Love shopping, but hate wrapping? Then have the Friends of the Library wrap them on Dec. 15 from 1-4pm.

Donations of $2 per gift are requested for this service. All proceeds go to Friends of the Library and are used to support the library.

The South Lake Tahoe library is at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

Lake Tahoe News in the last couple weeks introduced two ad sizes to give greater variety to businesses looking to get the word about what they have to offer.

One is the home page ad at the top right. The advantage to this ad is that it will only be sold to one advertiser at a time. That means you will always be seen every time people are on the home page.

The other new ad size is the large squares. These are four times the size of the small square ads, but at only twice the cost. Plus, a limited number of them will be sold. The advantage to these ads is that they can be bought so they are seen on nearly every page or specific categories.

Prices are going up Jan. 1. So, if you want to lock in the 2012 rates, it will require signing a contract and paying before the end of the year. If you are interested in learning more about the rates or have other questions, send an email to info@LakeTahoeNews.net with “advertising inquiry” in the subject line.

Remember, Lake Tahoe News is the only source for news about Lake Tahoe seven days a week. It’s there 24/7. It’s being read in thousands of cities and hundreds of countries. This makes it in market and out of market media.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Learn about effective ways to reduce tantrums, power struggles and other negative behaviors of children on Dec. 11 from 10-11am.

Special guest presenter and early childhood specialist Kristin Torres will be giving a presentation on effective, positive discipline with young children at the Tahoe Tot Spot, 1012 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

For more info, call (530) 541.5994.

• On July 9, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 991. It amends Section 400.1 of the Family Code. This law allows county supervisors, while in office, to perform marriage ceremonies starting Jan. 1.

• A Safeway worker says the Fox gas station in South Lake Tahoe will become a Safeway station in January.

• The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit anticipates selling out of holiday tree permits as early as Dec. 10. If you are interested in obtaining a permit, call  (530) 543.2694.

• Tioga Pass is closed for the season.

• This video shows that making snow is a science unto itself:

It’s that holiday time of year and the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department would like to encourage everyone to think of those less fortunate members of our community.

At all the city fire stations, you can drop off any new or like-new condition used toys into the Christmas Cheer barrels. Any donations will be gratefully forwarded to needy households this holiday season.

Also, the city fire department will again be handing out candy canes from the decorated fire truck driving throughout the community. Starting on Dec. 10 and continuing through Dec. 23 the holiday truck will make its way through specific sections of the city.

These scheduled dates will be dependent on the weather, and may be changed due to driving conditions or emergency responses.

The South Lake Tahoe Firefighters hope to see many of you on our routes this holiday and would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous season.

Truck schedule:

Select a fresh tree with good color and firm, flexible needles that do not easily pull from the branches.

Place the tree in plain water immediately after recutting the trunk at least one-half inch above the old cut.

The container you use for your tree should hold 2 to 4 quarts of water. The longer you wait to place your tree in water, the greater the chances are that it will lose the required moisture content to keep it fresh through the holiday season.

Never place your tree on a wooden stand.

Locate the tree away from sources of heat. Avoid placing the tree near heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, large appliances, such as TVs, and direct sunlight.

Be careful not to block a door or other exit with the tree or rearranged furniture.

Use mini-lights on your tree and never place candles on or near your tree.

Never burn your Christmas tree or wrapping paper in the fireplace. The rapid burning and excessive heat can damage the firebox and chimney creating a serious fire hazard.

The SLTFD wants to wish everyone a fun and safe holiday season.

— Sallie Ross-Filgo

El Dorado County is getting $4.7 million from the California Transportation Commission.

The work will be done in South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50 from Herbert Avenue to Takela Drive. Drainage systems and best management practices will be installed. This includes sediment vaults and a force main to collect and treat stormwater.

The allocation, announced Dec. 6, is part of $306 million being spent on 44 projects. Part of the money — $114 million – is from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006. The remaining $192 million in allocations came from assorted transportation accounts funded by state and federal dollars.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report

For those wanting to put green — as in environmentally friendly — ideas in to the holidays there will be a presentation about how to do so on Dec. 12

Rose Parker is putting on the event from 6-8pm at Lake Tahoe Community College’s library.

This interactive presentation will cover a variety of topics related to how people can make a positive impact on their local communities. This event will cover definitions related to sustainability, how conventional consumerism impacts people, economies and communities, how to green holidays, travel, resourcing and more.

Must be 18 to attend. Space is limited. Cost is $25.

To RSVP or for more info, contact vrosie333@hotmail.com or (530) 314.0168.

• 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.

Sweets will be featured at the Douglas County Public Library in Zephyr Cove on Dec. 15 at 1pm.

Miss Carol will be on hand to help children build gingerbread houses using graham crackers and other sweets. Children and parents are welcome.

This program is limited to 30 children. Register by Dec. 12 to attend. Participants will be asked to choose a donation from a list of supplies for the program. Supplies must be delivered to the library before 5pm Dec. 13.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library. The library is located at 233 Warrior Way in Zephyr Cove.

For more info, call (775) 588.6411.