(NAPSI)—A heartwarming new picture book for children, “Andy: A Dog’s Tale” by John Kelly, follows the journey of a determined puppy who overcomes adversity to discover his purpose as a Canine Companions service dog. The book is adapted from the award-winning short film of the same name that has more than 16 million views on YouTube. 


Named after the favorite pet of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, Andy was brought to life by Ignite Animation Studios with the support of Executive Producer Jean Schulz, Charles’ widow and a Canine Companions board member. 


“Andy’s journey reflects the heart of what service dogs do—providing independence, companionship, and love,” explained Schulz.
What The Book Can Do for A Child You Care About

• Teaches Empathy & Awareness: Introduces kids to the important work of service dogs and how they help people with disabilities.
• Celebrates Perseverance: A gentle story about overcoming challenges and discovering where you belong.
• Visually Engaging: Features full-color art adapted from the viral short film.
• Bonus Keepsake: The dust jacket unfolds into a ‘Be A Hero’ poster, excellent for bedroom walls or classrooms.
  
  

Andy’s story resonates with young readers, families, dog-lovers, and people of all abilities. This touching tale is a reminder that unlikely heroes often come from small beginnings—and that what matters most is the size of your heart.


Profits from the book help Canine Companions place service dogs free of charge with people who need them. “Andy: A Dog’s Tale” makes a great gift, especially when paired with a service dog puppy sponsorship.
What You Can Do for Dogs Who Care For People


Sponsors can follow the journey from puppy to service dog, creating lasting partnerships and fostering greater independence for people with disabilities. For just $20 a month, or a one-time gift of $240, you can help transform a puppy into a life-changing service dog.


Here’s How
Step 1. Visit https://canine.org/giftguide and click on “Sponsor a Puppy.” Choose your puppy and complete the sponsorship form.
Step 2. Receive your personalized Sponsorship Kit which includes:

• An official sponsorship certificate
• A plush puppy with custom nametag
• A highlight card featuring fun facts and information on your sponsored puppy
• A custom magnet and set of stickers featuring your puppy
  
  

Step 3. Get seasonal email updates on what the puppy is learning, how they have grown and what’s coming next in their journey. You’ll also get a birthday card and an announcement when the puppy enters the final phase to become a service dog.
Learn More
For more gift ideas and to order the book, visit https://canine.org/giftguide.

IF YOU HAVE A
COOKING FIRE,
GET OUT!

The kitchen is a place where most families gather, and cooking is a large part of most festivities. To keep you and your family safe, here are a few safety tips to follow:

When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Always stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Never pour water on a grease fire; turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid, or close the oven door.
• If your clothing should catch fire, immediately stop, drop, cover your face, and roll to smother flames.
• It’s wise to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Keep it 10-feet away from the stove on the exit side of the kitchen.
  DID YOU KNOW...
  Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

• Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly and wipe up spilled grease as soon as the surface of the stove is cool.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition.
• Scalds and burn injuries are on the rise, and the highest risks are the very young and the elderly.
• Keep pot handles on the stove pointing to the back and always watch young children in the kitchen.
• Hot grease causes severe burns. Avoid using deep fat fryers around children. Never mix water with grease or oil.
• Keep children a safe distance from hot liquids and cooking surfaces.
INDOOR FIRE SAFETY

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION
WWW.FIRE.CA.GOV/PROGRAMS/COMMUNICATIONS/WWW. FIRE.CA.GOV 

​

​THE UC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION joined with Sierra County Supervisor Sharon Dryden and Sheriff Mike Fisher to host a small livestock seminar in Loyalton on November 18th at the Elementary School. The evening held presentations on predator topics for livestock producers. Fisher thanked everyone for coming and stated the Beyem Seyo pack has been removed but it was important to look at what they can do to harden their homes and corrals so predators do not have easy access.
Rancher Annie Tipton talked about nights spent in the field when the wolves had a large presence, constantly rebuilding fence the wolves would blow out chasing cattle, developing new ways to keep her kids safe when playing around the ranch.
Biologist Libby Ehlers talked on reducing vulnerability and tools that can be used such as fencing and fladry, having a presence either with range riding or dogs, wildlife monitoring through game cameras, and bone/carcass removal.
Rancher Crystal Emsoff gave a very informative presentation on Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD). She talked on types of LGDs, costs, training, handling and how many to get based on acreage and type of land. 

​LOYALTON GRIZZLIES held the 2025 NSCIF 8 Man Football semi-final playoff game on Saturday night, November 15th under bright lights donated by Hat Creek Construction and United Rentals.
Loyalton is the #2 seed and received a first round bye. On Saturday, they took on the #6 seeded Burney Raiders in the semi-final round. 
Loyalton had played Burney earlier during the regular season narrowly edging out a 24-20 win on October 25th.
Spectators flocked to the lights that could be seen all over Sierra Valley. Family, friends and the community gathered with portable campfires, heaters, and blankets along the Grizzly sideline to cheer on their hometown favorites.
Gonzo’s Little Frosty brought its food truck serving up burritos and tacos to long lines of hungry sports fans.
The game was announced by Jesse Whitley who is a constant and favorite announcer for Grizzly Football. 
Kickoff began at 6 p.m. and the Grizzlies received their first points with a safety in the first quarter. The Grizzlies went on to lead the entire game winning 40-20. Lead rushers were Blaine Morgan with 94 yards, Justus Emsoff with 59 yards, Brysyn Lake had 27 yards and two touchdowns and Liam Mason had 10 yards with one touchdown. 
Sam Williams was lead receiver with two receptions for 42 yards. Justus Emsoff had 12 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Brysyn Lake had 54 passing yards.
On defense, Justus Emsoff, Caleb Williams, Rowdy Caudle, and Gabe Phebus were stand outs. Caleb and Rowdy consistently pressured the QB. Gabe had two fumble recoveries and Justus had a several tackles for losses and sacks.
The Grizzlies will face undefeated Hayfork in the Championship game November 21st in Hayfork. Loyalton has not won a semi-final round or been to the Championship since it transitioned to 8 man. 

