·       Caltrans has closed Sonora Pass (Highway 108) for the winter.

·      Derek Short has joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s office as a deputy.

·      The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is taking public comment on its nine draft companion plans, which will supplement the recently revised 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan. The public review period runs through Jan. 15. The draft companion plans and comment form are available online. Comments may be emailed to swap@wildlife.ca.gov.

·      Expect more ski coverage on TV now that NBC Sports Group acquired Universal Sports Network assets from World Championship Sports Network, including the rights to nearly all International Ski Federation World Cup events.

·      The annual Truckee Holiday Festival and Bud Fish Tree Lighting is Nov. 20. Festivities begin at 4pm. The lighting is at 5:30. Santa is planning to attend.