Five Things You Need to Know This Week: Dec. 12-18

1. Lets Talk about the Weather! Temperatures have been dropping all week overnight, and meteorologists say temperatures will hit the low 30s at night this week again. Also expect a slight chance of morning showers on Monday as well as possible showers Thursday. Otherwise expect partly sunny, yet chilly days with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s all week. Go here to see your full seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service. Don't forget a scarf!

2. Top Stories recap from last week, in case you missed it — , , , and .

3. This Week's Events:

• Come down to the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library for Beading Bonanza for Teens this Thursday. The library is hostig this program from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and gives teens a chance to bead and make jewelry. Space is limited so sign up at the children's desk.
• It's time for the Holiday Dual Mixer for the Cotati and Rohnert Park Chambers of Commerce! This Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. come down and enjoy the festivities at Massage Envy, located at 640 East Cotati Ave, in Cotati. The event includes drinks, appetizers, pictures with Santa and a massage chair!
• Time for Cal Ripken sign-ups this week! Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. register for the for the 2012 Spring baseball season (ages 4 to 15) at Beyond the Bat (555 Rohnert Park Expressway next door to the movie theater). Also register online at Cal Ripken.
• Also, Thursday Night, at North Light Books & Cafe in Cotati, the cafe will feature the Timothy O'Neil Band. Starting at 9 p.m., enjoy the folk bluegrass sound of this local Petaluma band. As always there is open-mic before the show and happy hour drafts from 5:30 p.m. till close.

4. Upcoming Events:

• Next week is the 6th Annual Chris-Mix at the Wells Fargo Center to raise money for the Sonoma County Chapter of Mothers of Military Service members (MOMS). The event features Andy Grammer and The Pat Jordan Band, and all proceeds benefit the organization. Come out Monday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. to the Wells Fargo Center, located at 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Go here for more info.

5. Patch Tip of the Week: Over the holidays many of us have a big electric bill spike. Here are a few tips to lower energy usage: Use a timer on indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, turn off room lights when the tree is lit, buy rechargeable batteries and a charger, turn down the thermostat when guests are over (more people equals more body heat) and unplug electronics before going on vacation.

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

            ~Calvin Coolidge