​A LOYALTON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE was given during the joint meeting of Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District and Sierra County Office of Education on November 12th. District Superintended Sean Snider stated the District sent out a survey to all Middle School families and also surveyed the students. They received 70 student responses and 24 parent responses. Middle School Teaching Principal Laurie Petterson called the Middle School an exciting and positive step forward for students with space that truly fits their unique development. It has fostered a great sense of community and teachers are able to collaborate more effectively. Fridays feature Olympic competitions which help build healthy relationships and develop confidence. Petterson stated the Middle School is an important investment in students’ growth and teachers are working hard to support student achievement and create a strong middle school identity and culture.
She listed some needed improvements, which included a place to store backpacks whether installing lockers or creating areas in the classrooms. There’s a need for a bigger space for sports and socializing and at lunchtime especially during bad weather. Students want more elective choices and there needs to be more teachers to offer more courses and support. Petterson stated some of the kids have the same teacher four or five times a day. She stressed the need to have a full-time principal as she teaches three periods and has been substituting in the afternoon, so this leaves little time to do what needs to be done as a principal. 
The surveys echoed a lot of Petterson’s pros and cons. Students also love changing classes with shorter class times and parents overwhelmingly appreciated the supportive teachers and staff.

​THE CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) 2024-2025 results were presented during the joint meeting of Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District (SPJUSD) and Sierra County Office of Education on November 12th in Loyalton. The CAASPP is a statewide testing system that measures student progress in English language arts (ELA), math and science. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early on so students get the support they need for success in higher grades and become ready for college or a career.
Megan Meschery Director of Student Improvement/ LEA CAASPP Coordinator, led the discussion
stating all students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 (early assessment so they don’t have to take remedial classes in college) take the ELA and Math. 
CAST (California Science Test) is taken by all 5th, 8th and one year in high school when students finish science pathway.
ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessment of California) is for all students until they are redesignated out of English language support services.
Meschery was happy to report the participation rates of 94.78% for ELA (an increase of 5.28% from last year) and 94.3% for Math (an increase of 4.3% from last year).
Achievement in ELA was 44% compared to California which is 48.82%. SPJUSD’s achievement increased by 11.03% from the previous year due to increased work with literacy and professional learning for teachers. The greatest need is in the area of reading and writing with over 23% below standard in reading and over 30.5% below standard in writing. Achievement in ELA is over 10% higher compared with other districts: Plumas 35.84% and Long Valley 33.59%. 
In Math, SPJUSD is at 30.15% compared with California at 37.3%. SPJUSD’s achievement decreased by 1%. Greatest need is in the area of mathematical practices: How well did students apply strategies to solve complex problems and explain the reasoning for the solution. Meschery added they will be adopting a new math curriculum which will help as well. Math achievement is quite a bit higher when compared to Plumas 21.83%, and Long Valley 10.6%.
Science increased achievement by 6% from last year with SPJUSD 31.71% and CA 32.66%. Meschery was pleased with the science learning this year, noting they had no students in high school falling below standard. Compared with other districts, Plumas is at 18.97% and Long Valley 28.31%.
In the ELPAC the District has 20 English learning students and scored 35% at a Level 4 (7 of 20 students) with California at 15.53% for Level 4.
Next steps include continued literacy work, but shifting main focus to math this year. This will entail California Math Framework trainings to inform adoption and adopting math curriculum K-12 and be trained in cohort groups with same curriculum (K-5, 6-8, 9-12). The district will continue to analyze absenteeism data to determine its impact on academic achievement and will carry on reaching out to families in order to maintain high participation rates in the CAASPP and CAST Assessments.
District Superintendent Sean Snider said there was a tremendous amount of work in several areas and it was important to celebrate, though understanding there was still work to do in math but overall the results were “pleasing.” 

DISCUSSION regarding a letter from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) considering a grant to the Wášiw-šiw Land Trust for acquiring 10,273± acres of land for the preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat located in Lassen and Sierra Counties was held during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on November 18th in Loyalton. The land is known as the Loyalton Ranch previously owned by City of Santa Clara. Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Serrell Smokey attended the meeting to explain their vision for the property and to answer questions. He stated this was the first time buying this type of acquisition. Smokey said there are huge archeological sites around the Loyalton area and he personally has a lot of history in the area with his great grandmother who lived in Loyalton after she was married and two great uncles who trained horses for ranches in Loyalton. 
The Wášiw-šiw word means All Of The Washoe People and they created the land trust for this purchase and future land purchases. He explained it as a new non-profit organization held by the Washoe Tribe and will have its own board. Feather River Land Trust was appreciated for helping them create the land trust. 
Smokey announced they will not be building a casino. They plan to do conservation restoration, fuels mitigation, and grazing management, noting a lot of erosion happening around water sources. Smokey said this area used to be a huge harvesting area for pinyon pine and have plans to regrow the trees. They are teaching young adults how to do forestry work and run equipment. He noted a lot of work to do out there and are ready to do it. 
Supervisor Paul Roen stated one of the concerns was grazing. Smokey said they are the only tribe that still operates a cattle ranch so they are well attuned to managing and know about the detriment of “leaving things”. 
Smokey understood it won’t be the same but are doing what they can and are willing to work with everyone, noting they can’t get everything done without partnerships. He added they are not trying to acquire land to just look at it and want to fill the gap. 
Supervisor Sharon Dryden worried about the access going away.

