In Episode #5 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Mike Ramsey, Butte County’s longtime District Attorney and one of the most influential figures in the region’s criminal justice system.
Mike shares what it really means to “do justice,” breaking down the often misunderstood role of the District Attorney as the filter between law enforcement and the courts. He walks us through how charging decisions are made, why discretion matters, and how the goal is not simply punishment, but fairness, accountability, and protection for the community.
We also trace Mike’s unconventional path to public service, from growing up in Oroville, to studying math and physics at Berkeley, to working as a newspaper reporter, and ultimately finding his calling in the legal system. Along the way, he reflects on formative moments that shaped his philosophy, including a single case that cemented his belief that justice must always be human.
The conversation widens to the bigger picture, exploring how Chico and Butte County have changed over the decades, why trust and discretion are essential in a functioning system, and what makes this community such a special place to live and serve.
Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico
👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here
EPISODE CREDITS:
Hosted by Dorian Cohen
Produced by Metric Studios
Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman
Audio mixed by Michael Bone
Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen
Segment jingles licensed through Music Bed
Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!
Instagram
YouTube (Full Video Episodes)
