Energy plans to restart the Oroville biofuel plant by 2029. The Slice of Chico tradition hit 51 years, and Chico State got some much-needed budget relief.

And, on Friday, we learned the Sites Project Authority reached two key environmental permitting milestones, indicating the authority’s goal of breaking ground on the reservoir by the end of 2026 is within reach.

That’s a lot of good news.

MISS >> We understand the federal budget is too big and needs cutting, but we can’t help but fall back on the adage “It’s tough to trim the fat when the fat is doing the trimming.”

As feared, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was hit with a $1.1 billion cut this week, a move that will no doubt affect local outlets NSPR and KZFR. Other than the administration not agreeing with the alleged political bias of public broadcasting, we can’t see the “waste” in this service.

We’re also holding our breath about the fate of rural hospitals — although it’s good to see Seneca Hospital building in Chester.

We understand why many people are frustrated. On the other hand, leaving a candle, soiled diapers and a note with inflammatory messages at Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s office as some sort of weird protest is not the way to go about it. It was a kook move that led to numerous Chico Police and bomb squad members spending most of their afternoon on site following the report of a suspicious package.

Talk about unnecessary waste.

Hits and misses are compiled by the editorial board.