Happy Tuesday, Tri Cities. In today’s edition: Access to hidden state lands, safety Santa event, Richland’s winter wonderland opening weekend, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Access to hidden state lands: Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission approved buying 561 acres south of Kennewick, sale likely final in January, opening access for hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing while aiding shrubsteppe species — read details on access plans.

Local aid under strain: Pasco’s Salvation Army sees elevated demand despite shutdown ending, with doubled need for food bags and hygiene kits, 30 to 40 minute lines, and rising requests for rent and utilities — get all the details.

Decades of service recognized: Pasco School District Superintendent Michelle Whitney has been named 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year, making her eligible for the national honor announced in February in Nashville — see her goals for students.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Donate nonperishable food to Fill the Bus
• Celebrate Richland’s Winter Wonderland kickoff
• Enjoy lively tunes at TCSBA’s Christmas concert
• Celebrate Winterfest with Santa and cookies
• Shop local artisans at this holiday market
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Residents invited to comment: PacifiCorp’s Pacific Power & Light is seeking a 7.9% electric rate hike in Southcentral and Southeastern Washington, raising $33.9 million and adding about $10.43 to a typical monthly bill. Regulators are taking public comments, with a public hearing on Dec. 2. If approved, new rates start Jan. 1. Get meeting and comment details.

High stakes for classrooms: Richland School District is asking voters in February to approve a four-year replacement levy supplying about 14% of its budget. The $43 million measure would fund roughly 150 certificated staff, 160 paraeducators, and after-school programs. It would cost about $300 a year for the average home. Failure risks losing $5 million in state equalization funds. Read the full story.

Serious burrito fix: Skip the sad desk lunch and head to El Fat Cat Grill for walk-up burritos that deliver. Try the HabaYaki, habanero-teriyaki with firecracker sauce, or the potato-packed Farmer. Made to order, family owned, and just messy enough.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎅 7th Annual Safety Santa Event @ Kennewick Irrigation District | Tuesday (12/2) at 2:00pm – Ready to swap mall madness for Safety Santa, Tri-Cities style? Free Santa photos, kids’ gifts while they last, hero meetups, hands-on safety demos, a heated tent, extra twinkle, cameos from the Grinch and Otto the Otter, and a Toys for Tots drive.

🦌 SI3R Reindeer Games @ Zintel Creek Golf Club | Thursday (12/4) at 5:30pm – Polish your antlers and head to Zintel Creek for a cheeky reindeer-themed fundraiser that feeds you dinner. Spin the gift wheel, sip bubbly, and bid like a grown-up, all to back scholarships for local women and girls.

🍸 Christmas Cocktail Class @ The Peacock | Thursday (12/4) at 6:00pm – Learn how to shake, stir, and garnish like a pro as The Peacock’s bar team walks you through crafting one of their signature winter cocktails. Expect festive flavors, insider tips, and plenty of holiday cheer—perfect for date night, girls’ night, or just escaping the same-old office party vibe.

⛄ Richland’s Winter Wonderland – Opening Weekend @ John Dam Plaza | Friday (12/5) at 5:00pm – Opening weekend turns John Dam Plaza into a twinkling takeover, with thousands of dancing lights, a Lighted Vehicle Parade, and the grand lighting countdown. Santa, fireworks, vendors, and dancing characters seal the deal, and yes, it is the rare traffic you will forgive.

🕯 Hot Cocoa Candle-Making Class @ Art YOUR Way | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – Turn your love of cozy winter drinks into a candle that looks good enough to sip (but, y’know… please don’t). You’ll get all the supplies and step-by-step guidance to whip up your own hot cocoa-inspired candle, complete with all the festive vibes.

This weekend

🥁 Hometown Holiday Parade| Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Downtown Kennewick rolls out the Hometown Holiday Parade, with Santa’s arrival, festive floats, and the happy kind of sirens. After the confetti, hit Santa Square for treats and selfies, then wander Booked For The Holidays for local authors, bookish crafts, flash tattoos, and permanent jewelry.

🕰️ Uptown Vintage Christmas @ Uptown Shopping Center | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Uptown Richland is serving a Vintage Christmas shop hop, and every stop comes with a shot at a giveaway basket. Hit Frugal Motifs, M&M Recreations, Patina, Ragtime, and Uptown Antique Market for nostalgia, local finds, and bragging rights. Consider it holiday cardio, with prizes.

✉️ Holly Jolly Fest: Letters to Santa + Christmas Jazz (Free Event!)| Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Kick off the season with free hot cocoa, a little holiday train, and kids hunting golden bells while you pretend not to help. Letters to Santa crafts and live Christmas jazz mean cozy vibes, happy small humans, and you humming along without shame.

🎁 Alternative Gift Fair @ Community Unitarian Universalist Church | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Tired of pretending Aunt Linda wants another candle? Hit the Alternative Gift Fair at CUUC, where you can donate in someone’s name, chat with local, national, and international charities, and leave with gifts that do good, not clutter. Open to all.

🎷 Christmas Jazz @ Country Mercantile Richland | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Need a festive excuse to finally finish the gift list? Swing by the Richland Mercantile for free Christmas jazz from the Three Rivers Saxtette again, caramel apples, and a deli lunch, then call it caroling with better seating, and holiday multitasking at its finest.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Pitch-A-Pal Speed Dating @ Sage Brewing – 6 pm
• 12/4 Holiday Celebration @ Active 4 Life – 1 pm
• 12/5 Snowplace Like Home @ Affinity at Broadmoor – 4 pm
• 12/5 Happy Holi-Gays Dinner and a Show @ Azucar at Out And About – 6 pm
• 12/5 The Knockoffs @ Rattlesnake Mountain Brewing – 7 pm
• 12/6 Lincoln Holiday Bazaar @ Lincoln Elementary – 9 am
• 12/6 Zombeast and more @ Ray’s Golden Lion – 7 pm
• 12/6 Five Golden Rings: A Greeting Card Channel Holiday Musical @ The Richland Players – 7:30 pm
• 12/7 Reverie x Esebree Mexicanos Unidos Tour @ The Emerald of Siam – 7 pm
• 12/10 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2025 @ Toyota Center – 7 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Shannon Jones (Berkshire Hathaway Hm Serv Central WA Real Estate)

This 3-bed, 2.5-bath daylight rambler surveys the Yakima and Columbia Rivers. A sunlit great room and hardwoods set the stage. The kitchen stars a propane range, black granite, a copper island sink, and alder cabinetry. The primary suite brings a spa bath, big tiled shower, and a walk-in closet with ambitions.

Trex wraparound deck for July fireworks, plus a covered patio off the flex level with fireplace and kitchenette. Separate entrances and parking, massive storage, junior suite, new dual HVACs 10/24, water softener and RO, Bosch dishwasher, mature landscaping, and a Hills West perch over the TCs.

Take a peek inside →