Nov 21, 2025   Advocacy   |   Forest and Public Lands Stewardship
On November 18, 2025, RCRC wrote a letter to U.S. House leadership, urging the swift consideration of the Secure Rural Schools Act (S. 356). This bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate on June 18, 2025, and has since been stalled in the House. 
Also this week, a bicameral, bipartisan letter, led by Senator Crapo (R-ID), Senator Wyden (D-OR), Representative LaMalfa (R-CA), and Representative Neguse (D-CO), was being circulated among lawmakers urging House Leadership to include the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 in any end-of-year funding packages or as a standalone bill. 
To help ensure the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, House members need to hear from local leaders about SRS’s importance for rural communities. 
RCRC requests that counties reach out to House leadership to urge passage of SRS reauthorization legislation as soon as possible.  A template letter is available here. 
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act, also known as Secure Rural Schools or SRS, was passed in 2000 to provide financial stability for counties with large acreages of USDA Forest Service (USFS) land. SRS represents Congress’s acknowledgement that county revenues from timber harvest, grazing and special use permits no longer provide a sufficient substitute for the lost tax base from public lands, and the commitment to provide payments for rural schools, roads, and forest management projects on USFS lands. 
SRS has disbursed more than $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties across 40 states and territories since its inception, including most recently in April 2023. The authorization for this program lapsed in September 2023, with diminished payments distributed to counties in April 2025 due to the missed deadline. 
RCRC continues to vigorously advocate for SRS passage on behalf of our member counties. Special thanks to ACG, RCRC’s federal lobbying firm. For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton. 

Tags: Barbed Wire  |  Call to Action
​

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2025) - As drivers prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving in record numbers, gas prices are relatively steady compared to last week. Drivers in California will find an average price of $4.63, a five cent drop from last week. 

Nationwide, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up to $3.10. Despite the burst of gasoline demand that will occur during Thanksgiving week, overall demand is low this time of year which helps keep pump prices down. The national average has seen few fluctuations in 2025 thanks to low crude oil prices and no major storms affecting Gulf Coast refineries.
Fuel Prices Around the State: 
San Francisco: $4.62
Oakland: $4.52
San Jose: $4.44
Sacramento: $4.46
Fresno: $4.48
Stockton: $4.33According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.02 million b/d last week to 8.52 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 205.1 million barrels to 207.4 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.30 to settle at $59.44 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 3.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 424.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.
EV Charging
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 38 cents. In California it is $0.41.
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.63), Hawaii ($4.47), Washington ($4.18), Nevada ($3.84), Oregon ($3.81), Alaska ($3.75), Arizona ($3.37), Pennsylvania ($3.29), Idaho ($3.29), and Illinois ($3.29).
The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($2.57), Mississippi ($2.61), Louisiana ($2.65), Tennessee ($2.66), Arkansas ($2.67), Texas ($2.70), Kansas ($2.71), Missouri ($2.73), Alabama ($2.73), and Kentucky ($2.74).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (53 cents), Alaska (49 cents), Hawaii (48 cents), Wyoming (45 cents), Louisiana (44 cents), New Hampshire (44 cents), South Carolina (44 cents), Alabama (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), and New Jersey (42 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (25 cents), Missouri (28 cents), Nebraska (29 cents), Maryland (31 cents), Utah (31 cents), Vermont (31 cents), Delaware (31 cents), Iowa (32 cents), Washington, DC (33 cents), and Colorado (33 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay.
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. 
About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!
** A Tahoe Interagency Bear Team News Release **
When it comes to ordinary or outlandish black bear behavior, the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) has seen it all.
Black bear deterrents that work in some parts of the country – air horns, motion-activated lighting or the loud banging of pots and pans – may be ineffective in the Tahoe Basin where bears have grown accustomed and desensitized to the sights and sounds of urban living, including car alarms, horns and music blaring from portable speakers.
Instead, the TBIT, a collective of bear experts representing federal and state agencies in the Tahoe area, offers up the best practices and proven methods to keep Tahoe bears wild and people and property safe.
Secure and Eliminate Attractants
Residents and visitors have the power to prevent negative outcomes for black bears by always following the BearWise Basics. This includes properly securing garbage and recycling, removing attractants like human and pet food, grills and smokers, and bird feeders. Securing and eliminating attractants is the most important and effective long-term solution to prevent human-bear conflicts and keep bears wild.
Electric Deterrents
The ultimate defense against black bear break-ins and property damage is electricity. A few small businesses have sprouted up in the Lake Tahoe Basin in recent years catering to the demand for better bear-proofing.
The “Cadillac” option for property owners is exposed electric fencing over doors, windows and other potential points of entry that provide a shock to any bear that comes into contact but does no lasting harm. Bears are smart and learn quickly to avoid such properties.
Electrifying a whole home with exposed wiring is a significant investment costing anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Property owners considering this deterrent need to weigh the costs against that of their home insurance deductible or the increasingly common experience of being dropped by their insurance carrier for submitting a property damage claim. Whole-home electric fencing may make the most sense for second homes or vacation rentals that go unoccupied for periods of time.
Electric doormats are another effective, less costly, non-lethal bear deterrent.
Costing about $500-$600, well-placed electric mats in front of doors or below windows provide bears with a negative experience that often keeps them from coming back. Unlike whole-home electric fencing that will shock anything or anyone who comes into contact with the exposed wires, anyone wearing shoes or most types of footwear are immune from the shock of the electric mats. All these devices can be shut off when people and pets are around.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) have a limited number of electric mats – what the agencies call “Unwelcome Mats” – to loan out to those experiencing human-bear conflicts in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
A properly installed, grounded and maintained electric fence will also keep bears out of chicken coops, gardens and backyard bee hives.
Secure That Crawl Space
Black bears typically enter dens between mid-November and December, particularly sows that will give birth to cubs in the winter. In the Tahoe Basin, outbuildings, porches, decks, crawl spaces, RVs and vacation homes often substitute for the natural dens wild bears will typically seek out.
Bears will often look for easy entry routes, like vents and doors, that they can rip open to gain access. They can fit into very small openings. Generally, if a bear can get its head inside, the rest of the bear can follow. Once underneath a house, bears will often pull down insulation or scoop up available debris for bedding. This activity often causes damage to cable and electric wiring, piping that supplies heat to the home, and water and gas lines.
Allowing a bear to access space in your home is detrimental. This type of comfort level around humans and their properties can lead to future conflicts for you and your neighbors. It’s also imperative that female bears do not teach their offspring to seek out this sort of unnatural denning.
Securing your crawl space now is one way to prevent an unwanted guest this winter. Openings that lead under your house and other buildings should be boarded up with thick plywood with no gaps or prominent edges that bears can use for leverage to rip off the wood. See how to properly secure a crawl space in this video.
Dogs
Bears don’t like them, plain and simple, and properties with a canine resident or two can experience fewer bear visits than properties without a dog around. Always ensure there is not a bear in your backyard before letting your dog out and never purposely send your dog after a bear.
Unleashed dogs are often one of the greatest sources of negative human-bear interactions and can lead to injuries to yourself and your pet. See BearWise’s Safety Tips for Dog Owners for more information.
NDOW uses specially trained Karelian Bear Dogs (KBDs) as a non-lethal management tool to haze bears during releases and to search for bears during human-wildlife conflicts.
Paintballs
Shooting paintballs at a bear on your property will force it to move along quickly and is one of the most common and effective hazing tools used by wildlife professionals in the Tahoe Basin. Aim at the rear of the bear, not the head. Avoid red-colored paintballs as some might later think the bear is injured. Many paintball markers look like firearms to the general public, so limit their use to your immediate property and not the larger community.
Bear Spray
Learn how to use bear spray and carry it with you outdoors in case of an aggressive bear confrontation. Remember, bear spray is designed to protect yourself from an imminent physical encounter and is not to be used as a repellent or hazing method. Bear spray is equally effective on mountain lions and coyotes.
Scare the Bear
BearWise offers a number of tips on why and how to safely haze a bear in its Scare the Bear digital flier that can be downloaded and printed. For more information on coexisting with bears, visit BearWise.org or TahoeBears.org.
To report bear incidents or conflict in the Lake Tahoe Basin, use the following:

