• Between now and Dec. 16 is Unity at the Lake’s annual Bear-A-Thon. Bring a new bear or other stuffed animal to Sunday service (1195 Rufus Allen Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, 10-11:30am) to hug, cuddle and fill with special blessings and healing light. All the bears are donated to Live Violence, fire departments and sheriff’s departments to be given to children who may be in need of some loving energy. For more info, call (530) 544.2266.

• Dirk Yuricich Photography is having an open house Dec. 15-16 from noon-5pm at the Ski Run Marina gallery in South Lake Tahoe.

• Cindy Hartzell of Truckee who runs HeartSoul Natural Animal Communication has been named one of the Top Women in the Pet Industry in the “Holiday Biz Book,” an 80-page digital magazine-style resource guide.

• State Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, is chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.

• New York based Northlight Financial LLC, a manager of private equity debt investments and real estate assets, has acquired from East West Partners the remaining real estate assets at Old Greenwood in Truckee. East West will continue to own the golf course by the same name.