Totally tubular

Police departments and sheriff’s offices, among other agencies and emergency personnel in Butte and Glenn counties, are gearing up for a big weekend on the Sacramento River, expecting thousands of tubers for the annual Labor Day flotilla.

“We’re preparing the same as we do every year, with lots of inter-agency meetings and cooperation planned between both counties,” said Denise Rist, Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park superintendent. “We do have indications that there will be a lot of people on the river this year.”

Last year, the Butte County Board of Supervisors tried to sober the event with an emergency alcohol ban, but the Glenn County Board of Supervisors did not follow suit, and an estimated 11,000 tubers took part. Police made 93 arrests for crimes ranging from littering to boating under the influence. There were 241 water rescues.