• In California, contact CDFW at 916-358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife incident Reporting (WIR) System.
• Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to public dispatch at 916-358-1300.
• In Nevada, contact NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
• If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.

Thank you for helping keep Tahoe bears wild and safe! 
###
About the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT)
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is a collaborative group of agencies and organizations trained and dedicated to reducing human-bear conflicts in the Tahoe Basin. The TIBT works together to promote bear safety through education, outreach, and the implementation of effective bear management practices. TIBT's efforts ensure that both bears and people can coexist peacefully in this beautiful region.


Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to participate in public meetings or other CDFW activities are invited to contact CDFW's Accessibility Coordinator in the CRO Office at (916) 902-5577, or send an email to [email protected]. Reasonable Accommodation requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be received at least 21 days prior to the event. Requests for American Sign Language Interpreters should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event, and requests for Real-Time Captioning at least four weeks prior to the event. These timeframes are to help ensure that the requested accommodation is met. If a request for an accommodation has been submitted but due to circumstances is no longer needed, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator immediately.

 is hot asphalt from the roof repair at the City Center. At Tuesday’s meeting, Council member Sue McIlravy stated $12,222 of Prop. 218 funds were deposited

Work on the Loyalton City Center roof is shown on Wednesday, November 19th with a cargo container moved in for materials just in time for a predicted storm on Thursday!

Kyle James, ReporterNov. 18, 2025

• Black Friday brings a spike in scams: ghost deal sites, fake delivery texts, bogus “store closing” ads, counterfeit luxury/tech, and fake support lines
  
• Stay safe by going directly to official sites/apps, checking URLs and seller names, and searching the store + “scam” before you buy
  
• Trust your gut on “too good to be true” discounts, surprise redelivery fees, and any request for wire, Zelle, crypto, or gift cards as immediate walk-away warnings
  

Black Friday weekend is supposed to be a great time to save money, not get scammed out of your hard-earned cash. Unfortunately, scammers use this time of year to try and take advantage of consumers who might not be seasoned online shoppers, and thus become easy targets. Law enforcement, the FTC, banks, and the Better Business Bureau are all warning that holiday scams are getting more sophisticated, especially with AI making fake sites and ads look very real.
Here are five Black Friday scams that can wreck any “deal”, plus what to do instead so you can actually walk away with some real savings.
1. “Ghost” websites that vanish with your moneyWhat it looks like:
Have you ever seen an online ad for 70–90% off a premium name-brand on Black Friday? Sometimes it’s pitched as a “warehouse clearance” or “going out of business” sale.
You click on the ad and the site looks fairly professional, uses brand photos, maybe even has a “Trusted Store” badge in the footer. You pay, and either get nothing (not even an email confirmation), a cheap knockoff, or a nightmare return runaround when you realize the product is a dupe.
This year, banks and regulators are flagging a surge in these fake or “ghost” websites ahead of Black Friday. Scammers throw up a realistic retail site, run some social ads, then disappear after taking your money.
How to avoid it:

