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Nevada County gears up for a wet week, with potential flooding and heavy rain. Local officials advise residents to prepare, providing free sand for protection. Taylor Wolfe, a spokesperson, urges careful travel planning, vehicle preparation, and gutter clearing. Joe Pickering from Nevada City shares his preparations, while county officials confirm full staffing for emergency services. Significant creek impacts are not expected until later in the week, giving residents time to prepare.

Holiday travel in California expected to be record-breakingly busy, with sixteen million drivers anticipated on the roads. Heavy rain predicted, making roads slick. AAA advises early morning travel and avoiding peak times. One traveler, Bill Meath, plans a long drive with a heartwarming family tradition of lottery tickets for college funds.

Attention parents! A Consumer Reports investigation reveals that popular fidget toys may pose safety risks. Some toys can break open, causing skin irritation or even chemical burns. Reports of red, peeling skin and acidic gel levels have raised serious concerns. Despite these issues, only a small number of incidents have been reported. Always supervise children and wash affected skin immediately.

Last-Minute Shoppers Flock to Small Businesses, Boosting Local Economy Millions of shoppers are expected to hit stores this weekend, making it one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. With Christmas just days away, many are rushing to complete their holiday gift lists. Experts say this weekend before Christmas is always a huge rush, as people often wait until the very end or realize they need extra gifts for unexpected guests. The National Retail Federation estimates that nearly one hundred fifty-nine million people will be doing their last-minute shopping. This surge in activity is providing a welcome boost for small business owners, many of whom have faced a challenging year. Shoppers like Mikenna Coleman are making an effort to support local shops, looking for unique home decor and ornaments. Business owners report a strong November and an even better December, as shoppers fill their stores. Sylamphay Forget, from a boutique called Sisu, highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, explaining that it helps families in the community directly, rather than just large corporations. Its how they make their living and contribute to the local economy. Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest shopping days of the entire season. Long lines are anticipated everywhere, from local stores to shops catering to visitors who waited until they arrived in town to start their gift hunt. Many travelers are stopping by small businesses for those unique, last-minute finds. These smaller shops offer something truly special, according to Maya Friedman from Marketplace Bliss. She notes that you wont find these one-of-a-kind gifts at a big box store; instead, youll discover something original and unique that cant be found anywhere else, making the gift even more meaningful.

In a recent court hearing, the family of Michael Lyons, an eight-year-old boy murdered in 1996, revisited their trauma as convicted killer Robert Rhoades sought resentencing due to a change in state law. However, the judge upheld the original sentence, bringing relief and closure to the family and community. Michaels mother, Sandy Friend, expressed renewed trust in the justice system, following a packed courtroom where family members shared their impact statements. The resentencing hearings were initiated by Senate Bill 483, a law that took effect in 2021, invalidating certain old sentencing enhancements.

Northern California braces for heavy rain, with Flood Watches in effect from Saturday to December 26th. Street and urban flooding are likely, starting as early as Sunday. Drivers are warned to avoid flooded roads. Creek flooding is unlikely through Monday evening, but foothills creeks may flow quickly. Minor creek and stream flooding is expected Tuesday night into Thursday. Major rivers regulated by dams are not expected to flood. Uncontrolled rivers may see minor flooding towards the end of next week, but its not expected to be as severe as previous New Years flooding. Stay safe and informed.

Domantas Sabonis Meniscus Injury: A Blow to the Sacramento Kings The Sacramento Kings are grappling with injury woes, particularly concerning their All-Star center, Domantas Sabonis. Sidelined since November 16th due to a partial meniscus tear, his absence has significantly impacted the teams performance. Despite progress in rehabilitation, a clear return timeline remains uncertain, with a re-evaluation in four to five weeks. Sabonis extended absence raises questions about his long-term future with the team, as he was averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game before his injury. The Kings are exploring options with other players like Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell, anticipating a potentially different roster in the coming months.

Chain controls implemented on Interstate Eighty in Sierra Nevada due to slushy conditions causing multiple spinouts. Eastbound vehicles, excluding snow tire equipped ones, must have chains from Kingvale to Donner Lake Interchange. Westbound vehicles also need chains from Donner Lake Interchange to four point seven miles west of Kingvale. Drivers warned to check current road conditions before traveling.

Mudslide shuts down road near Amador High School due to broken water line, causing traffic disruption and uncertainty about reopening. Local authorities urge residents to stay updated on traffic reports and plan for potential delays.