• For those who like to explore the backcountry this time of year, be sure to bookmark the Sierra Avalanche Center so you know the risks before you go.

• South Lake Tahoe author Todd Borg’s latest book “Tahoe Trap” is free for Kindle readers through Dec. 29.

• Tahoe Cross Country and Tahoe City Winter Sports Park are open for the season.

• Zephyr Cove snowmobiles are running.

• There are more than 140 technology companies in Douglas County. They employ more than 1,800 people and pay $111 million in wages — 20 percent of all wages paid in the county. Their average pay is more than $61,000 per year.