• I recommend never buying anything directly from an ad on Facebook, X, or Instagram. If it’s a screaming deal on a Dyson vacuum, for example, get in the habit of typing the details of the deal into a new browser tab and see if the deal exists on Dyson.com or any other legitimate website.
• If you happen to click on one of these ads and visit a website, check the URL of the site carefully (look for extra words, weird spellings, or odd domain names like “.shop-sale.com” as these are all red flags).
• Look for genuine reviews off the site. Do this by searching the store name + “scam” or check the BBB for any info on them, either good or bad.
• If a site only wants you to pay via bank transfers, Zelle, or crypto, walk away quickly. Legit retailers will always let you pay with your credit card.

2. Fake order and “delivery problem” textsWhat it looks like:
This scam shows its ugly head when you’re waiting on five different packages and all of the sudden you get a text or email that says one of the following:

• “Your package is on hold – pay redelivery fee here”
• “We couldn’t deliver your order – click to update address”

It looks fairly legit and many shoppers click on the link thinking they’re doing the right thing.  Unfortunately, the link will take you to a site that looks just like USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, or a major retailer. The “fee” is often just a few bucks, but the real goal of these scammers is to grab your card number or personal info.
In 2024, the FTC says that fake package-delivery texts were the most reported text scam out there. Consumers lost a whopping $470 million to these types of scams which is a number that needs to dramatically decrease.
How to avoid it:

• The most obvious way is to NEVER click a link within a text or email about your “missed deliveries.”
• Instead, always go straight to your account on the specific retailer’s website (Amazon, Target, etc.) or the carrier’s official site/app and check your order there using the tracking number the retailer originally gave you.
• Always be suspicious of any “redelivery fee” or urgent request that asks you for your credit card details or personal information.

If you did click and enter info, be sure to call your bank or card issuer immediately. They’ll walk you through what to do next as they'll typically want you to change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
3. Social media “local store closing” scamWhat it looks like:
Have you ever been scrolling and had a headline grab your attention because it referenced a local store and said something like, “FINAL DAYS! Local store closing – EVERYTHING 80% OFF!”? That’s what this scam is all about.
By tapping into your location and using your city name, or photos that appear local, scammers ease you into thinking the deal must be legit. But the BBB is warning that many of these are just fake social media ads that lead to a scam website that either never ships the product or ships counterfeit junk instead.
How to avoid it:

• If a “local” store is actually closing, you should be able to Google the store name and see any news about the closure, including reviews, or a Google Maps listing. Also, is there a phone number listed? Call them and see if they actually are going out of business.
• Make sure you never trust a countdown timer or claims like “last 2 items.” Scammers notoriously use this urgency trick to make your brain think you’re about to miss out.
• I’m a huge fan of what I call the “go direct” rule. This means closing the ad completely, opening a fresh browser tab, and search for the store yourself. Trust me, a couple minutes of investigative work can save you a terrible headache later.

4. Counterfeit “luxury” and tech deals that aren’t really dealsWhat it looks like:
Counterfeit products spike around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially on online marketplaces and in third-party listings.
Specifically, sellers will list a bunch of “Black Friday” deals on high-end brands at suspiciously low prices. Think designer handbags, headphones, sneakers, sunglasses, consoles, and smartwatches, all at very low prices. Unfortunately, many turn out to be counterfeits, or worst yet, never arrive.
How to avoid it:
Let your “scam” alarm ring loudly in your head whenever you see a deal on a luxury brand like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lululemon, or Ray-Ban. The same goes for hot tech brands like Beats, Apple, and Sonos at 70–80% off from sellers you’ve never heard of.
Start by taking a closer look at who’s actually selling the item. Is it sold and shipped by the retailer/brand, or some random third party with a name you can’t trace?
Unrealistic pricing is typically a deal “too good to be true.”  A small discount from an authorized seller? It’s probably a safe deal. A massive “deal” from a no-name shop? Walk away before they walk away with your money.
Also, don’t forget about kids’ toys or items that will touch food you’ll eat, or your skin. Don’t risk buying these items from 3rd parties that lack a track record of sales and strong customer service. It’s not worth the potential savings.
5. Black Friday “support” scamsWhat it looks like:
Two common twists on this scam will exist on Black Friday weekend:

1. Let’s say you’re trying to complete your online order, but your shopping cart glitches and you can’t finalize your purchase. So you Google “Retailer + customer service” and call the first number you see. This number turns out to be a fake support line set up by scammers to take your credit card number and personal info.
2. Or you’re mid-checkout and something goes wrong, so a pop-up chat or ad promises “live help.” The “agent” then asks you to pay a different way via a bank wire, Zelle, or even a gift card.

Surprisingly, this trick happens more often than you might think. Scammers are getting more sophisticated and using the Black Friday chaos to nudge shoppers away from safe payment methods that they’re accustomed to seeing.
How to avoid it:

• When calling customer support numbers, or clicking on chat links, only use those that you can find on the retailer’s official site or app.
• Never pay for an order via a bank transfer, gift card, or wire transfer because they claim their “card system is down.”
• If anyone claiming to be "support" asks for your full card number, PIN, or online banking login, hang up or close the chat immediately. Real companies will never need that information to help you with an order.

