Numb

It was almost a year ago that I watched in horror the video footage of Donald Trump mocking a physically disabled newspaper reporter. Then came the story this past weekend about a boy with cerebral palsy who was kicked out of a Trump rally after peacefully protesting the treatment of that reporter.

Trump called attention to 12-year-old activist J.J. Holmes during an event just three days before the election. Then his supporters turned on the boy—booing him and his family, shouting obscenities at them and pushing his wheelchair. There is no excuse for that behavior. Donald Trump is the worst kind of monster—the kind that preys on the weak. He is a deplorable human being and, as was evidenced during that rally, brings out the worst in those around him.

And now, dear readers, he is president-elect of the United States of America. As I write this, literally minutes after Trump gave his victory speech, I am numb.

This newspaper has disavowed Trump and his racist and xenophobic rhetoric time and time again over the last 14 months. So, too, have editors of reputable papers throughout the nation. They saw what I saw. A dangerous and vengeful man with no scruples who will do most anything to enrich himself and his ilk.

More on this in the coming weeks …

For my sanity, I’m looking for the silver linings. One is that newspaper reporters told J.J. Holmes’ story and he got to meet President Obama.

Another is the outcome of the crowded Chico City Council race. Voters chose from a total of 11 candidates, eight of whom were split evenly into conservative and liberal slates.

All things considered, it’s impressive that three of the four open seats will remain in the progressive camp. No surprise that Vice Mayor Sean Morgan retains his seat. The conservative incumbent had raised upward of $60,000 as of the last deadline to submit campaign finance reports. Additionally, he had the backing of multiple political action committees. He took the top spot—barely.

Councilmembers Ann Schwab and Randall Stone followed him. What is surprising and disappointing, if unofficial results hold once the provisional ballots are counted, is that one of the most competent and engaged members of the panel, Tami Ritter, lost her seat. The consolation is that she was bumped by Karl Ory, a former Chico mayor who not only has a lot of experience but also a lot passion (see page 10 for more on the council race).

Measure L, local commercialization of medical cannabis, went down in flames (see more on page 9). However, Californians passed Proposition 64, which legalizes the herb for recreational use. Local officials will have to reconcile the outcome of that vote in the near future, especially given that a majority of Butte County voters favored legalization.

Voters overwhelmingly supported the two local education facilities bonds, Measures J and K, which will pay for upgraded and new facilities at Butte College and Chico Unified School District. The community college bond will allow the expansion of impacted programs and pay for a veterans center. CUSD will be able to replace dilapidated structures at elementary schools, including the old portables that are literally falling apart.

In other words, it’s not all doom and gloom.