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Experience the holiday cheer with Ken Kramers Winter Holiday Show, now streaming on KPBS Plus. Catch it live or on-demand, accessible via Roku, smart TVs, and mobile phones. Tune in to KPBS TV for broadcasts on December 16th and 18th. KPBS Plus offers a free, curated service for San Diego audiences, with additional benefits for KPBS Passport members. Enjoy these holiday specials throughout November, December, and January.

Lake Oroville in California is experiencing increased water releases due to heavy snowmelt, with the spillway used for the first time in four years. The rivers downstream are equipped to handle the increased flow, and the lake is expected to reach full capacity this spring. Proactive management ensures safety for communities along the river systems.

Shasta Lake, a vital California water source, has made a remarkable recovery after a wet winter, filling nearly to capacity. This turnaround has brought optimism to local businesses and residents, with Harold Jones Sugarloaf Cottages already fully booked. The lakes fullness also provides crucial cold water for endangered fish species and benefits Californias water supply. Officials are carefully managing water levels to avoid downstream issues.

Despite Californias wet winter, Trinity Lakes water levels remain alarmingly low, causing concern for local businesses and residents. Darryl Marlin, owner of Trinity Alps Marina, shares the struggle as visitors still have to walk across dry land to reach the docks. Donald Bader, a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation manager, explains that Trinity Lakes small basin and severe drought history contributed to its slow recovery. Some locals believe too much water was released earlier, but Bader clarifies it was part of a multi-year plan to restore fish habitats. The Bureau is now reviewing operational rules to help Trinity Lake recover more effectively.

Rising Basketball Star: Romello Bruhns Journey to Historic Milestone Romello Bruhn, a junior at Woodland Christian High School, is on the cusp of a remarkable achievement in Californias high school basketball history. With over two thousand four hundred career points, hes nearing the three thousand-point mark, a feat only thirteen athletes have accomplished. Bruhns success is attributed to his relentless work ethic, spending countless hours in the gym, and his desire to represent his town, especially since Woodland has never won a section championship. This year, his team secured the CIF section championship, a first for any school in Woodland. Despite setbacks, Bruhn remains focused on his goal of leading his team to a state title in his senior year.

In north Modesto, a church-owned lot has blossomed into a multicultural community garden, boasting over 140 plots tended by gardeners from six nationalities. For a mere $50, gardeners gain access to resources and a thriving hub for growing diverse produce. The nonprofit initiative, overseen by Everett Leon-Guerrero and volunteers, promotes organic practices and community involvement, with a recent mural adding to its charm. The garden serves as a vital asset, fostering connections and encouraging youth participation.

Riley Goode, a dedicated middle school teacher from Sacramento, is in the running to be Americas Favorite Teacher. With a potential budget cut of $272,000, she plans to use the $25,000 prize to take her students on an Egyptian exhibit field trip. Vote for her on Facebook to support her and her school.

The Sacramento Regional Water Bank project aims to significantly increase groundwater storage in the area by using a natural aquifer beneath the Sacramento Valley and its foothills. This initiative, launched by the Regional Water Authority, involves a network of groundwater wells, pumps, and pipelines to store excess surface water during wet periods and draw upon these reserves during dry spells. The project has the capacity to store an additional water supply equivalent to twice the size of Folsom Reservoir, and officials aim to have it operational by the middle of next year.

Across the nation, an economic blackout was held to protest corporate dominance and rising prices. The no-spend day, organized by Peoples Union USA, encouraged consumers to shop at small, local businesses. Despite the movements intentions, Zanzibar Fair Trade, a beloved local store, closed due to lack of sales and increased competition from large retailers and online shopping. Economists believe the overall impact on the larger economy might be limited, but such movements highlight the challenges small businesses face in a rapidly evolving marketplace.