California-Great Basin’s Regional Wildland Fire Coordinator is making a difference
 
SACRAMENTO, CA – As the threat of wildfires looms larger each year, the Bureau of Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region is proactively igniting a regional initiative to protect water infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.  Leading this effort is John Hutchings, the Regional Wildland Fire Coordinator. With the clear objective to implement a preemptive Wildland Fire Program, Hutchings has set in place proactive measures aimed at mitigating the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
 
Walking along the thinning foliage of the hillside at Shasta Dam in northern California, Hutchings explains that the major aspect of the Fire Program includes strategic proactive removal of overgrown vegetation. Hutchings emphasizes that his role diverges from traditional fire initiatives; he does not manage a fire suppression force but focuses on watershed and resource management tailored to combat the growing wildfire risk.
 
Spanning from Shasta County in the north to Kern County in the south, Hutchings implements the Program to mitigate wildland fire risk on Reclamation lands. "What genuinely excites me most about this job is being part of a solution," Hutchings affirms. Directly related to protecting water and related resources in the interest of the American public, Hutching’s efforts also reflect his passion for public service.
 
Collaborating with various community partners, including local fire departments, to ensure comprehensive wildfire management, Hutchings highlights the importance of compliance with the Department of the Interior and Reclamation Wildland Fire Policy and Standards. Understanding the fire policy standards, Hutchings ensures that Reclamation is aligned with same standards as other federal land management agencies.
 
“Although Reclamation is not generally considered a land management bureau, we manage extensive lands in the region, many of which sit within high severity fire zones,” he notes. His work entails thinning and removing fire fuels to create ‘fuel breaks’ that are crucial in reducing fire intensity and spread.
 
Currently overseeing 17 active fuels reduction projects scattered across several counties, Hutchings remains busy, with seven additional projects in the planning phase. “Our region has lands in the most beautiful parts of the country, and it is so rewarding to work in such diverse landscapes,” he shared.
 
Hutchings's work plays a pivotal role in carrying out Reclamation's mission. The 2018 Carr Fire, for instance, disrupted river operations, water deliveries, and recreation areas, leading to costly repercussions for Reclamation. The 2018 Thomas Fire prompted over $10 million in suppression costs alone, along with severe post-fire environmental impacts.
 
“Fires are becoming more aggressive, more intense,” Hutchings warns. "The hope is to enhance suppression response by strategically reducing the quantity of vegetation on the landscape.”
 
Expressing a newfound passion for his calling, Hutchings emphasizes the significance of his work in protecting communities from wildfires. “Getting to work with homeowners, fire departments, and neighborhood groups has made me feel like I’m a part of each community,” he said. “My job stimulates me, motivates me, and challenges me. I absolutely love what I do.”
 
As California faces an ongoing wildfire crisis, Hutchings’s work embodies a proactive approach to wildfire management, ensuring that communities and ecosystems are more resilient in the face of potentially devastating flames.
 
Learn more about John Hutchings and his work as a Reclamation’s Wildland Fire Program in a short video athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZePqESqfg8s

Humans have been hunting since the dawn of man. It has changed from a survival necessity to a recreational pursuit, a wildlife management tool, and a way to feed your family. Hunters should possess skills, knowledge, and moral and ethical responsibility. This means following the laws and regulations and respecting wildlife, the environment, and other fellow hunters and non-hunters alike. 
What is “Ethical Hunting”?The simple definition of an ethical hunter is someone who hunts in a legal, humane, moral, and respectful manner. It comprises principles of conservation, fair chase practices, and personal integrity. 
This means:

• Abiding by the law: Following all hunting regulations, seasons, bag limits, and legal hunting methods.
• Acting responsibly: Making decisions that ensure the animal’s welfare and the species’ sustainability. 
• Maintaining integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one else is watching. 

Respect for WildlifeMost hunters are true conservationists and value the animals as a resource. Without hunting revenue, most states would have no budgets to manage wildlife. If animals are not seen as a valuable resource, they will be destroyed in an unsustainable manner. 
Humane HarvestKnow your own limits of your shooting skills. Many hunters cannot shoot and practice with their hunting bow or rifle. If you are taking shots that are beyond your limits, you are going to be wounding and losing animals. Most hunters overestimate their distance limits and skills. 
Practice with your chosen weapon as much as possible, and at a minimum, make sure it is properly sighted in each season. 
Avoiding WasteUse as much of the animal as possible. Read your hunting regulations and know what the state you are hunting in requires; laws differ from state to state. 
Learn how to dress your animal and care for the meat properly. This will prevent spoilage and meat waste. This is another reason to know your limits and make ethical shots. I am a firm believer that if you shoot an animal and it runs for miles before you dispatch it, the meat will be tainted with lactic acid and not taste like it should. 
Trophy hunting and not using all the meat is illegal and unethical. We all want to shoot that big bull or giant buck, but we should honor the animal and use the meat. Many states have passed laws that require the last handling of the head and antlers. This keeps people from carrying out their “trophies” and leaving the meat. 
Fair ChaseThis term has different meanings to different hunters. The disabled veteran out hunting in the private high fence elk hunting acreage might consider that fair chase, whereas other hunters would not. 
Some hunters will backpack for miles and hunt in the deep woods or wilderness, which is what they consider fair chase. Other hunters are somewhere in between. 
“Fair Chase” is easily achieved if the laws and regulations are followed. 
What I hate to see is when I have hiked miles into back country or wilderness and someone on an ATV is out breaking the laws and driving where they are not allowed. If I must hike up there, then so must you! If ATVs are permitted, the other hunters must accept that people will use them. Just please use them legally and ethically. 
Offer help to other hunters. They may need help tracking a wounded animal or getting the meat off the mountain. The other side of that coin is: If someone helps you, make it worth their while. 
Respecting the hunting and outdoor community: Hunting has, unfortunately, become a controversial activity. Even though hunters are the most prominent conservationists out there, they donate most of the time and money to keep the animal herds healthy and numerous. Ethical hunters must stick together and help promote conservation of the animals we love to hunt. 
Every time a hunter does something illegal or unethical, it reflects on all of us. Be an ambassador of the sport, not a negative stain on the hunting community. Ethical hunters also show respect toward people, whether they are fellow hunters, landowners, or members of the public who don’t hunt.
Always ask for permission before hunting or crossing onto private land. Close gates, don’t damage property, and follow the landowner’s requests. Most private landowners would appreciate a small share of your harvest, and you really should offer. 
Hunters share the outdoors increasingly with Non-Hunters who are recreating outdoors.
Be mindful of your actions: Avoid, if you can, displaying your harvested animal in a way that might offend others. Be an ambassador for all other hunters and explain the hunter’s role in conservation. 
Ethics between hunters:
This is where we may ruffle some feathers and have some disagreements. Let’s start with a few that should NOT be controversial.
First off, and this one is huge for me, NEVER use your weapon’s optics to watch other hunters. I cannot tell you how often I have seen other hunters looking at me through their rifle scopes. This angers me to no end. Carry some binoculars! 
Remember the four rules of gun safety. These don’t just apply to when you are on the range; they are critical to remember in a live fire/hunting situation:
RULE 1: Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
RULE 2: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are unwilling to destroy.
RULE 3: Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
RULE 4: Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
First-come, first-served: If another hunter is already set up in an area, give them some space and do your best to try not to interfere with their hunt. Treat them like you would like to be treated. I am a public land hunter, and this is sometimes a challenge, but we should do our best. 
Don’t claim animals you didn’t take. If it is unclear who harvested the animal, work it out calmly and ethically. 
Share knowledge, not secrets. Hunters are very protective of their favorite hunting areas; most are reticent to give locations. But we can share knowledge. Knowledge on laws and rule changes, knowledge on processing game, and many other things we can learn from each other.
Courteously communicate with other hunters. Whenever I come across other hunters, I try to get a feel for their game plan. Where they will hunt or camp, and any other information they may be willing to share. Knowledge is power, and you can adjust your hunt plans accordingly. 
Don’t sabotage other hunters. First of all, this is illegal in most states, and second, it is a horrible thing to do to a fellow hunter. 
Safety is a prioritySafety is at the heart of ethical hunting. We are hiking around with weapons far from emergency medical services, and we all rely on and count on other hunters being safe. 
An ethical hunter must identify the animal species: is it an elk, a deer, a moose, a hiker in a tan jacket, or someone’s buckskin horse tied to a tree? Is the elk a bull or a cow? Does the bull have the proper number of antler points? Can I make an ethical shot? Are there other animals in front of or behind your target that you might hit? Is it within legal hunting hours? Is the animal on land that I am legally allowed to hunt on? If a hunter answers these questions, which may only take a split second, there should NEVER be anyone, or anything, mistakenly shot. If you are ever in doubt, don’t shoot until you are sure. 
Wear blaze orange if required by law. I would rather not have to hunt in blaze, but until every hunter becomes ethical, it is a good idea for safety reasons. If you hunt with horses, cover them in blaze orange. Every year, some idiot shoots someone’s hunting horse. 
Follow the four gun safety rules and re-read the regulations brochure every year. You are responsible for knowing the laws and what has changed. Don’t assume that what was legal last year is legal this year. 
Never hunt under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That should be a no-brainer that takes zero explanation.  
Being an ethical hunter means walking a line between tradition and responsibility. It’s more than skill with a rifle or bow — it’s about being a steward of the land, a respectful participant in nature’s balance, and a positive representative of the hunting community. Hunters who practice ethics ensure a sustainable future for wildlife and preserve the respect and trust of the broader public.
Ultimately, the most important hunting tool isn’t in your pack — it’s your judgment.
And one last reminder! Don’t watch me through the scope of your rifle!

About the Author
Taylor Rhodes is the Director of Communications at the National Association for Gun Rights. A seasoned political strategist and unapologetic defender of the Second Amendment, Taylor has led high-impact campaigns at both the state and national levels. He lives in Hoover, Alabama, with his wife, Madison, and enjoys bourbon, golf, and collecting firearms—especially his 12.5” Geissele Super Duty.
Follow @TaylorDRhodes2A

On November 12, President Donald Trump signed into law a government-funding package that includes a key provision safeguarding veterans’ firearm rights.
The legislation, passed by the U.S. Senate on November 10, covers the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies spending.
Within this bill is an amendment that ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot revoke or restrict a veteran’s Second Amendment rights merely because a fiduciary was appointed over their benefits.
While the National Association for Gun Rights claims this is a step in the right direction, there is more work to be done.
Specifically, this measure fails to restore rights to more than 200,000 veterans who were “already wrongly stripped of their Second Amendment freedoms.”
Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights, sent out an email to members and supporters on Veterans Day, saying:
“…passing and codifying the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 1041) into law is needed.”
Under the the Obama and Biden Administrations, the VA categorically stripped and denied Second Amendment rights to our nation’s veterans, resulting in over 200,000 losing their right to bear arms because they sought help managing their VA benefits and some bureaucrat didn’t like it.
H.R. 1041 would retroactively restore gun rights to those veterans who have wrongly been stripped of their freedom to possess a firearm by these unconstitutional VA practices.
The National Association is already gathering petitions to deliver to federal lawmakers, demanding they pass H.R. 1041 — you can sign yours by clicking here.

UPDATE: 11/19/2025Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Decline as Turkey Prices Fall 16 Percent, Farm Bureau SaysRetailers have slashed turkey prices ahead of Thanksgiving, helping drive the average cost of a 10-person feast down to $55.

Californians preparing traditional Thanksgiving dinners are expected to spend more than families in most other parts of the country, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey. The classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 guests in California will cost $72.61—well above the national average of $55.18 and significantly higher than the Western regional average of $61.75. 


The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes frozen turkey, pumpkin pie mix, whole milk, veggie tray, dinner rolls, frozen pie shells, frozen green peas, fresh cranberries, whipping cream, sweet potatoes, cubed stuffing and miscellaneous ingredients, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10. California costs reflect higher prices across most Thanksgiving staples, including frozen turkey, whipping cream, whole milk and sweet potatoes.


Shoppers will pay: 

• Frozen turkey, 16 lbs. (California $29.72; U.S. $21.50) 
• Pumpkin pie mix, 30 oz. (California $4.90; U.S. $4.16) 
• Whole milk, 1 gallon (California $5.57; U.S. $3.73) 
• Veggie tray (½ pound carrots and ½ pound celery) (California $1.56; U.S. $1.36) 
• Miscellaneous ingredients (California $4.75; U.S. $3.61) 
• Dinner rolls, 12 (California $4.18; U.S. $3.56) 
• Frozen pie shells, 2 (California $4.47; U.S. $3.37) 
• Frozen green peas, 1 lb. (California $3.16; U.S. $2.03) 
• Fresh cranberries, 12 oz. (California $2.69; U.S. $2.28) 
• Whipping cream, ½ pint (California $2.66; U.S. $1.87) 
• Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs. (California $5.33; U.S. $4.00) 
• Cubed stuffing, 14 oz. (California $3.64; U.S. $3.71) 

Although grocery bills continue to climb, farmers see only a small portion of each dollar spent on food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, the national farm share in 2023 was 15.9 cents of every dollar spent on domestically produced food, a slight decrease from 16 cents in 2022.


At the same time, the cost of producing crops and raising livestock has surged. Rising costs are especially apparent in California, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, with the state accounting for 10.5% of U.S. total production expenses in 2024—the highest share in the nation.


“California farmers and ranchers continue to provide high-quality food for families across the nation,” said Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 23,000 farmers and ranchers statewide. “Despite rising costs and slim margins, our farmers remain committed to ensuring a bountiful supply of fresh, nutritious food. California Farm Bureau is proud to support the agricultural community that makes that possible.”


The Thanksgiving dinner cost survey is part of the American Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular Fourth of July cookout survey. AFBF analysis indicates the national cost of cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in 2025 decreased by 5% compared to last year. Details about the national Thanksgiving dinner cost survey can be found here. 


California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches as part of a nationwide network representing more than 5 million Farm Bureau members. Learn more at www.cfbf.com or follow @cafarmbureau on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook.


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Dr. Glenn Mollette


It’s not difficult to become unmotivated in life. The death of a spouse, health debilitation, financial hardship and many more reasons can take the wind from our sails. About 18-20 percent of Americans routinely struggle with depression. In 2024, one in five Americans reported taking medication for depression. About 31 percent of women and 15.6 percent of men reported taking medication for depression.


Depression zaps us of our energy and drains us of our motivation. When we are depressed, it’s difficult to do homework, rake the leaves, perform well at work or often just get up from the sofa. Regardless of the cause, it’s not a fun or productive state of life. 


This time of year, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is also known as the winter blues. SAD is caused by lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.


Young and senior adults are impacted. Young adults struggle with depression, anxiety and burnout. Too often there is a lack of purpose or direction. They face unrealistic expectations or pressure to succeed. Young adults struggle with social media comparison, boredom and lack of personal engagement. Poor physical health and fear of failing also are major contributors to depression and lack of motivation. 


Seniors are impacted by aging, health decline, retirement or loss of purpose. Social isolation, loneliness, grief, chronic illness, medication side effects, cognitive decline and fear of death can, to some extent, plague all of us. 


Solutions for depression may be found by seeking medical help but also in a number of other areas. Consider regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, prayer, meditation, yoga, deep breathing and more social involvement/connections. Spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies and other creative activities. 


Do what you can do. You may not be material for the NBA, NFL or PGA, but that’s okay. Find what you can do, which is not everything, or even a lot of things, but it is some things. Don’t worry about what you can’t do and do what you can do. 


Do what you enjoy. Life is seldom a daily 24-hour party but there should be some fun along the way. Whatever it is, find some time to fit it into your schedule. It could be anything from playing cards, gardening, taking a walk or cooking. whatever it is, try to find a way to fit it in. It can be anything that will help you to cast off that heavy blue feeling that is draining the life out of you. 


Sources: Mayoclinic.com, National Institute of Mental Health
Dr.Glelrnn Mollette is the author of numerous books, songs and videos. Learn more at Youtube.com, Amazon and Spotify. He is also the founder of Newburgh Seminary/College, Safe Fresh Water and Keep Our Freedom